A volunteer's account: Behind the scenes at the Eastmain clinic with Chiots Nordiques

 Crédit photo : Valérie Turcotte

By Nathalie Ricard - volunteer since 2024

Since retiring, I've found a new life mission: to offer my time, energy (and sometimes my old pants) to Nordiques Puppies. Since November 2024, I've participated in six clinics as a non-medical volunteer, and each new mission fills me with adrenaline, gratitude... and a deep love for this organization and the communities it supports.

From electromechanics to animal welfare

I used to work as an electromechanic and administrative assistant. Today, I'm officially retired, but my heart works full-time! Between my involvement in a dog rehabilitation shelter and my job in a pharmacy laboratory, I always give myself a little time off before and after each clinic to stay in shape. Long live retirement! 😄

It was thanks to my friends Mélanie and Marie-Ève, who are also volunteers, that I discovered Chiots Nordiques. As soon as I understood the mission, I knew I wanted to be part of it. And here I am, on the eve of my 6th trip, this time to Eastmain.

Let's get busy!

Departure at 3:30 am. No breakfast, just coffee and adrenalin in the carpet. It's my first flight in a small 6-seater plane! I'm so excited, I haven't slept a wink all flight. When I land, my heart is pounding.

On site, thanks to our precious Marilyn, our animal care and control technician, all the dogs have already arrived. Things get moving fast: I prepare the files of the animals that will need our help at the clinic and weigh the dogs. The medical team can begin.

The Eastmain clinic is a 24-hour operation, which contributes to the fast pace. We have to work as a team and know our roles well to get everything done on time.

You have to be ready for anything. Picking up pee? No problem! Receiving kisses from dogs who have just woken up? I wake up dogs after surgery, trim their nails, clean their ears and take their temperature. Every dog deserves our full attention, and I feel useful in every way.

Thanks to Eastmain volunteer Sabrina, who was a great help throughout the day. This mutual help between passionate human beings is also what Chiots Nordiques is all about.

End of the day, heart full

At 7pm, Marilyne calls the owners. They're all there, ready to pick up their companion. I explain the post-operative care and the medication to be given, and I'm exhausted, covered in pee and drool... but so happy.

At 8.30pm, we take our traditional group photo in front of a breathtaking sunset the likes of which can only be found in the north. It's at moments like this that I realize how lucky I am to be on this mission.

Time to say goodbye already

The next morning, at 8am, the clinic resumes. We end on a high note with our last four-legged patients. And, as always, there's a twinge of sadness: the feeling of leaving a welcoming community, a close-knit team, and dogs we've grown to love in just a few hours.

Thank you to Chiots Nordiques

Thank you for allowing me to live a small part of my childhood dream: to care for animals.

Thank you for giving me a place, even without medical training, to make a difference.

Thank you for these privileged moments, these human encounters, and these muzzles to love.