Search Results for: pet loss
Chelsy
Hi, I’m Chelsy!
The staff at the OHS call me a Poet! Did you know that Poets thrive in calm, stable environments? When things are a little too new and different, these kitties have a hard time showing their true personalities. Because Poets find change so hard, they usually like lots of safe places to hide and high perches to rest on. While each Poet is a little different, things that usually bring them out of their shell include playing with their favourite toys, eating some of their favourite treats, and seeking attention from their favourite people. During periods of change, Poets need a safe refuge where they be surrounded by these favourite things.
Poets can have different preferences, and it might take a little while to figure them out. Some Poets prefer play interactions where they can stalk and hunt in a fun game with you, while others may enjoy curling in your lap for a cozy snooze. While you may not see a lot of them at first, they’ll be thinking of you… and after they settle in, you’ll think they’ve always belonged!
I may be at an increased risk of injuring the ligaments in my knees due to current changes seen on x-rays. I will benefit from weight loss help maintain or improve my mobility. My weight loss should be monitored by a veterinarian and I may need follow up for my knees if my mobility changes in the future.
If you are interested in setting up an appointment to adopt me, please email a completed adopter profile found at https://ottawahumane.ca/adopt/ to adoptions@ottawahumane.ca. Please be advised that although we do offer on-the-spot-adoptions, this is dependent on appointment schedules and cannot be guaranteed.
Adoption Centre visitor hours:
Tues-Fri 12pm to 7pm
Sat-Sun 11am to 5pm
Items you must have with you for an adoption appointment:
Proof of Address
Photo ID
Collar
Animal Carrier
A carrier, collar and other pet supply needs can be purchased at the time of adoption as the OHS has an excellent selection of these items. All proceeds from your purchases in the OHS Buddy & Belle Boutique support the animals at the OHS.
General Animal Tips
- Avoid Pet Peeves
- Carriage Horse FAQs
- Cold Weather FAQs
- Coping with Pet Allergies
- Common Household Poisons to Avoid
- Dogs Die in Hot Cars
- Don’t Litter – Spay or Neuter
- End of Life Care for your Pet [PDF]
- Explaining Pet Death to Children
- Fire Prevention Tips for You and Your Pet
- Flea Control
- Grieving the Loss of a Pet [PDF]
- Holidays and Pets
- Microchipping
- The Multi-pet Household [PDF]
- Pediatric Spay and Neuter from the ASPCA
- Pets and Babies [PDF]
- From the HSUS: Pets at College: Not a Prerequisite
- Preparing an Emergency Plan for Disasters
- Prevent a Lost Pet: 5 Things That Will Help You Protect Your Pets
- Summer Safety for Pets
- From the AAHA: Toxic House and Garden Plants
- Twelve Pet Tips for Christmas
- How Much Will My Pet Really Cost?
Pets Need Dental Care
Dental disease can be a big problem for cats and dogs. By age three, the majority will have some degree of dental disease, potentially leading to some serious health consequences for your pets.
Over time, plaque and tartar gradually build up on your pet’s teeth. Eventually, this build up will start to move under the gum line causing inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is one of the earliest signs of periodontal disease, the majority of which happens below the gum line, making it very difficult to see the extent of the damage in your pet’s mouth.
As periodontal disease gets worse, it destroys the bone around your pet’s tooth. This will continue until the tooth is eventually lost. This can cause significant pain and infection. Pets with periodontal disease also tend to have bad breath. Untreated, this can lead to pathologic jaw fractures from bone loss, infection of the jawbone, and nasal infections. Aside from periodontal disease causing oral problems, it can also have systemic consequences, affecting the kidneys, liver and heart.
Unfortunately, at the Ottawa Humane Society we see many animals with advanced, untreated periodontal disease.
Another very common dental problem in cats is feline oral resorptive lesions. These are often referred to as “cat cavities” and are caused by normal cells of the teeth eating away at the cat’s own teeth. These are very painful lesions once they are in the advanced state. Cats are also commonly plagued by a condition known by many names but most commonly called feline plasma cell gingivitis/stomatitis. This disease is an immune mediated problem causing severe and often painful inflammation of the gums and mouth.
Other oral problems include orthodontic issues, dead/worn/fractured teeth, unerupted teeth, and retained baby teeth.
