Spring warmth came a bit early this year. The warmth and longer days, along with the lifting of most of the restrictions we have been living under for the last two years, have felt like a return to life.
Last Friday was pretty exciting at the Ottawa Humane Society. We had a fire truck visit. And the fire chief too. They visited to help launch a life-saving partnership.
Ottawa Fire Services and the OHS have teamed up to save lives by creating and distributing a simple decal. In a fire or other life-threatening emergency, the decal tells firefighters and other first responders that there are pets in a home; it tells them how many pets and what species need to be rescued.
Before the pandemic, we had annually hosted March Break Camp for kids in our education centre. Having children exploring the adoption centre, learning about animals and how to care for them, and just having fun and being kids was a breath of life after winter’s doldrums.
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.
This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.
