MOOSE JAW — One small, lucky dog may be able to claim a genuine Christmas miracle this winter and his story also shines light on the valuable work done each and every day by the staff at the Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS).
Benny’s adventure began when he was discovered in the ditch near the intersection of Highway 1 and 32 Avenue West on Dec. 26, 2024.
“He was actually found on Boxing Day… in the ditch,” Dana Haukaas, the shelter’s executive director, confirmed in early January. “It’s always sad when dogs are found and no owner comes forward for them, but Boxing Day is an extra sad day to find yourself without a family. He did not have a good Christmas, apparently.”
Benny’s story was not entirely negative, however. A mere 12 days after he was brought to the shelter — which Haukaas confirmed was a quicker than average turnaround time — the tiny, adorable part Shih Tzu Terrier was adopted and found a new home with a loving family from Regina.
The likely reason for this fast turnaround, Haukaas noted, is because smaller dogs are more likely to get adopted as more residents have the option to bring a small pet into their home or apartment.
At first, Benny was timid and wary, but he quickly warmed up to the shelter’s staff who helped build up his confidence by letting him spend time in the office.
“No owner ever came forward for him,” she said. “So, after the (mandatory) five-day hold, we put him up for adoption and boy, was he popular. He received so many fantastic applications that we had a hard time narrowing it down to just one.”
His new family was chosen because they were partially retired and without children and Benny was most likely to thrive in a quieter environment.
If you encounter an animal in a similar situation, Haukaas offered a few important tips.
“If you can keep them contained, that would be awesome,” she began. “Give us a call. If you can’t contain them, or if you’re not comfortable holding on to them, just keep an eye on them…” because they’re likely to keep roaming about.
Once the crew arrives, another benefit of remaining on site is the ability to confirm where the animal came from and where it was headed.
Haukaas reaffirmed that you can call the MJHS any time day or night by calling 306-692-1517, the same number used during regular operating hours. In the case of the family who discovered Benny, they were unaware that you can reach the shelter after hours and held onto him overnight — but this is not necessary.
What’s upcoming at the shelter
For the remainder of January, the MJHS is focusing on its on-site and satellite bookstores. Even before any marketing campaign had been launched, Haukaas said they’ve been “very busy” in the first two weeks of 2025.
The shelter’s satellite bookstores can be found at the Starlight Handmade Market at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall, The Wandering Market at 461 Athabasca Street East, Tourism Moose Jaw’s information centre, Spike Dog & Cat Grooming at 817 High Street West, and The Morningsides Café at the Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa. As well, the main bookstore is located at the shelter itself.
The shelter’s recycling program is “going gangbusters,” Haukaas said, and will continue into 2025.
In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, the MJHS will resume its annual “Spay or Neuter Your Ex” fundraiser with more details to follow.
As of Jan. 10, the shelter has 10 dogs with eight available for adoption and 47 cats with 29 seeking out a forever home.
The Moose Jaw Humane Society is located at 1755 Stadacona Street West and can be reached at 306-692-1517. For more information visit MJHS.ca or follow ‘Moose Jaw Humane Society’ on Facebook.
