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FEATURED ARTICLES
Reminder: Paws in the Park Presented by Amazon –September 21 Page 3
Orange Shirt Day at Toronto Humane Society Page 4
Phil Nichols and Kirsti Clarida Appointed to College of Veterinarians Ontario Transition Council Page 5
Reminder: Last Chance to Purchase 50/50 Tickets Page 5
Toronto Humane Society in the News Page 6
Volunteer Updates
Page 7, 8
Triumph Over Reactivity: Roman and Jayla's Journey Page 9, 10
The Third Annual Lakeview Dog Dip is Back Page 10
Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities Page 11
Celebrating Our Public and Shelter Trainers Page 12
Celebrating Our Pet Guardian Support Teams Page 13 ,14
Sip for a Cause: THS Dortmunder Now Available For Purchase
Page 14
How to Break Up with Single Use Plastic Page 15, 16
Upcoming Events
Page 17
Reminder: Paws in the Park Presented by Amazon –
September 21
Paws in the Park Presented by Amazon is just around the corner! On September 21, join us at 11 River Street for a day filled with fun and essential activities that support our mission and help more animals find their forever homes.
Although Paws in the Park may look a bit different this year, it remains a crucial fundraiser for us. Your participation helps ensure we can continue our work and support more animals in need
Event Highlights:
Custom-Made Tote Bags: Have a tote bag featuring your pet’s likeness created just for you!
Training Agility Courses: Watch or participate in agility courses designed for pets
Vendor Marketplace: Explore a variety of vendors offering pet products and more Food Vendors: Enjoy a selection of food options for you and your family.
Doggy Fashion Show: Witness the latest in canine couture and cheer on our furry fashionistas.
And more to come!
Please save the date and invite your friends and family to join in the fun. We will be sending out a volunteer call-out soon for those eager to help make this event a success
We look forward to seeing you on September 21!
Orange Shirt Day at Toronto Humane Society
As part of our ongoing commitment to understanding and honouring the diverse communities we serve, Toronto Humane Society is proud to celebrate Orange Shirt Day, a day that coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important event, observed on September 30th, is dedicated to acknowledging and reflecting on the tragic history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across Canada.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a day of remembrance and reflection, inspired by the story of PhyllisWebstad,who had her new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, taken away on her first day at a residential school Phyllis Webstad’s poignant reflection on the emotional impact of losing her Orange Shirt and its connection to the broader history of residential schools:
“When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared”
This day is an opportunity for all of us to recognize the suffering endured by Indigenous children, their families, and communities and to honour their resilience and strength It serves as a reminder of the importance of advancing meaningful reconciliation and the need to acknowledge the past while working towards a more inclusive and respectful future
Why It Matters to Animal Welfare
As we honour Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we also recognize that Indigenous peoples have long been the stewards of the land, water, and all living beings, guided by deep respect and a spiritual connection to nature. As an animal welfare organization, we draw inspiration from Indigenous ways of knowing, which remind us of the interconnectedness of all life and further strengthen our commitment to improving the lives of animals and enriching the human-animal bond
We understand that the human-animal bond is deeply intertwined with the communities we serve Recognizing the cultural and historical context of these communities helps us build stronger, more respectful relationships with the people and pets we support. By participating in Orange Shirt Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empathy, understanding, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work
How We’re Recognizing
In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we will be organizing initiatives to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Throughout this month, we will also share various educational resources on the history and ongoing legacies of settler colonialism in Canada with members of our organization
We encourage all staff, volunteers, and foster parents to participate in these activities as we come together to honour Orange Shirt Day Your involvement is crucial in helping us recognize the importance of reconciliation and strengthening our commitment to respectful and inclusive practices
Phil Nichols and Kirsti Clarida Appointed to College of Veterinarians Ontario Transition Council
We are thrilled to announce that Phil Nichols, CAWA, RVT, Chief Executive Officer, and Kirsti Clarida, RVT, Director of Academic Strategy, have been selected as two of the three Registered Veterinary Technicians appointed to the newly established College of Veterinarians Ontario Transition Council!
The Transition Council is an essential step in the creation of the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario (CVPO), empowered by the Veterinary Professionals Act This council, which includes 13 licensed veterinarians, four provincial government appointees, and three Registered Veterinary Technicians, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of veterinary care in Ontario They will determine the regulations, by-laws, and standards that will guide the CVPO when it becomes operational.
Phil and Kirsti’s inclusion in this groundbreaking initiative reflects their dedication to advancing animal healthcare We’re excited to see how their expertise and insights will contribute to the development of this new governing body, ensuring high-quality, team-based care for all animals across Ontario
The inaugural meeting of the Transition Council is set for September, marking the beginning of a new era in veterinary medicine. Join us in congratulating Phil and Kirsti on this remarkable achievement!
Click here to more about the Transition Council.
Reminder: Last Chance to Purchase 50/50 Tickets!
To our Foster Parents and Volunteers, we’d like to quickly remind you that you can still purchase 50/50 tickets until September 23. The jackpot is already over $14,500, and the second early bird prize of $500 will be drawn on September 10. Don’t miss out on your chance to win big and support our cause! Get your tickets now and good luck!
Toronto Humane Society in the News
IIn July, Toronto Humane Society was mentioned in over 107 media clips and reached over 91,530,378 earned media impressions through radio, online news and television! Here’s what Toronto Humane Society news was buzzing in the media in July.
Protecting Pets from Harmful Substances
Covered by The Toronto Star, Toronto Humane Society advises pet parents to be cautious and monitor their pets to prevent ingestion of harmful substances, following an incident involving Bo, a six-month-old golden retriever who was found to have cocaine, opioids, and THC in his system after falling ill from a walk in Ashbridges Bay.
Flood Pet Safety Tips
Following the recent flooding in the city, Toronto Humane Society released guidelines to protect pets from contaminated water, noting risks such as harmful bacteria and toxins. Covered by The Toronto Star, Dr Karen Ward, Chief Veterinary Officer, advised pet parents to avoid standing water, vaccinate dogs against leptospirosis, provide clean water, and seek veterinary care if pets show symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting
Pets Available for Adoption
Several news articles feature pets up for adoption at Toronto Humane Society, including Arnold, Bianca, Echo, Jake Sweatsock, and Verandah
1 Year:
Kiera C., Feline Care Volunteer
3 Years:
Charlotte C, Onsite Foster Support Volunteer
Charlene L., Onsite Foster Support Volunteer
5 Years:
Leila I, Canine Care & Fundraising Events Volunteer
Purpose and Learning Days
During our most recent Volunteer/Foster Parent Town Hall, we shared a poll regarding Purpose and Learning Days to get a sense of what our volunteers and foster parents think of the event. For those who couldn’t make it to the town hall, we’d still love to hear from you about Purpose and Learning Days. Here is a link to the survey.
During our Purpose and Learning Days, we love sharing photos of the new furry friends in our staff and volunteers' families If you've recently added a pet and would like to feature them, please send a photo with their name to Chris Buchner.
on staff/volunteer feedback.
This Month we would like to shine a spotlight on Shastine B!
Shastine B. started with us as a foster parent in December 2021 when she took home her first foster, a seven-week-old Siberian Husky Since then, she has not stopped fostering with us She has fostered a total of, according to her, “so many I have lost count.” After a little research, it was discovered that she has fostered around 68 animals in the time she has been a foster parent That is an incredible amount of fostering!
Her passion and desire to foster stems from a young age “As a young girl and into my teenage years, my grandparents owned a resort with a petting zoo including a donkey, pony, goats, emu's, alpacas, chickens, dogs, puppies, cats, birds, pigs, chinchillas, hedgehogs, lizards, and fish The biggest highlight of my childhood is spending time at my grandparents and playing and taking care of all of the animals. I think that I inherited my love for animals from my grandma!”
