Peanut A136298

Hello, my name is Peanut. I am a young (under 2 years), neutered male Netherland Dwarf bunny. I came to the shelter as a stray in October 2009. I have maloccluded incisors, which means that my front teeth grow all funny, making it difficult for me to eat. Before I go home, the vets here are going to remove them! This means 3 things for my new home: 1) All of my veggies, greens and hay need to be cut up onto small pieces so I am able to eat them easily. 2) I won’t be able to chew on your wire, furniture, or anything! 3) there is always the small chance that if the vets aren’t able to remove every fragment of the teeth from my mouth, one or more of them my grow back in the future. If this occurs, they may need to be removed again. I am such a cutie and deserve a very special home! I am looking for a Special Needs Adoptive Home. If you think you can help me out, please call the Small Domestics Department at 416-392-2273 x2354

Keico A108507

Hello, my name is Keico. I am an 8 year old, neutered male. I have been in the shelter since February 2007 – 3 long years! I am FIV+ so I should only go to a home with no other cats, unless they are also FIV+. I am not on any medication. The shelter staff says that I’m shy with strangers but once I get to know you I love to sit and be petted or brushed. I would love to go to a home where I can spend my days lying in the sun and looking out the window. If you think you can give a guy like me a second chance, please ask about me at the cat desk, or call about our Permanent Placement Program at 416-392-2273 x2354.

Two Lovely Special Needs Cats Looking for Permanent Placement

Louise A109272 - Hello, my name is Louise. I am a 10 year old, spayed female. I have been in the shelter since March 2009. I have epilepsy. To control it, I am on an inexpensive medication twice a day. And it’s working – no one’s seen me have a seizure in months!!! Everyone at the shelter thinks I’m one of the sweetest cats here and they think I deserve a special and loving home. If you think you could give me that, please ask about me at the cat desk, or call about our Permanent Placement Program at 416-392-2273 x2354.

Little Gizmo A120721 - Hello, my name is Little Gizmo. I am a 4 year old, neutered male. I have been in the shelter since August 2008 – a year and a half! I am a diabetic cat who is currently in remission, and at this time all I require is a special diet and plenty of love – I really like head scratches! In my last home, I got along well with other cats and older children. If you think you could find a place for me in your heart and in your home, please ask about me at the cat desk, or call about our Permanent Placement Program at 416-392-2273 x2354.

Two Beautiful Dogs Looking for New Homes

Belinda A135314 – Belinda is a 6 year old spayed female, who came into the shelter in August of 2009 as a transfer from another shelter. She is a very sweet girl who loves to snuggle up with you. She has a skin allergy which makes her more sensitive to sun on her nose, so she must wear sunscreen at all times when it’s sunny.

Bennie A074970 – Bennie is an 8 year old spayed, female, Lab Mix, who originally came into the shelter in 2004. She was adopted out shortly after and then returned in September of 2009 because her owners were moving. She is a great older dog who still has lots of life left in here. Please come down to the shelter and give this girl her new forever home.

Fetch The Purr-fect Gift For Someone You Love

This Valentine’s Day give a unique present by sending a Tail Wagging Gift.  Simply choose a gift, and select a card to send to that someone special. Your gift recipient will be touched, but the best part is you can both feel great about how this gift is helping animals in need.

Tail Wagging Gifts will brighten the lives of an animal currently being cared for by The Toronto Humane Society™, keeping their belly full and tail wagging.

Don Peat Feb 02, 2010

Close Toronto Zoo elephant exhibit, group says

A California-based animal rights watchdog group used Groundhog Day to cast a shadow over the Toronto Zoo’s elephant herd.

“The zoo just can’t provide the conditions that elephants need to thrive,” Catherine Doyle, In Defence of Animal’s captive animal specialist, said Tuesday.

Among those conditions, Doyle said, elephants need vast space to move and a suitable climate in which they can be outdoors for significant periods year-round.

“The question that has to be asked is how often are these elephants out for?” Doyle said. “If they’re out for maybe a half-hour, an hour, even two hours out of a 24-hour day, the rest of the time they are spending that indoors, on concrete floors which are known to be damaging to their feet and joints.”

