Humane Insider - November 2023

TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY

NOVEMBER 2023

HUMANEINSIDER

FEATURED ARTICLES You’re Invited to Our 90’s Themed Appreciation Event Page 2 Our Holiday 50/50 Launches on November 1st Page 3 Save the Date: Annual Holiday Pet Pics Event Page 4 Toronto Humane Society in the News Page 5 Toronto Humane Society Lands a Spot on Top 100 Charities List for the Second Year in a Row Page 6 Congratulations to Greg Ratelle on his CAWA Certification Page 7 Introducing The New Training Class “Polite Family Dog Advanced Manners Class” Page 8 Volunteer Updates Page 9 Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities Page 10 Onboarding Specific Need Foster Parents Page 11 Volunteer Spotlight of the Month: Brandon K Page 12 Welcome New Social Work Students Page 13 Thank You, Pet Parent Support Network Volunteers Page 13 Calendar of Events Page 14

You’re Invited to Our 90’s Themed Appreciation Event

Get ready to step back in time to the groovy 90's!

Save the Date:

Join us on Friday, November 3rd, from 2:00pm to

When: Friday, November 3rd, 2023

7:00pm for a blast from the past and an

Time: 2:00pm – 7:00pm

unforgettable appreciation event.

Where: 11 River Street, the lunch room and patio area on the second floor

We're celebrating our remarkable staff, dedicated volunteers, and our fantastic foster parents. It's your dedication and hard work that keep our mission alive, and we want to celebrate YOU! The 90's are back, and we're throwing it back in style. Dress up in your favorite 90's fashion, or simply come as you are—either way, you're in for a totally tubular time.

What to expect: Delicious Free Food and Drinks Fun Games and Activities Fabulous Prizes Come and reminisce about the iconic era that brought us the Spice Girls, flannel shirts, and slap bracelets. Let's make this an appreciation event to remember!

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Our Holiday 50/50 Launches on November 1st!

YOU WIN. PETS WIN. torontohumanesocietylotto.com

Amidst the challenges our city faces, the spirit of

Why Your Participation Matters:

giving becomes even more meaningful. This

1. Uplifting Our City in Crisis: Our city has been

holiday season, we invite you to be part of our

facing challenges, and this holiday season,

Holiday 50/50 raffle, a chance to contribute to a

your participation in the Holiday 50/50 event

greater cause while embracing the festive spirit.

will

Mark your calendars for November 1st when the

community. Let's come together and make a

raffle kicks off its launch!

real difference!

play

a

crucial

role

in

uplifting

our

2. Spreading Hope and Happiness: The festive

Toronto Humane Society Staff and Board of

season

Directors, as well as their spouses, children, and

happiness. By joining in, you're not only

children-in-law, are not permitted to purchase

contributing to the community but also

tickets and are not eligible to win. But don’t worry,

spreading hope to those who need it most.

you can still participate in the spirit of giving by

3. Winning Big: Who doesn’t want an extra

sharing this raffle on social media!

is

all

about

spreading

joy

and

$9,999 this holiday season? With a prize amount that continues to grow, this could be

Following our launch, our first early bird prize

your relief fund this year!

ticket deadline will be November 14th at 11:59 pm EST with a prize amount of $1000. Our second

Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of

early bird prize ticket deadline will be November

something greater this holiday season. Join us on

28th at 11:59 pm EST with a prize amount of $500.

November 1st or share the raffle on social media and be the driving force in making a positive

Our

final

jackpot

draw

will

take

place

on

difference in our city.

December 13th, so if you’re eligible to participate, you’ll want to grab your winning ticket well in

The raffle is licensed by AGCO

advance! With a guaranteed prize of $9,999 that

Lottery License #RAF1302302

will continue to grow, you won't want to miss out on winning big!

Save the Date: Annual Holiday Pet Pics Event

The holiday season is just around the corner, and

How To Book

what better way to celebrate than by creating

Keep your eyes open on your inbox or on social

beautiful memories with your furry friends?

media for a booking link. Appointments must be

Toronto Humane Society is excited to invite all pet

booked in advance to attend this event.

parents and their beloved companions to our annual Holiday Pet Pics event.

A Gift That Keeps Giving By participating in our annual Holiday Pet Pics

Event Details

event,

Date: Saturday, November 18th and Sunday,

memories but also contributing to the welfare of

November 19th

animals in need. The funds raised from this event

Time: 10:00am until 5:00pm – pet parents will need

will directly support Toronto Humane Society's

to book a time in advance to attend

public programs, enabling us to continue our vital

Cost: $50 per session

work in the community.

you're

not

only

creating

cherished

What's Included: Each session booked entitles you to 3 professionally edited photos, as well as a delightful 2024 New Beginnings calendar.

2024 New Beginnings Calendar Our 2024 calendar is better than ever! We are thrilled to present to you our new and improved calendar, showcasing our most adorable pets throughout the year! Don't miss out on the chance to own a copy. To purchase your calendar online, click here.

Start the new year off on the right foot with the cutest calendar of 2024!

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Toronto Humane Society in the News In September, Toronto Humane Society was

Lakeview Dog Dip 2023

mentioned in over 72 media clips and reached

Toronto Humane Society participated in the

over 34,481,307 readers, listeners, and viewers! In

Lakeview Dog Dip at the Radisson Blu Hotel. At

terms of sentiment – 56% of the stories were

this event, dogs were invited to swim at the pool,

viewed positively, and 44% were perceived as

and ticket sales were donated to Toronto Humane

neutral. Of this earned media coverage, we can

Society. This story earned 8

see that 31% came from news articles, 63% from

reached over 3.1 million impressions. Major

television, and 4% on the radio. Here’s what

outlets covering this story include; NOW Toronto,

Toronto Humane Society news was buzzing in the

Canada

media last month:

CityNews(680).

Today,

Curiocity

mentions and

Canada,

and

Dog Training The controversial dog trainer “Dog Daddy” was

Adoption Highlights

visiting Toronto, and animal advocates criticized

In September, animals looking for their forever

his training practices. Media covered the story and

home were featured in a variety of publications.

was interested in learning about best practices for

Pet profiles appeared in Toronto Guardian, The

dog training. Approximately 20 mentions and 8.5

New Classical FM, Global News Toronto, Toronto

million impressions resulted from this topic.

Sun, and Canada Today.

Major outlets covering this story include; CBC News, CBC Marketplace, Radio Canada.

Other Media Hits:

Note: There was a misquote in the original CBC

“Heartwarming Cat Stories That’ll Make You

online story, we were able to get the quote

Smile” - Readers Digest

improved but decided to issue a statement on our

“Starlight Investments Marks Inaugural Impact

website to clarify our position on dog training.

Day” - CEO.ca

September Media Stats: Mentions: 72 Impressions: 34,481, 207

Toronto Humane Society Lands a Spot on Top 100 Charities List for the Second Year in a Row

With the rising cost of living and ongoing challenges

challenging times, two in ten Canadians (22% of the

of economic hardship, Canadians are turning to

population) rely or plan to rely on charitable services

charitable organizations for support. At the same

to meet their basic needs.

time, wallets are shrinking, and fewer people are able to support these charities.

At Toronto Humane Society, we have seen firsthand the escalating demand for our public services,

Every dollar donated to our cause is invaluable, but

including our Pet Food Bank, Pet Parent Support

the question for donors remains: Is their support truly

Network, Urgent Care, and Public Veterinary Service.

making a difference?

Addressing

the

concerns

of

our

community,

especially during the upcoming holiday season, is a Recognizing

the

need

for

transparency

and

daunting task. However, it is our unwavering belief

accountability, Charity Intelligence published its

in the power of unity and teamwork that drives us to

prestigious Top 100 Charities list to help donors make

meet this challenge head-on.

informed decisions when giving. We are thrilled to announce that Toronto Humane Society has once

Together, we can ensure that every pet in our care

again earned a spot on this coveted list for the second

receives the care they so rightfully deserve. We can

year in a row!

also keep more families together as we strive to build a stronger, more compassionate community.

The Power of Unity in Action

It's the spirit of teamwork that drives us forward and

This recognition not only reaffirms our commitment

makes our mission not only possible, but probable.

but also serves as a testament to the power of our collective efforts. According to Canada Helps, in these

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Congratulations to Greg Ratelle on his CAWA Certification! integral members of Toronto Humane Society’s leadership team: Greg Ratelle and Phil Nichols.

With Greg and Phil’s expertise, we’ll continue to advance our animal welfare initiatives, reinforcing a culture of kindness and compassion.