Furthermore, she has been working in the events and hospitality industry for about 10 years, and though she loves what she does, “for the longest time I felt like something was missing” To assuage those feelings, “I started dabbling in different volunteer opportunities and stumbled upon fostering and I can truthfully say that it's the best decision I have ever made, something I forever want to continue, (and it) brings me the most joy in life among anything else.”
In her time as a foster parent, Shastine took on several litters of kittens, sometimes even having multiple litters at the same time! She is even eager to take on challenging medical cases! As she puts it, “it truly brings me the most happiness taking care of all of the puppies and kittens that need the medical care and chance at life that they deserve!” Furthermore, “knowing that helping these animals gives Toronto Humane Society the opportunity to help even more animals is also a huge contributing factor.”
She has many amazing stories to share about the animals she’s fostered (and on occasion foster failed), but one stands out to her “I would like to put a spotlight on Bagel (featured in the photo). I began fostering Bagel in February of 2024. Bagel was in extremely poor condition when he was brought into Toronto Humane Society Toronto Humane Society figured out his diagnosis very quickly; Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Historically FIP was untreatable and almost always fatal but this year a trial has become available in Ontario that has saved many lives of many cats who had the opportunity to take part, unfortunately Bagels little body wasn't able to fight anymore as he went into heart failure Bagel was the first one to take part in this trial at Toronto Humane Society This has to have been one of the most difficult cases that I was a part of, and though it was extremely hard emotionally it was worth every minute taking care of him for his last few months he had We miss Bagel very much every single day.”
Shastine, we cannot express how grateful we are for the time, care and love you give to the animals you foster, and we look forward to having you foster with us for many years to come.
Please join us in celebrating Shastine this month!
Triumph Over Reactivity: Roman and Jayla's Journey
We are dedicated to helping pets and their families' overcome challenges and build stronger, more harmonious relationships One such success story is that of Roman, a 2-year-old hound mix, and his dedicated pet parent, Jayla.
Jayla adopted Roman as a puppy in 2022 Roman showed some signs of reactivity towards other dogs, but Jayla was always able to redirect him, and he was able to ignore other dogs with enough distance.
However, in May 2024, a traumatic incident drastically changed Roman’s behaviour. While out on a walk, a dog escaped from a backyard and attacked both Roman and Jayla This experience left Roman on high alert, and his reactivity toward other dogs escalated dramatically. Walks, once a time of joy and exploration, became a struggle. Roman became hypervigilant, pulling excessively on the leash and barking reactively at any noise, even in the safety of his backyard
Recognizing that they needed help, Jayla turned to Toronto Humane Society’s Public Training & Behaviour Services, enrolling Roman in a foursession behavior modification package She was determined to help Roman overcome his newfound fears and regain his confidence.
The Path to Progress
During the initial consultation, Jayla and Roman met with Claire Blumenthal, CPDT-KA, FFCT, Senior Certified Trainer and Behaviour Education Associate at Toronto Humane Society. As a skilled trainer with a compassionate approach, Claire began by teaching Jayla and Roman the “name game” and a hand target, both designed to increase Roman’s focus on Jayla during walks. She also introduced the “find it” treat scatter game, a fun and effective way to interrupt reactive behaviours and help Roman recover more quickly after a reaction
By the second session, Jayla reported encouraging progress Roman was responding well to the hand target and was able to be redirected away from some dogs during their walks. The “find it” game had become a favourite for Roman, helping him to recover more quickly from reactions, both on walks and in the backyard However, leash pulling was still a significant challenge Claire recommended switching to a front-clip harness instead of the flat collar they had been using and introduced new leash-walking techniques, including u-turns and door manners
The third session brought even more positive changes. The front-clip harness, combined with the new leash-walking skills, worked wonders. Roman was now walking on a loose leash for most of their outings, frequently checking in with Jayla While the “find it” game continued to be effective, they were still facing challenges with Roman’s reactivity. Claire introduced the “engagedisengage” game, a technique designed to help Roman focus on Jayla even when other dogs were nearby. They planned to work on this technique with intentional setups in their final session.
