PetLynx announces support of iAdopt campaign

The Ontario SPCA is optimistic about its new adoption campaign, iAdopt for the Holidays. After several years supporting IAMS Home for the Holidays campaign, the Ontario SPCA considered launching its own event, closer to home, that could be refactored to promote adoption during, not just the Christmas season, but holidays all year round. 

With a production site banner promoting the campaign to thousands of daily visitors and an industry invitation to participate, PetLynx has thrown its support behind this avant-garde campaign as it shows promise as an industry-wide and international initiative. Catering to all sectors of the industry including retail; care & control; humane & rescue and health & wellness, the program is available to everyone and celebrates collaboration and sustainability. 

iAdopt will feature personal adoption stories which will be voted on by the general public. The top 10 stories will receive iAdopt packages and the chosen winner will be featured as the poster story for the 2014 campaign. In addition, the iAdopt website 'Resources' page provides program partners, animal welfare organizations and members of the public with campaign promotional tools including Facebook and website banners, ringtones, media releases, posters and colouring pages. 

To date, the 2013 iAdopt for the Holidays campaign has reached more than 750 adoptions. With a simple goal of exceeding last year's 1,280 adoption number during a similar campaign, the program is off to a successful inaugural year. 

iAdopt.ca

iAdopt on Facebook

Lisa Milton featured on Critter Care

Lisa Milton with Robert Church on Critter Care,
November 4, 2013

Summit for Urban Animal Strategies Production Manager, Lisa Milton, starred in a 30 minute segment on Critter Care with Robert Church earlier this month to discuss PetLynx, innovation, the Urban Animal Conferences and the SUAS.

Lisa has been a driving force behind the SUAS, an international event that celebrates animal welfare innovations and promotes mindful pet communities through collaboration between all sectors of the pet industry. 

"It does bring together every sector of the industry," said Robert Church in the interview. "All kinds of people sitting down at the table saying 'how do we work together to solve these issues and raise the bar of animal care across the board'. Because every sector has its issues… and yet animal welfare is everybody's business." 

This segment simply describes the importance of the Summits and Urban Animal Conferences and their significance in bringing about a catalyst for change across the industry. As individual sectors, agencies, organizations and individuals realize the potential that collaboration can bring, we are seeing positive and progressive steps towards creating healthy communities for people and pets. 

"It's about building value into your animal and your pet experience," said Lisa. "If we can do that in any way, though the National Recovery Service, the Summit Conversations, the Summit Awards and most importantly, our partners in the industry, we're building a better experience for the people out there who own animals."

Critter Care with Robert Church is a half hour program airing weekly on Shaw Television Channel 10 in Calgary, Alberta. Every week features different guests and pets sharing their unique brand of animal knowledge. 

PetLand Charities donates $7,500 to Calgary dog park

PetLand Charities of Canada presented the City of Calgary with a cheque for more than $7,500 for the restoration of the Sue Higgins Park which was (and still is) affected by the Calgary Floods. 

In store fundraisers, donations and volunteer clean-ups have contributed to the park's clean up. Parts of the park are still closed and a planned Improvement Project was delayed after the floods last June. 

Sue Higgins Park is a 62-hectare greenspace in Calgary's southeast that offers pathways, hiking trails, a large off-leash area and much more. The mission of the Improvement Project is to enhance the park's natural environment and provide quality and compatible recreational activities by addressing the interests of the key park user groups, including off-leash, regional pathway users and nature enthusiasts. 

This project complies with the City's goals of integrating recreational areas with pet-friendly areas, an initiative presented to Urban Animal subscribers at the Prairie Regional Conference and the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies. 

VIEW THE PRESENTATION

Rogers Communications, NHL reach $5.2 Billion broadcast agreement

Marshal McLuhan

Bet you didn’t see that coming!!

Marshall McLuhan, the great Canadian philosopher of communication said, ‘The medium is the message’. He envisioned a day when a ‘global village’ would exist, not because of connectivity (wire, fiber or radio waves) but because we all have an innate desire to communicate with those around us. He imagined this desire would drive an unparalleled shift in the communication paradigm.

Earlier today, Rogers Communications announced its $5.2 billion bid had won the exclusive rights to broadcast NHL content. It should be a wake up call for everyone. Storytelling has moved across an imaginary line that once separated media from the message. Just as McLuhan foresaw, the NHL agreement with Rogers and the subsidiary partnership with CBC is poised to bring about a huge change for Canada’s largest audience. It is the kind of change that has not been experienced since Canadians gathered round the radio to hear that first Saturday evening broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC) with Foster Hewitt in 1923.

Why is today's announcement important to those of us in the Urban Animal Industry? Because it is a bellwether. This announcement clearly shows the paradigm shift toward central, contiguous portals for specific storytelling is already here. It isn't a big leap to see the importance of a utility like PetLynx that can facilitate storytelling across a specific industry or audience.

McLuhan died in 1980 before seeing the emergence of the Internet but he saw the future with uncanny accuracy. Perhaps some of our friends at Bell may be wishing today they had paid more attention. Owning the HNIC Theme Song does not the leader make. #RogersNHL

- InfoStream Editorial by Larry R. Evans

PetSmart 3rd Quarter keeps company in black

PetSmart, Inc. announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2013 with earnings of $0.88 per share and net income of $92 million. 

Total sales for the quarter increased 4.0% to $1.7 billion. Comparable store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, grew 2.7%, including comparable transactions growth of 0.2%. Service sales, which are included in total sales, grew 5.2% to $184 billion. 

The company generated $107 million in cash flows from operating activities, spent $51 million in capitals expenditures, distributed $17 million in dividends and repurchased $30 million of PetSmart stock. The company ended the quarter with $367 million in cash, cash equiviants and restricted cash and zero borrowings on its credit facility. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Top Dog Randy Valpy achieves industry's top honours

A founding partner of the Urban Animal Program, Randy Valpy recognized the value of a collaborative industry during the first ever Summit for Urban Animal Strategies eight years ago. Since that day, Valpy has made multiple commitments to the program and the industry which validate his strong collaborative goals and resolution to creating healthy communities for people and pets. 

Pets Plus Us "Top Dog" Randy Valpy (left) with
PetLynx president & CEO Larry Evans

As a veteran industry innovator, Valpy continues to develop talent and shares his expertise with the industry and with pet owners through conversation and best practices. He has developed programs to educate pet owners on the cost of care and the importance of a safe and healthy pet and in fact, based his business model on this notion.

In recognition of these efforts, Valpy was awarded with the 2013 Summit Award for Individual Achievement. The Summit for Individual Achievement, sponsored by IAMS Canada, recognizes an individual who is currently active in the companion animal industry and who is well regarded for their achievements.

Former head of Western Financial Insurance Company, Valpy is one of Canada's best known industry leaders. Following his departure from WFIC, Valpy accepted the challenge to create a new pet health insurance division of Royal Sun & Alliance which launched earlier this year - Pets Plus Us. 

"It's an honour to be recognized both personally and for Pets Plus Us for our commitment to pet owners," said Valpy. "We believe that every pet deserves a loving home and proper care but we recognize that pet owners need financial tools and information to help them make decisions. That's why we've created products to enable pet owners to make the best choices for their pets." 

About Pets Plus Us
The Pets Plus Us community includes resources that help pet owners with everything from recovering a lost pet to finding a local dog park to learning more about a specific breed of dog or cat. Pets Plus Us is a place where pet owners can come to ask a vet a question, learn about how to be a responsible pet owner and even post pictures and videos of their four-legged friends. You can join the community of pet owners at petsplusus.com, facebook.com/PetsPlusUsCA and twitter.com/PetsPlusUsCA.

Pets Plus Us is a division of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (RSA), part of the RSA Group of companies in, Canada. RSA is one of Canada’s leading home, auto, travel and commercial insurance providers.

About the Summit Awards

The mission of the Urban Animal Program is to illuminate successful strategies for urban animals and to recognize those who lead the Urban Animal Industry. The Summit Awards are the highest honour conferred upon recipients by the Urban Animal Industry and an essential element for delivering on this mission.
The Summits are presented annually by members of the Urban Animal Program using an academy style system of nominations followed by an election using secret ballots and an electronic process. Winners of the 2013 Summits include individuals, agencies and organizations from all sectors of the urban animal industry.
The 2013 award program demonstrated the greatest level of engagement by members of the Urban Animal Program to date: 56 nominees in 12 categories; 1,642 eligible voters and just under 700 ballots cast. The Summit Awards were announced at the 2013 Summit Awards Gala on Friday, 18 October 2013, in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

In the Dish becomes Dogs Naturally on Air

In the Dish, presented weekly by Planet Paws Pet Essentials owner Rodney Habib, is joining forces with Dana Scott, editor in chief of one of the largest urban animal industry magazines, Dogs Naturally Magazine.

The new podcast, Dogs Naturally on Air will launch late November 2013. 

