Minden Hills-based animal rescue, Snowflake Meadows, hopes to break ground soon on its new kennel after raising more than $94,000 for the project in just over a years’ time.
Owner Kristyn Begbie told The Highlander she is amazed they were able to meet their fundraising goal in such a short period of time. She thought it would take five years. “I am honestly completely blown out of the water,” she said on Monday (July 13).
Begbie said their blizzard campaign, corporate sponsorships, and donated time, materials and expertise are key to the effort. Other money was raised via the magical festival fundraiser in early June, and Santa’s magical moments in November.
With the blizzard campaign, people were asked to make a $200 donation, after which their name, or business, was displayed on a snowflake on the rescue’s donation paw wall “symbolizing the public’s commitment to saving lives for decades to come.”
She added there were others who were “incredibly generous” by just giving monetary donations.
Now, all they are waiting for is a permit from the Township of Minden Hills. Begbie said a fall build would be ideal but, “any time would be ideal. I just want it to happen. I get phone calls every week about strays and I just don’t know where to put these dogs.” She said they have rescued more than 100 dogs since the beginning of this year.
The project is a full build of a 10-unit indoor-outdoor kennel facility. Begbie said, “this expansion will allow us to help more dogs in need and provide the safe, comfortable care they deserve.”
She further described it as a “safe, warm, and permanent shelter for countless animals in need. This facility will provide secure housing, medical care, and a stepping stone to forever homes, ensuring that every rescued animal has a chance at a brighter future.”
Begbie said in some ways she feels her mission is like climbing a mountain with no end. “But having 10 extra spaces lets me sleep a bit easier knowing that I’ve saved 10 more dogs from potentially being euthanized or hit by a car, or just not having the ability to have a second chance.”
She said as it is now, she has a “naughty” room in her house for newly-rescued dogs not ready to mix with others. They have their own crates and can be rotated for private trips outside. Other dogs can visit through a barrier. If the rescues are not ready to socialize, she can put up a curtain.
“To have these 10 kennels, it’s essentially going to be able to give me the time, and the dog, the time to decompress by itself in its own space before integrating it into the house to try to learn. It is a safer approach for me, my family, my three kids.”
Asked what she would like to say to campaign donors, Begbie said, “thank you for believing in me. Thank you for recognizing the need in this community for all the unwanted animals, or strays. From the bottom of my heart, I’m incredibly thankful to be supported to the degree that I am and to be able to do this with the support of the community. It’s not cheap. I can’t wait to have the opening party for it.”