A Bright Future
The final session marked a significant turning point for Roman and Jayla. With the help of a decoy dog, Claire and Jayla worked through intentional setups for the “engage-disengage” game Roman kept his focus on Jayla, even with another dog By the end of their training, Jayla felt much more confident in managing and responding to Roman’s reactivity. Roman’s reactions greatly decreased in intensity and frequency, making walks more enjoyable for both
The Third Annual Lakeview Dog Dip is Back - September 28
Get ready to dive into a day of fantastic fun with your furry friends at the Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown! As summer makes its exit, we’re partnering with the Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown to throw one last pool party bash before at the hotel's Lakeview Pool Lounge
Tickets are $35 for dog. Each ticket purchased supports Toronto Humane Society’s lifesaving work So, while you're soaking up the sun and enjoying the festivities, your contribution will also be making a real difference in the lives of our furry friends.
Inspired by their success, Jayla is looking forward to enrolling Toronto Humane Society’s Reactive Dog small group class to keep building on the foundation they’ve established.
Roman and Jayla’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, expert guidance, and a strong human-animal bond. At Toronto Humane Society, we are committed to supporting pets and their guardians through every challenge, helping them to thrive together. We’re proud of the progress that Roman and Jayla have made and excited to see where their journey takes them next
If you’re facing similar challenges with your pet, our Public Training & Behaviour Services are here to help Whether it’s reactivity, fear, or any other beahvioural concern, our team is ready to work with you to find solutions that work for both you and your companion animal.
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
Megan Rahman, Donor Relations Processing Agent
Rosa-Lee Mariconda, Social Worker
Natalie Allard, Client Service Agent
Rhysand Bruzzo, Animal Care Worker
Michelle Inman, Shelter Supervisor
Kyla Cooper, Foster Coordinator
Amber-Lynn Portsmith, Shelter Admissions
Associate
Shannen McNee, Lead Certified Trainer
Allysa Lariosa, Veterinary Assistant
Irina Avdyushkina, Veterinary Assistant
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@torontohumanesocietycom
Current Job Openings:
Animal Care Worker
Senior Accountant
Client Service Agent - Public Veterinary Services
Lead Certified Animal Trainer - Canine
Veterinarian - Public Veterinary Services
Celebrating Our Public and Shelter Trainers
Our trainers play a vital role in transforming the lives of animals and their families. From September 8-14, we take a moment to celebrate and appreciate the incredible work of our public and shelter trainers. This week is dedicated to recognizing the dedication, compassion, and expertise that our trainers bring to every animal they work with
The Heart of Our Mission
Whether working directly with the animals in our shelter or providing guidance to pet parents in our community, our trainers are at the heart of what we do. They are not only teachers but also advocates for humane and positive training methods Their efforts help ensure that animals are not just adopted, but that they stay in their forever homes, living harmoniously with their families.
Public Trainers: Building Bonds in the Community
Our public trainers work tirelessly to support pet parents in the community Through group training classes, consultations, and one-on-one sessions, they empower pet parents with the knowledge and skills they need to address behavioural challenges and strengthen the bond with their pets Their work is essential in preventing surrenders and helping pets thrive in their homes.
Shelter Trainers: Transforming Lives Within Our Walls
Inside our shelter, our trainers are on the front lines, helping animals overcome behavioral challenges that may have led them to our doors. They work with each animal, tailoring their approach to the specific needs of the pet, ensuring they are ready for adoption The transformation these trainers facilitate is often profound, turning fearful or reactive animals into confident and adoptable companions.
To our incredible trainers, thank you for your unwavering commitment to the animals in our care and the families in our community. Your work is truly life-changing, and we are grateful for the passion and expertise you bring to Toronto Humane Society every day.
