Interview with Les Aristopattes: Building Community, Saving Lives, and Offering Second Chances
As a part of our collaboration with Les Aristopattes, Canino is proud to host The Aristopattes Animal Shelter Fundraiser.
Where? The Canino Boutique at 376 Av. Beaumont, Montreal, QC
When? December 14th, 2024 from 10am to 5pm
All profits will be donated to Les Aristopattes, a wonderful non-profit that has been in operation for nearly a decade.
Below you'll find our interview with one of the valued team members in Andrea, Director of Communications at the animal shelter.
We hope to see you there for this life-saving cause!
Can you share the story behind The Aristopattes and what inspired its founding?
Les Aristopattes were founded in 2014 and our mission since has been to save a myriad of dogs and cats abandoned in veterinary clinics, prevent them from being euthanatized, or those found on the streets. Saving a life is priceless. Ten years later, our mission still resonates with us.
What impact has The Aristopattes had on the local community and the animals you care for?
Over the past 10 years, we’ve saved over 340 cats and dogs from all over the province!
The impact to us means a thriving network of volunteers, foster families, partner veterinary clinics, donors and our amazing community who help us by donating to the cause. We are an NGO, and we can only operate with the donations given to us.
Les Aristopattes wouldn’t exist without any of our community and volunteers, and we would not have been able to give a second chance to many of our protégés.
We say it a lot but no challenge is too big for our incredible community: together, we’ve proven this time and time again.
What challenges does Les Aristopattes currently face, and how can the community help?
Our biggest challenge is of course: money.
As we operate solely based on the donations we receive, that’s what impacts our ability to rescue more dogs and cats, we have to say no on a daily basis to many cases received.
We wish we could take on a lot more but unfortunately, costs are high for specialized veterinary case, which is what we take on as a shelter. The community can help by sharing our current protégés stories on social media, by making small or big donations, spreading the word about who Les Aristopattes is.
Every gesture counts.
Why is the collaboration between Canino Dog Food and The Aristopattes important to you?
To us, we are extremely thankful to Canino for their generous donation during this event that will directly support the well-being of the animals in our care.
Every dollar helps us provide critical resources like medical treatments, spraying and neutering, and, of course, nutritious food for the cats and dogs waiting to find their forever homes.
This collaboration goes beyond just the donation—it helps raise awareness about our mission and encourages the community to get involved, whether by adopting, volunteering, or donating.
Together with Canino, we’re giving these animals a second chance at a happy life, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.
Could you tell us about a memorable moment or success story that highlights the work you do?
There’s so many tales we could share.
I think a significant question we often get is, when the cost of an animal care is so high, why don’t you just euthanize them? Why go above and beyond when it’s so expensive?
To us, the answer is simple: Sauver une vie, ça n’a pas de prix.
We care deeply about every case we take on and if we can give an animal a second chance, we will do everything in our power to do so.
A memorable success story is the one of Bagheera, a 5 years old (at the time), half maine coone, who had a “boule de poile” stuck in its intestines. He was rescued just in time after a last-minute intervention, because his old owners waited 5 days to see a veterinarian. He had been suffering from a severe obstruction caused by a hairball and was severely dehydrated and lethargic. The initial cost for surgery was estimated at $1,500, but the situation escalated, and the surgery ended up costing between $6,000 and $8,000 due to complications. Bagheera developed a heart murmur, loss of appetite, and a significant drop in red blood cells, requiring two blood transfusions and intensive care. His treatment ultimately cost $17,500.
Today, Bagheera is doing wonderfully, and his foster family, who worked tirelessly to help him recover, decided to adopt him. His foster mom, Chloé, a veterinary medicine student, dedicated countless hours to his care and even took time off from her studies to focus on his recovery. They also sought the help of an animal behavior specialist to help Bagheera adjust to his new home, and he has now formed a strong bond with the family, including with their dog, Enzo, and even a rabbit he once feared.
That’s a success to us, in every rescue, we hope that our protégés will find their second chance in life, filled with happiness and a loving family.
What motivates you and your team to continue your work with animals every day?
The thing that all of our volunteers share is of course our love for the animal rescue cause. We want to help us as much as we can to provide them a second chance. You don’t have to be an expert to help, our volunteers have all different type of backgrounds, but the love for animals is what motivates us.
In what ways can individuals get involved or support your cause beyond attending the event?
They can get involved with volunteering, becoming a foster family, or if they look at our current animals available for adoption, maybe fall in love and adopt!
The best way to help us beyond attending the event is to help spread the word about who we are, about responsible adoptions, signing up to volunteer, and if they can, become a monthly donor!
How does the support from local businesses like Canino influence your organization's efforts?
The support from local businesses like Canino plays a crucial role in our efforts at Les Aristopattes. It’s important to us to build partnerships with not only veterinary clinics but local businesses who share the same values, and by supporting local initiatives, Canino is helping us ensure that the animals in our care receive the attention and resources they deserve.
Their contribution enables us to continue our work without the added strain of financial limitations, allowing us to focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals. This partnership not only benefits the animals but also highlights the importance of local businesses in fostering a compassionate and supportive community. We are incredibly grateful for Canino’s generosity and for their role in helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of our four-legged friends who need it most.
Can you describe the emotional rewards of working with animals in need?
Working with animals in need is incredibly rewarding on an emotional level.
Each time we rescue an animal, we experience a deep sense of fulfilment knowing that we are giving them a second chance at life. The moment an animal finds its forever home after facing hardship is one of the most heart-warming experiences, as we witness the transformation from: pain or fear to joy and trust.
The bond that develops between the animals and the team, as well as the sense of hope and progress, is deeply moving. Seeing an animal that was once abandoned or neglected blossom into a healthy, happy companion is a reminder of the power of compassion and care. It’s not just about saving a life—it’s about giving these animals a chance to experience the love and safety they deserve.
The gratitude and loyalty these animals show when they heal, or when they are finally adopted, is incredibly rewarding. The emotional connection we form with each animal, and the knowledge that we’ve made a real difference in their lives, fuels our ongoing dedication to continue this work. We have to mention it but sometimes, we can’t help them all and as we formed an emotional bond, its always hard on the team but for every little angel, we know we did everything we could.
What are your hopes and goals for the future of The Aristopattes?
Our hopes and goals are to continue the mission and to save as many cats and dogs of Quebec as we can. We hope the organisation continues to thrive, grow our amount volunteers and ability to help more animals in need.
What would you say to someone who is unsure about attending the event or making a donation?
We completely understand that making a decision to attend an event or donate can be a big step. But what you may not realize is that your participation, whether through attending or donating, directly impacts the lives of the animals in need.
Every donation, no matter the amount, helps provide essential medical care, food, and a safe space for these animals to heal and thrive.
By attending our event, you'll also be part of a compassionate community working together to give animals a second chance at life. It's an opportunity to connect with others who share your love for animals and to see how your involvement can create lasting change. If you're unsure about donating, know that your support, even in small amounts, can add up and make a huge difference. Every contribution helps us continue our mission.
Ultimately, your decision to get involved, whether through a donation or your presence at the event, has a direct impact on the lives of these animals. We hope you’ll join us and be a part of something truly special!
About Canino Dog Food
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Our goal: to be accessible, affordable, and a healthier option for all dogs with a cheaper price than kibble.
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