OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY 2017•18 ANNUAL REPORT

You help save so many of Ottawa’s homeless and injured animals. Thank you for giving them a second chance.

Mission: To lead Ottawa in building a humane and compassionate community for all animals. By the Numbers: You Save Lives.

Veterinarians performed 3,149 surgeries on animals in the care of the Ottawa Humane Society last year. They completed: Spays and Dental Diagnostic 3,149 neuters procedures X-rays procedures Surgeries 2,912 470 619 259

Sadie Mae – an inspirational story Making a Huge about a lovely beagle Impact on Animal Lives Sadie Mae, a 12-year-old beagle, arrived at In 2017/18, OHS the OHS on November 11, 2017. She had volunteer veterinarians been shot in the head and left for dead on donated 444 hours to a trail in Carp. Sadie Mae narrowly escaped saving animal lives. They death. If a Good Samaritan had not found not only provided much her that day, she would not have survived the needed consultations, but night ahead. also performed a number of surgeries including After enduring months of treatment for her spay and neuters, and injuries, OHS veterinarians discovered Sadie many other complicated Mae had a few more health challenges, emergency procedures. besides blindness in one eye.

Diagnostic testing revealed cancer of the Thank you: spleen. OHS veterinarians did everything Alta Vista Animal Hospital they could in surgery to address this very Dr. Janet Biggar aggressive and serious form of cancer. Dr. Vicky Bamberger Dr. Don Caldwell Unfortunately, Sadie Mae’s list of ailments Dr. Rob Clark did not end here. She was also diagnosed Dr. Elsbeth Emans with mild heart disease and chronic kidney Dr. Kristen Flegel disease. She was also experiencing seizures, Dr. Justin Guay a side-effect of the gun shot wound. Sadie Dr. Glenys Hughes Mae takes medication to manage these Dr. Shelley Hutchings illnesses; however, her cancer remains Dr. Joannah Jarman at high risk of spreading, and her other Dr. Graham Johnson conditions could worsen at any time. Dr. Michael Kim Dr. Cheryl Laite At the OHS, we understand and appreciate Dr. Andrea Leask what you have done for Sadie Mae. You Dr. Michelle Nicholson whole-heartedly and selfl essly invested Dr. Catherine Oliarnyk in her recovery. Because of your support, Dr. Vanessa Papiernik Sadie Mae is alive and happy. She enjoys Dr. Denis Philibert daily cuddles and walks with members Dr. Karen Sime of her forever family - an incredibly kind Dr. Graham Thatcher and generous family who have vowed to Dr. Robert Turmel carry Sadie Mae to the end of her journey, Dr. Amy Wilson whenever that may be. Mobile Service We need all hands Success on deck to help Meet Jessica, a cat-loving lady control Ottawa’s cat who fell on hard times. When her health began to suffer, Jessica population lost her job and had to go on social assistance. But Jessica is not alone, she has three adorable kitty companions – a cat she acquired on Kijiji, a kitten from a previous litter, and a stray she found outdoors. Jessica explained to OHS mobile clinic staff that her intention was to have all three cats sterilized; however, her current fi nancial situation made it impossible for her to afford the surgeries. Thanks to the mobile clinic, Jessica had her three cats sterilized and will not have You are changing the future to worry about fi nding homes for unwanted litters of kittens. for our community’s cats. In 2017/18, the staff working the OHS Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic:

Thank You Volunteer Vets Operated The OHS is very lucky to have the support of many veterinarians in our community, who 138 clinics in our community take time out of their busy schedules to help save the animals in OHS care. Sterilized Cooper is one of many animals that 1,738 benefi tted from the help of a caring animals volunteer veterinarian. Microchipped Cooper was brought to the OHS as a stray. 617 After he was not claimed by his owner, animals at the owner’s request he was neutered in preparation for his adoption. The day after his surgery, OHS The OHS Mobile Spay/Neuter staff noticed something was not right. He Clinic serves low-income cat was examined and diagnosed with Gastric owners in Ottawa, providing Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), which is more subsidized spay/neuter services. commonly known as a twisted stomach. OHS clients come from diverse This is a rapidly progressive life-threatening backgrounds and often have condition of dogs, that must be treated moving stories about how they urgently. acquired their cats and the love they have for their pets. Luckily, an OHS veterinarian knew a specialist who volunteered to perform Because of you, we are able to Cooper’s life-saving surgery. provide less fortunate pet owners with the opportunity to save Cooper made a remarkable recovery and future generations of unwanted soon after was adopted by a loving forever animals from a life of suffering. family. Understanding OHS Life-Saving Statistics

