HUMANEINSIDER
Marble - Page 3
Zita- Page 12
Humane Open - Page 5
Q&A with Bidisha Mukherjee -Page 13
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our 2024 Annual Report is Here – Thank You for Making it Possible Page 1
Paws in the Park is Almost Here! Page 2
Featured Adaptable Animal: Marble Page 3
Toronto Humane Society in the News: June Media Impact Recap Page 4
You're Invited to the 2025 Humane Open Golf Tournament Page 5
July Volunteer Updates Page 6, 7, 8
Paws in the Park Volunteer Recruitment Page 9, 10, 11
Zita's Happiest Tale: A Happy Foster Fail Page 12
Meet the Team: Staff Q&A with Bidisha Mukherjee Page 13, 14
Save the Date: Purpose & Learning Day -August 12, 2025 Page 15
Events Calendar: August, September, October Page 16
Our 2024 Annual Report is Here – Thank You for Making it Possible
We’re proud to share that our 2024 Annual Report is now available and it’s filled with stories, milestones, and impact that were only made possible because of you.
Every adoption, every clinic visit, every moment of care and compassion started with the dedication of the people behind the scenes our staff, volunteers, foster families, and supporters. This report is more than just numbers and accomplishments It’s a reflection of your commitment to animals and the community that loves them.
We invite you to take a few moments to explore the report, celebrate what we’ve achieved together, and see how your work has contributed to another meaningful year.
Read the full report online at www.torontohumanesociety.com/annualreport Thank you for being such an important part of our success in 2024. Here's to everything we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.
Paws in the Park Presented by Amazon is Almost
Saturday, August 16 | 11 AM – 3 PM | 11 River Street
Get ready for our biggest event of the summer Paws in the Park presented by Amazon and we want you to be a part of it! Whether you're a member of our staff, a volunteer, or part of our foster network, this is your chance to come together and celebrate the incredible community you help support every day
We encourage you to invite your friends, family, and fellow animal lovers to join us for a fun-filled summer day that’s perfect for everyone dogs, kids, and adults alike There’s something for every member of the pack!
Event Highlights:
Shop Local: Discover unique pet products, gifts, and goodies from local vendors
Good Eats: Satisfy your cravings with momos, samosas, cheesecake shooters and more!
Beer Garden: Enjoy a cold brew while your pup sips on a dog-friendly beer
Agility Course: Watch your dog show off their skills with help from our expert Training team
Expert Q&A: Talk all things pet care with our on-site veterinarians, behaviour specialists, and social workers
Adoptable Animals: Meet some of our adorable adoptables looking for loving homes
Kid’s Zone: Full of fun activities like colouring pages and DIY bandanas.
This is a family-friendly, dog-friendly, fun-foreveryone kind of day so let’s make it one to remember. Spread the word, bring your crew, and come celebrate the pets, people, and partnerships that make our community thrive
See you there!
Featured Adaptable Animal: Marble
Written by Alana Brown
One of the highlights of my job as an ACW is getting to watch a frightened dog come out of their shell. Recently, I have had the joy of witnessing this through Marble, a one-and-a-halfyear-old mixed breed dog who arrived at our shelter along with her seven adorable puppies in June. While all of her puppies were quickly adopted and sent to their loving homes, Marble remained in the shelter, patiently waiting for someone to come along and scoop her up
When Marble first came to Toronto Humane Society, she was highly anxious, and even simple things like going for a walk, taking a treat, or playing with a toy were too stressful for her to manage.
Over time, we were able to gain her trust, and what started out as baby steps turned into leaps and bounds of progress each day As her confidence grew more and more, her personality began to shine through. We learned she loves gentle neck scratches, running around in the park, and will follow you just about anywhere for a treat What really caused Marble to open up, though, was other dogs: any time one approached her, she absolutely lit up, galloping along the fence and doing her signature “play bows” with excitement
While it may take a little patience to get her to feel comfortable with you, once she does, she turns into the sweetest, most lovable dog Her leash skills are unmatched, and whenever we’re walking, she’s always right beside me, checking in with me frequently. She is calm, polite, and exceptionally gentle, never pulling me along and always looking back at me for reassurance
I have no doubt that Marble would make an amazing companion for anyone who wants a gentle giant in their life. Whether she’s curling up beside you on a couch or chasing you around the yard, she is an absolute joy to be around. Marble would do best in a calm, stable home with someone who’s willing to put in the time to see her blossom, because Marble, like most of the best things in life, is absolutely worth waiting for.
