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Beat the Blue: How Pets Can Help You Through Blue Monday
Page 2,3
Toronto Humane Society in the News
Page 4
Pilot Training Course for Human Service Providers
Page 5
Exciting Updates for Our Urgent Care Program in 2025
Page 6
Volunteer Updates
Page 7,8
Training Success: How Amber Overcame Reactivity
Page 9
Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities
Page 10
Expanding Pet Parent Support with New Volunteers
Page 11
Larisa Nagelberg Speaks at AAWA Conference on Project Management
Page 12
The Power of Fostering: How Marlo's Foster Home Has Changed His Life
Page 13,14
Retail Program Update: Black Friday Sale Success
Page 15
Walt’s Adoption Update
Page 16, 17
Upcoming Events
Page 18
Beat the Blue: How Pets Can Help You Through
Blue Monday
As the holidays fade away and the winter months stretch on, many people experience feelings of sadness, stress, or low energy especially on what’s known as Blue Monday, often considered the "most depressing day of the year." Typically falling on the third Monday in January, Blue Monday is linked to cold weather, shorter days, and postholiday blues However, if you’re feeling a little down, your furry friend might just be the perfect remedy to brighten your spirits!
Here’s how pets can help lift your mood and get you through Blue Monday and beyond.
1. Unconditional Love and Companionship
Pets, whether it’s a dog, cat, or a special species animal, offer companionship and unconditional love. Studies show that spending time with a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness and increase a sense of belonging Cuddling up with your pet or simply sitting together can provide a soothing sense of comfort and calm, reminding you that you’re never truly alone.
2. Boost Your Mood with Physical Activity
Physical exercise is one of the best ways to improve mental health, and pets especially dogs encourage you to get moving! Regular walks, play sessions, and other forms of activity not only keep your pet healthy but also boost your own endorphins These "feel-good" chemicals can help reduce anxiety and lift your spirits, making that Blue Monday feeling much easier to shake off.
3. Routine and Structure
When you’re feeling low, it’s easy to lose motivation or fall out of routine, but pets can help
you stay on track. Whether it’s feeding your pet, taking them for walks, or maintaining their grooming schedule, having daily responsibilities provides structure and purpose. This sense of routine can give your day more meaning and help keep negative thoughts at bay.
4. Therapeutic Presence and Emotional Support
Pets can be surprisingly intuitive when it comes to your emotions. Many animals can sense when you’re feeling down and often respond with with comforting behaviours like sitting close, purring, or gently nudging you. This kind of emotional support can be grounding and can even reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels (the primary hormone associated with stress)
5. Reduce Feelings of Anxiety and Stress
The simple act of petting an animal has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and promote relaxation Whether you're stroking a cat's fur or enjoying the playful interaction of a dog fetching a ball, these moments of connection can be a powerful antidote to the stress and anxiety that may accompany Blue Monday
6. A Sense of Purpose and Joy
One of the greatest joys of having a pet is seeing the positive impact you have on their life. Knowing that your pet relies on you for care and love gives you a strong sense of purpose, which can be incredibly motivating on tough days Plus, their happiness and playful antics often bring joy and laughter to your life, creating an uplifting environment even when times are tough
7. Pets Encourage Social Interaction
Having a pet can also help you connect with others. Whether you're out walking your dog or attending a pet event, you’re more likely to meet and engage with fellow pet parents These interactions, even small ones, can help alleviate feelings of isolation and build a sense of community
Blue Monday may be known as the "most depressing day of the year," but with the companionship, love, and positive energy pets bring into our lives, we have powerful tools to combat those winter blues Whether you’re sharing snuggles with your cat, tossing a ball for your dog, or spending some time enriching our beloved shelter pets, pets are always there to offer a little extra joy and support when you need it most
This Blue Monday, lean on your animal companion they just might be the best therapist you never knew you had!
As the winter chill sets in, there's no better way to bundle up than with a cozy Toronto Humane Society hoodie Available in a variety of sizes and styles, our hoodies are not only comfortable but also help support our lifesaving work. Shop today and wear your heart on your sleeve while supporting the animals in need!
Stay Warm with Toronto Humane Society Hoodies!
Toronto Humane Society in the News
In November 2024, Toronto Humane Society garnered significant media attention, with 206 mentions and a remarkable reach of over 139 million. Coverage spanned across various platforms: 45% on TV, 31% on radio, and 24% through blogs Let’s take a look at the top stories that had the public buzzing.
Toronto Humane Society Launches the "Help Keep Pets in the Picture" Campaign
To address the growing pet care crisis, Toronto Humane Society launched the “Help Keep Pets in the Picture” campaign, ensuring families struggling financially can access accessible veterinary care The campaign was highlighted by heartwarming stories, such as Scrappy the beagle, who received life-saving treatment despite his family's financial challenges This initiative drew attention from major outlets, including Toronto Sun, showcasing our mission to keep pets and families together in these difficult times.
Pets Looking for Available for Adoption
Several news articles in November shone a spotlight on some of our adorable pets up for adoption.
Featured pets included Koa, Swiftie, Bernie, Canela, Cherry, and Nina, who captured the hearts of many and sparked public interest in adopting. The exposure helped raise awareness about the many animals in need of loving homes, and we’re optimistic that more of them will soon find their forever families.
Taylor Swift-Inspired Cat Adoption Campaign
To celebrate Taylor Swift’s arrival in Toronto, Toronto Humane Society launched a creative adoption campaign inspired by the pop icon. Shelter cats were named after Taylor Swift lyrics and themes to capture the attention of local Swifties and encourage cat adoptions This unique and playful initiative was picked up by the Toronto Star.
November was an exciting month for Toronto Humane Society, and the media coverage helped amplify our efforts in making a difference for pets and their families. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to these successful campaigns and initiatives!
Pilot Training Course for Human Service Providers
We’re excited to announce the launch of our pilot training course for human service providers, titled "Animal Wellbeing for Organizations Providing Services to Pet Owners” led by Lauralee Dorst, RVT, CVPM; Beverley McKee, CDBC, CPDT-KA; and Dillon Dodson, RSW, MSW This course, in partnership with the Toronto Hostel Training Centre (THTC), is the first of its kind, focusing on supporting pet guardians experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness
About the Toronto Hostel Training Centre
THTC offers practical, financially accessible, evidence-based training for those working in shelters, respites, drop-ins, and with vulnerable populations. They provide over 120 workshops annually across a range of subjects. More information about the THTC can be found here
About the Course
This course is designed to equip frontline human service staff shelter workers, drop-in staff, and others with the skills and confidence to safely support clients with pets By understanding the human-animal bond, attendees will be able to provide services that reduce the difficult choice between seeking essential support and caring for their pets
Curriculum Highlights:
Human-Animal Bond: Understanding the bond and its role in hardship
Animal Medical Considerations: Basic pet medical care, biosecurity, and stress management.
Animal Behaviour Insights: Reading canine body language, bite prevention, and pet safety
Creating Pet-Friendly Spaces: Practical tips for setting up pet-safe spaces in shelters.
Class Details:
Dates: January 31, 2025, and March 21, 2025, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Location: Toronto Hostels Training Centre – 65 Wellesley St E, Suite 501
Registration Fee: $10000 - $11000
Who can attend: Anyone interested in supporting pet guardians in vulnerable situations
Additionally, organizations can request onsite training for larger teams. This initiative aims to ensure that service providers have the knowledge to navigate the challenges of supporting clients with pets, including understanding relevant animal welfare laws and the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.
To register or learn more visit the course page s
Exciting Updates for Our Urgent Care Program in 2025
As we step into 2025, we are excited to announce that our Urgent Care Program will soon be reopening for new admissions! After temporarily closing in late 2024 due to staff shortages, we are thrilled to welcome Elvia Penate, MSW, RSW as our new Urgent Care Case Manager. Elvia will be playing a pivotal role in managing cases and supporting members of the community who are in need of temporary foster care for their pets during times of crisis. Additionally, they will be supporting our Pet Parent Support Network volunteers and contributing to the development of our social work programming across various streams
With Elvia on board, we are confident that we’ll be able to continue offering this critical service to those in need, providing much-needed assistance to pet parents facing crises while ensuring their beloved pets receive compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment.
