When you choose the Ontario SPCA MasterCard®* from BMO Bank of Montreal®, every purchase you make helps support animal welfare, with no additional cost to you. BMO Bank of Montreal is one of Ontario SPCA’s valued community partners. For over 20 years, we have worked with BMO Bank of Montreal to build the foundation for a successful affinity credit card program… one that not only generates revenue to cover the costs to rescue and care for thousands of pets across Ontario, but also offers valuable benefits that personally reward you for using the card! • With the BMO Ontario SPCA No Fee AIR MILES®† MasterCard, start collecting AIR MILES reward miles with every card purchase
• Or, if you prefer, choose a BMO Ontario SPCA No Fee CashBack®† MasterCard and get 0.5% CashBack on all your card purchases¹
Whether you’re looking for great value in a card or are interested in higher levels of rewards, the BMO Ontario SPCA MasterCard offers you both. If you don’t have a BMO Ontario SPCA MasterCard yet, we invite you to review the card features online at bmo.com/ospca. If you already have one, thank you for your support!
Make the choice that matters. Please help support the Ontario SPCA by applying today and selecting the card that makes sense for you. Terms and conditions
Award of AIR MILES reward miles or CashBack points is made for purchases charged to your account and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of your BMO MasterCard Cardholder Agreement.
Trade-marks/registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal. Trade-marks/registered trade-marks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ™/® Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Bank of Montreal. ™†/®† ™*/®*
Get the card that supports Ontario SPCA! Every time you use your BMO® Ontario SPCA MasterCard®* to make a purchase, a contribution is made to Ontario SPCA from BMO at no additional cost to you. Plus, reward yourself sooner — apply for a no fee BMO Ontario SPCA AIR MILES®† or CashBack® MasterCard and turn everyday purchases into CashBack or valuable rewards.
APPLY TODAY! bmo.com/ospca 1-800-263-2263
s
® Registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal. ®* Registered trade-mark of MasterCard International Incorporated. ®† Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Bank of Montreal.
ontariospca.ca
•
Fall 2012
Editor’s Note In every issue of Animals’ Voice, we want to share insider news and views about what is happening within our organization with our readers and supporters. While we work hard all year long to rise to the challenges and also celebrate our successes, we’d like to take a moment in this issue to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication from our team; not just the front-line officers and staff, but the donors, supporters, volunteers and corporate partners who are an integral part of our operations.
We want our fundraising enthusiasts who work tirelessly, volunteers who happily walk dogs despite rain or shine, corporate partners who create invaluable programs that raise funds and our financial donors who contribute donations of all sizes to know that we are thankful each and every day for your support. Every tail wag and every purr has come not from one person or branch, but a network of animal lovers across the province who want to see every animal have a safe and loving home. For all that you do, in the many ways that you have supported us, the Ontario SPCA would like to extend our gratitude. We are always thankful for your kindness, generosity and support!
animalstories halloweensafetytips idealdoghouse petadoption PEACrescue OSPCApawdcasts paws&give
On the cover A tired but relieved rescue dog is cared for by an agent in a rescue involving 63 dogs in Oxford Elgin-County. Flip to page 13 to get the scoop
CONTACT US AT: Ontario SPCA Provincial Office 16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR 3 Newmarket, ON L3Y 4W1 tel: 1-888-668-7722 email: info@ospca.on.ca website: ontariospca.ca
pg2 pg4 pg6 pg8 pg13 pg14 pg15
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Kate MacDonald Rob Godfrey EDITOR IN CHIEF: MANAGING EDITOR: ART DIRECTION: EDITORIAL:
Aubrie Porcelli Alison Cross Design Cabin Aubrie Porcelli
animals’voice® is published by the Ontario SPCA. Its contents may be reproduced with consent from the Society and with appropriate credit given. Information in this publication is provided in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the Ontario SPCA, nor any person involved in the preparation of this publication accepts any form of liability whatsoever for its contents including advertisements, editorial, opinions, advice or information, or for any consequences from their use. CHARITABLE REGISTRATION#: 88969 1044 RR0002
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Animal Stories Stella
Stella Brad Curiosity can often get the better of cats, particularly when there are new and exciting places to explore. Brad, a young tabby cat, was bravely investigating the crawl space under a deck when he became trapped and tangled up in his own flea collar that was dangerously wrapped around his neck and leg. Locals heard his cries and he was quickly rescued. Once he was examined by a veterinarian at the Ontario SPCA’s Muskoka Animal Centre, he was able to be put up for adoption. He is currently in the care of a loving foster family, who calls him the “Lion King” as he enthusiastically protects their home.
