In this episode, Ashley offers an unfiltered look at the dog rescue crisis unfolding across Canada, a reality most people never see. Spoiler alert: it is not just overcrowded shelters. It is underfunded grassroots rescues, complex challenges in Northern Indigenous communities, the lasting impact of colonization, and a system that leans heavily on a small group of exhausted people trying to fill the gaps.

Ashley breaks down the history of community dogs, why certain regions face unique challenges, and how legislation, lack of resources, and geographic isolation all play a role. She also explains why rescues are constantly operating on fumes and what meaningful support actually looks like beyond the usual “adopt, foster, donate” messaging.

What we cover

The cultural history of community dogs in Indigenous communities
How colonization and government systems created long term challenges still felt today
Why shelters across Canada are overwhelmed
The financial reality behind rescue work and why organizations are always stretched thin
The difference between large shelters and small grassroots rescues
What real, practical help looks like even for people who cannot foster or volunteer
The emotional weight of rescue work and why people stay committed anyway

Whether you care deeply about animal welfare, want to understand the forces behind Canada’s growing dog crisis, or simply want a clearer picture of what rescuers face every day, this conversation shines a light on a world that is often misunderstood and rarely talked about honestly.