Kaya the Shelter Dog My Companion, Protector and Best Friend Forever One day, I decided to push the For the lost, surrendered or boundaries a bit, and I took Kaya for a abandoned animals at the OHS, walk to one of her favourite places - a the journey to happily ever-after wooded area a couple of miles away. By begins the moment someone says “I do” and brings them into a the time we got there I was exhausted caring and safe forever home. And, and had to sit down. I let Kaya go it’s a two-way street - the love, exploring while I tried to get my energy companionship and just plain fun back. Soon after, an ominous-looking these furry friends bring with them man appeared on the path a few feet in can enrich and change our lives front of me...he didn’t say a word, but forever. Former OHS volunteer dog- his intense silent glare was threatening. walker Diana Leck feels she hit the Honestly, I was much too tired to be jackpot when she adopted Kaya – a afraid, even though I should have been. golden cattle dog mix. In fact, she credits Kaya with not only changing Suddenly I heard the rustling of her life, but with saving it. bushes and Kaya- exploded from the underbrush, fur standing on end from aya and I met in 1996 when I the back of her neck to the base of her Kwas a volunteer dog walker at tail. She went after the man with teeth the OHS. She was a stray dog who bared and chased him away from the had been put up for adoption. By the area, then she came trotting back to time she came home with me, she’d me, wagging her tail and grinning. been at the shelter for some time, but soon became ‘one of the Normally, she greeted everyone with her famous huge grin, but family’. Kaya accepted my two cats and she and my teenaged this was the one and only time in her life that she ever did such a son quickly became best friends. Within her fi rst week at thing. I truly do believe she saved me from what could have been home, she had already earned her keep when, in the middle of a very bad outcome. the night, her loud barks scared a would-be intruder away. I lost Kaya in 2012, just shy of her 16th birthday. She was the Several years later - when Kaya was eight years old – she best friend (and soulmate) anyone could ask for, and she touched kept me going while I underwent treatments for cancer. I had my son and myself deeply. I’ve known a lot of dogs in my life, but to walk her every day despite being overwhelmingly tired. Kaya - the “shelter dog from the Humane Society” - was the most Without her there I probably would have remained indoors amazing animal companion I’ve ever been blessed to have met. I and slept. Kaya pushed me to exercise and to get better. miss her every day, yet she is in my heart, always.
OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY 1 From the Executive Director’s Desk Animal Welfare in
Contact Numbers Ontario is Broken Main 613-725-3166 Lost & Found 613-725-9998 ost days, the essence and the Act refl ects this. Fax 613-725-5674 MI really Client Services/General Info ext. 221 like my job. As to the OSPCA itself, it and the The people whole system in Ontario, badly need Departmental Extensions I work with reform. In April 2016, the sitting Adoption Centre ext. 258 Lost & Found 223 are great, board of the Ontario SPCA, without Fostering 255 and I see the notice or cause, suspended every one Administrative Assistant 233 diff erence of its member’s affi liations, and then Executive Director 232 the OHS is “passed” new bylaws saying that only Tax Receipts & Donations 299 making in our the sitting board members would Community Events 263 Programs 298 community; not be the only voting members of the Humane Education 235 just for animals, but for people too. OPSCA. Shelter Operations 226 There are only a very few things that Volunteering 231 get me down; the state of animal cruelty The Ottawa Humane Society was one Legacy Giving 268 investigations in Ontario is one of them. of seven member humane societies PAW Monthy Giving 254 Media 261 in the province to call foul. Amongst In May of this ourselves, we [email protected] year, the Ottawa have talked for www.ottawahumane.ca Citizen detailed a Since the OSPCA took years about case in Perth that over investigations wanting to work is challenging the together to build validity of the in Ottawa, services animal welfare Ontario SPCA Act in the province, and of OSPCA have eroded. Animals cooperatively, itself. Of course, with good everyone at the are put at risk. communication, Ottawa Humane good governance, Editor: Society read this and mutual respect. Geneviève Spicer article with keen interest. I was alarmed This was not that. So, we sent a joint Contributors: at the potential erosion of some of the letter to the board of the OSPCA: OHS staff , volunteers and supporters powers under the Act, but applaud the reverse this or we will take collective challenge to the OSPCA itself. action in court. If you have a story idea or comment, please contact [email protected] via As to the powers in the OSPCA Act, The OSPCA board’s response? e-mail or by mail to the OHS Newsletter Editor. Submissions of pictures and articles without commenting on specifi c actions Suspend the OHS, and suspend their are welcome; however, they may not of the OSPCA, I believe that special investigators for no cause other than necessarily be used. Articles may be powers are required to intervene in for disagreeing with its actions. edited for length and content. cases of animal cruelty and neglect. These cases are not about recovering In fact, the chief inspector wrote to Newsletter articles may be reprinted with acknowledgement of source. a stolen television. Offi cers are our investigations employees on their intervening to protect a living, breathing suspension, “This suspension is in no Charitable registration # 123264715 RR0001 creature, who is suff ering and whose way related to your performance as an life may be at risk. Time is frequently of Ontario SPCA agent.”
2 OUR BEST FRIENDS, SUMMER 2018 Court proceedings took an exceptionally long time, and spanned three judges. The fi rst It’s Tick Season… Is Your Dog ordered the OSPCA board to hold an annual meeting if it wanted new bylaws, noting in Safe? writing that “Many of these (OSPCA) decisions were taken hey’re black, tiny and latch on to skin closely at the attachment site, you may be without regard for procedural Tand fur like superglue. They dig deep able to see the eight legs and brown head. safeguards and contrary to and the damage they cause can shorten certain statutory and regulatory and, even claim lives. Ottawa Public Remove ticks – properly! provisions.” He further noted Health has reported that more than 20 Correct removal of the tick involves in his comments that the per cent of ticks tested from the Ottawa removing the entire tick. The tick has suspension of OHS, “needs to area last year were positive for Borrelia embedded its head into your pet’s skin so it’s be acknowledged by all parties burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for important to remove it properly. that it was wrong.” Lyme disease. Tweezer method: Using a pair of sharp In the end, an annual meeting A few years back, the unwelcome arrival tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin as was held and new bylaws of the Black-legged tick into our yards, possible, and pull straight out from the skin. passed by the voting of parks and forests prompted Ottawa Public Once you have removed the tick, check to one member. The third Health authorities to declare the nation’s ensure that the head is attached to the tick judge eventually denied capital a Lyme disease at-risk zone. and has not burrowed itself into the skin. the application of the seven affi liates. And so with that, the The pervasive disease can cause Tick removal tool: Slide the prongs over the tick so the head is between the prongs. last vestige of real oversight of potentially life threatening illness in Gently twist the tool around in a circle and the OSPCA is gone. dogs, and precautions should be taken to help prevent infection of our four-legged slowly pull up. Some tools have slightly diff erent designs, so refer to the instructions Since the OSPCA took over canine friends. The most important thing you can do is to prevent Lyme disease provided with the tool. investigations in Ottawa, before it happens. services have eroded. Preserving and killing the tick OHS provided rescue and Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help Once the entire tick is removed, place it in a investigation into the night, 365 you deal with these dangerous parasites. leak-proof container of rubbing alcohol. You days a year. OSPCA is a nine may want to have the tick on-hand to discuss to fi ve operation, Monday to DO with your veterinarian if any further tests Friday. Animals are put at risk. need to be run on the insect. Protect your pet It is time to introduce There are multiple veterinary products Cleaning the bite site accountability and transparency that you can give to your pet that will help After you have removed the tick, clean the into the actions of the OSPCA. prevent tick bites. Ask your veterinarian bite site with antibacterial soap and water. It is not acceptable that there is what options are best for you and your pet. Monitor the site over the next week for any a private police force operating redness or swelling that may suggest an in the province without Check your pet – carefully! infection. oversight. This needs to change. When you return from a walk in wooded But we believe this can be or grassy areas, check your pet for ticks. DO NOT achieved in a way that allows Look carefully in areas where there is less for the protection of vulnerable hair, such as armpits and thighs. • Attempt to force the tick to release by animals. burning it with a fl ame, a chemical or Ticks can vary in size depending on their puncturing its body. age and species and can be tiny, and very • Grab the end of the tick’s body and pull. diffi cult to see if young. Once a tick starts • We don’t recommend these methods feeding, it grows in size and becomes because the tick can ‘vomit’ into the skin more noticeable. If you feel a small and/or the head can be detached and left Bruce Roney, Executive hairless bump that you have not noticed in the skin, both of which can cause skin Director before, this may be a tick. If you look infections.
OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY 3 Meet Tom Shirriff
om Shirriff has been a long-time own cats and who would take care of Tsupporter and foster volunteer for them if he were no longer able. Instead the OHS. Recently, he became an OHS of expecting family or friends to take Steward through our Pet Stewardship on the responsibility of his pets, Tom Program, which allows pet owners to selected the Pet Stewardship Program leave their pets to the OHS in their Will. as a more appropriate option for his The program provides owners with situation. It eased his mind to know peace-of-mind that their pets will be that his pets would always be living the cared for should their owner pass away. happy and comfortable lives they have come to expect. As a Steward, Tom is caring for two cats in the program who, sadly, lost their When asked if he would recommend owner two years ago. Since becoming an the Pet Stewardship program to others, OHS Steward, Tom has enrolled his own Tom was quick to respond: “The Pet pets into the Pet Stewardship Program. Stewardship Program is good for anyone with pets who doesn’t have someone Tom tells us he fi rst became involved that they trust to take them on. It really with the OHS after retiring. He was is important to plan for your pets.” initially interested in walking dogs at the shelter but, after doing some research, While participating in the Pet Tom decided that fostering might be a Stewardship Program as a Steward, Tom better fi t and so enrolled to become an continues to foster OHS cats and kittens. OHS Foster volunteer. Since that time, Thank you, Tom, for all you do for the Tom has fostered over 165 cats and animals! kittens, giving them a second chance for a forever home. To learn more about the Pet Stewardship Program, please contact 613-725- After turning sixty, Tom was updating 3166 ext. 268 or e-mail legacy@ his aff airs and started thinking about his Tom and one of his beloved cat, Max. ottawahumane.ca.
4 OUR BEST FRIENDS, SUMMER 2018 OHS Specialized Foster Volunteers Linda Lucker and Scott Ferguson Many of these cats are beautiful little puzzles id you know that the OHS currently Many of these cats are beautiful little Dhas more than 240 foster homes puzzles, who only require a little bit of who, last year alone, have fostered thought, patience and attention. Most a total of 1457 animals? The OHS of our foster animals have needed trust depends on the support of foster building, a job (working for food), a volunteers to provide temporary, in- regular routine, redirecting behaviour, home care for animals not yet ready for positive reinforcement and, most often, adoption. just a comforting home.” Have you considered becoming a Linda Lucker, and her partner, Scott Each of our foster animals purr foster volunteer? The OHS is in need Ferguson, joined our specialized of 40 more homes to help us through foster program in 2015, and have been a little more joy into our lives. our busiest season. Training, food, helping cats ever since. To date, they Linda and Scott also take in cats to monitor medication, veterinary care and support have given more than 760 hours of and record their litterbox habits—helping are provided to foster volunteers on an their time to helping 15 cats on their to make them more adoptable. In 2016, on-going basis. If you have questions journey to adoption. the OHS introduced specialized feline and about foster program commitments and canine programs to help fearful/shy cats, requirements, or if you’re interested We asked Linda and Scott why they cats with litterbox issues, canines with in getting involved, please contact our continue to give their time to this handling sensitivities and canines with foster department by email at foster@ lifesaving program and here’s what global fear. OHS foster volunteers attend ottawahumane.ca. they had to share, “We will foster any special training workshops, provided feline the OHS matches us up with, but by our Coordinator: Feline Services and Thank you Linda and Scott for being our favourites are from the Behaviour Coordinator: Canine Services, to tackle the positive diff erence in the lives of so Modifi cation Program. these behavioural issues in their homes. many cats in our community.
OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY 5 PAW Monthly Giving Saves Lives! Meet just a few of the many animals’ lives you have turned around because you care.
Tucker, a four-month old Shepherd- mix, had been hit by a car and broken both his front legs. He Minou, a sweet 6-year-old gal, Cricket, an adorable three-month-old was in excruciating pain. An OHS arrived overweight and in desperate Maltese, arrived at the OHS lethargic, veterinarian and clinic staff rushed need of a pyometra spay because of suff ering from diarrhea and not eating to give this little guy critical care he an infected uterus. A special diet, or drinking. PAW monthly donors couldn’t get anywhere else. They made it possible for Cricket to get antibiotics and seven vet check-ups relieved his suff ering with strong pain urgent medical care and fi nd a loving later, this beautiful kitty has a new medication, put splints on his broken forever home. lease on life in a loving, forever legs and then casts. Tucker was family. lovingly fostered and recently found his forever home.
Icarus was found lying on the ground struggling to breathe and unable to With nowhere to go, Daisy and her Daisy, a 7-year-old calico, arrived walk due to a shattered leg. The OHS fi ve puppies arrived on the coldest with a long-list of problems including veterinarian suspected this adorable day of February. But the lives of this feline lower urinary tract disease and two-year-old cat had fallen from a sweet canine clan soon warmed up early chronic kidney disease. Daisy balcony, sustaining serious injuries when they were given some foster was treated for both diseases and also to his chest and legs. Over the course family TLC! They were also spayed had the x-rays and dental surgery she of many weeks and many surgeries, and neutered for adoption and now, required. Once on the mend, and in including amputating one of his hind Daisy and all of her puppies are spite of her health challenges, Daisy legs, Icarus happily found his forever in responsible and loving homes. was welcomed into her new forever home. (Pictured are Ginger and Rhonda). home.
At the Ottawa Humane Society, no animal is ever turned away. And thanks to loving PAW monthly donors, approximately 10,000 animals receive care by the OHS every year. Only you can rehabilitate, reunite and rehome these innocent friends who cannot speak for themselves. PAW monthly giving saves lives! You can save lives too. Join the PAW monthly giving program. www.ottawahumane.ca/savelives or call 613-725-3166 ext. 254
6 OUR BEST FRIENDS, SUMMER 2018 Community Kudos
Maya & Dhara These cool kids held a bake sale to raise money for the Ottawa Cassidy Humane Society. They sold cupcakes, cookies, muffi ns and For the last two years, Cassidy has chosen to collect donations Arnold Palmers – which were very popular! Through their for the Ottawa Humane Society, in lieu of birthday gifts. She event they were able to raise over $200 for the animals. Thank has donated over $500 worth of food, litter, collars, treats and you Maya & Dhara! toys. Thank you Cassidy!
Sydney, Elsa, Jayden & Cameren Abigail This group of Humane Heroes raised money over the past year Through doing chores and small jobs for her neighbours, hosting lemonade stands, selling art work, raking lawns and Abigail raised $63 for Ottawa’s animals. She also made holding car washes! All of this because they love animals and blankets which she donated to the cats at the OHS. wanted to help those in need at the OHS. Congratulations Abigail!
To see other Ottawa Humane Society heroes, please visit www.ottawahumane.ca/communitykudos.
OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY 7 Events Calendar
Capital Pride Parade – August 26
OHS Microchip Clinics – August 12, September In this issue 16, October 14 & November 4 at the OHS Kaya the Shelter Dog ...... 1 Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run presented by Escape From the Executive Director’s Desk ...... 2 Manor – September 9 at Lansdowne Great Lawn It’s Tick Season. Is Your Dog Safe? ...... 3 OHS Auxiliary Fall Craft & Bake Sale – September Meet Tom Shirriff ...... 4 30 at the OHS Foster Volunteers Linda Lucker and Scott Ferguson...... 5 Bingo – Every Sunday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Overbrook Bingo Palace PAW Monthly Giving Saves Lives! ...... 6 Visit our website at www.ottawahumane.ca for more information Community Kudos ...... 7
8 OUR BEST FRIENDS, SUMMER 2018