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As many husky owners can attest, they are a rambunctious breed that enjoy spending lots of time outdoors. The Leeds and Grenville branch was contacted by the owners of Stella, a Siberian Husky/Burmese Mountain Dog mix. Although Stella was eight-years old, she had never been outside or spent time around other dogs. She was very friendly around people, however once she arrived at the shelter, she needed to be slowly and methodically socialized. She also required basic obedience training such as walking on a leash. Stella successfully completed her remedial training and was put up for adoption. She was adopted by a wonderful new owner, who was so impressed with Stella and the work of the Leeds and Grenville branch that she decided to apply to become an Ontario SPCA agent!
Brad
Horse Adoption Did you know that horses become available for adoption through the Ontario SPCA? Some owners simply have a change in circumstances and are no longer able to care for their horses or find them suitable new homes. When a horse comes into our care (whether surrendered, removed or abandoned) they are seen by a veterinarian to assess their condition and we determine which foster family is able to care for them. This past September, we had four horses available for adoption. Varying in ages, they were Quarter Horses and a Thoroughbred. Two were suitable for riding and the other two for companion horses. We encourage potential adopters to have experience caring for horses before they apply.
Cadbury The best way to learn about which horses are currently available is to visit the Ontario SPCA horse adoptions webpage for more information.
Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
H
alloween can be a fun time of the year to dress your pet in an adorable themed costume and snack on candy (paws outta that bowl!) These safety tips will help you and your pets enjoy a stressfree and enjoyable evening. • Pumpkins look great carved and lit although they should be kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs. Not only can the candle cause injury to your pet, but may also be a fire hazard. Ingesting pieces of pumpkin can also cause stomach upset.
• Cute costumes are popular these days, but some pets do not enjoy dressing up. Make sure it doesn’t have any pieces that your pet could chew or choke on, and that it does not restrict movement. If your pet is uncomfortable or shows any unusual behavior, remove the costume. • Constant doorbell ringing or knocking can excite or even stress the most social dog. To avoid your pet darting out while the door is open, cats and dogs should be kept in a secure part of the house. • Make sure all tags and licenses are up-to-date in the event your pet escapes out the door. If your pet is microchipped, make sure your most recent telephone number and address are updated in their system.
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• Never give your pet candy! Chocolate is toxic for dogs (and other animals), and the artificial sweeteners in candy can make your pet sick. Plan to bake or buy some special pet treats so you aren’t tempted to give them candy.
• When decorating your house, take care not to leave exposed wires or cords lying around where your pet could lick or chew them. Any electrical items should be tucked away to prevent burns, shocks or cuts. If you do decide to dress your pet up, make sure it fits properly and does not have any fastenings that will tug on stray hair or be difficult to undo in case of emergency. Signs that a costume is too tight include pawing, chewing or other signs of discomfort. Avoid costumes that will interfere with your pet’s ability to see, hear, breathe, walk or go to the bathroom. When your pet is wearing their costume, be sure to supervise him or her at all times and keep them leashed when out and about in the neighbourhood. Costumes that have become undone or begin to irritate your pet should be taken off immediately to prevent distress.
If you have any questions about your pet’s safety during Halloween, contact your local veterinarian for additional advice. Halloween is a spooky and fun time for kids, grown-ups and pets alike. Keep your pet safe and happy this Halloween!
ExoticPet A
gent Brad Dewar, Investigations and Communications Officer with the Ontario SPCA, sits down with Animals’ Voice to talk about non-traditional or exotic pets and keeping them protected and properly cared for in the province of Ontario.
Q&A
such as turtles can live up to 80 years or more, owners need to be sure they can properly care for that type of pet and provide the living environment the specific species requires.
Animals’ Voice [AV]: Why do people choose to have an exotic pet? Agent Brad Dewar [BD]: Everyone has their own interests in the type of pet they would like to own. Someone may lean towards various other species, such as reptiles, because they feel it is an interesting hobby or unique animal to own versus the typical cat or dog. AV: What should pet owners know before buying an exotic pet?
BD: The first thing an owner should know is whether they are even allowed to own exotic pets in their specific municipality. The second thing is to do their due diligence. We advise that prospective pet owners speak to a local veterinarian that deals with the type of exotic pet they are interested in. They need to learn what sort of environmental needs, medical care and food that species requires to stay healthy. AV: Is it legal to keep an exotic pet in a private residence?
BD: There are no provincial laws in place. It is the individual municipalities that decide whether exotic pets are permitted in their area. We had one case in Welland, Ontario where the owner had crocodiles, over 100 snakes and various types of reptiles. When you consider that some reptiles
AV: Are there laws in place to protect exotic pets? BD: The OSPCA Act protects all animals, and in some cases the criminal code comes into effect as well. Exotic pets require the proper paperwork to be legally filed before they are imported into the country, which also ensure they are not an illegal, endangered species or carry a disease from other parts of the world. AV: How can the public educate themselves about exotic pets?
BD: We certainly encourage the public to do some research through knowledgeable veterinarians and reputable internet publications or websites. If they are considering buying an exotic pet, they need to ensure there is proper documentation and whether they are permitted to have care and control of that animal in their municipality.
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Make it a
Wonderful Winter for your Pet!
W
hile the fall weather is full of nice days and beautiful colours, now is the time to plan for your pet’s comfort this winter. If you’re thinking about keeping your dog outside this winter, a well-built doghouse and a few tips on winter care will keep your pet protected from the elements and healthy during chilly Ontario winters.
Winter healthcare for dogs
Dogs that are exposed to the elements, particularly in cold or wet weather, can suffer a variety of health problems. They can become more susceptible to common illnesses, and a consistently low body temperature can cause frostbite, hypothermia or death. They may also have increased dietary needs to keep them at a healthy body weight, whereas shivering or distress can cause them to lose weight. It takes more calories to keep them warm in the winter, so be sure to monitor their weight. When playing with your pet, be sure to stay away from frozen lakes, rivers and ponds. Although many surfaces may appear frozen, thin ice can easily be hidden by snow or simply appear solid. Staying close to home or taking a visit to the local dog park is not only safer, but socializing with other dogs is a form of mental exercise! Dogs that live outside during the winter months still need regular playtime and attention from family members.
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If this is the first year your dog will be kept outside, be sure to talk to your veterinarian so he or she can perform a quick check-up and ensure your pet is fit and healthy enough to withstand a winter outside. They may also have additional suggestions for winter care that are specific to your dog’s breed or the climate in your area. The introduction to outside living may take a few weeks, so always start slowly and in comfortable temperatures so your dog becomes accustomed to his or her doghouse. It becomes equally important to monitor your pet’s health and keep up with weekly grooming – which may be required more or less often depending on the breed. Keeping paws clean and dry is important to protect them from cold temperatures, salt from the roads and hard surfaces which can cause painful cracks or abrasions. During grooming sessions, check paws, trim nails, look for any dripping eyes or nostrils and listen for clear and even breathing. Take a note of anything that is unusual for your pet, and don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
Comfy, cozy and dry in a well-built doghouse
A proper doghouse is easy to build with our handy online guide. The framework of the house should be constructed with 2”x 2” pieces of wood, comprising of an entrance area that leads to a separate sleeping area.
Canines instinctively tend to keep their sleeping areas clean, and the entryway will prevent cold wind, rain or snow from reaching your dog during cold winter nights.
Remember! The doghouse should provide enough room for your pet to stand up, turn around and sit comfortably.
Check the doghouse dimensions guide to determine how big your doghouse should be. It is also recommended to plan your doghouse to be raised above ground level using brick, cinder blocks or a platform. This will prevent the doghouse from becoming flooded in spring rains or frozen to the ground in winter. Use shavings or straw bedding in sleeping area
Hinged roof of exterior plywood (1/2” to 3/4”)
When your doghouse is complete, it becomes time to decide what sort of bedding to use. Many pet owners assume blankets can make a suitable bed, however they are more likely to hold water and require washing frequently to stay clean. A better solution is to use fresh straw which is inexpensive and easy to store. It provides a warm, dry bed for your pet and only needs to be freshened up every one or two weeks.