Let's take this week to celebrate our trainers and the amazing impact they have on the lives of the animals and people they serve Whether you're a public trainer helping a dog overcome leash reactivity or a shelter trainer preparing a cat for their forever home, know that your work is deeply appreciated and valued
Here's to our trainers thank you for all that you do!
team is essential to our mission of keeping pets and their families together
Urgent Care: Keeping Families Together
The Urgent Care team is dedicated to preserving the precious bond between pets and their families, especially during times of crisis or transition
Whether it’s sudden illness, housing instability, or fleeing domestic violence, the Urgent Care program steps in to provide temporary foster care for pets when their guardians are unable to do so This response-based, preventative program offers reassurance to pet families, ensuring their beloved animals are safe and well-cared for until they can be reunited By providing crucial support, the Urgent Care team helps keep families together, preventing the heartbreaking separation of pets from their families when they need each other most.
Pet Parent Support Network: Guiding and Supporting
The Pet Parent Support Network offers invaluable support and resources to pet guardians, helping them navigate the challenges of pet care They provide guidance, advice, and emotional support, ensuring that pet guardians have the tools and knowledge they need to maintain a healthy and happy relationship with their pets.
Rehoming: Creating New Beginnings
When pets need a new home, our rehoming team steps in to ensure they find the perfect match. They carefully evaluate each animal’s needs and temperament, connecting them with families who can provide the love and care they deserve. The rehoming team’s dedication to finding forever homes for these animals ensures that every pet has a chance at a happy, healthy life
Community Sheltering: Offering Support
The Community Sheltering team works tirelessly to provide temporary foster housing for pets who need a break from the shelter environment or are recovering from medical care Giving pets the chance to heal or relax in a foster home is crucial for their well-being, as it offers them a peaceful and nurturing environment away from the stress of the shelter Whether it’s a brief respite or a place to recover, The community sheltering team plays a vital role in helping pets regain their strength, confidence, and readiness for their forever homes.
Public Veterinary Services Client Service Agents: Compassionate Care and Guidance
Our Public Veterinary Services client service agents are on the front lines, helping pet guardians access essential medical care for their animals Whether it’s scheduling appointments, providing information about services, or offering support during emergencies, these agents are the compassionate voice on the other end of the line. They play a crucial role in making sure that pets receive the care they need
Thank You for Your Dedication
To all our pet guardian support teams admissions, community sheltering, rehoming, Public Veterinary Services client service agents, and urgent care thank you for your unwavering commitment to the animals and guardians who rely on us. Your work is vital to our mission, and we are incredibly grateful for the care, compassion, and professionalism you bring to Toronto Humane Society every day
As we celebrate this week, let’s recognize the collective effort and impact of our teams. Together, we make a difference in the lives of pets and their families, ensuring they receive the support they need to stay together or find new beginnings.
Here’s to our pet guardian support teams thank you for all that you do!
Sip for a Cause: THS Dortmunder Now Available For Purchase!
Black Lab Brewing has created a special brew just for Toronto Humane Society! The THS Dortmunder, made with rooibos tea, is now available for purchase at Henrietta Lane (394 King Street East) Best of all, 100% of the proceeds go directly to supporting our lifesaving work Stop by and grab a pint for a great cause!
How to Break Up with Single Use Plastic
This article was authored by Dr. Karen Ward, Chief Veterinary Officer at Toronto Humane Society, and was initially published for the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, where Dr Ward serves on the Sustainability Committee.
The dirty little secret of so-called recyclable plastic is that most of it isn’t, regardless of what the container says. The recycling rate for plastic is estimated to be only 5-6%, making our efforts to put plastics in the blue bins less recycling and more wishcycling The majority of plastics cannot be recycled – they never have been and never will be.
Most plastic ends up in landfills or as litter and breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics that pollute rivers and lakes, soils, and even the deep ocean, making its way up the food chain back to animals and people.
