Featured pet of the week

September 8, 2010

The Shelter Whisperer...

High euthanasia rates, animals roaming city streets, aggressive incidents.

Sound familiar?

That was Calgary in the 1980s. Then the city set out on a 25-year journey to turn things around. Today, Calgary’s aggressive dog incidents are down by 75%, licensing fees cover Animal Services’ operating costs and fund the spay/neuter clinic, and euthanasia rates have dropped drastically. All because Calgary Animal Services, the Calgary Humane Society, their local rescue groups and veterinarians decided to work together.

We want that for Toronto, too. So we invited Bill Bruce, the Director of Calgary Animal Services, to come to the THS this week and share his knowledge.

His advice? Focus on the common goal – the animals – and never give up.

Put the animals first. Bill advocates for a responsible community model – where each group has its unique role, and groups collaborate instead of compete. If everyone in the community – from shelters and rescues, to bureaucrats and politicians, to volunteers and veterinarians – if everyone works toward a common goal, you’re more likely to succeed.

“Trust is key,” says Bill, “and you build trust by being open, honest and taking responsibility for problems.”

Bill is a certified mediator, and he knows that mistrust and conflict are often based on simple misunderstandings. Resolving conflict starts with talking to one another; more importantly, with listening to one another.

So we’re taking Bill’s advice.

Last Saturday, the Board and the staff met to hear him speak and to talk about what the Toronto Humane Society could be. We’re listening to other shelters and rescue groups, including Toronto Animal Services and Toronto Cat Rescue, to learn how we can help more animals find homes. We’re on Facebook and have added a Q&A section to our website to hear your questions and answer your concerns.

Will it make a difference? Bill thinks so. “This is an exciting time for Toronto to move forward and build one of the best animal care programs anywhere.”

Share this page:

Cuban Dance Party

Come one, come all!! Please join us for this worthwhile event.

It promises to be a wonderful evening with a great time for all:

Fabulous venue next to the water. Live music, delicious food, dance performances, a dance lesson and even a silent auction.

We hope you will come out and support the cause and help make this a memorable first time event.

For more information and to purchase your tickets go to:

http://cubandanceparty.eventbrite.com

Click here for a map to the location

September 8, 2010

Pet of the Week

Claudette - A11148673

Claudette came into the shelter when her owners moved to England and her new owners could not take care of her. A very big change for a 12 year old!!! She is very overwhelmed and will need time to adjust. When she learns to trust in her home she is reported active, vocal, friendly and independent. Her previous owners say she gets along with children ok but does not like other cats. For this reason Claudette should go to a home with no other pets.

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

Have you signed up yet?

September 8, 2010

Become a Member

Are you already a member? Did you know that you might not be a member, even though you are a donor? Under the Society’s by-law, donors are not automatically members.

The animals need members to be their voice. Members take on an added role in the Society’s vital work on behalf of the animals.

Members can vote for the Board of Directors under the Society’s by-law if they live or work within a 60 km radius of 11 River Street in Toronto.

Members also approve the financial statements and the appointment of auditors.

The Society’s members receive Animaltalk magazine and the calendar.

You can download a membership form here.

If you are already a member, you will have a membership card, and we will let you know when it is time to renew your membership.

If you are not sure if you are a member, please call our membership department at 416 – 392-2273, Ext. 2123 or 2117, or email exec_admin@torontohumanesociety.com.

Please join as a member today!

Science Diet Pet Food

Science Diet Pet Food is now available for sale at our 11 River Street Shelter. All profits from sales go to The Toronto Humane Society! Thanks Hill's!

Hill’s® Science Diet® “Second Chance for Love” shelter program has partnered with us and is donating pet food for all dogs, cats, kittens and puppies being cared for here at the Society.

Go to Petango to find your best friend for life! Petango.com is your place to…
Find Pets. Adopt Pets. Shop Pets. Talk Pets. Live Pets!
www.petango.com