Selecting the location of your doghouse may take some thought depending on the lay of the land around your house. A sunny spot protected by wind may be suitable for the winter, however will be too hot in the summer. Consider locations that provide seasonal protection, warmth, shade or wind. Moving the doghouse to suit the season is best. As a winter tip, adding a flap 2” x 2” Frame on roof ceiling to hold insulation panel over sleeping area of burlap or canvas that hangs over the doorway will prevent snow or wind in the winter months. Entire frame of 2” x 2”
Inner doorway Hall or vestibule
4” or 5” door sill (same on inside door) Elevate on brick or cinder block or on platform
Inside walls of 1/4” plywood or hardboard 2” x 4” support frame/skirt
1/2” exterior plywood
1 1/2” styrofoam insulation
Once you have completed the inner walls using plywood, cover the walls, floors and ceiling of the sleeping area with 1 and 1/2” styrofoam sheets to insulate them. You can finish the outer walls with exterior plywood to keep the elements from causing premature deterioration of the doghouse. Adding a coat or two of non-leaded, weatherproof paint will seal out poor weather.
Enjoy the winter together!
While your dog may enjoy the freedom of living outdoors, spending time together is an important part of owning a pet. Many dogs thrive on playtimes, cuddles and quality time with their owners. Bundle up in warm winter gear and head out for a game of fetch or a nice brushing! If your pet is soaked from rain or snow, drying them off with a towel indoors is a good idea before putting them out again.
Allowing your pet to live outdoors is a dream come true for many hardy, outdoor breeds. By building a proper doghouse and being vigilant about your pet’s health, your dog will have a wonderful and safe winter!
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Adopting a Pet
Makes a World of Difference
W
hen overcoming the challenges of homeless pets, many people wonder how they can make a difference. The number of homeless pets grows every year as more and more animals are in need of new homes. What many prospective pet owners don’t realize is how important they could be to a homeless pet. Just walking through the hallways of any animal adoption centre makes the average pet owner want to take them all home. Although firsttime pet owners tend to envision a puppy or kitten joining their family, experienced pet owners are also aware of the increased care and training young animals require. Puppies and kittens also require early health care such as shots and spay or neutering. They may chew, claw and play bite. It is also difficult to interpret what sort of personality a young pet will grow up to have, and whether it will fit into your family.
By welcoming them into your home, you are giving that pet a second chance at life to make new, happy memories.
Thanks to exciting programs like Feline-ality® and Canine-ality®, which match adopters with like-minded pets, owners can discover which pets would fit their lifestyle. Have lots of energy and a busy household? Green pets are right for you. Like lounging and cuddling up on the couch? Purple would be your perfect match!
A “free” animal can cost three times as much as an animal adopted from the Ontario SPCA once you’ve paid for equivalent New owners are also welcomed to services. contact the branch with any questions
Animals that are available from Ontario SPCA Branches are up-to-date on their shots and younger animals have had their first set of vaccinations. All animals adopted out have been spayed or neutered, which can save owners a considerable amount of money versus having the procedure done at a veterinary clinic. Each adopter will receive their very own adoption kit from our friends at IAMS®, to help them get started with their new pet. A “free” animal can cost three times as much as an animal adopted from the Ontario SPCA once you’ve paid for equivalent services.
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Adoption is not only an economically wise decision in the purchase of your next pet, but the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that you have made an incredible difference in an animal’s life. Many animals that end up in shelters have been neglected, abandoned or injured. Their former life may have been full of difficult experiences and sad memories.
they may have about their new pet. The Provincial Education and Animal Centre [PEAC] also has a variety of support programs that new owners can take advantage of like pet care or training classes.
Take a visit to your local Ontario SPCA Branch during adoption hours to learn more about available pets and the adoption process. If you are ready to adopt but have a specific breed or type of pet you’re compatible with, you can also browse the popular website Petango to find a pet in your area that’s right for you!
Amazing youth volunteer
Bridget Roberts W
e are so pleased to feature one of our energetic youth volunteers, Bridget Roberts, in this issue’s volunteer profile. Bridget has been volunteering for the Ontario SPCA since last February, and assists shelter staff with an incredible variety of tasks. She socializes animals, helps staff with post-surgical recovery, orienting new volunteers, assisting with adoptions and so much more.
“I joined the Ontario SPCA [as a volunteer] because I love working with the animals, and adopted my dog from [the shelter] several years ago. I knew that when I was old enough, I would love volunteering here!” said Bridget. “I also love helping the animals get adopted and see them go home to loving families.”
