Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) agents have had their hands full over the past two weeks caring for a group of abandoned pot-bellied pigs. The original three rescued adult animals have since grown in number to 11, after the female gave birth to eight piglets on Monday morning.

The three not-so-little pigs were originally discovered on June 30, living in a shed behind an unoccupied home in Navan. OHS agents made numerous attempts to determine the whereabouts of the owners of the animals, but were not successful. Staff then contacted a local veterinarian to check on the condition of the pigs, and made daily trips from the shelter on Champagne Avenue to rural Navan to feed and monitor the animals.

Arrangements were made to transport the pigs from the shed to larger accommodations on a local farm. The pigs were taken to their new temporary home in early July, and appeared to settle in well.

“Pigs aren’t something we typically deal with, and because we don’t have the facilities to house them on site, finding adequate space for three large animals of this size can be quite a challenge,” says OHS Inspector, Miriam Smith.

Each of the three pigs weighs between 80 to 120 lbs and they consume in excess of 30 lbs of food each week. Staff have nicknamed the animals Huff, Puff and Chinny Chin Chin in reference to the lines from the popular fairly tale that features three pig characters.

On Monday morning, much to the surprise of OHS staff and the animals’ caretaker, the lone female pig gave birth to eight healthy piglets. The new arrivals are in good health and eating well.

Now OHS agents are waiting until the piglets are old enough to safely move to a new home. Inspector Smith is working with colleagues at the SPCA in Cornwall to relocate all the pigs to a farm in that area.

The OHS does not receive government funding or funding from any animal welfare group to care for animals in our community. To make a donation to contribute to the care and re-homing of these pigs, please visit www.ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 252.

Chinny Chin Chin, the mother pig, and her eight piglets, born on July 13.
Click for larger photos.

For media enquiries, contact:
Tara Jackson, Communications Manager
613-725-3166 ext. 261

Tomy (A103478) is a six year old neutered male cat looking for a new home. This handsome feline recently had dentistry so now has a pearly white smile. He gives purrs in exchange for cat treats! To learn more about Tomy, or to adopt any other homeless pet, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 258.

(more…)

Everyone at the OHS is excited for our 21st Annual IAMS Wiggle Waggle Walkathon!  This year’s walk is on Sunday, September 13, at the Arboretum of the Central Experimental Farm.  Each day more people are registering for this fun, family-oriented event!

This year we have exciting prizes for people who raise funds to help the animals.  Raise $500 or more and receive:

To learn more about this year’s Walkathon and to register online, visit our website at www.ottawahumane.ca/walkathon!

Tiger (A102828) is a three year old spayed female cat looking for a new home. This cuddly feline recently had dentistry. She loves treats and canned food. As she have very long fur, she will need daily brushing. If Tiger sounds like the purrfect fit for you and your family, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 258.

Local artists Andrew King, Tammy Shane and Alison Fowler will exhibit their work in an outdoor art show this weekend, with partial funds going to help the animals at the Ottawa Humane Society.

Art in the Alley takes place at 1395 Wellington St. West (beside Chick Pea), in the heart of Wellington Village. The opening night reception will be held rain or shine on Friday, July 3, from 6–10 p.m., and will feature live music and entertainment.

The show continues Saturday from 12–8 p.m. and Sunday from 12–4 p.m.

Join local artists and help support animals in need!

For more information, visit www.ottawahumane.ca.

For media enquiries, contact:
Ashley MacCormack, Events and Special Projects Representative
613-725-3166 ext. 263

OTTAWA, Ont. (30 June, 2009) – With the annual Canada Day festivities just around the corner, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is preparing for its own traditional event — the busiest day of the year.

“Every Canada Day, we receive a flood of calls about lost animals,” says Bruce Roney, OHS Executive Director. “We know that hot weather and fireworks are the symbols of a great holiday, but both things pose a significant danger for pets.”

Almost all animals are terrified of fireworks, so the OHS recommends leaving your companion animal at home when you head out to the Hill, or to a neighbourhood celebration. “Even a well-trained dog can become spooked at the sound of fireworks and quickly bolt,” says Mr. Roney. “Many, many animals turn up at the OHS each year because they panicked and ran away after hearing such loud noises.”

With Canada Day as the traditional start to summer, it’s also important to be mindful of how hot weather can affect pets. Since the beginning of May, the OHS has received daily calls about dogs left in hot cars. Dogs can’t cool themselves as efficiently as humans can, and on very hot days, temperatures in parked cars can rise to dangerous or even deadly levels in mere minutes.

When the temperature soars, it’s best to leave your companion animal at home, with access to shade, and lots of fresh water. And should you choose to leave your animal with someone else this summer, make sure you provide that person with appropriate documentation (including an emergency number, letter of consent, past vet bills etc.). This proof of owner information will give your designated caregiver the authority to claim the animal on your behalf, should your pet become lost and turn up at a shelter.

By following these simple precautions, both you and your pet can enjoy safe summer celebrations.

Anyone who sees an animal in distress should contact the OHS Emergency Animal Protection Services immediately at 613-725-1532.

For more information:
Tara Jackson, Communications Manager
613-725-3166 ext. 261

Chef Waldele was one of the most extraordinary and committed supporters of the OHS. For nearly a decade, he volunteered his time and talent to help the animals. He and his wife, Dr. Suzanne Beauchemin, hosted fundraising garden parties at their Cumberland home for many years. Kurt then went on to organize and prepare menus for many successful OHS FurBall galas, delighting guests with his culinary creativity. In all, Kurt’s kindness and generosity helped raise close to $750,000 for Ottawa’s animals.

Kurt passed away in April of 2009, just a few short weeks after attending the 5th annual OHS FurBall at the National Gallery of Canada. To honour his memory and contributions, the OHS will name the volunteer welcome room in its new building, the “Kurt Waldele Volunteer Reception Room.”

“Kurt truly was one of the best friends the Ottawa Humane Society has ever had,” said OHS Executive Director, Bruce Roney, “and we wanted a fitting tribute for his remarkable volunteer achievements. We’re so pleased to be able to create a lasting legacy in Kurt’s name.”

The OHS is seeking help to build and pay for the new room. The fundraising goal for Kurt’s memorial project is $75,000.

To learn how you can contribute to the fund, please visit the OHS website at www.ottawahumane.ca, or the Breaking Ground Building Campaign website at www.breakingground.ca.

For media enquiries, contact:
Tara Jackson, Communications Manager
613-725-3166 ext. 261

Tessy (A103796) is a beautiful one year old spayed female cat looking for a new home. This curious yet well-mannered feline enjoys curling up in a lap and sharing her purrs. If you and your family are interested in adopting Tessy, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 258.

Roosters are very difficult to photograph - that’s what I’ve learned this week!

If you’ve visited the stray cat rooms recently, you would have heard the “cock-a-diddle-doo”s of three roosters.  Found in a garbage dumpster last weekend, they all went to responsible new farms today.