Holiday photoshoot saves rescue dogs from euthenasia

Families brought their dogs to Minor Bros Country Living in Stevensville for $15 holiday portraits that help cover care for large breed dogs fostered by local charity, Tails of the North.

The rescue held its fourth annual shoot on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for residents who wanted keepsake photos that support a Fort Erie area charity run entirely by volunteers that relies on fundraisers for food, vet care and supplies.

Tails of the North vice president Fran Marderosian told Fort Erie Radio the rescue focuses on dogs at risk in a Hamilton animal shelter, saving dogs listed for euthanasia.

“Sadie here was on the list to be euthanized, so we go in and try to get the ones that need it the most,” said Fran Marderosian.

The group currently has three foster dogs and avoids holiday adoptions because sudden returns after Christmas strain the animals and volunteers. Marderosian said they want placements that last and keep dogs out of the shelter system. Resources from events like the photoshoot carry the rescue through slower adoption periods.

“We want to give them a forever home, which means never come back,” said Marderosian.

Vet expenses often run high for dogs with behavioural or medical needs, including one foster that requires sedation for regular nail trims plus monthly calming medication.

“Our vet bills are atrocious,” said Marderosian.

Volunteers describe the rescue’s foster model as a key difference from larger shelters. Dogs live in homes, which helps volunteers understand their behaviour before adoption.

“We know our dogs,” said Marderosian. “The SPCA can’t always tell you what you’re getting, but we put ours in homes so we know their temperament and what they’re good with.”

Adoption screening includes reference checks, vet checks and meet and greets to reduce the chance of returns and to protect both the families and pets. Marderosian said each dog go through the process before heading to a new home.

“You don’t want to hand a dog over that hasn’t been tested and risk it biting a two-year-old child down the road,” said Marderosian.

The photographer, Avril Kevil, donated her time for the event. Marderosian said the shoot remains popular because the price stays low and families want seasonal images with their pets.

Tails of the North also attends small markets and vendor events in Fort Erie, including a September fundraiser at Frydaze Chip Shack in Ridgeway where volunteers promoted fostering and answered questions about adoption.

No volunteers from the rescue receive pay. All proceeds go to supporting the limited dogs they are able to save and care for due to their budget constraints. Fundraisers and the rescue’s donation page on their website helps support their mission of caring for the most vulnerable dogs in the community.

“Some days you make $20 and some days you make a couple hundred, but we appreciate whatever the community does for us,” said Marderosian.

The rescue plans new fundraisers for the new year and continues to look for foster homes. Residents interested in adopting, fostering or donation can find applications on the group’s website.

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