Animaltalk - The Toronto Humane Society

Reaching Out
Grand Opening of the
Victoria Park Adoption Centre
Bill 50: Flawed
Raise your voice for the animals Page 8
Canadian Publications Agreement Number 40659555
Mission Statement: To promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering
Summer 2008 Issue
Cover Stories
Making History
Bill 50: Flawed
The Toronto Humane Society
24
8
3
4
5
14
15
18
6
20
30
33
32
16
17
17
9
It’s a Dogs Life and Death Ken Gallinger
22
Gifted Kelly
34
Animaltalk
Joan Milne, Vice-President
Sandi Hudson, Vice-President
Carol Lupovich, Vice-President
Board of Directors
Stephen Dooley
Carol Lupovich
Bob Hambley
Patricia McIlhone
Sandi Hudson
Joan Milne
Pam Inglis
Laurie Overton
Gino Innamorato
Delores Qasim
Alan Johnson
Tim Trow
Valerie Jones
Bud Walters
distributed free of charge to approximately
Fighting Like Cats and Dogs Peter Worthington
Summer 2008
Bob Hambley, Secretary-Treasurer
Animaltalk is printed on recycled paper and
Columns
2
Society Officers
Tim Trow, President
Marginalia
Health
Safety Rating
Marlies Put “Fun” in Fundraising
Emergency Response,
Amazing Result
email: [email protected]
Canadian Charitable Registration Number 11925 9513 RR0001
Shelter
Kitten Nursery
Fields of Green
Small Domestics and Birds
Wildlife
Tel: 416.392.2273 Fax: 416.392.9978
website: www.torontohumanesociety.com
Features
Saving Cyrus; Saving Tre
New Homes
Gimme Shelter
Sweet and Low
Gifts
Rescue
Memberships
11 River St., Toronto ON, M5A 4C2
50,000 Society donors and members.
ISSN 1192-4861
Saving Cyrus; Saving Tre
Cyrus has made a remarkable recovery and lives
with a family who love him. As for Tre...
HE’S BACK!!!
Agent Smith Reinstated, Dec 8, 2007.
“It’s your e-mails and support that did it. Thank you.” - Tre Smith
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
3
New Homes
Gimme Shelter
Volunteer dog walker takes home the tough cases
A
nne, a volunteer dog
walker with the THS since
April 2005, created a bit of a family
reunion when she visited the
shelter with a pair of hard-to-adopt
dogs she has recently given a home
to. Niki, a big, bold, beautiful 13year-old Rottweiler/Shepherd cross
who found refuge at the THS after
her owner fell ill, has been with
Anne since Easter, 2008. Joey, a
Boston Terrier, has shared Anne’s
home since September, 2007. This
odd couple joins the ranks of four
other senior dogs who have spent
their final days with Anne: Roger,
Toby, Bessie and Pippi. “I can’t
stand the thought of older, ill dogs
spending their last days without a
home, so I make room for them
in my home,” explains Anne.
While the previous dogs spent
their final months with Anne,
these two may become more
permanent fixtures. Joey, who
suffers from immune system
issues, is thriving after the THS
head vet Dr. Steve Sheridan
established the right balance of
medication and nutrition. And
Niki, while enduring the sort of
joint problems typical of large
breed dogs, is a friendly puppy at
heart and is in excellent health.
Plus the two of them get along
as if they’ve been together for
ever, which is a perfect recipe
for a long, healthy life.
Anne, flanked by Niki (left) and Joey on a recent visit to the THS.
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Animaltalk
Summer 2008
New Homes
Sweet and low
S
weet Pea arrived on a Saturday
morning in April, left in a cardboard box
in the driveway of the THS. She was terrified,
undernourished, blind, deaf, and had a small
but obvious tumor in her belly. The folks in the
THS Clinic cared for her and then we took her
on Animal House Calls (A weekly program on
CP24, hosted by animal-lover Ann Rohmer)
to highlight her story. Next thing we knew
Annette and Hank were in the lobby of the
THS signing the adoption papers. “We saw
her on Animal House Calls,” says Annette,
“and I couldn’t stop crying: That sweet little
girl deserves to be pampered.”
Annette and Frank with Sweet Pea.
Retrofits
hese are shots of our new elevator, a gift from the Trillium Foundation. The foundation also enabled us to build a
T
first-ever washroom for visitors and staff with special needs.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
5
Kitten Nursery
KITTENS!!!
Every spring hundreds of volunteers mobilize to help us deal with the
massive influx of pregnant cats and newborn kittens. By the time the little
felines make it into our adoption program, they look healthy, happy and
adorable. But take our word for it, the THS Kitten Nursery is one of the
busiest and most demanding places you’ll ever visit. By the time the main
kitten rush winds down, hundreds of kittens will have been born, weaned,
medically treated and adopted by loving families. Phew!
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Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Kitten Nursery
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
7
Bill 50: Flawed
Raise Your Voice for the Animals
opportunity to avert the
shelter or hospitalization for
injustice of having our name
animals won’t know where
and identity stripped from
to find it. Our income,
want to leave animals with
us. I urge you to attend the
dependent 100% on
nowhere to go. But the risk
Committee hearing the week
donations, will plummet
is real. If enacted, it
of July 21-25.
because it comes from name
appears section 6 will force
recognition and faith in our
The Toronto Humane
realize that in 1887 The
strong history of community
Society to choose between
Toronto Humane Society was
service. If we must cut staff
either being stripped of our
the first organization in
and services we will become
name, or abandoning our
TIM TROW, President
Canada to call itself “humane
smaller and weaker, less
Victoria Park Adoption
Dear Reader:
society”. All others chose
influential, and less able to
Centre and stopping our
“society for the protection of
speak out powerfully against
cruelty police, veterinarians,
animal abuse.
adoption staff, rescue
People nowadays may not
Bill 50, Provincial Animal
The Minister doesn’t
Welfare Act, 2008, must be
animals”. (Animal Welfare
changed because section 6 is
and Humane Values, Preece
likely to lead to our being
& Chamberlain, 1995,
emails – together with our
from serving Etobicoke,
stripped of our name and
Wilfred Laurier University
presence at Committee -- will
North York or Scarborough.
identity of 121 years.
Press, p. 35)
convince Minister Bartolucci
Fortunately, section 6 is
The reason for section 6 is
superfluous to animal
possible confusion, but for
protection, the real intent of
121 years we have been
the Bill.
known as The Toronto
Nothing will be
lost if it is gone from the Bill
Humane Society
and I urge you to ask your
headquartered in Toronto as
MPP to vote to remove it.
distinct from the Ontario
The Legislature debated
Society for the Prevention of
Bill 50 off and on for about
Cruelty to Animals
a week in June and has
headquartered in
now prorogued for the
Newmarket. In all that time,
summer. The good news is
we have never been
that our letters and emails
confused with one another.
have led to Bill 50 being
But there will be certain
referred to legislative
dislocation and loss of
committee for review.
opportunities for animals if
The upcoming committee
section 6 becomes law and
hearing is only a reprieve and
our name is stripped away.
as of today section 6 remains.
Animals will be at risk
But the hearing presents an
8
removed from Bill 50.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
because people needing
Phone calls, letters and
that section 6 ought to be
officers, and volunteers
It’s a Catch-22 the
animals can’t afford.
Here’s how to speak for those who
cannot speak for themselves. Please:
• Email, (telephone or write) your MPP at Queen’s Park
and copy Premier McGuinty, Minister Bartolucci and The
Toronto Humane Society. Our information line will give
you your MPP’s email and telephone number.
Your MPP:
[email protected]@liberal.ola.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
and/or
• Attend the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. We
will post the exact date and time on the website
when it is announced.
For more Information
On Bill 50 and MPP email addresses and telephone
numbers, please visit www.torontohumanesociety.com
or call 416-392-2273 Ext. 2117 or 2765 or 2123
Bill 50: Flawed
Fighting like cats and dogs
Animal welfare groups at odds over who
may use “Humane Society”
affiliated with the OSPCA
shall "use the name
from government."
Last week Trow wrote to
no society, association or
group "established after the
'humane society' ... or 'spca'
Rick Bartolucci, Ontario's
30th day of May, 1955,"
or the equivalent of any of
minister of community
shall function as an animal
those names ... Giving the
safety, urging the removal
welfare or cruelty
OSPCA control over the
of the inflammatory section
prevention organization
name "humane society"
from Bill 50. He called it
"unless it is incorporated
(which it has dropped and
"an insurmountable conflict
and becomes affiliated"
no longer uses) has caused
of interest because the
with what then was the
alarm among some, who
Ontario SPCA will become
Ontario Humane Society
argely unnoticed in Bill
L
believe it gives the OSPCA
both regulator and
and is now renamed the
50 is the revision of
undue power to threaten
fundraising competitor to
Ontario Society for the
Section 10 in the old act that
and intimidate.
its 32 affiliates." He said
Prevention of Cruelty to
Bill 50 will "upon
Animals (OSPCA).
PETER WORTHINGTON
says no society, association
The Toronto Humane
or group "established after
Society (THS) has feuded
enactment, strip the names
the 30th day of May, 1955,"
over the years with the
and identities of other
bodies in business prior to
shall function as an animal
OSPCA. Although it has
charities amongst the 235
1955, seemed to escape
welfare or cruelty prevention
been in existence for 121
Ontario animal protection
domination by the OSPCA,
organization" unless it is
years and is a beloved
charities registered with the
which has been rent
ncorporated and becomes
Toronto institution, the
Canadian Revenue Agency."
asunder in recent years by
affiliated" with what then
THS feels vulnerable with
was the Ontario Humane
this amended clause.
Society and is now renamed
"It means that if
The THS depends on the
Thus, animal welfare
controversy, weak finances,
OSPCA for inspectors in
mass resignations, internal
animal abuse cases. Other
feuds, etc.
the Ontario Society for the
we break our affiliation
than the police, they are the
Prevention of Cruelty to
with the OSPCA, or they
only ones licensed to carry
is revised to say only groups
Animals (OSPCA).
kick us out for any reason,
out investigations and lay
affiliated with the OSPCA
Section 10 in the new act
Thus, animal welfare
by this new law we could
charges. There's rarely
shall "use the name
bodies in business prior to
lose our name -- a name
disagreement when abuses
'humane society' ... or 'spca'
1955, seemed to escape
that has meant goodwill
are found. But Trow accuses
or the equivalent of any of
domination by the OSPCA,
and trust for generations,
the OSPCA leadership of
those names ..."
which has been rent
and is essential to our
hiring private detectives to
asunder in recent years by
fundraising," says Tim
check up on the THS,
control over the name
controversy, weak finances,
Trow, president of the THS.
