February 2016

It's Family Day!  What better time to think about adding to your family. Visit meetyourmatch.ontariospca.ca to find your perfect match or stop by the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre to talk with the staff and visit animals currently up for adoption.

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 Orillia community get their second chance by joining this year’s Cupcake Day and baking cupcakes for family, friends and coworkers. Register today at nationalcupcakeday.ca and help save animals’ lives.

And don't forget to drop by between February 22nd and February 29th for our Cupcake Day Party, enjoy a yummy cupcake and leave a donation for the animals!


 

“Angel” is Counting on your Support

We were introduced to a sweet Dachshund named “Angel” when her family brought her to the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Center, as they could no longer provide the care she required. This brave little lady had multiple conditions that required considerable veterinary care, including a skin condition and joint pain.

Angel requires some surgery on her mouth for her dental disease, the cost will be over $900. Please help us! Let’s get Angel healthy again and on the path to adoption.  

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.

Enriching Lives One Cat at a Time

We are pleased to highlight the contributions of Rob, one of our regular volunteers here at the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Center. He assists with socializing the cats, and they love when he comes in because he plays with them, grooms them and helps those in need, become comfortable around people.

Socialization is important for animals who have little experience around humans (or negative interactions) because it helps prepare them for adoption. Thank you for your commitment Rob!

A Happy Home for “Remmington”

“Remmington” is an 8-year-old Labrador who has a wonderful personality and just loves everyone. He was brought to the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Center after his family had to make the very difficult decision to rehome him.

Despite having some suspicious lumps, they were determined to be benign. This lovely older gentleman is now in his new home, and enjoying the endless love and attention he deserves!