Toronto Humane Society in the News: June Media Impact Recap
June was a standout month for media engagement, with 392 total mentions more than triple our 2024 monthly average of 114. These mentions generated an incredible 216 million+ impressions, further amplifying our mission, our animals, and our advocacy efforts across the country.
Adoption Features
Spring Pet Safety Tips with Dr. Karen Ward
As the weather warms up, new seasonal risks emerge for our furry friends. Dr. Karen Ward, our Chief Veterinary Officer, appeared on The Weather Network to share important spring safety tips for pet guardians. Her advice included: Keeping pets safe from toxic backyard plants Watching out for ticks during outdoor adventures
Several of our adorable adoptables were spotlighted this month, including Pork Chop, Waffle, Marmaduke, Samson, Deeno, and Tommy.
Expert Commentary on Affordability
Lauralee Dorst, Director of Community Animal Welfare, was quoted in The Globe and Mail (June 11) in a piece exploring the growing concern of affordability in pet care Her voice added an important perspective on the national impact of rising veterinary and food costs.
Being cautious of post-rain hazards and skunk encounters
Meet Our Adoptable Animals
Throughout April, several of our adoptable pets were featured in local news stories, helping connect them with potential forever families. Some of the spotlighted animals included: Mocha, Kit, Bronco, Malteser, Sweetie, and Oswald
Pork Chop Oswald Marmaduke
You're Invited to the 2025 Humane Open Golf Tournament Events
Are you a golf lover or do you know someone who is? We’re excited to invite you to take part in the third annual Humane Open Golf Tournament in support of Toronto Humane Society!
Date: September 25, 2025
Location: Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham, ON
This year’s tournament is shaping up to be our biggest yet! Whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking for a fun way to support animal welfare, we’d love to see you hit the greens with us.
Tournament Highlights:
BBQ lunch and pre-golf cocktail hour
6 exciting on-course competitions, including a new putting contest
Three hole-in-one chances with a $50,000 car up for grabs
3-course gourmet plated dinner reception
Exclusive silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items
This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, connect with fellow animal lovers, and raise funds to support the work we do every day The Humane Open is fully accessible and open to all
Interested in golfing?
Sign up and RSVP at www.humaneopen.ca. And if you know a golf enthusiast in your life family, friend, or colleague please pass along this invitation and encourage them to join our pack on the course.
We can’t wait to see you there, teeing off for a great cause!
July Volunteer Updates
Please join us in celebrating volunteers who are reaching a milestone anniversary this month! Thank you for all your hard work and continued dedication!
1 Year:
David S., Feline and Special Species Care
Delia X, Canine Care, Foster Parent and Team
Day
3 Years:
Kris B, Special Species Care
Monica D, PPSN and Special Species Care
Tanu D, PPSN Volunteer
Nahrain E., Photography Volunteer
Rebecca E., Special Species and Feline Care
Harvey K, Photography Volunteer
Eddie L, Special Species Care
Bev M., PPSN and Canine Care
Taresa M., Special Species Care
Kylie S, PPSN and Canine Care
Mrinmayee S, Feline Care
Logan T, Canine and Special Species Care
Nicholas W., Feline and Special Species Care
10 Years:
Laura C, Feline and Special Species Care
Volunteer Spotlight of the Month
We are so grateful for all our volunteers and foster parents; we rely heavily on your support to meet our operational needs We want to take time once a month to extend our thanks to a volunteer/foster parent who has had a positive impact at Toronto Humane Society based on staff/volunteer feedback
This Month we would like to shine a spotlight on Deborah A.!
Deborah has been a foster parent with Toronto Humane Society for 7 years, and in that time, she has fostered over 20 animals! The love, care and dedication she puts toward improving the lives of animals through fostering is truly awe inspiring, and it all started when she moved into the neighbourhood in 2018
“When I moved to this neighbourhood I heard that the Toronto Humane Society was near and I've always wanted to do some volunteering that involved cats. I grew up with them and was missing having cats around. So I looked it up online and did the training to start fostering.”
In her time fostering with us, Deborah has been greatly enjoying the experience. “I love hanging out with cats, and I love getting to know them and their different personalities” Of all the cats she has fostered, one that stands out to her was her first foster case, Pipi Pipi was a 13-year-old palliative cat who ended up living with Deborah for 3 years until he passed away in 2021.
Deborah not only enjoys being a foster parent, but also appreciates “the fact that doing this also helps the shelter and the cats, it’s amazing to me!” Well, Deborah, you have been an amazing foster parent, and we can’t thank you enough for all your dedication and help in improving the lives of animals.
