Summit 2014 Confers the Urban Animal Industry's Highest Honour

The Urban Animal Program mission is to illuminate successful strategies for urban animals and to provide recognition for those who lead.

The Summit Awards are an essential element of delivering on this mission. The Summits are presented annually by the Urban Animal Subscribers using an academy style system of nominations followed with an election by secret ballot.

Winners of the 2014 Summits include individuals, agencies and organizations from all sectors of the urban animal industry. This year's award program signified the most involvement from urban animal subscribers to date. With 37 nominees in 12 categories and just under 5,000 ballots cast in the process.

2014 Summit Award Winners:

The Summit for Breeder 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.

And the winner is... Sybille Brochu, Ellibyse Puppies with 80% of the votes for her dedication to animal health and educating breeders. The Ellibyse Puppies facility is regularly inspected by vets and received a perfect MAPAQ score.

The Communicator Summit recognizes an organization that develops a concept and successfully delivers compelling content to promotes a better environment for urban animals.

And the winner is... Rodney Habib, Planet Paws Pet Essentials with 19.8% of the votes for his success in pet nutrition blogging and social media.

The Collaboration Summit recognizes the efforts of two or more organizations (service providers) that work collaboratively to create a healthier environment for urban animals.

And the winners are... Margaret Slater & Stephanie McDonald, ASPCA & Edmonton Humane Society with 48.9% of the votes for the research completed at the Edmonton Humane Society by ASPCA's Dr. Margaret Slater which confirmed that fee-waived cat adoptions are just as successful and valued as those that come with a price tag.

The Summit for Community 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.

And the winner is... Bonnie Isenberg, Ft. Saint John Animal Control with 27.5% for taking the care and control sector to a new level of animal welfare. Officer of safety and community education.

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

And the winner is... Heather Brown, Playful Paws with 64.5% for her open-door doggy daycare policy. Playful Paws frequently opens its doors to local rescue organizations to help socialize dogs and promote them for adoption as well as provide much needed space for large transports of rescued dogs entering Halifax.

The Homing Summit recognizes an organization that achieves success placing animals in appropriate environments for animals and people through innovative adoption, sale, return-to-owner, re-homing or fostering programs.

And the winner is... Risa Weinstock, New York City Animal Care & Control with 59% of the votes for developing its first mobile adoption center. The vehicle brings shelter dogs and cats to previously unreachable New Yorkers looking to adopt through five boroughs.

The Summit for Individual Achievement recognizes an individual who is currently active in the urban animal industry and is well regarded for their achievements to improve the experience of pets and people. Preference will be shown for those who actively mentor the development of leaders and professionalism in the industry.

And the winner is... Erica Coomber, Alberta Animal Services with 65.5% of the votes for the adoption and re-homing programs with outside rescue agencies and pets stores in Central Alberta to maximize adoption levels.

The Lifetime Achievement recognizes an individual whose achievements has garnered the honor and respect of their peers in the Alliance for Urban Animals.

And the winner is... Stephen Ettinger, by acclamation. Not only did Ettinger co-found the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, helped establish the Berkeley Veterinary Medical Group but he also published the "Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine," the gold standard in veterinary medical texts.  

The Retailer Summit recognizes an organization in the retail sector that has achieved a remarkable relationship with pet families and has improved the experience of pets and people in the community (ies) they serve.

And the winner is... Brenda Kozub, Tisol Pet Nutrition and Supply with 46.4% of the votes for its work with local charities. Tisol helps pet families in need through its Pet Food Bank program, in-store donation boxes for spay/neuter programs, medical care and other needs. Tisol also raises funds for elementary schools for various programs.

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

And the winner is... Jim DeBoon, Klassic Kennels with 75.9% of the votes for his commitment to animals re-homing and return to owner programs in Central Alberta

The Wellness Summit recognizes the efforts of an organization to improve the overall levels of health and wellness for urban animals in a specific community, area of intervention or industry sector.

And the winner is... Medric Cousineau, Paws Fur Thought with 40.2% of the votes for his efforts with PTSD Service Dogs. By educating all levels of government, landlords and business owners, pet industry staff and the general public, Cpt. Cousineau has improved the working and living conditions for both dogs and their handlers.

The Pet Owner 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.

And the winner is... Susan Thixton with 60.95% of the votes for providing a nutritious voice for pet owners. Through her blogs, newsletters and books, Thixton has been an inspiration to many around the world.

