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December 2016 I 245 West Hunt Club Road Ottawa, ON K2E 1A6 I 613-725-3166 I www.ottawahumane.ca

Thank You, Event Volunteers!

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OHS event volunteers at the Howl-o-Ween Family Event

A big thank you goes out to all event volunteers who have supported the OHS at multiple outreach, retail and fundraising events this fall! It sure has been a busy season, and these events would not be possible without the support and dedication of our talented events volunteer team! Over the past two months, event volunteers have been instrumental in running the following OHS community and on-site events:

  • Howl-o-Ween Family Event
  • Pet Expo
  • Holiday Donor Open House
  • Warm Hearts Lottery Kiosks
  • Buddy & Belle Awards
  • Sens’ Fan Fest
  • Seniors’ Day
  • Black Friday Event
  • Critter Christmas Family Event
  • And more!

These events are a great opportunity for existing OHS supporters and new visitors to learn more about the OHS and our programs, while supporting the animals through fundraising. They help us increase our brand awareness in the community and allow us to continue doing the work that we do. We have received wonderful feedback from attendees and we’re already looking forward to another busy winter filled with successful and fun events! So thank you, event volunteers, for your ongoing gift of time!

Feature: Foster Program

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Did you know that the OHS currently has 292 foster volunteers and on average 150 animals in foster care at any given time? The OHS relies on the support of foster volunteers to provide temporary in-home care for animals who are not yet ready for adoption. The goal of the OHS foster program is to provide as many animals as possible with a second chance for a bright and healthy future. Thanks to the continued dedication and compassion donated by this amazing volunteer team, we are able to care for Ottawa’s most vulnerable animals that are:

  • Recovering from an illness or injury (e.g. URI, broken limb);
  • Working through behavioural issues to become more adoptable (e.g. house soiling cats, dogs with handling sensitivities);
  • Too young to be adopted (i.e. nursing moms and kittens or orphaned kittens);
  • Waiting for a surgery (e.g. dental, spay or neuter);
  • Too stressed to stay in a shelter environment (e.g. adopt from foster program).

So far in 2016, the OHS foster volunteer team has fostered more than 1,500 animals, giving them a second chance at a happier and healthier life. The OHS foster program is one of the organization’s most valuable resources, allowing us to reach and care for an increasing number of animals each year.

Some feedback from our foster volunteers...

“It's a wonderful program and I'm proud and happy to contribute to the well being of the cats, and to see them flourish and thrive in my home.”

“The new programs were great to see — happy to see more 'house soilers' get a second chance. The “adopt from foster” program is pretty neat too.”

“Excellent foster program, with the proper services.”

“Great program, excellent support. It's a great chance for us to spend time with animals in a setting that is beneficial to everyone involved.”

“Whenever I tell people I foster cats and kittens for the OHS, the first question is always, how do you not want to keep them all? At first it was difficult returning them without tearing up as I left the shelter, but it became easier as I became more comfortable with the process. I started to foster after losing my own pet as an interim plan until I got my next cat. Well, it's been 10 years and 150 cats later and I still don't have my own pet. I fell in love with the challenges and rewards of meeting and helping out animals that needed me before they could become someone else's forever companion.” — Kathy Lane (OHS foster volunteer)

Have you considered becoming a foster volunteer? The OHS is in need of 15-20 more volunteers to join this rewarding team. Training, food, medication, veterinary care and support are provided to foster volunteers on an ongoing basis. If you have questions about foster program commitments andrequirements, or if you’re interested in getting involved, please contact our foster department.

Volunteer Position Openings

We are in need of additional volunteer support for a few of our new and existing volunteer programs!

Outreach Canvasser: The OHS is looking for volunteer canvassers who are interested in promoting OHS Outreach Services in our community. Volunteers are required to canvass neighbourhoods in pairs, going door-to-door to raise awareness about OHS services. Volunteers will also converse with neighbourhood residents to develop positive relationships between the OHS and potential clients, answer questions regarding the Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic and microchip events, distribute OHS materials, and schedule clinic appointments as directed. Volunteers must commit to one three hour shift per week, and have experience working with underserved and low income populations. For more information, visit our website.

MSNS Intake Assistant Volunteer: The new OHS Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic is looking for volunteers to help support the morning intake processes at clinics taking place at various locations in our community. Volunteers are responsible for greeting clients, supervising client lineups, assisting with paperwork as needed, interacting with clients and answering questions. Volunteers must have ongoing Tuesday through Saturday morning availability and commit to one day a week for a 2.5 hours shift, and have experience working with underserved and low income populations. For more information, visit our website.

Brightening Lives Animal Visits (BLAV) Volunteer: Do you have a well-mannered and social animal companion that loves visiting new people and new places? Then we’ve got the program for you! The BLAV Program is a community service that the OHS began in 1986. This volunteer-based program promotes the value of animals in the Ottawa community by bringing joy and happiness to individuals residing in hospitals, retirement residences, shelters and other long-term care facilities, through human and companion animal volunteer interactions. The OHS is looking for volunteers with their own cat or dog, who are able to successfully pass an OHS temperament assessment to participate in this exciting program. Visits are scheduled from Mondays to Thursdays, and consist of morning, afternoon and evening shifts. Volunteers must commit to an ongoing regularly scheduled three hour shift each week. For more information, visit our website.

