Postal Strikes and Puppies Part 2
Last week’s announcement of the Canada Post strike stirred up some déjà vu for me.
During 2024’s strike, we saw a shortfall of $250,000. This money would have gone immediately to food, shelter, medical care and other essential supports for Ottawa’s homeless and vulnerable animals. Many of our loyal supporters give through the mail, and while we're working to reach more people online, mail is still an important connection between the animals and the people who care about them.
Already, the strike has delayed our annual report, which is printed and waiting in a warehouse. You can read your impact right now on our website to get caught up on the past year at the OHS.
Each day that passes means not being able to reach our supporters through one of our most popular methods, and that will impact how we secure essential resources for the animals.
This impact also comes at a challenging time. Compared to last year, we’ve seen a 15% decrease in the number of animals adopted over the past three months. The number of animals coming in, on the other hand, remains steady.
It costs about $34 per animal to provide essential food, shelter and veterinary care each day for Ottawa’s homeless animals. That adds up quickly, especially when we have more than 470 animals in our care right now. We’re looking at a few different ways to maintain healthy support for the animals and find new ways to reach our caring community.
We’ve learned from last year. We’re ready to do more online, connect through email and social media. We’ve made it easier than ever to give online, over the phone at 613-725-3166 ext. 299 or in-person at our Shirley Kearns Memorial Adoption Centre. The animals need you as they can’t wait for the strike to end.
If you’re not in a position to make a gift of much-needed funds, volunteering, adopting or getting involved through advocacy also helps make a difference for the animals.
The mail may be delayed, but compassion doesn’t stop and neither does life-saving care at the OHS.
Thank you for always being there for Ottawa’s animals.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO