Do you have a date this holiday season?

Old Kildonan

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/12/2023 (670 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg always looks joyful at this time of year. The festive spirit seems to be everywhere, and so many brighten up our neighbourhoods with lights and creative decorations. The city is sparkling and we have another idea to make it shine even brighter.

I recently connected with the City of Winnipeg’s Animal Services department and it’s asking residents to consider making time this winter to sign up for its popular Doggie Date program.

The program allows residents to take an adoptable dog out for a day, overnight, a weekend, or a week.

You can walk your ‘doggie date’ around your neighbourhood admiring the colourful displays, take the dog to work, or to one of our many green spaces. The Forks and Kildonan Park are always lovely places to walk. You can even showcase your doggie date at three local malls — Kildonan Place, Grant Park and St. Vital Centre.

When the dog leaves Animal Services, it wears an ‘adopt me’ vest and, of course, a pet license. A collar, harness, leash and food are provided. A fully refundable deposit (equivalent to an adoption fee) is required for your first Doggie Date.

The benefits of this program are twofold. First, it can improve your health and wellness. Second, the dogs have more opportunities for socialization, which makes them more adoptable. And, of course, some Doggie Daters end up adopting the dogs.

If you want to help out and spread some seasonal joy but are unable to sign up for a Doggie Date, you could support the dogs with items from the Animal Services’ wish list, such as solid canned dog food, chewy dog treats and liquid laundry detergent. The full list can be viewed by visiting www.winnipeg.ca/animalservices.

Donations can be dropped off at Animal Services (1057 Logan Ave.) during business hours. You can pick up your doggie dates between non and 5:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday, and between noon and 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. No appointment is necessary.

From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful holiday season. May the upcoming year be filled with peace, health, happiness and lots of puppy dog kisses!

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or ideas, you can reach me by email at devi@winnipeg.ca or by phone at 204-986-5264.