Help Jessica raise money

As the Calgary Marathon approaches on May 28, and I prepare to run the half, I'd like to share a story about what I'm fundraising for. It all started during the height of the COVID pandemic, when I decided to foster for AARCS (Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society), an organization that works tirelessly to save and rehabilitate animals from local communities. Dogs, cats, litters of young puppies - they've seen some of the worst cases of them all.

One of my first fosters was a sweet dog they'd named Conrad, with an overgrown coat and a bad limp. He appeared to have been unowned, living as a stray in a nearby community.

Top photo: AARCS foster profile. Bottom photo: The day he left the shelter

Conrad was in bad shape - his fur had severe mats and was pink in spots from excessive licking due to his pain. His limp was from a previous injury to his back right leg that had never properly healed and AARCS could only speculate about. This leg was visibly shorter than the others, and when Conrad walked, he'd drag it behind him.  

Luckily, AARCS had sent us home with all the necessities Conrad would need, as they do for all their animals. It was a nervous first few days for us both, but it was nice to not have to worry about sourcing food, dog beds, or toys (I'm not sure he ever learned to play with them, anyways!).

After three weeks of fostering Conrad and getting to know this docile, not-so-little guy, the shelter reached out. They asked about the state of his hind leg and we discussed whether rehab was possible to save it. 

Despite knowing his quality of life would improve significantly without his injured leg, it still broke my heart when I got an email confirming Conrad's amputation surgery date. 

My lack of experience with animal surgery, and downtown condo living, made me nervous about whether I was still a suitable foster for Conrad. However AARCS was short on foster homes for these situations, so I accepted that him and I would be together a few months longer. 

I made my way to the shelter when I got the call that his surgery was complete. It felt like a punch to the stomach when I saw him hop out unsteadily on three legs, still drugged up.

Over the next few months, Conrad slowly healed. He found his footing as a tripawd (no pun intended) and I swear he loved wearing my old t-shirts more than I loved dressing him in them. Anything to avoid the dreaded cone, right? 

Three months later, by October 2020, Conrad had become a new dog. He could finally start to run (which he absolutely loves now, though he tires quickly), he could play with other dogs, and maybe most importantly, he could finally get groomed. At long last.

This once-stray dog, who was once wary of stairs, leashes, and the sound of a toilet flushing (sometimes still is...), has evolved into the friendliest and most affectionate dog I've ever known. Pretty incredible considering the life he once led.

And now, two and a half years later, Conrad - now renamed Charlie - knows he's never going back to the shelter. I need him as much as he needs me.

I'm in awe of AARCS, and other rescue organizations like them, and the amazing work they do. The staff and volunteers invest so much into their rescues: the spay and neuter clinics they run in communities, the surgeries they perform almost daily, and the upkeep of their shelters so they can save lives like Charlie's. Every dollar raised will allow AARCS to continue their important work and to help another animal in need.

I'm grateful for the opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of these animals, who otherwise wouldn't have a chance to ever know love or compassion.

Thank you for your support and for spreading awareness!