Findings from a University of Saskatchewan researcher’s case study are now being transformed into an art exhibition that will travel the province. For the last five years, Dr. Jordan Woodsworth and her team have been conducting interviews with the people of Lac la Ronge, Air Ronge, and La Ronge, attempting to catch a glimpse of what relationships look like between people and their dogs.

Woodsworth says there are many misconceptions about the treatment of dogs in northern Saskatchewan, and her study aimed to contradict them, as well. “The furthest north veterinary clinics in our province are in Meadow Lake and Prince Albert, so any community north of those centres does not have local access to veterinary care… Many communities don’t have access to population management strategies, so spaying and neutering for example, because these have to be done by veterinarians,” she explains. “This is a systemic problem. It’s not an individual community problem. It’s not a cultural problem like many people make it out to be. We definitely recognize that many communities are searching for support when it comes to animal health and welfare resources and are unable to get the support that they need.”

Many communities don’t have a pound facility or people who do animal control work. Some towns struggle with bylaws that are challenging to enforce, and not adhered to by many. However, despite the obstacles, Woodsworth’s interviewees painted a very different picture about the human-dog bond. After talking to 20 community members, nine people with key roles in animal health and safety, and a class of youth, Woodsworth found that dogs are a highly valued aspect of a majority of people’s lives.

Recently, Woodsworth’s case study results were transformed into a travelling art exhibition. In various medias, 17 local artists commissioned 20 art pieces to depict the companionship, loyalty, and leadership that dogs possess. For a limited time, it can be viewed at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.