Spock

Meet Spock. Spock is a 2 year old male neutered Doberman that came into the shelter as a stray a couple of weeks ago. He is a very shy, nervous, scared dog who may have been abused at some point in his short life, as he is very fearful of strangers (in particular men).

It looks as though whoever owned him tried to ‘crop’ his ears themselves and he now his ears are permanently deformed. He will need a lot of time and patience from his new owner, and someone who has experience with this breed. He will need to go to a home with no children and, should not go to an apartment or condo.

Thank you Nathaniel!

Nathaniel (right), and his brother Alexander

Meet Nathaniel, another young friend of the animals. Nathaniel recently celebrated his sixth birthday. He decided that he wanted to do something special to help the animals here at the shelter. So instead of asking for the latest video game, or pack of trading cards, as most six year old's might, he instead asked his friends and family to give donations to the Toronto Humane Society.

Alexander managed to raise an amazing $250! Which he came to present today along with his brother Alexander. So from everybody here at the shelter, we give a great big thanks to Nathaniel for his kindness, and thoughtfulness towards animals. Thank you Nathaniel!

Madonna - A125072

Hello, my name is Madonna. I am a female bunny with a really sad story to tell. I originally came to the shelter in July 2008, after being rescued from a backyard breeding operation where my siblings and I were going to be used for meat.

When I arrived at the shelter, I was pregnant and the shelter staff sent me to a foster home where I could raise my babies in a peaceful place. When they were old enough, my 6 babies and I came back to the shelter and I have had the bitter sweet privilege of watching them get adopted, while I have been waiting patiently for my forever home to find me.

I am a very shy girl after all that I’ve been through and I’m looking for a loving home where I can finally learn what it is to be a bunny. If you think you can give me a second chance, please come and visit me at the shelter. I can’t wait to start my new life!

Parliament Shameful Menu Addition

Letter from Toronto Humane Society President Tim Trow to The Speaker of the House of Commons, Peter Milliken:

Dear Speaker:

The annual Canadian seal hunt involves clubbing babies to death in front of their mothers. It is an insult to Canadians who are interested in kindness to animals. It brings disgrace to our country world-wide.

As a result, it is horrifying to read in the media that seal meat will be offered on Parliament Hill.

Parliament should be a place where all Canadians feel welcome and respected. The presence of seal meat is disrespectful to the 80,000 supporters of The Toronto Humane Society and all other like-minded Canadians.

Yours truly,

Tim Trow
President

Click here to download the letter in pdf format

Allan Woods Ottawa Bureau November 19, 2009

Parliamentary restaurant to serve seal meat

OTTAWA–Governor General Michaëlle Jean declared it to be "absolutely delicious."

To others it is absolutely disgusting, not to mention morally reprehensible.

Members of Parliament and senators soon will be able to decide for themselves when seal meat comes to their swishy private restaurant on Parliament Hill.

"I think it's going to be an attractive addition to the menu when it's available," said Quebec Liberal MP Marcel Proulx, a spokesman for the Board of Internal Economy, which oversees administration of the parliamentary precinct.

The board, made up of MPs from all parties, was first asked to add seal meat to the restaurant's menu in 2008 by senators wanting to show support for the small commercial seal hunt as Canada stared down a European Union trade ban that was adopted this year. (--Click here to continue--)

Click here to read the entire story online at thestar.com

Abandoned Dog

Update Nov 19, 2009 - We have named him Felix, and after a bath and a haircut, he is a new dog! Felix is now ready to go to his new forever home.

This Shih Tzu dog was found tied up to a fence at a construction site. The workers at the site had seen two young girls tie the dog up and leave. A passerby saw the dog and asked the workers about it. The concerned person saw that the dog was in rough shape. This dog is very happy and outgoing but it is clear that he was not properly cared for in his former home. The former owners allowed his fur to become badly matted and dirty. Also, they appeared to have abandoned him when it was inconvenient for them to care for him rather than finding him a new home or bringing him into the Toronto Humane Society themselves

Failing to provide the necessities of life for an animal is an offence under the OSPCA Act and carried a fine of up to $60,000 and two years in jail.