We collect and report OHS statistics according Pets served in fi scal year to a North American and widely recognized 2017/18 formula used for animal shelters. This formula allows us to calculate the “live release rate,” Pets Received which is the placement rate for all OHS Cats and kittens 4,980 cats and dogs that come to us for rehoming Dogs and puppies 1,471 regardless of their age, temperament or Other pets 598 physical condition. Total 7,049

Pets Reunited Cats and kittens 245 Dogs and puppies 547 Other pets 7 Total 799

Pets Adopted Cats and kittens 2,946 Dogs and puppies 608 Other pets 479 Total 4,033

Pets Transferred Through placement partners and other sheltering organizations In 176 Out 150

Total number of pets saved: 4,982

Live release rate: 72.50%

Of the 1,913 pets that were humanely euthanized, 16 per cent were owner requested for serious medical or behavioural issues; 65 per cent had serious medical issues; 14 per cent had serious behavioural issues such as aggression or extreme fear; and 4 per cent had a combination of aggression and extreme fear. Boning up on Pet Savvy Workshops Doggy Manners The OHS launched “Pet Savvy Workshops” that are offered to community Dog obedience strengthens groups free of charge in underserved communities in Ottawa. Workshops are the bond between dogs and approximately one hour in length and can be hosted at community centres, their guardians and reduces community houses, and other communal gathering locations. Participants the risk of relinquishment. gain valuable knowledge on a variety of preventative health-care topics, such as grooming tips and tricks, parasite detection and removal, and foods that In 2017/18, the OHS held are poisonous to pets. 41 dog obedience classes that helped a total of 85 At the end of each workshop, participants receive a complimentary gift bag dogs and their owners, with take-away information and pet care essentials that include tick removers, as well as 17 Pet Savvy toothbrushes, nail clippers, treats, and toys. workshops, providing a total of 155 participants with information. Behaving Buddies Series The reviews are in: The OHS launched a new “Behaving “Great class! I learned a lot of useful Buddies Series” of obedience tips that will be easy to implement.” workshops. Pet owners and their dogs learn how to overcome common “From registration through attending the classes, the experience was great.” unwanted behaviours. The Jumpy Greeters Workshop helps dogs who “Our trainer assessed our challenging won’t keep all fours on the ground; pet well, worked through a number of Runners & Wanderers Workshop is exercises and gave us lots of tips on for dogs that don’t come when called; how to work with her.” and the Draggers & Pullers Workshop teaches you and your dog how to walk “I very much enjoyed the evening. together as a team. Lastly, the Mouthy Lots of good tips that helped me to Players workshop is great for dogs that understand where I was not following mouth, nip or play rough when excited. through enough in my training.” ZERO 100% animals placement rate turned away for healthy cats and dogs 91% placement rate 92% Treatable/ placement rate Manageable Treatable/ Animals who are not healthy - and likely not to become healthy regardless Rehabilitatable of the care provided - but will likely Animals who are not healthy, maintain a satisfactory quality of life but likely to become healthy if given long-term medical, foster, if given medical, foster, behavioural, or other care. behavioural, or other care. Thank You for Helping 8,912

Because of you, the Ottawa Humane Animals in Need Society never turns away an animal in need. This past year, the OHS admitted The OHS is a safe haven for the abandoned, injured and lost 1,954 animals surrendered by their owners because they could no longer Cats Dogs Small animals Wildlife care for their pet. We also received 176 animals transferred from other shelters, 4,980 1,471 598 1,828 and we took in 4,493 stray animals.

