On Friday September 24th, a devastating six-alarm fire occurred at 200 Wellesley Street in downtown Toronto. The entire building has been evacuated; however a number of animals, especially cats and small species, remain in the building. The THS has been in regular contact with Animal Services, offering our assistance.

Toronto Animal Services is currently overseeing the care of the animals, which includes feeding and providing water, as well as keeping them comfortable in their homes. Should the residents not be allowed back into their homes in the coming days, The Toronto Humane Society has made space available at the River St. shelter for as many as 40 cats, and various small species and mammals. In addition The Toronto Humane Society is ready with supplies of food, litter boxes and blankets, to be dispatched to Wellesley St. as needed.

We will keep you updated on the situation as it develops. We sympathize with the residents who have suffered, and are in dire need at this time. Our hearts go out to our animal friends who may be without their owners. Should the need arise, we will welcome them into our facility, to be cared for by our qualified and efficient staff until they can be re-united with their owners in the warmth and safety of their own homes.

You'd think a beautiful girl like me, named Venus after the goddess of love, would have found her lifelong companion. But over my seven years of life, I have sadly been in and out of a few relationships because my guardians couldn't give me what I need: a stable, stimulating environment in which to build up my trust and confidence. Fortunately, the THS staff and volunteers know me well and want the best for me, so they are training me on a daily basis to help me overcome my anxiety around dogs and some strangers.

I have excellent obedience skills and am wonderfully well-behaved in the home, but nonetheless need a firm-minded leader I can respect and rely on. My future guardian must have experience with large breeds like mine and be familiar with canine behavioral issues, such as socialization, territoriality, and fear/anxiety around other dogs. Most important, you must be willing to attend training classes set up by THS to help me continue the great progress I am making.

Life has been difficult for me, but it hasn't quenched my affectionate, mischievous spirit. Wait till you see the sparkle in my eyes when I chase a ball, blissfully roll in the grass, or go for a long ramble with my walker. I'm not called Venus for nothing: My heart is full of love for the person who takes time to understand me. If you think you are the one, please visit soon or get in touch with Shas, our canine behavior specialist, at sahmadarahman@torontohumanesociety.com

Josie is a gorgeous little girl with an adorable personality. She can be shy when first introduced to new people but will squeek at you anxiously until you give her some attention. She thrives on routine so it's important for her to have a stable home. She's a great companion cat for somebody who enjoys a quiet, fluffy friend on the other end of the couch. Her favourite things are Temptation treats and bouncy balls.

If you have some room in your heart and home for Josie, then come on down to the shelter at 11 River St. and pay her a visit!