On International Women’s Day, I think about all of the great women who have contributed to the animal welfare movement — fromJane Goodall of course, the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, to Dr. Lila Miller, the mother of shelter medicine. Many great female leaders have forged the path, to make our communities better places for the animals we share our world with, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.
Today, we celebrated World Spay Day. I had the honour of helping to provide spay/neuter surgeries to animals in the care of some of our local partners. Thanks to the incredible support from our community, at the OHS clinic, we spayed/neutered 34 cats, 3 dogs and 3 rabbits in need.
It’s a question that comes up often: what would make someone surrender their pet to the OHS?
Surrender sounds like a scary thing, doesn’t it? It sounds like giving up, failing, or even leaving the pet behind — but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
It may be surprising, but the decision to surrender a pet is often made out of love. Imagine these situations:
I’ve said it before, but Ottawa is full of generous people who care and give to animals in need. There are a few ways that people show their support. Some make a gift whenever they are able. Others donate monthly. Younger people might run a lemonade stand or host an event at their school for the animals.
“If we look at the diversity situation today and want to change it, we have to present opportunities to learn about the field and remove the barriers to joining it… We have to let people know they are welcome in the profession.”
Dr. Lila Miller on encouraging more BIPOC to join the veterinary field
I’m thrilled to announce that last week, we welcomed a dog from Iqaluit into our care and two more arrived yesterday. We work with our partner in Iqaluit to give these dogs a second chance in Ottawa.
In their hometown, these dogs faced an uncertain future. Resources were not available to provide them with the veterinary support they need, and it is likely it would have been very difficult for them to have found a forever home.
At the Ottawa Humane Society, we never know what condition animals will be in when they come into our care, and in my near 20 years at the OHS, I have seen many things that have broken my heart.
Firefighters, health care workers, police officers, shelter workers, and many other professions witness trauma regularly, as part of their day-to-day jobs.
People often ask how they can help Ottawa’s animals. Volunteering, adopting, donating or even working at the OHS are all great ways to help out, but there’s something else you can do that is also invaluable to protecting Ottawa’s animals. You can even do it right at home.
“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”
Brad Paisley, American Country Singer/Songwriter
Here at the Ottawa Humane Society, we are always looking to the future. We look to see how we can better serve our community and its animals and people.
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