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Anima l Talk Fall/Winter 2019 HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIVES PAGE 04 STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE PAGE 05 COMMUNITY CATS – BUT HOW MANY? PAGE 06 TOGETHER IS THE ONLY WAY PAGE 06 GIFTS OF LOVE PAGE 07

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Page 1: AnimalTalk Fall 2019 R2It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds new and better ways to improve the lives

AnimalTalkFall/Winter 2019

HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIVES PAGE 04

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATEPAGE 05

COMMUNITY CATS – BUT HOW MANY?

PAGE 06

TOGETHER IS THEONLY WAY

PAGE 06

GIFTS OF LOVE PAGE 07

Page 2: AnimalTalk Fall 2019 R2It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds new and better ways to improve the lives

To promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering.

CONTENTS

PAGE 03 ........................................ MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

PAGE 04 ........................................ HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIVES

PAGE 05 ......................................... STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

PAGE 06 ......................................... COMMUNITY CATS – BUT HOW MANY?

PAGE 06 ......................................... TOGETHER IS THE ONLY WAY

PAGE 07 ......................................... GIFTS OF LOVE

AnimalTalk

Animal Talk is distributed free of charge to Toronto Humane Society members and donors. Contents of Animal Talk are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Toronto Humane Society. Nothing in this publication shall constitute an endorsement by the Toronto Humane Society of any product or service.

Canadian Charitable Registration Number 11925 9513 RR0001

OUR MISSION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The role of the board is to provide governance

oversight for the Toronto Humane Society.

The Toronto Humane Society board of directors

is a volunteer board and no member of the board

receives compensation to perform their board role.

Krista Bulmer – President

Malcolm Bernstein - Chair

Dominique Rousselle – Vice President

Bronwen Morgan – Vice Chair

Martin Buckle – Vice President of Advocacy

Stephen Steele – Treasurer

Angela Young – Assistant Treasurer

Elaine Wong - Secretary

Shelley Austin

David Bronskill

Mark Dilworth

Kathy McDonald

Peter Newell

Emily Pang

Christopher Wood

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERDr. Jacques Messier, DVM, MBA

EDITORTegan Buckingham

CONTRIBUTORSConor McMullen

Don’t let the unexpected ruin a beautiful friendship.

More than 20% of animals surrendered to the Toronto Humane Society are brought in because their owners could not afford to provide them with the veterinary care they needed.

With Toronto Humane Society Pet Health Insurance you can rest assured that your favourite companion’s healthcare will be covered, just when you need it most.

Get your free quote today at www.thspetinsurance.ca

MESSAGE FROM THE CEOTo improve their lives daily, you need to improve your work daily

In most places of the world, mentioning to someone you support “improving the lives of animals” might not get much of a reaction. It’s like saying you support cleaner air or safer streets. Whether they are

involved in animal welfare or not, most people would, each in their own way, want to improve the lives of animals.

But it’s one thing to want to improve their lives. It’s another to need to. To wake up each day with that singular purpose, that drive to help as many animals as possible. This need, renewed daily, assumes a near constant state of self-evaluation: “How did we do today? What can we do better tomorrow? Are we on the right path?” This self-evaluation is key. It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds

new and better ways to improve the lives of animals—is all that matters.

In matters concerning research, the work led to a first-of-its-kind study which, after years of guess work, has provided animal care workers with a more accurate number of homeless cats living in

Toronto. With this number, we and other organizations can adjust our strategies accordingly and create a more effective approach to helping these animals.

Outside the shelter, the work pushed our advocacy efforts to a whole new level, making us one of the most prominent voices in animal rights. We loudly and proudly voiced support for new legislation that will keep more animals safe, while bringing attention to more problematic legislation, such as BSL (breed specific legislation -- the banning of pit bull and pit bull mixes). The conversation around not just the repeal of BSL, but the replacement with more responsible legislation, is now growing.

The work also fostered new partnerships that will help more animals. For example, we are now working with the Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration (SSHA) to help care for pets belonging to those using homeless shelters and respite centers in Toronto. We have also partnered one of Meals on Wheels locations who will bring pet food to their clients. We will continue seeking out new partnerships with anyone from fellow care workers, youth educators, activists, politicians, lobbyists, to anyone who shares our need to improve the lives of animals.

