There are many aspects of working at the Ottawa Humane Society that are rewarding, the things that make me happy and make all the work and worry worthwhile.
The happiest moment here at the OHS is when we find a forever home for an animal, a home that is the perfect match, one where she will be loved and cared for.
Throughout this crisis, like I am sure you have, the Ottawa Humane Society been trying to find a balance between over- and under-reacting in our decision-making. Small decisions can have big consequences. Information and the reality of this situation has changed frequently and it has been a challenge to adjust our plans to keep up.
This is perhaps a little-known fact, but today is National Therapy Animal Day. I think this year, this day is particularly relevant, because during this crisis, those of us with pets have recognized that every day is National Therapy Animal Day.
I have had the honour of working with volunteers in every job in my career. People who donate their time and their talent are a special breed and the Ottawa Humane Society’s volunteers are among the very best. This week is National Volunteer Week, and though we have had to adapt or postpone the offerings for this year, we are no less grateful for their tremendous contribution.
As an employee of an essential service, I’m still coming to work every day. Frankly, that suits me, but it’s not possible for everyone. A lot of my friends are working from home and more than a few of them are having trouble adjusting, especially those with children cooped up at home.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I, said Galdalf, and so do all who live to see such times. But it is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what we do with the time that is given us.”
It’s times like these that we recognize the heroes around us. In the past few weeks, I have seen many heroes in our community and right here at the Ottawa Humane Society.
The past couple of weeks have been challenging for everyone and certainly the OHS has not been immune.
Most people probably don’t think of the Ottawa Humane Society as an emergency service, but we very much are. We always have been. The importance of a community’s ability to care for animals in an emergency became much clearer in during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, though.
I don’t think that anyone would deny that we are increasingly living in a click-to-buy world. For me, it started with books and CDs and I have moved on from there to clothes and household items. It’s just so easy, and I am always stunned by how quickly I receive purchases after I click. The delivery systems are so fast that waiting no more than a couple of days is the norm that I have come to expect.
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