From the Executive Director's Blog: Trouble in the Hen House, Part 2 

This is a follow up to OHS Executive Director Bruce Roney's blog on urban chickens. The first installment, available here, garnered an outpouring of opinion. In Part 2, Bruce addresses the comments. 

Between the ages of 11 and 13, I spent a good chunk of Christmas Day in a very odd place: a chicken farm. You see, at the time, my older brother worked on that farm, and if I wanted Christmas to begin before five, I would have to go and help him cleaning and feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs. So for a couple of years that is what I did on Christmas Day.

Read more on the OHS blog.

Lifesaving Emergency Surgery Gives Minou Her Second Chance

Minou arrived at the OHS in excruciating pain. The five-year-old tabby had a high fever and could barely eat, drink or groom herself. Minou had pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus that can affect un-spayed cats.

Fearing her uterus could burst at any moment, an OHS veterinarian preformed an emergency spay surgery. Minou’s infection was so bad that her high fever persisted for two days after her surgery. She was treated with antibiotics and monitored closely in the OHS critical care unit.

Minou’s fever subsided and she began eating and drinking again. This sweet girl is now in the Adoption Centre, ready to find the forever home she deserves.

The OHS was able to rescue Minou when she had nowhere else to turn. Please help us rescue the next animal like Minou.

Keep Your Pet Safe and Warm This Winter

Just because animals have fur coats doesn’t mean they are immune to the harsh realities of a Canadian winter. Here are some animal care tips in time for the cold weather:

Limit exposure: When the mercury plunges, exercise caution and limit your pet’s exposure to the outdoors.

Salt: Salt used on roads and driveways can irritate the sensitive pads on the bottom of your pet’s feet. Keep a towel by your front door and wipe down your pooch’s paws after a walk.

Fresh water: If you keep any water bowls outside for your animals during the winter, be sure to check the supply a few times a day to ensure it isn’t frozen over.

Car engines: Cats and wildlife are drawn to the heat generated by your car’s engine on cold days. Make sure you bang on your car’s hood to avoid injuring a sleeping creature.

Antifreeze: Antifreeze can be harmful to pets. When adding antifreeze to your vehicle, pour carefully and clean up any spills that may occur.

Entertain wisely: The winter season is a peak time for at-home parties and other get-togethers. It may be a good idea to keep animals away from the bustle and noise during a party.

Identification: Having an animal run away from home at any time of the year is troublesome, but especially during the winter season. Make sure your best friends are equipped with proper identification, including a collar, tag and microchip.