August 2014 Welcome to NewsHound!     In this edition of NewsHound, read about iAdopt for Fall, learn more about the launch of the new volunteer management software and find out how to register and take part in the upcoming Friends For Life! Walk™. Another Happy Ending   Volunteer Spotlight   Donors Making a Difference   iAdopt for Fall   New Volunteer Software   Friends For Life! Walk™

Another Happy Ending    When Leo and Rachelle came into the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Branch looking to adopt a cat they didn’t have to look for very long. “Patches” a beautiful short-haired calico cat  was the match for them!  Patches went into foster care with Leo and Rachelle while waiting for her surgery date to be spayed. On her surgery date, the veterinarian confirmed that Patches had a heart murmur and gave her a 50% chance to survive the surgery, and another 50% chance to live a full year afterwards. Both Leo and Rachelle felt they wanted to go ahead with the surgery and adopt her. They also knew that if she didn't make it through her surgery, they would be making a donation to the shelter in her memory. Fortunately, they didn’t have to; the surgery was a success and Patches is now living a very spoiled life in Leo and Rachelle’s loving home. View adoptable animals here.       Volunteer Spotlight   Steve Gamble is one special volunteer who makes his way to the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Branch to walk our dogs first thing two mornings a week, no matter the weather. Steve is scheduled to walk dogs every Monday and Thursday morning from 8am to 10am, but never quits right away; almost always spending extra time socializing with the dogs and cats. Steve began volunteering in 2012 as an effort to help create a more comfortable environment for the animals at the shelter. We’ve found he accomplishes this goal best by spending time socializing with them. He's very aware that socializing with our animals helps them become accustomed to their environment and eases the level of stress that can occur. Thank you, Steve, for making time for our animals; it makes all the difference in the world to them and to us. View volunteer opportunities here.       Donors Making a Difference This month's donor spotlight is on a two-man business team who are making a difference for the animals at the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Branch. Joe Baptista and Dale Elliot are business partners responsible for the Eastern Ontario Network (EON), which they formed in 2012. EON delivers video coverage of local news via online media. "We have always given back to the community, and our weekly Pets of the Week segment is an extension of what we are," said Joe when asked about their connection to the branch. Since the fall of 2013, we showcase two animals available for adoption every week to thousands of viewers. Joe and Dale are key community partners with whom we are very grateful to work alongside. Thanks so much for all you do in our community!             iAdopt for Fall   Because there’s no better time to fall in love, iAdopt For Fall.   Wouldn’t it be nice to have a furry companion to enjoy the fresh fall weather with?   What better time to welcome a new addition into your family than during the fall months!   From August 1st – September 30th, particpating societies will be running the “iAdopt for Fall” adoption campaign.   Take our online Meet Your Match™ adopter survey so you’ll know before coming in to one of our shelters which type of animal you really click with. Take the survey now!   To learn more about iAdopt,  visit www.iadopt.ca.           Volunteers can now manage their own schedule!™   Ontario SPCA volunteers can now update their contact information and manage their own schedule all from home. The Ontario SPCA has launched a new online software system called "Better Impact"; this system is especially designed to manage volunteers and provide a more efficient way of communicating. As a volunteer you can sign up for shifts, inform us of any vacations, log hours, or change your phone number all from your home. Volunteers just need an email address and access to the internet to get started. For more information see you branch for details or log into www.myvolunteer.page.com to create your web page.         Friends For Life! Walk™   September 20th and 21st, 2014 is the Friends for Life! Walk™ weekend to save pets. Around the province thousands of walk participants will enjoy a stroll with their families in their community to help raise support for animals in need across Ontario.  Even people without pets can come out to enjoy the day and support this worth while cause.   Find a walk near you.   This event is your opportunity to help the thousands of animals at the Ontario SPCA  who are waiting to find their own friend for life!   Visit friendsforlifewalk.ca to register and learn more.

Marianne Carlyle Manager Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre