Animal Tales. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed. Meeting the special needs of special animals. Fall/Winter 2016

Transcription

1 Fall/Winter 2016 Animal Tales Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed Meeting the special needs of special animals When she was found outside a house fire in April 2016, injured, lethargic and unclaimed, Amber came into our care as a stray. Her paws were severely burned and infected, her fur was singed, and her nose and ears were damaged. After receiving emergency veterinary attention, Amber was given pain medication and treated with antibiotics and was cared for in a foster home, where her wounds were cleaned and bandages were changed for three weeks. Just as her paws had finished healing, Amber began refusing food and water, leaving our veterinary care team puzzled, as she had come so far. Through blood testing, we were able to determine that she had a condition known as Cholangiohepatitis, a disease of the liver. She was treated with six different medications and required force-feeding and fluid therapy, and the KHS animal care staff were worried about her survival. Remarkably, though, Amber responded very quickly to the treatment. Two months and two more blood tests later, her blood levels were back to normal and she no longer needed four of the six medications. Amber joined our Special Needs adoptions program and found her forever home on July 26 th, after 14 weeks in our care. She is now living happily ever after with a few other feline pals.

2 Our Mission Message from the Executive Director Helping us to transform lives The Kingston Humane Society is an open shelter, meaning that we will take in any animal in need regardless of its health, chance for recovery, Executive Director Connie Ball behaviour or likelihood of being adopted. We have no timelines for recovery and rehoming. Our goal is to ensure that our shelter is a last resort and hopefully a short-term stay to rest, recover and either be reunited or find a new home. We work very hard with every donation dollar we receive towards that end. We rely on the support of volunteers, kennel staff, veterinary assistants, veterinary technicians, office staff and adopters and donors like you to make this happen. While our 2016 numbers will not yet have been tabulated when you receive this newsletter, you know that the lives of thousands of animals have been transformed because of you. From January 1 to September 1, 2016, our work has included the following: 724 stray and unwanted animals have found new homes through our adoption program. 601 animals were spayed or neutered to help control unwanted litters. 906 stray animals were safely housed. 6,840 health examinations were performed to assess each animal s health requirements. 1,537 vaccinations were administered to provide protection from communicable diseases. I am sure you will agree that our community animals are important and that the life-transforming work we do is needed. The time and resources involved in nurturing each animal and dealing with health problems and/or behaviour challenges are expensive. Your support makes it possible for us to give every animal a chance. Please continue to support the Kingston Humane Society and to transform the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves. Connie Ball Executive Director, Kingston Humane Society KHS mission To care for injured, abused and homeless animals To return or find homes for those animals To promote and organize spay and neuter programs To undertake cruelty investigations To provide emergency rescues To provide humane education To assist with the education of veterinary technology students Contact us Kingston Humane Society 1 Binnington Court, Kingston ON K7M 8M9 Phone: board@kingstonhumanesociety.ca Website: kingstonhumanesociety.ca Fall/Winter

3 Spotlight on KHS volunteers We get by with a lot of help from our friends! Volunteer Coordinator Tanya Wilson Kingston Humane Society volunteers are vital to the work we do for the animals in our care. KHS volunteers provide so much of their time and energy to improve the lives of homeless animals in our community. It s truly an honour to work with such an amazing group of people, who are always there to lend a hand, give an encouraging word to staff, provide donations, open their homes to animals needing foster care, give the animals some extra TLC by cuddling cats and walking dogs, drive animals back and forth to vet clinics and satellite adoption centres, help at fundraising and adoption events, create beautiful crafts to be sold in support of the shelter... and let s not forget about the volunteers who fall so in love with an animal at the shelter that they end up adopting a new family member or reach out to their family and friends to help find loving homes. Every one of our volunteers has touched the lives of so many animals the frightened and timid, the sad and depressed, the happy and First aid volunteers keeping everyone safe at Big Paws rambunctious, and the sick and injured. It takes a strong and committed support network to care for those in need in a community, and our community s animals have that, thanks to all of you! Our volunteers are a part of the KHS family. To show our gratitude, we re throwing a Volunteer Appreciation Halloween Bash on Friday, October 21 st at the The Renaissance Event Venue in Kingston. Costumes are welcome (and may win you a prize!). Watch our website and Facebook page and stay tuned for more details. 3 Fall/Winter 2016

4 Flash gets the retirement he deserves When his owner died, sweet Flash found himself without a home. With nowhere else to turn, family surrendered him into the care of the Kingston Humane Society in hopes that we would be able to find this senior pooch a retirement home. On assessing Flash, our veterinary team was taken aback by the severity of skin and eye infections that he was suffering from. With bald patches and open sores on his legs, neck and back, it was clear that he was uncomfortable. He would also need extensive dental surgery to remove broken and decaying teeth. Flash was immediately placed on antibiotic treatment for the skin infections, eye ointment for his eye infections, and medication to relieve the pain from his dental problems. It took six weeks of assessment, baths and antibiotic therapy to treat the infections. Flash still remained hairless on many parts of his body, but he was no longer troubled by pain and discomfort. When Flash was healthy enough to undergo surgery, the attending veterinarian, assisted by a veterinary technician and a veterinary assistant, spent approximately one hour operating on him, removing nine teeth and cleaning his mouth to prevent further discomfort. After eight weeks in the care of the Kingston Humane Society, Flash finally found a wonderful new forever family. We recently received a pup-date from his family, who report that he has settled in well with his feline and canine siblings and that his hair has been growing back beautifully! Without your donations, there is no way that we could have provided the medical treatment or veterinary care and time needed to treat Flash. Because of you, he is now enjoying his golden years pain-free with his new family. For that, we thank you. Fall/Winter

5 Our wish list: What we need most urgently We are always grateful for your monetary donations, which allow us to open our doors every day to the animals in our community who need shelter, care and homes. In addition, we are in particular need of the following items at the moment. Please check the KHS website (under Support/Donate) from time to time for updates of our wish list. Thank you for your support! Dogs Canned dog and puppy food (most urgent) Easy Walk harnesses (size medium and large) Pill Pockets Large Kongs Large dog toys Treat dispensing toys (e.g., Kong Wobbler) Cats Canned kitten and cat food (kitten especially) Cat litter (preferably non-clumping) Yesterday s News litter (for our surgery patients) Cat toys Royal Canin Babycat food (canned and dry) Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) powder Birds and small animals Spray millet Bird toys Timothy hay Miscellaneous Dish soap Hand soap (for people) Disposable latex gloves Towels, sheets, blankets, wash cloths Batteries (all sizes) Bandage materials (Vetwrap, Kling), gauze Sterile, unopened syringes and needles Gift cards for pet supply, grocery or hardware stores Canadian Tire money The Kingston Humane Society participates in the Royal Canin Elite Shelter Program. When you register when you adopt a pet or purchase Royal Canin food from the shelter, we receive rewards points that offset the cost of food for the animals in our care. Visit Us on Facebook 700 Innovation Drive (behind StarTek) (PETS) Internet access at the speed you need Get an Instant Connection with Internet over Cable At a Price that Suits You For More Information Call Fall/Winter 2016

6 Community walks the walk in support of its animals The animals at the shelter send a huge, tail-wagging thank-you to everyone in the community who supported our 18 th Annual Big Paws fundraising walk and canine fun day on Sunday, September 11 th at Lake Ontario Park! Mayor Bryan Paterson, MPP Sophie Kiwala and Bill Hall of CKWS TV with KHS staff Kelsi, Nicole and Natasha, kicking off the 2016 pledge walk. Media sponsors Platinum sponsors The day included the pledge walk, a vendor marketplace, an online auction, food, music, pet photos, a kids zone, and games for our four-legged canine friends. To walkers who collected pledges, pledgers, event sponsors, vendors, over 90 volunteers, donors of auction items and businesses who donated services: thank you for making the day possible and supporting our mission of providing refuge for the homeless, neglected and abused animals in our community. Gold sponsors Silver sponsors Baldwin Audio-Visual Rentals CAA Insurance Kingston Community Credit Union Lamontagne Geophysics Ltd. Bronze sponsors Culligan Water McCoy Bus Service & Tours Sims Animal Hospital Starbucks Coffee Company Tony Deodato and Sons Limited Fall/Winter

7 Crafters for Critters Looking for a unique, handmade gift that supports a fantastic charitable cause? Look no further! Crafters for Critters is a group of creative volunteers who make beautiful, functional and versatile items for humans and pets alike! The Crafters are always looking for donations of wool, fabric and other crafting supplies. Drop by the shelter today to donate supplies or to browse their in-shelter gift shop! Crafters for Critters can also be found at events such as KHS Shelter Day, the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials, the Women s Art Festival and local craft sales. The talented Crafters for Critters volunteers with their creations at Big Paws AMPLIFY YOUR SALES PRODUCTIVITY & MESSAGE Call Tracy ( ) or Steven ( ).CA Love Food? NEW! Exclusive Coupons, Buy 12 Get 1 Free * Seniors Day Discounts and more! Sign up today! Frequent Feeder Program *Participating brands at time of printing are Performatrin and Performatrin Ultra. **These are franchised locations operated by Ontario Inc. are trademarks of Pet Valu Canada Inc. and used with permission. Gardiners Town Centre ** (613) Kingston Centre ** (613) Your Pet. Your Store. Your Rewards. Donations of canned pet food will be gratefully accepted. 7 Fall/Winter 2016

8 Please visit us at kingstonhumanesociety.ca Shelter hours Monday Friday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Holiday closures: Sunday & Monday, December Sunday, January 1, 2017 Monday, February 20, coming soon! Mark your calendar! Homes for the Holidays Open House and feline adoption event Join us Saturday, December 3 rd from 10 AM to 2 PM for our annual open house shelter tours, Christmas tree sales, a microchip clinic and the kick-off of our special Homes for the Holidays cat adoption event! Reduced adoption fees on all altered cats ($95) and altered kittens ($135) until December 31. Visit the shelter or one of our satellite adoption centres to bring your new best friend home for the holidays. KHS 2017 Our Best Friends calendar share the love! Pick up copies of the gift the animal lovers on your list will enjoy! Featuring gorgeous photos of beloved pets and KHS animal alumni, our 2017 calendars will be available for $10 in November at the shelter and at many local pet supply stores and vet clinics calendar cover shown at left, but the 2017 calendar will be just as beautiful! Fresh Christmas trees for sale in December Microchip clinics Help your cat or dog get home safely! Have it microchipped for just $40, with all proceeds supporting the shelter. Dates: Tuesday, November 1, 5 7 PM; Saturday, December 3, 12 PM 2 PM; Tuesday, January 3, 5 7 PM; and Saturday, February 4, 10 AM 12 PM. Appointments required. See www. kingstonhumanesociety.ca for details. Beautiful, hand-sheared Nova Scotia balsam firs, ranging from 6 to 8½, will be available at the shelter during business hours in December, while supplies last. All trees are $40, with $10 from each tree sold supporting the work of the Kingston Humane Society. National Cupcake Day February 27, 2017 Start planning your cupcake party for February s National Cupcake Day for SPCAs and Humane Societies! Bake up some delicious cupcakes (or pupcakes for our animal friends), sell them, and donate the proceeds to the KHS.