Planet Paws Pet Essentials was the 2013 recipient of the Retailer Summit Award at the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October. Rodney's continued efforts to promote pet health and nutrition have earned him a significant amount of respect in the urban animal community and his effort to connect with and educate pet families prove his commitment. 

COMING SOON!

Procter and Gamble announces organizational changes

Three long-standing P&G staffers have announced their retirement from the company effective in the New Year. 

Vice Chairman and Advisor to the Chairman and CEO, Dimitri Panayotopoulos, will retire effective January 2, 2014, after 37 years of service. Robert L. Fregolle, Jr. Global Business Development Officer, will retire on June 30, 2014 after more than 36 years with P&G and Chief Technology Officer, Bruce Brown, will retire effective August 31, 2014 after more than 34 years of service.

"These changes demonstrate the depth and strength of P&G's leadership bench," said A.G. Lafley, P&G Chairman of the Board, President and CEO. "Dimitri, Bruce and Bob have each served P&G for more than 34 years and have made a lasting, positive impact on the company." 

Carolyn M. Tastad has been elected Global Customer Business Development Officer in place of Fregolle and Kathleen B. Fish will succeed Brown as Chief Technology Officer. 

In addition, P&G announced that Kirk Perry, currently President-Global Family Care, will leave the company effective Dec. 2 to pursue other interests. Steven D. Bishop, currently Group President - Global Feminine Care, will be named Group President - Global Feminine and Family Care. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

BC SPCA to provide spay/neuter grants to BC communities in 2014

The BC SPCA is offering $87,500 in spay/neuter grants in 2014 to help communities across British Columbia address pet overpopulation concerns. 

Now in its second year, the program allocates funds to registered animal charities and non-profits, municipalities, veterinarians, BC SPCA branches, First Nations governments and First Nations tribal councils. Of this funding, $80,000 is designated for cats and $7,500 for dogs and rabbits. 

Successful applicants for this program must meet specific criteria and be able to administer the grant. The deadline to apply is Feb. 21, 2014.  

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION GUIDE

P&G releases Annual Sustainability Report

Procter & Gamble released its 15th annual Sustainability Report, demonstrating its commitment to helping people around the world live better and more sustainably through an integrated approach to environmental and social responsibility. The report ncludes P&G's sustainability results from the past fiscal year and progress updates on the company's environmental and social responsibility goals for 2020. 

This year, P&G reported absolute reductions in waste, water, CO₂ and energy - all four of the company's major manufacturing footprints. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

VIEW THE FULL REPORT

Louisiana inmates trained in shelter animal care

Torrance Hornsby holds Brittney 

ahead of the

dog’s examination.

Dixon Correctional Institute in East Feliciana Parish, has teamed up with the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine to train inmates in the daily care of shelter animals.

The LSU SVM Shelter Medicine Program services animal shelters and feral cat populations on prison grounds using one faculty veterinarian, a shelter medicine fellow, fourth-year veterinary students and trained and prison inmates. 

The Dixon grounds is home to Pen Pals, a no-kill animal shelter, that was constructed after the institute took in several displaced animals during Hurricane Katrina. 

Pen Pals is one of three prisons in the region that participate in LSU's shelter medicine program. Six prisoners work with, and learn from, LSU students. Since its opening in August of 2010, hundreds of dogs an cats have been adopted from the shelter.

Funding was provided by the Humane Society of the United States as part of a multimillion-dollar effort to improve the animal care infrastructure in Louisiana and Mississippi with, not only a holding facility and a clinic for basic animal care, but also a facility that could serve in future emergencies as an overflow shelter. 

For more information, read WITHIN PRISON WALLS - JAVMA News

iAdopt 4 the Holidays

The Ontario SPCA launched its first annual holiday adoption campaign at the beginning of November which aims to educate the public about the importance of choosing pet adoption as their first option when brining home a new family member. 

Ontario SPCA branches across the province are participating in the iAdopt 4 the Holidays campaign, which will run from 1 November to 31 December 2013. With more than 400 animals adopted in the first three weeks, OSPCA senior manager of Animal Welfare and Operations says the goal for this year is to adopt more animals than a similar campaign held in 2012 in which 1,280 animals found homes for the holidays.

In an OSPCA Animal's Voice podcast interview, senior manager of Animal Welfare and Operations Tonya Martin said that while the campaign is heavily weighted with Ontario SPCA branches, she hopes it will be come a cross-Canada movement. 

