Organization Working to Address Pet Care Crisis and Keep Pets from being Pushed Out of the Picture!
TORONTO, ON – November 21, 2024 — When Lara, a one-year-old cat, fell from a 19th-storey balcony, her survival was nothing short of miraculous. Found in the bushes below a day later, she was rushed to Toronto Humane Society, where expert medical care helped her pull through. This harrowing story is one of several that Toronto Humane Society is sharing as it highlights the critical role it plays in saving animals in need, as part of the organization’s Giving Tuesday campaign.
Lara arrived at the shelter in critical condition. She was tachycardic, had a pneumothorax (a collapsed lung), and both her front paws had multiple fractures. Toronto Humane Society’s medical team performed a thoracentesis as an emergency procedure to remove air from around her lungs. After weeks of treatment, including splinting her fractured paws and addressing complications such as infections, Lara is now recovering with plans to reunite with her family once fully healed.
“Lara’s case underscores the importance of accessible veterinary care,” said Tegan Buckingham, CFRE, Director, Integrated Marketing and Development at Toronto Humane Society. “Her family couldn’t afford the emergency care she needed, but thanks to our donors, we were able to step in and save her life.”
Due to the postal strike, the organization is asking for donations like the ones that helped fund Lara’s veterinary care, to be made securely online, or in person at 11 River Street in Toronto.
Pepper, a 10-year-old Chihuahua, also found a new lease on life at Toronto Humane Society. The senior dog was admitted as a stray with a large abdominal hernia and advanced dental disease, conditions that were likely painful and contributed to her shy and fearful demeanour.
Specialist surgeons repaired the hernia, and Toronto Humane Society’s medical team performed a comprehensive dental procedure to extract diseased teeth. The transformation was remarkable—Pepper’s playful personality emerged, and she has since been adopted into a loving home.
Cinnabunny, a seven-year-old dwarf rabbit, is another example of the shelter’s commitment to helping animals of all sizes. Found underweight and suffering from severe dental disease, she required multiple surgeries to address painful fractured teeth and other complications.
After weeks of specialized care, Cinnabunny is on the road to recovery. Cases like hers highlight the diverse range of animals that Toronto Humane Society serves and the expertise required to meet their needs.
Toronto Humane Society’s work goes beyond traditional sheltering. From specialized medical care to adoption and advocacy, the organization is filling a critical gap for animals and families who might otherwise be unable to access life-saving services.
“Every day, we see animals like Lara, Pepper, and Cinnabunny who need complex medical care,” said Buckingham. “These are animals that might not survive without intervention, and our goal is to ensure that every pet has a chance to live a full and happy life.”
Toronto Humane Society is sharing these incredible stories in the lead-up to Giving Tuesday, a global movement dedicated to inspiring generosity and positive change. Observed annually after Black Friday, Giving Tuesday encourages individuals to support causes close to their hearts.
This year, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets and Supplements is matching donations up to $10,000. Every dollar donated will go twice as far in helping animals like Lara, Pepper, and Cinnabunny receive the care they need.
“Giving Tuesday is a time to come together as a community and make a real difference,” shared Buckingham. “With Purina’s support, your donation can have double the impact and help us save even more lives.”
To support Toronto Humane Society this Giving Tuesday and help keep pets in the picture, visit www.torontohumanesociety.com/givingtuesday
About Toronto Humane Society
Toronto Humane Society’s mission is to improve the lives of animals. The organization excels in all ways an animal shelter should, with industry-leading shelter care, veterinary services, animal training and behaviour consultations. Toronto Humane Society believes in the importance of the human-animal bond, finds new homes for thousands of animals and helps keep families together.
Toronto Humane Society is more than an animal shelter. They are an educational resource and support system, a leading voice in animal welfare and accessible care. The organization is also a centre of excellence, a space where best practices and boundary-pushing knowledge meet with unyielding optimism and a love for animals to create something special. Toronto Humane Society is like no other. For more information, visit www.torontohumanesociety.com.
For more information, or to arrange an interview please contact Lucas Solowey at communications@torontohumanesociety.com or call 416-392-2273 ext. 2196
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