July 12, 2024

All Hands on Deck: Summer at the OHS

OHS Veterinarian working with a cat.

Summer is a busy time at the Ottawa Humane Society. Waves of kittens need our help, we receive far more wildlife than usual and we support a wealth of stray animals in returning to their homes — all while finding perfect matches for Ottawa’s homeless animals.

It’s also a pivotal season in our efforts to build the next generation as we run summer camp programming throughout July and August. A few unexpected cancellations have left open slots in our camps — unheard of for our summer camps — sign your kid up to take advantage of this rare opportunity!

The joke among our team is that busyness is business as usual at the OHS. It’s true that we’ve always got a lot on the go, but I’d propose there is nothing usual about the work we do. In just the past couple weeks alone we’ve provided orthopedic surgery for a dog who was in a car accident, found a forever home for a bunny who was born at the OHS more than a year ago, urgently removed a face-full of quills from two stray dogs, and provided for several stray momma cats who needed somewhere safe and loving to give birth and raise their kittens. This is on top of meeting the daily needs of the steady stream of stray and surrendered animals being admitted to the OHS. Our team is excellent — and their ability to pivot, every day, to make sure we can deal with all the usual AND the unusual — is inspiring. I’m grateful for their dedication every day.

I’m also grateful for you. It takes many hands and many hearts working together to make this level of care possible and ensure there is shelter and support always ready for Ottawa’s homeless animals. The animals rely on a caring community at every turn. This community makes up our staff, volunteers, adopters, supporters and so much more. You are part of this community, and thanks to you, no matter what this busy summer brings, we’re ready.

If you’re looking for more ways to get involved in life-saving work for Ottawa’s animals, there are many ways you can make a difference:

Summer is just getting started. Many more animals will need the OHS and the love of a caring community in the next few months. Thank you so much for being there and making these life-saving stories possible.

Sharon Miko
President & CEO