canadian publications agreement number 40659555canadian ... · medications your pet might need in...

Canadian Publications Agreement Number 40659555Canadian Publications Agreement Number 40659555

The Toronto Humane Society11 River St., Toronto ON, M5A 4C2

Tel: 416.392.2273 Fax: 416.392.9978

email: [email protected]

website: www.torontohumanesociety.com

Canadian Charitable Registration Number 11925 9513 RR0001

Society OfficersTim Trow, President

Bob Hambley, Secretary-Treasurer

Joan Milne, Vice-President

Carol Lupovich, Vice-President

Board of DirectorsStephen Dooley Patricia McIlhone

Bob Hambley Joan Milne

Sandi Hudson Laurie Overton

Pam Inglis Delores Qasim

Gino Innamorato Tim Trow

Alan Johnson Al Tweten

Valerie Jones Bud Walters

Carol Lupovich

Animaltalk is printed on recycled paper and

distributed free of charge to approximately

50,000 Society donors and members.

ISSN 1192-4861

Mission Statement: To promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering

Winter 2008 IssueCover StoryEmergency: Outreach to those in need 12

UpdatesSaving Cyrus 6

Bill 50 11

Pit Bulls 11

FeaturesPresident’s Message 3

12 Beds of Christmas 25

Kids’ Donations 14

“Tre-rific Advice” 10

ShelterSummer Kittens 22

Small Pets 8

The Joy of Returning a Bird to the Wild 4

Happy Tails 24

MarginaliaVolunteer Profile 21

Marlies Help Out 19

Winter 2008AnimaltalkWinter 2008Animaltalk

Winter 2008Animaltalk

Winter 2008Animaltalk2



Winter 2008Animaltalk 3

Taking out a membership requires an application form

and membership fee, but more, it requires members to

take up the mantle of electoral franchise. This is because

members form the Society’s electorate.

As it is for those who participate in other elections, there

is no outward recognition of a member’s contribution

when she or he votes, runs for o�ce, or attends an annual

meeting, yet those who participate in the democratic life of

The Toronto Humane Society are otherwise richly

rewarded.

Members know that they have stepped up to the plate.

They know when they participate that they put their

education, their life experience, and their hearts forward to

help the animals .

Contributing to the electoral process is positive and

constructive because it looks to the future . Society

elections ma y signal appro val of past direction of

Society a�airs or ma y seek a di�erent direction, but they

always speak with purity because Society v oters have

nothing to gain personally and ha ve only the good of

the animals in mind

It’s no accident that The T oronto Humane Society

celebrates its 121st birthday this year when other well-

meaning organizations have failed to make it. And it’s no

accident that citizens have built The Toronto Humane

Society into 1/3 of the entire humane society movement in

Ontario. Democracy is powerful, and open democracy has

brought good government to The Toronto Humane Society

over generations.

Democracy’s power is

that it brings legitimacy.

It’s why all parties in the

Legislature, including the

current Government to its

lasting credit, listened to

our members and other

supporters over Bill 50

when thousands of letters

and emails �ooded Queen’s

Park this past summer. In

2008, democracy at

Queen’s Park and democracy at The Toronto Humane

Society came together to sa ve the humane society

movement in Ontario.

But while democracy can be po werful, it needs

attention because it will fade if it ceases to be fully

participatory . That’s why I ask you to become a member

of The T oronto Humane Society and share the

responsibility of go vernance.

What members decide and in�uence is not a sidebar:

Members put in place the direction of the care of the

11,000 animals admitted to the shelter and hospital

annually. Members in�uence how The Toronto Humane

Society speaks when animals need a public voice.

Please join us now by taking out a membership.

Becoming a member of The Toronto Humane Society is a

helpful and sel�ess act taken on behalf of the animals.

- Tim Trow, President

On behalf of the animals, in this issue of AnimalTalk, I ask readers, donors, members, and friends tojoin The Toronto Humane Society as members.

Message from the President




Return to the Wild

The Joy of returning a Bird to the wild!

The Toronto Humane Society is licensed by the Ministry

of Natural Resources to care for and rehabilitate wild

animals and birds. We appreciate that the Minister of

Natural Resources, the Hon. Donna Cansfield, took time

from her busy schedule to support the work of the

Toronto Humane Society.

Minster of Natural Resources Visits the Toronto Humane Society

This beautiful young Screech owl was found in the

parking lot at at Centerpoint mall at Yonge and Steeles.

The kind people who found him picked him up with a

shirt and put him in the back seat of their car. We hand

fed him for 10 days and then moved him to the flight

cage where he was soon able learn how to get along. He

was released by THS wildlife staff in late August in a park

back near Centerpoint mall.




Return to the Wild

Majestic hawk rescued by THS!

Hit by a streetcar on the Esplanade, and almost dead,

this female swan, was returned to the very lake edge

where she had been hit after two months of intensive of

veterinary care and rehabilitation.

She took a moment to realize she was back home,

then she set off to look again for her mate.

An elegant return to the wild

A concerned citizen called in after seeing this hawk

stumbling around on King St. in downtown Toronto.

The hawk seemed very disoriented and was not able

to fly. He was jumping on top of cars, and hanging from

branches, he seemed very incoherent.

After gently placing a towel over his head, THS

wildlife staff brought him back to our wildlife sanctuary,

where he was given a full veterinary checkup. We

believe that he likely had flown into a window

downtown and hit his head giving him a mild

concussion, hence his disorientation.

He was released to the skies where he belongs at

the Leslie Street Spit, a perfect natural habitat for this

beautiful creature.




Saving Cyrus

VICTORY FOR CYRUSOn September 24th, in an Old City Hall courtroom Justice

Paul Bentley said that Cyrus is now free to stay with his

foster parents forever!




At the same time you receive your copy of Animal Talk

our new TV spot “Whatever it Takes” will debut on air.

Staring well-known Canadian actor Bruce Gray of Traders

fame, the spot features a glimpse of shelter and clinic life

at 11 River St.

Dr. Sheridan is seen performing surgery and he is joined

by a cast of caregivers who work at the Society. Featured are

feline and canine stars, all of whom were being cared for at

the Society on the day of filming. The spot includes

footage shot in the Cat Sky House as well as an animal

rescue off site.

As a reader of Animal Talk you can support the Toronto

Humane Society and respond to “Whatever it Takes”

by visiting www.torontohumanesociety.com or calling

416-392-2273

Coming Soon to your Living RoomWhatever it Takes




Do you live in an apartment or a condo and don’t think a pet would �t well into your lifestyle? Well think about one

of a myriad of small pets such as rabbits, hamsters, rats, gerbils, chinchillas or degus all of which are available at

either of our shelters. The opportunities to give a home to abandoned small pet are endless.

“If you think on of us can �nd a place in your heart and home pleasecome down to our shelters and meet us.”

Small Pets

Small Pets

Hi there, my name is Alvin.

I am a 6 month old, male

shorthaired rabbit. I came to

the THS in March with 11 of

my brothers and sisters! We

are all mixed breeds, but I

am a very handsome white

lionhead with blue eyes.

The volunteers here at the

THS say I am energetic and

rambunctious. I may be a

bit of a handful, so it's best

that I go to a home with

previous rabbit experience.

If you can give a fun little

guy like me a piece of your

heart and home, come and

pay me a visit here at the

Toronto Humane Society,

11 River St, Toronto.

Alvin




Small Pets

Blueberry is 2.5 years old female bunny. She came in June

when her previous owners dropped her on the �oor. As a

result of the accident, her back had broken and she w as

paralyzed. One of our kind volunteers built a wheelchair

speci�c for her needs . Blueberry lo ves her new chair , and

adapted very quickly, running around the room socializing

with other bunnies – for the �rst time in her life not isolated

and apart. No w she has said goodbye to us and has a new

home with her adopted family Robert and Melanie.

Blueberry




As we have seen the

mercury drop

dramatically over the past

couple of weeks it is

important to prepare your

pet for the colder weather.

Vigilance on the part of

the pet owner is paramount

to pets’ safety. Pet owners

should know the signs of hypothermia, which include

shivering, pale or blue gums, enlarged pupils, a

decreased heart rate, and a body temperature below 95

degrees Fahrenheit.