Survey Results: Canine Enrichment Program

Thank you to all Canine Enrichment volunteers who submitted feedback through our annual survey. We want to let you know that we’re heard your feedback! The volunteer department will begin recruitment over the next few weeks and is working to implement some exciting new changes to improve our program! If you have additional feedback about your experience as a Canine Enrichment volunteer, please do not hesitate to please contact Stephanie Youngdale.

Happy Holidays from the OHS

christmasOn behalf of the staff and animals at the OHS, we would like to wish all volunteers a wonderful holiday season. As an organization, we have achieved so much in 2016, providing an exceptional standard of care and service to Ottawa’s animals, and it could not have been made possible without the support of the entire volunteer team. Thank you for your ongoing gift of time, compassion, skill and support — your contributions truly are appreciated and make a difference in the lives of all animals that come through our doors.

 
Volunteer Profile: Stacy Morin

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Stacy Morin with Navi

Stacy Morin has been a dedicated volunteer with the Humane Education School Program since January 2016. Through her work with the program, Stacy helps children in Ottawa schools learn about the OHS, animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, dog safety and more. Her incredible attitude and fantastic bilingual presentation skills make her a wonderful asset to the Humane Education Program. Stacy is often seen in the classroom working with Navi, a staff-owned Chihuahua mix, who accompanies her all over the city when facilitating school presentations and visits.

Here's what Stacy had to say about volunteering with the Humane Education program:

“Working with students and animals? It just doesn't get better than that! It is a wonderful feeling, knowing that the kids have been anticipating your visit and that they are looking forward to meeting you and the OHS animal. The students all have stories to tell and are very excited to listen to the presentations. I am sure they go home and share that part of their day with their families. The most rewarding aspect of being part of the Humane Education team is the difference you make in educating today's youth on various animal welfare topics and helping make them better people. The influence of the HE program will be felt for years to come as it will define the next generation of leaders in our community. Valuable time is invested as much behind the scenes at OHS as it is in the classrooms. It takes a team of dedicated, passionate people to make the HE program the success it is today.”

The Humane Education School Program is always expanding as we continue to reach more children and youth each year. We are currently in need of new OHS volunteers to join our growing team of humane educators. Interested in helping create a more humane community for all? Check out our website for more information.

Upcoming Workshop: Resource Guarding

Thank you to all foster and canine enrichment volunteers who attended our recent canine enrichment appreciation workshop “Focus Pocus: The Myth of the Misbehaving Dog,” presented by Cate Taylor. The OHS is gearing up for our next upcoming workshop, “Dogs that Growl, Snap and Bite: Resource Guarders,” scheduled for Jan. 31. Did you know that resource guarding occurs in about 15 per cent of shelter dogs? Using case studies and video examples, certified trainer Robyn Rittmaster will discuss prevention, intervention techniques, safety considerations and when to seek professional help. The workshop will be 1.5 hours in length, followed by a 30 minute Q&A period.

For more information, or to register for this upcoming workshop, please contact Stephanie Youngdale.

Ongoing Event: Santa Pet Pictures

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HO! HO! HO! Santa is coming to the Ottawa Humane Society again this year! Bring your furry friends and family to have your portrait taken with Santa and help Ottawa's animals. All proceeds go directly to supporting the animals in the care of the OHS.

Dates and times of photo sessions are available on our website. For more information, please contact our coordinator: events by email at events@ottawahumane.ca.

Volunteer Discount at the Buddy & Belle Boutique

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Searching for the perfect holiday gift for your loved one or pet? Look no further — we’ve got the deal for you! The OHS is excited to announce that our retail store, the Buddy & Belle Boutique, is now offering all OHS volunteers an ongoing 10 per cent discount on store merchandise.Simply show the store clerk your ID badge or provide your name at the time of purchase to get the discount. The discount applies to all merchandise, excluding cat/dog food and already discounted items. For more information about how to make your holiday shopping even easier — stop by the OHS store!

OHS Holiday Hours

The OHS will have modified hours effective over the holiday season for our adoption centre and foster department.

Adoption Centre
Foster Department
Saturday, Dec. 24: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25: CLOSED
Monday, Dec. 26: CLOSED
Saturday, Dec. 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 1: CLOSED
Saturday, Dec. 24: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25: CLOSED
Monday, Dec. 26: CLOSED
Saturday, Dec. 31: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 1: CLOSED

**If you have an emergency or urgent concern about your foster animal outside of the department hours, please contact our emergency line at 613-725-1532.

Please connect with your program lead regarding volunteer shift scheduling throughout the holiday season.


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Thank you for helping the animals!