HUMANEINSIDER
MARCH 2024 TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY
FEATURED ARTICLES
A Message from Our CEO: Embracing Change Within Our Spaces Navigating the Page 2
Conversation on Dangerous Dog Legislation
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Toronto Humane Society in the News
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Volunteer Updates
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Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities
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A New Toronto Humane Society Published Study: A Multidisciplinary and Trauma-Informed Approach to Community-Based Support Programs
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Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Linda Jacobson - the OVMA Outstanding Veterinarian Award Recipient Page 9
February Community Day Impact Report
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Ruby's Journey from Foster to Forever Home Page 11
Upcoming Events
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A Message from Our CEO: Embracing Change Within Our Spaces
In the spirit of progress and with an eye towards the future, Toronto Humane Society continues to evolve, not just in our advocacy and services but also within our very walls. This memo aims to highlight significant organizational changes designed to enhance our work environment and deepen our engagement on critical community issues, particularly the proposed dog safety legislation in Toronto. Let's embark on this update, together reflecting on our mission and the tangible steps we're taking to further our impact
Enhanced Spaces for Collaboration and Well-being
Recognizing the value of our physical environment in supporting our collective well-being and effectiveness, the following is the current plans for the renovation and reconfiguration of our spaces that will be taking place over the coming months:
Staff/Volunteer Lounge Transformation: The former volunteer center, is undergoing renovation to become a dedicated lounge for staff and volunteers This new area is being reconfigured to offer comfortable seating, a quiet atmosphere for decompression, and facilities for enjoying meals away from the hustle of our day-to-day responsibilities
Volgistics Login: Computers across the facility will be updated with the Volgistics login tab on their browser to support Volunteer login at any space that the Enrichment list is accessed
Meeting Space Revitalization: To address the growing challenge of finding adequate meeting spaces, especially as our public training initiatives expand, we are implementing several strategic changes:
Multi-Functional Board and Lunch Rooms:
The board room and existing lunch room spaces are being adapted to serve dual purposes They will function as dynamic areas where staff can both enjoy their meals and host meetings.
Lunch Room Scheduling: The north half of the lunch room will remain a dedicated space for dining between noon and 2pm Outside these hours, it will be available for booking via an Outlook calendar, ensuring availability for meetings or quiet work The south lunch room will similarly transition to a bookable meeting space, optimizing our use of available areas.
Facility Enhancements for Greater Flexibility: The relocation of the water cooler to the kitchen and the introduction of café-style seating in the Old Room U/hallway are designed to foster informal collaboration and provide additional spaces for one-on-one meetings or peaceful breaks This reimagining of our common areas underscores our commitment to creating an environment that nurtures both productivity and personal wellbeing
Dedicated Health, Wellness, & Prayer Space: The space immediately to the left of entering the call centre will provide a Health & Safety/Multi-Purpose space reflects our ongoing commitment to the diverse needs of our team. This area will support various uses, from health and safety room, to serving as a quiet space for prayer or meditation, ensuring that our facilities cater to the holistic needs of our community
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Navigating the Conversation on Dangerous Dog Legislation
The proposed dangerous dog legislation in Toronto has ignited a significant debate, calling for a nuanced understanding and response from our community Toronto Humane Society stands at the forefront of this discussion, advocating for policies that are informed by compassion, research, and a deep understanding of animal behaviour.
Our response to the legislation is grounded in the belief that safety and compassion are not mutually exclusive. Through comprehensive education, humane ownership, and evidencebased policies, we can foster a community that is safe for all its members, both human and animal Our detailed perspective is available here, and we encourage you to engage with our content, share it within your networks, and contribute to a more informed and balanced discussion on this issue
Staff Reminder: Workplace Mental Health Survey
The Workplace Mental Health Survey deadline has been extended until Tuesday ,March 5 If you haven't completed the survey yet, please take the time to do so as we want to gain insights into the well being of our staff at Toronto Humane Society.
Your input is invaluable and will play an important role in shaping our workplace culture Please click here to take the survey
In January 2024, Toronto Humane Society was mentioned in over 72media clips and reached over 58,014,815 earned media impressions through radio, online news and television! Of this earned media coverage, 79% came from news articles, 14% from television, and 7% on the radio Here’s what Toronto Humane Society news was buzzing in the media last month.
