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

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.

Move the Industry - Summit Awards Month Quickly Approaching

Tensions run high. Anticipation builds. Excitement prevails. Four simple words establish a new standard of excellence. And the winner is…

September is Summit Awards month. A series of polls will be released for the public to vote on. Urban Animal is looking for your help to determine the top two finalists in each Award category.

In a few short weeks, thought leaders of the companion animal industry will come together to reward the hard work and efforts of their peers at the tenth annual Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (SUAS). It’s an industry endorsement to strive for and a place of honor for those who have set the bar one notch higher. The Summit Awards bring peer recognition to individuals, agencies, 

organizations and corporations throughout the companion animal industry.

A significant Urban Animal mission is to recognize those who achieve excellence. Summit Awards deliver recognition each year using an academy style system of nominations followed by an open polling process. The 2014 Summit Awards involved 37 nominees in 12 categories with almost 5,000 ballots cast.

You are invited to nominate those who should be recognized in your community! The award categories may be found here and will be featured on InfoStream during the month of August.

The top two nominees in each category are awarded a Scholarship worth up to $2,700 to attend the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Lake Louise, October 14-17. Scholarships include a Full Delegate Package and up to $550 towards travel costs. The 2015 Summit Awards Gala will be held in the Victoria Room of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on Friday October 16th, 2015.

Nominate someone today. Get the facts, have your say, move the industry.

Urban Animal Names 2015 IRED Scholarship Recipients

Urban Animal IRED Competition brings a diverse group of Finalists to Summit 2015

Urban Animal is pleased to announce the Finalists of the 2015 Innovation, Research, Emerging Leader and Digital Journalist (IRED) Scholarship programs. Each Finalist receives a scholarship to attend the 2015 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Lake Louise, Alberta, October 14 to 17, valued at $2,700. 

The 2015 Finalists are presented in the order of standing after the Adjudication Round: 

Innovators of 2015

Charmaine Hammond - Team Toby 

Ardra Cole - Elder Dog 

Tracy Robertson - The Bello Project 

Krista Foreman - Safe for Pets Too 

Researchers of 2015

Tyler Flockhart - Free Roaming Cat Populations 

Tasha Welch - Companion Rabbits: Facts & Figures 

Taryn Graham - Persons Partnered with Assistance Dogs   

Janet Cutler - Socialization in Puppies 

Emerging Leaders of 2015

Kelsey Birtch - Jerry Aschenbrenner Scholarship  

Blake Paulin - Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship 

Digital Journalists of 2015

Rebecca Ledger 

Rodney Habib

Cheryl Wallach 

Sarah Hylton-Foster

Presented by the Urban Animal Foundation, IRED and Summit Award Scholarships provide current and future leaders of the Urban Animal industry with an opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with the thought leaders of North American agencies and organizations who meet annually at the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies.

IRED Finalists present in the final round of competition on Thursday, October 15, at Summit 2015. In addition, all Finalists have an opportunity to involve themselves in Urban Animal sessions and are honored during the Urban Animal Foundation Dinner on Thursday evening. The winning Finalist in each category receives special recognition during the 2015 Summit Awards Celebration on Friday evening.

About Urban Animal IRED Scholarships:
Winners of each scholarship were selected by the Urban Animal Adjudicator Panels at four regional and one virtual event between April and June 2015. Fourteen finalists were selected from a field of 36 applicants.

“Urban Animal Scholarships help the industry discover the talented people who can enrich the lives of people and pets in our communities,” said Executive Producer, Larry Evans. “Sharing new information, programs and ideas propels the industry forward, eliminates barriers, develops relationships and provides healthier, happier experiences for people and pets.” 

Since it’s inception, Urban Animal has bestowed 58 IRED scholarships valued at $156,600. The Urban Animal Foundation plans to award 16 IRED scholarships in 2016.

Ontario SPCA brings 100 Years of Humane Leadership to Urban Animal

PetLynx Corporation is pleased to welcome the Ontario SPCA as a sponsor of the 2015 Urban Animal program.

For over a century, the Ontario SPCA has provided leadership in matters relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals and in the encouragement of humane animal care.

The Ontario SPCA has been involved in the Alliance for Urban Animals for the past decade as a presenter of facts and research, a program developer and an innovator of new and novel humane activities. For the past six years Ontario SPCA has also been a sponsor of the Urban Animal program.

“The Summit for Urban Animal Strategies has been instrumental in both starting and changing the conversation as to how we, together as stakeholders, provide broader integration and enhanced care of animals in communities,” said Kate MacDonald, CEO of the Ontario SPCA.  “When we come together to create and foster positive outcomes, animals, people and communities benefit.”

As Canada's largest humane organization Ontario SPCA has an influence well beyond its provincial borders. During the 10th year of the Urban Animal program, Ontario SPCA is once again leading members of the Alliance for Urban Animals by facilitating the important conversation about Compassion Fatigue.

“Many have benefited from the leadership of Ontario SPCA. Their remarkable achievements have enriched the lives of people and pets across North America through the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies”, said Larry R. Evans, Executive Producer. “We are grateful that Kate MacDonald and her colleagues would sponsor this program, share their experience and lead Alliance initiatives. It has been a game changer for Urban Animal and for collaboration in the industry”.  

FOR SPONSORSHIP OR ALLIANCE FOR URBAN ANIMALS OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CONTACT: SHANNON WOODWARD (403-208-1972)

Summit 2014 Agenda RELEASED!

The agenda for Summit 2014 has been approved and posted on the event website . 

