Ottawa Humane Society

Ideas, solutions will impact the future

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:44:00 +0000

With 11,000 animals requiring our care every year, the animals that need us today are a major preoccupation for all of us at the OHS. This is a problem, because if we are ever to see fewer animals requiring our care, we must invest in the future as well. It’s difficult. Everyone here loves animals, and many have devoted their lives to their care and welfare. It is hard to accept that there are insufficient resources to do everything we might like to for every animal. It is particularly hard to direct resources to what sometimes feels like a nebulous future, when so many need our help today.

Key OHS staff spent Monday, April 30 talking and planning for just that.

We took a rare opportunity to stop and think, compared notes, and shared ideas with representatives of all departments, levels, and roles at the OHS. The goal was to change the future: How to leverage our new building, our skills, knowledge and influence to ensure that 11,000 animals a year don’t need us in 10 years, and that the outcome is better for those that do.

It’s amazing what can happen when you bring together talented people with diverse backgrounds and a passion for a common goal.

The solutions developed during the summit were big and small. Some were cost-free, simple, and better ways of doing what we already do. Others were new programs like a pet behaviour hotline that can help keep more animals in their homes... but that will have to wait for new money.

All the ideas will impact a great deal of what we do over the next few years. They are going to help the animals in our building today. And they are going to help us change the future.

Bruce Roney

Ottawa Humane Society
Executive Director

Clem

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:25:00 +0000

Clementine, the little dog that we began fostering at Christmas, finally found her forever home in March.

We were really excited to learn that she was going to a home with five children since she is so gentle and kid-friendly. In true Clementine style, during the family-dog introduction, she visited each child and licked every one in turn.

Over the time she was with us, I was reminded how much work and how disruptive a young puppy can be to one’s life, even with the advantage of bringing her to work.

At the same time, it was very satisfying to see her grow and thrive and learn, and eventually have the home and family that we were hoping for.

Bruce Roney

Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Pal: Noun: A friend. Synonyms: buddy, chum

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:13:00 +0000

PAL: Pet Adoption Location. A great little acronym for a very important program.

It is the OHS program that partners with local pet stores to help find more animals—generally cats—forever homes. Over 15,000 forever homes, since the program’s inception, in fact!

Many people don’t like coming to our shelter, especially when we were at our old Champagne Avenue location. We would love it if everyone would visit our new West Hunt Club shelter, but recognize that it’s not for everyone. Our home may be far from your home; our hours not convenient; or like some people, being here may just make you a bit sad. PAL allows you to adopt from us at a store in your local area, rather than coming here and getting the “I want to take them all home!” feeling. It also relieves the space pressure resulting from as many as 45 admissions a day in our peak season!

There are 15 PAL locations throughout Ottawa, and that number is growing as more partners come onboard.

So, if you are looking for your new best friend and can’t visit us here, please be sure to go to your local OHS PAL location.

Bruce Roney
Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

P.S. The PetValu PAL locations are celebrating National Adoption Weekend April 14 and 15, and raising funds for the OHS and other animal welfare groups. Even if you're not in the market for a new furry friend, stop by your local PetValu and participate Pet Appreciation Weekend (PAW).

The Real Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:50:00 +0000

With the advent of kijiji and other sites publicizing the “free” kitten or dog, we were all thrilled to see a three-quarter page article in the Ottawa Citizen’s “Real Deal” feature about adopting pets from the OHS and other humane societies.

The article explodes the myth of the “free” kitten. There is no such thing. In fact, that “free” kitten or dog is likely to cost you far more than you might realize; while the cost of adoption at the OHS, and most similar organizations is usually less than the cost of sterilization alone.

Beyond the health and other guarantees offered by most not-for-profit animal groups like us, other OHS inclusions such as vaccinations, deworming, health insurance, and more make adoption at your local humane society is the best deal in town!

See the full text of the Citizen article (and video!) here.

Bruce Roney

Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

A gift of hope

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:36:00 +0000

Your best friend calls, having just returned from the vet where sadly, her dog was euthanized. What do you do?

Many of us simply don’t know what to say.

You can’t imagine your best friend without her furry companion by her side, but you’re not sure how to help. And sometimes you can’t help. But you can show compassion and support. The death of a pet can be every bit as devastating as the loss of a human loved one. Since 2004, in memoriam tribute gifts to the OHS have more than tripled.

When a pet passes away a tribute gift can give comfort and hope to someone grieving the loss of their companion animal. If this memorial is given to the Ottawa Humane Society in honour of the pet, it will also help save the lives of other animals.

Pets are members of the family. When they pass away, acknowledging their owners’ grief shows that you understand their feelings. Making a gift in their pet’s honour will go a long way in helping them grieve.

When you make a tribute gift to the OHS, you are helping to fund essential programs and services for Ottawa’s animals. We will send a condolence card to the bereaved family, in the form of a personalized e-card or a tribute card and letter in the mail.

Have your friends or family members made a donation to the OHS in your pet’s honour?

Have you made an in memoriam gift for a pet that has passed away?

We would like to hear your story and how an in memoriam donation helped you.

Learn more about tribute gifts here.

Signs of Spring: Chapter Two

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:14:00 +0000

I was very happy that my posting about leaving wildlife alone got people talking. It is an important but sometimes under-publicized issue.

I am glad that readers pointed out that some animals are in clear distress, that is, visibly injured or obviously orphaned and there is a need to intervene. I will tell you now that I purposely left that point, since so many more juveniles that we see are in no distress, than those that are. Of course, as soon as they are picked up by a human, they ARE in distress and have to be transferred to rehab or euthanized.

This is a mistake that often cannot be fixed. When juveniles are removed from their mother, generally the mother will move on in a short time, and so will not be there to care for them, even if returned to the site. Unless we knew that the mother is there, and will accept her offspring, we risk leaving them to suffer slow starvation.

Some people wrote about the one remaining rehab centre in the region. And yes, that is an option, but it has limited space and by late spring is frequently full. Since the main wildlife centre in the region closed, space is very limited.

Thank you for talking about this issue. And thank you for leaving wildlife in the wild.

Bruce Roney

Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Read our educational resources about wildlife issues.

Signs of spring at the OHS

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:54:00 +0000

Spring has sprung early, and we are all pretty happy to get out and enjoy the warm outdoors in March instead of April.

Since a lot of animal issues are seasonal and weather-dependant, we are all bracing for the inevitability of boxes of kittens brought to us, more rescues from neglect, more injured animals—all hallmarks of spring at the OHS.

Another hallmark of spring is increased human conflict with wildlife. And most distressing, juvenile wildlife brought to us by the public. Every year dozens, if not hundreds, of young squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and other small wildlife are brought in by well-meaning, but ultimately destructive humans.

Most of the young are euthanized; many of them needlessly. Had they been left where they were, in most cases, their mother would have shown up in a short while. With only a handful of scarce spots left for wildlife rehabilitation in the area, and no resources to care for them, the only option is humane euthanasia.

Please, enjoy this beautiful spring. Get outside. Soak up the sun. But please leave wildlife alone.

Bruce Roney

Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Read our educational resources about wildlife issues.

Much more than an Adoption Centre!

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:53:00 +0000

It’s been in the works for years, but the new OHS is here, we’ve settled in, and we want you to visit us!

If you’ve ever been to the old 101 Champagne Ave. shelter, you’re in for a treat. Forget about the cramped, dark and depressing shelter you once knew. The new Ottawa Humane Society at 245 West Hunt Club Road is bright, welcoming and a significantly better environment for the animals in our care.

Check out the Adoption Centre; see the adoptable dogs; spend some time visiting and getting to know the cats in the community cat rooms. Chat with our Adoption Centre counselors and let them help you find your purrfect match! While you’re here, find out about the community programs we offer in our new Education Centre! The new Education Centre allows us to serve our community in two ways – by hosting onsite kids’ camps, PD days, pre-adoption classes and dog obedience training sessions, and by offering you a venue for rent to host your meeting or event (catering kitchen attached).

Before you go, stop by the Buddy & Belle Boutique, where all proceeds go to the animals in our care. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a long-time pet parent, the Buddy & Belle Boutique has everything you and your pet need, including: pet food, carriers, crates, pet beds, ID tags, collars, leashes, harnesses, toys, treats and more! (Pets are welcome to shop too!)

The OHS is so much more than just an adoption centre!

The OHS is a community organization offering services to the residents of Ottawa and beyond. Members of the community we serve donated to the Breaking Ground Building Campaign to build this new shelter, and now – more than ever – we are able to give back to the community that has given us so much.

Come have a look at the new-and-improved Ottawa Humane Society. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information, hours of operation, and how to find us, please visit: www.ottawahumane.ca

The tale of “Lucky Luke”

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:22:00 +0000

Luke, a two-year-old St. Bernard, came to the OHS from a puppy mill seizure in late 2011. He had spent the first part of his life in a kennel with limited human contact.