We welcome anyone with information about this incident to contact us.

Felix when he arrived at the shelter	Felix today - a new dog!

HUGE SUCCESS!

Over 60 people rallied at Queens Park this morning to hear speakers, including Toronto Humane Society President Tim Trow, speak up for the pitbulls.

Volunteers came with their pits to show how beautiful and well behaved they were. Let's hope for progress!

THS Rescue Officer Will Robinson and his pet pitbulls

On November 18th, 2009, MPP Cheri DiNovo tabled a private member’s bill at Queens Park. The bill is aimed at removing the breed specific part that is currently in Ontario’s Dog Owner’s Liability Act.

Every responsible dog owner knows breed specific legislation is not the solution. The banning of an entire breed is pure discrimination and is in no way a proper solution. Thousands of innocent pitbulls, including puppies, have been killed in Ontario since this law went into effect. All banning pitbulls does is punish responsible people and result in the death of innocent dogs. The blame needs to go to the human end of the leash. Pitbulls are very misunderstood and are probably the most abused breed out there today.

JONATHAN JENKINS, QUEEN'S PARK BUREAU November 19, 2009

Dog issue raises ugly head
Fans of pit bulls protest to have ban put down

Protesters gathered at Queen’s Park to fight Pit Bull legislation. The last legal pit bulls in Ontario sat patiently muzzled at their owners' feet at a rally demanding an end to the four-year-old ban on the dogs.

Tre Smith on SunTV

Toronto Humane Society Senior Agent Tre Smith's appears on SunTV Thursday November 19th.

Don't miss "Pet Day" every Thursday on CanoeLive at 5:30pm!

Tinkerbell Adopted to Her New Forever Home!

Tinkerbell the 11 year old female calico, had been here at the shelter far too long. She had a bit of a weight issue, which caused many people to overlook this sweet wonderful cat. However thanks to her several recent high profile media appearences, she has now been adopted to a loving new forever home!!! No cat was more deserving of a loving new home than this sweet old girl. Hooray for Tinkerbell!

Plenty of Pet Birds to Choose From at The THS

Right now at the shelter we have an unusually large amount of pet birds, beautiful, colourful, chirping delightful avian friends for you to choose from. A bird can make a wonderful addition to your family, their bright colours and delightful chirping can cheer anyone up on the dreariest of winter days.

Why not come down to the shelter and take a look in our bird room. Come early, the birds are under the skylight, and chirp in the daytime sun. Who knows you may leave with a new feathered forever friend!

Click here to enjoy some video of the beautiful exotic birds in our bird room chirping away happily under the bright sun from our spacious skylights. The birds especially seem to enjoy our recent addition of a variety of tropical plants.

A Lobster Tale....

A new first at The Toronto Humane Society, we now have lobsters in the shelter! Last night we received a call from a couple whom had purchased the live lobsters with the intent to eat them for dinner. The couple however could not bring themselves to cook the lobsters, and instead called the shelter and asked if they could bring them in. Our rescue team immediately sprang into action, and before the lobsters even arrived at the shelter, we had a special tank with salt water, and all the provisions necessary to keep the lobsters well. Sadly, despite our best efforts, the lobsters succumbed to the inhumane and abusive treatment they had received in transit from the ocean.

It's disgusting to see live fish and other sea life displayed, crammed into filthy water. We wish more Torontonians had the respect for life as the humanitarians who brought us the lobsters.

Click here to read a March 2009 letter in which THS President Tim Trow Voices his concern to Loblaws Inc. about their practice of stocking live fish and shelfish at their stores. Also a letter from a concerned customer.

Golden-doodle Pups

Eight Golden-doodle (golden retriever / poodle mix) puppies were surrendered to the Toronto Humane Society. These adorable animals are all looking for new homes. They are currently about 6 weeks old so until they are ready (8 weeks) we will be accepting applications and be choosing homes for them to go to in a couple of weeks.

