Toronto Humane Society Shares Stories of Animals Who Beat the Odds Thanks to Community Support as Part of their Keep Pets in the Picture Campaign
TORONTO, ON – December 17, 2024— Just weeks before the holidays, a story of resilience and community compassion has captured hearts at Toronto Humane Society. Gabby, Tonka, Raykin, and Kai, four neonatal Yorkshire Terrier puppies, were brought to the shelter in the kind of dire condition no animal should face.
At just two weeks old, the puppies had lost their mother, who tragically passed away shortly after giving birth. Without her nourishment or care, they were left helpless, and their family, unable to provide the intensive round-the-clock care required, made the heart-wrenching decision to surrender them in hopes of saving their lives.
Presented in a small box, the puppies were weak, malnourished, and soiled. For the smallest sibling, Kai, the odds were insurmountable. Despite every effort, Kai didn’t make it. Gabby, too, clung to life, while Tonka and Raykin struggled to stabilize.
“This was a race against time,” said Dr. Karen Ward, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer at Toronto Humane Society. “Neonatal puppies require constant care—every hour matters. Without the community’s support, stories like Gabby, Tonka, and Raykin’s would end in heartbreak. But together, we can keep pets like them in the picture.”
Neonatal puppies are puppies that are in the early stages of life, typically from birth to around two weeks old.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the surviving puppies were placed in a loving foster home where their journey to recovery began. Their foster parent worked tirelessly to bottle-feed them every two hours, keep them warm, and nurture their fragile bodies. Over weeks of dedicated care, they grew stronger.
Gabby, the smallest of the litter, faced the toughest road but has blossomed into a calm, resilient puppy. Raykin overcame digestive challenges and now delights her caregivers with her playful nature. Tonka, the largest of the three, has become a bundle of joyful energy.
This incredible journey of survival and recovery has brought the community together, demonstrating the power of collective compassion to transform lives.
As Gabby, Tonka, and Raykin prepare to spend their first holiday season with their families, Toronto Humane Society is calling on the community to help keep more pets in the picture.
The rising cost-of-living in Toronto continues to pressure families to make heartbreaking choices between their everyday needs and the care of their pets. As a result, too many beloved animals are being pushed out of the picture and left without homes.
Toronto Humane Society is responding to this growing crisis through vital programs like Public Veterinary Services, the Urgent Care Program, and the Pet Parent Support Network. These initiatives give families the resources they need to keep their pets by their side during challenging times, preventing the need for painful surrenders.
Until December 31, donations to Toronto Humane Society are being matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000, thanks to a generous matching gift from a family member of Michael G. Creber. Every contribution will go twice as far, providing life-saving care and support to vulnerable pets and the families who love them.
“This holiday season let’s come together to ensure no pet is pushed out of the picture,” said Dr. Ward. “Gabby, Tonka, and Raykin’s story is one of hope—a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when our community rallies to support animals in need.”
Donations can be made at www.keeppetsinthepicture.com. Each dollar supports critical programs that provide medical care, foster placements, and adoption opportunities, giving vulnerable animals like Gabby, Tonka, and Raykin the second chances they deserve. Note: Due to the impacts of the postal strike, the organization is requesting that donations be made online, or over the phone at (416) 392-2273 (option #5 on the main menu to reach fundraising).
Toronto Humane Society’s mission is to improve the lives of animals. The organization excels in all ways an animal shelter should, with industry-leading shelter care, veterinary services, animal training and behaviour consultations. Toronto Humane Society believes in the importance of the human-animal bond, finds new homes for thousands of animals and helps keep families together.
Toronto Humane Society is more than an animal shelter. They are an educational resource and support system, a leading voice in animal welfare and accessible care. The organization is also a centre of excellence, a space where best practices and boundary-pushing knowledge meet with unyielding optimism and a love for animals to create something special. Toronto Humane Society is like no other. For more information, visit www.torontohumanesociety.com.
For more information, or to arrange an interview please contact Lucas Solowey at communications@torontohumanesociety.com or call 416-392-2273 ext. 2196
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