In Moncton N.B., one of the Maritimes’ largest non-profit animal shelters is celebrating a new litter of Labrador Retriever puppies.
“Healthy Moms, Healthy Litters” is a program that helps families keep their pets after an unplanned litter and provides vaccines, deworming, and adoption services.
“It’s been really well received from the community. There’s been a lot of people signing up,” said Heather Smith, executive director at People for Animal Well-being (PAW).
The litter of labrador retrievers arrived at PAW through the program on Thursday.
“We have the mom spayed at no cost to the family, and she stays in her home,” Smith said “Because there’s no need to remove her from a family who already loves and cares for her.”
Smith said the program keeps pets who become parents together with their families’ and preserves the human-animal bond.
“Families would surrender pets for this reason because their cat got pregnant or they’re being overwhelmed, or the costs involved with raising a litter, are too much,” said Smith. “People want to keep their pets. Sometimes they just need a little bit of support.”
The new litter of labrador retrievers drew plenty of attention on social media.
“My hope today is to most likely adopt Paisley, which is this one here,” said Josee Pitman, a prospective adopter who saw the 10-pup litter on Facebook. “She can be very best friends with my lab.”
Smith said participation in “Healthy Moms, Healthy Litters” has grown annually.
“It’s keeping animals in their homes and out of the shelter,” Smith said. “And that keeps the space available here for those who are most vulnerable or most in need.”
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