As you can imagine, we see all of the above on a regular basis here at the OHS. Many of our cats and dogs have to undergo a general anesthesia for a complete oral health assessment and treatment, since it is impossible to provide a thorough dental cleaning and oral examination on a pet that is awake. We remove tartar via dental scaling and then we polish the teeth to help prevent the accumulation of more tartar. We take dental radiographs as needed to assess various dental conditions. We pull severely diseased/worn/fractured/retained teeth when necessary and to correct painful underbites and overbites. Healing from extractions generally takes seven to 10 days. I treat animals with post-operative pain relief medication and they usually require soft food while healing.
Regular veterinary visits are crucial to monitoring your pet’s oral health. Your veterinarian will do a preliminary examination of your pet’s mouth at your annual general check up. Your veterinarian can recommend many ways to help your pet’s mouth stay healthy, which is an important part of caring for your pet’s health.
Dr. Shelley Hutchings
OHS Chief Veterinarian
Contact Information and Hours
If you encounter an animal in immediate danger, dial 911. To get help for sick or injured animals, dial 311. To report animal cruelty or neglect, dial 1-833-9ANIMAL.
Membership, donations or tax receipts | 613-725-3166 ext. 299 donations@ottawahumane.ca Visit the Donate section of the website. |
Surrender a pet, information on wildlife, or end of life care (humane euthanasia services) | Learn more and begin the process by visiting the Giving Up Your Pet section of the website. 613-725-3166 ext. 223 intake@ottawahumane.ca |
Adoption | 613-725-3166 ext. 258 adoptions@ottawahumane.ca Visit the Adopt section of the website. |
Lost, found and injured animals (including wildlife) | 613-725-3166 ext. 223 intake@ottawahumane.ca Visit the Lost and Found section of the website. |
Volunteering | 613-725-3166 ext. 264 volunteer@ottawahumane.ca Visit the Volunteer section of the website. |
Child and youth programs, including birthday parties, camps, tours, youth programs and more | 613-725-3166 ext. 298 programs@ottawahumane.ca |
Adult programs, including dog training, pet first aid, webinars and more | 613-725-3166 ext. 204 education@ottawahumane.ca |
For microchips and City of Ottawa registration tags | For microchips, visit our How to Update your Pet’s Microchip page. For City of Ottawa registration tags, visit the City of Ottawa’s “Cat & Dog Registration” page. |
Community Services, including mobile spay-neuter for cats, emergency pet food bank, wellness clinics and more | Note that the OHS does not provide spay-neuter services for dog owners. Spay-neuter services for qualified cat owners are booked through our website. 613-725-3166 ext. 249 communityservices@ottawahumane.ca |
Pet Loss Support Groups and other therapeutic programs | 613-725-3166 ext. 235 outreach@ottawahumane.ca |
Media | Stephen Smith, Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications 613-725-3166 ext. 261 stephens@ottawahumane.ca Visit the Media Releases section of the website. |
Foster department | 613-725-3166 ext. 255 foster@ottawahumane.ca |
Estates and Legacy Gifts | 613-725-3166 ext. 268 legacy@ottawahumane.ca Visit the Legacy Giving section of the website. |
A Match Made in Heaven
Growing up, my only pet was a goldfish named Stanley.
It wasn’t until I married that I had my first dog, Brandy, an amazing golden Lab mix.
Brandy passed when she was 14 and I was devastated. I cried every day. At first, I swore I’d never get another dog, that my loss of Brandy was something to never be repeated, but life was empty without a dog. There was no one clamouring for my attention, no one who was unconditionally thrilled every time I came home. After two weeks of missing Brandy, I knew I needed a dog.
My husband and I found a new Lab to fill our hearts. A gorgeous chocolate Lab who we named Bailey. Of course, once you have one dog it’s easy to want another. A few months later we added Abby, a miniature schnauzer with a big and bossy attitude, to our family. Bailey and Abby were best friends for almost 13 years.
Bailey developed diabetes and we gave her insulin injections twice a day for more than two years before she passed. Abby passed one month before I had a major surgery for cancer.
Again, I was left without pets.
My children were grown and gone and I was too sick to care for a puppy, but I knew I needed a dog in my life. I joined the concierge program at the OHS, and a couple of months later I found my next love — Willow, a Bernese Lab mix. Willow loved me at first sight — she didn’t like my husband, but that just meant I didn’t have to share her. She was my constant companion throughout my treatment and recovery. She was and is our newest family member.
Most will agree that pets are a part of families, and when a pet passes, we may grieve them like we would a person. Like a person, our pets deserve to be remembered. We owe it to them, and we owe it to ourselves.
At the OHS, we know that pets are more than property. Pets are our companions, friends and family who we love and share an entire life with. A life that should be commemorated. That’s why the OHS has created an opportunity to make a tribute gift in memory of a pet. A pet’s memory can live on in helping homeless, abused and abandoned pets get the care they need to find their forever homes.
Will you commemorate a life by helping Ottawa’s animals find the love and compassion they deserve?
Lori Marcantonio
Director: Development
Cheer Up Pup! (Part I)
strangers to winter’s harsh temperatures, treacherous weather conditions, and
dull, dark, dismal days. Unfortunately, for some of us, winter can take its
toll as we succumb to what is commonly known as the “winter blues.” Common
symptoms of the winter blues include loss of energy, increased appetite, and
feelings of depression.
the winter season weighing down, we can find comfort and cheer in both the
benefits and responsibilities that come with caring for our pets. Here’s how:
- Pets provide a unique
form of simple, unconditional love and companionship. With a pet, any time
together is uncomplicated, quality time spent: pets don’t complain; they don’t
ask us to talk about our feelings; they don’t give advice we didn’t ask for.
Just love. - Caring for a pet keeps
us active and engaged. Knowing we have to get out to walk the dog might be the
only thing that gets us some fresh air and exercise on a gloomy winter day. Keeping
active for our pets will help improve our energy levels and mood as well. And,
simply caring for a pet each day can help keep us engaged and feeling valuable
and needed, with a positive focus to get us through the winter. - Pets connect us to
people. Pets can be the easiest conversation starters with other people when we
are feeling isolated in the dead of winter. Taking the dog for a walk or to the
park might turn into a positive social experience meeting other animal lovers
who may need a friendly chat as much as we do. - Pets keep us healthy. Research shows that owning a pet can be linked
to lower blood pressure, a better balance of natural hormones and chemicals in
our bodies, better fitness, and fewer visits to the doctor than those who
choose not to keep an animal companion around.
here in Ottawa, hang in there, and know that comfort, companionship, and some
help cheering up are just a tail-wag away.
can help our pets cope with the winter blues.
Tatarski
OHS Co-ordinator: Humane Education
After Hours Emergency Clinics in Ottawa
If your pet is in immediate medical danger or you are helping an animal that has been seriously hurt, the following emergency vet clinics are open in Ottawa:
- Alta Vista Animal Hospital
2616 Bank St,
Ottawa, ON K1T 1M9
Phone Number: 613-731-9911 - Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital
1155 Lola Street,
Ottawa, ON, K1K 4C1
Phone Number: 613-745-0123 - Eagleson Veterinary Clinic
46-500 Eagleson Road,
Kanata, ON, K2M 1H4
Phone Number 613-383-8381 - Capital City Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital
747 Silver Seven Road,
Kanata, ON, K2V 0H2
Phone Number: 613-244-7387
A Sad Reminder
It is sadly ironic that this coming Sunday is National Pet Fire Safety Day, given the tragedy we witnessed just last week at the SPCA of Western Quebec. The tragic loss of over 70 animals should be a reminder to us all to consider our furry friends when preparing for unexpected fire emergencies. According to the (American) Red Cross, every year about 500,000 pets are affected by fires, and nearly 1,000 home fires are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets. It is so important that we all remember the animal members of our family when it comes to fire prevention and to have a plan when the unthinkable happens.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Don’t burn candles unattended. Pets are naturally curious but not as cautious as we might like. Wagging tails and curious cats can knock over candles. Consider flameless candles as an alternative.
- Have a plan in place when you are home. Know which family members will be responsible for which pet.
- Keep leashes near the exits, so you can grab them on your way out the door during an evacuation.
- Make sure your home has functioning smoke alarms on every level of your home, and in the main corridor outside each bedroom area. Ensure you replace the batteries twice a year. Consider using the time changes in spring and fall as reminders to change batteries.
- The OHS has emergency cling film “stickers” for your front door, alerting first responders about the number of pets in your home. You can purchase them for only a dollar at our Buddy & Belle Boutique here at the OHS.