"This is our first year, we definitely want to see it move every year and grow and grow," she said. "The more animals to get homed the better." 

The iAdopt 4 the Holidays program will run every year from November 1 to December 31. By way of education and outreach, iAdopt 4 the Holidays encourages those considering a pet, to adopt from their local animal organization. 

This campaign is open to SPCAs and humane societies across Canada.

iAdopt 4 the Hoildays

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ASPCA announces 2013 Humane Awards Winners

The ASPCA's annual Humane Awards Luncheon will be held today in New York City to honour and recognize special animals and individuals who made a positive and lasting impact during the past year. 

In 2013, a group of outstanding animals and people including a remarkable pit bull, an inspiring young animal advocate and a therapeutic feline are among the Award winners. 

"This year's Humane Awards winers not only exemplify our mission of preventing cruelty to animals, but bring greater awareness to the unique and meaningful bond between humans and their pets," said ASPCA president and CEO Matthew Bershadker. "We're humbled by their achievements and their dedication to the voiceless and vulnerable animals who bring us so much joy." 

Following a nationwide public call for nominations, an ASPCA-appointed committee reviewed hundreds of entries and selected winners in six categories. 

VIEW 2013 HUMANE AWARD WINNERS

PetSmart elects Elizabeth Nickels to BOD

Executive Director of the Herman Miller Foundation, Elizabeth Nickels, was unanimously elected to the PetSmart Inc. Board of Directors when a vacancy was created. 

The decision, made Monday, November 18, will see Nickels join the 2013 class of directors. She will also be eligible for re-election to the Board by the company's stockholders at the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Nickels has held several executive positions with Herman Miller for the past 12 years as well as with various other organizations. 

"Elizabeth Nickels brings a great deal of corporate knowledge and experience," said David Lenhardt, CEO of PetSmart. "We welcome Ms. Nickels to the Board and look forward to working with her." 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Toronto Animal Services staff recognized for homing efforts

Eric Coulson (Pets Plus Us) & 
James McLean (Toronto Animal Services)

Toronto Animal Services has been a major player in the Urban Animal industry. Their municipal licensing compliance rates, mobile chip truck and collaboration with local cat TNR groups has earned them respect within the Care and Control sector and across the entire industry.

James McLean, Animal Control Officer with TAS, secured the esteem of his colleagues for his drive and commitment to homeless dogs, not only at work but also during his free time. For this, McLean was presented with a 2013 Summit Award for Homing during the 2013 Summit Award Tour in October. 

His nominator, Animal Services veterinarian Esther Attard, who received the 2012 Summit Award for Individual Achievement, said McLean is a great resource for Toronto Animal Services and is often called upon to find homes for some harder to place animals. 

"James is a remarkable individual who devotes his work and home life to rehoming as many animals as he possibly can," she said. "He has developed a barn program for cats and can even find a spot for chickens, ducks and doves. The mill dogs are his latest triumph - he can see past their hopelessness and has the ability to match them up with incredible people for a truly storybook ending." 

The 2013 Summit for Homing, sponsored by IAMS Canada, recognizes an organization that demonstrates innovation, commitment and success in the homing of animals through adoption, sale, return-to-owner, rehoming and/or fostering programs.   

OSPCA demonstrates exceptional Community Compliance

Eric Coulson (Pets Plus Us) and Tonya Martin (OSPCA)

Nearly five years ago, the Ontario SPCA opened its first high volume spay/neuter clinic in Newmarket, Ontario. Later that year following unprecedented demand, it opened its second in Barrie. Right away, the clinics received hundreds of calls daily as the pet-owning public sought a low-cost, high quality option to sterilize their animals. 

When demand continued to rise, the OSPCA opened another clinic in Lincoln County in December 2012. As a group, the three clinics have sterilized more than 44,000 animals since 2009 and succeeded in reducing province-wide cat intake by 18%. 

For their successes, the Ontario SPCA was invited to speak during the 2013 Central Regional Conference's Regional Innovation Showcase. From there, delegates nominated the presentation to share at the 2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies. Additionally, the Ontario SPCA was awarded a 2013 Summit Award for Community Compliance which recognizes efforts to increase the overall level of compliance in a community from the development of best practices or codes of ethical conduct in the area of licensing, identification, spay/neuter, wellness, recreation, breeding or standards of care. 

