An unforgettable adventure in Nutashkuan with Chiots Nordiques

There are experiences that mark a turning point in our journey, leaving a lasting impression. Whether it's through the mission, the people we work with, or the memories we create...

Last August, I had the chance to have one of these transformative experiences with the organization Chiots Nordiques.

Having been aware of their cause for quite some time (thanks in particular to a colleague involved with the organization), I finally decided to take the plunge and participate in my very first clinic, held in Nutashkuan. It was written on my 2025 vision board, so there was no turning back!

Having often heard about this type of mission, I thought I knew what to expect... but the reality far exceeded my expectations.

One team, one mission

There were about fifteen of us who put our lives on hold for a few days, united by a common goal: to improve the lives of dogs in the North. Volunteers from all walks of life, not necessarily knowing each other, boarded (somewhat naively, in my case) a small plane bound for the North Shore.

After a few hours of flying, we landed in Natashquan and headed straight to the community of Nutashkuan, where the clinic would be held. Once there, we found an almost empty room waiting for us. Everyone pitched in to transform the space into a functional veterinary clinic. Anything we could find could be useful. We improvised, we built, we got busy: resourcefulness, creativity, and physical strength were our best allies, because the first patients were already waiting at the door.

A frenetic pace, natural synergy

The clinic quickly comes to life. Everyone finds their place, and despite our differences, a synergy develops almost magically. Between shared meals, nights in communal accommodation, and the intense pace, it is this ability to create such a strong team spirit so quickly that has surprised me the most.

Dog owners, notified of our arrival, sometimes show up excitedly to entrust us with their pets. Then other dogs that we spot while walking around the community arrive. I remember this beautiful dog and her ten puppies that I had the chance to pick up and bring back to the clinic... and finally with us on the plane home. Saving them as the cold season approached gave me a feeling of power and gratitude that is difficult to describe.

The human and emotional impact

Day after day, we go from admissions to surgeries to treatments. We laugh (a lot), we cry (a little), but above all, we feel deeply that our presence makes a difference. Mental and physical fatigue slowly sets in, but adrenaline and mutual support keep us going. Looking back, we still wonder how we managed to accomplish so much in such a short time.

When the time comes to dismantle the clinic as quickly as we set it up, we feel a twinge of sadness. We think of all the dogs we were unable to treat, either due to lack of time or the inability to bring them to us, and those who have left us. We leave the community and the animals with a heavy heart. A few dogs travel with us to be placed in foster homes, waiting for their forever families.

And now?

Once back home, everyone returns to their daily routine, but one question remains: what do we do with all this now? This kind of experience raises profound questions about our role, our impact, and our desire to be useful. And a gentle nostalgia sets in.

That's when we say to ourselves... we'll go back.

Martin, non-medical volunteer