But there is no room for complacency. We leave idle self-praise for the grandstanders who merely want to improve the lives of animals. For those who need to, the work is never done. We—and this includes you, our supporters—know that, for each animal saved, another 10 are in need. That’s why we will continue to work, to fight for animals and bring about the overall improvement of their lives in Canada and around the world.

We know and appreciate that you are as dedicated to this as we are. We recognize that your generosity—whether it’s a cheque in the mail, a sponsorship of a kennel, or a gift in your estate—is not only what fuels this need, it’s what sustains it. As our donors, you stand right next to us as we face each day, working to improve the lives of animals, one animal at a time.

On behalf of everyone at the Toronto Humane Society – two legged and four – Thank You.

Dr. Jacques Messier, DVM, MBAChief Executive Officer

Page 3: AnimalTalk Fall 2019 R2It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds new and better ways to improve the lives

3

AnimalTalk

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The role of the board is to provide governance

oversight for the Toronto Humane Society.

The Toronto Humane Society board of directors

is a volunteer board and no member of the board

receives compensation to perform their board role.

Krista Bulmer – President

Malcolm Bernstein - Chair

Dominique Rousselle – Vice President

Bronwen Morgan – Vice Chair

Martin Buckle – Vice President of Advocacy

Stephen Steele – Treasurer

Angela Young – Assistant Treasurer

Elaine Wong - Secretary

Shelley Austin

David Bronskill

Mark Dilworth

Kathy McDonald

Peter Newell

Emily Pang

Christopher Wood

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERDr. Jacques Messier, DVM, MBA

EDITORTegan Buckingham

CONTRIBUTORSConor McMullen

MESSAGE FROM THE CEOTo improve their lives daily, you need to improve your work daily

In most places of the world, mentioning to someone you support “improving the lives of animals” might not get much of a reaction. It’s like saying you support cleaner air or safer streets. Whether they are

involved in animal welfare or not, most people would, each in their own way, want to improve the lives of animals.

But it’s one thing to want to improve their lives. It’s another to need to. To wake up each day with that singular purpose, that drive to help as many animals as possible. This need, renewed daily, assumes a near constant state of self-evaluation: “How did we do today? What can we do better tomorrow? Are we on the right path?” This self-evaluation is key. It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds

new and better ways to improve the lives of animals—is all that matters.

In matters concerning research, the work led to a first-of-its-kind study which, after years of guess work, has provided animal care workers with a more accurate number of homeless cats living in

Toronto. With this number, we and other organizations can adjust our strategies accordingly and create a more effective approach to helping these animals.

Outside the shelter, the work pushed our advocacy efforts to a whole new level, making us one of the most prominent voices in animal rights. We loudly and proudly voiced support for new legislation that will keep more animals safe, while bringing attention to more problematic legislation, such as BSL (breed specific legislation -- the banning of pit bull and pit bull mixes). The conversation around not just the repeal of BSL, but the replacement with more responsible legislation, is now growing.

The work also fostered new partnerships that will help more animals. For example, we are now working with the Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration (SSHA) to help care for pets belonging to those using homeless shelters and respite centers in Toronto. We have also partnered one of Meals on Wheels locations who will bring pet food to their clients. We will continue seeking out new partnerships with anyone from fellow care workers, youth educators, activists, politicians, lobbyists, to anyone who shares our need to improve the lives of animals.

But there is no room for complacency. We leave idle self-praise for the grandstanders who merely want to improve the lives of animals. For those who need to, the work is never done. We—and this includes you, our supporters—know that, for each animal saved, another 10 are in need. That’s why we will continue to work, to fight for animals and bring about the overall improvement of their lives in Canada and around the world.

We know and appreciate that you are as dedicated to this as we are. We recognize that your generosity—whether it’s a cheque in the mail, a sponsorship of a kennel, or a gift in your estate—is not only what fuels this need, it’s what sustains it. As our donors, you stand right next to us as we face each day, working to improve the lives of animals, one animal at a time.

On behalf of everyone at the Toronto Humane Society – two legged and four – Thank You.

