HUMANEINSIDER
Pet Parent and Support Staff - Page 4
Kerry T. - Page 10
HK - Page 6
Walt - Page 16
Dillon Dodson - Page 13
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paws in the Park 2025 – A Huge Thank You! Page 1, 2
Purpose & Learning Day – Recap Page 3
Celebrating the Backbone of Our Work: Pet Parent and Support Staff Page 4, 5
Featured Adoptable Animal: HK Page 6
Toronto Humane Society in the News: July Media Impact Recap Page 7
Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities Page 8
September Volunteer Updates Page 9, 10, 11
Sisters Matilda and Leila Turn Lemonade into Lifesaving Care Page 12
Meet the Team: Staff Q&A with Dillon Dodson, Director, Social Work Page 13, 14, 15
Walt’s Happiest Tale: A New Adventurous Life Page 16
Find the Differences Page 17
Events Calendar: September & October Page 18
Paws in the Park 2025 – A Huge Thank You!
A huge thank-you to all 80+ volunteers, staff, and foster parents who helped make Paws in the Park Presented by Amazon on August 16 such a spectacular day! Your energy, dedication, and love for animals truly shone.
We didn’t just meet our event goals – we made history at 11 River Street: 25 pets adopted in a single day 17 additional pets put on hold
This is a record for adoptions at our location in one day – an incredible achievement we should all be proud of!
Event Highlights:
Our amazing volunteers supported every part of the event: greeting guests, managing vendors, and running activities. Guests enjoyed delicious food, shopping, exploring our new Toronto Humane Society retail, and the beer garden
The agility course kept tails wagging and smiles wide for both pups and humans alike The Kid’s Zone featuring Elizabeth Retter and face painting was fun and entertaining for attendees of all ages!
A very special thank-you to our four Humber Event Management graduates, whose energy and expertise helped this event thrive. As summer ends, they have moved on from Toronto Humane Society– we wish them all the best in their futures!
From helping families find their new animal companion to keeping every corner of the event running smoothly, your contributions made it a day full of wagging tails, happy hearts, and lifelong memories.
Thank you for helping make Paws in the Park 2025 a record-breaking, unforgettable day!
Purpose & Learning Day – Recap
On August 12, Toronto Humane Society staff, volunteers, and foster parents came together for an engaging afternoon of learning, connection, and fun!
Food & Fun: We kicked things off with delicious vegan comfort food from Sausage Party and a spirited Toronto Humane Society Acronym Quiz that had everyone laughing and testing their knowledge.
Ask Me Anything: Attendees connected with key team members Dr Kirsten Pow, Beverley McKee, Amber Portsmith, and Carol Boulding asking questions, sharing ideas, and gaining insight into different areas of the organization
Leadership Updates: Our CEO, Phil Nichols, shared inspiring remarks and quarterly updates,
keeping everyone informed and motivated about Toronto Humane Society’s ongoing work and impact in the community
Workshop Spotlight: Drs. Sarah and Jill Kirk (mother and daughter) led a thought-provoking session on the similarities and differences between US and Canadian animal sheltering Their experiences sparked lively discussion and gave everyone a fresh perspective on shelter medicine.
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated your curiosity, engagement, and dedication continue to strengthen the Toronto Humane Society community and mission!
Celebrating the Backbone of Our Work: Pet Parent and Support Staff
Every day at Toronto Humane Society, countless people dedicate their skills, compassion, and energy to ensuring animals and their families receive the care they need. Behind the scenes and on the front lines, these teams work tirelessly to strengthen the human-animal bond and create a community where pets and people thrive together
This month, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our staff across departments:
Adoption
Our Adoption Team makes loving homes possible. They carefully match pets with loving families,
guide adopters through the process, and ensure every placement has the best chance for success Thanks to their work, hundreds of pets find happy new beginnings each year with families who truly understand their needs.