Important Health and Safety Concerns
While many of you consistently follow our feline health and safety protocols thank you! we’ve noticed a recent increase in concerning incidents that we need to address Please take a few minutes to carefully read the important reminders below.
If these issues continue, we will unfortunately need to begin requiring retraining or issuing warnings We know no one wants that. Our goal is always to keep you, other people, and the animals safe.
We’ve already tried sharing these reminders via email, town halls, and Humane Insider updates Since this hasn’t reached everyone effectively, we will begin having more in-person follow-ups when needed
Here are the key guidelines that all Animal Care Volunteers must follow at all times:
1. Read the Notes Before Every Visit
Always read the notes before interacting For example, some notes clearly state “Do Not Pet” but we’ve seen those cats still being petted. If something in the notes is unclear, please ask for clarification
2. Call the Supervisor When You Need Help
The Supervisor is here to support you! Call extension 2394 if:
An animal escapes
You need PPE, treats or wand toys
You need assistance for any reason
The supervisor’s number is listed on your volunteer homepage
3. Attend Mandatory Huddles
These huddles are not optional. They happen daily at: 7am 10am 2pm 6pm
Meet in the communal room or lobby If you arrive early, you’re welcome to get started, but you must attend the scheduled huddle (use the elevators if needed). If you arrive late and miss it, you must call and speak with a supervisor before volunteering These huddles share essential safety and animal care updates, and we need to know who is onsite.
If you volunteer without attending a huddle or speaking to a supervisor, it is considered a serious issue.
Feline Specific Health and Safety Notes
4. Cats Escaping Enclosures
If a cat escapes:
Close all doors immediately Call the supervisor for help
If the cat is calmly rubbing against you and you feel comfortable, you can gently return it to its enclosure But do not chase or try to catch a cat that is running away We’ve had three recent incidents where volunteers tried to catch the cat and did not call a supervisor, one person was seriously scratched while trying to catch the cat this is dangerous and must be avoided
5. PPE & Infection Control
Shelter cats are vulnerable to infections. Please: Follow all infection control procedures
See red-tagged cats last and change your PPE between each red-tagged cat. Instructions are posted by the enrichment lists ask if you’re unsure Wand toys count as PPE if you're changing your PPE, swap the wand toy too
6. Wand Toys
Please do not leave wand toys: On computers
Outside Kitty Condos Outside Meet & Greet rooms
This was acceptable during COVID, but now that we are open to the public, it creates confusion, sanitation risks, and extra cleanup. When finished: Put used toys in the sink If you’re out of clean toys, either: Wash them in the dish room downstairs, or Grab new ones from the clean supply downstairs
Don’t know how to do dishes? Ask a supervisor helping with cleaning is always appreciated!
7. Treats
We’re still seeing trays of treats left out When treats are left unattended, we must throw them out for safety reasons, which is wasteful and creates more cleanup work.
If you use a dish or tray for treats: Put leftover treats back in the treat bin Place dirty dishes in the dish area or dispose of them properly
Thank you to everyone who consistently follows these procedures your efforts make a huge difference to our animals’ well-being and our team’s safety
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to Chris directly (cbuchner@torontohumanesociety.com) Going forward, all of the above must be followed at all times.
Special Species Foster Parents Needed
We have a lot of guinea pigs and rabbits searching for a foster home. If you are interested in fostering any of our adorable special species, please email Nathan (nschwartz@torontohumanesociety.com)
Thank you so much in advance!