Even some breeds like the Siberian Husky or Alaskan

Malamute which can tolerate the frigid cold, but their

paws, ears and noses remain vulnerable to freezing

temperatures, ice and sno w that can lead to frostbite . To

protect the family pet's pa ws this winter y ou can purchase

booties to slip on the pa ws for them to wear when they

will be outdoors to romp & pla y in the sno w and ice this

winter for exercise . Cat’s paws need the same care.

Unless y our pet is a breed that was bred for coping

with cold w eather, it’s a good idea for dogs or cats to

wear coats or booties if they are out for any length of

time in extreme weather. Always remember, if it’s too cold

out for you, it’s too cold out for your pet, especially when

they aren’t wearing boots.

Talk to your veterinarian about any additional

medications your pet might need in the winter and keep a

steady supply of these medications in the house in case of

a power outage. Especially at risk during colder months are

very young or very old animals, animals with chronic

conditions, animals with short hair and outdoor pets.

Staying active with pets can be challenging in harsh

weather, but a quick game of fetch in the backyard can

substitute in a shorter timeframe.

If you run with your dog, make sure he/she is in good

condition. Dogs will keep going regardless of looming

dangers like exhaustion and illness. They’ll try to keep up

with you, so it’s important not to overdo it. If you’re

uncomfortable, chances are your dog is going to be

uncomfortable. An alternative to running with your dog

outside would be throwing a ball down a long hallway or

walk a few laps in your underground parking if you live in

a condo. Most importantly, always check the temperature

before you go out and keep a close eye on your beloved

pet for any signs of discomfort or distress.

Preparing Pets for Winter

Tre-ri�c Adviceby Agent Tre Smith - Lead Investigator




Legislative Updates

The McGuinty Government has agreed with your letters,

emails and calls from across the Province and Bill 50 will

no longer enable the stripping of the name of the Toronto

Humane Society or the names of other humane societies

across Ontario. You expressed your message on �ghting for

those who can not speak for themselves well and the

Government understood that the many voices of the Province’s

animal welfare movement have been its strength over the years.

Because of you, what has been built up in communities over

generations is now secure.

Congratulations!

Bill 50Toronto Humane Society Victorious in Fight to Protect Name

O n October 24th Ontario's pit bull ban was upheld

by the Province's highest court.

The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the ban on

the breed does not violate an y constitutional rights.

The law also survived a constitutional challenge last

March, though some changes w ere ordered.

The Toronto Humane Society is deeply disappointed

that the Ontario Court of Appeal w ould overturn lower

court rulings and w ould not protect the liv es of

animals . Regularly in Ontario, innocent little puppies

are killed because the Dog Owners Liability A ct

prohibits their very existence.

Breed Speci�c Legislation is discriminatory, not only

to dogs but to responsible pet owners as well. And it

has been pro ven not to work. Recently, the Netherlands

repealed its breed speci�c laws after 15 years

speci�cally citing their ine�ectiv eness.

The Toronto Humane Society urges the Premier

McGuinty and A ttorney General Bentley to review

the Dog Owners Liability A ct passed in 2 005 and

move to repeal the ban no w before more helpless

dogs are killed.”- O�cial statement issued oct 24th of The Toronto Humane Society

Breed Speci�c LegislationPit Bull Ban update”




The Toronto Humane Society Animal Rescue is here to

help animals in need in times of crisis.

In June, when a transformer exploded forcing thousands

to evacuate their building on Secord Ave. the residents

were ordered to leave their pets behind. The Toronto

Humane Society moved quickly and transported pets to

the safety and sanctuary of our 11 River St. shelter where

our vet clinic was made available to treat injured animals.

In August, when a propane facility exploded and forced

12,000 people to be ordered to evacuate their homes in

Downsview we were again there to o�er assistance to the

animals. Our o�cers provided food, water, animal �rst aid

and medical care to all animals.

“It was great that we were able to respond so quickly to

help the animals in these situations.” Said Senior Rescue

O�cer Surider Birdi pictured with O�cer Christian Lewin

below.

Emergencies

THS Emergency ResponseSecord Avenue / Downsview Emergencies, Summer 2008




Emergencies

Good afternoon,

I am the lady with the two Rottweiler’s from the Downsview blast.

I would like to express great thanks to you for assisting me. Youmade a stressful situation easier when you provided a ride for meand my two companions to the evacuation site at York U. Toronto Humane staff were very helpful and made sure I got foodand water for my dogs.

I applaud you and the society for your presence, assistance andwarm smiles. Trust me I was glad to see you all there.

Thank you again.Joanne

Dear THS,

I wanted to thank THS for their prompt service to those of usevacuated from our homes on Sunday. I was one of them, evacuatedfrom the military housing units in Stanley Green Park. It was aterrifying experience, but the only thing going through my mind duringthe explosions was to find my cat Marigold, and get out. I didn'thave a car, but left with a neighbour and her dog (her dog and my catare friends). Eventually, we made it to the Area Support Unit andTHS was there to offer food, a dish for water, and a cat carrierfor Marigold. They brought in food for all the dogs too, and therewere quite a few (I was the only one with a cat).

I am a supporter of THS and have been donating to them on aregular basis for the last 5 years. I was happy to see them comeout so quickly to offer help to the animals (even if they were toostressed to eat what was offered, at least there might be somecomfort for them in the offer). The Red Cross and the militarywere there to look after the people, and they did an equally good job.

Many thanks,From Mary, Marigold, and Salem




The Toronto Humane Society receives donations from a wide variety of people but it means a lot when kids come in

with their allowance money or money they got for their birthday or from a lemonade stand to donate to the animals.

We want to give a special thanks to all those kids who care so much about the animals that they are willing to

give their money for a good cause.

Thank You!

Thanks to the Kids!

With thanks to our neighbors and supporters who cameout to support us and the animals as never before.

August 22–24Weekend Miracle







When you finish reading this issue of Animaltalk, will you please help the

animals one more time by filling out the membership form stapled here.

You may not be a member even though you are a donor. Under Society by-laws,

donors are not automatically members. Even though you may have sent in

financial support or even if you send in a cheque regularly, unless you have a

membership card you are not a member. (If you already have a membership card,

please ignore this request. You can be assured that your membership is in full

force and effect until the membership secretary writes to you to tell you it is time

for its renewal.)

Animaltalk is now on-line at www.torontohumanesociety.com For those who

keep in touch by reading Animaltalk on the website, you can alternatively sign up

to be a member there.

For information on membership, please feel free to call the membership secretary

at 416 392 2273, ext. 2117 at any time.

Membership

Join Up as a MemberSpecial Request from the Board of Directors

Membership Protocol

The primary reason for signing up as a member is that the animals need you.

They need the strength of numbers when The Toronto Humane Society speaks

up for the animals. We have spoken up against the seal hunt, the killing of

monkeys by the federal government in their shadowy testing lab in Winnipeg,

the Calgary Stampede, the whipping and other abuse of tourist carriage horses,

and the puny veterinary budget and shameful killing of animals in Toronto

municipal pounds.

The other reason to become a member is to support other volunteers.

Many other charities can do their job with professional and paid staff

alone. But because there are so many animals needing care at the Society,

volunteers are part of the animals’ care network. We depend on foster

parents, dog walkers and kitten bottle feeders at the shelter every day of the

week. These good people need the strength of a broad community

membership behind them.

Why Be a Member

The duties and responsibilities of members are both simple and vital.

Members need to read Animaltalk and visit the website from time to time to

keep informed of Society affairs. They need to weigh what is being achieved

and be prepared to question the Board of Directors to keep it on its toes.

Once a year, members need to step forward to elect the Board of Directors,

appoint auditors and approve the financial statements at the Annual

General Meeting.

Your Board of Directors respectfully asks you to assume the duties and

responsibilities of membership. Please become part of a vibrant Society

electorate for the animals sake.

Duties and Responsibilities of Members




force and effect until the membership secretary writes to you to tell you it is time

for its renewal.)

Animaltalk is now on-line at www.torontohumanesociety.com For those who

keep in touch by reading Animaltalk on the website, you can alternatively sign up

to be a member there.

For information on membership, please feel free to call the membership secretary

at 416 392 2273, ext. 2117 at any time.

The other reason to become a member is to support other volunteers.

Many other charities can do their job with professional and paid staff

alone. But because there are so many animals needing care at the Society,

volunteers are part of the animals’ care network. We depend on foster

parents, dog walkers and kitten bottle feeders at the shelter every day of the

week. These good people need the strength of a broad community

membership behind them.

appoint auditors and approve the financial statements at the Annual

General Meeting.

Your Board of Directors respectfully asks you to assume the duties and

responsibilities of membership. Please become part of a vibrant Society

electorate for the animals sake.

Membership




In 2005, we saw that changes needed to be made to the way we housed our animals. We had many animals in close

proximity and living without access to natural light and air. This was especially troublesome for the cats in our shelter.

With your generous donations we made the decision to do a major renovation of our 11 River St. facility and add a

second floor dedicated to housing the cats. We wanted to do everything we could to make the cats as comfortable as

possible. Hence the Cat Sky House was born.

The design of the Cat Sky House gives every room housing cats outside windows that can open. This means that the

cats get both plenty of light and fresh air, leading to cats that are healthier and happier.

The Cat Sky House has truly fulfilled the mandate of The Toronto Humane Society to help all animals, not just to find

them new homes but to give them the best possible experience while they are in our shelter.

Thanks to those generous animal lovers whose names are now on display in the Cat Sky House Book of Donors.

Cat Sky HouseMakes for Healthier Pets




In June, the Toronto Humane Society finished its new

facility which allows us to screen and assess blood

and urine samples in house and deliver speedier

treatment to the animals

Our testing facilities are an integral part of our

veterinary services along with our new x-ray machine and

operating theaters. Now our veterinarians have the tools to

make sure animals are given a full check up with only

internal resources.

Our lab technician is Garth an accomplished

microbiologist. He recently moved to Canada and believes

deeply in the care of animals and the work done by our

charity. He is a member of the Canadian Society for

Microbiologists. Prior to working in Canada he worked for

the Department of Agriculture in South Africa. He is also

experience in teaching science and biology and strongly

supports the society’s work education the public about

animal welfare.

Welcome to Canada and The Toronto Humane

Society, Garth.

Diagnostic Lab

New Diagnostic Lab Helps Animals




Volunteer Profile

Blake has been

volunteering with the

the Toronto Humane

Society since May 2001. He

got involved with the THS

on the advice of a friend

who introduced him to our

dog walking program after

he retired and moved into a

condo that did not allow

pets. Blake really enjoys

spending his time with the

animals and thinks of it as

a mini holiday from the

stresses of life and what

he would see on TV

if he was just sitting at

home. Getting the dogs

out for some play and

some exercise gives him

emotional satisfaction and

he feels good after a day

spent at the shelter. Blake

says this is “the only place I

have been happy doing a

job.” Blake fondly

remembers some of the

dogs he has seen over the

last seven years especially

Debo and Barney who were

two very high energy and

rambunctious animals that

needed a lot of exercise.

21




The influx of kittens we had through our shelter again this summer underlines the need to have cats spayed or

neutered. As much as we love kittens, it is vital that we all do our part to ensure that the only kittens born are in

loving homes and not in the streets.

Summer Kittens




Summer Kittens




Sandy was saved by The

Toronto Humane Society

from deplorable conditions

that no animal should have

to face. Sandy was living in

such squalor that when we

arrived to bring her to the

shelter we were forced to put

on biohazard gear by

Toronto Public Health before

entering the premises.

Sandy had several medical

problems due to neglect by

her owners. The most

obvious was a growth on her

face which was originally

thought to be a viral

infection by our vets.

Fortunately things started to

clear up when she was

removed from the

environment in which she

was living and brought into

the shelter and treated with

anti-biotics. Sandy also had

to undergo an operation to

remove tumors.

During our adoption blitz in

August Sandy was adopted

into a loving family that will

treat her with the love and

care that all animals deserve.

Happy Tails

Happy TailsSandy

Buddy is a beautiful black

lab who was stabbed in

the neck by his former

owner. He was bleeding

profusely from his wound

and also vomiting blood

requiring emergency

surgery performed to

treat his wounds.

After time in our hospital

he is now in a loving home.

Buddy




Happy Tails




Aunt Rose

Beatrice Fleck

Bev

Caroline Dignard

Devi & Rick

Dr Jeff Siewerdsen

Edward & Cassandra

Erin Juravsky

Holly

Jack

Jeremy & Jacqueline Smowton

John McDonnell

Kaitlyn

Maya Hammer & Matt Snyder

Mr Hugh Popham

Mrs Cathy Watson

Nadia Rochan's son's birthday

Pellegrino Capone

Rivka Michell

Sophie Farrell

Wilson Trimble

Frankie

Swash

Tribute gifts are a thoughtful and meaningful way of expressing your good wishes orcommemorating an occasion. With a minimum donation of $80.00, The Toronto Humane Society

will print the name of the friend or family member you choose to honour. This is a great wayto simultaneously acknowledge a loved one and help the many animals in our care.

Call 416.392.2273 ext. 2171

Gifts of Love

In Honour of...




A Claire Gowdy

Alanna Woods

Andrew Hamil

Andy

Arnold Zurin

Beamer

Beth & Eugene

Wagner

Brandy Hamel

Brent McDougall

Carolyn

Carrie Gordon

Claire Gowdy

Diane Dimson

Kabakos

Dr Margaret Branden

Dr Thomas Ward

Duffy

Eleanor Turner

Emily Collard

Evelyn Pratt

Gopher

Gregory Botosan

Hank Law

Harley

Henry Neville

Middleton

Herbie

Hugo Kohler

Jake Holley

Jennifer Varley

Joan Patricia Grys

John Patrick Hogan

John W Hutchinson

Joseph (Jay) Jordan

K Ray Adamson

Kilburn W London

Koshi Hanrahan

Krista

Laura McDougal

Lawrence Allen

Duesbury

Lucie Homburger

Lynne Roden

Maggie

Margaret Martin

Marie Woodward

Mary "Jean" Birch

Mick Michelow

Mitzi D'Aoust

Mona Campbell

Mr Daniel MacKay

Mr Huntley Bush

Mrs Joy Moore

Mrs. Margaret Coupe

Murray & Ginnie

Neil Lindsey Turner

Nellie Almeida

Ottillie Griffith

Paul Bletcher

Peggy Heeley

Raffles

Ray Adamson

Reynaldo Valenzuela

Rob,Semi-Jo and Zero

Sadie

Seymour

Sherri James,

Prudence & Squeeker

Susan O'Hearn

Tasha

Teddy

Toby

Valeri Sauro

Violet Gray

Warner Digulla

Yvonne Fernie

Barbro

Billy Greene

Cashew

Coco

Fanny

Junior

Kandy, Midgie &

Fanny

Kristal

Misty

Rebel

Sally

Simba

Stoney

Tigger

Call 416.392.2273 ext. 2171

With a minimum gift of $80.00, The Toronto Humane Society will print the name ofthe one you wish to pay tribute to. This is a great way to simultaneously acknowledge a

loved one’s memory and help the many homeless animals in our care.

Gifts of Love

In Memory of...




Adding a bequest to your will is a legacy you can leave behind to the animals that you care so much about. With a

planned gift you can extend your support to the future. As you know, the Toronto Humane Society is a not for pro�t

charitable organization and your bequest will go directly to the help animals and support THS’s life saving programs

and services. Gifts like this make it possible for us to give thousands of lost, deserted and abandoned animals a new

beginning. We are extremely grateful for your generous support, and your gift truly will make a di�erence and impact

to so many animals! Contact us for more information on planned giving at:

416.392.2273 • [email protected] • www.torontohumanesociety.com

Fundraising

Your Gift to the Animals,for the Future – Planned Giving




People say animals can’t speak for themselves but these happy faces ofthose who have resided in our shelter this year say it all!!!

Your Generosity at work in 2008!

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