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   Dedicated Donor   iAdopt for Fall   Volunteer Software Launched   Friends For Life! Walk™

Another Happy Ending    Meet “Ginger”! She was one of  eight Labradoodle pups born at the Ontario SPCA SD&G Branch and was adopted by Chantal and Claude Lapierre. Their daughter Stephanie works at the shelter, and they had been looking for a poodle-type dog for some time. The timing was just right for them when Ginger and her littermates were born! Ginger was lucky to have a forever home waiting for her when her eyes were barely opened. Congratulations to Ginger and the Lapierres on a match made in heaven! Pictured here is Ginger with Chantal and Claude’s grandson, Chance. View adoptable animals here.        Volunteer Spotlight   This is Allan, one of the Ontario SPCA SD&G Branch’s most loyal and diligent volunteers.  He keeps us on our toes by making sure we have lots of dishes for him to wash! Allan is a valuable volunteer because he is happy to do work away from the animals, while most volunteers look to spend time with them (and who could blame them?). Thank you, Allan, for all your hard work and good cheer! View volunteer opportunities here.     Dedicated Donor Roseanne is one of the Ontario SPCA SD&G Branch’s dedicated volunteers and donors. Roseanne does an online auction every week and purchases needed items for the shelter. She has been doing so for two years and has purchased food, litter, a stainless steel sink, a new door and some pet beds that were badly needed for our dogs. Roseanne comes to visit every week to find out our needs. She saw that some dogs had beds and others did not so she purchased 30 new beds. Pictured above is one of the beds that “Shelby” the dog is enjoying. Thank you Roseanne! Shelby and her  friends at the shelter love their new beds.             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.

Carol Link Manager Ontario SPCA SD&G Animal Centre