photo by Liz Bradley of elizabeth&jane photography

On Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, animal lovers in 18 communities across Ontario will participate in the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Friends for Life!™ walk-a-thon presented by Iams® Dog & Cat Foods.

Designed to raise funds and awareness for the protection and care of all animals in Ontario, the walk-a-thon is part of the “Weekend to Save Pets”.

Go online at www.friendsforlifewalk.ca to register for an event, gather sponsors and walk for the thousands of animals in desperate need of care right across the province.

More Than a Walk in the Park
This year’s Friends for Life! walk-a-thon is Co-Chaired by Tanya Kim, co-anchor of CTV’s ETALK, and Dave Salmoni, host and producer of several Animal Planet and Discovery Planet programs. “Dave and I will be walking in the Toronto event, and we will be joined by Daisy, this year’s Provincial ‘Spokesanimal’,” says Tanya. “Daisy was rescued from an abusive environment and the Ontario SPCA has now given her a second chance at life with a family who loves her. That’s what it’s all about.”

“The Ontario SPCA simply cannot help needy animals without the support of animal lovers across the province,” says Marc Ralsky, Director of Community and Donor Development for the Ontario SPCA. “Last year’s inaugural walk-a-thon raised nearly $400,000, and I invite everyone to help us make this year’s event even bigger and better. I thank you, but more importantly, and the animals thank you for leaving a lasting pawprint on the province.”

IAMS is the presenting sponsor for the 2013 Friends for Life! walk-a-thon, with additional support provided by provincial sponsors PJ’s Pets, Petculture, Oliver Pets & Co., and Bank of Montreal. There will be awards for outstanding fundraising efforts, and every registered walker is also eligible to earn individual rewards. For more details on the walk, please contact the Ontario SPCA at 1.888.668.7722 ext 360 or via email atwalk@ospca.on.ca.

Check out Spokesdog Daisy and other four-legged friends on the Ontario SPCA YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/OntarioSPCA

Ottawa Dog of the Week for May 20th, 2013

Hi, my name is Loki. I’m an 11-month old parti Poodle (parti meaning more than one colour.) Although both my parents were full miniatures, as the “runt” of the litter, I’m more an oversized toy. I really like to rock the scuffy look, but my fur confuses some people so they don’t believe I’m a real Poodle, and this hurts my feelings sometimes. I am of fine pedigree and want everyone to know it!

“Loki” in Norse mythology, was a trickster God, handsome but cunning and notoriously naughty. My owners say the name fits me perfectly! I admit I do like getting into trouble, especially when it comes to stealing socks or underwear, and digging out the flower beds.

I am a faithful sun worshipper and will find the sunniest spot in the house to take a nap. I love to play with my daycare buddies and want to be the centre of attention everywhere I go. If you keep walking past me outside, I will act like the cutest thing until you come over and pet me! My squeak toys are my favourite things, especially when I squeak them in your face if you happen to be preoccupied watching television.

This dog is NOT up for adoption. The Ottawa Dog of the Week posts feature a family dog in Ottawa. Each week an Ottawa dog gets to be a star.
The Ottawa Dog of the Week dogs are from loving homes and are not available for adoption.

E-mail jane@janekerrison.ca with some photos and words about your dog so they can be the next Dog of the Week!

Have a happy long weekend everyone. Take your dog out for a nice walk, they deserve it and so do you!

Bring this coupon for a free raffle ticket!!

Hope to see you there!!!

Enjoy.

What would Scruffy buy his mom?

Children come in all shapes and sizes; some are even four legged, furry and love a good belly rub. Does your furry child also happen to love giving gifts? You know, the kind of companion who always seems to leave a mishmash of twigs, stones, old socks or wet tennis balls laying at your feet in honour of your awesomeness? If so, then we know your Scruffy wouldn’t want Mother’s Day to go by without acknowledging what a fabulous woman and mom you truly are.

If your pet could log on to your computer, we think they’d head straight to the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) Really Wild Gifts website. For as little as $30 your wooly friend could pay for all of the dogs in one small village in Bangladesh to be vaccinated –protecting them from cruelty. So why not celebrate what a great mom you’ve been by purchasing a gift on behalf of your tail wagging kid! To check out more gifts shop now at Really Wild Gifts.

World Television Premiere: May 6 on The Pet Network

TORONTO, April 24, 2013 – For many centuries, humans and dogs have worked together to survive in Canada’s unforgiving Far North. But times have changed – and so has this ancient partnership.

As the new documentary North Paws reveals, dogs have lost their once-crucial working roles in northern communities, with tragic consequences.

Produced for The Pet Network by Chester, Nova Scotia-based Nexus Media Inc., North Paws tells the stories of dedicated volunteers who are battling against the odds to protect these dogs and better their lives.

The hour-long film makes its world television premiere Monday May 6 at 10 pm ET on The Pet Network.

Historically, dogs were the “essential beast of burden” in Canada’s North: rugged working animals, bred for their strength, tenacity and keen survival instinct. Few people living in this inhospitable clime had the luxury to keep dogs as mere pets.

Over time, as once-nomadic northerners began gravitating toward established communities, and as technology provided new means of transportation, the need for dogs dwindled. Still, many people were reluctant to part ways with tradition, and continued to keep large numbers of canines without considering the long-term impact.

A shortage of veterinary services in the North makes it costly and impractical to arrange for the spaying or neutering of animals. The result, in communities such as Yellowknife, is severe canine overpopulation – a problem often dealt with in brutal fashion: by rounding up and shooting unwanted dogs.

Filmed on location in the Northwest Territories, North Paws follows the efforts some northerners are making to find better solutions. Writer/director Natasha Duchene goes inside the campaign to establish the first SPCA shelter in Yellowknife, spotlights the heroic efforts of volunteer animal welfare workers in one of the region’s most remote communities, and meets men and women who are helping northern canines find a prestigious new role in the sport of competitive sled dog racing.

“It is more important than ever,” Duchene says, “to understand the ancient partnership between people and dogs.”

North Paws was produced with the assistance of the Canadian Media Fund, Nova Scotia Film, Northwest Territories Industry Tourism & Investment and First Air. Don Duchene and Judith Keenan are the producers.

The North Paws Web site delves further into the fascinating lives of the people and dogs profiled in the documentary: www.northpaws.ca