If you are interested in adopting please visit our Satellite Adoption Center at 2802 Victoria Park to fill out an application.

Ashley - A136486

Do you have some time in your life, and some space in your heart to provide foster care for a sick, or pallative animal?

Meet Ashley. Ashley is a sweet old girl who is sadly suffering from mammary cancer. We are looking for a palliative foster parent to give her the TLC she so truly deserves for the remainder of her life. She’s not currently on any medications, but that could change as her cancer progresses.

To find out more about Ashley, or one of the other many animals here at the shelter in need of foster care, and how you can help, please call 416-392-2273 ext. 2102.

Keisha - A136838

Keisha is a beautiful, friendly, playful Husky who recently arrived at the Toronto Humane Society.

Keisha was found wandering around as a stray. She had very extensive wounds to her front feet. They were so bad that she was not even walking on her front left foot. It is unknown how these injuries occurred.

Keisha's wounds were immediately cleaned and dressed at The Toronto Humane Society Hospital. Now that the wounds have been cared for, and her dressings changed regularly, she is doing much better, and the wounds are healing quickly.

We hope that Keisha will be ready to go to her new forever home within the next couple of weeks, once her wounds have completely healed.

Jackie - A135995

Jackie is a 9 year old Jack Russell Terrier. He is the happiest, friendliest dog that you will ever meet, and seems to love everyone. Jackie is not fully housetrained and his new owner will have to be patient and understanding during while he is being trained.

Do you think Jackie could be your new forever friend? If so, why not come down to the shelter at 11 River St. and meet this happy fellow!

Tinkerbell - A130274

Tinkerbell is an 11 year old female spayed, declawed, calico. Tinkerbell is an incredibly sweet old girl, who wants nothing more than to lay in the sun and relax. Tinkerbell has a bit of a weight issue, however she has already lost allot of weight since being at the shelter, thanks to a restricted diet.

Tinkerbell needs to go to a new loving home where she can spend her golden years in peace and quiet.

Do you think you have some room in your heart and home for this lovely old girl? If so, why not come down to the shelter at 11 River St. and pay her a visit?

Semi-Ferals Looking for Adult Homes

Don't have much time for a pet? I don't need much!

I've never had a proper home, so I'm not very social. I won't be waiting by the door for you to come home, and won't be sitting in your lap. In fact you'll barely know I'm there!

I'm spay/neutered, vaccinated, de-flead, and use the litter box. All I need, and would be very thankful for, is food and shelter.

Do you have room for me in your heart and home? If so please call 416-392-2273 ext. 2117 for more info.

Samantha + George		Cleopatra
This lovely bonded pair need to be adopted together. Samantha (front) is the more easygoing of the two, however these two are just looking for a nice quiet home to sit and relax.		This gorgeous one year old little girl is a little shy, but will surely come out of her shell once you get to know her.

Only One, and Already an Animal Lover… Just Like Dad!

For her first halloween, Victoria got to pick out her own halloween costume, she of course, being an animal lover just like her dad - Toronto Humane Society Senior Rescue Officer Tre Smith, she decided to be a dalmation. The result of course being the cutest pictures ever!

Thank You Throw a Ball!

Update Nov 18, 2009 - Throw a Ball Cheque Presentation Ceremony

Pictured above: Susan Chow, Café Uno; Rachel O’Hearn, Re/Max All Stars Realty Inc. and Agent Tre Smith from The Toronto Humane Society™.

Special thanks to Rachel O’Hearn and the entire Throw A Ball committee, event sponsors and everyone who attended last evening’s cocktail party in the Distillery District.

With everything donated, including the sale of special “poo-bags” filled with surprise gifts, all proceeds from this event will directly support the animals at The Toronto Humane Society™. 

Thanks to everyone for doing whatever it takes for the animals!

Dolly Adopted

Following her appearance in the Toronto Sun on November 1st Dolly’s new forever family came to the shelter and adopter her.

We were delighted to see such a special girl find a loving home.

Adopt-a-Thon a Great Success!

