AASAP Accepts 2015 Collaborators Summit

Clearly illustrating what collaboration is all about, individuals from eight different organizations shared the 2015 Urban Animal Collaborators Summit Award.

This year’s recipient, AASAP, is a network of agencies that includes emergency services, the veterinary community, social services, and animal shelters. These different groups work together to create options that allow victims of domestic violence to leave their situation and know their pet is safe and cared for. The need for the Pet Safekeeping Program exists in every community, and AASAP is working diligently to grow the network of partner agencies and expand the program across Alberta.

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

Back row, from left:

Jocelyn Forseille DVM, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association; Deanna Lewis, WIN House; Amy Corpe, Red Deer & District SPCA; Patricia Mamak, Alberta SPCA; Kim Taylor, Alberta Human Services; Lesley Conley, Centre for Public Legal Education of Alberta; Karen Melnyk RVT, City of Edmonton Animal Care & Control.

Front row, from left:

Ken Keeler DVM, retired veterinarian; Tim Battle, Alberta SPCA; Jeff Wilks, A Safe Place Women’s Shelter.

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

2015 Summit Award Winner - Collaborators

The Summit for Collaborators of the Year recognizes the efforts of two or more organizations (service providers) that work collaboratively to create a healthier environment for urban animals. Our winner this year is...

Alberta Alliance for the Safety of Animals and People (AASAP)

With 65.5% of the vote, AASAP is a network of agencies that includes emergency services, the veterinary community, social services, and animal shelters. These different groups work together to create options that allow victims of domestic violence to leave their situation and know their pet is safe and cared for. The need for the Pet Safekeeping Program exists in every community, and AASAP is working diligently to grow the network of partner agencies and expand the program across Alberta.

The Alberta SPCA, with Director of Education Tim Battle, led the formation of AASAP and secured funding for a coordinator to administer the program. They helped develop the process to admit animals to the program, keeping confidentiality and safety in the forefront. WIN House, with Community Liaison Deanna Lewis, is a founding member of AASAP and participated in the development of the referral process. They regularly refer clients to AASAP.

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

Positive Pet Experiences of Ottawa's homeless

A touching photo exhibit capturing homeless people and their pets demonstrates the strong positive human-animal bonds that exist on city streets. 

Ottawa radio DJ and photographer, Sandy Sharkey, attended a community outreach vet clinic run by Dr. Michelle Lem, to snap some photos of low-income people receiving free vet care for their pets. The project, which started out as an initiative by Global Pet Foods franchisee Karla Briones, quickly escalated. 

Sharkey spend eight weeks photographing people living on the streets or in community housing. She discovered a pet experience unlike any she had seen before. 

"The human-animal bond on the streets is one of the most beautiful that I have ever witnessed," said Sharkey. "For may of these people, their animals are the only relationship that they truly value." 

The 30-day exhibit, Joy To Their World, will include 15 photographs and will be on display at Holland's Cake and Shake beginning Saturday, November 22. Admission is free and all proceeds from the event will go to Community Vet Outreach. 

READ THE OTTAWA CITIZEN ARTICLE