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Dog are the focus of a study by the La Ronge Regional Animal Research Circle. (submitted photo/Genevieve Candelora)
health management

Study examines residents perception of dogs in tri-communities

Jun 4, 2019 | 4:48 PM

Residents of the tri-communities have volunteered to participate in a University of Saskatchewan study about the perception of dogs in the area.

The study is part of the La Ronge Regional Animal Research Circle, which was launched in September 2018 and includes representatives from the U of S Western College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as representatives from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, La Ronge, Air Ronge, Northern Animal Rescue and local health services. Dr. Jordan Woodsworth with the college organized the study and said there were more than enough people who already volunteered to take part.

“What we’re doing is hoping to interview folks about attitudes and perceptions about dogs, and the relationship between human and dogs in the La Ronge area,” she said. “Mostly what we’re looking for is what people think about dogs and pets in general. What they think a healthy dog looks like, how people get help when their dog is sick and what role dogs play in the community.”

The interviews will be 30 to 90 minutes in length and Woodsworth described the sessions more like conversations, which will be different with each interviewee. Those who volunteered were also promised a $50 gift card for the local business of their choice. The interviews will begin soon and Woodsworth noted the circle is looking forward to finding out what people have to say.

The La Ronge Regional Animal Research Circle has a two-year mandate and the project has multiple segments. Woodsworth added it was designed by tri-community residents and it’s meant to better inform the public about how the dog population and health is managed in the region.

“There’s another piece of the project that not exactly related to this, but it’s another portion that’s going to be looking at an evaluation of the clinics that come up,” she said. “We’ll be wanting to talk to people about their perceptions about the clinics and how they are serving the community.”

Participants are not yet needed for that study.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

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