Veterinarians and volunteers trek north to La Loche

Close to 100 dogs are waiting in La Loche for their next doctor's appointment. Some of them will be getting a "snip 'n clip" when the northern Saskatchewan community sets up a free neuter and spay clinic for two days later this week.

The gymnasium in the local high school, generally reserved for volleyball and basketball games, will be transformed into a K9 court.

The clinic is run by volunteers who call themselves Team North.This year, eight of them, including veterinarians and vet-technicians, will make the 10-hour drive from Regina to La Loche to offer healthcare for dogs. Along with spay and neuter services, vaccinations and de-worming will be given to dogs who need it.

Dr. Lesley Sawa has been trekking to remote communities ever since the clinics began in 2004.Sawa says the idea was initially sparked by former Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock.

"We had originally gone to Stanley Mission," saidSawa. "We've been to Sandy Bay, La Loche and we've also been to Ile-a-la-Crosse."

Sawasaid sherealizes that even though she and others are "fixing"dogs at these clinics, it's not a complete solution for the problem of dog over-population.

"It's never going to stop unless every animal is spayed or neutered in the community.But a lot of this is more about awareness.Awareness of pet health, awareness of career opportunities for young people.As well as the dog bite prevention program which is so important."

The dog bite preventionprogram offers young people tips on how to protect themselves from being bitten by an animal.

Every year, in at least one northern Saskatchewan community, a flag is raised about dogs travelling in packs or a child being mauled.Unlike pet owners who live in cities or towns, people in northern locations don't have quick and easy access to veterinarians.That, in turn, means dogs are not spayed or neutered.In some cases, local leaders say the packs of potentially aggressive dogs pose a threat to residents.They order a cull.Dogs are shot if they're found running loose.

Aspring cullwas recently implemented in Fond du Lac.

Sawa saidif it was an ideal world, there would be vet clinics twice a year in northern communities and there would be no reason for dog culls.

"The dog cull is a terrible thing and none of us like to hear about it. Unfortunately, in these very remote communities, there's not a lot of other options for the community.It can be dangerous when you have packs of dogs running around. There's not a lot that can be done to prevent that sort of thing."

However, there are indicators that communities are taking first steps to prevent dog culls. Sawa said some communities have started hiring dog catchers.

"These animals, instead of being culled can be caught and given back to an owner," saidSawa.

Another long term possibility is that more young people from the north will choose to work in the veterinarian field so they can serve their home communities, once they graduate.Sawa said when she visits the north, kids are engaged and want to learn.

"I think it gives them an opportunity about a possible job.In terms of being a veterinarian-technician or in terms of being a veterinarian.The hope would be that they could go back into their community."

Sawa saidyoung people may also see working in the field as a good business opportunity, if they choose to set up a travelling vet clinic van that could serve various communities throughout northern Saskatchewan.