Cat’s Can Be Trained
Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, Director of Behavior at Toronto Humane Society, suggests utilizing patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement methods like clicker training and target practice with preferred treats to effectively train a cat, emphasizing the importance of short sessions for optimal learning in this Globe and Mail article.
Protect Pets from the Cold
Dr. Karen Ward, Chief Veterinary Officer at Toronto Humane Society, shares tips to protect pets during winter season. This coverage received high impressions due to coverage in Global News
Adoptable Animals
Several news articles feature pets up for adoption at Toronto Humane Society, including Fate, Goldie, Phyllis, and Ragnar
Other Stories
FOREVER FRIEND: Sabo, a mixed breed dog, needs training and patience | Toronto Sun
CBC Toronto Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs
Amazon teams up with Toronto Humane Society to find more homes for pets - NOW Toronto
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Volunteer Updates
Volunteer and Foster Parent Town Hall
Date: Thursday, March 28 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm.
Event Details: This is forum for us to connect with our volunteers and foster parents to share important updates, get your input and/or answer any questions you may have! In this town hall participants will hear from:
Volunteer Department 1 Foster Department 2 Shelter Care 3. Adoption Department 4.
Location: Zoom - Town Hall Registration to register
Anniversaries
Please join us in celebrating volunteers who are reaching a milestone anniversary this month! Thank you for all your hard work and continued dedication!
1 Year:
Brendan H, Feline Care and Special Species Care
Jessica S, Canine Care, Feline Care and Special Species Care
5 Years:
Peter R, Photography and Events Tanya S, Canine Care
March Volunteer Spotlight – Bev McHenry: A Compassionate Advocate for Animal Welfare
In the heart of Toronto Humane Society's Pet Parent Support Network (PPSN) shines a dedicated volunteer, Bev McHenry. Over the past year, Bev has not only been a tireless advocate for the well-being of animals but has also taken on added responsibilities as a PPSN Team Lead, showcasing her commitment and leadership within the program
A Long-Awaited Journey to Volunteering
Having supported Toronto Humane Society for many years, she eagerly anticipated retirement as an opportunity to devote more time to volunteering. While her initial wish was to be a dog walker, Bev found a profound sense of fulfillment in her role with the PPSN.
As Bev transitioned into her volunteer role, she discovered that supporting pet parents directly translated into supporting the animals she cared so deeply about The flexibility of her role allowed her to seamlessly integrate volunteering into her schedule, a crucial aspect for someone who values an active lifestyle of walking and hiking. Additionally, the online and remote nature of her work eliminated commuting time, offering Bev an efficient and convenient way to contribute
Digital Sharpness and Continuous Learning
Bev highlighted the additional benefits of her role that extended beyond her initial expectations Volunteering for PPSN not only allows her to support pet parents but also keeps her digitally sharp, ensuring that she remains connected with the ever-evolving world For Bev, maintaining a young, fresh perspective is essential, and her role within PPSN helps her achieve this goal.
Discovering the Depth of Impact
Over the past year, Bev's journey with Toronto Humane Society has been marked by continuous learning. She discovered facets of Toronto Humane Society's services, such as the Public Veterinarian Services and the Pet Food Bank, that she hadn't known about previously. Beyond the educational aspect, Bev has had the pleasure of meeting vibrant and like-minded individuals who share her passion for animals
Facing Challenges with Unwavering Resolve
Volunteering for PPSN, especially as a Team Lead, comes with its set of challenges The seemingly endless need for assistance can be overwhelming However, what keeps Bev coming back are the powerful visuals – such as the photos on social media depicting the animals they've helped Each image serves as a source of inspiration, reminding Bev of the tangible impact she is making in the lives of these animals and their guardians.
Bev McHenry's journey as a volunteer with Toronto Humane Society exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and passion. Her commitment to the Pet Parent Support Network not only supports the organization's mission but also enriches her own life with purpose, learning, and the joy of making a difference Thank you, Bev, for your unwavering dedication to animal welfare and your invaluable contributions to the Toronto Humane Society
Volunteer Opportunity : Public Training Group Class Assistant
Are you a current Canine Care Volunteer? Would you be interested in helping members of the public and learning from our certified group class instructor? Then this role is for you!
