February 2018

The sweetest day of the year is soon approaching! 

The month of February not only represents love but the sweetest day of the year! What better way to celebrate this month than baking cupcakes or any desserts for the ones you love and for animals in need – National Cupcake Day™ for SPCAs and Humane Societies culminates on February 26th and there’s still time to get involved and save an animal by doing something sweet.

Are you struggling to find a delicious recipe for your Cupcake Party? Our National Cupcake Day™ Champion Mary Berg has the ultimate cupcake recipe that is a must try! Mary’s scrumptious Classic Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream recipe can be found on our recent blog – these are sure to be the highlight of your party!  

Is your dog trying to taste test all of your baking? Why not plan a Pupcake Party! Celebrate National Cupcake Day™ with your furry companion and their friends – use one of our pupcake recipes from our Pinterest page for some inspiration. 

National Cupcake Day™ is presented in partnership by the Ontario SPCA and the BC SPCA in support of local SPCAs and Humane Societies across Canada as they work to help animals in need in their communities. Make sure to register online to participate and host your Cupcake or Pupcake Party this month!

Join our National Cupcake Day™ Champion in baking a difference by visiting Mary on social media for her amazing recipes and involvement in our campaign:

  @marybMCC3    @mary_berg3    @mary_berg3

Visit nationalcupcakeday.ca to register, bake and donate.

Family Day DYI Project – Make your own dog toy

If you are looking for something fun and low key to do this Family Day, why not take on a project the whole family can take part in. We have the perfect DIY rope toy and treat dispenser project. Click here to check out the video and give your pet a special treat to celebrate the day.  

Arts and crafts not your thing? Read our blog Fun for the whole clan this Family Day for some great ideas on activities that everyone can enjoy.

The benefits of pets on mental health

At the Ontario SPCA, we are fortunate to be working to save animals and have pets as part of out daily lives. Pets not only help increase productivity, but they can also have a positive impact on your mental health.  

As conversations about mental health continue to be encouraged, we wanted to share some resources about the benefits of pets on a variety of mental health disorders including depression, autism, anxiety, and more.

Read our recent blog Benefits of pets for our mental health to learn more on how pets can enrich your life.

A warm ending for Arctic

Frightened and alone, Arctic and her seven tiny 4-week-old kittens were found surviving in a cold abandoned car. They were brought to the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre for a second chance at life. 

Once the kittens and mom were examined, Arctic and her wee family joined the Thompson family, an incredible foster home which provides animals the warmth and care needed to recover! Several weeks later, the thriving kittens and their sweet Mom were successfully adopted into loving homes! 

A great big thank you to the Thomson family and all our volunteer foster families for helping us work towards a better life for every animal!

Vaccines: Is your pet protected?

It’s important to have your pet vaccinated, but did you know that not all pets need to be vaccinated for every disease? As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to discuss with your veterinarian what they recommend for your pet.

In the meantime, read our blog PET HEALTH CORNER: What vaccinations does your pet need to learn about core vaccinations which are considered vital to the majority of pets because of the risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans.