Donald Baxter is a true holiday hero in every way. He loves all animals unconditionally, and rescues, feeds and fosters them daily. Donald travels thousands of miles each year, on his own time and often using his own vehicle, to transport stray or injured dogs that have been rescued from remote northern reserves. Donald and his trusty companion, Marley have travelled to places like Nakina, North Bay, Pickle Lake and Dryden to name just a few, to rescue dogs destined for Southern Ontario through Northern Reach Rescue Network. His house is full at any given time with fosters waiting to be placed into their forever homes.
And dogs are not his only passion. Donald is a dedicated volunteer with Caring Hearts Cat Rescue & Sanctuary.
When he is not on the road travelling for dogs, he is often trapping stray and feral cats that would otherwise starve or freeze to death in the cold. He can often be found climbing towering trees to save terrified cats or braving 30 below temperatures to rescue kittens who most certainly would not have survived our inclement weather otherwise. In winter, he remains close by the traps he’s set for endless hours in below freezing temperatures to listen for the faintest meows.
Donald gives willingly to the animals, often out of his own pocket, so that the rescued dogs or cats will never be without food or shelter while in his care. When he’s not hopping on the road at a moments notice to rescue a dog with a broken leg, or trapping & rescuing strays in winter, Donald is busy delivering donated dog food to the various rescues and fosters throughout the city. He spends whatever little time he has remaining in the waiting rooms of Highview Animal Clinic or Crossroads, bringing sick or injured animals in for veterinary care, scheduled appointments, vaccinations and/or spay/neutering.
He gives selflessly of himself while expecting nothing in return. During the summer, he builds catios for raffle donations to help fund-raise for rescues like Save a Stray and Caring Hearts Cat Rescue & Sanctuary.
While he hides his kind heart behind his wicked sense of humour, Donald continuously helps others in need. Whether its by dry-walling basements or laying new flooring or helping the elderly, Donald can be found doing a true hero’s work on any given day!