No Animal Ever Turned Away Cats Reunited With Their Family We will never know how 2007/08 4.5% Captain Oats 2008/09 5.0% became so 2009/10 5.2% seriously hurt. 2010/11 5.98% When this fi ve- 2011/12 5.5% month-old 2012/13 5.80% long-haired 2013/14 5.21% 2014/15 5.21% tabby arrived 2015/16 8.0% at the OHS, 2016/17 9.0% his sad meows 2017/18 8.0% and limping gait pointed to a broken hip. He was in terrible pain. Upon intake, OHS staff provided Captain Oats with pain medication and IV fl uids. His X-rays confi rmed his suspected injury, and soon Enrichment programs lead to after he was whisked into surgery. happily-ever-after stories To ensure he would walk again, Captain Oats Enrichment programs add up to more lives saved received a surgical procedure called a Femoral Head by reducing stress and providing mental stimulation Ostectomy (FHO). This type of surgery is used in for the animals. Thank you for being there in dogs and cats when the ball of the leg bone that fi ts 2017-18 for these animals in need. into the hip socket is broken. This surgical procedure Why do cats and dogs need enrichment? removes the ball of the leg to relieve an animal’s When cats enter a shelter, it can be a terrifying extreme pain and heals the injury. Following his experience for them. This leads to increased stress, surgery, Captain Oats spent two days at the OHS in which can result in not eating, illness, and fearful critical care before going home with an experienced or aggressive behaviour. Some cats will have an foster volunteer. extremely diffi cult time adjusting to the shelter environment and some are not able to adjust at all. This young tabby received a lot of TLC during his 12 weeks of post-surgical physiotherapy, pain- Dogs are social animals and kenneling can management and rehabilitation. Captain Oats had cause stress. They like to have control over their to learn how to walk again. And he succeeded. environments and providing mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Enrichment Captain Oats made a full recovery and soon after prevents their behavioural deterioration. was adopted by his forever family, who renamed him Calvin. His family recently shared an update to 1,406 183 say he is a happy, playful, curious, and extremely cats helped dogs helped affectionate kitty cat. Reuniting Lost Finding More Homes for Animals with their Pets with Special Needs Families Once upon a time, there was a cat named The OHS reunited 799 lost Cinderella. She arrived in June 2017, animals with their families this surrendered by her owner to the care of past year. the OHS. Cinderella had a comprehensive medical history. This picture perfect lady In late fall 2017, a Good suffers from Feline Immunodefi ciency Virus Samaritan found a brown tabby (FIV), a lifelong ailment that attacks a cat’s and brought him to the OHS. immune system, causing them to be more A microchip revealed his name susceptible to various secondary infections. was Tigger, a cat that fi rst arrived This is why Cinderella has also suffered at the OHS in 2010. Soon after, from periodic infections in her eyes and bladder. Tigger was adopted by his forever family, who returned to Cinderella knows she’s a special needs cat, and that it will take a special the OHS in 2013 to report him forever family to adopt her. Despite her struggles, she maintains her lost. purrfect princess poise and loving personality.

It appears Tigger is a bit of a She currently is cared for by an experienced foster volunteer who can runner. He was a cat meowing to cater to her special needs. But every night, before Cinderella goes to the beat of his own drum for the sleep, she prays her fairy tale ending will come true, and she will awake past four years. in the arms of her very own forever family.

OHS staff immediately called Tigger’s owner Janine who was Nemo’s Story ecstatic to hear her beloved cat When Nemo fi rst arrived there was something was alive and well. Janine rushed about him that simply stole the hearts of many in that same day to reunite with OHS staffers. If Nemo could talk, surely he her long lost Tigger. would have said, “Help me, I’m devastated.” This nervous 6-year-old black and white beauty Because of you, the OHS was had been abandoned by his owner. He was able to provide Tigger with food, depressed and fearful. shelter and medical care when he fi rst arrived in 2010 as a OHS staff immediately recognized Nemo’s homeless and hungry stray cat. need for a high level of enrichment to help him recover. After a few days in the Advanced And because of you... Tigger and In-Kennel Enrichment program, with an OHS so many other animals were able enrichment volunteer, Nemo started to come to get back home last year. out of his shell. More Happy Tails, The OHS enrichment volunteer provided Nemo Because of You with enrichment techniques specifi cally tailored to his needs such as, mild grooming, visual 4,033 stimulation, gentle play, and a whole lot of Total adoptions tender loving care. It wasn’t long before Nemo started to feel comfortable and happy again. It 1,833 was as if he realized that everything was fi nally Pet Adoption Locations going to be ok. (PAL) adoptions Nemo did so well in the enrichment program 878 that he was ready to go to a quiet Pet Adoption Special needs Location. He was only there for two days adoptions before he was adopted by his forever family. Fraser’s Story Fraser was still a puppy when he was found roaming member to help encourage Fraser’s socialization. around the Tanger Outlet parking lot in Kanata. This helped a bit, but it wasn’t until Fraser went to live with an experienced foster Upon arrival at the OHS, this 8-month- volunteer that he truly started old Standard Wire Hair Dachshund to make progress. After a few did not respond well to any human weeks, Fraser was socializing with interaction. Fraser was fearful, hiding and humans, and comfortably roaming avoiding OHS staff as much as possible. around the foster volunteer’s house sniffi ng and exploring. Fraser also OHS staff used Adaptil spray in Fraser’s became affectionate. He began kennel to help reduce his anxiety. initiating and accepting cuddles Adaptil spray mimics the dog appeasing from humans, which was a huge pheromone that mother dogs release as emotional breakthrough. Once a message of comfort and security to their Fraser was feeling healthy and puppies. relaxed around humans, he was neutered and ready for adoption. Still, after a few days, Fraser did not improve. But this did not deter OHS staff. Ten days before Christmas, Fraser They would not give up on Fraser. OHS staff tried placing received the best present of all. He was adopted by Fraser and his doggie bed in the offi ce of an OHS staff a loving forever family. Thank You for Your Gift of Time

