Humane Society International Canada (HSI Canada), an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs, is spreading Christmas joy with a special toy drive giveaway for rescued canines. The initiative aims not only to bring holiday cheer to the animals in their care but also to raise awareness about the critical need for support for rescues, many of which have suffered from abuse, neglect, and horrific conditions.

“It’s really good, also a huge enrichment activity for these dogs, this holiday event, because it’s different,” said Jasmine Gallienne, senior manager of the Canadian Care and Rehabilitation Centre, in conversation with CityNews. “It’s really good for them to learn a routine and it’s how we bond closely with these dogs and create a trust.”

According to Gallienne, the event is a special opportunity for these dogs—many of whom have never experienced the simple pleasures of playing with toys or interacting with humans outside of a cage—to begin learning new, positive behaviours.

Ewa Demianowicz, HSI Canada’s senior campaign manager, explained to CityNews that the organization frequently rescues some of the most abused and traumatized dogs in the world. These include dogs saved from neglect in Quebec, fighting rings in the U.S., and even survivors of the international meat trade.

“The dogs get really excited because it’s rare what we’re doing,” said Demianowicz. “It’s a bit different in their routine. They kind of feel that right away that something is happening. And for those that love toys or that love the presence of humans, for them, it’s such an exciting and playful time.”

“Unfortunately, abuse of dogs and neglect of dogs is very common in Quebec and in Canada and all over the place, and we like to highlight that this is a special time of the year and make something special for the animals,” said Demianowicz. “And it’s just a way for us to enrich their stay here at the centre.”

HSI Canada’s rehabilitation program involves extensive care and healing for the rescued animals, which can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of their trauma. The ultimate goal is to help the dogs trust humans again and prepare them for adoption into loving homes.

This year alone, HSI Canada has rescued 200 dogs, bringing the total number of animals helped by the rehabilitation program to over 3,000 since its inception. But the organization continues to face the ongoing challenge of caring for and rehabilitating abused and neglected dogs, and are  always in need of more volunteers.