Folks, you’ve done it again, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

A few weeks ago we brought you the story of Jacquie and Bebe, Anacla’s dedicated “dog whisperer” and her faithful pup, who found themselves in a tough situation requiring an expensive but necessary surgery.

Since then, the duo has been featured on Global BC News and they have been the recipients of huge community support.

Jacquie works with us as our community liaison in the village of Anacla, a remote community on Vancouver Island’s West Coast. It’s a community where we’ve partnered with the Huu-ay-aht First Nation to help bring the vital veterinary care that is in short supply in many rural B.C. communities.

Jacquie has deep roots in Anacla, and moved back to the village several years ago after a long absence. Upon her return, she found her purpose in helping the community’s dogs. Jacquie has spearheaded a series of spay and neuter clinics in Anacla, including a recent visit where Paws for Hope was able to support help for more than 80 pets. Her work has earned her the nickname “Jacquie the Dog Whisperer” in the community.

But a recent checkup brought bad news for Jaquie’s own companion, Bebe: he was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament. The vital surgery for his left leg alone came to almost $8,000.

That’s when we reached out to you, our Paws for Hope community – and boy did you deliver. Thanks to the help of our generous donors, we were able to cover the cost of Bebe’s surgery. He’s now on the mend, and helping Jacquie improve the lives of countless pets and their families. 

As Jacquie says, owning a dog brings immense joy and comfort: “They make my days easier… just knowing that someone truly loves you for who you are.”

Your support makes this work possible, not just in Anacla but in a growing number of rural and remote B.C. communities. Improving animal welfare by increasing veterinary access and removing barriers in under-served communities through partnerships with First Nations and local organizations is a critical part of our vision. 

In many of these communities, pet families face the prospect of expensive and multi-hour drives to reach the nearest veterinarian. Or they are home to large and growing colonies of “community cats,” un-owned and free-roaming cats who face a vicious cycle of pregnancy, hunger, fear and injury or death that can be countered through spay and neuter treatments. 

The need is ever-growing, but thankfully so is the community support. Your generous donations allow us to step in and support this critical care, and we’re thankful every day to have you on the journey with us.