731 Meet Four- Current volunteers Legged and Furry OHS 56,226 Total volunteer hours Volunteers

In 2017/18, the canine You Gave and feline volunteers of the Brightening Animals a Lives program made Second Chance 589 visits to a total In 2017/18, 286 foster of 64 facilities, which volunteers gave a include hospitals, second chance to: retirement homes and rehabilitation centres. 1,265 Because of you, OHS Cats furry and four-legged volunteers are out and about visiting children 156 who are ill and seniors Dogs who are lonely; giving each of them a few 36 hours of love and Small animals companionship. Teaching Compassion at an Early Age

You are changing the future for Ottawa’s animals, one child at a time. Your support means the OHS can reach out to future pet owners and teach them responsible pet ownership and compassion for animals.

In 2017/18, we reached 16,625 children through a number of programs:

School presentations: 549 Children reached: 13,377

Summer program presentations: 43 Children reached: 1,187

In-house youth tours: 73 Youth reached: 868

Birthday parties: 224 Children reached: 2,061 16,625 Children reached

Animal Education for Newcomers to Canada Helping There are many adjustments newcomer families make when they come to live Grieving in Canada, such as learning a new Guardians language and adapting to a different climate. When it comes to animals, there Experiencing a are some cultural differences concerning pet’s death takes pet ownership and the role animals play an emotional toll. in day-to-day life. The OHS and the Pet Loss Support In 2017, the OHS developed an Group of Ottawa innovative humane education program continue to partner for newcomers living in Ottawa. Through to help more hosting a workshop in May with partner people grieving the organizations, OHS staff were able to loss of a beloved learn more about the need for this type companion animal. of programming from key community service organizations in Ottawa. OHS later The monthly formalized a partnership with Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization meeting at the OHS (OCISO). is led by a certifi ed grief educator After piloting two new presentations in the summer, the OHS hosted an on-site and is a forum to educational event in November on the topic of dogs in Canada. In addition to the share feelings and educational presentation, guests also participated in a dog obedience demonstration information with and met three OHS volunteer dogs. others who have also experienced Because of you, the OHS launched the newcomers program and will continue to the sadness of expand this initiative to help newcomer families become familiar with wild and losing a pet. domestic animals in Canada. Reaching Out to Make a Difference

Social media followers play an integral role in helping the OHS ensure animals become adopted, This is Tucker’s Story and in raising funds to support animals in need of urgent and Tucker’s story was critical care. widely shared on OHS social media channels. Thank you for donating and for He stole many hearts. sharing OHS posts concerning animals in need. He was four months old when he arrived You helped save their lives. at the OHS with two broken legs, unable to walk. He had been Social Media hit by a car and this Growth sweet Shepherd-mix was in excruciating Twitter Followers pain. Tucker needed a lot of medical care, which included a major 2011/12 ...... 2,759 surgery, many exams 2012/13 ...... 4,699 and X-rays, many days of cage rest, and physiotherapy. To help 2013/14 ...... 6,531 him regain muscle strength in his legs, Tucker took swimming 2014/15 ...... 7,932 lessons, courtesy of friends at Canine Water Wellness! 2015/16 ...... 8,110 2016/17 ...... 9,683 Tucker was very fortunate to have been fostered by a dedicated 2017/18 ...... 10,300 OHS staff member. He spent his days resting in her offi ce, and his nights in her home. He was never alone. Facebook Likes After three months, Tucker’s two broken legs healed, and soon 2011/12 ...... 6,954 after he was adopted by a loving forever family. 2012/13 ...... 12,516 2013/14 ...... 22,687 Thank you for using the power of social media in a positive and 2014/15 ...... 31,622 meaningful way. You helped give Tucker the second chance he 2015/16 ...... 36,998 deserved. 2016/17 ...... 42,440 2017/18 ...... 46,311 Feedback re: Tucker’s social media progress reports