including surreptitious
"humane society" (which it
mass resignations, internal
"Donations from the
interviews of staff.
has dropped and no longer
feuds, etc.
public and gifts are our
Section 10 in the new act
is revised to say only groups
Largely unnoticed in Bill
Giving the OSPCA
uses) has caused alarm
only source of funds. We
50 is the revision of Section
among some, who believe it
get no grants, no handouts
10 in the old act that says
gives the OSPCA undue
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
9
Bill 50: Flawed
power to threaten and
SPCA has threatened to sue
Regan is concerned the
intimidate, says Trow.
the BHS, but until the new
Hamilton SPCA has a "zero-
OSPCA Act, there was
kill" policy -- it will not
organizations from using
our greatest asset. If we had to
nothing to prevent
put down any animal. This
the word "humane society"
change our name after 121
Burlington using the
means it will not accept
unless they were affiliated
years, it would be devastating.
"humane society" name.
most sick or injured animals
with the OSPCA, posed a
but directs them to the city's
danger to, say, the
"Put bluntly, our name is
"Last year we had an
Jolene Regan, president
He didn't think banning
enviable record for saving
of the all-volunteer BHS,
Animal Control Services,
Mississauga and Burlington
animals - 75% of our dogs
says the membership
which shares the same
humane societies, which are
and cats were adopted; our
approved, and "Burlington
building with the HSPCA.
independent (as are the
euthanasia rate was 6 %.
Humane Society" became
It's cruel to keep some
Marathon, Collingwood
The OSPCA won't tell how
their legal name, filed with
animals alive, says Regan.
and Picton humane
many it adopts and how
"You try to help
societies). Or Toronto,
many it kills." (The
them all, but
which is affiliated but
euthanasia rate at the
some can't be
which the OSPCA envies
Toronto Animal Services --
saved."
and resents.
the pound, in other words -
In other
If the ministry believes
- is roughly 50%, a far cry
words,
this, it doesn't understand
from the THS' s 6%).
the HSPCA
the issue.
Those who think the
accepts
OSPCA would never move
healthy
future controversy, before
against the THS might
animals for
the next reading of Bill 50,
consider what's happening
adoption,
the words "humane society"
in Burlington. In 1974
while sick or
should be removed from
unwanted
the sentence that says the
Animal Aid was formed
after the Burlington
Humane Society (affiliated
Industry Canada and
with what is now the
incorporated in 2006.
OSPCA) quit in 1970 over a
"We have good
To avoid a snakepit of
animals go to Animal
OSPCA has sole disposition
Control for execution.
on who can use that name.
Like the THS, Regan
It's ludicrous, when one
worries that the wording on
thinks about it. Both the
dispute with the city's
working relations with the
the new SPCA Act gives the
OSPCA and Hamilton have
animal shelter program to
city and with the city's
OSPCA a weapon to
abandoned the "humane
sell animals for research.
animal control shelter," says
prevent the use of the name
society" identification for
Regan. "Hamilton's interest
"humane society."
themselves, but want to
Animal Aid took over
the role, and the name, of
in Burlington is because
humane society and ever
we're a relatively affluent
Bartolucci says the
affiliated with them from
since has functioned as
community for fundraising."
controversial wording in
using it.
such. In 1999, the Hamilton
Like Burlington, the
A spokesman for
Bill 50 is mere
prevent any except those
Bartolucci is to be
SPCA decided to include
Mississauga Humane Society
"modernizing of the
commended for updating
Burlington, to form a joint
is volunteer-based, and
language and not intended
the act, but he should
SPCA, even though it has
unaffiliated with the OSPCA,
to change the existing
familiarize himself with the
no shelter in Burlington.
which has a reputation of
situation." The intent is to
OSPCA's turmoiled history,
Local people still depend
being dogmatic and
have better control over
and that in the past it has
on the present BHS.
dysfunctional, a view shared
cruelty and abuse of
proved unreliable in dealing
by the THS leadership.
animals, and not to prevent
judiciously with power.
The Hamilton-Burlington
10
people caring for animals.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Bill 50: Flawed
Comments from Queen’s Park
Bill 50 went into debate on May 5, and cleared second reading on
May 27. Here are some selected quotes from a heated debate:
Peter Kormos NDP Justice Critic:
The NDP’s Cheri DiNovo::
“It means that a venerable institution
“Why would this Government want
of over 100 years like The Toronto
to effectively shut down The
Humane Society would not be able
Toronto Humane Society with its
to use the word “humane” anymore,
century-plus history of looking out
as well as 235 other charities that
for the welfare of animals?” “New
look after and protect our animals. I
Democrats are being very clear that
don’t understand why this section
they will not support section 6.
[section 6] is even in this bill. What
We stand with Tim Trow, The
is the purpose of it? It needs to be stricken from the Bill, and
Toronto Humane Society, and other humane societies
I’d like the Committee to look at that”.
that are not associated with OSPCA.” - Hansard, May 6, 2008
- Hansard, May 5, 2008
The Progressive Conservatives’ Garfield Dunlop:
Monte Kwinter (Lib. MPP York Centre, former Minister
“Another major flaw in this Bill is the
of Community Safety and Correctional Services):
inclusion of section 6. Humane
"...the Toronto Humane Society
societies across Ontario believe that, if
does its welfare-and does it very
enacted, - section 6 will strip them of
well. I have nothing but praise for
their names. As The Toronto Humane
them. They do a wonderful job
Society says and that’s an institution
and are a wonderful facility..."
that’s over 120 years old – ‘It’s like
- Hansard, May 12, 2008
losing your name; it’s like losing your
identity’. Minister, will you stand today in this House and
commit to either removing or making major amendments to
section 6 of Bill 50?”
- Hansard, May 7, 2008
Online Donations Made Easy!
Making an online donation
has never been easier, please visit
www.torontohumanesociety.com
Bill 50: Flawed
Dedicated to the
care and protection
April 29, 2008
of all animals.
VIA FAX
A charitable
organization solely
funded by kind donors
and volunteers.
The Hon. Rick Bartolucci
Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services
Government of Ontario
Queen’s Park, 25 Grosvenor Street, 18th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1Y6
Lost & Found
Adoption
Foster
Kitten Nursery
Dear Minister Bartolucci:
Re: An Open Letter to Ontarians Concerning
Bill 50 – Provincial Animal Welfare Act, 2008
Micro-chipping
Spay/Neuter
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Cruelty Investigation
Humane Education
Food Bank
Veterinary Care
Feral Cat Program
Mind Your MannersCanine Program
We write to ask you to remove section 6 from Bill 50. Section 6 provides that
community-built shelters that either don’t wantto be affiliates of the Ontario SPCA, or
shelters that the Ontario SPCA itself does not want as affiliates, will be stripped
automatically of their names by the Legislature.
Historically in Ontario, the many voices of the Province’s animal welfare movement
have been its strength. If the result of Bill 50 is but one voice, Bill 50 will have stifled
debate and diversity and will have weakened what hasbeen built up in communities
over generations.
Bill 50’s role for the Ontario SPCA appears to be one of insurmountable conflict of
interest because the Ontario SPCA will become both regulator and fundraising
competitor to its 32 affiliates.
In addition, Ontario’s animal welfare moveme
nt is wider than the Ontario SPCA or its
affiliates. Bill 50 will instantly, upon enactment, strip the names and identities of other
charities amongst the 235 Ontario animal prot
ection charities registered with the Canada
Revenue Agency.
Bill 50 provides for no decision-making process and no appeal to the courts. It provides
no explanation as to why it is necessary for the Legislature to take away the identities of
any charities.
Sanctions against holding out or infringing a corporate name already exist in Ontario
law. In the case of The Toronto HumaneSociety, there can be no confusion because
there is no similarity between “The Toronto Humane Society” and the “Ontario SPCA”.
11 River Street | Toronto, Ontario | M5A 4C2 | 416.392.2273 | Fax: 416.392.9978
www.torontohumanesociety.com
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Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Bill 50: Flawed
Dedicated to the
care and protection
of all animals.
A charitable
organization solely
The Toronto Humane Society is a well-known Ontario landmark, a hospital and a
shelter, caring for both wild and domestic animals. We employ 150 care-givers, and, at
any time, 500 volunteers provide recuperative or palliative care as foster parents, feed
orphan kittens in the nursery, groom cats, or walk dogs.
We serve Province-wide, one-third of our clients coming to us from beyond our Toronto
area.
funded by kind donors
and volunteers.
The Toronto Humane Society has grown and prospered since 1887 because of the
generous support of financial contributors and members. We do not receive, and never
have received, government funding or funding from the Ontario SPCA.
Lost & Found
Adoption
Foster
Kitten Nursery
Micro-chipping
Spay/Neuter
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Our name is how we have been identified for 121 years. It has been entrusted to us by
successive Provincial Governments andit represents the goodwill and trust of
generations.
Our name is how we speak to supporters and donors, and it is how they identify us in
their wills or in other giving. It is howvolunteers and animal care-givers find us and it
is how clients access our services - rescuing animals, re-uniting lost animals, saving
injured wildlife, providing veterinary care, extending shelter and providing homes.
Cruelty Investigation
Humane Education
Food Bank
Veterinary Care
Take away our name and identity and you jeopardize ourability to provide essential
animal care to citizens when theyare desperate and in need.
Please remove section 6 from Bill 50.
Feral Cat Program
Mind Your MannersCanine Program
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Tim Trow
President
TT/ct
cc
Office of the Integrity Commissioner –
Lobbyist Reg. #OL0061-19990406122620
11 River Street | Toronto, Ontario | M5A 4C2 | 416.392.2273 | Fax: 416.392.9978
www.torontohumanesociety.com
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
13
Gifts
Paws for the Cause
RBC Fun Day
Volunteer walk-a-thon
major success
We’ve made new friends
t was community week over at the Royal Bank of Canada.
n June 1, 2008, Julie Borenstein hosted a walk-a-thon
O
I
From June 8 through June 14, the folks at RBC are
for the THS, pledging all proceeds to the Society.
finding ways to give back. And our neighbours in the Van
Recently she visited the shelter to pass along nearly $2,000.
Horne plaza branch, in the same mall as our new North
Based on the success of her inaugural event, Borenstein is
York Adoption Center, decided to make the THS its charity
already planning how to make Walk a Dog’s Way, 2009
of choice during a fun day fundraiser on Thursday, June 12.
even more fruitful.
There was face painting, musical games, food sales, water
Thanks Julie!
balloon fights and so much more. And all the proceeds
from the day go to the THS.
Thank You, neighbour!
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Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Rescue
Rescue!
A look at some of the calls for help answered
by The Toronto Humane Society annually
A neighbours cell phone call alerted agent Smith to a dog stuck in a window.