Dr. Jacques Messier, DVM, MBAChief Executive Officer

Page 4: AnimalTalk Fall 2019 R2It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds new and better ways to improve the lives

4

HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIVESAfter forty-five years of dedication, a staff member is saying goodbye to the Toronto Humane Society On an early November morning, Vicky Corken, Manager of Shelter Outreach, sits down for her last boardroom meeting. This is where, over the decades, she’s directed and organized some of the most important rescue, clinical, and shelter operations in THS history. It’s where she has seen, and taken part in, major shifts in the organization. Now, for the first time in 45 years, it’s where she’ll be able to pause and reflect on her experience in relative quiet.

“It doesn’t feel like 45 years, that’s for sure,” says Vicky. “I’m excited to have some free

time on my hands. We’re going to be doing lots of traveling. Come spring I’ll be spending most of my time in the garden. Still,” her voice starts to shake, “I’ll really

miss it here. All of it. The people. The goals we shared and worked so hard to realize. It’s bittersweet.” Starting out as a veterinary technician, Vicky went on to become the Senior Tech Clinic Manager, then Shelter Manager, then Manager of the Clinic, and then finally Manager of Shelter Outreach. “It was tough in the beginning,” she admits, “the industry was a lot different 45 years ago. A lot of injured animals.

A lot of euthanasia. I sometimes wonder how I got through it all.” But it’s clear how: “You had to weigh the good with the bad, and there was so much good

happening. And if we just left, who’d look after the animals?”

Her contributions to Toronto Humane Society are too many to list. But the most notable might be the spearheading of our Community Outreach Program, offering animal care and

educational services to these communities. The first trip was such a success that she fought to make it a regular occurrence. Since then the trips have become more successful each year. In 2019, she and the team provided 400 animals with spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations.

Always deflecting praise, Vicky would much rather focus on the change THS has gone through. “I just can’t believe how far we’ve come. The place has had its ups and downs. But now, it’s almost unrecognizable. The people, the programs we offer,” she shakes her head in disbelief. “We do so much outreach. And the things we do for the animals! The quality of care, the rehab. It’s just,” she takes a deep breath, “It’s just come such a long way. I can’t wait to see what happens next.” Toronto Humane Society has changed. But what about Vicky? “I’ve become a better person. I’m not so quick to judge. When you start in this industry, you tend to judge animal owners who might have made the wrong decision. But you can’t judge them,” she leans forward, “you need to help them. That’s what we’re all here for. Right? Not to judge, but to help people and their animals.” When recounting her experience, “Fortunate” is the word Vicky keeps coming back to. “I have been so fortunate to work with all these amazing people. Every one of them has something to share. Every day they come together to make something special, something inspiring.” To suggest that Toronto Humane Society is even more fortunate for having her would be impossible for Vicky. But it’s the truth. Her passion, her drive to always do better and help as many animals as possible, has undoubtedly shaped the organization to become what it is today. And while Vicky is off traveling or working away on her garden, her warmth, her love, and her dedication will resound through Toronto Humane Society’s halls for years to come. Thank you, Vicky.

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATEHow Toronto Humane Society is working to give animals a voice

Last Spring, we touched on some of the different ways Toronto Humane Society has been advocating for animals in need. Much has happened since then. Thanks to animal lovers becoming more engaged and raising awareness, new legislation was passed: Bill S-203 makes it illegal to hold whales and dolphins in captivity; Bill C-68 has banned the practice of shark-finning; and lastly, Bill C-84 makes it illegal to sexually assault an animal, breed or train animals to fight, own or provide a fighting area, and to profit from animal fighting.

The push at the government level continues, however, with BSL (breed specific legislation). With Ontario lawmakers rethinking the current legislation, we didn’t hesitate to join the conversation. We spoke extensively with CBC, TVO and Toronto Star —through radio and print—on the problematic nature of the pit bull ban and the different ways to replace it with more responsible legislation that focuses on the right end of the leash. We soon became one of the loudest and most referenced voices in the conversation. Our efforts, and those of other organizations and individuals, have not only caught the attention of the public, but politicians too. In late November the Toronto Humane Society was host to a press conference where a new bill to reverse Breed Specific Legislation was announced. What’s more, since its introduction, the bill has moved on, passed second reading and has gone to committee. Until the bill is passed, our fight is not over. It is a step toward being a huge win for animal advocates who, since 2005, have been voicing their opposition to this haphazard and harmful ban.