Even though we were unable to accept new applications for the program late last year, our team continued to care for approximately 40 animals already in the program. A special thank you goes out to our Social Work Placement Students Maia and Isabella for lending their skills to case management and invaluable program support. December was especially heartwarming, as we reunited many pets with their families just in time for the holidays Here are two impact stories
Dealing with Housing Instability
One pet parent reached out to the Urgent Care Program when they were facing housing instability and could no longer care for their pet The Urgent Care team found a foster placement where the pet
received a full health check, vaccines, and spay/neuter services. Throughout the foster period, the guardian received regular updates and photos, reassuring them that their pet was well cared for In a touching reunion, the guardian and their beloved pet were reunited just before the holidays. Without the Urgent Care Program, the pet parent may have faced the heartbreaking decision to surrender their furry family member
Personal Crisis
Another pet parent sought assistance from the Urgent Care Program after facing a challenging personal situation By providing temporary foster care for their pet, the program allowed this pet parent to focus solely on their own well-being. Often, pet parents prioritize their pets’ needs over their own, sacrificing their own well-being to ensure their pets are cared for. This pet parent was able to reunite with their pet before the holidays, and expressed deep gratitude to the foster family and Toronto Humane Society for providing muchneeded support during a difficult time
These stories highlight the vital role our Urgent Care Program plays in the community, helping pet parents navigate challenging situations without the fear of losing their cherished companions. We are proud of the work our team and volunteers continue to do, and with the support of our Urgent Care Team and our dedicated foster network, we look forward to expanding our ability to assist more pet parents in need in 2025.
Thank you to everyone who helped make 2024 a success, and here’s to even greater things in the year ahead!
Anniversaries
Volunteer Updates
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:
Bekah B., Feline Care Volunteer
Austin P., Canine Care Volunteer
Ami S, Feline Care Volunteer
Tereza U, Urgent Care Client Administrator
3 Year:
Katie B, Special Species Volunteer
Swathi J, Feline Care Volunteer
Ellen J, Feline, Canine, Community Day and Shelter Clinic Volunteer
Mahmoud M., Feline Care Volunteer
Allandra R, Canine Care Volunteer
Jennifer S, Canine Care Volunteer
Michelle U., Feline Care Volunteer
5 Years:
Leslie B, Canine Care Volunteer
Katrina K., Special Species Volunteer
Joy Y., Canine Care Volunteer
15 Years:
Greg P., Feline Care Volunteer
Volunteer Spotlight of the Month
We are so grateful for all our volunteers; we rely heavily on your support to meet our operational needs. We want to take time once a month to extend our thanks to a volunteer who has had a positive impact at Toronto Humane Society based on staff/volunteer feedback
This Month we would like to shine a spotlight on Wendy B, Dave R, and Sylvie M!
In November we established a new volunteer
position, Feline Handling Trainer, where interested volunteers could receive training to help train other volunteers and staff in feline handling. The purpose of this new role is to give new volunteers and staff more opportunities to sign up and complete feline handling training. Three volunteers quickly jumped on the opportunity to help kickstart this new program, Wendy B, Dave R, and Sylvie M About a month later, after completing their trainer training, they started facilitating their own feline handling trainings and it has been an overwhelming success thus far. This could not have been possible without the dedication and determination of the three volunteers who have taken on this new role, which is why for the month of January we wanted to shine a bright spotlight on them
Wendy B. has been a volunteer for over 17 years and has remarkably donated over 2,700 hours of her time to volunteering thus far! What keeps her coming back every week is “knowing that I can make a difference in a cat’s life even if it's just for 20 minutes.” Furthermore, “I love seeing the progress
from week to week with some of the TLC cats I work with And I love getting to meet and spend time with so many amazing cats (and of course other volunteers and staff too!)” As for the new Feline Handling Training position, Wendy explained that “I've always been some sort of teacher or facilitator through my life, so I think that the training role will come naturally, and I hope I can translate some of my experiences with cats over the years at the THS to a new set of volunteers.”
Dave R. has been a volunteer for just over 10 years and has volunteered a whopping 5,100 hours . What motivates him to volunteer with Toronto Humane Society is cats. “Seeing the most fearful of cats when they come in, often progress to sweet and affectionate companions, and then get adopted is the most marvelous of experiences!” On top of that, he enjoys the experience of being able to try different roles and to grow as a volunteer as well as interacting with other volunteers and staff As he went on to clarify, “we look out for each other, we miss each other when
when there are absences, we help each other at the shelter with things small and big, we share knowledge and tips”. With regards to the new role, Dave said, “I enjoy being a facilitator to new volunteers and staff, and I love learning from the people in my sessions” He also urges new volunt n and share.
Sylvie y four years g g y hours so far In that time, she has gained a lot of insight and appreciation for what Toronto Humane Society does. “The care that goes into the various programs and services is so inspiring and it means a lot to me to play a small part in the success of the organization” She also finds it, “so rewarding seeing an under social animal transform and become more trusting with time.” As for her new position, “I'm grateful for the opportunity to be more involved in the overall process,” and is “so excited to be able to help onboard others.”
