Humane Insider - June

TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY

JUNE 2023

HUMANEINSIDER

FEATURED ARTICLES You Can Help Us Win $20,000 Page 2 Join us for a Gender and Sexuality Inclusion Workshop in celebration of Pride Month Page 3, 4 Grab Your Foursome and attend a Golf Tournament That Supports Animals in Need Page 5 Toronto Humane Society in the News Page 6 Volunteer Updates Page 7, 8 Build a Stronger Bond with Your Dog by Enrolling into a Training Class Page 8 Animal Talk Summer 2023: Providing Access to Care to Preserve the Human-Animal Bond Page 9 Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities Page 10 Caring for 2 Mothers and Their 19 Puppies Page 11 15 Rabbits Find Their Forever Homes Page 12 One Month, Two Community Days, Over 6000 Pounds of Food Page 13 Supporting our Foster Parents with Vetster Page 14 Upcoming Events Page 15

You Can Help Us Win $20,000

The Great Canadian Giving Challenge has begun!

More specifically $20,000 at Toronto Humane Society would:

For the entire month of June, every dollar donated

Provide support to over 1,300 pet parents

to

through the Pet Parent Support Network

Toronto

Humane

Society

through

CanadaHelps.org increases our chance to win the

Supply over 760 pounds of pet food through

cash prize of $20,000. The more you give, the

our Pet Food Bank

greater chance we have to win.

Enroll 39 pets into the Urgent Care program for one month each

What Would We Do with $20,000?

With rising inflation and costs of living, immense

How You Can Help

pressure has been put on pet parents. With

Make a Donation: Visit CanadaHelps.org and make

nowhere else to go for help, a growing number are

the minimum donation of $3. Every dollar you

turning to Toronto Humane Society for support to

donate increases our chance of winning the prize

ensure they can stay with their beloved pet.

draw.

$20,000

would

ensure

sustainability

of

our

Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and

community support programs that are needed

followers

on

social

media

about

the

Great

now more than ever. Programs such as the Pet

Canadian Giving Challenge and how $20,000 will

Parent Support Network, Pet Food Bank, and the

greatly help Toronto Humane Society to continue

Urgent Care program that help to keep more

to support animals and their families in need.

families together and more pets out of the shelter system.

Page 2

Join us for a Gender and Sexuality Inclusion Workshop in celebration of Pride Month

Did you know that 29% of Toronto Humane

Additionally, the workshop will delve into the

Society staff, and 12% to 18% of volunteers and

impact of homophobia and transphobia. By

foster parents, identify as a member of the

understanding the negative effects of these

2S/LGBTQIA+ communities? In the spirit of Pride

prejudices, participants will develop a deeper

month, we are excited to announce a special

appreciation for the importance of creating an

training session aimed at fostering an inclusive

accepting

and respectful work environment for members of

everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual

the 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities. The workshop,

orientation.

and

supportive

environment

for

titled "Creating a Culture of Respect for Gender and Sexual Diversity," will be open to all staff,

Here are the key learning outcomes you can

volunteers, and foster parents who are interested

expect from this workshop:

in enhancing their understanding and promoting

1. Increased knowledge: Participants will gain a

inclusivity.

greater understanding of the intricacies of sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression,

Led

by

the

Christopher

knowledgeable Buchner,

and

Manager

of

passionate

and sexual orientation. This knowledge will

Volunteer

help foster a more inclusive and respectful

Services, this training promises to provide valuable

environment.

insights and tools for creating safer and more

2. Awareness of impact: Participants will explore

inclusive spaces. With a focus on education and

the far-reaching effects of homophobia and

awareness,

increased

transphobia. By recognizing the harm caused

knowledge about sex, gender, gender identity,

by these prejudices, we can all work towards

gender expression, and sexual orientation. By

dismantling

learning and discussing these important topics,

accepting society.

participants

will

gain

we can work together to build a more supportive and understanding community.

them

and

creating

a

more

3. Practical tools: Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will identify practical

tools and practices to create safer and more

2. Thursday, June 15th, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm (in-

inclusive environments for 2S/LGBTQ+ people.

person session in the Boardroom): For those who

These insights will empower individuals to make a

thrive

positive

arranged an in-person session in our Boardroom.

difference

in

their

personal

and

in

face-to-face

interactions,

we

have

professional lives.

