Newsletter
October 2019
Dear animal lover,
Here's our October 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
#RescueHeroes campaign officially underway
By: Alice Schoffel
When we think of heroes, we think of characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, or even historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Gandhi. But in reality, heroes exist everywhere. They may not be as well known, or have their stories told on T.V. and in movies, but they are just as great. These heroes are those who adopt a pet and save a life.
Starting this fall, we are introducing the Rescue Heroes Campaign, and putting the focus on people adopting pets. No longer will heroes who adopt go forgotten. Our goal is to highlight the amazing actions of individuals who chose to adopt, save a pet from loneliness, and provide love and care. We want to share the journeys these people took to get to where they are, what made them adopt, and learn about the connection between them and their pet. And most importantly, we hope it encourages prospective heroes to adopt their future pets by eliminating the stigma of pet adoption. By showing pets and adopters, we hope to change preconceived ideas and portray adoption for what it really is: a positive, life-changing experience for both human and pet.
High school volunteers will photograph these heroes holding signs with various quotes such as Rescue Dad, and Rescue Family, and it will be posted on Instagram with the #RescueHeroes hashtag. They will be in pet friendly spaces around Toronto to convey the love heroes and pets have for one another. These photos will be accompanied by short interviews, where people can get to know adopters and their furry little friends. Those who have adopted a pet, particularly from a rescue or humane society, are encouraged to reach out to the campaign so you and your pet can be featured.
You can keep up with the Rescue Heroes Campaign through the Guardian’s Best Instagram (@guardiansbest) or our website.
News
After a piglet was found on the highway between Russell, Ontario and Ottawa, veterinarians came together to nurse him, whom they named Mango, back to health.
A Markham veterinarian, named Dr. Cliff Redford, is releasing episodes of his animal rescue work in India for the next three to four months on his YouTube channel. He is hoping it will inspire others to be kinder to animals here in Canada.
According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, vets across the country have seen an increase in the number of dogs who are brought in due to being high — a result of legalizing cannabis.
The City of Dorval is going back on a proposal that would call for owners to use muzzles and have other restrictions on 12 types of dog breeds. It was dropped after backlash from residents.
The number of animals in the City of Toronto’s city-run shelters is less than half of what it was more than 10 years ago, eliminating overcrowding, the spread of illnesses, and a reduction in the number of animals that are euthanized. This is thanks to programs such as Spay and Neuter Your Pet, through which spaying or neutering is free or subsidized, based on the owner’s income.
According to statistics from the Toronto Humane Society, 17,000 feral cats could be wandering the city. The numbers come from a first-time analysis from a survey done of cat colony caretakers and data surrounding land use and population density.
The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society and the Ontario SPCA joined forces to provide necessary resources to the First Nations community of Wiikwemkoong. They performed 95 spay and neutering surgeries, and nearly 200 animal wellness exams in three days.
A family in Halifax is warning other dogs owners to be aware of what their dog ingests, especially when they’re outside, because the family lost their 4-year-old Golden Retriever after he ate mushrooms, known as ‘death cap’ or ‘destroying angel.’
The Toronto District School Board is considering installing fenced in dog areas that owners can use after school and on the weekends. The hope is having a separate area will prevent the kids from stepping in dog feces, as dog owners will have a designated place to let their dogs play.
Events of the Month
Toronto, ON - October 1, 2019 - Black Dog Rescue is hosting a paint night fundraiser at Black Lab Brewing. Tickets are $45, and $25 from each ticket sold will go to Black Dog Rescue to help them save dogs’ lives.
Ottawa, ON - October 5, 2019 - It’s An Art Thing is joining forces with Pet Valu Wellington St. W. to host a paint night fundraiser in support of Freedom Dog Rescue. You can paint your own pet on a pre-sketched 12 x 12 canvas. Tickets are $45, and $15 from each registration will go directly to the rescue.
Ottawa, ON - October 6, 2019 - The Ottawa Humane Society is hosting a microchipping clinic for cats and dogs. The chips cost $50 for your first pet, and $25 for each pet thereafter.
Windsor, ON - October 12, 2019 - Second Chance Animal Rescue is hosting an adoption event at Pet Valu Roundhouse from 11-2 p.m.
Mississauga, ON - October 12, 2019 - An adoption event is being held at Pet Valu, featuring Roo Roo Cat Rescue, from 11-4 p.m.
Toronto, ON - October 13, 2019 - Coveted Canines is hosting an adoption event at Delisle Court Pet Valu from 12-2 p.m. You can meet their available dogs, and learn more about getting involved with Coveted Canines.
Dorval, Que. - October 19, 2019 - Animatch is hosting a CPR fundraiser. There will be bilingual instructors teaching CPR courses a Animo Dorval, with all proceeds going towards Animatch. The course, which will teach adult and child CPR, is $55, and a spot must be reserved.
North Hatley, Que. - October 19, 2019 - Frontier Animal Society is hosting a dog walk fundraiser at River Park. There is a suggested donation of $30 per family (you can also sponsor your walk to raise more money, too), and a complimentary light lunch will be served.
Toronto, ON - October 26, 2019 - Redemption Paws is hosting a Halloween party for humans and their pets at The Redwood. There will be costume contests, a bar, and professional photos.
Pets of the Month