Daily website visits: 4,505 Sandy Sharkey: Congrats Ottawa Humane Society!!! What a happy ending for this sweet little dog! Average number of newsletters Mona Hamilton: Stay strong Tucker distributed per issue: 16,554 Stacy Morin: He is in the best possible hands Number of e-bulletins issued: 191

Follow us on social media! How You Are Saving Lives

Animals in Ottawa’s communities get a PAW Donors Make PAW-sitive second chance because of the generosity of all of our 24,300 donors. A big thank you Impacts on Animal Lives from the animals in need that you saved. Thank you for giving Angel 24,300 donors a second chance at life It is hard to believe something so small could get so hurt. In August Thank You for Being 2017, a two-month-old German Shepherd-mix puppy arrived at the a PAW Hero OHS with two broken legs. Saving The Ottawa Humane Society PAW (Pre- his legs was a team effort. First, an OHS veterinarian gave Authorized Withdrawal) plan allows Angel medication to ease the pain and then splinted his legs. members to make regular monthly gifts. A second OHS volunteer veterinarian, who is an orthopedic specialist, performed this puppy’s complex surgery. This year, there were a total of 10,044 PAW donors, which is a 6.15 per cent After spending a few weeks in recovery with a dedicated OHS increase from last year. Thank you foster volunteer, Angel was given a clean bill of health and for making a difference in the lives of then adopted by his forever family in September. Thank you Ottawa’s animals! for making a PAW-sitive impact on Angel’s life.

You supported Templeton when he OHS Resource Breakdown needed you most A little black kitten named Templeton This chart shows where the fi nancial was brought to the OHS in July resources of the OHS come from. 2017. The situation was dire. A bylaw offi cer found him in a rat trap. He Gifts from Individuals: 56% Companies and was abandoned, alone and starving. Foundations: He was on the brink of death after 3% mistaking rat poison for food. Because of you, the OHS was able to save Templeton’s life. He was treated with Vitamin K to clot his blood to counteract the deadly poison. After a Events: 7% miraculous turnaround, he spent time recovering in a foster Fees, Interest and home and once fully healed, was adopted by his forever family Government Purchase Other: 20% in August 2017. Because of PAW heroes, we were able to give of Service: 14% Templeton the medical attention he deserved to live a happy healthy life. This chart shows how OHS resources are used to help animals. Thank you for being Abigail’s hero Rescuing and caring for animals: 67% Abigail, a three-year-old Lionhead bunny, arrived at the OHS very badly Changing matted. OHS staff carefully shaved off the future: 9% the matted areas, and it didn’t take long before her beautiful mane grew back. After a month in OHS care, Abigail was adopted by a loving family who were quick to notice her beauty and gentle demeanor. As Raising funds for the Managing the animals: 13 % OHS: 9% a PAW hero, you gave Abigail the care she needed so she could fi nd her forever home. www.ottawahumane.ca

Ottawa Humane Society Supporters

Visionary + Leader Guardian CTV Ottawa (Bell Media) CanFel Foundation Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada Emily, David and Sarah Aaron Flipp Corporation Beechwood Animal Hospital Escape Manor Inc. Jewitt McLuckie & Associates LLP Benevity Community Impact Fund Donors Hill’s Pet Nutrition National Capital Marathon Inc. Emond Harnden OHS Bingo Volunteer Program Ottawa Light Rail Transit Constructors Mark Waters Charitable Foundation Petplan Pet Insurance PBC Development & Construction Management Group Inc. Peter Nicholson and WCPD Foundation Simply Nailogical Inc. Phyllis and James Brown Family Fund Ren’s Pets Depot United Way of Ottawa Donors RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Sahara Foundation, The Scott Island Foundation Star Motors of Ottawa Inc. Visionary Steven and Linda Kerzner Family Foundation Steve Maclean Public School Benefaction Foundation Donors Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation Donors Community Foundation of Ottawa TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. Costco Wholesale Social Committee Worwin Foundation Critter Crafters CUPE Local 503 Dylan’s Dreams Gillin Engineering and Construction Ltd. OHS Auxiliary Ottawa Citizen Pattison Outdoor Advertising PetSmart Pfi zer – Ottawa Laboratory The Polisuk Family Foundation TELUS United Way of Greater Toronto Donors Wesley & Mary Nicol Charitable Foundation, The

Tel: 613-725-3166 • Charitable #123264715RR0001