February 2016 

Happy February! This month we are celebrating National Cupcake Day™ in support of Humane Societies and SPCA's across Canada. Keep reading to learn how you can participate in the sweetest day of the year and support animals in need in the Orangeville area. Don't forget to stop by for a tasty treat on February 29th!

With icing covered paws and chocolate cupcake kisses, 
The Orangeville Team 

Increase in Calls to 310-SPCA Cruelty Line – Dogs Being Left Outside

January was a busy month for our Investigations department and the trend continues as temperatures hover in the sub-zero range. Staff answering calls from the 310-SPCA Report Cruelty line are seeing an influx of reports from concerned citizens reporting dogs being left outside.

If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, then it’s too cold for your pets to stay outside! While some pets enjoy the great outdoors, it’s extremely important to ensure they are provided with appropriate outdoor accommodations. Download the Ideal Doghouse Brochure for details.

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to hypothermia. Prevention is half the battle. In our Pet Health Corner, Dave Wilson, Director of Shelter Health and Wellness for the Ontario SPCA and retired vet, talks more about how to prevent hypothermia and how to recognize its symptoms.

Cupcakes Help Animals like “Freddie” Get a Second Chance

Little “Freddie” was suffering from serious head injuries when he was rescued by the Ontario SPCA. Thanks to the support of caring people like you, Freddie was able to get the care and rehabilitation he needed for a second chance at happiness. Donations and participation in events like the upcoming National Cupcake Day™ on February 29th, helped Freddie get the surgery he needed to live a happy, healthy life with his new family. 

You can help other animals in the Orangeville area get their second chance by joining this year’s Cupcake Day and baking cupcakes for family, friends and coworkers. The Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre (and local businesses) will be FILLED with cupcake events! For those that prefer eating cupcakes versus baking them, there's still lots of ways to get involved. Whether it’s visiting our animal centre, or the Paws and Claws Thrift Stores in Orangeville or Shelburne, we welcome everyone who is interested in participating (or eating!). Check out our Facebook page for up-to-the-minute info on the sweetest day of the year!

 Register today at nationalcupcakeday.ca and help save animals’ lives.

 

“Elijah” Needs Your Help!

Although he traveled quite a distance, we are determined to help “Elijah”, who was part of a large-scale rescue operation that took place in Northern Ontario. The 2-year-old Husky/Shepherd mix has been battling a fungal infection affecting his paw and teeth, and still requires extensive veterinary care.

Elijah is on bed rest and is patiently waiting to run and play. Help Elijah in his journey back to health. Please contact us here at the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre or visit his donation page if you think you can help Elijah and other animals like him.

Welcome Back! 

Brenda is a past employee of the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre who has now come back to volunteer with us. She is a huge animal lover and supports the centre as an event volunteer and foster parent.

Brenda lends a hand at our Tag Days, along with her dog "Fancy". They spend the day chatting with people and hearing lots of happy adoption stories.

To many people’s surprise, Brenda remembers the animal that they adopted! Thank you Brenda for all your support.

The Importance of Microchipping

Does your pet have a microchip? Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters across the province. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified.

Microchipping can provide the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you. Collar tags can break or become unreadable and tattooing can become illegible.

So, if you want to improve your pet’s chances of getting home fast and safe in case it were to go missing, microchipping is your best option.

Family Fun Day

Are your pets included in your Family Day activities?

Whether you’re snuggling up with your pets in front of the TV, or spending the day away visiting family, we hope you and your pets enjoy the day.

If you’re travelling with your pets, check out the fact sheet on Travelling Safely with Your Pet to help make the most of your trip.

Happy Family Day!

February is Dental Health Month

Every morning and every night, we humans spend time taking care of our teeth. But what about our pets? How can their teeth and gums stay healthy if we don’t give them the same care? 

February is Pet Dental Health Month! To help our pets maintain dental health, we explore the five W’s of good oral care for pets.