The Public Training Group Class Assistants will assist with running of the group training classes
provided by our Public Training Services You will assist the Certified Group Class Instructor or Certified Trainer with the setup, greeting class participants, escorting participants in and out of the building, and other duties necessary for our group classes to run smoothly You will assist in the classes, learn from the class instructors, and provide assistance to class participants in positive reinforcement-based training exercises This position is now for any level of Canine Care Volunteer!
We are looking to fill the following shift time: Thursdays 5:30pm – 9:00pm If you are available for that shift time and interested in the role, please email Chris at cbuchner@torontohumanesociety.com
Clicker Training Club
This meeting will be on Tuesday March 19th, 2024, at 1:00pm and will be hosted by Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, Director of Behaviour. Please bring your clicker with you If you don’t already own one, they are available for purchase at the front desk Capacity is limited, so please sign up online in advance to ensure your spot.
What to expect:
Learn about the theory and application of clicker training
Practice your skills and timing with a clicker
No animals will be present, but the skills you learn can be applied to working with ANY animal
All experience levels welcome, from complete beginners or expert trainers
Who is invited: All Staff, Volunteers and Foster Parents are welcome!
Where: Board Room, 2nd floor, 11 River Street
Registration Link: Clicker Training Booking
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Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities
Staff Announcements
Toronto Humane Society is continually growing!
Here is a list of new staff members who have joined our team or moved internally
Sabrina Di Donato, Veterinarian
Victoria Young, Veterinary Assistant
Caitlin Shanhan, Veterinary Assistant
Candice McCavitt, moved to Major Gifts Officer
Career Opportunities
Toronto Humane Society is committed to Improving the the Lives of Animals Our team of talented, dedicated staff work to support this mission.
If you are interested in joining our dedicated team please forward your resume to our Human Resource Department via email at hiring@torontohumanesociety.com.
Current Job Openings:
Social Worker, Part-Time
Social Worker- Full Time
Director, Academic Welfare Strategy and Experiential Learning
Senior Major Gifts Officer
Maintenance Technician
Registered Veterinary Technician - Public Veterinary Services
animal welfare The article, which you can read here, sheds light on our innovative approach and the dedication of our team members.
A heartfelt congratulations and appreciation go out to Lauralee Dorst, Director of Community Animal Welfare, Dillon Dodson, Director of Social Worker, and Beverley McKee, Senior Manager of Public Support Services, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the narrative of our efforts Their work not only showcases the depth of our impact on the community but also underscores the importance of a learning-forward mindset
Our partnerships with PetSmart Charities of Canada and La Fondation Emmanuelle Gatusso have played a crucial role in expanding our reach
the animals we serve
The insights and experiences shared in the article serve as inspiration for us all. They demonstrate what can be achieved when we work together, pooling our knowledge, passion, and dedication to push the boundaries of what's possible in animal welfare.
As we move forward, let's continue to support each other, learn from our collective experiences, and strive towards even greater accomplishments.
A New Toronto Humane Society Published Study: A
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Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Linda Jacobson - The OVMA Outstanding Veterinarian Award Recipient
In the world of veterinary medicine, compassion dedication, and a relentless pursuit of knowledg are essential qualities. Dr. Linda Jacobson, th Senior Manager of Shelter Medicine Advancemen at Toronto Humane Society, exemplifies thes qualities. Her recent acknowledgment with th Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA Outstanding Veterinarian Award serves as testament to her remarkable contributions to th field. This well-deserved recognition underscore Dr. Jacobson's outstanding commitment an impact in veterinary medicine.
Recipients of the OVMA Outstanding Veterinarian award showcase a diverse array of exceptional contributions to their communities. From active involvement in committees and associations to dedicated volunteer work within and beyond their communities, or initiatives aimed at enhancing animal welfare provincially, OVMA's award winners consistently elevate the veterinary profession. Dr. Linda Jacobson not only meets these criteria but goes above and beyond in her efforts to make a positive impact every day.