Well, Wendy, Dave and Sylvie we too are very excited and honoured that you have offered to take on this new position We are incredibly grateful for your service in this role and for your continued dedication to volunteering in general.
Please join us in celebrating Wendy, Dave and Sylvie this month!
Training Success: How Amber Overcame Reactivity
In honour of National Train Your Dog Month this January, we’re highlighting success stories on our communication channels that showcase the power of positive training. Amber, a 3-year-old terrier mix, is one such story Her journey from a highly reactive dog to one making great strides in socialization shows how impactful our training programs can be.
Amber’s Progress with Reactive Dog Group Class
When Amber first arrived at Toronto Humane Society’s Reactive Dog Group Class, led by instructor Claire Blumenthal, CPDT-KA, she had a low threshold for reactivity Sudden movements or sounds from other dogs would immediately trigger barking and lunging, making everyday situations stressful for both Amber and her pet parent, Bernice
Feeling overwhelmed by Amber’s behaviour, Bernice wasn’t sure where to turn. But under Claire’s expert guidance, Amber and Bernice started to see real progress Claire taught Bernice techniques to help Amber build positive associations with other dogs. By the third week of class, Amber, who had initially been hesitant to enter the classroom, was showing excitement and eagerness to learn
From Reactivity to Calm Observations
By the end of the six-week class, Amber had made tremendous progress She was able to observe other dogs calmly from a distance, a significant milestone for her. Encouraged by Amber’s improvement, Bernice enrolled her in the Level 2 Reactive Dog Group Class with instructor Kyla Guercio, KPA CTP, to continue their training journey
Reflecting on their experience, Bernice shared, “Claire and Kyla were both so patient and knowledgeable. Amber has a long way to go, but I feel more confident in handling her reactivity, and our bond has grown stronger through training”
Join the Journey: Train Your Dog with Toronto Humane Society
Amber’s success story is a great reminder of how positive reinforcement training can help dogs like her overcome behavioural challenges Whether your dog is struggling with reactivity, anxiety, or needs to learn basic manners, Toronto Humane Society’s expert trainers are here to help
Our certified trainers offer classes that focus on strengthening the bond between you and your dog, while also addressing behavioral concerns in a positive, supportive environment
Ready to start your dog’s training journey? Sign up for one of our classes today and help your dog become their best self just like Amber!
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
Jasmine Harris, RVT
Nerissa Craigg, Adoption Agent
John Iadipaolo, Adoption Agent
Cheryl Liu, Adoption Agent
Tamisca Hornak, Veterinarian
Joseph Krahn, ACW
CJ Sadowsky Lead, Client Service Agen (rehire)
Octavio Hennessey, Warehouse Worker
Holly Breen, Client Service Agent
Diana Fountain Supervisor, Sheltering Programs
Victoria O'Toole, Lead Client Service Agen
Erika Wharton, Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Toronto Humane Society is committed to Improving 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@torontohumanesocietycom
Current Job Openings:
Veterinary Assistant - Veterinary Care
Lead Certified Animal Trainer - Canine
Lead Veterinarian - Public Veterinary Services
(18 Months)
Expanding Pet Parent Support with New Volunteers
McHenry, and our experienced volunteers, the new team members helped us significantly expand our capacity to support pet parents seeking assistance in accessing services.
One of our proudest achievements this past month was bringing our inbox response time down to just one day a long-time goal that has been difficult to reach due to the high volume of daily requests This accomplishment is a direct result of the tireless work and dedication of our volunteers A huge thank you to all of them for their incredible efforts!
Impact Story: Supporting Blake and Their Dog With Pet Essentials
One of the pet parents we assisted in December, Blake* reached out seeking help with booking wellness services through our Public Veterinary Services (PVS) for their dog During their conversation with our pet support agent, they
shared that they were struggling with the costs of vet care, food, and supplies. Our pet support agent quickly connected them with information about subsidized services, our Pet Food Bank, and Community Day events to help ease the financial burden In response, the pet parent wrote to us:
"Thanks for the message with so much needed info I really, really appreciate your kind help! Wish you a wonderful holiday season and a great New Year ��"
This story is a perfect example of the meaningful impact our PPSN volunteers are making With their help, we’re able to provide pet parents with the support and resources they need, when they need it most.
As we move into 2025, we’re excited to continue growing our PPSN program and providing timely, compassionate assistance to the community. Thank you again to our amazing volunteers for their hard work and dedication!
*Name has changed.
