A local non-profit group just recently celebrated one year of operation. 

Lucky Paws Dog Rescue, based out of Moose Jaw and Regina, has spent a little over a year helping dogs in the province acquire needed medical treatment and find fur-ever homes. 

"We've helped over 180 dogs in the past year, some of which are owner surrenders (and) others are severe medical cases," explained Animal Coordinator, Dallas Robinson. "It's been a challenge in some aspects, our vet bills are always high, so we're always looking for new ways to fundraise. We're also always looking for new fosters; without foster we can't operate."

There's a lot of passionate and caring hands that make up this team who, in some cases, are spread across southern Saskatchewan according to Robinson.

"The main base is Regina and Moose Jaw, but we do have fosters in Balgonie, Fort Qu'Appelle and even Saskatoon. Most of our dogs come from the La Ronge area. I think we currently have 50 fosters and volunteers and then a board of directors of five people."

Their annual general meeting is on the horizon for Lucky Paws Dog Rescue, and one thing that will be discussed is medical expenses and unique ways they can try to collect funds in the future.

"This last year, when we did our last meeting, we've spent over $50,000 in vet bills and that's not including what is still owed for the year."

Robinson noted that one of their future goals is to hopefully aid in the issues of alleviating the number of homeless dogs located up north. The group would like to find ways to provide education, possibly create a way to help residents neuter their dogs so that they don't keep having litters of puppies without being able to find someone to properly care for them.

"A lot of northern communities have an over population of dogs. We're looking at ways that we can build a better relationship with those communities, instead of putting a band-aid on things."

It's only been a little over 12 months for Lucky Paws Dog Rescue, but they plan to continue their run of success into the future. They have multiple upcoming fundraisers posted on their Facebook page and make a point to reach out to their community by setting up booths at annual and special events.

For more information, click here to head to their website.