Photos and Article done by Mase Scarlet
Wayne and Donavan Solway’s care for the Nation’s stray dogs and housed dogs has shined through their work since opening in August 2023 with Soulway Sanctuary & Rescue. They have provided leadership, food and water, and beds.
Their work is truly important and impressive. They have mentioned they took in an injured dog found near the train tracks and took her in to help in any way they can, and she is currently thriving with them.
On July 5th, Soulway’s Dog Sanctuary and Rescue celebrated two of their legacy daycare dogs, Cersie and Bosie, who have been with them from the start of their mission—which is to rehouse dogs to loving homes.
It was a warm day outside and inside Nation members’ hearts, coming together to celebrate Soulway’s and their first daycare dogs. They provided hospitality not only to the dogs that showed up but their owners as well—with food, music, drinks, and games.
We at Siksika Media & Communications wish you the best, Soulway Dog Sanctuary and Rescue!
Here is our interview:
What is Soulway’s Dog Sanctuary and Rescue?
A privately owned and operated dog daycare, rescue, and adoption organization located in the heart of Siksika Nation. For nearly two years—opening day August 2023—we have proudly served our community by providing a safe haven for dogs in need, whether through daily dog daycare, rescue efforts, or adoption services.
What is Soulway’s mission for the Nation?
Our mission is to rehome surrendered or unhomed dogs into loving, responsible homes. The fees from our dog daycare services directly support the medical care of our animals, the maintenance of our facility, and the overall operation of our sanctuary. At Soulway’s, we are committed to the well-being of every dog that comes through our doors.
What was the event’s purpose on July 5th, 2025?
Our puppy doggy daycare birthday party is our opportunity to say thank you to our community and all our doggy daycare and sanctuary supporters, and our doggy daycare clients and the pups who have been with us from the beginning—loving and supporting us—and all the new friends we are making and will make in the future. It’s our way of saying thank you and giving back. We grew in attendance from last year greatly and plan to add more fun to the festivities in the future—even a BBQ.
Who are Cersie and Bosie?
Cersie and Bosie are two of our legacy doggy daycares. Cersie is the leader of the daycare pack—she’s always first to introduce herself to new pups and let them know the rules and lay of the land. Bosie and Cersie have been with us for three seasons of doggy daycare. Now, we’ve built an amazing relationship with their families, who have referred family and friends to join our daycare pack. All our daycare pack babies are near and dear to our hearts, but Bosie, Cersie, and Miss Marley have been with us since the start.
How do you provide all of the food?
Our limited dog food supply comes to us strictly for our limited dog sanctuary spaces. At this time, we work within our means. We are the first privately owned Nation kennel and sanctuary to our knowledge. Our doggy daycare feeds our sanctuary and shelter, and helps with the maintenance and care of our kennel and sanctuary pack.
Does the adoption fee money go anywhere else?
There is an adoption fee for each sanctuary puppy that goes toward the next pup’s initial medical needs and anything they may need to feel the most comfortable with us—i.e., toys, bedding, and blankets, etc. We are always open to dog supply donations and monetary donations, as well as donations for fencing, kennels, and building supplies.
Any future plans for Soulway’s Sanctuary?
Future plans are currently and always in the works. We hope to continue to rescue as many dogs as we can within our means and continue to support our community with doggy daycare as needed, as it appears to be a highly needed and greatly accepted service—so far in great demand. We love and care for each and every puppy as if they were our own and provide the owners with update videos throughout their stay with us.
How many current sanctuary dogs are there, and how many have been rehomed?
We currently have four sanctuary babies in our care, helping them to find loving, wonderful homes. We have currently homed 25 other puppies since we opened, who are all thriving. We are located at the east end of Siksika Nation. For the safety of our doggy daycare clients and to deter random drop-offs and abandonments of dogs—as we have had happen in the past—we do not post our exact location.
How was volunteering at this year’s Task Force Spay and Neuter Program for the first time?
It was an amazing experience and an immensely positive learning experience and hands-on opportunity for our lead kennel operations manager, Donavan Solway. He looks forward to returning next year.
Anything else to say or add?
We are thankful to Chief and Council and Land Management for supporting us as we grow to the needs of the community and their willingness to work with us as we grow and expand in the future. Soulway’s offers doggy daycare at this time, and four sanctuary spots and two emergency spots in times of need for other organizations—but we’re looking to add services as we grow in the future. We are also connected with Pawsitive Match Foundation out of Calgary. They are huge supporters of ours, always willing to help where they can with supplies we may need and visits of love and cuddles to the sanctuary and daycare pups. And our guardian angel—a lady who prefers to be anonymous—has helped us with our development, resources, and contacts, as well as guiding us in introductions with important contacts and supporters, such as RJ and his entire Task Force team, volunteers, and other sanctuary organizations and community members.
