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.
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.
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