The Summit for Innovator of the Year recognizes an innovative product or service that improves the quality of life for people and pets in homes, in communities or industry sector(s). 

And the winner is... Medric Cousineau and Paws Fur Thought with 79.1% of the votes.  


In addition to tonight's Summit Awards, the 2014 Research Poster was crowned. The Research Poster program invites researchers working in Urban Animal communities to discover what drives people and pets to live and interact the way they do. 

And the winner is... Taryn Graham with 56% her poster on Housing and Health Equity: Pet-related restrictions and surcharges in Calgary’s rental market 

Congratulations to all winners and nominees!!! 

Public Polling to Determine the Best and Brightest

The Urban Animal Summit Awards program illuminates successes occurring in urban municipalities across North America and provides recognition for those who lead.

In 2014, Urban Animal presents and expands the ninth annual Summit Awards program by allowing Nominees and Nominators to develop social media campaigns to gather votes from supporters across their field of influence.

While nominations will continue to be vetted by the Alumni and by the Advisory Council of the Urban Animal Foundation, it is hoped this change will provide broader industry recognition for the program and for those who take home the Summits at the Friday evening Gala.

This public polling process is a new element for 2014:

• Successful nominees will be provided with a specific survey link to share publicly through their own social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, websites, etc.
• PetLynx will continue to provide nominees and nominators with equal exposure through the Urban Animal program and the PetLynx social media channels.
• By inviting the public into the voting process, nominees will showcase their activities as well as the recognition they are receiving from peers in the Urban Animal industry to those who care most.
• The public polling process engages the entire Urban Animal value chain.
• It is an opportunity to begin conversations with this broader audience for everyone connected with the Urban Animal program.

An Interview with Cheryl Herperger, City of Calgary's Off-Leash Ambassador Program

Terri Perrin

InfoStream Staff Writer

Infostream staff writer Terri Perrin speaks with Innovation showcase presenter Cheryl Herperger, Business Strategist on the Community and Strategic Service Team at The City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services. Cheryl is also the lead for The City’s innovative new Off-Leash Ambassadors volunteer program.

City of Calgary Off-Leash Ambassador Program

INFOSTREAM (IS): Before we get start talking about your Urban Animal Conference experience, please tell us about your past and present Pet Experiences and how it relates to your current position with the City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services.

Cheryl Herperger (CH): I have lived with dogs since I was three years old and I currently share my home with two Golden Retrievers and two Labrador crosses. They are the loves of my life! When I was six years old I wanted to be a vet, but I had an issue with blood. Still do! So that was a bit of a problem. [Laughs.] Instead, in order to still ‘work’ with animals, over the years I have been on the boards of directors of several humane societies and now work for Animal & Bylaw Services.

I love watching my four dogs and they give me pure joy. I believe that walking your dog is the foundation of the relationship with your pet; so working on the Off-Leash Ambassadors project is perfect for me. I have worked with The City for over five years, as a community recreation coordinator, and had often worked in collaboration with Animal & Bylaw. When the job came up at Animal Services in the fall of 2013, I though “This is perfect! Furry friends and men in uniform. Works for me!”

IS: Tell us why the Off-Leash Ambassador program was created.

CH: We were getting feedback from both dog owners and non-dog owners alike on issues in most of our parks, but especially from two particular parks in the NW. Our investigation clearly indicated that there was a lot of confusion and concerns relating to off-leash etiquette. Some people we completely out of control. We knew that an education and public awareness piece would benefit all citizens. We have 24 dedicated Animal & Bylaw officers and, with a population of 1.4 million people, 122,000 licensed dogs and 151 dedicated off-leash areas, that’s a lot of ground to cover! The Off-Leash Ambassador program was developed to provide role models in the parks who could help people to voluntarily comply with bylaws and provide an avenue for citizens to express concerns and pass along comments to City staff. This is a volunteer-based, citizen-led ambassador program designed to assist bylaw officers. The bottom line is that the program is about education, not enforcement.

IS: What is the main focus of the program?

CH: One of the most important issues that the Off-Leash Ambassador program addresses is that even in an off-leash area it is imperative that dogs be under control at all times. It is not about showing up and just letting them run. We require people to have audible or visual command or control of their dogs. Dog recall is really important. Many people come to the park and they are busy talking or texting on cell phones or visiting with friends, rather than watching their dogs. You really must be aware of where your dog is and what he or she is doing.

IS: Tell us about the program launch.

