Leigh Harris-Carlson jokingly refers to herself as a vet tech, rooster whisperer, cat wrangler and travel agent to the stars.
During a visit to the NWT SPCA on Tuesday, Yellowknifer saw firsthand how many roles she juggles as shelter manager. The shelter is almost always full with puppy litters, adult dogs, cats and more exotic pets, including a rooster named Goose.
Residents may be surprised at how far and wide the animals at the shelter travel. On any given day, there are dogs from most NWT communities. They come for medical treatments, spayings and neuterings, or to find a new home. Around half the dogs go south to shelters or homes, and half stay in the territory.
Harris-Carlson said the shelter is always looking for more volunteers, as well as crates to transport the animals to their next destinations.
Vanessa Payne, left, and Leigh Harris-Carlson work on vaccinating a litter of four week old puppies who are headed to a foster home. The puppies are in the stage where the antibodies from their mother are wearing off. The vaccine will act as a bridge to protect against distemper or parvovirus, two viral diseases which Harris-Carlson says are very common in Yellowknife and without vaccine can be lethal to puppies. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Vanessa Payne, left, and Leigh Harris-Carlson work on vaccinating a litter of four week old puppies who are headed to a foster home. The puppies are in the stage where the antibodies from their mother are wearing off. The vaccine will act as a bridge to protect against distemper or parvovirus, two viral diseases which Harris-Carlson says are very common in Yellowknife and without vaccine can be lethal to puppies. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
It’s never a dull day for shelter manager and veterinary technician Leigh Harris-Carlson. Rescue pup Boots waits as Harris-Carlson coordinates a pick-up for him, today he’ll be heading down to a new home in Alberta. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Belle is one of the five cats at the NWT SPCA, where they have their own room separate from the many dogs at the shelter. Stray cats are a rare find in the NWT, and the ones that have made it here have survived the elements and predators outside. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Volunteer Cheyanne Rice takes a break from refilling water bowls to play some tug of war with Carlos, a husky border collie mix up for adoption. The majority of the dogs at the NWT SPCA shelter come from communities to Yellowknife, where about half are adopted out locally and half are sent south to shelters and homes. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Cheyanne Rice says she often takes a moment during her day to sit with Willow in her cage. Rice is one of several dedicated volunteers at the NWT SPCA and shelter manager Leigh Harris-Carlson said she is always in need of more volunteers. Orientations for new volunteers are held every Sunday at noon. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Goose the rooster may just be the most exotic of the animals at the NWT SPCA shelter on Deh Cho Boulevard. Shelter manager Leigh Harris-Carlson said he came to the shelter around a month ago after found loose on Latham Island. He’s a friendly one, she adds, and he is available for adoption. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Kuranga is an eskimo dog and chow chow mix, an outdoor dog who can usually be found peeking out from his cubby at the NWT SPCA. Kuranga was found with a collar imbedded into his neck. He is making a full recovery at the shelter. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Harrison, a.k.a. Harrison Ford, is the resident cat at the NWT SPCA shelter. He roams the halls and pretty much goes where he wants and does what he wants, shelter manager Leigh Harris-Carlson says. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
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