2017 ended on a high note for the Pembina Valley Humane Society, with the completion of some significant projects.
    
The biggest of those undertakings was the organization's dog kennel repair project. "It took a huge amount of organization," said President Tyler Cameron.  "Our shelter manager did an amazing job getting our foster system up and running for all the dogs that we had to get out of the building in order to accomplish what we wanted."

On a positive note, of the 10 dogs that were fostered out during that time, Cameron noted not one of them ended back at the shelter, all of them finding their forever homes.

2017 also saw the implementation of a new administrative software program, as well as the launch of a new website.

Cameron said donations again played a huge difference in the humane society's books in 2017.  He said they were very close to meeting budget and were just below making a profit.

Veterinarian Gina Bowen and Tyler Cameron - After ten years as the "go to" veterinarian for the shelter, the contributions of Dr. Gina Bowen, who has taken on a new position with the Winnipeg Humane Society, was also recognized. "She has been an invaluable part of our organization and made a huge difference in so many animals' lives."

Looking ahead, Cameron said the board will work toward creating financial sustainability, through various means, including developing its retail brand and market. "That may be taking it online to expand our potential customer base as well as getting more unique products that people just don't get an opportunity to see around here."   

The organization will also focus on succession planning to increase its volunteer base at all levels, as well as expand its work in the area of public education.

The Pembina Valley Humane Society also said goodbye to a number of board members, Cindy Kalansky, who served with the organization for 6 years, most of those as president, Corey Hiebert, and Meghan Dyck.

Related article: "PVHS New Kennels Put On Display During Open House"