CH: We had intended to start Off-Leash Ambassadors on July 1, 2013, but the city was under siege by flooding, so we did an official re-launch on September 5. The pilot program was introduced in Egerts and Bowmont Parks; the two parks where we had a high number of concerns and issues. We started with four volunteers. We provided them with logo-wear, so they could be easily identified, and a backpack filled with supplies including printed materials and ‘Bags on Board’ poop bag canisters to hand out to people for free. We have given out about 5,000 canisters to date.

IS: What kind of training and support do volunteers receive?

CH: Volunteers complete a comprehensive training and orientation program that includes a thorough review of our bylaws. Our Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaws that are 33 pages long are now summarized in a pamphlet. They are also instructed on basic animal behaviour – calming signals, posturing and more. They are trained to approach people positively, with a ‘did you know?’ attitude. We now have 35 volunteers for the two parks and it is interesting to note that not all of them are dog owners. The program has gone citywide and we hope to have ambassadors at all 151 of our off-leash areas by 2015.

IS: How do you recruit volunteers and what is their time commitment?

CH: Calgary is a dog city and a volunteer city so it hasn’t been difficult to get people to signup for the program. We have recruited using The City’s website, blog and social media, as well as emails to community associations, 122 dog walking groups, vets, groomers, retail, and the dog organizations. Quite a wide range of people have signed up, including several veterinarians and dog trainers. It is quite the diverse group. I am positively overwhelmed with their passion and commitment.

IS: How is the program funded? Are there any corporate sponsors?

CH: The City Council's Innovation Fund supports the program. Animal and Bylaw Service’s submitted an application and two councilors sponsored it. This funding pays for volunteer training and support, as well as supplies, such as jackets, leashes, backpacks, pet first aid kits, notebooks, etc.

IS: What is the general feedback about the program from your community?

CH: People notice a difference already and are asking how they can help. It has all been very encouraging. The program has created a social network of volunteers connecting with dog owners. It is an ‘in’ for positive communication and education.

IS: This was your first Urban Animal Conference experience. What did you think about it?

CH: It definitely added to my passion about community development. There is so much we can do. I was so impressed with the wide range of keynotes and presentations. I took tons of notes and am busy following up to create potential partnerships. I can’t wait until the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October.

IS: Speaking of the Summit, what do you hope to take away from – or contribute to – the event?

CH: By October we will have had a full spring and summer of the program and am pleased to have extra time for my presentation to talk about what we learned. I’ll be able to share what changes and enhancements we have made. I look forward to hearing from other presenters. In my experience, conferences promote creative conversations and ideas. How wonderful to be able to be there, with like-minded, passionate and dedicated people. I can’t wait.

For more information on off-leash etiquette and dog recall training, check out Barbara Walmer's Guest Author post! 

The 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences presented the second annual Innovation Showcases. Across the continent, 20 local Innovators were given the opportunity to share their stories and successes with Urban Animal subscribers. From those, eight were selected to present at the 2014 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies, October 22–25 in beautiful Lake Louise, Alberta.

Pacific Innovation Showcase Spotlight—K9H2O: an aquatic therapy program for pets

Terri Perrin
InfoStream Staff Writer

Kendall De Menech, owner of Abbotsford's animal aquatic therapy pool, K9H2O, presented her work with pets of all kinds and cats in particular to delegates at the 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conference in Vancouver in April. Kendall's Innovation Showcase was nominated by her peers to present to a national audience at the 2014 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Lake Louise, October 22-25. InfoStream staff writer, Terri Perrin, managed to get Kendall out of her indoor swimming pool long enough to chat about this innovative facility and a program for cats that’s making a splash in the lower mainland.

K9H2O

Infostream (IS): K9H2O is the longest running and largest facility of its kind in western Canada. Tell us about your own Pet Experiences and how you came up with the idea to offer hydrotherapy for animals.

Kendall De Menech (KM): Back in the early 1980s, I taught Red Cross and Life Saving swimming lessons for children and adults in my indoor swimming pool. At the time, I also had a  yellow Lab named Sandy. When Sandy was about 18-months-old she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Her prognosis was not good and euthanasia was recommended, as was common at the time. I was horrified – she was part of my family – so I said, ‘No Way!’ By working hard to keep her weight down and manage her activity levels, we were able to love Sandy until she was 15. When walking became difficult for her, I knew intuitively that swimming would help her … but I couldn’t use my pool because the kids were swimming in it. Not only that, I couldn’t let Sandy attempt to exit and enter the pool on her own, becuase there were no stairs and she could not climb the ladder. It broke my heart. About a month after she passed away I woke up one morning with the idea of opening a pool for dogs. I launched the program in 2001 and have never look back. It is my way of ‘paying back’ for Sandy and the many dogs in my life. For me, this is a joy not a job.

IS: How did you get started?

KM: I built a business plan and, with the help of my primary vet, we proposed it to the BC Veterinary Medical Association. At first, I had a limited focus. I started with dogs with osteoarthritis, spondylosis [disc disease], cruciate injuries, amputations, obesity, geriatric concerns and other issues. I attended lots of seminars and – with the help of the veterinary community – I learned to speak ‘vet.’ I have now expanded to offer physical conditioning for show and working dogs, boat safety and recreational swimming. Anything to do with dogs in water … it keeps growing! A few years ago, I added other types on animals to the program, including cats.

IS: How do you find clients?

KM: Originally, all of my clients were through vet referrals. Now, people are going to their vet and asking for referrals. I get some walk-in clients but I am always careful to ensure they have open dialog with their vets. I now have over 160 vets on file from BC, Alberta and Washington.

IS: Cats and water aren’t a great mix! How did you learn to swim with cats without getting hurt?

KM: I started swimming my first cat about 12 years ago and have since worked with about a dozen. Cats are so different! They don’t think like dogs. They don’t care to please their owner. To swim with a cat without getting hurt requires great patience. I work with the owner to calm the environment down... and myself. I take a deep breath and do not rush any step of the swim. I often start by taking the cat in its crate onto a floating mat. I watch their body language -- ears, eyes, and tail. We never let their stress level rise so they don’t react with flight or fight. To protect ourselves when swimming with all animals we wear wet suits.  For cats, we also wear special wrist sleeves to protect ourselves. We have not had an attack or a bite in 13 years … the odd scratch has been accidental.

IS: Some people might say that making cats swim is stressful. How do you respond to that?

KM: They’re absolutely right! But remember, we’re not just taking cats and throwing them in the pool! I wouldn’t do this to a dog either. For all species, there is an element of stress for both animals and owners. By keeping the stress level low, the cat never gets to a point where it is screaming, hissing, fighting. How you do it matters. What’s more important, I think, is that cats should be given the same opportunity as dogs to have rehabilitation. They experience many of the same medical concerns as dogs do. But we treat dogs and euthanize cats. Cats need to have the same value as dogs.

IS: How is it that you came to be a present this topic at the Pacific Region Conference?

KM: Initially, Michelle Sturino, Pets Plus Us, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in speaking about my cat program. I said I would but later found out that I had been ‘bumped’ as the program was full. The day before the event, one of the presenters had to cancel. I received a call asking if I could fill in the spot… the next day! Again, I said yes. So, I did what any woman does and went out and bought a new dress, then worked with dogs all day and attended an evening meeting about off leash parks. At 9:00 that night I was finally able to sit down and shorten my usual 25-minute presentation into 10-minutes. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I was voted to present at the Summit in October!

IS: How was your first Regional Conference experience?

KM: I was so impressed. I enjoyed my day and the intelligence of the people in the room. It showed me the huge networking that goes on in the pet industry – between groomers, trainers, shop owners, vets, vet techs, breeders, rescues, SPCAs, … everybody! I was totally energized by it.

IS: What do you hope to achieve by being an Innovation Showcase presenter at the national Summit in October?

KM:  I want to achieve two things. First, is to introduce the concept of swimming cats and professionalize it enough that it can come outside of my facility. Second, I would like to see cats benefit from rehabilitation across Canada. I am thankful for the opportunity to talk about it. I think we, as a society, are seeing a new value in cats and many people are now more willing to do surgeries on them when needed. I’m all about the animal and I hope this is a new innovate way to give animals – especially cats – a better quality of life.

The 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conferences presented the second annual Innovation Showcases. Across the continent, 20 local Innovators were given the opportunity to share their stories and successes with Urban Animal subscribers. From those, eight were selected to present at the upcoming 2014 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies, October 22–25 in beautiful Lake Louise, Alberta.

Infostream staff writer Terri Perrin spoke with the winning presenters to get their feedback on the Urban Animal Conference, their respective ‘Pet Experiences’ and what we can expect from them at the Annual Summit this fall. 

Veterans Affairs Canada announces service dog pilot project to support Veterans with PTSD

The Canadian Minister of Veterans Affairs announced yesterday Veterans Affairs Canada's plans to support a pilot project to assess the benefits and risks of using psychiatric service dogs to assist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Veterans. 