"Pet overpopulation is a community problem. Each year, tens of thousands of dogs and cats end up on the streets, where they fall victim to neglect and abuse, or in shelters in search of new homes. Spaying and neutering can reduce shelter intake and euthanasia in your community," Alison Cross, Ontario SPCA 

Tonya Martin, senior manager of Animal Welfare and Operations at the OSPCA, was presented with the award during the 2013 Summit Award Tour by award sponsor Pets Plus Us. Clinic stakeholders are confident this measure can help reduce and possibly eliminate the cat overpopulation crisis affecting many Ontario communities. 

Cattery celebrated for industry achievements with Breeder Summit Award

Trysh Tolhrst (Bundas Bengal Cattery) & 
Larry R. Evans (PetLynx Corporation)

When the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies initiated a conversation to define a ‘breeder code of ethical conduct’ one of the most influential resources was Trysh Tolhurst, who had established a breeder certification program for PJ’s Pets. 

Despite the industry confusion around the reselling of pets, Trysh was instrumental in creating a program for PJ’s breeders that ensured a supply of certified puppies and kittens for PJ’s clients. These animals were some of the best bred, health certified and socialized animals available to people in the communities served by this retailer. Trysh had taken the time to research the existing Breeder and Kennel codes in Canada and then added warranties and other enhancement that ensured a successful homing experience for the animals in her program. 

During the 2013 Summit Awards Tour in October, Trysh was presented with an award which pays tribute to her extensive work for and with Urban Animals.  Sponsored by Pets Plus Us, the Summit Award for Breeder recognizes a breeder of companion animals with five or more years of experience that is compliant with codes of ethical conduct and who demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to the industry. Five finalists vied for the industry's highest highest award in the category of breeder, Trysh received 60% of ballots cast. 

While breeding standards are an important aspect of Trysh’s legacy in this industry, her involvement in both feline and canine breeding are also commendable. In the Canine area Trysh was involved with the Germain Shepherd breed serving up noteworthy animals with respect to disposition and confirmation. In the Feline area Trysh is still involved with the breeding of Bengals with her breeding organization, Bundas Bengal Cattery, where she continues to improve the standards and experience for those who receive her kittens into their home. 

Calgary Bylaw Services and CHS seek to promote positive pet experience

The Calgary Humane Society and City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services are teaming up to provide local dog owners with a rare opportunity. 

The partnership will host two free dog training sessions this weekend with certified dog trainers, sharing and demonstrating tips and techniques with Calgary dog owners and their dogs. 

"Calgary Humane Society is thankful for the opportunity to be partnering with Animal & Bylaw Services on this project to help improve the human/animal bond and increase positive interactions at dog parks and off leash areas with humane and effective training," said Barbara Walmer, Department Head of Behavior at CHS. "Proper training helps owners by giving them the techniques they need to minimize undesirable behaviours and encourage appropriate behavior." 

Walmer will be at Egerts Park on November 16 from noon to 2 p.m. and Kristy Pearson, also a certified trainer with CHS, will be at Bowmont Park on November 17 from 1-3 p.m. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

2013 Innovation Showcase awarded Summit for Product or Service Innovation

Captain John Landry & Angela Poirier

A unique and thoughtful initiative developed through a collaborative effort between the Nova Scotia SPCA and the Nova Scotia Department of Justice has helped save the lives of dozens of shelter dogs and more than likely, a few prison inmates. 

Working On Our Future (WOOF) was first introduced to the Urban Animal Program during the 2013 Innovation Showcase at the Halifax Regional Conference. The program received 34% of ballots cast during the nomination process and was awarded the 2013 Summit award for Product or Service Innovation for developing a program which pairs dogs and offenders for social and behavioural development that achieves mutual benefit. The award, sponsored by Novartis, recognizes an innovative product or service that improves the quality of life for people and pets in homes, in communities or in industry sector(s). 

Program stakeholders Captain John Landry and Angela Porier with the N.S. Department of Justice were presented with the award at the 2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October. But when the 2013 Summit Awards Tour stopped in Halifax, additional collaborators were rallied to pay tribute to their efforts. 

Left to Right: Elizabeth Murphy (NS SPCA),
Captain John Landry (NS Dept. of Justice), Angela Poirier (NS
Department of Justice), Kristin Williams (NS SPCA), 
Sean Kelley (Director of Correctional Services),
Amy MacCrae (trainer)

PBI-Gordon Acquires PetAg

PBI-Gordon Corporation's Consumer Animal Products business unit is increasing its industry footprint with the acquisition of pet healthcare product company PetAg, Inc. through an acquisition of all shares of the company's stock. 

As the two successful brands are integrated, pet professionals are assured all pet healthcare products will continue to feature the same quality ingredients. PBI-Gordon Corporation is committed to building on the existing PetAg product line, developing a complete healthcare regimen for pets at every stage of life. 

With this acquisition, PBI-Gordon adds a broad portfolio of new nutritional supplements and healthcare products to its existing range, offering a more comprehensive line of healthcare solutions for pet parents. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

A Lifetime of Urban Animal Achievement Celebrated

Keith Burgess, Paul Melanson

For more than a decade dedicated to the welfare of urban animals and communities, former New Brunswick Chief Animal Protection Officer, Paul Edward Melanson, received national recognition from his peers in the shape of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Summit Award. 

The Summit Award for Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by PetLynx, recognizes an individual who has earned the honour and respect of peers in the Urban Animal Industry for achievements in their field of endeavour. Melanson was presented personally with his award when the 2013 Summit Award Tour stopped in Cambridge, Ontario. 

Melanson joined the NBSPCA in 1999 as the organization was undergoing an intense period of renewal and professionalization. In 2000, after several years of negotiating with the Provincial Government, a revised provincial SPCA Act was proclaimed that gave the Society and its officers additional enforcement authority and responsibility. Melanson was recruited by the NBSPCA to become Chief APO (also with the title Chief Inspector) for the Province, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. 

"We had the privilege of working with Paul for many years and always appreciated his broad vision and tenacity to do what needed to be done.  Despite countless barriers Paul always stayed the course and achieved great things for the welfare of his staff and the animals of New Brunswick," Susan Dankert, PIJAC Canada.

During his tenure as Chief, Melanson implemented Standard Operating Procedures and specialized officer training, increased staff and animal safety and lobbied the provincial government for tougher animal protection legislation. Melanson worked  tirelessly to build relationships with the provincial police, RCMP, and crown prosecutors to fight for stronger animal protection legislation and better support for the NBSPCA. Despite severe financial challenges and a seemingly indifferent government, Melanson's efforts paid off when, in June 2010, the Province of New Brunswick introduced legislation to license and regulate pet establishments, a first in Canada.

           

AWASCO receives 2013 Sheltering summit

Kathy Innocente, AWASCO (left) and 
Chrissy Gaetan, Petsecure (right)

Local collaboration and shared opportunity in south central Ontario has been recognized at a national level by the Urban Animal Program. 

The Summit Award for sheltering, sponsored by Petsecure, recognizes an organization that best addresses the care of animals in shelters, pounds, retail outlets, kennels, veterinary clinics/hospitals, grooming shops and breeding facilities. In 2013, the Animal Welfare Agency of South Central Ontario (AWASCO) was presented with this prestigious award at the second of four cross-Canada stops on the 2013 Summit Award Tour in Cambridge, Ontario.

In July 2012, the Ontario SPCA Perth Branch officially merged with the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (KWHS) creating the new Animal Welfare Agency of South Central Ontario. The communities of Perth County, Kitchener-Waterloo and North Waterloo Region are still served by their local shelters as well as the regional branches operating as Stratford-Perth Humane Society and the KWHS. These two branches share resources, senior staff and expertise providing new opportunities to cooperate and collaborate in providing better and expanded services to the communities within these two regions and shelter, care and protection for its animals. 

With 54% of ballots cast, AWASCO was recognized and rewarded by the Urban Animal industry for completing the amalgamation of the Perth and Kitchener-Waterloo agencies and for increasing the live release rate of the organization to 90%. As of August 31, 2013, AWASCO had reached its goal of increasing adoptions by 87% and decreasing euthanasia by 192%. 

Calgary Humane seeks POV

The Calgary Humane Society launched a new series on its blog last week that seeks points of view from the urban animal community.

The "My POV" series is an attempt to allow people to tell their stories and give people a fresh take on animal welfare. This concept ties in closely with the Pet Experience initiative as it seeks to understand the episodes and experiences of pet families and pet communities. 

The first post in the series "Why I adopted a 17-year-old cat" not only shares the tale of a local family opening their home to another cat but promotes adoption of senior cats. 

WHY I ADOPTED A 17-YEAR-OLD CAT

Remembering Animals of War

This Remembrance Day, we remember and honour the men and women who have risked or lost their lives in times of war. While doing so, we also recognize the contriubtions and sacrifices of the millions of war animals. 

BC SPCA - Remembering the Animals of War

The Mascot (3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion)Photo Credit

Dogs of war: canines key to saving lives in Afghan war

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Library and Archives Canada
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Library and Archives Canada
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