Beastly Boutique, the local animal pet shop, and grooming, is known for their tireless efforts in rescuing and providing care to animals in the North, recently organized a successful bake sale for their Northern Manitoba Paws in Need campaign on July 22 and 23 to raise funds for its upcoming move this August. The move to a larger building is aimed at accommodating and caring for more animals in need.
Vicki McNevin, the founder and owner of Beastly Boutique, highlighted the need for the move, stating that the larger space will allow them to house double the number of animals. However, with the expansion comes the challenge of increased expenses, including the installation of an HVAC system and plumbing.
The bake sale was a proactive effort by the organization to garner support from the community and animal lovers in order to mitigate the financial burden associated with the relocation. It was met with an overwhelming response from supporters who turned out to contribute to the cause.
McNevin expressed her gratitude for the community's support and emphasized the significant impact the funds will have on their ability to continue their rescue efforts. The funds generated from the bake sale will directly contribute to the care, shelter, and medical needs of the animals under their guardianship.
“Everything we do in the store is for the rescue,” Said McNevin “There’s no profit out of anything, what is made goes to feed the dogs and take care of the dogs and cats”
Beastly Boutique, which typically accommodates 300 to 500 dogs annually, currently has over 30 cats and 7 new puppies in their care. The organization's commitment to animal welfare extends beyond providing shelter, as they also conduct vaccinations, as well as run a Spay and Neuter Clinic which fixed a vast amount of animals this past weekend along side the Bake Sale.
“When we first started doing this I was never really keeping an exact track of how many animals come in, and then one of the rescuers asked me how many animals we brought in, and I went back to try and count and I was shocked at the number” McNevin added “It’s insane! I thought we were small!”
The outpouring of support for Beastly Boutique is exemplary of the community's recognition of their dedicated service to animal rescue. Maple Bus Lines, for instance, continues to provide freight services for dog food delivery to the facility, exemplifying the broader community support for the organization's cause.
Reflecting on the journey that led to the foundation of Beastly Boutique, McNevin acknowledged the exponential growth in their rescue efforts since her journey’s beginning in 2012. The organization's evolution from a pet store owner to a recognized name in animal rescue underscores the pivotal role it plays in addressing the needs of unwanted and stray animals in the region.
“I had no clue the amount of unwanted dogs, stray dogs, and such a need for rescue,” she says “and they say once you're in, you won’t get out!” McNevin added
She soon gathered a name people recognized around the community as rescuing animals without a home. “People would ask me to pick up some puppies. So we dribbled in rescuing, but then by 2015 we were getting dogs from all over the North”. It didn't take long for the founders of the non-profit organization to realize that they needed to establish an official name and obtain a license to give their cause the recognition and legal standing it deserved. From that moment on, a new chapter in their journey began, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Employees at Beastly Boutique spoke glowingly of McNevin's unwavering commitment to the cause, citing her tireless work ethic and constant availability for animal rescue operations.
“We all really appreciate Vicki. She’s just working! She doesn’t stop!” Said current employee; Brooke Randell “When she goes home, she’s getting messages asking if she can take this dog or that dog”
Looking ahead, Beastly Boutique; Northern Manitoba Paws in Need is not only focused on facilitating the physical relocation to a new premise but also on sustaining their mission to rescue and care for animals. The recent bake sale serves as a testament to the power of community support in enabling the continued success of organizations like Beastly Boutique in their noble endeavor to provide a safe haven for animals in need.