In addition to working with the animals, Bridget appreciates and enjoys learning from experienced Adoption Coordinator Jenn Baker. Bridget notes that every bit of time spent with the animals can make a big difference. “This has taught me how much three hours a week with the shelter animals can change their lives.” In her spare time, Bridget loves to play with her dog Lily and cat Abby, spending time baking, swimming and playing soccer. We’d like to congratulate Bridget on a job well done! If you are interested in learning more about how you can help the animals of the Ontario SPCA as a volunteer, please visit our volunteer page.
PEAC EVENT
Supported By:
For more information - meetyourmatch.ontariospca.ca 9
We V.A.L.U.E.
the Safety of Animals
As a follow-up to our No Hot Pets campaign last summer, York Regional Police Community Services, Toronto Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police partnered with the Ontario SPCA to spread the word about the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles.
Operation V.A.L.UE. (Vulnerable Animals Left Unattended Everyday) took place on July 28th at the Vaughan Mills Mall, which is a large shopping centre in Vaughan, Ontario. The parking lot, on a busy shopping day, can appear endless with parked cars as far as the eye can see. It was the ideal location to educate the community. Members of the participating organizations as well as a veteri-
GivingThanks
As we gather around the table with our families and friends to give thanks this holiday season, it is important to remember why we are thankful. Good health and spending time with those we love, including our wonderful furry family members, are a few reasons. At the Ontario SPCA, we have so many reasons, big and small, why we are so incredibly thankful for all the help, support and encouragement we receive every year.
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narian were present to answer questions and share information about the consequences of leaving pets in overheated cars. Cooling splash pools, misting machines and shady tents were available for pet owners to utilize. Pet owners are always encouraged to leave pets at home instead of in cars, especially in extreme hot or cold temperatures. A vehicle can create temperatures that mimic a sweltering oven or a frigid icebox, depending on the weather. The Ontario SPCA was thrilled to assist with Operation V.A.L.U.E, and would like to thank our community partners for hosting the event as well as all who participated! Each day can be very different than the next. We never know which animals will come through our doors, and what condition they will be in. From the smallest kitten to the largest horse, we always hope they are simply lost and waiting for their owner to retrieve them for a happy ending. We are thankful for responsible pet owners who tag and microchip their pets, and the look of joy on a pet’s face when they are reunited with their owners. When it comes time to feed the many mouths of our shelter animals, we are thankful for the donations and financial support of the community. A contented young dog, tummy
full, purring kittens napping with their litter after being fed, an older cat enjoying quiet time after receiving much-needed medical attention – these are all daily reminders of how community support allows us to provide this care to our animals in need.
Our volunteers, staff and supporters all deserve our gratitude. They are truly exceptional, and their dedication to the animals is truly inspiring. From the staff members who work extra hours to pay special attention to sick or elderly ani-mals who need additional care, to the donors and corporate supporters who go
out of their way to provide food, supplies and financial support, to the volunteers who walk the dogs in rain or shine and clean out litter boxes and socialize kittens. They are all integral parts of our animal welfare community team. We are humbled and always thankful for the generosity and caring of all our supporters and donors. You make a difference each and every day in the lives of so many animals. To learn more about donating and becoming an ally in animal welfare, please visit our donation page to learn more.
What a walk! Friends for Life! Walk-a-thon wrap up Over 1,500 enthusiastic walkers from across the province along with their pets, friends and family came out to support the Ontario SPCA at the Friends for Life! Walk-a-thon, presented by IAMS®.
The walks have raised more than $350,000 (and still counting) of valuable funds which will be used for the more than 25,000 animals that come through our shelters on average each year. The funding will also help expand our community services, such as our highvolume spay and neuter clinics and human education efforts. It also supports agent training and services, which means that more agents can be out in the field, investigating animal concerns and helping those in need. This year, we were lucky to have some celebrity star power, including CTV’s etalk anchor Tanya Kim who was the Honorary Chair of
our 1st Walk in the Toronto area, and Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni. Fans were thrilled to see these two amazing animal lovers supporting the cause!
“We’d like to thank our provincial sponsors IAMS® and Ren’s Pets Depot, BMO Mastercard, the hundreds of local community sponsors, all of our volunteers and everyone who participated on either two or four furry legs!” said Brittany Koffman, Ontario SPCA Community Development Coordinator.