The staff and volunteers at the OHS have worked with Luke to ensure his time here is enriching and that he has a strong foundation for when he finds his forever home.

It’s a whole new world for Luke. He is learning social etiquette, how to meet and interact with other dogs, how to sit nicely, and how to become more engaged in his immediate surroundings for longer periods of time.

Here is what one of our volunteers has to say about Luke:

“When I first met Luke, he totally ignored everyone. He spent his time throwing himself at the cage door or collapsed in resigned defeat. He had spent so long in a cage without human interaction that he simply didn’t know that humans were worth noticing. He didn’t know to look to humans for anything and certainly not for any sort of positive interaction.”

“For now Luke is still more environmentally oriented than people oriented. His environment is distracting and it can be difficult to get his attention.”

“It is hard to believe how far he has come unless you saw the dog that first arrived and the dog that we see now. At first glance, he may still seem disinterested, but when I take him through the lobby and he actually stops to sniff the hands of people along the way, even just for a moment or two, I see incredible progress.”

What Luke needs:

1. A lot of exercise!

2. Training and obedience classes to form a bond with his new owners.

3. A home with teens and adults only.

4. Strong and assertive owners who are knowledgeable and experienced with the St. Bernard breed.

5. Owners who are willing to invest time and energy into training

6. To be the only dog in his new home. No cats, either. No exceptions.

7. Lots of mental stimulation when left alone. A crate or an isolated area of the home will ensure he doesn’t find inventive ways to entertain myself.

Luke’s timeline at the OHS:

December 2011:

· Given his name “Lucky Luke” by OHS RIS Agent Hammond, who assisted in the puppy mill seizure.

· Luke was non-responsive to humans and would “shut down” easily.

· He wasn’t interested in toys or treats.

· He was afraid to take walks.

· OHS staff and volunteers began clicker training.

January 2012:

· He began responding to treats so clicker training became much easier.

· He started following other dogs on walks, which encouraged him to walk beyond the end of the building.

· He began to sit for his food bowl.

· He was neutered and moved to the Adoption Centre.

February 2012:

· Luke could perform commands (even with distractions).

· He began keeping his room clean, but was still not completely housetrained.

· He started jumping up to see through windows.

· He began to play and roll onto his back for a belly rub.

· Luke began responding to commands outside, even with other dogs around.

March 2012:

· Volunteers have started formal dog introductions to get Luke more interested in making friends.

· Luke will now take treats and do tricks for anyone—outside or inside; even people he has never met.

· He knows his size and will still bulldoze his way to escape, but then will turn to look at you to make sure you are coming, too.

· He will roll over on command, and will gallop to come see you and say hi.

· He knows his name.

Watch a video of Luke here!

Squeaks, squeals and peeps! A shout out to our wee ones!

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:40:00 +0000

Rabbits and gerbils and hamsters. Oh my.

We get a lot of all of them. 390 in fact, in the fiscal year that is just ending.

Just last week, 32 hamsters—some pregnant—were surrendered by a woman who didn’t separate genders and forgot that hamsters have a 16-day gestation period.

The number of small mammals we care for is one of the reasons we built a “Rabbitat” front and centre in our new West Hunt Club shelter. It’s why the small animal room is up front too, with a window to the outdoors. We want them to be comfortable, of course, but moreover, we want people to know they are here.

I am surprised how few people think of adopting small mammals from the OHS. Even long-time supporters seem surprised to hear we offer more than dogs and cats in our Adoption Centre. And much to my chagrin, many seem to learn just a few days or weeks after they have acquired a small pet elsewhere, leaving the ones at the OHS homeless longer.

Mr. Big (A140894) is one
of several dwarf hamsters
currently available for adoption.

What can you do to help? Let your friends and family know that the OHS has plenty of furry creatures of all sizes available for adoption, and not to go to commercial sources; support the OHS, of course; remember that a rabbit is for life, not for Easter; and, if you own rabbits, gerbils, mice, hamsters or any other of our little friends, keep the genders apart!

Bruce Roney,

Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Click here to see all the small animals available for adoption through the OHS.

Just short of a miracle

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Humane educator Ashley Dacey sits with Billy,
an OHS dog currently benefitting from the
L.E.A.D Program. His favourite toy, the green
monkey in this photo, was given to him
by one of the youth in the program.

