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Christina Williamson Albany
Christina is an amazing young woman who totally changed the way of thinking in a South Shore shelter a few years ago. She has devoted her life to rescuing animals through A.M.R. and anyone who knows her just adores her. She is also a newlywed. Congrats Mrs. Albany !
Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born in the city of Montreal, and now live on the south shore with my hubby, our two dogs, two guinea pigs, 3 turtles, one hedgehog, and a blue tongue skink (all adopted of course)
When did you first realize you wanted to help/work with animals? How old were you?
I remember as a child saying that I wanted to become a vet, but I really started getting into animal welfare around the age of 18
What was your first experience in working with/helping dogs?
My first experience was when I moved into my first apartment. It was in a really run down area and one of the neighbours tied an 8 week old yellow lab puppy in the stair well 3 days in a row. The poor guy just kept on crying; I ran upstairs to his “guardian” and told him I was taking the dog and that if he had a problem to call the police on me. I took the dog, put him in my school bag and got on the bus and went straight to my friend’s house. Luckily her mother absolutely fell in love with him and they decided to adopt him. Last I heard a couple years ago, he was still alive and doing great… (They said they couldn’t imagine life without him 🙂
Tell us about your animal background.
I was hired at AMR as a summer job before starting an animal health technology program in college. I had already adopted my two dogs from there several months before. I’ve worked many places but never anything involving animals… other than volunteering at some Vanier College’s spay/neuter clinics.
You have changed an entire organization’s way of thinking. We are all so proud of you. How did you do it?
I have no idea! I guess it’s just educating people who didn’t know better. As far as puppy mills go, we take in all dogs that are deemed useless by the millers who choose to surrender them to our shelter. There is no greater feeling than seeing an ex mill dog settled in their home and once again being a loved member of a family
What do you see in your future regarding helping animals?
I definitely know that AMR will be getting a new shelter and we are looking at top of the line animal control. We would like to maybe be a trendsetter for Quebec animal controls, by basing ourselves on those of other provinces and all the great things they offer their animal and human community members.
What would you like to tell fellow Montrealers about their dogs, good or bad, with your experience?
STERILISE AND TAG YOUR PETS!!! Please, there are way too many animals in our shelter and definitely not enough homes for them. Don’t forget to tag your pets; with proper municipal licences…it can save your pet’s life.
Christina Williamson Albany
A.M.R. Animal Services – manager
450-638-9698
www.refugeamr.com
TPK
”In rescuing animals, I lost my mind, but found my soul.” ~anonymous