The zoo’s three remaining elephants should be sent to a sanctuary, Doyle said.

“The city and the zoo really need to close that elephant exhibit.”

Toronto Zoo officials were unable to respond to a media request Tuesday.

In December the group called on the zoo to close its exhibit after Tara the elephant became the fourth member of the zoo’s herd to die during the past four years.

Last month, the group listed the Toronto Zoo as No. 2 on a list of the 10 worst zoos for elephants in North America.

Click here to read the entire story online at torontosun.com

Pet Safety Alert

The Canadian Press Feb 01, 2010

Toronto woman chases off 2 coyotes after her dog is bitten

Police in east-end Toronto are warning people to keep a close eye on their kids and pets after a dog was attacked by two coyotes.

Patricia Hornyak says she fought off two coyotes after they bit her Labrador "Choco'' in the ears and leg.

The attack took place on Saturday on a trail (the Doris McCarthy Trail near Bluffer's Park in the Brimley Rd. and Kingston Rd. area).

Hornyak says the coyotes retreated into the bush when she waved a big stick at them and "yelled at them to go away.''

Toronto police Sgt. Jeremy Hayes says officers saw coyotes in a nearby ravine on Sunday and says parents should keep a close watch on their kids in the area.

Last February, a number of coyote sightings in east-end Toronto sparked fear after residents said a coyote killed their Chihuahua. The city tried to trap that coyote, but without success.

Click here to read the entire story online at 680news.com

Terence Neilan Contributor Jan 29, 2010

Dog Almost Gone Before Sailors Rescue Him

Polish sailor Adam Buczynski carries a dog found floating on an ice floe in the Baltic Sea.

It was the trip of a lifetime for a lucky dog, but it's almost certainly not one he would want to take again.

The dog somehow made his way onto the icy waters of the Vistula River in Poland, drifting about 62 miles toward the Baltic Sea, where temperatures have dipped in places to minus 29 degrees.

He was first spotted by firefighters on the riverside, but they were unable to reach him.
Eventually he was seen, looking lost and bewildered, on an ice floe about 18 miles out to sea by the crew of a Polish boat named Baltica.

Their first thought was that he was a seal.

When they realized it was a dog, the crew members set about trying to rescue him, first with a net, then by pulling him aboard an inflatable dinghy.

"It was obvious the dog was very weak. He almost went under the surface of the water," said a senior officer aboard the boat, Jan Joachim. "Then he was taken by colleagues and wrapped up in a nice warm blanket."

The ship's engineer, Adam Buczynski, told Reuters: "He didn't even squeal. There was just fear in his big eyes."

The crew's next task: finding the dog's owners.

Click here to read the entire story online at aolnews.com

Update Feb 8, 2010: Marilyn and Jane have found a loving new forever home!
Beautiful Bonded Tabbies Looking for a New Home

Marilyn A131978 & Jane A133141 – These two beautiful sisters came to The Toronto Humane Society in May of 2009 with conjunctivitis, and spent some time in our kitten nursery.

They are now quite healthy, and are looking for a loving new home together. They do not require medication, but do need a lysine supplement to their diet. These girls absolutely love to ride around on people's shoulders, and would make wonderful family pets.

Two Dogs Looking for Foster Homes

Princess A079356 – Hi, my name is Princess. I am a 6 year old, spayed female. I have been in the shelter since September 2009, but have been in and out of the shelter for my whole life. I am a very lovable dog who would make a great companion for an experienced dog owner. I am looking for a special home, and would be happiest if there were no children or other animals in the house because I don’t always get along with them. I am currently available for foster while I am waiting to have my dental surgery – it’s only for a few weeks! After that I will be able to go up for adoption so that I can find a forever home.

Update Feb 3, 2010: Johnson has found a loving new forever home!