Larisa Nagelberg Speaks at AAWA Conference on Project Management
In November 2024, Larisa Nagelberg, PMP, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Mission Advancement at Toronto Humane Society, was invited to present at the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) conference. Her presentation focused on the essential role that project management plays in animal welfare organizations and how adopting a structured project management approach can drive success.
The Role of Projects in Daily Operations
At Toronto Humane Society, projects are at the core of many of our daily operations. Whether we're launching new initiatives, organizing largescale campaigns, or implementing critical internal changes, projects enable us to set clear goals, stay organized, and measure success Larisa's presentation aimed to provide insight into the tools, templates, and techniques that can make managing projects more efficient and effective
A Walkthrough of a Successful Project: The Crisis Campaign
To provide real-world context, Larisa walked the audience through one of Toronto Humane Society's 2023 year-end successful initiative: the Toronto is in Crisis Campaign. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the growing challenges pet parents in our community are facing, such as rising veterinary costs, housing instability, and access to essential pet care services The response strategy included a multi-platform communication campaign along with expansion of our Public Veterinary Services Not only did this campaign raise awareness, awareness but it also raised $150,000 towards Toronto Humane Society programs that directly assist pet parents in need.
Key Takeaways
Larisa's presentation highlighted several important lessons for animal welfare organizations looking to adopt a more structured approach to project management:
1.
Clear Goals and Objectives: Having a welldefined goal and measurable outcomes is crucial for any project
2.
Planning: Dedicating time to the planning phase of projects can help ensure smooth execution of deliverables and defense against risks
3.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Leveraging internal subject matter experts can help a project meet its goals and ensure a fulsome understanding of a project’s scope
Toronto Humane Society’s Crisis Campaign not only raised substantial funds but also demonstrated the power of a well-managed project in advancing our mission to support more Torontonians and their pets. By using strategic project management tools and techniques, we were able to amplify our impact during a time of heightened need in our community.
As we continue to grow and evolve as an organization, Larisa’s insights into project management will help us carry out our mission more effectively, ensuring that we are prepared to tackle any challenges that come our way.
being.
thoughtful decisions to better support Marlo’s learning.
What’s Next for Marlo?
While Marlo has made tremendous strides, there is still work ahead. His foster parent is focusing on redirecting his pawing for attention to more polite behaviours, such as sitting before receiving pets Encouraging polite behaviours and rewarding them is key to continuing Marlo’s progress. Marlo is also available for adoption. A loving family that would be dedicated to continue Marlo’s positive reinforcement training would be greatly beneficial.
Fostering: A Lifeline for Dogs Like Marlo
Marlo’s journey highlights just how crucial fostering is for dogs with behavioural challenges His foster family, with the support of our skilled trainers, has given him the structure and care he needs to thrive outside the shelter environment Though Marlo still has room to grow, the changes we’ve seen in his behaviour are nothing short of remarkable.
Continued Improvement with People and Dogs
Socializing Marlo with other people and dogs has also been an important part of his progress His foster parent has facilitated successful introductions with friends and family members by having them interact outside first before bringing them inside Marlo has been doing well, soliciting affection, pawing for pets, and even rolling over for tummy rubs a far cry from the resource-guarding tendencies he once exhibited.
During a visit with his foster family’s small dog, Marlo displayed calm behaviour. Although the smaller family dog was understandably intimidated by Marlo’s size, he signalled when he needed space, and Marlo was able to recognize this and move away, the dogs coexisted peacefully after a buddy walk together. Marlo’s foster parent reported that both dogs mostly kept to themselves during the visit, and although there is still work to be done, these moments of calm interaction are promising
Fostering doesn't just benefit the animals it saves lives, reduces shelter stress, and helps dogs like Marlo become more adoptable by giving them the time, space, and support they need to overcome challenges Thank you to all our incredible foster families and trainers for the critical role you play in giving animals like Marlo a second chance at a happy, healthy life.
PS: If you want to keep up with Marlo on Instagram, his foster family has created an account for him @its.a.me.marlo.
Food Bank and Supply Support Program: Exceeding Expectations in 2024
We’re proud to announce that our Food Bank and Supply Support Program achieved an incredible 152% of its target goals last year! Thanks to the dedication of our team and partners, we were able to make a real impact in the community. Here are some key highlights:
We expanded our Community Day events to twice a month, helping us reach even more individuals and families in need.
We grew our network of community partners, providing essential food and supplies to organizations supporting their clientele
A daily foodbank usage tracking system was implemented, giving us better insight into the demand for this vital service. This allowed us to serve an average of 692 people each month and host 193 visitors per Community Day event
Tracking this data enabled us to better manage stock requests and optimize warehousing space, ensuring we consistently meet the needs of the community
In late 2024, we also launched a client feedback survey for patrons of our Food Bank and Community Days This feedback helps us improve customer service and informs us of the most needed supplies beyond food. With this valuable input, we can make more targeted requests to our generous suppliers, ensuring we continue to provide the best possible support
As we move into 2025, we are excited to build on these successes and keep meeting the evolving needs of our community Thank you to everyone who played a part in this remarkable achievement!
Retail Program Update: Black Friday Sale Success
We’re excited to share that our retail program ended 2024 on a high note with a hugely successful Black Friday promotion! We sold out of our popular cranberry and forest green hoodie/tote/calendar bundles in record time, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from our team.
A special shoutout to Jessica Harwood and Jota Botia from the Marketing and Communications team for their invaluable advice and suggestions, which helped us execute a smooth and successful sale. We’re also deeply grateful to Jose Rodriguez and the procurement and logistics team for their hard work in fulfilling and shipping orders internally, saving us from costly drop shipping fees especially impressive given the postal strike at the time!
The data we gathered during the promotion has provided key insights into our customer segments and the advertising and promotional channels that drove the highest sales. This will be instrumental in refining our 2025 retail strategy We also gained a clearer understanding of customer preferences and item popularity by analyzing shopping cart activity and purchase trends.
Looking ahead, stay tuned for exciting new product introductions and bundled item sales in 2025!
Thank you to everyone involved for helping us close out the year on such a positive note.
Walt’s Adoption Update
7-year-old Walt came to us as a stray in October 2024. From the start, it was clear that this highenergy boy had a lively personality, especially during the evenings. Walt quickly made a name for himself with his eagerness to give kisses and lick faces sometimes a little too enthusiastically! But t v e
and get some one on one care, he was placed in a foster home In the foster environment, Walt showed some reactivity toward the resident cat and continued to struggle with being jumpy and mouthy when off-leash in parks
A New Beginning: Walt Finds His Forever Home
On November 11, 2024, Walt’s luck changed he found his new family! His adopters were drawn to his bright personality and his enthusiasm for life They were aware of some of his quirks but were ready to provide the love and structure he needed.
After a few weeks in his new home, Walt’s adopters sent us an update, and it’s heartwarming to hear how well he’s doing:
“Hi there! It has officially been over a month since we adopted the sweet, handsome Walt He is adjusting very well, and his personality has blossomed since we adopted him. He’s playful, clever, cuddly, and loves to do tricks for some kibbles He’s been weaned off all medication with the guidance of our local vet
Walt has been exploring trails and beachfront walks in the mornings and has met many new family members who love him dearly He’s slowly learning to be less frightened and reactive toward other dogs, but right now, he loves to be cuddled up close to his humans and fall asleep with his belly to the sky after digging into a nest of soft blankets
He’s a celebrity at my grandfather's retirement community and is beginning to understand that booties on his feet aren’t so scary after all. He’s one of the most vocal dreamers I’ve ever met and loves to greet people at the door by bringing them his toys as gifts His first Christmas was spent tearing open his own presents and helping others open theirs.
We are so grateful Walt has come into our lives He has truly blessed our family with his wonderful little self. Thank you to all at Toronto Humane Society for your dedicated work and service to animals in need I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and well-deserved rest”
Walt’s journey is a testament to the power of patience, care, and the right environment. From his initial challenges as a stray displaying reactive behaviours, to finding a family where he feels safe, loved, and understood, his story is an inspiration It reminds us that even when an animal shows complex behaviours, the right support system can help them thrive and bring joy to the lives of those around them
Stories like Walt’s are why we do what we do, and we look forward to seeing many more success stories in the future. Thank you to everyone involved in Walt’s journey your dedication and commitment have truly made a difference.
Upcoming Events
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
January 1st-January 31st
During the Alzheimer Awareness Month, people are encouraged to learn more about dementia and its stark impact on Canadians
New Year’s Day
January 1st
The first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar
Orthodox Christmas Day
January 7th
Many Orthodox Christians in Canada celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar.
Lohri
January 13th
Celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus, Lohri is a Punjabi winter folk festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season
Pongal
January 14th-January 17th
Dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya, Pongal is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated by people from South India, especially by the Tamil community.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January20th
A holiday in the United States honouring the achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr., the leader in the civil rights movement
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27th
A day to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirm our commitment to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance that may lead to group-targeted violence.
Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month.