When a wildfire forced the evacuation of Wrigley, N.W.T., last week, 25 dogs and two cats were left behind. Jocelyn Skeard, part of the emergency management team for the Pedzéh Kı̨ First Nation in Wrigley, stayed to care for the pets, assisted by two volunteers. Skeard, a dedicated animal lover and advocate, also collaborates with Veterinarians Without Borders outside of fire season.
While pets, especially dogs, were not permitted on evacuation flights, Skeard managed to transport a litter of rescued puppies to Hay River. She expressed a desire for future changes in pet evacuation policies but acknowledged the challenges involved. During the evacuation, many residents entrusted their house keys to Skeard, who ensures that the remaining dogs in Wrigley receive food, water, and care twice daily.
In Fort Simpson, under a similar evacuation order, about 15 dogs have been relocated to the schoolyard, where they are kept comfortable and content. Mayor Les Wright reported that the dogs seem settled in their makeshift kennels. Both Wrigley and Fort Simpson face food supply challenges for the pets left behind due to restricted access caused by the wildfire threat.
Efforts from organizations like the N.W.T. SPCA have been vital in providing food supplies to these communities. Skeard mentioned that they have ample pet food to sustain the animals until the end of the current evacuation order on July 12. The territorial government, along with various groups and businesses, has been instrumental in supporting the care of these stranded pets. The return of residents to the evacuated communities remains uncertain at this time.