Winnipeg mechanic shop holds a big heart for rescuing furry friends

Kayla Downey and her colleagues at Legacy Mechanical Services have recently rescued Kowie, the nine-week-old puppy. Kowie now has a safe home with one of Downey's coworkers. (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg)

At Legacy Mechanical Services, recent rescued stray cats and dogs have become office companions for tradespeople on the job.

“First we found the kitten that was in a wall beside a dumpster on Ellice Avenue,” said Kayla Downey, office manager at Legacy Mechanical Services.

“She was left there overnight. One of our techs went to a no-heat call, and he heard her screaming and went, picked her up, found her, and brought her into the office the next day.”

Gizmo the cat isn’t the only animal that was rescued recently. A nine-week-old puppy named Kowie has recently joined the legacy family.

“She was found last Friday beside a dumpster at a different location, and one of our techs found her and brought her into the office immediately,” Downey said.

“She’s been now adopted by our refrigeration lead, and she’s loving it.”

Over the past year, Kowie and Gizmo have joined five other animals rescued by the team. Every animal has now become a pet for different staff members. While Downey enjoys the extra company, she’s worried about the fate of strays.

“When I took the puppy to the vet last weekend, there was another lady who was bringing in a dog that was found running along the road,” Downey said.

“You’re finding them anywhere now.”

At the Winnipeg Humane Society, the organization remains at capacity for cats and dogs ahead of spring.

Staff members say there are several reasons why they continue to see pet owners surrender their pets.

“People get ill and can no longer, you know, change a litter box or take a dog for a walk, things like that,” said Audrey Barnabe, manager of shelter flow intake at the Winnipeg Humane Society.

“The cost of food, the cost of vet care has gone up in the last couple of years, and it continues to go up. Some people just simply can’t afford it. We do help with food, and we try our best to help people to keep their animals in the home, but sometimes they just have to come in.”

Barnabe said she was not surprised to hear of the kind efforts made to give animals a home with employees at Legacy Mechanical Services.

“It’s wonderful to hear; it happens a lot,” Barnabe said.

“We kind of count on the public and just Good Samaritans to help us out and bring those animals in, or take them into their own home temporarily, and then bring them in or find another shelter. It’s always great news.”

Downey said animals deserve better than to be left outside. She’s encouraging other pet owners to seek help if they are struggling to make ends meet.

“I’m a single parent; it’s tough. I have seven animals at home,” Downey said.

“I’ve been told numerous times that there are Facebook groups that will actually help financially too for people who are struggling. Nobody wants to see an animal abandoned. Nobody wants to see an animal treated badly.”