Animal Intake
The Intake Team is often the very first stop for pets arriving at our shelter. They welcome each pet with care and compassion whether that means giving a scared stray comfort, or helping a family through the difficult decision of surrender They ensure every pet begins their journey with dignity and kindness – and their guardians are met with the same compassion
Appreciation
Foster Care
Our Foster Team connects pets with temporary homes, where they can heal, grow, and learn while waiting for adoption. From newborn kittens needing bottle feeding to dogs recovering from surgery, this team makes sure every foster family is supported every step of the way.
Urgent Care
Sometimes, life circumstances mean families need short-term help caring for their pets The Urgent Care Team steps in to provide temporary shelter and foster care, so beloved pets can return to their families once stability is restored Their work helps keep people and pets together
Pet Parent Support Network
Our Pet Parent Support Network is a lifeline for families navigating challenges Whether it’s guidance on training and behaviour, connecting to resources, or simply offering a compassionate ear, this team empowers pet parents to keep their animals safe, healthy, and loved
Retail and Pet Food Bank
Accessibility matters. Our Retail and Pet Food Bank Team ensures families can access supplies and nutritious food for their pets By reducing barriers to care, they help prevent animals from entering shelters and strengthen the humananimal bond in our community.
Client Service Agents at Public Veterinary Services
Behind every appointment at our public veterinary clinic is our Client Services Team. They answer questions, schedule visits, and support clients through what can sometimes be stressful experiences. Their patience, empathy, and professionalism make essential veterinary care more accessible to everyone
TOGETHER, THESE TEAMS MAKE OUR MISSION POSSIBLE
Each department plays a vital role,
and
together, they form the backbone of our work. To every staff member who shows up day after day with compassion and dedication thank you. You make a difference not only for the animals in our care, but for the people who love them.
Featured Adoptable Animal: HK
HK is a smart, affectionate 5-year-old pup who is eager to please and deeply motivated by treats He’s already mastered “sit,” earned the title of “most improved” at loose-leash walking, and even showed off his great social skills on a polite playdate with his buddy Ruger While he loves connecting with people he trusts, busy streets and other dogs can feel overwhelming for him, so he’s still working on building his confidence in more stimulating environments
Shelter life isn’t where HK shines he tends to shut down in his enclosure but in the right home, he has so much potential to thrive.
HK is looking for a calm, pet- and child-free foster or adoptive home, ideally with someone experienced who can offer him patience, structure, and reassurance. With a pocket of snacks, clear boundaries, and a little understanding, HK will reward you with loyalty, affection, and a true companion for every adventure.
If you or someone you know is interested in adopting HK, you can visit us at 11 River Street and speak to an adoption agent. Let’s help this sweet pup find the loving home he deserves!
Toronto Humane Society in the News: July Media Impact Recap
In July, our media relations efforts resulted in 351 media mentions, an impressive 211 million impressions across platforms and $97.5 million USD worth of ad value (AVE) Here is a highlight of some of the top stories in the media
Pet Resource Library
Dr Jacklyn Ellis, Director of Behaviour appeared on Global News to discuss the organization’s new Pet Resource Library which was made possible with funding from The Gadfly Project. Coverage included an online story, as well as on Global TV across Canada!
International Guinea Pig Day
Lucas Solowey, Manager of Public Relations appeared on CityNews with a trio of Guinea Pigs to celebrate International Guinea Pig day This segment included promoting Guinea Pigs for adoption, a true or false game, and promoting Toronto Humane Society. The segment aired nationally across CityNews, as well as on their website
Keep Pets Safe from the Heat
Toronto Humane Society released tips on how to keep pets safe from the summer heatwaves. Several outlets that covered the story include CP24, CTV Newschannel, CTV Toronto, and CityNews.
Adoptable Animals in the Spotlight
Media outlets continued to share stories of animals looking for loving homes July’s pet profiles included: Brandy, Luke, Rogers, Juniper, Goldie, Suzie Toot, Basil, Penny and Mabel.
Rogers
Juniper Goldie
Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities
New Hires
Say hello to our new Toronto Humane Society staff members!