We

understand

that

everyone

has

unique

E-mail

dei@torontohumanesociety.com

register

for

this

session

If

you

have

to any

preferences for attending events, so we have

accommodation requests for either the virtual or

scheduled

in-person

the

workshop

on

two

different

session,

please

email

occasions to accommodate different needs:

dei@torontohumanesociety.com

1. Wednesday, June 14th, from 9:00am to 12:00 pm

Please mark your calendars and join us for this

(virtual session on Zoom): For those who prefer the

important workshop as we come together to

convenience and comfort of attending remotely,

celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and create

you can join us online for an interactive and

a culture of respect for gender and sexual

engaging session. This virtual session will not be

diversity. Together, we can make a positive impact

recorded to ensure a safe and confidential

and

environment. Register to attend on Zoom.

community for all. Happy Pride Month!

build

a

more

accepting

and

inclusive

Dress Code Reminder Effective June 1st, all staff and volunteers who work in the clinic, training department, or animal housing departments are required to wear no slip shoes. This is for your own safety because the floors are slippery when wet. The shoes should have deep treads, which will help you keep your footing, be closed-toed, and labeled as non-slip shoes.

Staff members who work with animals should be wearing pants that cover their legs– no leggings, yoga pants, shorts, or skirts / dresses. Those who work in the office can wear a skirt or dress. With a “smart casual” dress code in place, this means that jeans without any rips or holes are acceptable.

Please refrain from wearing T-shirts with graphics and hats or headgear unless it’s for human rights or safety reasons.

Volunteers, adoption and training staff, and Animal Care Workers are asked to wear Toronto Humane Society labeled t-shirts to help public members identify them as a member of our team. If your role requires you to wear Toronto Humane Society gear, it will be provided to you by your manager.

The current dress code policy is being revised, but if you have any questions, please speak with your manager or a member of HR.

Page 4

Grab Your Foursome and attend a Golf Tournament That Supports Animals in Need

Whether you are an avid golfer, or want to support

There are a limited number of packages available

the wellbeing of animals, everyone is invited to

for

attend Toronto Humane Society’s Humane Open

Register today to save your spot for you, your

golf tournament on June 28th.

friends, family members, and colleagues.

Located at one of the most unique golf courses

Event Details

around, you will enjoy the large waste bunkers,

Location: The Wyndance Golf Club in Uxbridge,

loose rock outcroppings, and fairways lined with

Ontario. 450 Durham Road 21 Uxbridge, Ontario,

fescue at the Wyndance Golf Club located in

L0C 1A0

Uxbridge, Ontario.

Date: Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

In addition to the beautiful scenery, you will receive a boxed lunch upon your arrival and hit the

single

players,

twosomes,

Registration:11:30am Shotgun Start: 1:30pm

links for some friendly competition in a shotgun

Dinner: 7:00pm

start. Once you have finished, a buffet dinner will

Cost: $300 - $1,000 for a foursome

be presented, along with a great silent auction, which will allow attendees to mix and mingle while

supporting

animals

community and beyond.

in

need,

in

our

or

foursomes.

Toronto Humane Society in the News As a leader in the animal welfare industry, Toronto

Other Media Hits:

Humane Society is often quoted as a professional

Toronto dog abandoned with note from family

source in the media. Which newsworthy topics

finds new home

were buzzing and trending in the animal welfare

Pedal-powered bars return to Toronto this

world? Here are our top three topics discussed

spring but there's a catch

during the month of April.

Pedal

Pub

Toronto

offering

discounted,

limited-time bar crawls in support of Toronto Reuniting Max

Humane Society

Max was on April 3 in the Davenport area with a

The New Classical FM Pet of the Week: Buster

note about being a “good boy”, but his pet parents

and Mortimer

could no longer care for him due to financial

Fanta the cat is looking for a new lovely home

difficulties. In effort to reach out to Max’s parents

in the Toronto area

to offer them enrollment into the Urgent Care

Global News Pet Profile: Noah

program, big media outlets such as The Star and

You could win big with Toronto Humane

CityNews covered his story up until he was

Society's spring raffle while supporting pets in

adopted by another family.

need This Hour with Angie Seth: Interview with

Supporting Pets and Pet Guardians with the

Dillon Dodson

Urgent Care Program

The New Classical FM Pet of the Week: Obi

Toronto Humane Society Chief Operating Officer,

Princess Sparkles the cat is looking for a new

Phil Nichols, appeared on CBC Radio One Toronto

lovely home in the Toronto area

to discuss the Urgent Care Foster program as an

Max, the dog abandoned in Toronto parkette,

open access program that provides care and

officially goes up for adoption

support for pets and guardians. Dillon Dodson,

The Globe and Mail: Why is your cat mad?

Senior Social Worker at Toronto Humane Society,

Maybe it's because you're not listening

was interviewed on Global News about the Urgent

Doggin' it at the office: Employers are using

Care

dog visits to entice employees back to work

program

as

well,

and

the

profound

challenges that pet parents deal with.

Don't forget about your pets when making your will

Adoptable Animals

The New Classical FM Pet of the Week: Gyu

Many prominent media outlets featured animals

Gyu

that are available for adoption – such as The

Dumbo the cat is looking for a new lovely

Toronto

home in the Toronto area

Sun’s

Forever

Friend

feature

that

highlighted one-year-old Shepherd mix, Dexter.

Global News Pet Profile: Dolly Global Pet Profile: Tata and Copito

April Media Stats: Mentions: 491 Impressions: 466,043,745

Lola the cat is looking for a new lovely home in the Toronto area

Page 6

Volunteer Updates Volunteer Spotlight of the Month

Megha, you are an inspiration to us all, and we

We are so grateful for all our volunteers; we rely

cannot thank you enough for all the hard work

heavily on your support to meet our operational

and time you put into improving the lives of our

needs. We want to take time once a month to

cats. You are truly amazing! Please join us in

extend our thanks to a volunteer who has had a

celebrating Megha this month!

positive impact at Toronto Humane Society based

.

on staff/volunteer feedback.

This Month we would like to shine a spotlight on Megha J! When joining Toronto Humane Society as a volunteer back in 2016, Megha was drawn by the “opportunity

to

spend

time

with

so

many

delightful cats with different personalities and life experiences”.

Having an affinity for animals, she experiences a sense of happiness when she’s around animals,

Anniversaries

especially cats. Now, over 6 years later, and over

Please join us in celebrating volunteers who are

390 volunteer hours under her belt, Megha has

reaching a milestone anniversary this month!

learned

5 Years:

and

gained

even

more

love

and

appreciation for cats.

Loretta, C – Feline Care

With all the experience and knowledge, Megha

Cat Treats

comments that she is now able to see so much

Please note that Temptations are the only treats

more nuance in feline actions and body language.

that should be used for cat enrichment. Having one treat amongst all our felines helps our

Megha not only does feline enrichment, but she

medical team know what a cat is eating if they get

also took on the role of feline training assistant

sick. If you do not need any Temptations in the

where she aids the trainers in assessing feline

treat bin, please let a staff member know.

behaviour

and

implementing

behaviour

modification plans.

However, if there is a “No Treat” sign on a cat’s kennel, this means that they cannot have any

Even now, after all these years and spending

treats – including Temptations. This may be

hundreds of hours enriching and helping train our

because they have an upset tummy, are on a

cats, Megha commented that watching cats

special diet, or just had dental surgery and need to

adapt, learn, evolve and overcome challenges fills

stay away from crunchy foods.

her with a sense of wonder and inspires her in her own life.

Summer Vacation With summer quickly approaching, many of us may be planning a little getaway time. If possible while you’re still in Toronto and have extra time on your hands, we ask that you be open to picking up a few extra volunteer shifts. This will help us to continue to give the animals onsite the attention, enrichment and love they deserve.

2

weeks,

please

let

Whether you have recently gotten a new dog, or you are looking for something new to try with your pup, training classes at Toronto Humane Society may be a great option for you.

We offer a variety of group training classes

If you are planning to take a vacation for longer than

Build a Stronger Bond with Your Dog by Enrolling into a Training Class

the

Volunteer

Department know. We are immensely grateful for your dedication and support, which remains the backbone of our organization's mission. Thank you for considering this heartfelt request. Together, we can make a difference and create a summer filled with joy and enrichment for our incredible animals.

Canine Playgroup Training (For Purple and Yellow Canine Care volunteers) Canine Playgroup training is being rolled out to all

including puppy classes, adult dog foundation classes, and more advanced dog sport classes like rally-o, scent detection, and tricks.

We have classes running regularly so you won’t have to wait long to begin your training journey with your canine pal. You can explore all the group classes and other training services we offer on our online booking system.

If you aren’t sure what may be the best class for you, contact our Public Training team at publictraining@torontohumanesociety.com

canine volunteers who are purple level trained and above. This training is an opportunity to offer our resident dogs a great enrichment option and is also an awesome skills development opportunity for our canine staff and volunteers who want to continue to learn about dog behaviour and socialization. You only need to book one training session, but you are more than welcome to attend more than once if you feel it would be useful for you. Please click here to book your Canine Care Training. .

Page 8

Animal Talk Summer 2023: Providing Access to Care to Preserve the Human-Animal Bond

Every animal that we have ever bonded with

In the Summer 2023 edition of Animal Talk, you’ll

taught us something valuable. Whether that was

read about community programs and services

how to love unconditionally, how to let things go,

that help preserve this unique relationship – such

or how to stop and smell the roses every once in a

as the Pet Parent Support Network. By simply

while – they left an everlasting mark on us.

listening to the needs of pet parents and offering them alternative solutions such as training and

Imagine losing this bond because the cost of basic

behaviour

classes,

pet

food,

and

subsidized

veterinary care was too high. Sadly, this is the

veterinary

services,

33%

of

potential

reality for many pet parents across North America.

surrenders were diverted in 2022.

animal

As prices of everything from food, gas, and basic necessities soar higher than before, affordable pet

We also go beyond our walls to provide support to

care

pets and their families. Our outreach service

has

resources

also

become

available,

scarce.

some

pet

With

limited

parents

must

provides

pop-up that

animal

wellness

clinics

to

have

limited

access

to

choose between putting food in their bowls or

communities

putting food in their pet’s bowls.

veterinary care. Not only do these clinics provide affordable preventative care options such as spay-

While they do what they can to budget and plan

and-neuter surgeries, vaccines, and flea, tick, and

for

heartworm preventatives, but they also provide a

their

pet’s

wellbeing,

sometimes

the

unexpected happens and they’re faced with an

lifeline to community members.

even bigger cost dilemma: pay thousands of dollars for an emergency vet bill, surrender the

The Summer 2023 edition of Animal Talk will be

animal, or euthanize them.

printed and shared digitally in mid-June 2023.

Stay tuned!

When access to affordable care is jeopardized, the human-animal bond is at risk too.

Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities Staff Announcements

Career Opportunities

Toronto Humane Society is continually growing!

Toronto

Here is a list of new staff members that joined our

promoting the humane care and protection of all

team last month.

animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering. Our

Humane

Society

is

committed

to

team of talented, dedicated staff work to support Lauryn Weinberger - Development Officer,

this mission.

Signature Events & Gaming Lucas Solowey – Coordinator, Public Relations

If you are interested in joining our dedicated team please forward your resume to our Human

We've

also

had

some

members

move

into

different roles.

Gwynn - Development Officer, Grants and

Resource

Department

via

email

at

hiring@torontohumanesociety.com.

There are currently no job openings.

Foundations Jess Tartaglia - Assistant Manager, Public Training Services & Care Support Lauren McIntyre - Service Manager, Shelter Veterinary Care Rachel Fortin – Assistant Manager, Shelter Veterinary Care

Page 10

Caring for 2 Mothers and Their 19 Puppies

On April 27, 2023, Ava and her 7 puppies, and a

Thankfully another foster parent offered to take

very pregnant 1-year-old pup named Pickles,

Pickles and all 11 of her little pickles and picked

arrived at Toronto Humane Society after their long

them all up on May 5th. Everyone is happy and

journey from Northern Ontario.

well in their foster homes.

Thanks to our amazing foster parents, Ava and her

We’d like to extend a massive shout-out to

little cheese family (Brie, Asiago, Mascarpone,

everyone involved in helping these adorable 19

Cotija, Burrata, Colby and Boursin) quickly went

puppies receive the care, love, and attention they

into a foster home less than 28 hours after arriving.

need to grow healthy and strong! After they receive all their vaccines and spay and neuter

We sent a social media shoutout to help find

surgeries, the puppies and their moms will

Pickles a foster home before she gave birth, but

become available for adoption.

she had other plans. Pickles began to give birth in the shelter the morning of May 2nd. By the afternoon, Pickles amazed the staff with the grand total of 11 puppies! Dill, Gherkin, Bread, Butter, Kimchi, Relish, Cornichons, Bicks, Spears, Rick and Salad.

Education Series - Troubleshooting Problem Behaviours Join us virtually on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 5:00pm – 6:00pm If you're looking for help treating your dog’s unwanted behaviours, or just curious about why dogs do what they do, this webinar may be what you’re looking for. Led by certified canine trainer, Louise Lawrence, this webinar will discuss how to navigate helping your dog learn good manners while eliminating unwanted behaviours like jumping, nipping, mouthing, vocalizing and barking. Click here to regsiter to the meeting via Zoom.

15 Rabbits Find Their Forever Homes From April 15th to May 15th, 2023, we offered 50% off rabbit adoption fees to help more of our fluffy friends find their forever homes.

We’re happy to share that 15 bunnies were adopted during the campaign, including long-stay bonded pairs Hip Hop and Soul, Bugsy and

Ebony & Ivory

Greywind, and Cadbury and La Bamba!

Gabriel and Lavender were also amongst the bonded pair of bunnies that were adopted. They were renamed to Ebony and Ivory, and here is an update from their forever family.

“It’s been a week since I’ve adopted Ebony and

Bugsy & Greywind

Ivory and it’s been quite the learning experience. I have changed my daily routine to incorporate the buns in my life. I’ve been waking up earlier to make sure they’re fed and to clean their enclosure more often. As of today, I have completely bunny proofed the condo (hopefully) and now they are free roaming. So far, it’s been good. There is lots of binkies, though they still try to get under the

Orlock

couch which has been blocked off with a fence.

Now their main adversary appears to be my robot vacuum which they have been jumping on and off constantly. This is just week one of many more to come!"

We’d like to extend a special thank you to everyone who had a hand spreading awareness

Alfred

about the adoption promotion. From those who talked about the rabbits, to those who submitted photos and videos, and those who shared their posts on social media, everyone’s efforts helped these adorable bunnies find their new families.

Grasshopper & Cricket

Page 12

One Month, Two Community Days, Over 6,000 Pounds of Food On May 4th, 2023, we held our first off-site Community Day event of the year, and it was a success! Our team handed out over 2,000 pounds of dog food and approximately 1,500 pounds of cat food to community members who needed a bit of support.

On

May

11th,

2023,

we

held

our

monthly

Community Day event onsite. An infographic of this event’s impact is displayed to your right.

As community members continue to reach out for help, Toronto Humane Society will continue to answer their call by sharing the resources and supplies we have.

Our next Community Day event will be held on Thursday, June 15th. If you know anyone who is in need of pet food and supplies, such as carriers and crates, please invite them to our Community Day events.

Supporting our Foster Parents with an Around the Clock Telemedicine Service – Vetster

Has your pet ever eaten something potentially

Supporting Our Foster Parents with Vetster

toxic, but you weren’t sure what to do? Has your

We’ve recently teamed up with Vetster to support

pet injured themselves while out and about? Has

our foster parents in case of an emergency.

your pet started acting weird all of a sudden and

Vetster

you’re not sure if it’s a sign of something serious?

providing

We’ve all been there.

throughout their entire day and night.

Instead of picking up our pets and running to the

This partnership gives our foster parents a peace

veterinary clinic or animal emergency hospital, pet

of mind when they’re caring for animals with all

parents can use a telemedicine service, like

sorts of different backgrounds – such as a senior

Vetster, for guidance on how to address their pet’s

dog who is recovering from a major surgery, a cat

medical concerns. If there is a cause for concern

who is suffering with itchy skin, or a mother rabbit

that can be addressed with a prescription, you

who delivered 6 kits at the stroke of midnight.

could get one from a licensed veterinarian – from

Whatever the medical case, whatever the time,

the comfort of your home!

Vetster is available to help.

By providing remote consultations through video

Would You Like to Know More About Vetster?

or telephone calls, Vetster not only provides

You can be prepared for any health concerns that

medical advice for your pet, but they also provide

may arise with your pet by creating a free Vetster

emotional support to pet parents during a time of

account today. Learn more about their 24/7

crisis – and can potentially stop pet parents from

telemedicine services by visiting their website.

ensures

round-the-clock

constant

support

to

availability, pet

parents

having to cover unnecessary emergency medical bills.

Page 14

Upcoming Events

National Indigenous History Month

Juneteenth

A month that celebrates Indigenous history,

June 19th

culture, and diversity across Canada.

Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth

Pride Month

celebrates

the

emancipation

of

enslaved people in the United States

Pride Month is a celebration of the LGBTQ2+ community. It is also a time to raise awareness of

Animal Rights Awareness Week

the issues that the LGBT2Q+ community faces and

June 19th to June 25th

the continued fight for equality.

A week to raise awareness and advocate for the rights and humane treatment of all animals.

Pet Appreciation Week

Dragon Boat Festival

June 4th to June 10th

June 22nd to June 25th

A week to celebrate the importance of pets and

A day to remember China’s first poet and famous

what they mean to us.

scholar, Qu Yuan. Many activities that mark this day are done to protect those who celebrate

World Environment Day

against disease and evil spirits. It also celebrated

June 5th

with shared meals and Dragon Boat races.

A day to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.

Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month.

Father's Day June 18th A day to honour and show gratitude towards fathers/father figures.