Alberta rescue shelter seeks home for 70 dogs

An Okotoks animal rescue shelter is looking for a safe home for dozens of large dogs from a northern Alberta woman.

"We were welcomed by over 50 dogs, wagging tails, waiting for a ride home,” said R. J. Bailot, executive director of Pound Rescue.

Bailot says the woman, who lives in a rural area northeast of Edmonton, had been taking in strays. Soon, she had 50 large mixed-breed dogs and found them too much to care for.

"With 50 dogs it's really hard to be able to provide them everything they need,” he said.

“They had the basics - food, water and shelter. The vast majority of them lived on chains. Some of them were free roaming. But, again, having 50 dogs free roaming on a property is probably not the best idea."

Since the shelter took in the dogs, 20 puppies have been born, bringing the total number up to 70.

Bailot says the dogs were not mistreated but, since many of them have not had much interaction with humans, it will take them a while to adjust to living with people.

“Each dog is going to be different and that's why when they come into our care we give them some time in a foster program to see … what kind of home is best suited for them,” he said.

Rescues in Saskatchewan, B-C and Edmonton are also helping out with the dogs.