Chloe Korzekwa, Veterinarian
Lauren Ash, Manager, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Ashley Yang, Shelter Admissions Associate
Career Opportunities
Toronto Humane Society is committed to Improving the the Lives of Animals. Our team of talented, dedicated staff work to support this mission. If you are interested in joining our dedicated team please forward your resume to our Human Resource Department via email at hiring@torontohumanesociety.com.
Current Job Openings:
Client Service Agent - Rural Veterinary Services - Casual Manager, Adoption - Temporary Full Time - 12 months
September Volunteer Updates
Enrichment Reminder
Providing enrichment is an important part of keeping our animals happy, healthy, and engaged while they’re in our care Each species has a daily minimum we aim to meet:
Canines: at least 3 walks per dog, per day
Felines: at least 2 enrichment sessions per cat, per day
Special Species: at least 1 enrichment session per animal, per day
When you arrive for your shift, please prioritize the animals who have had the least enrichment so far that day. This helps ensure we’re meeting these minimums across the shelter.
One important note: if you see a red tag on an animal’s enclosure, that animal should always be the last one you see in that room even if they’ve had the least enrichment time
Thank you for helping us make sure every animal gets the stimulation and care they deserve!
Volunteer/Foster Town Hall
Date: Thursday, September 25th 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm.
Event Details:This month’s town hall will feature a special guest appearance by a PPSN team lead volunteer who will be sharing the wonderful work of the PPSN volunteer team! We will also share some highlights from our new strategic plan and 2024 annual report This is a forum for us to connect with our volunteers and foster parents to share important updates, get your input and/or answer any questions you may have. Please register below.
Agenda:
Volunteer Services Updates
Foster Parent Updates
Shelter Care Updates
Adoption Updates
Q&A Session
Please join us in celebrating volunteers who are reaching a milestone anniversary in August and September! Thank you for all your hard work and continued dedication!
Anniversaries - August
1 Year:
Colleen A, Feline Care Volunteer and Foster Parent
Nora A., Canine Care Volunteer
Suzanne B., PPSN Volunteer
Allison B, Special Species Care Volunteer
Sam B, Canine Care Volunteer
Ian B, Canine Care Volunteer
Sherri B., Canine Care Volunteer and Foster Parent
Amanda C, Feline Care Volunteer
Sarah C, Special Species Care Volunteer
Haley C., Special Species Care Volunteer
Huxley C., Special Species Care Volunteer
Haley C, Special Species Care Volunteer
Ricky D, Feline Care Volunteer and Foster Parent
Yurii D., Canine Care Volunteer
Janet E., Team Day Volunteer
Marjan F, Special Species Care Volunteer
Claude F, Canine Care Volunteer and Foster Parent
Sarah G., Foster Parent
Clint G, Canine Care Volunteer
Emma G, PPSN Volunteer
Julia G, PPSN Volunteer
Volunteer Updates
Joanne G, Canine Care Volunteer
Arielle H., Canine Care Volunteer
Sarah H., Canine Care Volunteer
Pamila J, Canine, Feline and Special Species
Care, Team Day Volunteer and Foster Parent
Colleen J., PPSN Volunteer and Foster Parent
Daniel J., Canine Care Volunteer
Julie J., Pet Support Service Agent Volunteer
Shawna K, Special Species Care Volunteer and Foster Parent
Sophie L., Special Species Care Volunteer
Donovan L., Canine Care and Special Species Care Volunteer
Maria L, Canine Care Volunteer
Jingyi L, Special Species Volunteer
Romain M., Feline Care Volunteer
Grace M., Feline Care Volunteer
Amber O, Feline Care Volunteer
Deanna P, Special Species Care Volunteer
Susan P., Foster Parent
Olivia P., Special Species Care Volunteer
Alisa P, PPSN Volunteer
Lia Q, Feline Care Volunteer
Sonakshi R, Canine Care Volunteer and Foster Parent
Thomas R., Special Species Care Volunteer
Lori R, Canine Care Volunteer
Christina R, Special Species Care Volunteer and Foster Parent
Yorlis S., PPSN Volunteer
Alverna S, Canine Care Volunteer
Ishleen Kaur S, Canine Care Volunteer and Foster Parent
Paul S., Canine Care Volunteer
Ranko Vasilije S., Canine Care Volunteer
Tiffany S, Special Species Care Volunteer