Agent Urlea and cats she rescued after being locked 3 days in an
apartment with no food or water.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
15
Marginalia
THS earns major safety rating
n late February we underwent a major safety audit. We passed with flying colours. Because we know THS supporters
I
take safety as seriously as we do, we wanted to share the results.
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Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Marginalia
Marlies put the “fun” in fundraiser
I
n a fun kind of fundraiser, the Toronto Marlies (the Leaf’s farm club) invited us to the Ricoh Centre on March 30
to share in the excitement (and cash). Our fundraisers fanned out around the building, generating several
hundred dollars in donations. And our Lead Investigator, Agent Tre Smith, did a Q&A which was beamed up onto
the scoreboard. Fun? Wow! Some days work just doesn’t feel like work at all.
Marlies Day.
Emergency Response, Amazing Result
n late March we received an emergency call to a high-rise apartment fire. While no
I
people were injured in the blaze, an adult cat perished in the smoke. But before
she died, she seems to have hustled her four kittens off to the back of a bedroom
closet, where we located them. Rushed to the THS emergency room, they were
immediately placed in an oxygen chamber. Thankfully, all four kittens survived,
unscathed. Pictured are agent Tre Smith and agent Manuela Urlea.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
17
Membership
Join Up as a Member
Special Request from the Board of Directors
Membership Protocol
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
Why Be a Member
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.
Duties and Responsibilities of Members
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,
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Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Membership
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.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
19
Fields of Green
THS dog parks spring to life
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Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Fields of Green
here’s something magical about rich green grass underfoot. Every
Spring the dog park comes alive again, a small oasis tucked away in
the concrete jungle of downtown Toronto. And believe us, the dogs LOVE
it. Watching them run, roll, wrestle and splash with total abandon makes
everything worthwhile.
T
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
21
ANIMAL RIGHTS
It's a dog's life – and death
Q I understand that thousands of
According to Lee Oliver, the Society's
unwanted cats and dogs are killed
Senior Communicator, THS would
each
animal
"never" put an animal down simply
shelters. How can that be ethically
because of a lack of space. He claims
acceptable in a civilized society?
there's always room for one more, even
year
in
Toronto's
if it means crowding the people a bit.
ethically
Judging by the tone of voice he uses
acceptable? That there are thousands
when talking about this, Oliver is not a
of unwanted cats and dogs in this city?
man whose dog I would want to kick.
pets, animals in urban society are often
Toronto Animal Services exists to serve
marketed as aggressively as plasma TVs,
Roughly 20,000 pets find their way to
human society, by enforcing the law,
overbred for specific traits, and shown
the city's two main shelter systems.
picking up nuisance animals, and so
off like a new iPod. Have you noticed
Some are lost; some wild; some old
on. They, too, try to find homes for
how often PetSmart opens in the same
and sick. Most are unwanted. Their
unwanted animals.
plazas as Future Shop? With the same
A
How
can
what
be
Or that they are killed?
KEN GALLINGER
treated as commodities. They are
odds of surviving the experience are
bright lights and flashy signs. And when
much, much better if they end up at
But when kennel space runs out, an
they become redundant, thousands of
the Toronto Humane Society (a
assessment is done as to which animals
dogs and cats are killed each year ...
charity) than at Toronto Animal
are least likely to be adoptable, and
much as we might discard an old TV.
Services (your tax dollars at work).
they are culled from the pack. Some of
The difference between the Humane
these are mortally sick; some are
That's not necessarily the fault of
vicious; most are simply redundant.
Toronto Animal Services. They likely
Society's euthanasia rate of less than 10
provide the best care they can within
per cent, and the Animal Services rate
According to Eletta Purdy, manager of
budget and other constraints. It's more
of roughly 50 per cent, lies in their
TAS, 4,000 cats were put down in 2006
often the fault of careless or outright
purpose and core values.
(about half of their total intake), and
cruel owners.
more than 1,000 dogs.
The Humane Society exists to care for
22
But given my advancing age and bad
animals, pure and simple. Their
The ethics? No one quarrels with putting
temper, if my name were Fluffy and I
stated policy, which they defend
down animals too sick to live happily, or
were lost I'd rather take my chances on
stridently, is to put down only
too nasty to place safely. But putting
the Humane Society than on The Pound.
animals that are so sick or mean-
animals down simply because of space
tempered that they could never be
constraints is another matter. Despite all
Send your questions directly to
adopted, appropriately, by anyone.
our whinging about how we love our
Ken Gallinger at [email protected].
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Health
Food, Glorious Food
Not your average dog’s breakfast
he shelter
owner and winding up in
gotten used to eating
what they may have eaten
environment is not
The Toronto Humane
garbage or survive on
in their former homes. We
ideal for any animal. But
Society shelter—though a
other things that end up
cook rice, ground meat,
for dogs it can be
safe haven and much
giving them parasites,
some vegetables, egg and
particularly distressing.
better than the streets or
diarrhea and skin
some supplements
It’s a noisy place,
the city dog pounds—can
problems. And then there
unfamiliar, full of activity
be very upsetting or even
is just plain old stress.
and very much out of the
depressing to them.
ordinary for dogs
Before they come here
things often result in dogs
Steve Sheridan, “It’s a
especially when they first
some dogs have been
that don’t have an
pretty standard formula.”
arrive. Many of these dogs
strays for weeks or
appetite. So we’ve begun
But he happily admits it
have only lived with one
months or longer and
to make food more like
does seem to do the trick.
T
Some or all of these
According to The
Toronto Humane Society’s
head veterinarian, Dr.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
23
Making History
For the first time in 121 years, The Toronto Humane Society
open a satellite adoption centre
24
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Making History
T
he Toronto Humane Society has
taken an historic step by opening its
first-ever satellite location. The Toronto
Humane Society Adoption Centre,
located in the Van Horne Plaza, on
Victoria Park Ave, just north of Sheppard,
is a storefront operation specializing in
adoptions. While we were excited by the
prospect of a new centre providing new
hope for the animals, we were blown away
by the way the public shared our vision:
More than 100 people showed up for the
ribbon cutting ceremony, where dignitaries MPP David Caplan (Don Valley East,
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care) and Shelley Carroll (City Councillor for Ward
33 and Budget Chief) helped THS President Tim Trow officially open the centre.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
25
Making History
“For 121 years, the THS has been confined to one building,” THS President Tim Trow told the
gathered Grand Opening crowd, “but we know that we serve many people and animals from
the north-east end of the GTA. With this centre, we’re making it easier for people to open their
homes to Toronto Humane Society animals.”
The main location, at 11 River St, still houses our main animal hospital, kitten nursery, fostering
office, and investigations department. And the bulk of THS adoption will still place in the downtown
headquarters (last year we found homes for 6,372 animals). But already 247 cats, mammals, birds
and rodents have found homes through the satellite centre, making it a powerful tool for finding
better lives for Toronto’s animals.
And now, as the centre gains traction and is proving itself to be a success, keep an eye open for
the possibility of a THIRD THS location: Coming Soon – Adoptions West.
26
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Making History
Like all great institutions, The Toronto
Humane Society is a work in progress: a
121-year-old work in progress. From it’s
beginnings on Bay St., through a long
stretch on Wellesley St. and into the iconic
River St. building, the THS has always
been grounded in one location at a time.
But as the animal welfare movement has
evolved, so too has the THS.
Here’s a brief look at the evolution
of the places we’ve called home:
In December 1887, The Toronto Humane
Society was founded by J. J. Kelso to
combat animal cruelty. The first location,
from 1888 through 1912 was a small
centre at 103 Bay St.
As the Society grew, we moved to 197
McCaul St. until 1929.
Then came a 50 year stretch on
Wellesley St.
In 1979 the Society built the current
headquarters at 11 River St.
In March, 2007, we opened a 6,000 sq ft
second floor addition to the River St
building, fondly dubbed the Cat Sky House.
Shelley Carroll, City Councillor, Ward 33 and David Caplan,
Don Valley East, Minister of Health and Long Term Care.
April, 2008, the first ever satellite adoption
centre opened, in the Van Horne Plaza,
Victoria Park, just north of Sheppard
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
27
Gifts of Love
In Honour of...
Tribute gifts are a thoughtful and meaningful way of expressing your good wishes or
commemorating 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 way
to simultaneously acknowledge a loved one and help the many animals in our care.
Mr & Mrs Ken McKinnon
Jack & Leone Callander
Emily Dugan
Skytronix Clients
Cosmo, Elmo & Taz
Niko
Roy-Rocky & Karl
Tim Najonen
David Zifkin & Sid Cerkes
Alesandra & Richard Biasi Zappas
Tom Atkinson
Jeff Pangman
Ella Sorensen
Jesse
Barb Patterson
The MacDonald's Family
Dr. Mark Spiegle & Staff
Carolyn Wohar
Jill & Tim Bourne
Erin Juravsky
Dr. Judith Bonkalo
Natalie Cader-Beutel
Jean McQuattie
…of clients
Isabel
Chester
Lucy Mirra, Larkell Doyle
Krista Laugaly
Jordan & Abby
Amanda & Ricky
Michelle Balke
Matthew Hudson
Nicholas
Sheldon Rajesky
Erin Juravsky
Hannah & Ben Stafl
Wedding Donation for her guests
Margaret Forsey
The Honourable Justice Gilles Renaud
Mr. Jeff Ray
Erin Juravsky
Jonas Simpson
Kevin Covelli
Casey
Erin Juravsky
Daniel
Ms. Deborah Devgan
Leah Holgate
Dr. Doug Mason
Call 416.392.2273 ext. 2171
* Donations received December 1, 2007 until May 31, 2008
28
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Gifts of Love
In Memory of...
With a minimum gift of $80.00, The Toronto Humane Society will print the name of
the 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.
Buster Mac
Conrado Estrada
Sandy Hicks
Kasper & Ted
Copper, Shadow &
Maisey
Chester & Stitches
Whitmell, Anton Toth
Frank Harvey Snow
Nellie Almeida
Barbara Palmer
Eva Schweizer
Mark Salter
Dorothy Sparkes
Donna & Alan
Cansdale
Grey Kitty
Janet Banaszuk
Bonnie O'Donnell
Tim Renfrew
Lorraine Lemberk
John Gallaugher
Late Father and
Stepmother
Vivian Cantle
Mrs. Murella Jervis
Belinda Gionna
Toby
Ronald Mitchell
Michael John Scott
Monkey & Malone
Jon Ball
Mary Nadon
Mr. Bill Ward
Kato
Truce
Thor & Bert
Morty
Crawford Noble
Ruth Johnson
Joyce Hutchings
Lucy Rohmer
Dr. James Perkins
Audrey Pretlove
Ann Le Ber
Barry Mitchell
Ceilidh (Kay-lee)
Josef Katz
Bet Bronaugh
Lillian Dauphinee
Juanita Saunderson
Charlotte Gervis
Cinderella
Dorothy Sparkes
Arliin Louise Caster
Frank W Schwieder
Russell Short
Edna
Ronald Mitcher
Roberta
Findley
Frank M Schwieder
Helen Turner
Maybury
Dodie Sanders
Joan Lepard
Robert Foley
Cito
Peter Kenwrick
Church
Ted Philp
Hellen Merifield
Helen Kleinberg
Catherine Baillie
Jamie McGuiness
Harry Zweig
Elizabeth Bettridge
Kayla
Gatnip Littles
Wilfred Shapiro &
Arnold Zurin
Bullet
Anthony Wilson
Charles Weir, Barry
Harvey
Eola Clark
Beverley Sutherland
Mark Howard Salter
Bailey
Joia
Walter Jones
Dorothy Viola
Sparkes
Tasha
Sparky
Elizabeth Ann
Donaldson, Kiki
Helen Zepotoczny
Helen Davis
Helen Zepotoczny
Marilyn Liscoumb
Mr John Hutchinson,
Mrs Sue Petty & Mr.
Victor Barrese
Ron Mitchell
Hokey MacKay
Mr. Juris George
Mitenbergs
Tasha
Mrs. Janette Sharkey
Sonia Janiec
Elizabeth Bettridge,
George Williamsua
Dr. Allen Graham
Monty
Jacqueline Martin
Mr. Peroff
Ruth Johnson
Maria Catandella
Mark Salter
Dorothy Dexter
Sonia Janiec
Helen Margaret &
Kydd Merifield
Lucie Tuch
Homburger
Call 416.392.2273 ext. 2171
* Donations received December 1, 2007 until May 31, 2008
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
29
A Surprise Around Every Corner
The THS is more than dogs and cats… way more
30
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Small Domestics and Birds
hen most people talk about The Toronto Humane Society, the conversation
W
immediately gravitates to cats and dogs. But we’re also the first place to look if
you want to adopt an iguana, bond with a bearded dragon, cuddle a chinchilla, chat with
a cockatiel, or … well, you get the picture: the THS is teeming with fascinating small
mammals, exotic birds and reptiles. Here are some of the surprises in store when you
next visit either the main location or our satellite adoption centre in the Van Horne Plaza.
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
31
Health
Medical Miracles
Cassie & Tazzy
ver our 121 year
O
was cold, weak and unable
dog, full of life, gaining
THS, he was literally
history, The Toronto
to stand,” said Dr. Rob
energy and ready for
starving to death. He had
Humane Society has saved
Rock, one of The Toronto
normal walks. She’s a
an severe infection in his
the lives of thousands of
Humane Society’s
sweetheart as well. “One of
tongue, which left him
animals in need of
veterinarians. He ordered
the friendliest dogs I’ve ever
unable to eat solid food
emergency medical
an emergency blood
met,” said Toronto Humane
(and also prone to
treatment. We've seen
transfusion. That is not an
Society vet Karen Ward.
snapping and growling
accidents, neglect and abuse
easy thing to pull off in
of every kind. And
Toronto on a Sunday
While Cassie’s prognosis
is still “guardedly
pain). The prognosis
was poor.
sometimes even our best
After several tests, and
efforts are not enough.
Other times we look on in
an aggressive run of
awe as animals that
antibiotics, the THS vets
appeared beyond help have
determined that part of the
bounced back to live long,
tongue had to be
fruitful lives.
amputated. Once the
damaged portion of tongue
In this space we’ll
profile these Medical
was removed, Tazzy
Miracles as they pass
quickly showed an interest
through our emergency
in soft food. Daily hand-
room. As always, we salute
all those who help these
CASSIE
TAZZY
feeding of a homemade
animals pull through.
afternoon. After that Cassie
optimistic” it looks as
meat helped Tazzy regain
diet of rice and pureed
was placed on intravenous
though this tough and
his strength and appetite.
Cassie
fluids and medication to
amazingly sweet dog is on
Before long he began
Cassie is an eight-year-old
combat her condition.
the road to a full recovery.
eating from his own bowl,
Dalmatian cross. She was
Cassie wasn’t out
After three weeks in the
and happily wolfed down
rushed to The Toronto
of the woods, though.
clinic, Cassie found
Humane Society on Sunday,
In fact, consensus among
a Guardian Angel in
March 30, after she was
staff veterinarians was
one of our volunteer dog
infection gone, Tazzy
found lying on the ground
that Cassie would die
walkers, who decided
became a happy, social
unable to move. Cassie was
that evening.
Cassie would be a lot
fella, and that leads us to
happier in her home than
the final part of this
just hours from death, in
But no one consulted
chewy treats.
With the pain of
the advanced stages of
Cassie on that. And Cassie
in the clinic. The rest, as
miracle: in early April
autoimmune hemolytic
is a fighter!
they say, is history.
Tazzy found a new, forever
anemia. That’s a disease
She made it through the
family and has taken up
where the body destroys its
night and by Monday she
Tazzy
residence as the sweet and
own red blood cells.
was able to stand. By
When Tazzy, an 8-year-old
spoiled dog he always
Wednesday she was a new
terrier cross came to the
deserved to be.