It is thanks to your support that we are able to make things better for animals across the province. Walking together saves more animals lives. It’s that simple! Look for more updates on plans for the 2013 Friends for Life! Walk in your community!
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Lincoln County Humane Society to open clinic for high-volume services The Lincoln County Humane Society [LCHS] is pleased to be opening a spay and neuter clinic this coming winter to provide highvolume services for the community. The existing clinic was receiving a large quantity of requests for affordable spay and neutering in the area, so the LCHS and the Ontario SPCA partnered up to convert the current clinic into a high-volume service facility. “There is a definite need for the service, we already have proven that the community will utilize the services when available. We could probably put them up in many more locations, and people will swarm to use the services,” said Tanya Firmage, Director of
Animal Welfare and Operations at the Ontario SPCA. The new high-volume spay/neuter service will be accessible to everyone in the St. Catharines area. This service is an essential step in ending pet overpopulation - the answer is in prevention,” said Inspector Kevin Strooband, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Humane Society. Once the clinic is up and running, staff will be able to provide spay and neutering services for as many as 25 animals per day. If you would like to learn more about the Ontario SPCA Spay/Neuter Services please visit www.spayneuter.ontariospca.ca.
Elliot Lake Rescue and Relief efforts On June 23rd, 2012, the Algo Centre Mall’s roof collapsed in the city of Elliot Lake, located in Algoma District of Ontario, north of Lake Huron. This disaster not only took the lives of two people and left others seriously injured, but as a large source of employment, the closure of the mall has put pressure on the community.
To help the pet owners in the area, the Ontario SPCA Rescue & Relief team, in collaboration with the Elliot Lake Food Bank, will be going up to Elliot Lake to deliver a trailer full of animal care supplies for the community. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada [PIJAC] asked the pet supply vendors at their national tradeshow this past September to donate any leftover promotional goods and supplies, which will be added to the trailer and transported up to Elliot Lake.
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“Our Rescue & Relief team’s number one priority is the animals. We will do whatever we can to ensure every family has support in caring for their pets,” said Agent Brad Dewar, Investigations and Communications Officer. If you would like to make a donation of financial support or supplies to help the Ontario SPCA Rescue & Relief efforts please visit www.ospcarescue.ca.
63 Dogs Recovered
from Oxford-Elgin County Residence
W
hen the Ontario SPCA received a call regarding dogs that needed care, they were shocked to find 63 dogs of various breeds and sizes living in tight quarters at a private residence. The dogs were transported to the Provincial Education and Animal Centre [PEAC] in Newmarket, Ontario, to be examined and treated by a veterinarian. “The PEAC staff really came through and did an excellent job of managing the arrival and organization of that many dogs. It can be a strain on the shelter when you have a large number of animals come in at once, but our staff made sure each and every animal was given the care it really needed,” said Brad Dewar, Investigation and Communications Officer. The attending veterinarian, Dr. Robertson, remarked that “…large numbers of animals removed in a rescue and relief operation
require special care and consideration. There is usually a significant disease presence and often animals are in such poor condition that they have poor immune responses. These animals need to be isolated and treated as a group. This requires a significant investment in labour to provide care for these animals, often for months before they may be considered for adoption.” “Pet owners should not hesitate to contact their local shelter or Ontario SPCA branch if they have questions or doubts about their ability to provide the minimum standard of care for their pets,” noted Chief Inspector Connie Mallory.
To help with the care and feeding of so many dogs, the Ontario SPCA welcomes any contributions the community is able to provide. Please visit www.ontariospca.ca for ways you can donate.
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Pawsitively bored with the radio?
Check out our
Pawdcasts! D
o you ever find yourself shutting off the radio in the car because you are tired of listening to the same “Top 20” songs over and over again? If you’re like me, podcasts are a great way to stay entertained in the car and turns daily driving into a much more enjoyable experience. Thankfully, the great minds in the communications department brewed up a “Pawdcast” series, where we can all get great pet information, Ontario SPCA updates, animal facts and so much more on our media devices! By definition, a podcast is a type of digital media presented in a series. The most popular types of podcasts are audio or video, and you can download or stream them on your mobile phone, MP3 player or computer. It’s web broadcasting at its best - did I mention free as well? With a little bit of internet know-how, you can even import pawdcasts into your iTunes or MP3 library. Not just for the car, they are great to listen to on rainy days, while walking your pet or while you’re cooking up a storm or whenever you’re looking for some great pet-related entertainment!