Shimi S, Canine Care Volunteer
Nancy T., PPSN Volunteer
Victoria V., Canine Care Volunteer
Maria V., Canine Care Volunteer
Megan W., Feline Care and Special Species Care Volunteer
Adam W, Feline Care Volunteer
Amy X., Special Species Care Volunteer
Cindy Y., PPSN Volunteer
Nicole Z., Canine Care Volunteer
5 Years:
Dani B., Foster Parent
10 Years:
Mariam M, Foster Parent
Anniversaries - September
1 Year:
Rachael Atkinson, Foster Parent
Rincy Cyriac, Foster Parent
Kendall hum-Wong, Foster parent & Feline Care Volunteer
Megan Hutchings, Foster Parent
Shea Mino, Foster Parent
Jackie Robinson, Foster Parent
Taniya Spolia, Foster Parent
Leni Tilsen, Foster Parent
3 Years:
Johnny Wong, Clinic Volunteer
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 Kerry T.!
Kerry T. has been a foster parent with Toronto Humane Society since 2019, and in that time she has fostered at least 40 animals! What inspired her to become such an amazing foster parent stemmed from the loss of her cat. “I started fostering when my last cat died with the intention of helping more pets than I could if I adopted just one again” Since starting, she has taken many types of foster cases, from kittens to puppies and even medically complex cases as well. She even foster failed a couple of times, even as she
to allow my heart to fill, even when broken, and for my mind to hold on to all the experiences and opportunities I’ve had with each kitten and puppy, sad and happy.” Even when it came to difficult cases, her dedication and care did not waver in the slightest “I’ve had the honour of holding two of my fosters as they took their last breaths and although
dreadfully sad, I’m happy I was able to love them and give them security beyond their end.”
She also has learned some lessons about life in general. “I’ve learned to go with the flow, not judge people and just be present to help.”
In terms of the people she met along the way, she noted that “the Team at Toronto Humane Society is beyond remarkable and I’m proud to be a very small, tiny part of that.” She also said it was an, “honour meeting some fosters’ forever families and to see the excitement and love on their faces.” Seeing their happiness help, “keep me going to temporarily love, but forever keep in my heart and mind the many pets I’m lucky to help” Well, Kerry, we are lucky to have you as a foster parent! You are far from a small, tiny part of the team, your work has made a huge impact, and we cannot be more grateful. Keep up the amazing work!
Please join us in celebrating Kerry this month!
This summer, two remarkable young animal lovers, Matilda and Leila McGovern, set up shop on their quiet Toronto street with one simple idea: sell lemonade to help animals in need.
Sisters Matilda and Leila Turn Lemonade into Lifesaving Care
“They take a lot of pride in making their sign and putting up posters, and then counting the coins it’s a whole thing. This was a summer highlight for them, and they’ve been excited to share it with their classmates”
With handmade signs, carefully decorated posters, and plenty of enthusiasm, the sisters poured glass after glass for neighbors, friends, and passersby. By the end of the day, their stand had raised more than $300 in support of Toronto Humane Society! But for Matilda and Leila, this wasn’t just about lemonade it was about making a difference. They beamed with pride as they counted the coins, knowing each dollar would go toward food, medical treatment, and shelter for animals who need it most.
The sisters even visited our shelter to personally hand-deliver their donation There, they got a behind-the-scenes look at how their hard work will directly help animals in our care. It was a special moment that showed just how powerful compassion and community can be
Their mom, Elisa, shared how meaningful the project has been for her daughters:
Stories like Matilda and Leila’s remind us that no act of kindness is too small. Whether it’s a child’s lemonade stand, a birthday fundraiser, or a workplace challenge, these efforts add up to create real impact for animals
We are so grateful to Matilda and Leila for their creativity, generosity, and big hearts They’ve inspired us and hopefully will inspire more young people to dream up their own fun ways to give back.
