Newsletter
July 2019
Dear animal lover,
Here's our July 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
Important reminders: We are hosting an event called Party 4 Pets: Pet Fair and Adoption Day on August 3, 2019. There will be adoptable animals, treats for your furry friends, various pet supply vendors. If you’re interested, please click here to learn more about the event.
During the summer, the average temperature in Quebec and Ontario hits 27°C. Within 10 minutes, a car’s temperature can spike to 37°C. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets. Please do not leave them in the car, even with the windows rolled down.
Article of the Month
Protecting your pets in an emergency
by Medeea Hanko
(July 3, 2019)
What would you do if your pet’s life is in danger? How would you deal with it?
Owners should be prepared and know that there are hazards pets can be exposed to in order to prevent injuries, illness, disability, or death. If you have a dog, make sure its vaccinations are up to date, and do not let it come into contact with dogs that display symptoms such as repeated vomiting, gagging, sneezing or coughing, excessive thirst or urination, red or swollen gums, difficulty urinating, and runny eyes or nose.
Dogs and various breeds may show pain and suffering differently, but they do feel pain just like humans. Emergency treatment and first aid for pets shouldn’t be used as a substitute to attending a veterinarian, but it can make all the difference if you are unable to get your pet to a clinic immediately. To be more prepared in case of emergency, there are pet first aid courses you can take in your area through organizations like St John Ambulance.
Your pet being exposed to household poison and toxins is another concern. Any products that are harmful for people are also harmful for pets, including cleaning products, joint relief creams, rodent poison and antifreeze. Even common foods can be harmful for your pets. If your pet is accidentally exposed to a toxin, such as a cleaning product, make sure you wash their skin or fur with soap and water, and call your veterinarian immediately. Some toxins may also cause seizures, so you should keep your pet away from them. If a seizure does happen, it can last 2-3 minutes. After the seizure, keep your pet warm, and contact your veterinarian. In case a fracture happens during a seizure, muzzle your pet, and lay him/her on a flat surface. When transporting your pet to the doctor ,wrap a blanket to secure him/her on the surface.
Finally, your pet is at risk of heat stroke if left in a hot car. Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle, — even if it’s mild outside — because the temperature inside a car can rise quickly.
Overall, if you take precautions and keep a close eye on your best friend, you will be able to keep your pet happy, and most importantly, safe.
News
As more humans adopt a vegan diet, some may wonder if it’s appropriate for their pets, too. (Spoiler alert: Cats cannot be vegans.) And, Quebec veterinarians are warning owners about putting their pets on vegan diets.
Several kittens were found dead along the QEW, near Niagara Falls, after a car was parked on a rural property for an extended length of time and the driver drove on the highway. Authorities say no charges will be laid because they believe it was a mishap, and not a case of animal cruelty.
Twenty dogs from a northern Ontario First Nations reserve, who were evacuated due to wildfires, are making their way to the Barrie area. The dogs were rescued by the North Bay and District Humane Society.
As New York state banned declawing, and it is illegal in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, there is growing pressure on other provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, to ban the practice. But, there is some hesitation because a ban does not make it illegal, and only prohibits licenced vets from declawing cats.
A woman in Alberta has been charged for allegedly attempting to mail puppies and a kitten. The animals, with stamps on them, were left in cardboard box outside of a Canada Post.
The Canadian federal government passed a law that cracks down on animal cruelty and beastiality. The bill will also add those who are convicted of beastiality to the national sex offenders registry, and prohibits the promotion of and profiting from animal fighting, etc.
There are four animal protection bills waiting to become law in Canada right now. Some will die before Parliament breaks for the summer and before the federal election, but they represent a bigger shift: Canadians want to see positive changes for animals.
The Ottawa Humane Society is reminding citizens that city police should be called to report ongoing animal cruelty and neglect, as the province is still in a dispute with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Having an Instagram famous pet has spurred people on to changing their approach to animal politics, and has helped raise money for various animal charities.
Events of the Month
Bolton, ON - July 6, 2019 - Rovilli’s Petword- Bolton is hosting a Kitten Adopt-A-Thon, with the Alliston & District Humane Society on hand to help attendees choose their new friends. There be a free gift with each adoption, and special one day sales.
Kirkland, Que. - July 6, 2019 - Animatch is hosting a meet and greet at Mon Ami Nourriture et Accessoires. Attendees will be able to meet Animatch’s adoptable dogs.
Ottawa, ON. - July 6, 2019 - The Ottawa Humane Society is hosting a Kitten Shower event. Attendees can visit the cats, participate in games and activities, and more.
Toronto, ON - July 6, 2019 - Free Korean Dogs is hosting a flea market and reunion at Black Lab Brewing. Dogs are welcome!
Toronto, ON - July 6, 2019 - meowfest, hosted by meowfest and meowbox at the Evergreen Brick Works, is a global celebration of cats. There will be workshops, adoptable cats, shopping, and more. All ticket sale proceeds will go to Toronto Cat Rescue and other cat charities.
Hawkesbury, ON - July 13, 2019 - Animatch is hosting a BBQ fundraiser meet and greet at Goulet Motosports Harley-Davidson. Money will go towards building a new centre.
Kitchener, ON - July 13-14, 2019 - Dog Lovers Days is being held at Bingeman’s. There will be a the semi-finals of the Ontario Aqua Dogs Diving Championships, a dog fashion show, and vendors and rescues.
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Que. - July 13, 2019 - Compassionate Animal Adoption Rescue is hosting a car wash in the parking lot of McKibbins Irish Pub Vaudreuil. The cost is $20, and the money will go towards paying vet bills.
Pointe-Claire, Que. - July 14, 2019 - A paint nite fundraiser for Rosie Animal Adoption is being held at Les 3 Brasseurs Pointe-Claire. With the purchase of a ticket, $15 will be donated to Rosie Animal Adoption.
Bracebridge, ON - July 20-21, 2019 - Dog Fest Muskoka is being held at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds. The finals of Ontario Aqua Dogs Diving Championships will be held, and there will also be a best dressed dog contest, and a silent auction.
Port Perry, ON - July 20-21, 2019 - The 17th annual Dog Days of Scugog is being held at the Scugog Shores Museum Village. There will be an agility course, animal rescues, and vendors in attendance.
Burlington, ON - July 27, 2019 - An event called the Pooch Party will be held at the Burlington Humane Society. All proceeds will be donated to the humane society. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are up to date on their vaccinations, and they can participate in the activities.
Pets of the Month