Paws in the Park Volunteer Recruitment
As some of you may already know, Paws in the Park, our biggest celebration of pets, people, and community, is just around the corner It will be taking place on August 16th at our building (11 River Street) from 11AM-3PM. Below is a list of the roles, a brief description of the roles, the quantity of volunteers needed and the shift times. If you are interested in any of these roles, please reach out to Nathan nschwartz@torontohumanesociety.com and let him know what role and shift time you are interested in. If you are interested in multiple roles, please let Nathan know as well so that in case a position you chose is fully staffed we could place you into another role you are interested in
Roles
Registration: Greet guests, hand out passports/maps, direct attendees, support the area, answer questions and help with breaks. 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Event HQ Area: Sign in, shirt/material handout, directions, info, recordkeeping. 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Agility Course Entry/Exit: Manage entry/exit, distribute coupons, and assist attendees. 2 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Agility Course Assistant/Floater: Assist with setup and as needed, cover entry/exit points, manage line/flow, hand out coupons for group classes and support the area 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
THS Retail Booth: Assist at the booth, handle sales, answer questions 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Beer Garden/Lawn Games: Set up, direct attendees, support security at the entry gate, engage with patrons, assist with interactive activities and games and tear down. 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Vendor Market Check-in/Setup: Greet/direct vendors to correct spots, answer questions, assist with setup 1 volunteer needed
Shift time: 7:30AM – 12:00PM
Vendor Market: Support and assist vendors, customer interactions, answer questions, help with breaks, resolve issues, keep the area clean and any additional needs. 6 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Food Vendors: Greet/direct vendors to correct spots, cleanliness, manage lines, answer questions, resolve issues, and assist where needed: refill supplies, support vendors, etc 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Kids Corner Storytime: Engage children with questions and activities, assist with vendor, and help manage parents and guardians. 2 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Face Painting: Setup, face painter, help prep kids, and clean up between sessions. (Volunteers with experience in this skill, please contact eelliott@torontohumanesociety.com by August 1st with samples of work) 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Caricature: Setup, support, help manage the area, and painting (Volunteers with experience in this skill. Please contact eelliott@torontohumanesociety.com by August 1st with samples of work.) 2 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Bandana: Guide crafts, hand out supplies, supervise for safety, and help with cleanup. 2 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Kids Zone: Assist where needed, fill in, assist, cover break, support vendors, etc. 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Pledge for Paws: Support the area, assist as needed, answer questions. 2 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Facility Support (Crowd Control – Special
Species): Assist with questions, enforce rules, ensure animal safety, overseeing the animal housing area (Experienced volunteers preferred; cross-training required) 2 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Facility Support (Crowd Control – Dogs): Assist with questions, enforce rules, ensure animal safety, monitor dog area (Experienced volunteers preferred; cross-training required). 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Facility Support (Crowd Control – Cats): Assist with questions, enforce rules, ensure animal safety, monitor cat area (Experienced volunteers preferred; cross-training required). 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Adoption Counseling (Dogs Counseling Session): Conduct adoption sessions for dogs, answer questions (**TRAINING FOR ADOPTIONS WILL BE GIVEN AHEAD OF EVENT** Preference given to experienced volunteers.) 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Adoption Counseling (Cats Counseling Session): Conduct adoption sessions for cats, answer questions (**TRAINING FOR ADOPTIONS WILL BE GIVEN AHEAD OF EVENT** Preference given to experienced volunteers.) 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Adoption Counseling (Special Species Counseling Session): Conduct adoption sessions for special species, answer questions (**TRAINING FOR ADOPTIONS WILL BE GIVEN AHEAD OF EVENT** Preference given to experienced volunteers.) 2 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Adoption Admin: putting adoptions paperwork into system, getting adopters information (**TRAINING FOR ADOPTIONS WILL BE GIVEN AHEAD OF EVENT** Preference given to experienced volunteers) 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM –4:00PM
Volunteer Updates
Polaroid/Step & Repeat: Take individual or group photos, operate the polaroid & instant photos, tiptap machine. 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Doggie 360 Degree Glam Cam: Support and assist photographer. 2 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Ask-An-Expert Table: Set up, support the area, direct attendees to the table. 1 volunteer needed
Shift time: 11:00AM – 3:00PM
Prize Draw/Passports: Distribute/collect cards, explain the rules, manage and verify prize entries for completed, support the area, hand out prizes, and assist as needed 4 volunteers needed
Shift times: 7:30AM – 12:00PM & 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Event Set Up: Set up tents/tables/banners, arrange signage, decorate, prep stations and assembly (Volunteers assigned to set up or tear down may also sign up for additional roles during the event). 5 volunteers needed
Shift time: 7:30AM – 9:30AM
Post Event Strike: Disassemble, pack up, clean, load equipment. (Volunteers assigned to set up or tear down may also sign up for additional roles during the event) 5 volunteers needed
Shift time: 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Zita’s Happiest Tale: A Happy Foster Fail
“When I first decided to foster Zita, I had no plans of adopting a dog at that time since I was going to move to another country But the more time that I spent with her and realized how incredibly sweet, intelligent and understanding she is, it became impossible to say goodbye to her I fell in love with her really quickly, and she also became attached to me really fast!
Every day may not be perfect, some days can be really difficult, but she makes it all worth it She is now having a great time living in the Netherlands, where she adjusted really quickly, enjoying all the love she gets from strangers because I take her almost everywhere I go! She is also enjoying travelling around Europe, and I just cannot imagine my life without her. “
- Zita’s pet parent
Meet the Team: Staff Q&A with Bidisha Mukherjee
Tell us about your role at Toronto Humane Society! What do you do, and what do you love most about it?
