InfoStream Newsmakers of 2013

2013 was an exciting year for the urban animal industry. A refactoring of the Urban Animal Program; the introduction of the Pet Experience Project; industry insight to the power of social media; and countless stories of success from across the nation all played a part in collective achievements celebrated by Urban Animal associates this past year. 

Here are a few InfoStream highlights (in order of top pageviews) from 2013:  

Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge at Atlantic Regional Conference: The story of Tiny, an overweight cat left on the steps of the Fredricton SPCA made global news headlines as the FSPCA team launched a social media campaign based around the cat's weight loss program. With nearly 6,000 Facebook 'Likes' and Tiny headlines on CNN, CTV, People Magazine and more, the FSPCA discovered a way to capitalize on the campaign and succeeded in raising thousands of dollars for special needs animals though the Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge Medical Fund. 

Interview with Randy Valpy: Twenty thirteen was a busy year for Randy Valpy as he launched Canada's newest entry to the pet insurance market, Pets Plus Us. Randy's dedication to the Urban Animal industry and his commitment to creating healthy pet communities resulted in a successful inaugural year for Pets Plus Us. Randy was also recognized by the Urban Animal Program for his efforts with a 2013 Summit Award for Individual Achievement. 

Planet Paws Pet Essentials recognized as leading retailer: Planet Paws co-owner Rodney Habib recognized an opportunity to connect with pet families on a personal level as well as a professional one. His Nova Scotia pet supply shop has received awards for its quality products and professional staff but Rodney's ability to build trust and relationships with pet owners through his Pet Nutrition Blog has allowed the company to reach a new and much larger audience. 

2013 Regional Conferences: The Regional Conferences were refactored in 2013. The improved program was designed to capture stories, successes and barriers where the rubber hits the road. The launch of the Regional Innovation Showcases and the restructuring of the Summit Award nomination process to begin at the regional level helped develop a widely successful 2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies and allowed Urban Animal associates at the local level an opportunity to network and become involved in the Program. 

Dog Dazed: Dog Dazed was instrumental in developing Pet Experience Project conversations in 2013. This CBC documentary gathered insight from both pet owners and non-pet owners and created an unbiased and neutral narrative revealing the social and environmental impact of our four-legged companions. 

PetLynx adds financial resources: In October 2013, PetLynx Corporation welcomed Dr. Drew Van Niekerk to a leading role in the management of the company. Since 2001, PetLynx has met each new challenge with understanding, agility, tenacity and a commitment to PetLynx Core Values. The expansion of management and addition of capital will allow PetLynx to continue bringing value to large brands while lowering PetLynx acquisition costs, delivering the largest share of the identification/recovery market in Canada (with plans for global emergence) and driving positive cash from operations.

Free recovery for YYC pets: The 2013 Alberta Flood displaced thousands of people and hundreds of pets. Recognizing the need for a global recovery system and central database, partners of the Urban Animal program and PetLynx offered free recovery services to pets and families affected by the floods. Weeks later, the same was offered to pets affected by the Lac Megantic train disaster.  

Summit Award winners: The 2013 Summit Awards program was the most successful to date. Winners of the Summits included individuals, agencies and organizations from all sectors of the Urban Animal Industry. With 56 nominees in 12 categories, 1,642 eligible voters and just under 700 ballots cast in the process, this year's program signified the most involvement ever from urban animal subscribers.

Thank you to everyone who made this a successful year. Your collaborative efforts, forward thinking and commitment to the industry will undoubtedly lead to an even more successful 2014.

Happy New Year!  

Atlantic Showcase Summary

Halifax, Nova Scotia played host to the second stop on the 2013 Regional Conference tour. The Atlantic Conference supported one of the strongest Regional Innovation Showcase line-ups of the year with a wide variety of presentations ranging from feline weight loss to sustainable energy. The Atlantic Canada Showcases highlighted many innovative and interesting concepts which could be introduced in other regions across the country. 

Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge: 
Through the power of social media, the Fredericton SPCA succeeded in internationalizing the story of an overweight cat. Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge raised money for animals FSPCA animals and inspired a nation of people and pets to lose weight. 

Tuxedo Stan for Mayor: 
Tuxedo Stan's campaign platform included increased awareness for feral and stray cat issues in Nova Scotia. And while his name may not actually be on the ballot, the Tuxedo Party has raised more than $12,000 for cats and continues to make international headlines. 

Sustainable Wind Energy: 
The Nova Scotia SPCA stands to earn $100,000 - $200,000 in annual revenue for the next 25-30 years thanks to its partnership with RMS Energy to develop sustainable wind energy in the province. 

Prince Edward Island TNR Program:  
More than 8,000 feral, stray and barn cats have been spayed and neutered on Prince Edward Island since 2000. This very successful initiative is a collaborative effort between the Cat Action Team (CAT) and the Atlantic Veterinary College. 

Working On Our Future (WOOF):
WOOF pairs shelter dogs with behavioral issues with offenders to assist both the dogs and the men mutually achieve goals of skill development and socialization. 

Following the Regional Innovation Showcases, delegates were asked to select the two presentations they felt should be invited to the Urban Animal Summit. As a result, WOOF and Prince Edward Island TNR Program will receive invitations to showcase their successes at the national level in October. 

Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge at Atlantic Regional Conference

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) released its 2012 National Pet Obesity Survey Results in March which reported rising numbers of overweight companion animals in the United States. 

The 6th annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day survey found 52.5% of dogs and 58.3% of cats were considered overweight or obese by their veterinarian. One hefty Canadian feline made national headlines when caregivers set a mission to regain a healthy weight and lifestyle for the cat. 

Introducing Tiny, an abandoned cat left in a cardboard box at the Fredericton Humane Society in December 2011. When Tiny arrived he weighed in at 30.2 lbs and was the largest cat the staff had seen. Concerned for his health, staff and volunteers started a Weight Loss Challenge for Tiny and after developing a following on social media, caught the attention of international media, ending up on CNN and People magazine's websites. 

In January 2013, Tiny was maintaining his goal weight of 15-17 lbs and adopted by his foster caregiver.  

At the Regional Conference in Halifax, 18 April 2013, Fredericton SPCA's Karen McGeean will present delegates with Tiny's story and the challenges faced by the SPCA during the campaign and the national success brought about by one cat's goal. 

The 2013 Regional Conference Tour will feature unique 
concepts from across the country during its 
Regional Innovation Showcase.

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