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.
Lemmy is loving life in his new home We love hearing from our adopters! Recently, we received an update on Lemmy, a cat who came to us as a stray who was adopted almost two years ago. Lemmy will always stand out in our minds because he is just such a character. When he first came to us, Lemmy looked a bit rough around the edges from his days of living as a stray, which may be why adopters always seem to pass him by. After patiently waiting for a family to call his own, Lemmy’s life changed after Chris Tytler came to the centre to discuss a new sign for the animal centre. The sign maker and his wife Jenn already had several rescue cats in Ottawa and were looking for an older cat that would fit in with their other animals, so we mentioned the stray, scruffy cat. They adopted Lemmy, who struggled to fit in at first. But he soon befriended their cat, Aja, and the two have been inseparable ever since. We still receive regular updates on Lemmy from Chris and Jenn. Lemmy has faced his challenges over the years, including developing a cancerous tumour on his ear. While his ear had to be removed, it hasn’t dampened Lemmy’s spirit and Chris and Jenn still love him all the same. Stories like this make our heart sing. Thanks to supporters like you, cats like Lemmy have a second chance at life and a home that’s comfortable, safe and warm.	Community support helps animals in need We’re so thankful for everything the community does for our animal centre. Among our many supporters is Cornwall Community Cheer, which is dedicated to spreading cheer within the community. They do a great job adding cheer to the community, and have been helping animals in the process. Last fall, Cornwall Community Cheer hosted two fundraising painting events in support of our Friends for Life! Walk™ in September, did our photos with Santa during the holidays and recently held another paint night to raise funds for National Cupcake Day™ in support of SPCAs and Humane Societies. To top it off, there were lots of yummy cupcakes at the event for people to enjoy thanks to Christine Russell on our fundraising committee. These events always sell out and are a fun way for the community to help our animal centre. Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, and to Cornwall Community Cheer for your commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Kittens in foster care will soon be ready for adoption We get lots of stray cats that come to our door here at the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre. A pregnant cat arrived here on Jan. 16 and looked like she was ready to give birth any minute. We called Sherry Kalil, one of our foster “parents” to see if she could accommodate Momma cat. She agreed to help, making this her third time fostering kittens. We’re so thankful to her – and all our foster families – for their dedication to helping our animals thrive. Much to our surprise, Momma cat did not give birth until Feb. 6. Sherry is now fostering six very adorable kittens and enjoying her new crew. These very cute little bundles of joy will be ready for adoption in early April, so keep an eye on our adoption page if you’re interested in adopting one. Want to find out how you can get involved? Visit our website sdg.ontariospca.ca to learn more about volunteer opportunities.	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.
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.

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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 Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre
550 Boundary Road, Cornwall, ON K6H 5S3
Charitable Business #88969-1044-RR0002

Phone: (613) 936-0072
Fax:  (613) 936-0137
Email: sdg@ospca.on.ca

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