Thinking of starting your own fundraiser? Whether you’re young or young at heart, we’d love to help you turn your idea into support for animals. Click here to start your own fundraising page today!
Meet the Team: Staff Q&A with Dillon Dodson,
What inspired you to work in animal welfare?
I was inspired to work in animal welfare because I’ve always seen how animals can transform lives. My experience working in emergency shelters for humans showed me how important pets are to families in crisis they provide comfort, stability, and unconditional support when people need it most. That really deepened my understanding of how animal welfare and human welfare are closely connected
In addition, I’ve had the privilege of working with horses in equine-assisted therapy programs, where I witnessed how powerful the human–animal bond
can be for healing, building confidence, and supporting people through trauma I’ve also supported court programs that use therapy dogs to comfort children and vulnerable individuals during difficult legal proceedings Both experiences reinforced my belief that caring for animals is about more than just their well-being it’s also about empowering people and strengthening communities.
That combination of experiences is what inspired me to pursue a career in animal welfare, where I can contribute to making a difference for both animals and the people whose lives they touch.
Where did you work before coming to Toronto Humane Society?
I have just under 20 years of experience as a social worker, working in a variety of settings that focused on supporting people through trauma and major life transitions. My background includes working in human shelters, with youth transitioning out of care, and with survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking I’ve also provided support in hospitals, on crisis lines, and in child welfare, along with specialized work in eating disorders.
Alongside this, I built a private practice where I focus on trauma recovery work with specialized training in traumatology, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and equine-facilitated therapy. I’ve also had the privilege of working in senior care settings, engaging animal-assisted interventions to promote comfort, connection, and improved quality of life for older adults. In all of these roles, I’ve consistently seen how animals play a vital role in human healing, resilience, and well-being That connection is what inspired me to move into animal welfare, because it feels like a natural extension of the work I’ve always done supporting both individuals and the communities they’re part of
Do you have any pets at home? Tell us about them!
Yes, I do! I share my home with a very lively 5-anda-half-year-old Corgi “Stuart” and until recently we had a wonderful Pyrenees mix “Murphy” – both Toronto Humane Society alumni; Murphy came to us through our Northern transfer program Saying goodbye to him was very difficult, but we’ll always carry him in our heart. My family and I also enjoy fostering, which has given us the chance to open our home to animals in need and support them as
they transition to their forever families or return to their families through the Urgent Care program. Having pets and fosters in our lives not only brings us joy, but also keeps me grounded in the day-to-day realities of animal care and the importance of strong wellbeing programs
What’s a memorable or heartwarming moment you’ve experienced while working here?
One of the most heartwarming parts of this work is being blessed with the opportunity to facilitate the reunifications when families come to pick up their pets after being part of our Urgent Care fostering program Watching the excitement, relief, and joy on both the families’ and the dogs’ is incredibly moving. It’s such a tangible reminder of why animal welfare work matters not just for the animals, but for the people who love them Those moments really capture the deep connection between humans and animals, and it’s what makes this work so meaningful.
Another very rewarding experience for me has been the establishment of our Master of Social Work internship program. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to help students expand their understanding of the human–animal bond and the important role animals can play in social work practice Seeing students recognize how animals can support healing, resilience, and emotional well-being and then apply that knowledge in their own work is a really meaningful way to contribute to both the field and the people and animals they serve.
If you could switch roles with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
I realize that no one typically focuses exclusively on puppy classes, but if we’re imagining the ideal role, I would love to be a full-time puppy trainer.
It would be incredibly rewarding to dedicate my time to shaping those early experiences, working with a variety of breeds, and guiding both puppies and their owners through socialization. Being part of those first steps in a dog’s life and helping set the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted future is a truly meaningful and impactful way to contribute to both animals and their families.
