Rescue & Relief Trailer – Through the Years

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Posted on 6th June 2013 by Laura in Interesting |Ontario SPCA

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This year, the Ontario SPCA  is celebrating 140 years in animal welfare!  It’s been a bit nostalgic as we reminisce about the past and found old treasured photos of the Society throughout the years.   How things have changed!

Rescue trailer then and now.

Rescue trailer then and now.

The Rescue and Relief trailer for one, has come a long way.

In early days, agents were fortunate to have a trailer donated by the Ontario Harness Horsemen’s Association to use for large scale removals.   However, as the years progressed and area covered by the Ontario SPCA increased, a need for upgraded equipment was needed.

In 2011, Ontario SPCA agents investigated between 13,000 and 16,000 reports of cruelty and removed over 2,800 animals that were at risk. When a large-scale rescue operation is underway, tens or even hundreds of animals need immediate attention and having the proper equipment is crucial to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Last year, we were thrilled to receive a generous donation by Nutrience pet foods that was invaluable in our rescue and relief efforts. They donated a 20-foot trailer, equipped with fully adjustable heat and air conditioning. It also contains a generator for power, with six exterior floodlights for nighttime or inclement conditions. It has an 18-foot awning for protection from the elements and has a ramp with a movable partition and a 36-inch door. What makes the trailer so special is the capacity to provide shelter and temporary housing during emergency situations.

The Rescue & Relief trailer is just one of the many things that has progressed throughout the years.   Looking back at 140 years, the Ontario SPCA is proud of the work it has accomplished and looks forward to another 140 years in animal welfare.

Ontario SPCA Regional Inspector Volunteers at Tim Hortons Camp Day

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Posted on 5th June 2013 by Laura in Interesting |Ontario SPCA Community Supporters |Special Events

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Agent Tanti volunteering for Tim Horton's Camp Day!

Regional Inspector Rebecca Tanti volunteering for Tim Horton’s Camp Day!

Today is Tim Hortons Camp Day!

Rebecca Tanti, Regional Inspector for the Ontario SPCA wanted to give back to the community by participating in this special day to help kids go to camp.   Rebecca is pictured here with staff from the Thamesford Tim Horton’s located at 105 Patrick Street.

Way to show your community support Rebecca!  Stop in and say hello to Rebecca and the staff if you are in the area.

 

Katie Finds Her Forever Home

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Posted on 5th June 2013 by Laura in Adoption Update |Ontario SPCA Community Supporters

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Katie and Leslie on her official adoption day.

Katie and Dianne on her official adoption day.

Just weeks before Christmas, the Ontario SPCA Midland Branch was contacted by a family who wanted to surrender a mother dog and her pups.

The family had rescued a small hound found wandering around in the woods, in November. The hound was hungry and dirty, probably a lost hunting dog. Unbeknown to them the dog was pregnant and within weeks of her rescue gave birth to 10 puppies! The family tried to keep the mom and pups but it proved too much and they could not cope.

So …Katie and her 10 pups spent the next few months at the shelter. Katie was a great mom and persevered through weeks of nursing, grooming and feeding, 10 demanding little pups. Everyone who saw them fussed over the pups and said what a cute mom Katie was, a pup herself almost!

As time went on the pups and Katie were spayed, neutered and ready for adoption. One by one Katie watched her pups all get adopted into loving homes….all but Katie. Another month had passed and where were all those people who had thought she was so cute?  Then Katie became depressed and didn’t want to go out for walks or be with anyone other than a few people from the shelter.

One day Dianne came into the shelter looking for a companion and saw our sad little hound, all alone. At first Katie was reluctant to be won over by yet another stranger! After weeks of daily visits and friendly talks on the bench Katie finally decided she could give herself to Dianne and become her friend.

In May, our Katie was adopted by Dianne and went to her new home. They are great companions going for walks, car rides and good company for each other.

For Katie it was a long wait but worth it!  Thank you Dianne for taking the time to get to know Katie and build that trust.

Video – Child with Down Syndrome and Loving Dog

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Posted on 4th June 2013 by Laura in You Tube

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Here’s a beautiful video that I wanted to share.  You might want to have tissue nearby.

Keeping Your Cats Entertained

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Posted on 3rd June 2013 by Laura in Pet Care

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SONY DSCCuriosity may not have really killed the cat, but can certainly cause problems around the house.   Cats not only need basic necessities such as food and water, they also need mental and physical stimulation for a healthy and long life.

When cats become restless, this can often result in undesirable behaviours such as scratching furniture, excessive meowing and ruining household plants.  If your cat is showing signs of boredom, it might be time to find new ways of enrichment and entertainment.  Engage them in a game of fetch with their favorite cat toy, create a safe outdoor enclosure for them to explore new territories, or place a bird feeder outside a window.

Modern Cat, the lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions, recently published 13 Ways to Entertain Your Cat, which features great ideas on how to keep your feline friend from being bored.  Tips include:

1. Leaving a trail of treats that lead to a hidden reward, such as a piece of chicken.

2. Hanging a few unreachable mobiles around the home.

3. Placing a few unbreakable mirrors around the home at floor level.

4. Leaving a feather on the floor.

5. Getting a ten-gallon fish tank with a secure lid, and stocking it with goldfish.

Read the complete list here.

Keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated will help create a happy and healthy cat. These are many ways to keep your cat entertained.  Have a look around the house and you might even be inspired by everyday items to create your own toys and games.

 

 

 

 

The Dangers of Roaming Free at the Cottage

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Posted on 31st May 2013 by Laura in Ontario SPCA |Pet Care

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The weekend is here!  Warm weather means cottage time.  Nothing says relaxation like time away from the city.

The cottage setting is very different than urban life and many people allow their pets to roam free.  I was guilty of this, letting Moose off-leash as soon as we pulled into the driveway of our rustic little retreat.   We would always let him run free and he always came back so we never had any concerns.  What we didn’t realize, was that while he was doing his rounds around the area, he was also getting into people’s garbage.  One day, he came back very ill and we had to take him to the emergency veterinarian clinic 40 km away.   Luckily with a little rest and rehydration, he made a full recovery.

On another occasion, we were driving up the dirt road and as we came around a bend, almost hit one of the neighbour’s dogs.    This made me realize that it really wasn’t safe to let Moose roam free and from that point on, we kept him on a leash.  The only time we let him roam free was when we were down by the water so he can play in the lake.

As much as I loved seeing Moose all free and happy, this was best for his health and safety.

Make your summer at the cottage a safe one.  Check out the Ontario SPCA’s Cottage Safety Fact Sheet for useful tips such as water safety, pets and wildlife, and much more.  And remember, always keep your pets’ identification up-to-date in the event they might get lost.

Moose and Oliver’s Kennel Adventure

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Posted on 30th May 2013 by Laura in Pet Care

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Moose (top) and Oliver (bottom)

This past weekend was Moose and Oliver’s first adventure together at a boarding facility.  Was I ever nervous!     After doing some research and eliminating kennels that required them to be wonderful social creatures, I finally opted on a place not far from our place.   This facility had acres upon acres of land, each dog would have it’s own run, with Oliver and Moose sharing a large kennel space.   This put me at ease.

I spent most of the weekend wondering how they were making out, whether they would be all confused and scared, would they resent me for leaving them?   So many questions.   Finally on the Sunday, we picked them up!  Turns out they had a wonderful time.  Moose was all groomed and looking handsome, they played and ran, even had some social interaction with other dogs.   Although it turns out Oliver was scared of the little yorkies they tried to introduce him to.  So his socialization was cut short.

When we got them home, after their initial excitement wore off, they spent the remainder of the evening tuckered out and curled up in their beds.  Their adventure at the boarding kennel had tired them out.

Overall, it turned out to be a great experience for everyone.  Although I had initial anxiety leaving them, I have no reservations of bringing them back when the occasion may arise.

It’s important to research any facilities before placing your pets in someone else’s care.  This will help reduce not only your anxiety but that of your pets as well.  For tips and information on what to look for, have a look at the Choosing a Boarding Kennel on the Ontario SPCA website.

Innisfil Student Creates Awareness to Help Animals

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Posted on 29th May 2013 by Laura in Ontario SPCA Community Supporters

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Kylee (right) engaging students and creating awareness on the Ontario SPCA.

As part of her assignment for her Challenge and Change class, Kylee Bakowski decided she wanted to created awareness to help animals.   After doing some research, Kylee decided she wanted to feature the Ontario SPCA and started gathering the information needed to help educate her fellow Innisfil classmates.

Thanks to her wonderful presentation, Kylee got a lot of people interested in the work the Ontario SPCA does.  She even printed out a current list of the animals available for adoption at the local Ontario SPCA Barrie Branch, in hopes of  helping the pets find a loving home.

The Ontario SPCA would like to thank Kylee for her outstanding work in helping promote the organization and animal welfare as a whole.  We are so happy to see our future leaders share our passion about a cause that is so dear to our hearts.

Thank you Kylee!  We think your project deserves an
A+++!

Kylee's display covered all areas of the work done by the Ontario SPCA.

Kylee’s display covered all areas of the work done by the Ontario SPCA.

Adoptions Update!

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Posted on 28th May 2013 by Laura in Adoption Update |Ontario SPCA Community Supporters

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Adoptions Update

 

Rex, the cutie at the top of the pyramid, was adopted from the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Branch!   Way to go Rex!!!  We hope you are happy in your new home.

Last week was another great week for adoptions.  In total, 102 animals were adopted from Ontario SPCA branches throughout Ontario.   We are so happy for the 58 cats, 40 dogs, and the little pocket pets that have found forever homes.

Thinking of adopting a pet?  There are thousands of pets already waiting for homes.   Visit one of our branches or affiliates to see who might be waiting for you.

 

Thank you Friends for Life Walkers!

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Posted on 27th May 2013 by Laura in Ontario SPCA Community Supporters |Special Events

Warm Up

The 2013 Ontario SPCA Friends for Life! walk-a-thon™ was a huge success thanks to all our supporters who came out, pledged, sponsored and volunteered.  The event, which took place in various communities across Ontario, was truly a weekend to help save animals lives!

Thank you to everyone who took part and helped made this event a success.  Stay tuned for our final fundraising numbers as pledges continue to roll in.

It’s not too late to pledge!   You can still support your community by visiting them at www.friendsforlifewalk.ca.

 

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