About our journey

The project

On a cold winter day in 2009, Lori Rogers, Senior Animal Health Technologist at the Calgary Zoo, and Dr. Judith Samson-French, veterinarian and hospital owner, pondered how to deal with the distressing situation of unwanted and suffering dogs on First Nations land. Judith's clinic borders the Tsuu T'ina reserve in the southern Alberta foothills and has accommodated countless sick and injured dogs from the area. Lori revealed that several North American zoos use a contraceptive implant from Australia in various species to prevent reproduction. After reviewing the available scientific literature, Judith designed a pilot project to implant the contraceptives in reserve dogs. In order to proceed they needed access. They contacted ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) whose mission is to help dogs on First Nations land. ARF offered their support, and together with Judith's Banded Peak Veterinary Hospital decided to fund the innovative program.

The book

For the first time ever, anywhere, a team headed out to insert contraceptive implants into semi-feral and feral female dogs. Their goal was clear: to humanely reduce the population of unwanted dogs on First Nations reserves. These dogs became fondly known as the "Dogs With No Names". Tracy explains how the book evolved: "Judith and I would return from a day in the field with a mixture of emotions, but always feeling amazingly alive and full of energy. We began to share photographs and thoughts in a way that was both therapeutic and synergistic; Judith was compelled to begin writing the stories behind the photos. Her wisdom and compassion regarding the dogs, and even in understanding our own feelings and existential questions as human beings, encouraged and moved me. I thought that other people would respond positively as well... and so we began to expand upon that idea together. We felt that so much was learned in our experiences with these special dogs that we needed to share it, somehow." It was in that spirit that the book was created. Dogs With No Names, A Journey of Compassion, Purpose and Hope will provide inspiration and hope to others who are concerned with the well-being of unwanted dogs across the country and even across the world.

The authors

Judith Samson-French (aka "the dogcatcher") is a doctor of veterinary medicine. She owns Banded Peak Veterinary Hospital, a small-animal practice in the Alberta foothills.

Author's note

Even when we can't see them, we know they are there. On occasion, we hear them howling on cold winter nights, in short sequence like coyotes do. Sometimes in the light of day we catch a glimpse of them limping along the ditch, tongues hanging out, trotting to unknown destinations. Read more of Judith's author's note