Fostering Hope on Absolutely Manitoba
First Nations nurse Jasmine Colucci makes it her mission to rescue thousands of stray dogs
Fostering Hope
August 18, 2018
7 p.m. on CBC Manitoba
Jasmine Colucci has always had a passion for animals. As a child she collected cocoons in her bedroom and once rescued a bear cub. Today, she runs an animal advocacy group in Manitoba, investing every spare minute and every spare dime in rescuing sick and stray dogs. She works non-stop picking up unwanted dogs, nursing them back to health, and finding them homes. When she's not out on a "dog run", she's fundraising and lobbying the government to implement policies to better control dog populations.
Many small communities in the province are struggling to figure out how to deal with a serious stray dog problem. Some have no bylaws, catchers, or licensing programs to help manage the swelling canine population. And with another harsh Manitoba winter on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher.
In the last few years, Jasmine has rescued thousands of dogs, but it seems there are always more in need of help. She and other volunteers are covering costs out-of-pocket. With every trip to pick up more stray dogs, the bills are piling up and her family is getting fed up. Will this be her last dog run?
Directed by Chris McIvor
Produced by Libby Lea of Frank Digital