This National Pet Fire Safety Day, please invest a little time to keep all members of your family safe from fire.
Bruce Roney
President and CEO
Saving Lives with Dentistry Saving Lives with Dentistry
Over a decade ago, when we opened our first in-house clinic, the OHS realized its long time dream to replace our once leading-edge, but then outdated, voucher system for spaying and neutering animals post-adoption with a “no animal is adopted unsterilized” policy. Back then, we were frequently backlogged with animals waiting for sterilization surgery. Additional resources, a new clinic, and better technique has meant that now animals rarely wait long for sterilization. Now they wait for dentistry.
The need for veterinary dentistry is a difficult reality faced by most, if not all, progressive shelters in North America. We simply cannot adopt an animal that may be in pain and tell the adopter that they have to spend a thousand dollars or more right away on their new pet. It isn’t realistic. Many won’t to do it. Many would simply not adopt that particular animal. But, not treating a cat or a dog that requires dentistry is not only unacceptable medically, it is cruel. Imagine you suffered severe pain in your mouth from rot and abscesses for the rest of your life.Over a decade ago, when we opened our first in-house clinic, the OHS realized its long time dream to replace our once leading-edge, but then outdated, voucher system for spaying and neutering animals post-adoption with a “no animal is adopted unsterilized” policy. Back then, we were frequently backlogged with animals waiting for sterilization surgery. Additional resources, a new clinic, and better technique has meant that now animals rarely wait long for sterilization. Now they wait for dentistry.
So, we struggle with this new challenge. An eight-year-old cat likely has a long and healthy life ahead. But many need dentistry to achieve it. Beyond the issue of serious pain, our chief veterinarian tells me that untreated, periodontal disease can lead to very serious problems like jaw fractures from bone loss, infection of the jawbone, and nasal infections. And that aside from periodontal disease causing oral problems, it can also have systemic consequences, affecting the kidneys, liver and heart.
We cannot, in good conscience leave an animal to suffer. While minor, or potential future dental issues are identified for adopting families, anything which likely causes pain has to be addressed before adoption.
Dentistry for pets is not a luxury. We have to provide dentistry to save lives, and to give animals a life worth living.
Bruce Roney
Executive Director
OHS in the Dark
Saturday’s storm knocked out power to the OHS — toppling trees on our property, causing some damage and making our outdoor dog run unusable. We are still in the dark and have had to cancel most of our programs for the week. Adoptions continue, but at a slower pace.
Fortunately, disaster preparedness is often front of mind for us. We are always asking how will we be there for the animals if _____ happens, and our extended loss of power during the tornados taught us a lot.
When the power goes out for an extended length of time, we have a backup generator to keep us from being completely in the dark and to keep our most essential operations up and running.
We are still able to admit animals who immediately need our help. These are the stray animals who are sick or injured, the animals whose owners cannot afford life-saving treatment and dogs running at large.
In our critical care unit, you could almost be convinced that the power never went out. The lights are on to help our team care for the animals safely and the beep and drip of life-saving IVs carry on as always.
Until today, looking in our surgery room told a different story. We’ve since made some changes and contacted an emergency electrician to restore power to the surgery room, but before that, the room stood dark, quiet and empty. The technology we use to perform surgeries required more power than our generator was able to provide, but our team is resourceful. Rather than falling behind on spay/neuter surgeries for Ottawa’s animals, our team made arrangements to perform the surgeries on our mobile spay/neuter vehicle that runs on its own power supply. This helped keep us on track and will make it a lot easier to get caught up when power is fully restored.
Our animal care team has also tirelessly continued their work, strapping on headlamps and using other alternative light sources to make sure Ottawa’s homeless animals receive the daily care they need.
To help the community during this time, we’ve also invested in ensuring our pet food bank runs as planned this week — we know a lot of people may be struggling with their grocery bill as food spoils in powered down refrigerators.
There is no question, Saturday’s storm was a disaster. Lives were lost, homes were damaged, and many are still far from completely recovering. Despite all of this, I find solace at the Ottawa Humane Society. Our community, our staff, and our volunteers have all gone above and beyond to ensure the animals are cared for during this tragedy.
And for that, I am grateful.
Bruce Roney
President & CEO
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