As far as the enforcement of animal cruelty laws is concerned, we have been in one working group after another with Ontario’s policymakers and other animal care reps to find a solution. Outside of the working groups, we have developed and submitted documents to the Ontario Government, considering other animal legislation across Canada and, from these, formed our own recommendations going forward.

The fight for animal welfare is as wide ranging as it is long lasting. It takes place everywhere from grassroots movements in local communities to major cross border rescue initiatives. It is individuals choosing to adopt rather than shop. It is teams of vets and volunteers traveling across the country to provide care to animals in remote communities. It is also, as seen from our most recent efforts, a matter of advocacy. Here, at the legislative level, where platforms become policy, more long-lasting and “official” change for animals can occur. To enact this change, the Toronto Humane Society will continue to make our voices heard. To be loud, to shout for our animals. To increase the number of animals lives’ we improve, we will continue to fight to make it known that smarter, more humane legislation is not a secondary priority or afterthought, but one that’s dear to the hearts of many Canadians.

Interested in fostering an animal in need? Please call: 416-392- 2273 ext. 2398

From Left to Right: Rick Nicholls MPP Chatham-Kent—Leamington, Jacques Messier THS CEO, Reverend Dr. Cheri DiNovo - Former MPP - longtime BSL

Repeal Advocate, and David Piccini MPP Northumberland—Peterborough South,

Page 5: AnimalTalk Fall 2019 R2It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds new and better ways to improve the lives

5

HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIVESAfter forty-five years of dedication, a staff member is saying goodbye to the Toronto Humane Society On an early November morning, Vicky Corken, Manager of Shelter Outreach, sits down for her last boardroom meeting. This is where, over the decades, she’s directed and organized some of the most important rescue, clinical, and shelter operations in THS history. It’s where she has seen, and taken part in, major shifts in the organization. Now, for the first time in 45 years, it’s where she’ll be able to pause and reflect on her experience in relative quiet.

“It doesn’t feel like 45 years, that’s for sure,” says Vicky. “I’m excited to have some free

time on my hands. We’re going to be doing lots of traveling. Come spring I’ll be spending most of my time in the garden. Still,” her voice starts to shake, “I’ll really

miss it here. All of it. The people. The goals we shared and worked so hard to realize. It’s bittersweet.” Starting out as a veterinary technician, Vicky went on to become the Senior Tech Clinic Manager, then Shelter Manager, then Manager of the Clinic, and then finally Manager of Shelter Outreach. “It was tough in the beginning,” she admits, “the industry was a lot different 45 years ago. A lot of injured animals.

A lot of euthanasia. I sometimes wonder how I got through it all.” But it’s clear how: “You had to weigh the good with the bad, and there was so much good

happening. And if we just left, who’d look after the animals?”

Her contributions to Toronto Humane Society are too many to list. But the most notable might be the spearheading of our Community Outreach Program, offering animal care and

educational services to these communities. The first trip was such a success that she fought to make it a regular occurrence. Since then the trips have become more successful each year. In 2019, she and the team provided 400 animals with spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations.

Always deflecting praise, Vicky would much rather focus on the change THS has gone through. “I just can’t believe how far we’ve come. The place has had its ups and downs. But now, it’s almost unrecognizable. The people, the programs we offer,” she shakes her head in disbelief. “We do so much outreach. And the things we do for the animals! The quality of care, the rehab. It’s just,” she takes a deep breath, “It’s just come such a long way. I can’t wait to see what happens next.” Toronto Humane Society has changed. But what about Vicky? “I’ve become a better person. I’m not so quick to judge. When you start in this industry, you tend to judge animal owners who might have made the wrong decision. But you can’t judge them,” she leans forward, “you need to help them. That’s what we’re all here for. Right? Not to judge, but to help people and their animals.” When recounting her experience, “Fortunate” is the word Vicky keeps coming back to. “I have been so fortunate to work with all these amazing people. Every one of them has something to share. Every day they come together to make something special, something inspiring.” To suggest that Toronto Humane Society is even more fortunate for having her would be impossible for Vicky. But it’s the truth. Her passion, her drive to always do better and help as many animals as possible, has undoubtedly shaped the organization to become what it is today. And while Vicky is off traveling or working away on her garden, her warmth, her love, and her dedication will resound through Toronto Humane Society’s halls for years to come. Thank you, Vicky.

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATEHow Toronto Humane Society is working to give animals a voice

Last Spring, we touched on some of the different ways Toronto Humane Society has been advocating for animals in need. Much has happened since then. Thanks to animal lovers becoming more engaged and raising awareness, new legislation was passed: Bill S-203 makes it illegal to hold whales and dolphins in captivity; Bill C-68 has banned the practice of shark-finning; and lastly, Bill C-84 makes it illegal to sexually assault an animal, breed or train animals to fight, own or provide a fighting area, and to profit from animal fighting.

The push at the government level continues, however, with BSL (breed specific legislation). With Ontario lawmakers rethinking the current legislation, we didn’t hesitate to join the conversation. We spoke extensively with CBC, TVO and Toronto Star —through radio and print—on the problematic nature of the pit bull ban and the different ways to replace it with more responsible legislation that focuses on the right end of the leash. We soon became one of the loudest and most referenced voices in the conversation. Our efforts, and those of other organizations and individuals, have not only caught the attention of the public, but politicians too. In late November the Toronto Humane Society was host to a press conference where a new bill to reverse Breed Specific Legislation was announced. What’s more, since its introduction, the bill has moved on, passed second reading and has gone to committee. Until the bill is passed, our fight is not over. It is a step toward being a huge win for animal advocates who, since 2005, have been voicing their opposition to this haphazard and harmful ban.

As far as the enforcement of animal cruelty laws is concerned, we have been in one working group after another with Ontario’s policymakers and other animal care reps to find a solution. Outside of the working groups, we have developed and submitted documents to the Ontario Government, considering other animal legislation across Canada and, from these, formed our own recommendations going forward.

The fight for animal welfare is as wide ranging as it is long lasting. It takes place everywhere from grassroots movements in local communities to major cross border rescue initiatives. It is individuals choosing to adopt rather than shop. It is teams of vets and volunteers traveling across the country to provide care to animals in remote communities. It is also, as seen from our most recent efforts, a matter of advocacy. Here, at the legislative level, where platforms become policy, more long-lasting and “official” change for animals can occur. To enact this change, the Toronto Humane Society will continue to make our voices heard. To be loud, to shout for our animals. To increase the number of animals lives’ we improve, we will continue to fight to make it known that smarter, more humane legislation is not a secondary priority or afterthought, but one that’s dear to the hearts of many Canadians.

Interested in fostering an animal in need? Please call: 416-392- 2273 ext. 2398

From Left to Right: Rick Nicholls MPP Chatham-Kent—Leamington, Jacques Messier THS CEO, Reverend Dr. Cheri DiNovo - Former MPP - longtime BSL

Repeal Advocate, and David Piccini MPP Northumberland—Peterborough South,

Page 6: AnimalTalk Fall 2019 R2It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds new and better ways to improve the lives

6

COMMUNITY CATS – JUST HOW MANY? A new study, a new number, a fighting chance for Toronto’s homeless felines

TOGETHER IS THE ONLY WAY How partnerships big and small have become vital to our mission

It might surprise some that despite the vast number of resources devoted to caring for Toronto’s community cats, no one had a clear idea just how many there were. There were rough estimates, of course. Some had it at around 100,000. Others thought it much higher. Whatever the numbers were thought to be, the reality was that much of the life-saving efforts relied on guesswork. That is, until a first-of-its-kind study put on by the Toronto Humane Society.

Coordinating with cat colony caretakers and incorporating land use data, the study estimates that the number of homeless cats in Toronto was lower than expected. Significantly lower. It is not 100,000, nor even 50,000. It sits at around 17,000. To put that into perspective, there were close to 100,000 estimated in 2009. What could account for such a drop in numbers? It is in large part thanks the TNR (trap neuter return) work we and other organizations have been doing for years. As a member of the Toronto Feral Cat Coalition, we have been offering support for the city and surrounding cities’ feral cat populations and their colony caretakers.