OSPCA Radio The pawcasts are hosted by animal lover and podcaster Jamie West. Jamie shares stories, news, views and interviews. In previous episodes, Jamie has interviewed important Ontario SPCA staff and affiliate members such as Chief Inspector Constance Mallory,
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Regional Inspector Lynn Michaud, Director of Shelter Health and Wellness Dave Wilson, and more. Every episode shares a fast fact about animals, and you’d be surprised at some of the fascinating info that Jamie digs up! Guest speakers also include animal professionals and industry insiders, such as Warren House, Marketing Manager of Nutrience who discusses the science of animal nutrition and recent advances in pet food. Senior Inspector Larry Wilkinson also joins Jamie to talk about puppy mills, and how the internet is making a big difference in locating and investigating puppy mills and unscrupulous breeding operations.
Fast Facts: dogs can smell out early cancer cells in patients. They are specially trained to detect abnormal cells and alert their handlers. Studies have shown that dogs can detect breast and lung cancer with 99% accuracy!
Next time you’re about to take a long roadtrip, a relaxing bath or just something to avoid Justin-what’s-his-name on the radio, visit our Ontario SPCA Pawdcasts page and find out the latest and greatest info about the organization as well as what’s new in the world of pets and animal welfare. Give us a shout on Facebook or Twitter, and let us know what you think!
Make a difference this holiday season with
Paws & Give
I
f you’re looking to get a jump on that lengthy holiday shopping list, the Ontario SPCA can help you avoid those endless lines in packed shopping malls by choosing to help animals in need this coming holiday season. Our exciting 2012 Holiday Paws & Give line-up is designed to help supporters select where their donation dollars are utilized. We recently launched some great new additions to the virtual gift catalogue. There are items at all levels of support, ranging from that tempting holiday treat for a shelter animal all the way up to sponsoring a shelter for a day on behalf of a family, employee group, congregation or corporation.
When animals first arrive at a shelter, our front-line staff never know what they are going to encounter. Animals are triaged immediately upon arrival by one of our caring veterinarians, to assess their current physical condition and make sure they are not injured or ill. Sponsor them with a Health Check: Cat $50, Dog $70. Many of these animals are uncertain of their new environment. Some may be scared due to previous injury, neglect or abuse. Our wonderful staff always provide a reassuring and soothing touch. Many animals are underweight and need added nutrition to help them on their way to becoming fit for adoption. Holiday Cat Care $100, Holiday Dog Care $130. Reassure and comfort them by giving them a warm place to sleep, medical assistance and healthy food with a Holiday Cat Care $100 or Holiday Dog Care $130.
The youngest shelter occupants are typically young puppies or newborn kittens. Life without someone to love you can be lonely. Until they are ready for adoption, the shelter will be the only home they know. Provide nourishing food to help them grow up healthy and strong and give them
a snuggly blanket to sleep in: Feed a Kitten $20, Feed a Puppy $30, Holiday Comfort Blanket, $6.
When one of our shelter pets finally meets his or her new forever family, it is one of the most rewarding and wonderful parts about working with shelter animals. New dog owners will want to give their new canine family member a place to run, play and find happiness once again. Give them space to exercise and socialize with a new dog park and agility course: Dog park Share: $500 These are just some examples of how you can make a big difference in an animal’s life. Once you have selected your gift, you will be able to choose a type of card to send. You can select from a personalized PDF card to download, a print card to send yourself, a personalized print card to be sent on your behalf or a personalized e-card.
Paws & Give’s program director Heather McLean notes, “these donations, particularly around a busy season like the holidays, can mean so many things to so many animals. The impact of Paws & Give donations have been wonderful. Our catalogue has many items that donors can select from that make the perfect gift!” We receive letters from recipients who have been notified of these wonderful gifts that were made in their honour, telling us how much they enjoyed enriching the lives of animals in Ontario! Send one to your family, friends and colleagues, and let them have the same feeling of knowing their gift improved the lives of Ontario’s animals.
To browse our exclusive 2012 Holiday Paws & Give catalogue of life-saving gifts, please visit www.pawsandgive.ca now!
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©2012 P&G ©2012 P&G
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