OHS Helps Rehome 22 Animals from First Nation Community n September 17, the OHS for the arrival of the Northern Owelcomed 22 homeless animals, OHS staff prepared animals into its shelter. Five isolation rooms to quarantine the kittens, eight cats, seven dogs incoming animals from the general and two puppies arrived from the population. Fortunately, all of the Obedjiwan reserve, a First Nation dogs and cats that arrived were community in Northern Quebec. healthy—and friendly! The dogs These animals were some of in particular were well socialized about 150 others, primarily street from living among people on dogs, that were being removed by the reserve. After their arrival, the animal welfare group Chiots OHS staff immediately began Nordiques. providing the medical attention the animals needed to prepare them With limited veterinary services for adoption. One mother dog was and resources for animals in placed in foster care with her two Canada’s northern communities, puppies. Over the following three many of these homeless animals OHS Clinic Staff with Northern puppies. weeks, OHS clinic staff provided are left unsterilized, without food the dogs with fl ea treatments or access to basic care. Humane and deworming, vaccines, Society International, working with microchipping, sterilization, Chiots Nordiques, asked the OHS and for some of the dogs, dental to help them rescue and rehome procedures. Because the dogs are these Northern beauties. The OHS not accustomed to being inside gladly stepped up and off ered its (or on a leash!), OHS staff and support and resources. volunteers have been working tirelessly with them to help them When resources permit, the OHS make a confi dent transition into a accepts the transfer of animals loving adoptive home. into its care in order to help other communities. The OHS The OHS is happy to share that the has rigorous protocols in place fi rst dog from the Northern transfer to safeguard the health of the was adopted last week, and the rest transferred animals. In preparation Dakota getting comfortable with a leash. are not far behind. OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY 1 From the President and CEO’s Desk Why do you care? long time results. There are few things that make A ago, when me happier than seeing the change in an Contact Numbers I made the animal, once discarded, now loved and Main 613-725-3166 transition cared for. Lost & Found 613-725-9998 from human Fax 613-725-5674 Client Services/General Info ext. 221 services Let’s not forget too, how much animals to animal do for us. Over my years at the OHS, I Departmental Extensions welfare, have heard many amazing stories from Adoption Centre ext. 258 some of my people grateful for their pets. Many Lost & Found 223 colleagues and people tell me that the animal they Fostering 255 Administrative Assistant 233 acquaintances were rescued, actually rescued them: from President and CEO 232 surprised. Some even appeared annoyed. loneliness, from isolation, from despair. Tax Receipts & Donations 299 I remember one woman telling me that A supporter once told me that her dog Community Events 263 she would never support an animal saved her from sexual assault. When I Programs 298 charity: “Not until all the children in the worked in human services, one of my Humane Education 235 world are fed,” she harrumphed. Really? Shelter Operations 226 chronically depressed clients told me Volunteering 231 I thought about asking her what she was that his cats were his only reason to live, Legacy Giving 268 doing to feed all the world’s children, and that he would assuredly have killed PAW Monthy Giving 254 but of course I didn’t. himself without them. Media 261 [email protected] I also think that it was misguided of her Beyond the individual, I also think that www.ottawahumane.ca to assume that someone who supports animals, pets at least, are a symbol, animal welfare is not doing anything to or perhaps a measure. Our own OHS feed the world’s children. I know many, 1888 Legacy Society wall—which many people who do both. In fact, my honours those that remembered the experience is that people who care about animals in their will—quotes Gandhi: animals care deeply about them and “The greatness of a nation and its moral widely about the bigger world. progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.” That just I think there are a lot of reasons for feels right. How could we lay claim to being morally progressive or in any way Editor: this. As humans, we—or most of us, great if we failed to help other creatures Katie Martin at least—have an urge to protect the vulnerable. Animals are vulnerable and that were suff ering? Contributors: pets are totally dependent on us. Likely OHS staff , volunteers and supporters that brings out something in us: an urge Do I ever miss human services? to protect them, and an outrage at their Occasionally. But I often share with our If you have a story idea or comment, staff and volunteers, what I truly believe: please contact [email protected] via mistreatment. All suff ering is bad, but e-mail or by mail to the OHS Newsletter the suff ering of the defenseless feels there is no higher calling than caring for Editor. Submissions of pictures and articles worse. the sick, the weak and the homeless. And are welcome; however, they may not it doesn’t matter if they are humans or necessarily be used. Articles may be animals. edited for length and content. Helping an animal feels good. And moreover, it feels manageable. I read Newsletter articles may be reprinted about so much strife in the world: war, with acknowledgement of source. disasters, hatred. For me, it’s often overwhelming. But helping an injured Charitable registration # 123264715 RR0001 dog is on a scale that I can comprehend Bruce Roney and respond to. And I can see the President and CEO 2 OUR BEST FRIENDS, FALL 2018 Sarah and Marley go to College Forever friends defying the odds together n May 2016, Armand and his daughter later, Armand and Sarah took Marley ISarah visited the OHS Adoption home. Centre with plans to adopt a dog. This is no ordinary story. This visit turned out to While completing the adoption be a turning point in Sarah’s life. paperwork, OHS adoption staff told them Marley had canine anxiety syndrome At an early age, Sarah was diagnosed and was on medication to help ease the with high anxiety and mild autism symptoms. What a coincidence – and the spectrum disorder. Not only was she story of this perfect match does not end coping with her diagnosis, but she was here. college. But that’s not all. Marley is also also missing her mother who passed attending college! He was successfully away when she was only six years old. Over the past two years, not only did trained as a service dog and is faithfully She was struggling in school. Sarah’s Marley slowly but surely rely less and accompanying Sarah day-to-day as she father Armand admits there were times less on his anxiety meds, but so did pursues her post-secondary education. he wasn’t sure his daughter would ever Sarah. Now neither of them relies on complete school. Little did he know that medication to help their anxiety — they Armand admits he was worried about his a dog was about to change his daughter’s rely on one another. daughter when it came to her schooling. life. Going to the OHS Adoption Centre that It truly is amazing how the human– fateful day in May was the best decision When they walked into the OHS animal bond can help spur positive they ever made. Adoption Centre in May 2016, Sarah change. Marley turned out to be a gift of was a high school senior. She had her comfort, confi dence and companionship “Without this dog Marley, my daughter mind set on adopting a Siberian husky. for Sarah — and vice versa. would have never gone to college, I’m so But that idea faded the minute she proud because she has gone through so set her eyes on a pure bred German Sarah started to excel in school and is much. I’m so proud of her achievements. shepherd named Marley. A few hours currently enrolled in her fi rst semester at She will be able to do what she dreams.” Need a Great Holiday Gift Idea? Warm Hearts Raffl e Tickets Are Available Now! Warm a furry friend’s heart this year and today so that you don’t miss out on this give back over the holidays to family, exciting raffl e! co-workers and friends by supporting the OHS Warm Hearts Raffl e! Tickets How to purchase tickets: are $5 each or fi ve for $20. In person: Visit the OHS Buddy Prizes include: 1st prize – $5,000, & Belle Boutique during business 2nd prize – $3,000, 3rd prize – $2,000. hours Additionally, if you purchase tickets By phone: 613-725-3166 ext: 299 before 4 p.m. January 13, 2019, you By email: [email protected] will qualify for the early bird draw and a chance to win an Apple iPad Mini 4 and Apple Watch – a value of $1,000! Grand prize draws will take place on February 14, 2019. Buy your tickets OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY 3 Adoption Celebrations! These fab four found their forever family Dorito Dorito arrived at the OHS in July and stole the hearts of many an OHS staff and volunteer.