When I started working for the Ottawa Humane Society 20 years ago, there were only a handful of local rescue groups. Since then, in Ottawa and across North America, the number has risen exponentially. Most do wonderful work and are essential parts in the animal welfare services structure in their communities. Unfortunately, a small minority are not.
I listen to CBC almost exclusively when I drive. In the morass of bad news, from time to time, there is something that gives me hope. Just a few days ago, there was a segment on the last fur auction in Canada. Apparently, there used to be several very large auctions in Canada, but these have dwindled to just one — and this one isn’t doing very well.
You can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness.
Anne Frank
Kindness. It seems from almost nowhere in the past year or so, that word has suddenly become a buzz word. I see it everywhere. Sometimes I think it is real and sincere, but sometimes it just seems to be used to sell running shoes or cereal.
Last week, I spent a very pleasant evening in the backyard of my long-time friend, Genevieve —and yes, wine was consumed. At one point, Genevieve mentioned how much she loved the Ottawa Humane Society’s Pet In Memoriam Program. I was intrigued. Friends often comment on OHS programs that are close to their hearts, but never this one. I wanted to know more.
Lately, I find the news exceedingly depressing: so many stories of illness, death and destruction. Adding to the long list of heartbreaking news in 2020 has been the long-expected catastrophes caused by climate change. As I write this, two hurricanes are headed toward landfall in the U.S. one, Marco, has been downgraded, but the second, Laura, is being described as “unsurvivable.”
One of the greatest animal welfare successes in Ottawa was the elimination of the Parliament Hill cat colony seven years ago. The colony was in crisis because the parliamentary precinct was undergoing renovation and the government announced that the colony had to go — one way or another.
With phase three of the reopening in Ontario, I think we are all a bit happier. The reopenings that have allowed me to get a haircut, sit on a patio, and safely shop for the things I need have been very welcome.
I received an email from the Chair of the OHS Board of Directors today. As a side note, she mentioned that she had been following the saga of the WE Charity with great interest. I wasn’t surprised, as I had been watching as well. I expect for the same reason: not the politics or possible political scandal, but because of revelations about the internal governance of the charity itself.
In Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes described the life of humans without government as “Nasty, brutish, and short.” It is also an apt description of the lives of feral cats.
Last week, I wrote about all the changes we have made at the OHS to protect our staff and our ability to care for animals that are in distress because of or simply during the pandemic. These changes are not the only ones that we have had to make because of the health crisis.
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