Newsletter
February 2020
Dear animal lover,
Here's our February newsletter, highlighting the latest news on animal rescues and animal welfare across Quebec and Ontario (click the bolded words to read the full stories). If you have any news or upcoming events you'd like us to share next month, send us an email at admin@guardiansbest.com.
Thank you,
Melanie Dziengo
Note: We’re going to be at Ren’s Pet Depot in Downsview Saturday, February 15 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to raise money, promote our event, and take photos of animals who have been adopted for our Rescue Heroes campaign.
Article of the Month
How to prevent frostbite
By: Melanie Dziengo
Winter isn’t letting us go from its paws anytime soon, so how can you ensure your pets are protected from concerns like frostbite? Read on to find out.
Provide protection from the elements
Yes, cats and dogs have fur coats. But, that doesn’t mean they do not need to be protected from the cold temperatures. So, a coat and boots are ideal. If your pets are more cooperative, this step isn’t much of a challenge because you can put clothes on your dogs easily. Also, only use dry clothes on your pet because that will reduce the chances of your pet getting frostbite or hypothermia. You should also dry your dog off when your get back home, especially if your pet doesn’t wear a coat or boots.
Reduce time outside
If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. In animals, frostbite can set it when temperatures drop below 0ºC, so limit your time outside. This means shorter walks, never leaving your pets unattended, and if your pets are outside animals, provide adequate shelter for them. This includes a place that is protected from the elements and is dry and comfortable.
Look for the signs
According to VCA Hospitals, the signs of frostbite in pets include:
Skin looking discoloured (pale, grey, or blue)
Pain when you touch the part of the body that is affected
Blisters or skin ulcers
Swelling skin
Also, the parts of your pet’s body that are especially susceptible to frostbite include the tail, nose, ears, and paw pads. So, be mindful and look carefully at these parts of your pet so you can be sure there is no frostbite.
Furthermore, signs may take a few days to appear, particularly if the area affected is small or doesn’t bear any weight. If you do see any of these signs, go to your vet immediately.
Frostbite can be prevented if you’re careful. So, follow these steps to keep your best friend happy and healthy.
News
Olympic speed skater, Ivanie Blondin, has regained her confidence, and started to take care of herself again, after fostering dogs from the Cochrane Humane Society in Alberta.
In Winnipeg, a cat was found more than two days after an apartment fire. A demolition worker found a couple’s cat, named Tux, while the employee was helping to take down the building that was destroyed by the fire.
A Jack Russell-mix dog was found, alive, in a suitcase near the Humber River in Toronto’s west end neighbourhood. The dog had no tag or collar. The dog is now in the care of Toronto Animal Services, and has been named Casey.
The City of Montreal is backtracking on a plan to open a municipal shelter in Saint-Michel. The project had been delayed several times, mostly due to finding contractors who would be interested in bidding on it. The city now wants to change the plan to open small service points, and have it managed by a non-profit organization across the island.
Pet stores in Montreal are still selling puppies and kittens from breeders, despite a bylaw that came into effect last July saying pet stores must get their animals from shelters.
Do you want your pet to be entertained, possibly while you’re gone? Spotify now has a playlist generator that you can use to curate a list of songs for your pet to enjoy.
A dog owner in Vancouver has lost her appeal, in the Supreme Court of Canada, to prevent a dog, named Punky, from being euthanized. The dog was ordered to be euthanized in 2017 after it bit a woman in an off-leash park in Vancouver.
Cat owners, pay attention to your cat’s eyes, ears, and whiskers; according to a study conducted by the University of Calgary and the University of Montreal, these body parts can reveal if your cat is in pain.
A 5-year-old Australian shepherd in Quebec alerted staff to his own alleged dognapping. The dog, named Vango, was barking, poking around, and drawing attention to himself so much, staff at Au Royaume des Animaux became suspicious.
A terminally ill rescue dog in Washington became a member of the K-9 police unit for a day. The dog, named Eddie, was found on the streets. When he was vetted, it was discovered the Eddie has an inoperable brain tumour, and has six months to a year to live. He is currently in the care of a rescue.
A stray cat, who was picked up by Dane County Humane Society in Wisconsin, is getting a new lease on after after her ear flaps were removed due to an infection. Lady in a Fur Coat got a new set of crocheted ears and a forever home!
The City of Windsor is proposing a bylaw that would only allow pet stores to offer cats and dogs that can be adopted. The bylaw will prevent animals from being sold for profit, and the stores will have to work with animal rescues and the Windsor/Essex Humane Society to adopt pets out of the stores.
A special needs rescue dog named Brodie has become an international sensation. The German Shepherd Border Collie suffered a cranial and facial injury when Brodie was bitten on the head by his mother. And, his new owners started an Instagram account for him, which has led to Brodie becoming recognized at pet stores and in the park.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is reminding pet owners to take more precautions in order to keep your pet safe during extreme cold weather. This includes not leaving pets outside for a long time when the temperature drops below freezing, and possibly using a sweater for your dog, especially if they have short coats.
A shelter in North Carolina says the “world’s worst cat” is available for adoption. Mitchell County Animal Rescue is looking for a forever home for Perdita, who doesn’t like much, including being petted. They’re looking for a “socially awkward human who understands personal space” for the feline.
Events of the Month
Ajax, ON - February 8, 2020 - Canadian Dachshund Rescue will be at Ren’s Pet Depot. There will be a kissing booth and merchandise you can buy.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que. - February 9, 2020 - Animatch is hosting Bark & Brunch. The event will take place at Karnak Shriners Hall from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dogs are welcome as well!
Toronto, ON - February 9, 2020 - Toronto Dog Moms is hosting an event called Puppy Love at Brunswick Bierworks. Part of the proceeds from the event will go to the Toronto Humane Society.
Kingston, ON - February 11, 2020 - Purposeful Painting, Kingston Animal Rescue, and Riverhead Brewing Company are hosting a paint night fundraiser for Kingston Animal Rescue. Tickets are $45, and $15 from every ticket sold will go to the rescue.
Mississauga, ON - February 15, 2020-April 26, 2020 - DIBS is hosting an adoption appreciation event at Pet Valu Hurontario. You can learn about dogs who are incoming and available for adoption, and about the rescue itself.
Richmond, ON - February 15, 2020 - Ottawa Dog Rescue will be at the Pet Valu Adoption Event. There, you can meet adoptable dogs, have a dog washed, and get some treats. All proceeds raised from the dog wash will go back to the rescue.
London, ON - February 22, 2020 - Purrfect Haven Cat Rescue will be at Pet Valu for a kitten and cat adoption day event.
Burlington, ON - February 23, 2020 - Walks ‘N’ Wags will be teaching a pet first aid course at the Burlington Humane Society. It’s a 10 hour course, and covers topics such as early signs of illness and poisoning. It costs $155, and you will get a certificate that is valid for three years.
Toronto, ON - February 23, 2020 - Toronto Cat Rescue is hosting Comedy Night for the Kitties at Social Capital Theatre. Tickets are $15, if you buy in advance or $20 at the door. All proceeds will go directly to Toronto Cat Rescue.
Kemptville, ON - February 23, 2020 - Marshall’s Dog Rescue is organizing a microchip clinic and nail trimming event at Pet Valu. Microchips are $40, and nail trimming is $10.
Toronto, ON - February 29, 2020- March 1, 2020 - Free Korean Dogs is hosting an adoption event at PetSmart Etobicoke. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can meet dogs who are looking for their forever homes.
Ajax, ON - February 29, 2020 - Benevolent Bully Rescue is hosting a paint nite fundraiser at Boston Pizza Ajax. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., and costs $65 per person.
Pets of the Month
