Rebuilding an animal's trust

The Critteraid Animal Sanctuary in Summerland has a big focus on helping out animals after traumatic experiences, giving them time and support to learn to trust again.

"Sometimes it takes years for cats to learn to trust again in the sanctuary, and we allow them the time that they need as they enter as guests into our behavioural program," Lori Huot-Stewart, president of Critteraid, said.

"This program, because the cats come to us extremely frightened and untouchable, we assign them a person, and this person helps them build confidence by allowing them at their own pace, to learn to trust again with a calm, gentle presence."

Through treats, playing with cat toys, and most importantly, a consistent routine, the cats start to trust people.

"They show interest, they reveal themselves to us, and we have had so many wins that we undoubtedly know that we have saved them because we know that they would have been euthanized," Huot-Stewart added.

"We would like to thank every one of our volunteers who participate with these special cases and know that we have managed to save so many because of this combined effort and this program."

If you're interested in learning more and want to join the team, send Critteraid an email at info@critteraid.org attention behavioural program.