“The report not only showcases the effectiveness of TNR

Without partnerships we wouldn’t be doing the work we’re doing. That isn’t hyperbole. Our volunteers, foster parents, fellow animal and community organizations help sustain us and our work. Without them, our dreams would remain just that. Dreams. Nothing would materialize. No lives would be improved. Our partnerships make the impossible possible.

Animals desperate and scared are rescued from wherever they are and brought to us, thanks to our partnerships. They receive medical care of the highest quality and any physical rehabilitation they need, thanks to our partnerships.

Survivors of domestic violence have a place to leave their animal while they seek safety, thanks to our partnerships. Those living with developmental disabilities or dual diagnoses can get involved in their community and help animals, thanks to our partnerships. Seniors with income or mobility challenges can keep their pets by their side, thanks to our partnerships.

Now, a new partnership with Toronto Animal Services and

programs, but also paves the way for more informed and more effective TNR efforts going forward,” said Tegan Buckingham, Director of Integrated Marketing and Development and author of the study. “With a better idea of just how many community cats there are, our work—and the work of other organizations—can help even more animals in need.”

It’s thanks to our supporters that studies like this one are even possible. With each study like this one, we are able to improve more animal’s lives.

Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration (SSHA), will allow us to care for pets belonging to those using homeless shelters and respite centers in Toronto.

While some pet owners have the means to provide their pets with high quality veterinary care, more and

more are struggling to provide theirs with the basics. The growing wealth gap is forcing

many responsible and loving pet owners to give up their pets. It’s wrong to treat the splitting of families as nothing more than collateral damage. It’s wrong to shrug our shoulders and say, “well then they

shouldn’t own a pet”. It’s wrong to look the other way. Thanks to this most recent

partnership, we won’t be.

From this it’s clear that partnerships are about more than handshakes, press releases, and photo

opportunities. They form a vital component in the lifesaving work we and many other organizations do. To push ourselves, to continue to improve the lives of animals, we need to always be open to working with, and listening to, other groups. The only way forward is together.

(Elizabeth) Ann FergusonAaron DanALBA PUNTILLOAlexanderAniela ZielonyAnn OverweelAnna BujakAnne CondieAnne Elizabeth CondieAnne Greer HallAnne WilsonAoi SpidleARIGANELLOArlene InschAsaAshley Wright WoodASTROAticus BeaumontBill KuzykBill WilsonBLACKOBob GlenBoomerBrian WilliamsCaseyCasperCatherine DavisChanceCraig BlackDaryl WilkinsonDeborah BuckmanDerek HomanDialma CiarabelliniDonDon MacKayDorothy (Dawna) McLeod

We gratefully acknowledge the donors who have given gifts of $80 or more in honour or in memory of a special person or pet. Tribute gifts are a thoughtful and meaningful way of acknowledging a loved one’s memory, expressing your good wishes or commemorating an occasion.

GIFTS OF LOVE

IN HONOUR

IN MEMORY

Anna FriedenbergAprilBernice and GalenBetty Anne GraydonCarol Watson and Michael FoleyCarter’s Birthday PartyChampCharles VegterClaireDanni & BlueElizabeth UjvariElliott Chabursky

Page 7: AnimalTalk Fall 2019 R2It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds new and better ways to improve the lives

7

COMMUNITY CATS – JUST HOW MANY? A new study, a new number, a fighting chance for Toronto’s homeless felines

TOGETHER IS THE ONLY WAY How partnerships big and small have become vital to our mission

programs, but also paves the way for more informed and more effective TNR efforts going forward,” said Tegan Buckingham, Director of Integrated Marketing and Development and author of the study. “With a better idea of just how many community cats there are, our work—and the work of other organizations—can help even more animals in need.”

It’s thanks to our supporters that studies like this one are even possible. With each study like this one, we are able to improve more animal’s lives.

Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration (SSHA), will allow us to care for pets belonging to those using homeless shelters and respite centers in Toronto.

While some pet owners have the means to provide their pets with high quality veterinary care, more and

more are struggling to provide theirs with the basics. The growing wealth gap is forcing

many responsible and loving pet owners to give up their pets. It’s wrong to treat the splitting of families as nothing more than collateral damage. It’s wrong to shrug our shoulders and say, “well then they

shouldn’t own a pet”. It’s wrong to look the other way. Thanks to this most recent

partnership, we won’t be.

From this it’s clear that partnerships are about more than handshakes, press releases, and photo

opportunities. They form a vital component in the lifesaving work we and many other organizations do. To push ourselves, to continue to improve the lives of animals, we need to always be open to working with, and listening to, other groups. The only way forward is together.

7

(Elizabeth) Ann FergusonAaron DanALBA PUNTILLOAlexanderAniela ZielonyAnn OverweelAnna BujakAnne CondieAnne Elizabeth CondieAnne Greer HallAnne WilsonAoi SpidleARIGANELLOArlene InschAsaAshley Wright WoodASTROAticus BeaumontBill KuzykBill WilsonBLACKOBob GlenBoomerBrian WilliamsCaseyCasperCatherine DavisChanceCraig BlackDaryl WilkinsonDeborah BuckmanDerek HomanDialma CiarabelliniDonDon MacKayDorothy (Dawna) McLeod

MistyMollyMontyMoyin TamMr. Houshang AmirbehboudiMrs. Annie KingMuriel Patricia MacNaughtonNemoPaula Caitlin Fleury JarrettPaula KelsoPeggy RolfePickles Wilson-StirratPoppyRaymond BradshawRicardo QuesadaRichard AlfordRileyRita Melvine SmeleRyder SimpsonSharon RecordShasta JoyceSparkyStellaStephanie McCullamSteve SpidleStewieSylvia Mandell BimkeThe Honourable Madame Justice Denny ZerbisiasThomasTony FrostTracy Horton-SimoneWasyl ‘Bill’ KuzykYukonZoeZoey Bean

We gratefully acknowledge the donors who have given gifts of $80 or more in honour or in memory of a special person or pet. Tribute gifts are a thoughtful and meaningful way of acknowledging a loved one’s memory, expressing your good wishes or commemorating an occasion.

GIFTS OF LOVE

IN HONOUR

IN MEMORY

Krystyna OnopriienkoLorrie & ScottMichael and MorganMr. D P LauMrs. Nora RobinsonPat McCutcheonPhia MortimorePoppy-BedawellRafiqRebecca GoldsmithRita Isaac and PepperShannon StarkSheila Purdy

Spencer ArnfieldTrina Brink & Luc BenningUlysseVieWendyWizzy & LeoYathiYvonne MittelstaedtYvonne Schuler

Anna FriedenbergAprilBernice and GalenBetty Anne GraydonCarol Watson and Michael FoleyCarter’s Birthday PartyChampCharles VegterClaireDanni & BlueElizabeth UjvariElliott Chabursky

Dorothy ElliottDr Allan M KatzEdgar BernardEdith JohnstoneEffie/OleskyEleanor Lorraine PorterEliEllieEmmaEskoEsme SpilarFranklinG. Arsalides & T. BartzisGary RubinsteinGary ScottGerryGigiGigi Van LeeuwenGleep & DidjitGloriaGraffitiGucci and StoliGuinessHarry Power HavertyHelen BainesHelen BarnesHelen SalisburyHugh Brain MacNicolIlse IvyJack VanleeuwenJackson HartwickJan BootheJenny HarleyJocob R.Joel FarquharJosie Arigonello

Julia DadeKaren Elizabeth EvansKaren O’ConnorKaruKelsoKhyber RiversKyia and KinziLaura Joy DavidsonLeoLilyLinda KerrLolaLouLouiseLuLuLunaMangoMargaret Hope KennedyMargaret McWilliamMargaret RollingsMargot De MarinisMariel Patricia MacnaughtonMarieliese TisseverasingheMark HaywardMarshallMary Elaine MurdochMary LeFresneMary Margaret LeFresneMary MooreMatthew AielloMatthew Thomas RuscittiMaurice D.Michael BrugelMidnightMike NowskiMiltonMiso

Flora CharnockFredGalen and BerniceGord DalgarnoGrace LinHernani Pereira &Paula BonacciJessie and RussKaren and Bill KellyKayKaylee PasuyKoojieKristin Rankin - Fox & Jane

Page 8: AnimalTalk Fall 2019 R2It’s what makes us better, what brings us closer to our goals. When all is said and done, the work—work that finds new and better ways to improve the lives

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