East To Community

Toronto Humane Society

Èva and Thomas, like so many East TO residents, adopted their four-legged friends from the Toronto Humane Society. Tula is one lucky doggo.

“We always knew we wanted to adopt a dog, but couldn’t have imagined the joy that Tula would bring into our lives,” says Èva. “My husband submitted an adoption application as a surprise and not long after applying, we heard the news: a three month old puppy named Tula was waiting for a home!”

Tula came to the Humane Society from Bearskin Lake, Manitoba. According to her DNA results, she is a mix of several different breeds: Husky, Elkhound, German Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Akita, Lab and Pug.

“The morning we met her outside the Humane Society, it was love at first sight,” says Èva. “After a few licks and snuggles outside the Humane Society, we couldn’t wait to bring her home to meet her new family.”

Tula’s gentleness and joyful personality are infectious — even drivers in passing cars often stop and smile at her bright face.

“Tula rescued us as much as we rescued her. We are forever grateful for the joy and light she has brought into our home and especially to the Humane Society for bringing us together.”

For lifelong animal lover, and Riverdale native, Lisa Clarke, the Toronto Humane Society holds special significance.

As a proud pet parent herself, Clarke values the Humane Society’s work to find forever homes for animals in need. She regularly supports the Humane Society’s efforts and encourages her fellow East TO animal lovers to do the same.

Despite the challenges COVID-19 posed for shelters in 2020, the Humane Society went above and beyond for pets in need, finding forever homes for over 1470 animals and foster homes for over 1400. While many of us think of the Humane Society as an animal shelter alone, their care and advocacy for animals reaches far beyond rehoming services.

To reduce the number of pets abandoned or surrendered for adoption, the Humane Society offers services to support pet parents, including a Pet Food Bank, subsidized veterinary care and a Pet Parent Support Network. In 2020, the Humane Society cared for over 4,970 pets through their public veterinary service (and vaccinated over 7,100!).

The Humane Society has even partnered with organizations across Toronto to offer emergency foster care for pets whose caregivers are fleeing domestic violence or dealing with housing instability.

The Humane Society also advocates for animals beyond the shelter system. Through research and lobbying, they have advanced efforts towards ending breed-specific legislation and banning declawing in Ontario.

Have a question about your own pet’s care? You can always visit the Humane Society website. Their social channels and blog offer a wealth of information on pet needs – from how to cut your pet’s nails (without a trip to the ER), to what to do if you find an abandoned animal.

For Clarke, it’s not hard to see why the Humane Society holds a special place in the heart of so many Eastsiders. But, many of us forget the Humane Society is right in our neighbourhood. To support the Humane Society, donate regularly, like Lisa or join their volunteer base. Check out their website to learn more about how you can support animals in your neighbourhood.

Find out more: torontohumanesociety.com IG @toronto_humane_society