Many people don’t know this, but years before I worked for the Ottawa Humane Society, I worked for the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa-Carleton (YSB) for over 11 years. Because of my long history working with troubled young people, it’s not surprising that one of the OHS programs that most engages me is L.E.A.D.

L.E.A.D. stands for Leadership Education with Adolescents and Dogs. The Program pairs “needs-work-before-adoption” dogs with young people at-risk, generally at the Roberts-Smart Centre on the Royal Ottawa Campus, or at a YSB detention Centre—like the current session.

Over several weeks, the young people learn to groom and train the dogs. Through the program, dogs become more adoptable. But much more amazing things happen to the young people.

The OHS Humane Education coordinator tells me that the program staff and volunteers begin as strangers and intruders, but shortly after the dogs arrive, they are guests and confidants. The young people learn to communicate better with a creature that doesn’t judge. They learn empathy for a dog that is, in many ways, like them. They learn compassion for an animal that depends on them.

Dogs and young people together are a natural. When we can help both adjust to the world better, it’s just short of a miracle.

Bruce Roney
Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director
Click here for more information about the L.E.A.D. Prgoram and other Humane Education initiatives at the OHS.

Shout out to the good people of this world!

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Leah Lepage is one of many PAW
monthly donors who enjoys knowing
that her contribution makes a
difference for the animals.

Given the number of particularly difficult and upsetting cases recently, it is easy to forget that most people are good. Today, let’s devote some blog space to the good people, instead of the criminals.

Most people are at least reasonably responsible animal owners... and some are amazing. A lot of people care about and support the work of the OHS, by giving the gifts of time and money to the animals.

Most people care at least a little about animals, maybe not to the point of devoting their lives to them, like our staff, but at least to the extent that they understand the bigger picture: we all share one planet, we are one society, and how we treat our society’s weakest members is the ultimate measure of our humanity.

OHS volunteer Robyn Rittmaster
devotes her time and energy
to the animals.

Bruce Roney

Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Pot bellied pig neglect: shocking

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:24:00 +0000

In yet another shocking case, this month our Rescue and Investigations Department charged a couple who so severely neglected a pot bellied pig that its hooves grew approximately 1.5 feet long, curling around and extending back into the bottom of its feet, preventing it from standing or moving normally.

The pig was suffering with what was likely excruciating pain, as well as a permanent hoof and chronic joint abnormality caused by the overgrown hooves. We had to euthanize her to relieve her suffering.

Beyond our disgust at this outrageous level of neglect, and our hope that the severest of penalties are meted out to the perpetrators, we are reminded why our municipality restricts the species that can be kept as pets in the City.

Pot-bellied pigs are not allowed, nor are a lengthy list of other animals. The OHS supports this – strongly. Too often, the particular care needs of exotic pets are ignored in the rush to acquire the latest trend. Reptiles—most recently, slider turtles—have become the latest worrying trend.

We see the consequences in the form of neglect, or simple surrender to the OHS, leaving us to cope with the influx, care, and rehoming needs.

Bruce Roney

Executive Director

Ottawa Humane Society

Mistletoe: From matted to magnificent

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0000

A miniature poodle named Mistletoe was rescued by Ottawa Humane Society Rescue and Investigation Services in November.

She had been abandoned in an apartment.

Her fur was severely matted.
Her nails were overgrown.

She was very scared.

At the OHS, staff gave her love and affection – and the veterinary treatment she so badly needed.

Her matted fur was shaved her down completely and she was given a chance to adjust to the shelter routine. The 11-year-old poodle needed dental work as well as spaying before she could be available for adoption. The OHS veterinary staff performed these much needed and lengthy surgeries to get her ready for her new home.

Despite her age, Mistletoe is a very affectionate and active lady – she loves to jump into a lap for a cuddle. Her sweet and gentle nature shone through during her time at the shelter.

Mistletoe was looking for a quiet place to retire to, so she could forget about her matted fur and sore teeth and just give love and cuddles to her new family. This silly and sweet poodle found what she was looking for and went home with her new family at the end of January.

Mistletoe came to the shelter fragile and shy, but she blossomed into a new dog by the time she was adopted… her haircut wasn’t the only part of her transformation.

Help us solve heinous crimes

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:39:00 +0000

A 2008 article reported a rise in abuse against animals.
Four years later, cruelty cases continue to disturb us.

Just when we think we have seen the worst, a new, horrific and deeply disturbing case of animal cruelty comes to us.

The very recent case of an apparently tortured cat left in a dumpster on Morisset Avenue was one of those cases. Once over our initial shock and revulsion though, these cases renew our determination to solve these crimes and to make them a thing of the past.

We can only solve these heinous crimes with the support of our community as a partner in our investigations to bring perpetrators to justice.

We rely heavily on the community to be our eyes and ears, to bear witness to crimes against animals, and to donate the funds for the work of our Rescue and Investigations Services Team.

We were very gratified that several outraged souls both locally and across the country have pledged funds for a reward for anyone providing information leading to an arrest.

You can help. Please spread the word that we are looking for witnesses in this case, that there is a reward and that we need them to come forward.

Click here to read the OHS press release about this case.

Click here to make a donation to our Rescue and Investigation Services team.

Bruce Roney
Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Spread the word these ways, too:

60 in 60

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:08:00 +0000

In the 60 days between December 1, 2011 and January 31, 2012, the Ottawa Humane Society received 10 litters of puppies and kittens with a combined total of 60 young animals needing care.

The OHS prides itself on being a community organization, an open admission shelter that does not turn animals away regardless of health or behaviour – but it comes at a cost

The estimated cost for daily care, vaccinations, routine deworming and defleaing, quarantines, and spay or neuter procedures for these litters is about $16,000 from the day they arrive until they are adopted.

The OHS (and its many foster volunteers) does its very best to care for these puppies and kittens until they can be adopted into their forever homes. You can do your part too. Every year thousands of animals across Canada must be euthanized because they are unhealthy and unwanted, born into poor conditions and not cared for properly. February is National Prevent A Litter month. Spaying and neutering is not only an essential component of responsible pet ownership, but also an important civic duty as a responsible citizen.

Spaying or neutering your pet has a variety of benefits, including:

- Reduces tendency in male cats and dogs to roam

- Eliminates inconvenience of the heat cycle in female dogs and cats

- Provides better health in male and female dogs and cats

- Eliminates spraying in most male cats

- Facilitates training

- Qualifies your pet for a reduced municipal license fee in Ottawa

The OHS is doing its part by ensuring that cats and dogs adopted from the shelter are spayed and neutered. Help us help the animals. Spay or neuter your pets. If they are already spayed or neutered, please consider making a donation to help the animals currently in our care – your donation will help us spay and neuter dogs and cats before they go up for adoption.

Donations to the OHS can be made by clicking here or calling our fundraising office at 613-725-3166 ext. 252.

Pet-friendly hotel supports the OHS

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:10:00 +0000

Thank you to the Monterey Hotel on Prince of Wales Drive in Ottawa, a pet-friendly hotel that is generously supporting the OHS by providing a place to stay for out of town veterinary students during their rotation at the OHS. Over the next year the OHS will host over a dozen fourth-year veterinary students eager to increase their skill sets before they graduate.

Here’s a first-hand account from a vet student who spent time at the OHS:

Early in the New Year I completed a rotation at the OHS. I had anticipated performing several surgeries; however I could not have imagined the sheer volume of opportunities that would arise over the week.

The OHS cares for over 500 animals at any time, many are sick and in need of medical care. At the start of each day, the staff veterinarian and I would head to the critical care unit to assess the patients, triaging them and making sure they were stable and receiving timely, appropriate care.

We then began surgery. I had the opportunity to perform numerous feline and canine ovariohysterectomies and orchiectomies. It was an invaluable experience that greatly enhanced my confidence. As an added bonus, it was highly rewarding to see many of my surgery patients find loving homes later on in the week.

After lunch we began rounds. First we examined and treated foster animals. These are animals that for a variety of reasons require intervention (medical or behavioural) before they can be made available for adoption. OHS volunteers care for them in their homes and bring them in for veterinary check-ups and treatment.

Then we examined other OHS animals in need of care, which on any given day can range from 10 to 30 animals.

These patients provided me with an excellent opportunity to practice performing physical examinations, communicating effectively to gather a history, developing a problem list, a differential diagnosis list, and a subsequent treatment plan for many common ailments, such as gastrointestinal or respiratory disease.

Following rounds, it was back to surgery again. Toward the end of the day, the veterinarian ensures that all surgery patients are pain-free and resting well.

During my rotation at the OHS, I not only gained invaluable surgical experience, but also a great deal of insight into shelter medicine. I gained experience working up challenging cases with limited resources—a reality facing many veterinarians on a daily basis. I also had the opportunity to learn how to manage infectious patients properly, as well as how to triage critical patients, which are two imperative clinical skills that I had not previously had the opportunity to develop.

My experience at the OHS was much more than I could have ever anticipated. I gained experience and confidence in several areas of practical veterinary medicine, and most importantly provided many deserving animals with a second chance at life. There is nothing more satisfying than helping a lost, injured or abandoned animal find a loving home.

Jilliian Thatcher

DVM 2012

Ontario Veterinary College

The Rabbitat: All Pro, No Con

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:16:00 +0000

I am always surprised by how many people don’t know that we adopt rabbits and other small animals at the OHS. After all, the OHS is responsible for the welfare of all animals, not just dogs and cats. Perhaps because people do strongly associate us with dogs and cats, adoption of rabbits is slow at the OHS.

To counter this, our new facility on West Hunt Club features a “Rabbitat” in one of the most prominent spots in our new adoption centre.

The rabbitat is not only more comfortable and less stressful for the bunnies than smaller cages, but it also features them more prominently in the main lobby.

We have also used it as an educational opportunity. The new installation is surrounded by care and other information about rabbits, so that even visitors not considering bringing a bunny into their lives learn more about these often misunderstood (and certainly underrated) pets.

Because rabbits can reproduce—ummm, like rabbits—the OHS sterilizes many of them before adoption. As with dogs and cats, sterilization not only limits animal overpopulation but also results in a healthier and better-tempered pet.

To see the rabbits available for adoption at the OHS, please click here.

And, please, tell your friends about the rabbits— and birds and mice and gerbils and hamsters—all the lovely creatures looking for new homes at the OHS!

Bruce Roney,
Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Picture perfect

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

Augusta Rowsome has been waiting for this day for a long time.

She and her family filled out an adoption request form with the Ottawa Humane Society eight months ago. They were waiting patiently for a standard poodle to become available, because Augusta suffers from allergies, and there are only a few breeds that do not aggravate her allergies.

They came to the OHS today to adopt Pavlova, an eight-year-old standard poodle. Though a new name is up for discussion, one thing's for sure: the poised poodle warmed up quickly to her new pack, especially Augusta, who was so excited to be welcoming the new furry family member.

The OHS loves when we can match the perfect dog to the perfect new family. Don't forget that if you do not see a dog you think may be a match for you on our website, you can still fill out an adoption request form and we can let you know if a specific aged, sized or breed of dog becomes available. Sometimes it's worth the wait!

Augusta promised to send us some updates on how her curly companion is adjusting to her new home, so stayed tuned to this blog and our Facebook page for more on this story!

Click here for more information about adopting a pet from the OHS.

Baby it's cold outside!

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan at OHS) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:49:00 +0000

I really hate this weather. I avoid going outside if the temperature drops much below freezing. That is why I am all the more impressed to look out my window and see our faithful dog walkers circling the building, a joyous dog hopping along in front of them this week.

In the last several days, the temperature has regularly dipped below minus twenty, we have suffered an excess of snow, freezing rain, exceptionally high winds—you name it. But the dog walking volunteers arrive like clockwork to ensure our dogs get fresh air, exercise, basic training and relief from the kennels.

It is one thing to walk 5 or 6 dogs on a warm sunny Saturday afternoon, but the dogs need to get out at 8 am on blistering cold Tuesday mornings, too.

Everyone at the OHS is indebted to the hearty souls that bundle up and endure the worst winter weather for the sake of the dogs.

Bruce Roney,
Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Our dog walking volunteers are so dedicated that we aren’t currently in need of more hearty souls to brave the cold! But we are always looking for volunteers to help our organization in other capacities. Click here for more information.

Well worth the wait

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan at OHS) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:39:00 +0000

Some cats are adopted into their new home before their profile even hits the web. Others take a little longer.

Such was the case for O.C., an orange cat with a big personality that has spent a lot of time at the Ottawa Humane Society.

This cat has been labeled "lost," "found," "stray," "adopted," "abandoned," and was most recently brought to us in July, 2011. He must have liked the looks of the new shelter more than when he visited our previous shelter on Champagne Ave., because he stayed in our Adoption Centre for five months, waiting for the perfect human companion to scoop him up and take him home.

Everyone knew his name and no one could walk by without him saying hello. He'd reach out to try and hug you or grab your attention in some other way. He doesn't like other cats, so he spent all of his time trying to attract the humans.

The day before New Year's Eve, this six-year-old cat's new owner came to take him home, this time for good. Here is what she has to say about her new pet:

I adopted O.C. and all the staff were very pleased he found a new home. They requested an update, so I'm happy to share how he's doing.

I changed his name to Orych (pronounced Orick) to honour the "O" of his previous name and the Welsh connection to his new owner.

He settled in with no problems and had a great first vet visit. He doesn't like the car much, but hopefully he won't need to be in one often. He had fun sniffing and exploring for a while when we brought him home and then he quickly settled in on my lap. He's an avid cuddler and has found his "spots" in the house during certain times during the day to either capture sunlight or comfort. He's eating well definitely gets chatty at dinner hour!

Thanks again to all the great folks who assisted with the adoption and I'll be sure to take as good care of him as you did.

The Adoption Centre isn't quite the same without him. This chatty cat who likes to cuddle became a fixture around here, but the staff at the OHS are so glad to know that he has found a great home where he will get all the love and attention he so deserves. Take care, O.C.! We will miss your playful swatting and your constant storytelling, but we know you are in a great place and we hope we don't see you again!

The call to become a foster parent

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan at OHS) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

It’s been a long time since I have had a puppy at home. Twenty-two years in fact. This Christmas I had two.

I thought it would be fun to foster over the holidays and we took in two four-week-old orphaned puppies from a litter of nine. The litter was not healthy and obviously weaned before time. Two had already become very ill and had to be euthanized.

We took home Rufus and his sister—the runt of the litter—Clementine. Clemmie was quite sickly, Rufus more hale and hearty. It was a surprise then when it was Rufus that suddenly “crashed” and sadly had to be euthanized. With much care and great advice from OHS staff, I am happy to report that Clementine is much stronger, gaining weight and growing.

I really had forgotten how challenging caring for a puppy is. She wakes up and begins wailing at 5:00am every morning. She’s not quite housetrained and of course the loss of her brother Rufus was heartbreaking for us.

Despite it all, do I recommend fostering? Yes. Clementine is very sweet and I am so happy to be helping an animal directly, and ultimately helping her to find her forever home.

Maybe next time a nice, quiet cat…

Bruce Roney
Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

To find out more about becoming a foster volunteer at the OHS, please click here.

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan at OHS) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:23:00 +0000

I’ve never been much for New Year’s resolutions, at least not in my personal life. I have always thought it was a bit silly and likely to fail. At work, though, it’s a different story.

I have two work resolutions for this coming year:

First, I want to respect and honour the many donors and many gifts that made our wonderful new shelter possible by using it to its absolute fullest to improve the lives of today’s and tomorrow’s animals.

Second, I want to spend more time with our supporters, getting to know them and learning about their aspirations for the animals and the future, and of course thanking them for making the work of the OHS possible every day.

Happy New Year everyone!

Bruce Roney, Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Community cat rooms cause contentment

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan at OHS) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

As I walked through our new Adoption Centre yesterday, I passed by a couple in their twenties with their faces pressed to the glass of one of the community cat rooms.

“You can go in to the rooms you know,” I told them.

The young woman’s eyes widened. “We can? You just MADE my day!”

I led them into the room where they could visit, stroke and pick up the cats. Of course, I immediately ceased to exist as they explored the room with a dozen or so mostly dozing cats.

We first saw community cat rooms when researching successful newer shelters across the country. In Edmonton, we saw visitors coming and going from these rooms. It went against everything we thought we knew about healthy housing of cats in shelters, but it was so astoundingly wonderful in so many ways we knew we had to try to make a visitor’s — and a cat’s — day.

Bruce Roney, Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

A message from the Executive Director

noreply@blogger.com (Ottawa Humane Society) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:44:00 +0000

The coming year looks very promising at the Ottawa Humane Society, and it is looking great for the animals in our care.

After 43 years, we have finally moved to a bright, modern and spacious facility. If you haven't visited yet, this is the perfect time, as the shelter looks particularly beautiful decked out for the holidays.

I am particularly thrilled with the live outdoor Christmas tree, as that is what I chose to name along with my gift to the Breaking Ground Building Campaign! I am proud that this symbol of peace and joy will forever have my name on it.

From me and from all of us here at the OHS, please accept our very best wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and all the best in the New Year for you and everyone you love.

Bruce

(Bruce Roney, Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director)