“She was in shock, she
32
because of the extreme
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Wildlife
This place is for the birds!
and raccoons… and squirrels… and opossums…
head this spring, the
A
these animals has a story:
Wildlife Centre has filled
wildlife case occurred in
from the fall with only a
fishing line and had a
up with injured birds,
late March, when we
broken clavicle. He’s
barbed fishhook stuck in its
orphaned raccoons and a
responded to an emergency
recuperating in our clinic,
foot. Once in the shelter,
menagerie of animals
call after a red-tailed hawk
and while our vets give him
our vets removed the hook
including wild bunnies,
crashed into a window on
a 50/50 chance of flying
and untangled the line. A
opossums, groundhogs,
the 23rd floor of a
again, he is healing quickly.
few hours later the swan
swans and just about any
downtown high-rise and
Another occurred a few
was released where it was
wild urban animal you can
plummeted to the ground.
days later, when we
found and swam off to join
imagine. And every one of
The young hawk (vets think
responded to an urgent call
its colony.
newly renovated
One particularly uplifting
he’s about one year old)
on Toronto’s waterfront. A
managed to limp away
mute swan was tangled in
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
33
Gifted
Gifted!
How one sweet shelter dog saved my family
got my father a dog for
I
maintenance.
desperately needed help.
intended, I swear.
Christmas because I
It was almost a decade
ago. My parents and I were
suffering terribly as a result
And that’s what I
But we can’t help who or
what we fall in love with.
A pit bull-German
around and around I
table and gobbled bread
called my mom to advise
baskets and pounds of
her that I found a dog that
butter. He ate a whole raw
was a little different from
chicken my mother was
what we discussed, but
prepping and threw it up an
nonetheless, perfect.
hour later. He was so
of an estrangement from
my only sibling and his
family and I just couldn’t
handle Christmas alone.
I had only been dating
my Rob for a few months
and he wasn’t yet a regular
fixture at holidays. No
matter how hard I tried,
and believe me I tried, I
wasn’t big enough or loud
enough or entertaining
enough to fill the hole they
left. I just couldn’t take up
enough space.
I needed a dog.
My parents, my dad
especially, have always
adored dogs. Two mutts
shepherd-doberman
had the run of the house
mix (we think), he had
his way. From the moment
of voice would send him
throughout my childhood
been living at the shelter
a few days later when I
bouncing on all four legs,
and the younger had finally
for more than three
dropped him onto my
three or feet into the air. He
died at 18 years of age the
months. There was a letter
blindfolded Dad’s lap and
was so hyper that my father
previous summer.
taped to his cage, written
shouted Merry Christmas!,
was often forced to wrestle
as if by him, begging
he was a perfect diversion
him to the ground, hold
ready for another and gave
someone to give him a
from the sadness that back
him there and coo softly in
her blessing for me to pick
chance. I gathered from
then hung like a heavy
his ear, imploring him to
one out at The Toronto
the shelter staff that his
cloud in my parent’s house.
relax and calm down.
Humane Society and
days were numbered.
Mom felt sure Dad was
34
And he was perfect, in
Hercules became his
excitable that a playful tone
Hercules did calm down
surprise him with it at
I had to have him.
name and he was
as time went on. He
Christmas. Get a smaller
I took him home to my
incorrigible. He chewed
became intimately attached
dog, she advised.
little downtown house and
everything he could find.
to my father. He insisted on
Something sweet and low-
while he wildly raced
He climbed the kitchen
sitting on his lap,
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
Gifted
burrowing into chest and
tucking his head under his
chin and to this day he
wails and cries like a baby
when left alone. Dad takes
him everywhere; flying him
into his fishing camp and
letting him ride shotgun in
his pick-up truck on
morning coffee runs when
he is treated to a donut
hole daily.
Everywhere they go
people stop them. “What
kind of dog is that?” they
say. “That’s the weirdest
looking dog I’ve ever seen.”
for their love, so overjoyed
my brother and his children
And Dad puts his
to be in their presence, so
began to mend Hercules
hands over Herc’s ears.
friendly and accepting of
and his boundless energy
gathering place for my family
“Don’t listen to them
everything and everyone in
was there to break the ice
and friends and my brother
Hercie,” he says. “You’re
their world that it was
and relieve the tension: no
and his children and their
a fine-looking dog.”
impossible not to be
one could refuse him a
friends. Summers especially
infected by his happiness.
smile, no one was unmoved
are a whirlwind of flying and
by his enthusiasm.
boating and barbecues and
It seems silly to make
some kind of dramatic
proclamation or put a
cheesy movie-of-the-week
And when the rift with
Today my parents house,
being on the lake, is a
laughter and fun.
Hercules is there too of
title to this story, a la The
course. Old and grey and
Dog Who Saved My Family!
grizzled now, he’ll join in
But in a lot of ways I
think he did.
Hercules made us laugh
the fun if asked, but mainly
sticks close to my father’s
side. And in my typical,
and gave us something to
cheesy, movie-of-the-week
talk about that Christmas
way I like to think of both
and we needed that. In the
of them as the glue that
days that followed he made
continues to keep our home
my parents house a noisy
and our family together.
place to be, a busy place, to
This story was originally
be and they needed that
published at
even more.
www.donmillsdiva.blogspot
He gave my parents
.com where the author
something to focus on
regularly writes about
during a very dark period of
family life.
their life. He was so grateful
- Kelly
Animaltalk
Summer 2008
35