Johnson A136742 – Hi, my name is Johnson. I am a 7 year old, neutered male. I came into the shelter as a stray in October 2009. I am a nice dog who is looking for a special foster placement with an experienced owner. I would be happiest if there were no other dogs in the house because I don’t always get along with them. I am currently available for foster while I’m waiting to have my dental surgery – it’s only for a few weeks! After that I will be able to go up for adoption so that I can find a forever home.

If you would be willing to foster either of these animals, please come down to the shelter to speak with the adoption councilor and foster coordinator, or call the foster department at 416-392-2273 x2354.

Cold Weather Alert!

The temperature has dropped dramatically over the last few days and will continue through into next week. It is important to take into account your pet's needs as well.

The Toronto Humane Society is recommending that outdoor activity for your pet is kept short and any outdoor pets be brought inside for the next few days to be sheltered from the extreme cold.

Dogs with very short coats have the least tolerance for cold. Extremely short-coated breeds shouldn't go outside without a sweater or a coat except for short times to relieve themselves. Small dogs with short coats (such as Chihuahuas, miniature Pinschers, and miniature Dachshunds) are especially vulnerable to cold. They may not tolerate any outdoor exercise in extremely cold weather.

Remember to be very careful with sick or older dogs, since they are more sensitive to cold weather. For any dog sensitive to the cold, due to age, illness, or breed type, take them outdoors only to relieve themselves.

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper-train your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.

Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up his or her paws, whines or stops on their walks, then this means their feet are uncomfortably cold. Be sure to get your dog used to wearing boots before cold weather sets in. If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash his or her paws after your walk. Salt is very irritating to footpads. Many dogs will quickly start whining and biting at their feet after just a few steps on salted roads. Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove the salt as soon as your dog is off the road.

Most cats prefer to spend winter indoors, but be cautious if your cat likes being outside. Don't let your cat out in bitterly cold weather, and be sure they have a warm place to go if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Cats left outdoors have a particular hazard; they often crawl into a warm car engine to get warm. When that engine is next started up, the cat can be seriously injured or killed by the fan blade or belt. It's much safer to keep your cat indoors in winter.

Lights, Camera, Action – Get Your Furry Friend Camera Ready!

Dust off your camera, set up the lighting and get ready for your pet to be an instant celebrity! We are looking for 12 photogenic pets to be featured in The Toronto Humane Society’s New Beginnings calendar. By entering your furry friend in our Pet Photo Contest you could win a spot in our 2011 calendar.

Brendan Kennedy Staff Reporter Jan 27, 2010

City approves 29 new dog parks

Twenty-four parks denied off-leash status, but High Park still under review

Cherlynn Lindsay, with her dogs Finnegan, left, and Quinlan, leaves High Park’s off-leash area, which is a centre of ongoing debate.

Twenty-nine new off-leash dog parks were approved by city council yesterday, after more than two years of review.

The parks join the city’s 30 existing off-leash parks.

“I’m glad that we’re starting to see results,” said Luan Egan, who helped form Toronto Unleashed, an advocacy group for the city’s dog owners back when the city’s original off-leash policy was being developed.

But High Park’s off-leash areas, perhaps the most contentious in the city, remain under review.

The review of dog parks comes more than two years after council adopted the People, Dogs and Parks Off-leash Policy to deal with the growing conflict between dog owners and other park users.

At issue in High Park is dog space versus environmental preservation. Dog owners want their pets to run free and socialize, while environmentalists are seeking to protect the park’s unique flora and fauna.(--Click here to continue--)

Click here to read the entire story online at thestar.com

Click here to voice your opinions in the "City approves 29 new dog parks" blog

Pets of the week

Arnie A123645 – Arnie is a 6-year old neutered male domestic shorthair, who came to the shelter in June of 2008. He has tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), but is currently on no medication. He is a happy guy, who will advertise his glee by meowing and rubbing up against your legs. You can also count on him spending plenty of time in your lap! He will be happy in a home with or without other FIV-positive cats. Due to his medical condition, he will require prompt visits to the vet, should he show any sign of illness. Please don’t hesitate to visit the shelter, where we will be happy to share more information about Arnie’s needs.