Thanks to everyone who came down this weekend to find a new forever friend and help make this adopt-a-thon so successful!

Our dogs are in danger from heartworm. Some will suffer greatly. Others may die.

Congratulations and thank you to the Hamilton Academy of Veterinary Medicine, and the Ontario Venterinary Medical Association for their call to action. Please read all that you can in the Ontario Pet Health Crisis Section. Your pet's future depends on it.

Please read carefully! Your pet's health will depend on it!

Heartworm is a very dangerous disease. It can kill your dog if you don’t do something about it. Even more disturbing is the fact that this disease is very prevalent in the US.

The moment heartworm-transmitting mosquitoes bite your dog, the larvae will be transferred into its bloodstream. It will incubate there for several days. That’s the on-start of the disease. If left ignored, the parasites will eventually cause your pet a lot of harm or death.

This disease is called Heartworm because the parasites tend to invade the heart of dogs. The eggs are deposited into the bloodstream and are transported into the rest of the body until they reach the heart. Once the parasites find their way in the right ventricle, they will duplicate in number. Too many of them can cause an extreme hazard to the dog’s vital organs. As you very well know, failure of the heart may mean failure of the whole system.

Ontario Heartworm Urgent Call to Action

Toronto Humane Society Press Release – November 4th

The Toronto Humane Society supports the urgent call to action to combat the heartworm crisis in Ontario made yesterday by the Hamilton Academy of Veterinary Medicine (HAVM) and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).

Our own veterinarians tell us that heartworm can be painful, treatment can be risky and extensive, and the epidemic likely to haunt pet owners by infecting dogs and wildlife for decades to come.

The Toronto Humane Society has been striving, along with the veterinary profession and the media, to raise awareness and end the importation of dogs to Ontario from areas where heartworm is endemic.

The Toronto Humane Society calls upon the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, to direct the Chief Veterinarian of Ontario, Dr. Deb Stark, to launch a public inquiry into the cause of the heartworm epidemic and make recommendations as to the best course of action to take to protect Ontario’s pets and wildlife.

It appears that the former Chair of the Ontario SPCA, and its newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, was aware of the concerns raised by veterinarians as early as April of this year .The HAVM brought the situation to his attention while in his role as President and CEO of the Hamilton SPCA. The HAVM was extremely concerned as it had seen a 10 fold increase in cases of heartworm in the Hamilton area, many of which were traced back to dogs imported by the Hamilton SPCA from the Southern United States.

It would be inexcusable if Ontario SPCA affiliates were to be implicated in this crisis. The Ontario SPCA has a duty to protect Ontario's pets and wildlife. We ask the Ontario SPCA to join with us in our call for a public inquiry.

Ontario Veterinarians Call for Urgent Action to Stop Spread of Heartworm

HAMILTON, ON, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and the Hamilton Academy of Veterinary Medicine (HAVM) are alerting all Hamilton-area humane societies, animal shelters and other organizations involved in animal adoption to the serious risk that dogs imported from heartworm-endemic areas of the United States pose to the general pet population.

Veterinarians are extremely concerned about a 10-fold increase in the number of "seen and treated" cases of heartworm disease in Hamilton and the surrounding area in 2008. This dramatic increase was particularly evident in dogs that had been imported into Canada from heartworm-endemic areas of the United States, specifically but not limited to Louisiana. In 2009, veterinarians are seeing the same type of dramatic increase in heartworm disease in dogs born and raised in Canada. It is believed that these dogs were infected by mosquitoes that had come into contact with imported dogs carrying the disease. (--Click here to continue--)

Click Here to read the entire press release online at newswire.ca

Hamilton Academy of Veterinary Medicine

May 4, 2009
PRESS RELEASE

It’s a critical time of year for pets
 
The Hamilton Academy of Veterinary Medicine (HAVM) would like to remind cat and dog owners in the city and surrounding area that, with the return of spring and the mosquitoes, it is again time to have your pets tested for heartworm and to start them on their monthly Heartworm Prevention.
 
Huge increase in the incidence of Heartworm disease

The members of HAVM are extremely concerned. In 2008 there was a 10 fold increase in the number of “seen and treated” cases of Heartworm disease in Hamilton. This dramatic increase was particularly evident in dogs that were imported into Canada from heartworm endemic areas of the United States, specifically but not limited to the state of Louisiana. If you adopted a dog, from any source, that was from the United States as a hurricane rescue dog it is imperative that you see a veterinarian and discuss the current protocol to insure your pet is heartworm negative and how to protect them in the future. (--Click here to continue--)

Click Here to read the entire press release online at hamiltonvetsacademy.ca

Huge increase in Heartworm disease across Hamilton

Quote from OVMA "Focus" Magazine - July 2009 Issue:

The members of The Hamilton Academy of Veterinary Medicine (HAVM) reported a 10 fold increase in the numberof “seen and treated” cases of Heartworm disease in Hamilton in 2008. This dramatic increase was particularly evident in dogs that were imported into Canada from heartworm endemic areas of the United States, specifically but not limited to the state of Louisiana. Many of these dogs were imported after having had only one negative heartworm test.

The American Heartworm Society's current protocol for dogs, 8 months of age and older, coming from heartworm endemic areas, requires that the dog have three negative heartworm tests. The initial test should be followed-up with a second test at 4 months and the final test at 9 months, after the initial test. During this period the dog should also be on a monthly heartworm preventative.

Sampson

When Sampson came into the shelter he was quite ill. He was suffering from severe diarrhea and vomiting.

He was diagnosed with parvo, a virus that is commonly vaccinated against in the annual shots that your dog gets. This dog has never been properly vaccinated and it shows what can happen if annual preventative vaccinations are not provided for your animal.

Sampson, who is a shepherd mix and only about 8 months old, is recovering at our shelter hospital. He is in quarantine to ensure that he does not infect other animals and is receiving IV fluids and antibiotics. He has responded very well and is on the road to recovery.

Update Nov 18, 2009 - The pups have been adopted to loving new homes!
8 Newly Arrived Puppies Available for Adoption at the Toronto Humane Society

Yesterday, the Toronto Humane Society received eight Shepherd cross puppies that are currently about six-and-a-half weeks old. Despite being from one litter there is a great variety of breeds to choose from. Some appear to be a husky-shepherd cross and others are lab-shepherd crosses.

These puppies will make a great addition to a family whom are looking for, and are ready for, the responsibility of a larger dog.

We are currently accepting applications for their adoption during our held over adoption blitz this week where we have already found homes for over 100 animals.

Tank

Tank is a 9 month old German Sheppard who was brought into the shelter after being hit by a car and being severely injured.

At The Toronto Humane Society, he was given pain medication to help him as our veterinarians diagnosed exactly what injuries he had. A series of x-rays revealed that his right tibia was broken and would need to be surgically repairs. X-rays showed that he luckily did not suffer any internal injuries or had any internal bleeding. In addition to his leg injury he had a long and deep 20cm cut on his left leg that needed to be stitched up.

Tank was in surgery at the Toronto Humane Society Hospital for almost two hours. His right leg was immobilized and will be operated on by a specialist to pin the tibia back together. His left leg received more than 30 stitches and well as a drain to help control swelling. Tank was given a pain patch for long term relief from his injuries and was given antibiotics to control infection in his wounds. Tank is currently resting comfortably in shelter Hospital.

We are running further blood tests and closely monitoring Tank to determine if there are any other injuries that need to be dealt with.

We will be sure to keep you updated on Tank’s condition and rehabilitation as he gets better and is adopted.

Update Nov 18, 2009 - Chewie has been adopted to a loving new home!
Chewie

This adorable Jack Russell Terrier puppy was surrendered to the Toronto Humane Society in early October because he was suffering from seizures and his owners could not afford the treatment.

Chewie was placed under the care of veterinarians and given medication to control the seizures. We have not witnessed any seizures in Chewie since he has been on the medication. In consultation with a veterinary neurologist we believe he might have a condition known as ‘puppy epilepsy’ which he will grow out of.