Building Trust and Credibility In the non-profit sector, trust and credibility are critical. Greg's CAWA certification serves as a testament to his credibility and expertise in the field as it shows that he is continuing to pursue and achieve growth, excellence, and professional development. As the Senior Development Officer, Annual Fund at Toronto Humane Society, it In a step towards improving our community, Greg

reinforces

Ratelle, Senior Development Officer, Annual Fund,

partners, and the community have in our ability to

has recently earned his Certified Animal Welfare

deliver on our promises and commitments.

the

trust

that

our

stakeholders,

Administrator (CAWA) certification through The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. This

Jim Tedford, The CEO of The Association for

remarkable feat demonstrates not only Greg's

Animal Welfare Advancement noted, “Certified

dedication to maintaining high standards, but also

Animal

his commitment to learning and applying his skills

demonstrated

at Toronto Humane Society.

qualifications

Welfare

Administrators

that and

they a

hold

have

specialized

commitment

to

high

standards and ethical practices in our industry.

What Does it Mean to be CAWA Certified?

We

The CAWA certification is one of the most

professional development and their pursuit of

respected and unique credentials in the animal

leadership excellence.”

welfare

industry,

signifying

a

high

level

respect

their

dedication

to

their

own

of

excellence and a deep commitment to the welfare

This achievement started its journey when Greg

of pets. In addition to meeting strict eligibility

joined our team as an adoption agent and

requirements for leadership and management in

followed him as he took on new and varying roles

the animal welfare sector, individuals must pass a

across the organization. His growth serves as an

rigorous exam to earn their certification. Greg's

inspiration to all of us and underscores the

accomplishment is not only a personal milestone,

importance of striving for excellence within our

but

respective roles. We congratulate Greg on this

also

a

positive

development

for

our

organization as a whole.

remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing

the

positive

impact

of

his

CAWA

Currently, there are only six individuals in Canada

certification in our mission to Improve the Lives of

that possess a CAWA Certificate, two of which are

Animals!

Introducing The New Training Class “Polite Family Dog Advanced Manners Class”

The

Public

Training

Services

team

recently

Accepting a Friendly Stranger

partnered with the MarCom team to launch a

Politely Accepts Petting

campaign highlighting our new, affordable, and

Appearance and Grooming

accessible

Out For a Walk

group

class

and

private

training

options. With a paid social media campaign

Walking Through a Crowd

announcing

Sit/Down on Command and Stay in Place

our

reduced

group

class

prices

targeting local pet parents, we sold out our

Come When Called

inaugural Introduction to Agility class and quickly

Praise/Interaction

programmed more.

Reaction to a Passing Dog Reaction to Distractions

Our very popular Reactive Dog class, which allows

Supervised Isolation

pet

Walking Through a Door/Gate

parents

to

work

on

simple

foundation

behaviours in the presence of other dogs behind

In this fun class, we’ll work on teaching dogs

wonderful barriers which filter sightlines (courtesy

alternative behaviours to jumping up, counter

of

our

Facilities

also

been

very

surfing, over excited greetings to people and other

selling

out.

We

dogs – all using positive reinforcement. These

currently have a number of opportunities for pet

behaviours look deceptively simple, but are quite

parents to sign up for both of these popular

difficult, especially for young dogs, so we are

classes.

looking forward to working with pet parents to

successful

and

team)

has

consistently

teach their dogs to navigate their surroundings We’ve also introduced some new classes in our

calmly and confidently!

attempt to provide a comprehensive menu of classes to suit every need. We are hoping to fill our

Finally, we’ve also reduced our rates for private

Polite Family Dog Advanced Manners class, which

behaviour training for cats and dogs, and have

focuses on practicing polite behaviours even in

reintroduced a 2-session package to ensure pet

very high-distraction environments. Based on the

parents can access the affordable behavioural

Canine

care they need.

Good

practice

polite

Neighbour behaviour

program, in

the

dogs

will

following

situations: Page 8

Volunteer Updates Anniversaries

Volunteer Opportunities

Please join us in celebrating volunteers who are

If you are interested in any of the following

reaching a milestone anniversary this month!

positions,

Thank you for all your hard work and continued

cbuchner@torontohumanesociety.com.

please

email

Chris

at

dedication!