Focus on One Routine, Then Move to Another
It might be impractical, or impossible to eliminate plastic from your life, but even small changes can make a difference An incremental big picture approach, reducing or replacing one plastic go-to before replacing another may be easier to stick with and build upon Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good
Start with one routine or habit, maybe your daily iced coffee, or maybe something less obvious. For example, if you buy new clothes seasonally, only to donate the following year, buying less polyester clothing and keeping what you do have for longer will reduce your plastic waste. Polyester is spun from plastic (and sheds microplastics), and most fast-fashion polyester clothing ends up in landfill.
Reuse, Don’t Rebuy
Reusable bags, bottles and other items can help reduce plastic waste, but only if you use them often and for as long as possible. Collecting multiples of reusable items only increases your carbon footprint
Group Your Purchases
If you regularly order online, grouping purchases and opting for slower delivery reduces your environmental impact overall, including cutting back on films, bubble wrapping, Styrofoam fillers and other plastic flotsam. The majority of global plastic production goes into packaging
Cook More, Order in Less
Cooking from scratch is one of the simplest ways to reduce the amount of single use plastic you’re tossing (and might also reduce your exposure to forever chemicals). Alternatively, my local restaurants allow me to use my own reusable containers for take-out (or leftovers).
Pack a Shopping Bag
Keep a tote bag in your jacket pocket or purse, or your car or bicycle pannier. Small reusable produce bags can replace plastic bags in stores
Go Bulk and Refillable
Many dry groceries such as dried fruits, nuts and grains can be purchased in bulk and placed into your own reusable containers Some cities also have zero-waste stores, one stop shopping for everything from olive oil to shampoos, detergents and soaps. A quick online search will have you on your way
Try Solid or Powdered Versions of Liquids
Solid and powdered forms of hand soaps, shampoos, conditioners and detergents often come in plastic-free packaging and are another way to reduce your plastic empties
Brew at Home
Making your coffee or tea at home not only saves you money, but it can also reduce your waste. Paper cups might seem recyclable, but they actually have plastic linings to prevent leaking Our disposable single use cup of morning java has significant ecological and social costs.
Pack a To-Go Mug and Water Bottle
If you prefer your local barista’s coffee, try packing a travel mug. And to quench your thirst and stay hydrated on the go, carrying a reusable water bottle with you is a great habit to start.
Consider if You Need It
Much of the disposable plastic stuff in our lives is more habit than need. You may be able to do without, or find new, less wasteful alternatives to comforting standbys like plastic liners for every trash bin, bleach pens or air fresheners.
Quit or Cut Back on Smoking
We won’t judge you for smoking, but cigarette butts are a huge source of plastic litter in the environment. They are the most discarded waste item worldwide, accounting for approximately 7666 million kilograms of toxic trash each year They are the most common plastic litter on beaches, contaminating vulnerable marine ecosystems with microplastics.
The global plastic pollution problem isn’t just on individuals alone But we all contribute to this problem, and we can all make a difference.
Ganesh Chaturthi
September 7th
Upcoming Events
Hindu Festival. A day to commemorate the birthday of Lord Ganesha
National Day of Service
September 11
A day to honour the lives lost to the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, including the lives of 24 Canadians This is also a day to pay tribute to every first responder who has made sacrifices in service to their communities and their country.
International Day of Peace
September 21st
A day to put peace above any differences to be able to work towards a nation of peace.
Zero Admissions Day
September 21st
A day to raise efforts and awareness towards reducing carbon emissions and the harm that fossil fuels can cause to the environment
Bi Visibility Day
September 23rd
Bisexuality Visibility Day is committed to celebrating the bisexual community and its history and achievements Raise awareness about bisexuality and speak up about misconceptions about the community in the workplace and beyond.
International Rabbit Day
September 28th
A day to encourage the care and welfare of wild and domestic rabbits.
Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th
A day to commemorate the residential school experience, witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. The date was chosen because this was the time of year children were forcibly taken from their homes and placed in residential schools
Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month