Winnipeg, Tuesday — In a crowded hotel parking lot near the airport, seven-year-old Belinda McKay’s cries stood out amid the bustle. Belinda had just arrived at the Victoria Inn with her family after being evacuated from Norway House due to wildfires. She was upset, calling out for her dog, Buzy.
While adults around her shared stories of their escape on C-130 Hercules aircraft, Belinda’s world felt unsettled. A volunteer from the Manitoba Animal Alliance gently placed Buzy, a mixed-breed dog also aged seven, into a crate in the back of an SUV. Buzy is more than a pet—he is Belinda’s constant companion.
“She’ll be okay,” said Beth Olayvar, who will foster Buzy until the family can return home.
Belinda’s grandmother, Bernice Moore, comforted the girl, brushing away tears behind her sunglasses. The family, originally from Cross Lake, made a long journey by pickup truck with several children. Belinda’s grandfather, Darell Moore, flew in on Monday evening and was still waiting for a hotel room.
“It takes about two days after registering with the Red Cross to get a room,” he explained. Meanwhile, he spent the night sleeping in the truck alongside Buzy. “It was tough to sleep, but I couldn’t leave the dog alone. The fresh air helped.”
Olayvar was preparing to take Buzy home for a bath and had food, treats, and toys ready in her vehicle. “I don’t have pets, but I love dogs,” she said. “I was just laid off, so it’s the perfect time to help.”
Many evacuees face similar challenges. Hotels in Winnipeg often have “no animals” policies, forcing families to leave their pets behind. Some animals are now staying in shelters like the Winnipeg Humane Society, which quickly opened a temporary shelter at St. Norbert Community Centre.
“The shelter was set up in just one day,” said Carly Peters, the humane society’s communications director. “We’re grateful to offer care and comfort to families’ pets while their owners stay elsewhere.”
The facility includes a veterinary clinic, vaccines for sick animals, and space for exercise on a hockey rink. It can hold about 60 pets, with separate rooms for cats and dogs. Peters expects it to fill up quickly and may expand to other locations if needed.
Families can visit their pets at the shelter between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. “Pets are family,” Peters said. “All family members need care, especially during tough times.”
The humane society is accepting donations of pet food, kennels, collars, bowls, and cleaning supplies. More information is available on their website.
The Manitoba Animal Alliance has also been overwhelmed. Coordinator Josee Belanger-Galay said the group has taken in about 15 dogs since Saturday and received hundreds of emails from evacuees whose pets were not allowed in hotels.
Similarly, the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter is full but community members have offered foster homes. “It’s incredible how the community has come together,” said executive director Carla Martinelli-Irvine. “I hope we can continue to show how much we care about animals.”