5 Years:

1. Research Assistants

Aileigh K – Canine Care

Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Shelter Medicine Advancement, the Research Assistant

10 Years:

volunteer will aid in data entry and investigation

Fotoula H – Feline Care

from case records, for research investigations. The

Bronwen M – Feline Care

volunteer will help with initial data cleaning, then work through case records, enter required data

25 Years:

into a database, and participate in the research

Ligita M – Feline Care

and publication process.

2023 Annual Volunteer Survey

Volunteer Duties

At Toronto Humane Society, we strive to create

Assist with data entry and cleaning

inclusion and maintain a diverse community of

Check data as needed

strong and committed volunteers. To understand

Flexible hours

the needs and interests of our volunteer base, we

Participate in the research and publication

are launching our annual volunteer survey. The

process

information gathered from this survey will allow us

Assist with data entry and cleaning

to benchmark our progress and create concrete, actionable items to inform our work and decisionmaking

making.

confidential

and

Your

input

will

help

is

to

completely improve

the

Job Qualifications Veterinarian or Veterinarian Student (min second year of studies)

volunteer experience so please be thoughtful and

Research

and

data

entry

experience

detailed in your responses. This survey should take

considered an asset

around 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Teams

is

1. Excel Guru

Click here to take the Annual Volunteer Survey

Do you consider yourself an Excel pro? Would you like to help out with our research projects in shelter

medicine

advancement?

Then

this

position is for you! The Excel guru will help with Excel debugging as well as complex Excel tasks Please complete the survey by 5:00 PM November

such

as

merging

databases

containing

13th. Thank you for helping us improve our

overlapping but not identical case information,

services!

Macros. Etc.

Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities Staff Announcements

Career Opportunities

Toronto Humane Society is continually growing!

Toronto

Here is a list of new staff members who joined our

promoting the humane care and protection of all

team in October.

animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering. Our

Humane

Society

is

committed

to

team of talented, dedicated staff work to support Rebecca Kukucska - Moved to Veterinary

this mission.

Assistant Role Andrea Badri - Social Work Internship

If you are interested in joining our dedicated team

Brianne Bennett - Social Work Internship

please forward your resume to our Human Resource

Department

via

email

at

hiring@torontohumanesociety.com.

Current Job Openings Veterinarian

Page 10

Foster Parent Applications Are Open for a Unique Calling

We believe in the incredible power of love,

What You Can Expect as a Foster Parent

compassion, and dedicated care for animals in need. We're reaching out to individuals with a

Support and Resources: Foster parents will

unique calling, those who are ready to open their

receive additional support through handouts and

hearts and homes to become a foster parent to

guidance

animals in special circumstances.

Training Team. You won't be on this journey alone.

TLC Dogs: Our Tender, Loving, and Caring (TLC)

Make a Lasting Impact: Every small act of

dogs are special animals who need that extra bit

patience and understanding can transform the

of attention and care. These dogs may be going

lives of these animals. Your compassion can create

through

a safe and nurturing environment, helping them

a

challenging

phase,

experiencing

fearfulness or anxiety that requires a gentle touch

from

our

Foster

Department

and

overcome their unique challenges and thrive.

and unwavering support.

If you're ready to make a difference, if you have We're on the lookout for foster parents who can

the space in your heart and home for these

offer them the love and understanding they need.

remarkable animals, we invite you fill out this form to apply to be Foster Parent. Your love and

Special Species: Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters,

dedication can help write a new chapter in their

etc.

lives.

Animals Enrolled in the Urgent Care program: Animals of families that are facing unexpected hardships are offered 2 weeks to 6 months of foster care.

Start Your Foster Journey Today!

Volunteer Spotlight of the Month: Brandon K making him an even better and more patient friend to his two beloved dogs.

Learning and Bonding: A Fulfilling Journey Brandon has been working with Benani on Bluelevel training, with plans to conquer the purple level soon. Through this training, Brandon has learned how to interpret the body language of the dogs we care for and the profound impact their own body language has on these animals.

What Keeps Brandon Coming Back?

The passionate and friendly staff and volunteers For Brandon, the decision to volunteer at Toronto

create a welcoming atmosphere, making every

Humane Society was a natural and heartfelt one.

day a joy. There is a sense of duty and call to action

An unwavering love for animals and a lifelong

to help animals in need. Yet, it's the positive

companionship with pets have fueled his passion

impact on his mental and emotional well-being

for continuing to volunteer with us.

from being around the animals that truly keeps him engaged.

A Love for Animals as the Driving Force Brandon's connection with animals goes back as

And, as any animal lover can relate, there's always

far as he can remember. Growing up, four-legged

a new animal that captures his heart, leading to

friends brought joy to his life, and that joy

playful conversations with his husband about

eventually transformed into a deep-seated love for

adopting them.

all creatures great and small.

Beyond his regular volunteer duties, Brandon has Volunteering at Toronto Humane Society became

also actively supported Toronto Humane Society

the perfect outlet for Brandon to combine his

by selecting them as the charity for his fundraising

passion with action. Both of his dogs were

efforts during the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

adopted,

allowing

him

to

feel

a

personal

connection to all of our pets.

Brandon's story is a testament to the power of compassion and the transformative effect of

A Rewarding Experience at Toronto Humane

dedicated

volunteers.

With

an

unwavering

Society

commitment, he has shown us that connecting

Toronto Humane Society has been nothing but

with animals in need not only brightens their lives

rewarding for Brandon. It's a place where he can

but enriches our own.

share quality moments with animals eagerly awaiting their forever homes. Through hands-on

Thank you, Brandon, for your passion, dedication,

experience and guidance from the dedicated staff,

and all the work that you do!

he's expanded his knowledge and honed his skills, Page 12

Welcoming Our New Social Work Support Students The role of social work in animal welfare has never

Toronto Humane Society believes that the benefits

been more important. Recognizing the need for

of bonding with an animal are not a luxury - rather,

change through human connection, Dillon Dodson,

by working to increase accessibility, we ensure that

Senior Manager of Social Work, has implemented

marginalized community members can enjoy the

programs to strengthen the human-animal bond. In

benefits of caring for and loving a pet. We're

May of this year, one such program was the Academic

confident that both Andrea and Brianne will gain a

Internship Program for aspiring social workers.

tremendous

amount

of

experience

as

they

contribute to our mission of Improving the Lives of Animals.

Andrea Badri As one door closes, another opens, and although we won't be saying goodbye to Rachel just yet, we are honoured to welcome two new students. Please join us in welcoming Andrea and Brianne to Toronto Humane Society!

Our first student, Rachel Beddar, began her journey with us in May and made sure she wouldn't be saying goodbye in August as she chose to stay on as an Urgent Care volunteer. We are now welcoming two new students, Andrea Badri (Laurier University) and Brianne Bennett (University of Toronto) as they begin

Brianne Bennett

their social work careers with us!

Thank You, Pet Parent Support Network Volunteers We wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment and exceptional efforts over the last month. Your dedication to helping pet parents find evidence-based and compassionate solutions during these challenging times has been nothing short of remarkable.

We understand the immense challenges that our city is currently facing, with so many pet parents seeking support and guidance. Your tireless work as pet support agents has not gone unnoticed.

You've shown exceptional resilience and empathy as you've navigated our extensive list of curated resources, providing invaluable solutions, information about available services, and alternatives that have been instrumental in keeping pets in their loving homes. In a time when surrender often seems like the only option, you have been the beacon of hope for both pets and their families. Your selflessness and dedication have made a profound impact, and for that, we are sincerely thankful.

Calendar of Events

Movember

International Inuit Day

(Men’s Health Awareness)

November 7th

November 1st – November 30th

A day to honour the culture and history of Inuit

An

annual

event

involving

the

growing

of

mustaches during the month of November to

people and affirm their voices across the circumpolar world.

raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health and suicide

Remembrance Day

prevention.

November 11th A day to honour and remember the people and

Veterans Week

animals who have served, and continue to serve,

November 5th – November 11th

Canada during times of war and conflict.

Every year during the lead up to Remembrance Day on November 11, we honour those who have

Diwali

served Canada in times of war, military conflict

November 12th

and peace.

Hindu Festival. Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights and the Hindu New Year. Diwali

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

lasts for 5 days.

November 25th – December 10th An annual international campaign that kicks off on

Transgender Day of Remembrance

25 November, the International Day for the

November 20th

Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs

A day to memorialize those who have been lost as

until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It is used as

a result of transphobia and raise awareness about

an

the continued violence faced by transgender

organizing

strategy

by

individuals

and

organizations around the world to call for the

people across the world.

prevention and elimination of violence against women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse

Click here to read more dates that we are

people in Canada and across the world.

acknowledging this month.

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