Over the eight year history of this event, delegates have consistently indicated the event exceeded their expectations. As the ninth edition of the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies unfolds, delegates can expect conversations to move forward in the area of Breeding Standards, Certified Quality Marks, the Pet Experience Project, Permanent Non-Surgical Sterilization and many other Urban Animal conversations.

VIEW THE AGENDA!

We encourage local industry representatives to attend the Gala on Friday evening to celebrate the 2014 Summit Awards and fellowship with their Urban Animal peers from across North America. A special package is available that includes the gala, Friday accommodation and the Saturday Leaders Brunch .

Summit 2014, will host the inaugural meetings of the Urban Animal Foundation and the launch of the Alliance for Urban Animals.  These two initiatives complete the PetLynx consumer experience infrastructure and position allies to serve every pet and pet owner in Canada. We would encourage you to speak to a PetLynx representative about your role in these initiatives if you have not already done so.

REGISTER FOR SUMMIT 2014

Get the facts, have YourSAY™, move the industry!

Trifaux to Chair PetLynx Board

Thomas R. Trifaux, has been appointed Chair of the PetLynx Board of Directors. Tom was an early investor in PetLynx Corporation and is well acquainted with the business community.

Blending a background in professional sports with decades of business

experience, Tom is an authentic communicator who leads with passion and honesty. His focus has always been to align teams and deliver results.

Tom is currently the Director of Canada West for Canadian Management Centre. In this role he leads a team of professionals that assist Canada’s largest businesses to re-imagine themselves, change culture and coach business leaders. Under his direction CMC has experienced industry leading success. Tom is also well known as a keynote speaker who brings to each performance, passion and enthusiasm that are infectious.

“Winning is an intention long before it becomes an outcome”, said Trifaux. “I recognize in PetLynx, a company that had a compelling vision worth supporting, had the competency to build a critical mass, had the integrity to look after the interests of its stakeholders and now having achieved the first million registrations has reached the tipping point of its emergence. I am excited to take on this role to add my strengths to corporate governance, business alignment and team building.”

With Tom as Board Chair, Drew Van Niekerk as President/CEO, and Larry Evans as Director of Business Development the governance and executive team at PetLynx Corporation is complete. The executive team also has a clear and concise focus:

1. Deliver a compelling vision of tomorrow.
2. Recruit investors, team members and clients that share the PetLynx passion.
3. Ensure the rocket is adequately fueled ($$$).
4. Execute the plan with ‘world class’ precision and teamwork.
5. Double the size of the registry and company value in the next 24 months.

Pet Experiences Requested!

PRESS RELEASE

CALGARY, AB – The 2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies focused on the dilemmas faced by the Urban Animal industry in creating positive pet experiences for both people and pets in our communities.

An important element of the Pet Experience Project is discovering the personal experiences of industry leaders, volunteers, advocates and pet families. To achieve this, the Urban Animal Program is seeking “Pet Experience” stories. Using #PEPTalk, members of the Urban Animal community are invited to share their stories by uploading videos to YouTube, sharing on Twitter and Facebook or by written submission to Shannon.woodward@petlynxmail.com for InfoStream.

“Essentially, Pet owners become involved with animals to experience unconditional love and to invest care and compassion,” said Larry R. Evans, President and CEO of PetLynx Corporation. “What pet owners desire most is encouraging industry partners who enhance, resource and sustain them in this relationship. Pet owners are hungry for lifelong relationships with partners who help them achieve their goals and mitigate  risks when they hit a bump in the road.”

For more information about the Urban Animal Program and the Pet Experience Project, go to www.urbananimal.com and check out the Pet Experience Project video on YouTube.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Shannon Woodward, Social Communications Coordinator

(p) 403.208.1972    (e) Shannon.woodward@petlynxmail.com

ABOUT THE URBAN ANIMAL PROGRAM: The Urban Animal Program was designed to create a collaborative workspace for the Urban Animal Industry.  Over the past eight years, Advocates, Mentors, Alumni, Associates, Collaborators and Subscribers of the Urban Animal Program have learned to respect and trust each other. Together they have developed healthy urban communities for all urban animals. 

The Pet Experience Project (PEP) initiative was conceived at the 2012 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies, the Urban Animal Industry invites members of the  five recognized sectors: Health & Wellness, Care & Control, Humane & Rescue, Industry Services & Retail and Community Services (Social Services, Urban Planners, Government Officials, Legislators and Sociologists, etc.) as well as pet and non-pet people to join forces in developing a Positive Pet Experience for the entire urban community.

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. 

Which Product or Service Innovation will win the 2013 Summit

Four finalists vie for the Urban Animal Industry's highest award in the category of Product or Service Innovation:

1. WOOF - Nova Scotia Department of Justice (Angela Poirier) is nominated for a program which pairs dogs and offenders for social and behavioral development that provides a mutual benefit.
2. Champion of Pet Owner Happiness - Pets Plus Us, RSA (Randy Valpy) is nominated for a program that recasts the way pet insurers, veterinarians and pet owners work together to achieve affordable health care.
3. Affinities Renewable - Nova Scotia SPCA (Kristin Williams) is nominated for a program that delivers renewable energy and as well as a sustainable source of funding for NSSPCA community services.
4. Poooh Busters is nominated for a program that delivers a novel waste removal and responsible waste handling business. 

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

The 2013 Summit for Product or Service Innovation will be presented during the Awards Gala on Friday, 18 October 2013. This event is open to the public.

VOTE NOW!