I would also consider being an animal care worker focused on special species These animals are so unique and fascinating they often have very specific needs and can be incredibly sensitive. Working with them would be an amazing opportunity to deepen my understanding of animal behaviour, provide specialized care, and support animals that require extra attention and expertise It’s a role that combines curiosity, skill, and a real appreciation for what makes each species and each individual so special Beyond grateful to the remarkable staff and volunteers who choose to understand and support these special beings!
What’s one fun fact about you that your coworkers might not know?
I’m shamelessly obsessed with reality TV You know the type “another bombshell enters the villa ” I analyze every side-eye, every awkward silence, and every overly dramatic confession. Larger than life personalities, fascinating locations, plot twists and hysterical narration -what’s not to love?!
What’s your go-to comfort food or favourite local spot to eat?
My favourite treat has to be a Dairy Queen Blizzard with Skor and Reese’s bits Honestly, if you’re going to indulge, why not go all the way, right? It’s the perfect mix of chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and crunch definitely my go-to guilty pleasure!
What’s a skill or hobby you have outside of work that people might not expect?
One skill I have is finding and upcycling affordable, high-quality items. I love scouring places like Facebook Marketplace to uncover hidden gems things that might normally be expensive but can be found at a great price. It’s a mix of creativity, patience, and a bit of detective work, and I really enjoy turning those finds into something useful or special Plus, it’s great for the environment, since giving items a second life helps reduce waste and supports more sustainable living.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone new joining Toronto Humane Society?
My advice for a new employee would be to get ready to dive headfirst into a truly caring and dynamic community I never imagined I’d find a place with so many brilliant beings savvy, creative, intelligent, and compassionate and that’s just the animals! Everyone here brings their best, supports one another, and genuinely cares about the work they’re doing It’s a place where you can learn constantly, be inspired by those around you, and make a real difference every day. Embrace it, get involved, and don’t be afraid to jump in this is a team that celebrates curiosity, collaboration, and heart
Walt’s Happiest Tale: A New Adventurous Life
Sweet mister Walt is doing so well and loving life He has made a best friend with his cousin (Boomer, also a rescue) and enjoys exploring with him almost daily. He’s slowly beginning to understand that other dogs are exciting and not scary! We made the decision to move to the west coast for work and drove over the course of two weeks. Walt has experienced hikes and adventures all over the country, sniffing at bison from a safe distance in Wyoming, strolling alongside his mum on horse back in Montana, and rolling in meadows before lakeside naps in Coeur d’Alene. He now lives near the ocean and several national parks which he ventures to daily. He’s debating on whether or not he likes to swim and learning to trust our paddle board/ canoe to take him out to further sniff spots.
After his daily adventures, he has very vocal dreams in his floor-to -ceiling sunny window spot, where he runs, wags, and sniffs all over again.
We love Walt with all of our hearts, he is such a sweet, happy boy and his personality has blossomed so much His new vet has estimated his age is closer to 5 (so we’ve met in the middle with Toronto Humane Society’s estimate and say he’s 6)
Thank you so much to the team at Toronto Humane Society for all you do to find these wonderful animals their FURever homes. Walt completes our family and we are grateful to Toronto Humane Society for bringing us together every single day.
For Fun
Find the Differences
There are 7 differences in these pictures can you find them all?
Events Calendar: September & October
Campaign of the month: Hinda & Naya
August 18 - September 30 th th
Hinda’s beloved cat, Naya, was suffering from painful dental disease Thanks to the generosity of our community, she received lifesaving care and is now healthy, playful, and back by Hinda’s side. Together, we can keep more pets and families 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
Halloween Pet Pics
October 10 and 11 th th
Get your furry ghoul or goblin ready for a frightfully fun photo session! Bring your pets, kids, and yourself dressed up for the occasion!
Lakeview Dog Dip 2025
September 27th
Get ready to dive into a day of fantastic fun with your furry friends at the Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown!
Community Days
September 10th and 24rd
October 8th and 22th
November 12th and 26th
We welcome community members in need of essential pet supplies at 11 River Street.