We are accepting applications for Chewie’s adoption at our 11 River St. shelter. Chewie is currently in foster care and will return the shelter once his new forever family has been selected.

Thank You Jennie!

Jennie recently celebrated her 13th birthday. Jennie loves animals and decided she wanted to do something special for the animals here at The Toronto Humane Society.

Jennie asked her friends and family to, this year, instead of giving her the usual gifts, to instead make donations to The Toronto Humane Society. Jennie managed to raise $300 to help the animals here at the shelter.

So from everyone here at The Toronto Humane Society, we would like to thank Jennie for her thoughtfulness and kindness. Thanks Jennie!

Abused Dog Saved Just in Time

Over the weekend Kya, a 9 year old pitbull mix, was brought into the shelter by police because her owner was seen abusing her. He was witnessed by police kicking and hitting the dog in the face in front of children in a west-end park. Included in these children were his own who were begging him to stop.

Police stopped the abuse and seized the animal.

Police have charged the owner. The suspect surrendered the animal to the care of the Toronto Humane Society.

We are thankful that the abuse was stopped before any serious injuries were suffer by Kya. She was evaluated veterinarians at the Toronto Humane Society and is in good health.

“No animal should have to endure the suffering that Kya did and we hope the justice for this poor animal is served.” said Manuela Urlea, Agent with the Toronto Humane Society.

Kya is extremely friendly and social, very high energy and a delightful dog. She will be available for adoption soon.

Adelia Adopted to her New Forever Home!

We are very happy to announce that today Adelia went to her new forever home. Adelia was here at the shelter for several months, and was a mainstay in our volunteer office where everybody here at the shelter came to know and love her. We are sad to see her go, but at the same time very happy that adelia has a loving new home and family.

Thank you to the Pig Dogs In The Tdot social group

On behalf of the animals here at The Toronto Humane Society, thank you to Brandon, his dog Seamus, and the members of pig Dogs in the Tdot who fundraised $330! Pig Dogs In The Tdot is an organization started by Brandon Steen and Jane Holden as a means to connect with other lovers of the English Bull Terrier and to promote the lovable dogs in organized group walks in our city. The walks are a great way for the group to raise money to help animals in need. On Sunday October 18th, 2009 the group was led by Mr. Séamus walked 25 other bull terriers affectionately known as Pig Dogs through Trinity Bellwoods park in Toronto.

Thank you Sir Thurbert Theodore McDougall!

The animals at the Toronto Humane Society would like to thank Sir Thurbert Theodore McDougall for his friendship! Christina & Brooke McDougall hosted a birthday party for him recently and in lieu of gifts they asked for donations to help our animal friends. This thoughtful dog donated over $1,500 to help care for the animals here at the shelter!

Valente

Valente is a two year old male Golden Retriever. Valente was surrendered to The Toronto Humane Society, as he suffered from severe Masticatory Myositis.

This condition causes the muscles in the jawbone to atrophy, and the jaw cannot open. THS vets immediately began treating Valente, and now he can already open his jaw quite wide. Our vets are very happy with his rapid recovery, and we expect him to be ready to go to his new forever home very soon.

Jennifer Morrison Special to the star Aug 30, 2009

A gentler, kinder horse whip ... but it still hurts

We've all seen the image: horses thundering down the stretch, the jockeys urging their steeds to the finish line with repeated – and, some say, vicious – whacks of the whip.

It's a sight that will appear at least a little less cruel beginning this week at Woodbine Racetrack.

Aiming to improve horse safety and attract new fans by cleaning up thoroughbred racing's image, the Ontario Racing Commission has brought in a new "urging rules initiative."

In short: A kinder, gentler whip. And jockey.

Thoroughbred jockeys must now use a new, soft-cushion crop with a less severe popper at its end that will give a strike less of a sting. (--Click here to continue--)

Shelter Life...

Some photos of everyday life and the internal workings of The Toronto Humane Society during these beautiful summer months.

Click image to start slideshow