Competing to save puppies

Donovan, 36, has decided to compete for a cause: the fight to eradicate puppy mills. "I've always had a connection with animals," she said. "If nobody speaks for these animals nothing will ever happen. These animals can't speak for themselves. I guess I just feel they need a voice."

In the fall of 2008, Donovan watched on the news as the Montreal branch of the animal welfare society busted three major puppy mills in as many months, saving hundreds of sick and mistreated animals.

The squalid conditions the animals had to endure broke her heart. "News started to appear on puppy mill raids and they were championed by the new administration at the SPCA," she said. "They physically go in and rescue the puppies."

A focused athlete, Donovan puts all her energies into her training when she's preparing for an event. This will be her fourth Ironman distance race.

She is now living in Lake Placid, NY, where she trains between 16 and 22 hours a week to prepare for the event. Her employers, (she's a background painter for an animated series) have shown her their full support and are letting her work from the United States. "I have to get used to these hills," she said, adding that the Lake Placid Ironman has a reputation for being particularly brutal. She'll often finish off a 160-km bike ride with a run just to get her legs used to extreme fatigue.

Quebec has the dubious reputation of being the puppy mill capital of North America.

Breeders in the province act can with impunity because of lax enforcement of animal welfare laws in Quebec. Earlier this year, the province launched a working group aimed at strengthening measures to prevent pet cruelty.

Still, animal welfare groups estimate some 800 illegal mills are operating in Quebec. "It's embarrassing for this province," Donovan said. "The laws are just not protecting the animals."

Alanna Devine, the executive director of Montreal's SPCA, says she couldn't be more appreciative of Donovan's efforts. "It's really nice to see someone doing something creative for the organization," said Devine, who also hails from Westmount.

She says the funds are sorely needed. "The (rescued) animals need a lot in the way of medical care. And we need the funds to do seizures and to educate the public."

Devine notes that raising public awareness of puppy mills is key — a sentiment echoed by Donovan. "I think awareness is the biggest component in why I chose the puppy mill cause," she said. "People hear the term puppy mill think it's simply a bad word, or words. But I don't think that most really have a clear picture of what goes on in these places."

She urges people to shop selectively for their pets. Pet stores often buy animals from mills because they're so cheap and so it boosts their profit margins. "Look into getting your pet from an animal shelter, rescue center or reputable breeder," Donovan said. "Read up on them before buying impulsively."

Donations can be made through Jenny Donovan's website: http://ironjenny.com