Helping During the Northwestern Wildfires, Pets Arrive in Ottawa
This week, we welcomed two cats and three dogs from communities at risk of being displaced by the wildfires in northwestern Ontario.
The pets arrived safe and secure at our shelter, transported by our friends at Northern Reach Network. Our new charges are Gus and Arlo, two young cats who were a little skittish during the journey, but are warming up well in the care of our team; Karai and April, six-week-old puppies who have kept up a brave face that only puppies could muster; and Rio, a young dog who has been a called a gentle giant by the people he’s met.
These pets travelled an incredible distance, and they were supported by love and care every step of the way. We’re on standby to receive more animals as the impact of the wildfires continues to unfold.
Moving these pets is an effort to increase capacity at the local shelters and rescues in the northwestern communities. Doing so means those shelters and rescues have more space for pets who were separated from their families — making it possible to reunite the pets with their families once the crisis has passed.
When Hurricane Katrina struck 21 years ago, there was a rush to run in and scoop up pets. While well-intentioned, the result was animals who were rescued, but never made it back to the families who loved them. The humane movement has made a lot of progress in the past two decades and now we’re better at working together, making decisions about how animals should be removed from danger, and identifying animals to get them back to their people. We don’t fly in with a cape to the rescue; we work together to be a part of the solution.
In the face of crisis, it is often charities that respond to the need — this is especially true when it comes to protecting animals from emergencies. From our partners in animal welfare throughout the province, we’ve heard a resounding voice of support for the pets and people affected by the wildfires. At home, we are Ottawa’s local humane society, and the need in our own community has not slowed, but we will not turn away pets who have nowhere else to go.
It’s the generous support of our community that ensures we can be here every day for the animals. Donations ensure we're ready for Ottawa's homeless animals, and ready for moments like these when disaster strikes and support is needed beyond city limits.
If you've been thinking about adopting, now is a wonderful time to open your home to a pet in need. If adoption isn't possible, fostering can provide a temporary lifeline for a homeless animal who needs the gentle love and support of a temporary home.
Thank you for making second chances possible at home, and protecting animals across the province from crisis.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO