Kelsey Birtch Receives Emerging Leader Award

Kelsey Birtch happily accepted the 2015 Emerging Leader Award for her work with the City of Vancouver Animal Services.

She is a full-time Licensing Liaison and her position includes attending community engagement functions to promote the benefits of dog licensing. Birtch also has specialized promotional items used as licensing incentives. The City of Vancouver believes she has been "instrumental in starting to change the public perception."

“I have been loving all the amazing people and animals I’ve been meeting and am looking forward to the many more opportunities out there,” Birtch tells InfoStream.

Recently Ms. Birtch also began assistant teaching a course in Langara College Vancouver’s Professional Dog Walker Program.

The Emerging Leader Scholarships were launched in 2010 to illuminate the up and coming leaders in the pet industry. The goal is to grant these emerging leaders the opportunity to network with current leaders and gain executive insight into their sector. The Emerging Leader program illuminates future leaders for the benefit of organizations who wish to hire emerging talent.

 

The 2015 IRED Scholarship Competition was made possible with grants from:

• PIJAC Canada
• Petsecure/Western Financial Corporation
• Kijiji Canada
• Ontario SPCA
• CDMV Inc
• Petland Superstores
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Summit 2015 Claims

Sunday November 15, 2015 was the deadline for delegate and scholarship claims arising from Summit 2015. 

The claims received from delegates and those eligible for scholarships totaled $22,533.03. Urban Animal continues to seek the return of deposits and to gather contributions to allow complete reimbursement of these claims.

In October, Urban Animal reported that claims from delegates and those receiving scholarships for Summit 2015 could exceed $51,000. The fact that so many were able to contribute expenses and fees to the program is remarkable and would seem to be a testament to the support Urban Animal enjoys.

The Summit Awards program has now been completed and the Awards are on the way to each recipient by Express Post. Photo Ops with members of the Urban Animal Council will be arranged in each local area where possible. Readers may search 'Summit Award' in the InfoStream search area above (sort by date) to see recipient announcements they may have missed.

The plan to complete the IRED Scholarship Competition for the 2015 Innovator, 2015 Researcher, 2015 Emerging Leader and 2015 Digital Journalist will be announced shortly. Completion of the 2015 IRED Scholarship Competition is made possible with grants from:

• PIJAC Canada
• Petsecure/Western Financial Corporation
• Kijiji Canada
• Ontario SPCA
• CDMV Inc
• Petland Superstores
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

2015 Summit Award Winner - Pet Owner

The Pet Owner of the Year Summit recognizes a pet owner that has demonstrated a mindful approach to pet ownership and the ability to think beyond themselves to create a better environment for all urban animals. Our winner this year is…

Brad Tanner

Brad Tanner has been a dog lover all of his life. He owns a boarding kennel in his hometown of Fort St. John and raises and works Redbone Coonhounds. He was nominated for building an interconnected network of pet owners to support each other and prevent pet theft.

In February of this year (2015) his family pet, Chocco, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, was stolen from his property and later found shot. Recognizing a gap in guidance and services for pet owners facing a similar tragedy, Brad launched into action and learned that pet theft is a world-wide problem across North America, Europe and Australia.

Using his own personal resources, he put together five events in six months throughout BC and Alberta to raise awareness about pet theft. According to local RCMP authorities, Brad’s unique approach has made a difference in the rate of reported attempted thefts and a few stolen dogs have even been returned anonymously after receiving intense media attention. Brad’s efforts have undoubtedly improved the wellbeing of pets and people in many communities across BC and Alberta. He has provided support and hope for those whose pets have been stolen, and his awareness campaign has prompted owners to be more watchful and careful in keeping an eye on their pets. Brad intends to grow this network of pet owners across Canada.

Urban Animal is grateful to Pets Plus Us for sponsoring the 2015 Summit Awards.

2015 Summit Award Winner - Breeder

The Summit Award for Breeder of the Year recognizes a breeder of companion animals with five or more years of breeding experience that is compliant with recognized codes of ethical conduct or the Urban Animal Certified Quality Mark and demonstrates an exemplary level of professionalism. Our winner this year, with 73% of the vote, is...

Dawne Deeley, TsarShadow Karelian Bear Dogs

Dawn acquired her first Karelian Bear Dog in 1991 and by 1997, her Danish import had attained the position of No. 6 all-breed dog in Canada. Since then, dogs bred under Dawne’s ‘TsarShadow’ have won numerous World, European and Nordic titles.

Today, Dawne occupies her time working for various all-breed magazines and shaping the futures of the up-and-comers in her kennel. The recipient of a 2009 Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, she provides regular columns and international features for Dogs in Review. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Dog Legislative Council of Canada, World Dog Press Association and Canadian Kennel Club Foundation.

In 2005 Finland’s President Tarja Halonen awarded Dawne one of Finland’s highest civic honors, the Cross of Merit of The Order Of The Lion, for “devoted service ... through the promotion and advancement of Finno-Canadian relations through journalism, and for the protection and preservation of the Carelian Bear Dog.”

Urban Animal is grateful to Pets Plus Us for sponsoring the 2015 Summit Awards.

2015 Summit Award Winner - Distinguished Service Provider

The Summit for Distinguished Service Provider of the Year recognizes a service provider that has achieved a remarkable impact on the lives of people and pets within a community. Our winner this year is...

Karl Braun, Run Free Canine Centre

With 63% of the votes for an above and beyond approach to dog kenneling, the Run Free Canine Centre is a boarding kennel with athletic and high energy dogs in mind.

There are 2.5 grassy acres fenced in for daytime running and exercising and, once the day is done, each dog has their own large, warm and dry sleeping quarters. They have a Hydrotherapy pool for clients that need extra healing services and are set up to practice and train for the sport of Flyball.

Urban Animal is grateful to Pets Plus Us for sponsoring the 2015 Summit Awards.

2015 Summit Award Winner - Community

The Summit for Community of the Year recognizes achievements to create a more pet friendly environment with the implementation of a best practice in licensing, identification, wellness, recreation, public spaces, housing, tourism or standards of care. Our winner this year is...

The Corporation for the District of North Vancouver

For taking steps to ensure a safe community for both pets and people by inserting Commercial Dog Walking Regulations into its Bylaws, the District of North Vancouver won the award with 35% of the votes.

These regulations ensure that a person acting as a commercial dog walker has some of the necessary requirements to protect pets and people, such as a written history of the pet and proper identification.

Some of the Regulations that Apply to Commercial Dog-Walkers:

• Every Commercial Dog Walker must keep a Client Dog that he or she has not walked before on a leash at all times
• Every Commercial Dog Walker must keep each Client Dog under control at all times, and must not permit Client Dogs to jump on other people or chase or accost another animal
• Every Commercial Dog Walker must carry a leash and have a collar for each Client Dog he or she is walking
• Every Commercial Dog Walker must immediately remove and carry, for later disposal, any dog excrement left by a Client Dog
• Every Dog Walking Business must ensure it obtains a written history of each Client Dog on the form provided by the District, before a Client Dog is walked by the Dog Walking Business or a Commercial Dog Walker
• Every Commercial Dog Walker must have read and be familiar with the history, as provided in subsection 8.7(g) of each Client Dog he or she walks, including any history of aggressive behaviour
• Every Commercial Dog Walker and Dog Walking Business must keep a Client Dog, which displays or has displayed aggressive behaviour, on a leash at all times while in a public place
• All dogs under the control of Commercial Dog Walkers must be on a leash for the first 50 metres from park and trail entrances
• All dogs under the control of Commercial Dog Walkers shall have an ID tag showing the name of the Client Dog, and the name and telephone number of the dog’s owner
• Commercial Dog Walkers shall not walk their Client Dogs in close proximity of another Commercial Dog Walker.
  
  

  

  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  Urban Animal is grateful to Pets Plus Us for sponsoring the 2015 Summit Awards.

2015 Summit Award Winner - Sheltering

The Sheltering Summit recognizes an organization that has improved the care and handling of animals in transition (recovery, intervention, transfer). This year our winner is....

France Dubois, S.P.C.A. de l'Outaouais (SPCAO)

The SPCAO won this award with 57.3% of the votes for their 92% successful adoption rate, achieved through adoption partners and special events as well as other partnerships and programs designed to rehome urban animals.

The Gatineau SPCA serves more than 300,000 people in over 25 municipalities of the Outaouais region. Through their work with in-house adoptions, external adoption partners and special event adoptions they have been able to deeply impact the welfare of animals in the Outaouais region. Beyond their local work they are also part of a 15 affiliate member group which works to accommodate animals around the province, giving them the best chance for finding homes. This is illustrated by their 92% success rate - an outstanding percentage for a shelter with unlimited entries.

The SPCAO believes in working with others to develop solutions facing Quebec’s pet population. They collaborate with other agencies in an effort to improve the wellbeing of pets on a larger scale. This is demonstrated by their tireless efforts on the working group for the improvement of the health and safety of animals with QC Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food as well as their presence on the Boards of the Quebec Association of SPA-SPCA and the BEA Foundation (Animal Well Being).

Urban Animal is grateful to Pets Plus Us for sponsoring the 2015 Summit Awards.

2015 Summit Award Winner Lifetime Achievement

 

The Lifetime Achievement Summit recognizes an individual whose achievements have garnered the honor and respect of their peers in the Alliance for Urban Animals. This year our winner is...

James H. Bandow

James H. Bandow is being recognized for decades of service to the care & control sector of the Urban Animal Industry.

He was trained in small animal management in Europe and worked in small animal management in Germany, Denmark, the USA and Canada for 21 years. Prior to joining the animal care and control field in 1973, he owned and/or managed a number of animal production operations, and was involved in client training and product marketing and promotion. 

Mr. Bandow’s impressive resume includes:

• General Manager, City of Toronto Animal Control Services (1989 - 1999).
• Executive Director, Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (1984 -1989), Ottawa, Ont.
• General Manager, Hamilton SPCA ( 1980 -1984)
• Operations Supervisor, Investigator/Inspector, Hamilton SPCA (1973 - 1980)
• Owner/Operator of James H. Bandow & Associates (1989 - 2011) - providing consultation and training services to the animal care and control field in North America
• Executive Secretary of the Association of Animal Shelter Administrators of Ontario (1999-2007)
• Executive Director of Canadian Association for Humane Trapping (1999-2013)
• CAHT Representative to the National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice for Mink and Farmed Fox Development Committee (2012-2014).

Mr. Bandow has been involved in a variety of animal organizations and is an honourary member and past president of the Association of Animal Shelter Administrators of Ontario (AASAO). He is an honourary member and past president of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) in the USA, and, in fact, was the first Canadian Board member of the Society. Mr. Bandow is a past director of the Human Animal Bond Association of Canada (HABAC), as well as a current director of the Canadian Association for Humane Trapping (CAHT). He is a past member of the National Animal Control Association (NACA) in the USA, and of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers.

2015 Summit Awards Revealed by InfoStream

Urban Animal is pleased to advise the completion of the Summit Awards program. Urban Animal has engaged CW Communications to complete this project. During the next two weeks the 2015 Summit Awards will be revealed each day using InfoStream. The 2015 Summit Awards will then be turned over to local representatives of Pets Plus Us, the 2015 Sponsor, for delivery and presentation where possible.

For ten years the Summit Awards have represented the recognition component of the Urban Animal program in North America. Nominees for the Summits include individuals and organizations active in the Urban Animal Industry. Nominations are confirmed by the Urban Animal Action Council, who review the nominations, voting, process and results to ensure the established criteria are met and that no nominating or voting irregularities are present. The decision of the Action Council with respect to these matters is final.

This year's award program signified the most involvement from urban animal subscribers to date, with 35 nominees in 12 categories and an outstanding 16,144 ballots cast in the process. Thank you to everyone who nominated, voted and helped recognize the initiatives and accomplishments of all the nominees.

Continue to read InfoStream as we announce the winners of:

Breeder

Collaborators

Communicator

Community

Distinguished Service Provider

Homing

Individual Achievement

Lifetime Achievement

Pet Owner

Retailer

Sheltering

and Wellness Summit Awards.

UA 'Selfies' and Candid Pictures - Add 15-20 Seconds of Fame

Two weeks to Summit 2015. Urban Animal is celebrating 10 years of the wonderful things accomplished in this industry. 

Please send your memorable Summit pictures for the highlight reel.

OR

Celebrating 165 years of Service

Grab your smart phone and make a 'selfie' that can be played during the breaks, meals and receptions at Summit 2015. 

Create 15-20 seconds about Urban Animal:

• Bring a good thought
• Add a Memorable Moment
• Illuminate an influence
• Highlight a Relationship

Production notes:

• Focus on the message
• Choose an unusual background
• Walk while you talk
• Add a favorite four legged friend

Send your selfie with the subject line 'UA Selfie' to Shannon Woodward

Summit Award Poll FOUR - Current Leaders

The current leaders in Poll FOUR of the 2015 YourSay™ Summit Awards are identified below. Those who haven't yet voted, can still honour industry nominees by clicking on the VOTE NOW link below:

Sheltering
There are TWO nominations in this category: 
85.6% Mackenzie Blackburn - Parkland County Animal Shelter
14.4% France Dubois - S.P.C.A. de l'Outaouais

Individual Achievement
There are THREE nominations in this category: 
39.1% Heather Brown  
11.7% Dr. Karen Becker
49.2% Judanna Dawn

VOTE NOW

In 2015, Urban Animal presents the tenth annual Summit Awards program by inviting the public to vote on Summit nominations. Please use the following link (copy and paste) to share this poll through email, websites and social media and other digital channels. Please note, you must use this EXACT link!

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ebl6su8nievk00d2/start

Poll FOUR closes Wednesday, 30 September at midnight MST. 

REVIEW NOMINATIONS

* All nominations are subject to the discretion of the Program Manager and Urban Animal Action Council. Nominations may be moved between categories if the merit discussion is better suited to another category. 

**Unless there is a clear distinction between submissions, nominees are only eligible in one category per year. Duplicate nominations found in more than one category will be vetted and placed into the single category that best suits the criteria.  

Get the Facts, Have YourSAY™, Move the Industry.

The 10th Annual Summit for Urban Animal Strategies Convenes in Kananaskis

Three weeks from today, thought leaders of the global Urban Animal industry will convene for Summit 2015 in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. 

Earlier this summer, Lisa Milton, Urban Animal Event Producer together with loyal four-legged Alumni 'Squish' traveled to Kananaskis to inspect venues and the surrounding territory. The result is a 'Squish' approved property much closer to the Calgary Airport. 

The Delta Lodge at Kananaskis is an hour away from the Calgary Airport, has daily transfer services, is pet friendly and has a stellar reputation for supporting international summits. The recent purchase of this property by the Pomeroy Group and a commitment to add millions of dollars of upgrades and services suggests this venue could serve the Urban Animal program for the long term.

Kananaskis Provincial Park is one of the premiere recreational sites in Western Canada. Guests of Summit 2015 will enjoy added recreational features at this facility and other venues close by. The Nakiska Ski area, Rafter Six Ranch and the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino are all in close proximity to the Lodge.

Squish inspecting Barrier Lake

Summit Delegates should stay tuned to InfoStream for program updates and information articles.

Squish cordially invites all Alumni (2 and 4 legged) to join her at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis for Summit 2015. 

Delegates are invited to complete their registration and update personal requests at SUMMIT 2015.

Lodge confirmations will be emailed to delegates and all delegate requests will be turned over to the Delta concierge one week before the Summit. 

Please contact Urban Animal program manager, Shannon Woodward for further assistance.

Summit Award Poll TWO now OPEN!

Poll ONE is now closed (thank you for your votes!) making way for Poll TWO. This second of four polls in the 2015 Summit Awards program elects the Summit Award winners for the following categories:

BREEDER 

PET OWNER

WELLNESS

In 2015, Urban Animal presents the tenth annual Summit Awards program by inviting the public to vote on Summit nominations. Please use the following link (copy and paste) to share this poll through email, websites and social media and other digital channels: 

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ebi3gvtxie4erc9b/start

Review all Nominations

VOTE NOW!!

This survey will close Wednesday, 16 September at midnight MST. Finalists will be announced early October and winners will be announced during the 2015 Summit Awards Gala, 16 October.

The 2015 Summit Award elections will be accomplished in four polls of 2-3 categories. Each poll will take about 3 minutes. Voting for the 2015 Summit Awards is by secret ballot using the YourSAY™ electronic polling system. 

Summit 2015 Polling Schedule: 

Poll 1 (Distinguished Service Provider, Retailer, Community): Sept. 3 - 9

Poll 2 (Pet Owner, Wellness, Breeder): Sept. 10 - 16

Poll 3 (Collaborators, Homing, Lifetime Achievement): Sept. 17 - 23

Poll 4 (Communication, Sheltering, Individual Achievement): Sept. 24 - 30

The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies has developed an overnight package for those who live close by or plan to be in the area on Friday, 16 October. Please contact Shannon Woodward for details.  

* All nominations are subject to the discretion of the Program Manager and Urban Animal Action Council. Nominations may be moved between categories if the merit discussion is better suited to another category. 

** Unless there is a clear distinction between submissions, nominees are only eligible in one category per year. Duplicate nominations found in more than one category will be vetted and placed into the single category that best suits the criteria.  

Get the Facts, Have YourSAY™, Move the Industry.