Dogs in NWT
Posted By: Char Olson
Date: Wednesday, 11 October 2006, at 3:52 p.m.
Dogs in NWT community treated by Dr. Ken Seaman
By Jules S. Xavier
Record Staff Writer
Oct 11 2006
A journey to Canada’s far north won’t soon be forgotten by a Courtenay veterinarian.
Dr. Ken Seaman was a member of one of two groups with the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT) that left Vancouver Island and flew to Dogrib and Dene communities near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
“I got to practice what I do in a relaxed atmosphere,” said Seaman, who left his Puntledge Veterinary Clinic and arrived in Lutsel K’e, a 45-minute bush plane ride from Yellowknife.
“You didn’t know what to expect,” he said, adding the experience allowed him to give back to his profession by hopefully educating the 300 to 400 residents about “responsible” animal care.
“Their philosophy has had to change,” he explained. “Their attitude about animals and the involvement in the family social life is different.
“Dogs are (living) outside. It’s a foreign idea for them to bring dogs inside.”
It’s also foreign to the residents to spay or neuter their dogs to maintain a healthy canine population.
Seaman was joined in Lutsel K’e by his head nurse Jennifer Rabie, animal health technologist Kristina Gansen, who works from veterinary clinics in Cumberland and Comox, and veterinary assistant Corinne Varker, who works out of the Bowser-based Lighthouse Veterinary Hospital.
Acknowledging his vet team had to build a trust with the Dene residents, Seaman had no intention of forcing change on the community when it came to their canines.
Dogs roam the village in search of food or remain tied, often for days, near the shoreline. Fishermen will toss undesirable “gray fish” to the dogs while emptying their nets.
A lack of socialization and the disappearance of the dog’s historical working role have rendered the animals unsocialized and some even fearful of humans.
“You can’t just arrive and expect change,” said Seaman. “But the appreciation of what we were doing was evident.”
In less than a week last month, 11 Island volunteers spayed and neutered 110 dogs and treated another 155 canines using makeshift surgical tables set up in the fire hall at Lutsel K’e and a garage in Rae Edzo, population of 2,000.
“They moved the fire trucks out so we could have a staging area,” said Seaman. “People would arrive with their dogs … we borrowed kennels to keep the dogs around.”
During the examinations and subsequent surgeries, Seaman said his crew attempted to keep the area as sterile as possible.
“You did the best with what you had. We saw about 40 dogs.”
“It’s amazing what one can do with everyday materials,” he offered.
Old boards, plastic weather tarps, broom handles fashioned into IV poles, and rolls of paper towel were assembled to help create a temporary “clinic.” Seaman and his crew carried in their own medical supplies and drugs donated by CAAT supporters.
Tragically, stray dogs and even family pets in the communities are often shot at due to bounties issued as a means to control over-population. This practice has proved ineffective while also causing hardship for many local residents.
Seaman said to protect the sterilized dogs during potential “dog shoot days,” each canine patient was fitted with a brightly coloured ear tag, marking their new status as non-reproducing animals.
“We still made a major impact on the dog population. People who weren’t into it, we didn’t force the issue.”
This is not the first time Seaman and his crew have travelled away to help animals in need. All were involved in the animal rescue efforts in New Orleans following the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
CAAT was formed in 2005, with 82 Canadian vets, including Seaman, vet technicians and assistants who went to Louisiana to help in the rescue of thousands of displaced and injured animals.
Based in Vancouver, CAAT has developed the infrastructure and volunteer base to respond rapidly to future catastrophic disasters and other relief and humane education projects.
The adventure for Seaman to Canada’s north was satisfying based on what his crew was able to accomplish.
“It was challenging and rewarding. Through the surgeries and one-on-one contacts we formed, especially with the children, I believe we made a positive and lasting impact. I would definitely do this again.”
Added Gansen, “I know we really made a difference here, but just wish we could do more.”