Ottawa Humane Society Honours Community's Contributions at its Annual General Meeting
Sept. 17, 2025 — The Ottawa Humane Society honoured several volunteers, members of the public and community organizations last night at its annual general meeting, celebrating their work towards building a more humane and compassionate community for Ottawa’s animals and the people who love them.
Penny Lane Farm Sanctuary received the Muriel Davies Kindness Award for their work in caring for farm animals. The organization offers second chances for animals the OHS is not equipped to care for and rehome.
Donna Kanneman received the Eleanor Prowse Volunteer Service Award for outstanding volunteer contributions to Ottawa’s homeless animals. Donna began volunteering with the OHS in 2019 and dedicated 440 hours in the past year. Donna volunteers with the OHS fundraising team, helping to secure life-saving resources for Ottawa’s homeless animals.
Paloma Kinnear received the Community Spirit Award for her efforts in supporting the OHS’s pet food drive. Paloma owns the pet grooming business Prancing Paws and used her business to galvanize community support to fill the OHS’s pet food bank’s pantry.
Patty D’Andrea received the Media Award for her contributions in bringing compassion to Ottawa’s online community. Patty is an OHS volunteer who helps Ottawa’s homeless cats. She also gives her time in being an ambassador for the OHS in online spaces.
Eric Michaud received the Special Recognition Award for his contributions as a volunteer Pet Adoption Location (PAL) driver. Eric drove animals to pet stores around the city for adoption. His efforts contributed to more than 500 animals being adopted through PAL partners last year.
Sonia McEwan received the Siobhan Shefflin Award for her contributions as a foster volunteer that went above and beyond for Ottawa’s animals. Sonia fostered 12 animals throughout the year, often supporting large dogs with behaviour challenges.
Dr. Allison Cooper received the Dr. James Hutchinson Animal Welfare Award for her contributions as a volunteer veterinarian at the OHS. Dr. Cooper volunteered more than 300 hours for the animals. Her support was critical last year when the OHS faced a staffing shortage that threatened to increase the time animals were waiting for the essential procedures needed before finding their forever homes.
Cindy Barnett received the President’s Special Recognition Award for her outstanding volunteer contributions to Ottawa’s homeless animals and contributions to building the next generation of caring people. Cindy volunteers as a dog trainer and to support child and youth programs aimed at introducing young people to responsible pet ownership.
The OHS relies on the support of a caring community to provide life-saving care and second chances to Ottawa’s homeless animals. The OHS team remains endlessly grateful for the support of a community ready to stand up for animals in need.
-30-
Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca