01/03/2026
As we close the door on 2025 and enter 2026, we would like to look back and reflect.
In 2024 we took in 255 animals.
In 2025 we took in 425. That is 170 more animals. We can't quite say why the numbers increased so much in one year, we do know that we have had a record number of puppies, and we are currently housing 35 puppies, with more puppies on our waitlist.
We always have a waitlist, of both adult dogs and puppies.
With these numbers of course come increased costs, increased staffing, vet bills, feed bills ect.
And our community has truly stepped up, from the Beer Label Fundraiser to the Gold Nugget Raffle.. to the kids that have brought in little jars of money to contribute. Everything helps and everything is appreciated.
Our amazing community raised 28,000 towards individual vet care fundraisers. With an astounding 15,000 of that for Tatonka. Everytime we have asked, you have answered and we know that times are tough for many, so we appreciate every single donation.
So many animals have moved into amazing homes and we have been able to do more extensive vet care, we have been able to do multiple dental surgeries, a hip surgery and lots of diagnostic testing. We have dealt with Parvo a few times and have not lost any animals to it. These things are only possible with the support of the community.
We have developed a strong partnership with Wise Canine and have been able to do more behavioral rehab with dogs, as well as sending dogs out with training vouchers, to hopefully educate and build strong bonds with new adopters.
We have implemented more training for staff, all staff are now certified with 'Fear Free'. Staff are also all certified with feline and canine 1st Aid. They are also working on shelter specific courses in play groups, aggression, enrichment and more.
We are working hard to develop community outreach programs, we have a staff member in grooming school and one working towards becoming a certified dog trainer. Our goals and dreams for them are big! We would love to offer low cost grooming and training to all the communities. We are also working to expand our food donation program to the communities in the Yukon.
We have accomplished alot this year and look towards 2026 with even bigger dreams and goals. We have fantastic staff and a fantastic community that shows up for us in so many ways.
We truly could not operate or care for all these animals without everyone's help. It truly takes a village!
With that, we wish everyone a Happy New Years!