Picture the year 1888 — it’s hard, I know, but it was a very important time in history. A group of women — at a time when women lacked even the right to vote — banded together to help those who couldn’t help themselves. They cared deeply about children, animals and their fellow women — those without a voice — and formed the Women’s Humane Society of Ottawa.
Last week, to celebrate World Spay Day, I had the honour of helping to provide spay/neuter surgeries to animals in the care of local rescue groups. Thanks to the incredible support from our community, at the OHS clinic, we spayed/neutered 34 cats, 3 dogs and 5 rabbits in need.
I heard years ago that the foundation of the U.S. Marines’ code of honour is never to lie, cheat or steal. It stuck with me as it seemed to be a good foundation for my own personal code. The one I think about the most is lying. I don’t lie. I have a deep distaste for it and for people who do. I have terminated employees and business relationships, ended friendships, and even relationships because I was lied to. The truth matters to me personally and the trust that comes with it matters professionally.
I’ve long believed that more can be done for the animals when people and groups work together as friends.
While the OHS is by far the largest animal welfare organization in Ottawa, there are others: local rescue groups, and groups that specialize in care for farm animals, birds and wildlife.
Monday is Valentine’s Day, full of hearts and flowers, chocolate and champagne. It’s the time we are meant to show our love for our partners and our sweethearts.
I know that not everyone has a partner or a sweetheart. For some that don’t, it can be a sad day — a reminder of loneliness or lost love.
February is Black History Month, created to address the too often ignored — or suppressed — contribution of Black people to history. What better time to introduce you to two of the most important figures in the history of the animal welfare movement?
When I take my little shih tzu, Pepper, for a walk, we move quite slowly because he’s 12 years old. At the patch of grass by the end of the drive, I throw a few treats for him to find with his nose. Then we move on down the street, pausing often for him to sniff. Many dogs walk along the street every day so there are always lots of smells for him to take in. There’s a line of trees whose branches reach down close to the ground, just at his nose height, where he seems to sniff every needle on the tree. Despite the slow pace, he loves these short walks.
You may have missed it, but last Monday was the day known as Blue Monday. Marked on the third Monday in January, Blue Monday is a 2005 calculation of a number of factors which supposedly make it the most depressing day of the year.
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers has declared January to be National Train Your Dog Month – a month dedicated to sharing information about the importance of dog training. Of course, for dog trainers, every month is dog training month – training hardly ends after one month – but the more opportunities to contribute to these important conversations the better.
I don’t think any of us thought we would be returning to Stage 2 this year, and it’s a bit dishearteningly familiar. At the OHS, we have had to put our plans for the relaunch of our in-person programming on hold for now, but of course we’re maintaining services for the animals who really need us.
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