Volunteer Connection

Dog separation

During each orientation, volunteers learn about the importance of keeping shelter dogs away from each other and from other dogs in public. The following are gentle reminders about why this is necessary:

Dog separation • Shelter dogs are under a lot of stress, and their behaviour can be unpredictable.
• Dogs that may be incubating kennel cough are contagious, and there's a risk of spreading this disease outside the shelter.
• The dogs are the property of the OHS, so we are responsible for, and liable for, anything that may happen when they're out in public.

This policy is in place to keep both our volunteers and our dogs safe. Please help by keeping the dogs away from each other while they're on a walk or in the run.

And a special thank you to everyone who brought in Halties for the dogs over the holidays. We received many generous contributions, making the dogs very happy!

Help wanted!

Guinea Pig We're launching three new positions for volunteers.

1.  Coin rolling. We need volunteers to help roll coins for a morning or afternoon.
2.  Cheque pick-ups. Volunteers are needed to retrieve cheques from various community fundraising events. Availability is usually weekends and evenings.
3.  Information representative. Volunteers are needed to attend community events and hand out OHS brochures.

If you're able to help with any of these roles, please let us know.

A farewell for Freddy

Freddy Freddy, was an orange tabby adopted from the OHS in 1994. He became an animal visitor with the Brightening Lives program in 1995. Freddy was a natural from his first visit, and knew how to bring out the best in people — including dog lovers!

Freddy worked in the program right up to the night before he became ill. He passed away peacefully on Dec. 14. Freddy will be greatly missed by his family and his Brightening Lives friends.

Thank you Santa Pet Pic helpers

Santa Pet Pics Our seasonal event raised well over $5,500 for the animals in our care. Thanks to Marilyse Dumas, Michael Bigras, Jack Vanderloo, Holly Brant, Kim Campbell, Lanise Hayes, Robyn Rittmaster, Solange Sakalauskas, Lili Ste-Marie, Marielle Brabant, Jeffrey Shave, Jane Moore, Erika Schulz, Laura Burden, Barb Winthrop, Carol Laviolette, Sandra Binkley, Bobbi Moore, Susan Barleben, Jessica Sencan, Tanya Bowers, Celine Deschambault, Chantal Levert, M.J. O'Callaghan, Lucy Peixoto, Dan Flower, Sue Stefko, Karen Sendybyl, Robin Tytula and Yvonnne MacDonald. See you at Bunny Snaps in the spring!

OHS pays tribute to Andy

Andy Last month, the OHS lost one of its dog walkers. Andy de Breyne came to the shelter five days a week to walk his beloved Huskies. Andy died suddenly in early December, leaving a gaping hole in the lives of the staff, animals and volunteers at the OHS.

To honour Andy's contributions, we've re-named our volunteer room as "Andy's room". We also created the Andy Fund to allow those who knew Andy to pay tribute to him and to donate to help the dogs he loved so much.

Learn more about the Andy Fund, and read an Ottawa Citizen column about Andy's life.

Milestones

Volunteers logged 18,500 hours in 2008. This number translates to $180,500!
Thank you everyone for all your hard work.

Volunteer of the Month

Megan Sampson, an active member of the Brightening Lives team, adopted Monty the one-year-old beagle in June of 2008. Monty brings joy and comfort to the residents of hospitals, retirement residences, women's shelters and long-term care facilities — and to Megan and her family too!

Monty

Thanks Megan and Monty for 'brightening' our community, one visit at a time.

An evening in Casablanca

There's still time to buy your tickets for the 2009 FurBall. Spend a stunning evening dining and dancing at the National Gallery of Canada, while helping the animals in our care. Purchase tickets online!

Warm Hearts Raffle

Help raise money for the animals by selling OHS Warm Hearts raffle tickets. Prizes are great and the tickets are a bargain! Visit our website for more information.

Feature creature

Nikki

Nikki was a favourite at the shelter for at least three months before she was adopted by the Pritchard family in the winter of 2007. Nikki had a bit of trouble with her training, but after lots of hard work, and encouragement from a younger sister, she has become a loving companion. Good work Nikki!


	Contact Information: Christine Wheeler, Manager of Volunteers E-mail: christinew@ottawahumane.ca