Watson Lake puppies find new homes in Whitehorse

Puppy love was in the air in Whitehorse, yesterday as the Yukon Animal Rescue Network helped some rescued dogs from Watson Lake, Yukon, find new homes.

Two litters of puppies were brought from Watson Lake to Whitehorse. Nine of sixteen were adopted.

It's the latest grassroots animal rescue effort for the Yukon Animal Rescue Network. Last year, it helped find homes for about 180 dogs, according to organizer Damian Nel. This year, they're already nearing 20.

"For every dog we help, there are four more out in the bush," he said, "so it's one of those things where we're making a difference but we're barely scratching the surface."

The volunteer group has been working in the Yukon for a couple years, and is working on gathering donations and support in hopes of expanding its work. They hope to purchase property to take care of older dogs, who don't adopt out as quickly as puppies.

"A lot of these guys came out of snow banks and they were just shivering out at -40," said Nel. "They wouldn't have even made it. I love it."

The rescue network says it plans another Whitehorse Puppy-Meet-and-Greet, where it hopes to adopt out more dogs, in February.