June 10, 2025
On the weekend of June 7th, 2025, our team hit the road in partnership with Manitoba Animal Alliance (MAA) to support the dogs of Cross Lake/Pimicikamak Cree Nation following the emergency evacuation due to wildfires.
With just one evening to prep, at 5 AM Saturday morning, we left Winnipeg with our Defender and cargo van, driving 8 hours up north with kennels, supplies, and a plan. Not far behind were two MAA volunteers driving a cube van loaded with the dog food donations and critical supplies. With approval from Chief & Council, and on behalf of MAA, our team led on-the-ground efforts to assess and assist vulnerable dogs who were unwell, injured, or otherwise struggling to survive without care in the evacuated community.
With support from RCMP in navigating access to the community and throughout the day, 75 dogs and puppies were brought back to Winnipeg for medical treatment, care, and shelter. Many of these dogs will be reunited with their families once the community returns home, while some may remain in rescue care if unclaimed or surrendered due to their condition.
We’re grateful to the RCMP for their support and presence during this response, and for helping ensure the dogs (and other pets) remaining in the community are safe and fed as often as possible throughout the evacuation, while continuing to prioritize the overall safety of Cross Lake.
Smoke still hangs in the air in Cross Lake, and the sheer scale of response from emergency crews was remarkable to witness. Firefighters from across Manitoba and even from the U.S., including elite crews like the Hot Shots, are working tirelessly alongside teams from Cross Lake, Winkler, Morris, and beyond.
Around 8 PM, we were packed up and began the drive back to Winnipeg, rolling in a few minutes shy of 5 AM Sunday. Waiting for us was another amazing crew of MUR volunteers, joined by others from MAA, ready to clean kennels, feed and provide water to the dogs, and helping fosters get these dogs home to rest and recover.
This kind of work takes coordination, resources, and a deep sense of community. We’re incredibly proud of our MUR team for stepping up in such a big way. Thank you to Manitoba Animal Alliance for trusting us to lead on the ground, for handling critical logistics behind the scenes, and for being just a phone call away for support and decision-making throughout.
We’re also grateful to every single person who’s pitched in whether by volunteering, fostering, or donating. Every role matters, and it’s this collective effort that makes rescue possible.
💙 To Cross Lake/Pimicikamak Cree Nation: If you recognize any of the dogs that either Manitoba Underdogs Rescue or Manitoba Animal Alliance have posted, please contact maasnipclinics@gmail.com to connect with MAA and reunite with your pets.
