March 2017
March is Fix Your Pet month Pet overpopulation still exists in Ontario as a direct result of animals left unaltered. Each year, tens of thousands of dogs and cats end up on the streets where they fall victim to neglect and abuse, or in shelters in search of new homes. Over 25,000 animals come into the care of the Ontario SPCA every year. Protecting your pet by having them spayed or neutered can help reduce this number and make our community a safer place for our pets. Spaying/neutering pets will reduce health risks and physical stress, and improve behaviour. Fixed pets are also less likely to roam, reducing the risk of injury, accident and loss. Our goal is to help reduce the number of homeless pets and fix as many animals as possible. With that in mind, the Ontario SPCA and its Affiliate Communities operate high-volume, self-sustaining spay/neuter services across the province, including in Newmarket, Barrie and St. Catharines.  The public, shelters, and rescue groups are welcome, regardless of geography or income level. Help us spread the word about this important issue by participating in our Cone of Fame contest. Let’s change the conversation and encourage pet owners to be proud of the cone pets often wear after spay or neuter surgeries. Join the conversation by posting a photo using #ConeOfFame.
Paws & Hooves program at TSC Stores supports animal rescue and adoption Support animal rescue and adoption when you shop for items for your home, farm, yard or outdoor hobby during Paws & Hooves events at TSC Stores in support of the Ontario SPCA and our Affiliate Communities. For every $2 donation, you’ll receive your choice of a paper paw or hoof to be displayed in the store showing your support. To participate, drop by your local TSC Store (The Incredible Country Hardware Store) during one of their upcoming Paws & Hooves events: April 7 – April 30 May 26 – June 8 July 14 – July 26 Oct 20 – Nov 2 Dec 1 – Dec 14 By participating in the Paws & Hooves program, you’re making a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Can you help Beau find a loving home? Beau is a five-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding who stands around 16.1 hands. He is up-to-date on his vaccinations, dental and deworming. Beau is sound and healthy and ready for a fresh start. This handsome lad has a lot to offer to the right home. He is very social and loves his people. He also gets along well in a mixed herd of horses and tends to be at the bottom of the pecking order. Beau always tries hard, but is still young and inexperienced. He is not overly spooky or difficult to work with and is curious about new things. Beau has recently been re-started under saddle with a professional trainer and is doing very well. He is a calm, quiet ride with no buck, spook or bolt. He has just started canter work and is proving to be a quick study. At this time Beau appears to be best suited for the Hunter discipline, Dressage or as a hack/pleasure mount. He should make a great horse for an intermediate rider with a coach, or an experienced rider. For more information, contact the Muskoka Animal Centre at 705-645-6225 or email jmccamus@ospca.on.ca	Jack wants a special person to be his pal   Jack is a sorrel Percheron/Quarter Horse gelding and is approximately 15 years old. He stands about 14.3 hands, but is very stocky and takes up a lot of leg. Jack is well-mannered and easy to handle on the ground. He gets along well in a mixed herd and is at the middle of the pecking order. He is a very easy keeper and prefers to live outdoors with access to a run-in shelter instead of coming into a stall at night. Under saddle, Jack is very responsive and responds best to light aids, with soft hand and leg. He is a forward-moving horse, but is also calm and sensible. He is just starting back into work so is a bit rusty, but has demonstrated himself to be a willing and happy partner! Jack is up-to-date on vaccinations and dental care. He is sound and healthy and looking for a new pasture to call home. We feel Jack would make a super pleasure/trail partner for someone who wants a fun and energetic equine pal. For more information, contact the Muskoka Animal Centre at 705-645-6225 or email jmccamus@ospca.on.ca
Stay safe during the spring thaw Spring is just around the corner and we’re eager to welcome sunny days ahead. When the weather gets warmer, people and their pets are eager to get outside. Looks can be deceiving though, which is why you need to be cautious. Melting snow can create fast-moving streams and rivers that pose a risk to pets and their owners. Dog owners also have to keep a close eye on their four-legged pals while out on a walk to ensure they don’t ingest any garbage or debris that may have been hidden under the, now melted, snow. Active pooches may also head to the nearest puddle for a drink, which could make them sick if it contains salt or snow melting chemicals.
National Cupcake Day™ was a sweet success The team at the Ontario SPCA would like to give a big shout out to all our friends, donors and community businesses that participated in raising funds for the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre by participating in National Cupcake Day™ for SPCAs and Humane Societies. Now in its fifth year, National Cupcake Day is as simple as it is sweet. Participants register online to host a National Cupcake Day party in their community on any date in January or February. They then invite co-workers, friends and family to enjoy a sweet treat in support of animals in need. In exchange for a cupcake, guests donate to the participating animal welfare charity of the host’s choice, raising critically-needed funds for animals that are abused, abandoned, neglected or no longer wanted We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for your support! It’s not too early to start thinking about next year’s National Cupcake Day. Visit nationalcupcakeday.ca to start planning your 2018 party.	Dog bite prevention starts with you Have you ever had a close encounter with a dog in which you feared you would be bitten? The majority of the time, dog bites can be prevented by following a few simple rules when it comes to dog behaviour. Most people know to ask first before reaching out to a pet a dog, but are you aware that you should let them sniff your closed hand before attempting to pet them?  While you might automatically reach to pet the dog’s head, to avoid the risk of being bitten, pet the dog’s shoulders and chest instead. There are also verbal cues and body language you need to keep an eye on. A wagging tail or a crouching body doesn’t always mean friendliness, which is why it’s critical to watch the dog’s posture for signs of fear, anxiety or aggression. But what if you’re approached by a dog you don’t know while out for a walk or run? To minimize the risk of being bitten, stay quiet and still. Never run or scream. Visit our blog for more tips on dog bite prevention.

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Newshound is a free electronic newsletter published monthly by the Ontario SPCA to inform our supporters and friends of animal welfare about Ontario SPCA Community initiatives, programs, events and experiences. Contents of Newshound may be reproduced with appropriate credit.

Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre
1234 Muskoka Road, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W5
Charitable Business #88969-1044-RR0002

Phone: (705) 645-6225
Fax:  (705) 645-3382
Email: muskoka@ospca.on.ca

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