My role is to support both the Director of Animal Sheltering and the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Mission Advancement This position gives a unique, full-spectrum view of the “iceberg” tha Toronto Humane Society what’s visible on t surface and everything happening behind t scenes In this role, I have the opportunity witness new ideas take shape and support th development.
With a certification in feline shelter behavior, I a manage select in-shelter cat behavior cases, wh I consider as part of my – enrichment.
What do I love most? In addition to working w cats, I find great satisfaction in working with dat uncovering patterns and helping turn numb into stories that inform decisions across t organization.
What inspired you to work in animal welfare? It’s the people and the animals I'm constantly inspired by the dedicated, compassionate individuals who work tirelessly to create change, often against the odds. Being part of something that directly improves the lives of animals makes it all the more fulfilling
Where did you work before coming to Toronto Humane Society?
Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society and Philadelphia Zoo (the oldest zoo in the US!)
Do you have any pets at home? Tell us about them!
Mirakkel – A female brown tabby who was my first every pet and crossed over the rainbow in 2023 at 13. She was in the cover of staff calendar that year! She was our Diva! All her stuff (of course washed) is still being used for fostering and her legacy lives on!
Mirakkel
Mango – 7 yr old tuxedo male, he is a puppy to me! He has a great recall, too good that he responds to other pets’ names as well and comes running wherever I am, lol!
Zella –A 8-9 year old, female, foot tapping Potcake from the Caribbean. She was a family dog and recently joined us permanently. She is GREAT with cats (read - ignores their presence) but sometimes when excited, pokes them with her wet nose and gets swatted at. The best thing about her, she brings a gift (toys, receipts, shoes, remote anything she can access) every time she sees us (whether coming out of the bathroom, or returning after a day’s work)
Irma – an undersocialized cat from overcrowding situation who loves Mango and slowly getting
What’s a memorable or heartwarming moment you’ve experienced while working here?
When an adopter emailed years later about their TLC cat, appreciating the support we provided, how the cat lived and passed away peacefully It was my first “speak to trainer”
If you could switch roles with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
Surgery veterinarian – to be able to see inside an animal and fix an issue - fascinating!
What’s one fun fact about you that your coworkers might not know?
I write Haiku on my Underwood typewriter (but now mostly in my head while scooping litter).
What’s your go-to comfort food or favourite local spot to eat?
Spicy Chinese
What’s a skill or hobby you have outside of work that people might not expect?
I am weirdly good at remembering directions - I can usually remember a road or route after just one visit.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone new joining Toronto Humane Society?
Take your time, be patient, and soak it all in and enjoy! Celebrate the small wins, and as Voltaire said, “Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien,” a message that Dr Linda Jacobson once shared in a way that really stuck with me: 'Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good.'
Zella
Irma Mango
Save the Date: Purpose & Learning Day
August 12, 2025
We’re excited to remind you about our upcoming Purpose & Learning Day a special quarterly event dedicated to bringing our team together for an afternoon of connection, education, and celebration. Whether you’re on staff, a volunteer, or a foster parent, this is for you!
Here’s what you need to know:
Who: Toronto Humane Society Staff, Volunteers, and Foster Parents
What: Purpose & Learning Day
Where: 11 River Street, 2nd Floor Board Room
When: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Why: To reconnect, reflect, and re-energize as a team!
This is your opportunity to:
Hear quarterly updates from leadership
Enjoy a delicious meal and refreshments
Participate in a fun THS Acronym Quiz
Engage in an open Ask-Me-Anything with Laura Balanoff, Beverly McKee, Amber Portsmith, and Carol Boulding
Attend a thought-provoking workshop on international sheltering differences with Dr. Sarah Kirk and Dr. Jill Kirk
Celebrate the amazing work we’ve accomplished together
Let’s come together to learn, reflect, and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished so far in 2025 We can’t wait to see you there!
Events Calendar: August, September, October
Campaign of the month: Pledge for Paws
July 1st-August 18th
From now until August 18, your donation to our Pledge for Paws campaign will go twice as far thanks to our generous partners at Amazon and Petline Insurance*. Every dollar you give will be matched up to $10,000 doubling your impact and helping more animals find hope, healing, and home
Paws in the Park
August 16th
Join us at our 11 River Street location for a day that celebrates the human-animal bond and brings our community together
Humane Open
September 25th
Tee off to improve the lives of animals in your community and beyond. Enjoy a day of golf at the beautiful Angus Glen North Course
Purpose and Learning Day
August 12h
Connect, learn and celebrate the work we all do to support animals and their people
Community Days
August 13th and 27th
September 10th and 24rd
October 8th and 22th
We welcome community members in need of essential pet supplies at 11 River Street.