Advocating for animal welfare at Fort St. James: Shara Walsh

Shara Walsh is a dedicated animal welfare advocate at Fort St. James.

Walsh is a member of the newly formed, volunteer-run Fort St. James Animal Care Team.

Born and raised in the area, she has a deep-rooted bond with her hometown and its inhabitants, both human and animal.

The group, which includes members such as Monica Sillije, April Diamond, Diane Prince, Katie Halliday, Mario Wesolowski, Natile Grasslin, Lesley Braden and Shannon Joe, has been instrumental in rescuing puppies, organizing fundraisers, pet vaccination clinics and connecting pet shelters. owners to veterinarians.

“We want to help the animals, we want to help the owners who need help, we are just here to help in any way we can,” she said.

Recently, the group helped rescue and rehabilitate nearly 34 puppies, helping them find homes in Victoria.

Walsh’s commitment to the Animal Care Team extends beyond training and education. She actively engages with the community through various channels, using social media platforms to raise awareness, organize fundraising events and solicit donations for essential supplies.

Her efforts have received widespread support, with local businesses such as The View Hotel providing valuable assistance as a drop-off point for contributions and hosting meetings for the Animal Care Team.

After earning her master dog training certification in 2007, Walsh embarked on a journey to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

She initially became involved with the Humane Society, but later burned out due to the overwhelming challenges. She took a break to focus on her family and returned to her passion for helping animals in 2023, driven by a desire to address the ongoing problems of overpopulation and inadequate veterinary care in her community.

Recognizing the need for accessible resources and support, Walsh co-founded the Fort St. James Animal Care Team, a grassroots initiative aimed at bridging the gap between pet owners and essential services.

Unlike traditional nonprofits, Animal Care Team operates as a collaborative effort, driven by individuals committed to creating positive change.

One of Walsh’s notable contributions to the community is her founding of Pack in the Park, a volunteer-led initiative focused on socializing dogs and reinforcing positive behavior among owners. Through this effort, she encourages responsible pet ownership while fostering a sense of community among participants.

In addition to her role in Pack in the Park, Walsh founded Fort St. James Dog Training, which offers professional services to address behavioral issues and promote obedience among canine companions. Her certifications in advanced obedience, kennel management and temperament testing underline her expertise in this field.

Walsh is grateful to the people of Fort St. James who have helped them with donations and support in their efforts.

“Every time we needed help, the people of Fort St. James stepped up,” she said.