Need a new leash on life? Mingle with adoptable dogs at Winnipeg Animal Services open house

Winnipeggers are invited to go on a doggie date or, if the mood is right, take a lucky dog home from the city's animal services agency this week.

Winnipeg Animal Services will be letting its adoptable dogs out during an open house held at its 1057 Logan Ave. site between 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, says acting general manager Jennifer Harrower.

"We have some very playful ones right now that are just itching to get out, and to put some smiles on faces," she told guest host Bruce Ladan during a Sunday interview with CBC Manitoba's Weekend Morning Show.

"Our play yards will be open, so we will have some toys and treats out for the dogs. We will also be serving some hot chocolate and sweet treats for the humans, and we're just hoping that we get a good turnout with the public and spread some love with the dogs in our shelter."

People can come to play with the dogs, make a donation, adopt a dog, or take one home temporarily through the agency's doggie date program, Harrower said.

"You can take a dog from us for one day, a couple hours, [or] up to seven days, so it gives them a break from the shelter life and can, you know, bring some happiness to someone that maybe can't have a dog in their apartment or in their home."

The event is also a fundraiser and a way to show support for the two-legged creatures inside the building as well, she said.

The agency is taking monetary donations, which can help with vet care or medical procedures that the dogs may need, as well as items like blankets, leashes and dog food. Attendees can also bring treats for staff and volunteers, Harrower said.

"It's a great time to come out and show some support for us and the dogs."

Hoping for continued drop in dogs

Just over 20 dogs are currently being housed at the shelter, which reflects a drop in the typical number that the agency has noticed over the last few weeks, she said. Harrower thinks cold weather has been helping keep dogs inside or closer to home.

But the decrease in dogs at the shelter means that staff can dedicate more time for socialization and other training for the dogs they do have.

"When we're bursting at the seams, it's tough to always get that work done with the dogs," she said.

"So we're hoping to see maybe our numbers drop, and we're always looking at new training and learning on dog behaviour, and kind of providing our staff as many tools as possible to be as effective as we can."