Two weeks ago, I shared Dr. Scott Weese’s insights into the research on COVID-19 in dogs and cats. Now I would like to share what you need to know about the virus in other species.
Many of you know that five years ago, I decided I was ready for a new pet. My last pet had been a dog and though I knew that I had the advantage of being able to take a dog to work, long hours and periodic travel did not mesh well with adopting another dog — at least not for me. A cat, more forgiving in her care needs, was the better option for that stage of my life. So I began my search.
Did you know, one of the world’s top experts in infectious disease in animals lives in Ontario? Dr. Scott Weese is the former Canada Research Chair in Zoonotic Diseases at the University of Guelph and a veterinary internal-medicine specialist and chief of infection control at the Ontario Veterinary College. He writes an outstanding blog, called Worms and Germs that I follow regularly. He is a great friend of the Ottawa Humane Society and has always made himself available for any information we need.
Twenty years ago, not long after I started working at the Ottawa Humane Society, I learned a valuable lesson. One day, a gentleman came in to surrender two beautiful borzois. They were healthy, well-trained, and frankly, stunning. News spread around the shelter quickly, and the questions began, “How could this guy surrender his dogs? Doesn’t he know caring for pets is a responsibility for their lifetimes? What kind of a person would surrender two gorgeous dogs?” The outrage and the judgements went on for a full two days, whipped up by shared righteous indignation.
Judy, an English pointer, was born in Shanghai in 1936, in the lead up to the Second World War. She became a mascot on the gunboat HMS Grasshopper stationed at Singapore. When the Japanese took Singapore in early 1942, Grasshopper headed for safer waters, but before the gunboat could reach safety, Japanese bombers attacked and sunk her.
Last week, I told you about some changes the OHS has had to put into place since COVID-19 hit in March: our overriding concern for the safety of our staff and preserving essential services — the absolute necessity to be able to care for animals in distress.
The Order of Ottawa recognizes outstanding citizens of Ottawa for their contributions to many areas of city life. It’s with great pride that I announce that OHS President & CEO, Bruce Roney, was inducted into the Order of Ottawa last week. Now, as Chief Veterinarian at the OHS, I have worked with Bruce for 14 years and I have seen first-hand the difference he’s made for Ottawa’s animals, and how he has helped others do great things.
Since COVID-19 hit in March, our overriding concerns have been the safety of our staff and preserving essential services, specifically the absolute necessity for the Ottawa Humane Society to be able to care for animals in distress.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope to make the holiday a little more than a day off work with a big meal. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what I have and to be grateful. And that’s a good thing to do.
You may not track these kinds of things the way I do, but today is the first day of National Animal Safety and Protection Month. With COVID cases back on the rise, there’s never been a better time to talk about keeping your family safe, including the animals in your family.
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