I have talked a lot about the importance of buyer responsibility when searching for a new puppy. While it is true that individual consumers can drive change and help eliminate cruel businesses, it begs the question of how are these businesses allowed to exist in the first place.
On May 8, a kangaroo named Willow died after escaping from Papanack Park Zoo. The zoo, located east of Ottawa, is notorious for longstanding allegations of animal cruelty and abuse.
Witnesses reported seeing Willow cross the road while already suffering from serious injuries, with blood and exposed bone.
Over the past several years, as a part of our five-year strategic plan, the OHS has greatly expanded the volume of communication to our community and our supporters. Why? Well, if we are truly committed to a brighter future for animals, we need to do more than rescue them when they are sick, injured, lost or abused. We need to confront the issues that brought them to such dire circumstances. To do this, we need to create awareness, provide information and education and we need to support our community in caring for and about pets, wildlife and even livestock.
“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” Maya Angelou
I grew up in the late 60s and 70s, just after the peak of the civil rights movement. It seemed to me then that equality and social justice were inevitable – everything would just keep getting better, even if it would happen slowly.
I tend to get credit for a lot of the good things that the Ottawa Humane Society does and the organization that it has become. While that is very flattering, I know it takes a lot of people to make an organization work. At the OHS, it’s a slightly magical combination of a professional staff, committed volunteers, a progressive board of directors, and a supportive community.
The Ottawa Humane Society is a long-time advocate of keeping cats indoors, unless safe in a “catio” or on a leash with her owner. At the OHS, I regularly see the sad reality for cats allowed to roam: frostbite; disease; accidental, or even intentional injuries. I always tense up when I see a cat loose, picturing what could happen to her.
It’s more than a bit depressing that we have marked two celebrations — Easter and Passover — twice now under COVID restrictions. Even though better times appear to be on the horizon, the sheer length of the pandemic has been stressful and wearying for everyone. Like many difficult times, I have relied on gratitude to keep going and not succumb to depression and despair.
Over the years, the Ottawa Humane Society has thankfully seen the admission of fewer dogs. Boxes of unwanted puppies are largely a thing of the past. But while fewer dogs need our care, the extent of the care they need has increased hugely.
Those boxes of the past were full of dogs that just needed to be vaccinated and sterilized and little more. They would be adopted in days.
There are a lot of things putting me in a good mood lately: an early spring; brighter evenings; and, an end to the pandemic in sight. Another thing that puts me in a good mood is an unexpected dog. By that, I mean meeting a dog in a surprising place: a restaurant patio, a store or a hotel. It just makes me feel warm and content, like everything is right with the world. Unexpected cats make me happy too, but for some reason they are only found in small bookstores, antique shops and the occasional feline-themed café.
For many, planning an estate and writing a will are “someday” tasks. There’s no shame in it — estate planning can be challenging. But, if you need an extra nudge, maybe your pet can help you find the will to get started.
No matter what the future holds for you, the best way to provide your pet with loving care is to record your wishes for your pet in your will.
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