Retired Canadian Airforce captain Medric Cousineau, who presented his story to Urban Animal Regional Conference delegates in April as part of the 2014 Innovation Showcase program, is pleased to see the government making this commitment.
  
"The pilot project announced by Minister Fantino and VAC is the next logical step in proving the efficacy of service dogs for veterans with PTSD," said Cousineau. "This study will provide validation to the veterans, the medical and scientific communities that should open the doors to expanded use of this wonderful adjunct therapy. Given Thai's and my commitment to the service dog world, we could not be happier."

The two-and-a-half year pilot project has a goal of having up to 50 veterans who are in receipt of a disability benefit for PTSD and have approval from their treating mental health professional, participating in the project. Veterans Affairs Canada will provide up to $500,000 to cover expenses and new research for the project. 

"Some Veterans will tell you that service dogs are more than man's best friend, they are companions who are an integral part of their day-to-day life," said the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "This project will help us study and learn how service dogs can help Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder." 

Cousineau's innovation was nominated by Regional Conference delegates to present to a national audience at the 2014 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Lake Louise, AB, October 23. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Retail & Commercial Services

Rolf C. Hagen was born in 1932, the third of 10 children, in a small seaside town in northern Germany. In 1955, Hagen negotiated passage to North America on a small freighter departing from Bordeaux, France. During the voyage, Hagen worked as kitchen help and then as stevedore unloading cargo upon arrival in Newfoundland. However, Hagen’s sights were set on the province of Quebec, and he arrived in Montreal on May 7, at age 22. Just two days after his arrival, he established Rolf C. Hagen Inc. 

While setting up his importing company, Hagen developed a plan to grow specialty seeds for export back to Germany. Hagen travelled across Ontario and Western Canada, selling this innovative idea to farmers who believed this ambitious young man and provided the means to grow the business. During these early days, Rolf C. Hagen Inc. introduced two cultivars, rapeseed (now called canola) and, rich Polish sunflower seed; both of which are still major crops in Canada. 

In his life, Hagen was honoured with many awards: In 1999, he was inducted into the American Pet Products Association Hall of Fame, the highest honour in the pet industry; In 2004, he was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pet Industry Distributors Association; and, In 2005, he was awarded The Highest Order of Merit (Grosses Bundesverdienstkreuz am Band) by the President of Federal Republic of Germany, the highest honour bestowed upon a civilian by Germany. Rolf C. Hagen, passed away in Montreal on Saturday, October 22, 2011. 

In recognition of his ambition, his leadership, his generosity and his dedication to improve the lives of pets and people, Urban Animal™ has named the Emerging Leader Scholarship in Retail and Commercia Services as the ‘Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship’. 

In 2014, two such scholarships will be awarded and the recipients will be recognized during the Urban Animal™ Foundation Dinner on Thursday evening, October 23rd.

NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER! 

EMERGING LEADER CRITERIA

Federic Addison McGrand Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Humane and Rescue

The Honorable, Frederic Addison McGrand was born on July 5th, 1895, in Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick. As a McGill trained medical doctor, McGrand had a special curiosity to understand how behavior was connected with the mind and early childhood experiences. In the 93 years of his life, McGrand provided remarkable service to the citizens of New Brunswick and to all Canadians. 

In 1955, McGrand was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. Until his resignation in 1988, McGrand used persuasion and the authority of this Senate seat to rethink the humane treatment of human and non-human animals. Among early accomplishments in this area, was his support as a co-founder of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and later the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada. In 1977, McGrand Chaired a Senate Subcommittee that reported on ‘Childhood Experiences as Causes of Criminal Behaviour’. Senator McGrand died on the 3rd day of September, 1988. 

A number of useful quotes have been attributed to McGrand. However, a quote that seems enlightened even in this day and age, was his realization that, “It is of little good to punish the offender. He must be taught, not punished.” 

For this instruction and for a lifetime of service to understanding cause and effect, Urban Animal™ is pleased to name the Emerging Leader Scholarship for Humane and Rescue as the Frederic Addison McGrand Scholarship. 

In 2014, two such scholarships will be awarded. The first scholarship will be awarded as an element of the OSPCA Animal Welfare Conference in June, 2014 and the second, will be awarded in August under the Urban Animal™ Emerging Leader program.

NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER!

EMERGING LEADER CRITERIA