Mary Sue A137171  – Mary Sue is an 8 year old Spayed Female terrier mix that came into the shelter because her owner was incarcerated. She is a very sweet dog that would love to find her new forever home. She would do well in a home with older children and a yard.

Update Feb 1, 2010: Frank has found a loving new forever home!
Frank A130490

Frank is a 6-year old neutered male domestic shorthair, who was surrendered to the shelter in March of 2009. He has tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), but does not require medication. Frank is an outgoing and cheerful gentleman who loves to curl up in laps. He is also sociable with other FIV-positive cats. Come pay Frank a visit here at the shelter, and you’ll fall in love!

URGENT APPEAL – ADOPTION DRIVE!

The Toronto Humane Society is in need of adopters to come to the shelter or satellite adoption centre to take home a new forever friend today. We have approximately 140 cats available for adoption that we need to place in new forever homes as soon as possible.

We need to find homes for these animals and reduce the population inside the shelter on an urgent basis.

The Toronto Humane Society is committed to finding adoptive homes for every animal that comes into our care. All animals available for adoption have been vet checked, given up to date vaccinations and micro-chipped.

If you have been considering bringing a cat into your home as a new pet please come to the Toronto Humane Society at 11 River St. or 2802 Victoria Park to take one home today.

http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/adopt/petharbor_cats.asp - check out this link to see the many cats currently available for adoption.

Our Happy Tails...

Our first adoption experience with the THS was in 1992 when we adopted our first cat Pepper.  Pepper was an amazing cat and passed away in February 2009 at the ripe old age of 19!  Pepper was probably the most loving cat we have ever had.

Having had a positive first adoption experience led us to adopt a black lab named Brandon in 1996.  Brandon sadly passed away in September 2009 at the ripe old age of 14+.  Brandon was true to his lab breed and made an amazing pet.

In October 2008 we read an article in the Toronto Sun about a dog named Monty that the THS had rescued and was now looking for his forever home.  Monty was a special needs dog as he had a severed spine when brought to the THS.  Thankfully the THS did everything they could and saved Monty’s life.  We are extremely grateful.  We look forward to many years of fun with Monty.

Since we lost our cat Pepper this past year we went back to the THS for yet a fourth time and adopted a young cat we named Abby.  Abby is a playful one year old cat who enjoys getting into all kinds of trouble.

We treasure all our pets and thank the THS for all their hard work and for the care and kindness they showed our pets while waiting for their forever homes to come along.  Keep up the excellent work!

- Paula

Country Life for Feral Cats – Update

The Toronto Humane Society is extremely pleased to announce that we recently placed 8 feral (wild) cats into their ideal setting. These animals have been relocated to heated barns and stables in rural areas where they can live a full life in an environment suited to them.

Many other SPCAs, Humane Societies and city pounds do not have programs to help feral cats. They are simply being put down as unadoptable. The Toronto Humane Society’s approach is different! There is no reason to end these animals lives simply because they happened to wind up on the streets to fend for themselves.

The relocation program the Toronto Humane Society has is in addition to our spay / neuter and release program where we will provide population control for cats in the GTA that happen to be living in feral colonies.

Our Story from Summer 2009 Edition of Animal Talk:

There are no sadder victims of human neglect than feral cats. They cluster in ‘colonies’ in alleyways, and abandoned buildings, often not surviving the cold winter months.

Many shelters simply do not know how to deal with them and euthanize any feral cats. The Manager of Toronto Animal Serivces, Elita Purdy has said “the only reasonable option for feral cats that enter the shelters is euthanasia.” - June 28, 2009. But, for feral cats that arrive at The Toronto Humane Society there is a different future; a country lifestyle in a carefully chosen rural settings across Ontario.

Our progressive and innovative approach to helping feral cats is unique. We have a different policy that saves the animals’ lives and gives feral cats an opportunity to lead a full life that suits their temperament. Since the program began we have released over 100 cats to live in feral cats and the property owners report the animals are living happy fulfilling lives.

Simply because these cats were either dumped by their owners to care for themselves or they were born in the wild and were raised feral is no reason they should be killed. Healthy feral cats deserve every opportunity to live a full life.