Click here to read the full article on or blog
A Trailblazer in Research and Advancement
Dr. Jacobson's association with Toronto Humane Society began as a volunteer in 2009. Subsequently, she joined as a staff veterinarian in 2010 after obtaining her Canadian license Her career at Toronto Humane Society has been marked by a combination of clinical work, research, and a keen interest in infectious diseases that all aim to positively influence animal welfare in shelters and communities
One of her proudest achievements is assisting in Toronto Humane Society’s completion of the only two national studies on access to veterinary care in Canada “The starting point for every major initiative is data. How big is the problem, what are the main priorities, how will we measure progress? We have just published the first study in the Canadian Veterinary Journal,” she explains Dr. Linda Jacobson's journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals The OVMA Outstanding Veterinarian Award is a well-deserved recognition of her exemplary contributions to the field of veterinary medicine As she continues to lead with compassion and innovation, Dr Jacobson inspires others to join the movement toward a world where every animal receives the care it deserves. Congratulations, Dr. Linda Jacobson, on this wellearned achievement!
A Recap of the First Community Day Event of 2024
Our second Community Day event of the year was a heartwarming success on February 7th! The excitement began early, with pet parents lining up around our building Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to provide pet food, supplies, and cozy blankets to community members in need.
A huge shoutout to all our wonderful supporters! Whether you donated items or volunteered at the event, your contributions play a vital role in making our Community Days possible Together, we're making a positive impact on our community!
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Ruby's Journey from Foster to Forever Home
Five years ago, a couple decided it was time to welcome a furry friend into their lives. With a preference for a senior dog, they connected with Toronto Humane Society, completed the necessary modules, and eagerly ventured into the kennels each weekend to meet the dogs in person.
It was on a particularly noisy day that they first laid eyes on Ruby, who, despite the chaos around her, rested calmly in her bed They expressed their interest, leading to Ruby's journey into their hearts and home.
Little did they know, Ruby's past was marked by hardship. She had been brought in to be surrendered due to needing Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) surgery and various medications, expenses
Ruby underwent CCL surgery, dental work, and time to heal from eye ulcers. Weekly physio appointments became a routine part of her rehabilitation When Ruby first moved into he foster home, she was afraid of stairs, likely due to pain from her injury and her excess body weight. Through careful weight management and physiotherapy, Ruby conquered her fear, triumphantly ascending the steps once more
“Ruby has been with us for five years now. Ruby’s animated face and demeanor make her great company She convinces us from time to time to let her go on the couch or bed, where she attempts to gather up all the blankets so she can lean into the pile,” her pet parents shared in an updated. “Ruby loves “the lean”. She still remembers all the tricks her previous owners taught her: sit; sit pretty; speak; roll over; play dead; ‘bang bang’. Ruby is a darling of the neighbourhood. She is very drawn to people, especially children She goes for daily walks and twice a week takes very long walks through the neighbourhood ravine”
As Ruby enters her golden years, she may sleep a bit more, and certain activities may have become more challenging, but her essence remains unchanged. Her love for ravine walks, her affectionate "lean" into blankets, and her unwavering companionship make Ruby a constant source of warmth in her home
Rubys’ pet parents reflect on their fortune in having Ruby in their lives, “Ruby is now beginning to show her age She has lost most of her hearing and some of her eyesight She’s had a few teeth removed so no more chew toy, tug of war games. She sleeps more than she used to. But Ruby maintains her perky nature, she’s still great company, and she still loves her ravine walks We’re lucky and grateful to have had Ruby these past five years. We’re pretty sure she feels the same way about us.”
May Ruby's tale inspire others to consider the beauty and richness that senior dogs bring into our lives, proving that every adoption creates a story of enduring companionship and shared love.
Upcoming Events
International Women’s Day
March 8th
An international day to celebrate the social, cultural, political, and economic achievements of all women
World Water Day
March 22
A day focusing on what water means to people around the world, what it’s true value is, and what we can do to protect water as a vital resource
Ramadan
March 10th – April 9th
A time to engage in sawn (fasting), reflection, ṣalāt (communal prayer), and Qur’ān readings
Saint Patrick’s Day
March 17th
Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated world-wide to recognize Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, as well as the Irish culture.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21st
A day to recognize the negative consequences of racial discrimination and encourage the responsibility to fight against such prejudices
Purim
March 23rd -March 24th
Also known as the Festival of Lots, Purim commemorates the saving of Jewish people from Haman. The festival is celebrated with feasts, offerings to the poor, and gladness.
Holi
March 25th
Originally, Holi was a festival to celebrate the beginning of Spring in hopes of good harvest and land fertility Today it is more so for representing and commemorating a legend from Hindu mythology.
Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month.
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