Ivujivik - An extraordinary experience

Crédit photo: Milena Racheva (Ivujivik)

Last February, I was packing my bags to visit Ivujivik, the northernmost territory in Quebec, a little over 2,400 km away by plane and home to about 300 inhabitants.

What struck me: mind-blowing landscapes, wonderful and loving people. I met Dr. Jennifer Allan at the airport, a veterinarian with whom I've done a few clinics with Chiots Nordiques. In the fall of 2024, we held a spay/neuter clinic as our first intervention in this village.

Once we arrived in Ivujivik, we met Milena, our contact. She is a wonderful woman with two children and a husband who is originally from Ivujivik. She told us about the community; the warm and welcoming people and her journey in this village. We were welcomed with joy by all the residents we met because there are many arctic foxes that can carry rabies. So our mission for that day: to vaccinate against this deadly virus, as well as offer basic vaccinations. We also administered dewormers to the dogs we met as they are often hyperparasitized. During our vaccination day, we went door to door and knocked on every house where there seemed to be a dog.

Our work is important for public health, not just for dogs. At the same time, we can provide advice on nutrition, educate on the signs of rabies, and any other questions related to caring for the canine companions of the families we met. We met beautiful dogs, most of whom were very fit and well-equipped for Ivujivik's very cold climate. I hope to return soon to see the Northern Lights and see this warm community again.

Marie-Ève Marchand - animal health technician and volunteer