In 2002 Big Heart Rescue began assisting the small isolated community of Bella Bella (and now Klemtu) with the eradication of deadly diseases such as Parvo and Distemper. Our organization has attended meetings in this community, provided educational material, conducted vaccination and medical clinics, flew down dogs, puppies, cats and kittens for sterilization, surgery, re-homing and vetting.

Big Heart Rescue was told that the last time the BC SPCA visited this community was in approximately 1998 when they provided a small on site spay and neuter program. Over and over again, our organization has been asked when the SPCA was returning and the only answer that can be provided is we are uncertain and please do contact them for assistance.

While our small non-profit group continues to exhaust itself with emergency situations for dogs in need such as Jerry who couldn't walk because his fur was so badly matted to his skin, Mindy who had a huge hole in her diaphragm from being run over by a car, Tina who had her leg amputated from also being hit by a car or Shandy who required immediate surgery because she was bleeding and bruised internally, the Ontario SPCA is being proactive and attending to the very real needs of communities who are without vetting services and have no direct access to spay and neutering programs.

Is it possible that one day in British Columbia we might see the same initiative take place by the SPCA? Big Heart Rescue can only hope this may materialize and in the meantime we will continue to support the companions who come into our care, as costly as it is.

If you have any questions about Big Heart Rescue or wish to donate please go to our website www.bigheartrescue.com or contact this writer at spiritsmission@shaw.ca

Gail Moerkerken
President
Big Heart Rescue Society