Newsletter
March 2019
Dear animal lover,
Here's our March 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
Article of the Month
Preventing pet poisoning
By: Lauren Park
Can you recognize all the signs of pet poisoning? Every pet family should know which substances are toxic to their animals, and keep them off-limits. Here are some key tips to keep your fur babies safe, marking this year’s National Poison Prevention Week.
Know the signs
Symptoms for cats and dogs can include low appetite, change in tongue/gum colour, increased heart rate, wheezing, heavy panting, dizziness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. If unsure, contact your primary care veterinarian or local poison control centre immediately.
Be aware of the hazards
Dangers to cats and dogs include rotting food, household cleaners, alcohol, human medications, pesticides, fertilizers, mouse and rat poisons, caffeine, chocolate, Xylitol, grapes, avocados, nuts, some essential oils, and plants such as lilies and aloe. For a complete list of poisons specific to your pet, and to calculate toxic doses of chocolate or rodenticide, download the free app APCC by ASPCA.
Also ensure toxic products are out of reach. Place childproof locks on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, keep trash cans locked, and store chemicals such as antifreeze, motor oil, and fertilizer up high. Also promptly clean household spills or dropped leaves, distance your pets from freshly sprayed lawns, and watch your dog when out for walks.
Most importantly, never medicate a sick pet yourself. When in doubt, contact a veterinarian immediately, and follow their advice.
News
The House of Commons Justice Committee approved proposed changes to Bill C-84, which would improve laws related to beastiality and animal fighting. The bill is moving back to the House of Commons for a final vote, and then will move on to the Senate for more consideration.
An Ontario pet owner unknowingly signed over legal rights of her puppy to an animal rescue after she brought the dog in to the vet for a medical emergency.
Toronto Pearson International Airport now has therapy dogs to help travellers ease their anxieties about travelling.
A South Shore, Montreal vet started her own unique clinic — Vėtérinaire à Vélo; Instead of a traditional clinic, she travels to owners to make house calls.
Toronto Police are looking for a missing dog after it was briefly left unattended in midtown Toronto. If you have any information, you are asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.
A Montreal man, who is living on the streets, is searching for his dog who was stolen in December.
A Nova Scotia woman, who works at Homeward Bound City Pound, sleeps over at the shelter so the animals can receive necessary care especially during treacherous weather.
World Spay Day, which was on February 26, puts a spotlight on the importance of owners having their pets spayed or neutered.
Veterinarians in Alberta have voted to ban tail docking, declawing, tattooing and ear cropping, joining British Columbia, Quebec, and all four Atlantic provinces in the ban.
A Brock University professor’s opinion is that protecting animals has a direct effect on helping humans. And, Ontario should invest in animal cruelty investigations in order to protect everyone.
A dog was lost in one of the biggest highway crashes in Newfoundland and Labrador history. A week after the accident, and surviving an extreme cold warning, the shih tzu puppy was back in family’s care.
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is asking pet owners to stop using electronic collars when training their pets (also known as shock collars or e-collars), saying it causes dogs physical and psychological pain.
British singer, Morrissey, is ending his boycott of Canada, and will go on tour in the spring. The tour will see some of the proceeds going towards animal rights groups.
If you’re in the Montreal area, and cannot afford to spay or neuter your pets, here are some free or low-cost options for you.
Procter & Gamble joined the Humane Society International’s #BeCrueltyFree campaign, with the goal of banning animal testing for all cosmetics in major international beauty markets by 2023.
Here are some petitions that need your signature...
Canadians can sign a petition to enact an Animal Charter of Rights and Freedoms, improving the status of animals nationally.
Sign a petition to ban the use of horse drawn carriages in Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON.
Events of the Month
Burlington, ON - March 2, 2019 - DIBS Rescue is holding a dog adoption event at Ren’s Pet Depot.
Kirkland, Que. - March 2, 2019- Animatch is holding a meet and greet event at Mon Ami Nourriture et Accessoires where attendees can get to know adoptable dogs.
Laval, Que. - March 2, 2019 - ASISTA Foundation, with Centre Vétérinaire Laval, is holding a Microchipping Day. They will also clip nails for a reduced fee.
Kitchener-Waterloo, ON - March 2, 2019 - Social Art, who is fundraising for the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society is hosting an event where attendees can paint a picture called Beauty Birds.
London, ON - March 9, 2019 - The London Children’s Museum, in partnership with the Animal Rescue Foundation, is holding an event where the public can interact with animals up for adoption, be encouraged to choose adoption, and learn how to handle animals appropriately.
Beaconsfield, Que. - March 10, 2019 - Animatch, with Canine Education, is holding an event called Pack Walk. It’s a chance to get some exercise, and meet Animatch’s adoptees.
Montreal, Que. - March 21, 2019 - The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals West is holding an event called the Ties & Tails Gala. There will be cocktails, dinner, and dancing.
Almonte, ON - March 23, 2019 - A dog spa and microchipping clinic is being held at Pet Valu, with all event proceeds going to the Arnprior Humane Society.
Montreal, Que. - April 14-15, 2019 - The National Animal Welfare Conference is for anyone who works with, cares for, or advocates for animals. It is an opportunity for professional development and community-building.
Pets of the Month
