HUMANE SOCIETY FINDS A NEW HOME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday December 15, 2008

HUMANE SOCIETY FINDS A NEW HOME

In 2009 the Gananoque and District Humane Society will mark its 20th year of service to the community by moving into larger and better equipped premises in order to enhance its animal welfare mandate. The Humane Society announced today that arrangements have been completed to purchase the former OPP building on Highway 32 just north of the 401 for use as its new animal shelter. Possession is scheduled for the end of February 2009 with occupancy planned by the end of May 2009, after essential renovations have been completed.

This great step forward for animal welfare in our area was made possible by the generous support of the Government of Ontario. A 2007 surplus from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services was used to provide a one-time grant to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in order to enhance Humane Society and Infrastructure and Technology throughout the Province. The local Humane Society applied for and was awarded a share of this Infrastructure Funding.

The Humane Society also announced to day the launch of a Capital Campaign to match the $300,000 grant with equivalent community support in both cash and essential services.

For further information about the new Shelter, contact Les Wonch at 613-331-4611

To learn more about the Capital Campaign or to offer your assistance contact Nisha Milkovich at 613-382-3831.

Santa is Visiting
Box Office Entertainment

Saturday December 13th
10AM until 2PM

Get your child's or pet's photo taken FREE of charge
(Donations accepted for the Gananoque & District Humane Society)
AND
Check out the in-store "Santa Specials" for all the good
girls and boys on your list!

Box Office Entertainment
711 King Street East
Gananoque, ON
613-382-2001

Pet Photo Day!

U R Beautiful 4th Annual Spa Blitz

U R Beautiful is hosting its 4th annual Spa Blitz to raise funds for the Gananoque and District Humane Society.

• Half-off all quick salon/spa services
• Bake sale
• Raffle table, including a chance to win a $200 “Heaven’s Waiting” package that includes a specialized facial, an hour massage, spa manicure and spa pedicure.
• With every donation of $5, receive a rejuvenating hand treatment.
• With every $10 donation, receive an uplifting shampoo, blow-dry, and style.
• All donations get a free ballot for the spa day raffle!
  

All proceeds go directly to the Gananoque and District Humane Society.

When?
Saturday November 22 from 9AM to 3PM

Where?
122 King Street East, Gananoque. Three doors down from the T.D. Canada Trust bank.

Why are we doing this?
Every year our team has a spa blitz to raise money for a good cause and need within our community. We have a lot of fun, and in the end, with everyone’s help, we can sew a seed into good soil. In this case, a place whose main mission is to help and care for animals who need food, shelter, and a chance at a better life.

For more information:
Contact us at (613) 382-9576 for further details.

The Gananoque and District Humane Society has been selected as an Infrastructure Renewal Grant recipient

Gananoque, ON (November 5, 2008) - The Ontario SPCA announced today that the Gananoque and District Humane Society has been selected as one of the recipients awarded a portion of a $5 million Infrastructure Renewal Grant. The grant, dispersed amongst the Ontario SPCA and its more than 50 Communities, is targeted to capital improvements, enhancing and modernizing communication tools and information technology, and improving animal welfare services in Ontario.

The one-time capital grant was made possible by the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and derived from a surplus of funds in 2007.

The Gananoque and District Humane Society underwent an extensive application process, made available to the Ontario SPCA's entire network of more than 50 Communities, to allocate the funds. Many of the projects are capital improvements, creating local job opportunities.

"The Provincial Government's one-time capital grant of $5 million recognizes the lifesaving work that we do, and the importance of strengthening animal welfare across the province," says Jim Sykes, Chair of the Ontario SPCA Board of Directors.

The Gananoque and District Humane Society will be using this funding towards creating improved Shelter facilities.

For more information about the Gananoque and District Humane Society's programs, please visit http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/ and http://beta.gananoquereporter.com/Community/.

Branch/Affiliate Media Contact:

Les Wonch, President of the Board
Gananoque and District Humane Society
Cell: 613-331-4611
Email: humanesociety@bellnet.ca

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Adopt – Volunteer – Donate! Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002

Love Animals? Have a Few Hours to Spare?

The Gananoque and District Humane Society needs people with big hearts to help care for all the abandoned animals.

Volunteer opportunities include cleaning cages, feeding the animals and helping to socialize them, as well as non-shelter activities such as helping with fundraising, driving the animals to vet appointments, fostering (both cats and dogs), etc.

If you have some time to spare, please contact the shetler at 613-382-1182. We -- and the animals -- appreciate it.

Gananoque and District Humane Society
9 King Street East
Gananoque, ON
Tel: 613-382-1182
Shelter hours: 8:30AM to 12:30PM Monday through Saturday

Discarded Yellow Labs Need Forever Home!

The Gananoque and District Humane Society has just taken two beautiful yellow labs into care due to a family break up.

Simba (on the left) is a nine year old female yellow lab. She is extremely friendly and has a sweet disposition. She loves kids, people and other dogs. Simba barks nervously with men but settles when she realizes there is no threat. She has been raised as a house dog with a fenced back yard. When she goes for a walk she tends to pull a bit. Simba loves to show her affection by giving hugs. Simba has been raised with her sister Nala and takes on the “big sister role” by cleaning Nala’s ears and eyes. These two sweeties are never more than a foot apart. Oh yes and we can’t forget, Simba loves to be vacuumed!

Nala (on the right, above) is also a nine year old female yellow lab. She is also quiet and sweet much like her sister. Nala is short and stocky compared to her tall slender sister. Nala is definitely the couch potato of the two. She enjoys going for nice slow walks, forget running! Nala is also great with kids, she loves the attention. These two cuddly dogs would make excellent family pets.

Both dogs would make a family complete. They miss their family and rely heavily on each other so hopefully they can be adopted together. Both have been vaccinated, wormed and have had a health exam. Booster shots for both will be required in about three weeks. Simba has a slight tartar build up which may be resolved by diet. Both dogs have slightly pink ears but no sign of mites or disease. Otherwise both appear to be in good health. Neither of these two girls has yet been spayed. Some question has arisen about their actual age and it has been suggested that they could be as young as six. We have not been able to get a definitive answer to this. Considering the degree of bonding between the two it is very important that they go to the same loving home.

Attached are photos of both courtesy of Lyn Sargent at Howl-a-Day Inn.

To enquire about adopting these two beautiful ladies, please contact the Gananoque and District Huimane Society at 613-312-1512.

Cookies, Crafts & Critters!

Please Help Jasper!

Jasper

Domestic Long Hair-black
Extra Large Adult Male Cat
Pet ID: c126-07-08

July 10-08-Brought in to shelter as stray found on island. His coat is matted and dirty so he isn't feeling that great yet Approximate age dob 2000 Jasper had to have been someones pet at some point because had has been already neutered and he is declawed. He is starting to warm up to staff and will allow us to pet him.

Stick'em, Sweep'em and Scoop'em Bonspiel

5 and 10 Raffle

Cookies, Crafts and Critters

Cookies, Crafts and Critters:

Saturday November 15

Kinsmen Hall
400 Stone Street North
Gananoque, ON

Come and do some holiday shopping; come and show your support for all the unwanted pets!

For more information, call 613-382-1512.

3rd Annual Stick'em, Sweep'em & Scoop'em Bonspiel

Saturday November 8, 2008

Starts at 9:00AM sharp

Proceeds Going To: Gananoque & District Humane Society and Gananoque Jr. B. Islanders

NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY - Maximum 2 experienced per 4 person teakm to make it fair

$120/team and includes: 3 four-end games of curling, dinner, and a donation to both organizations

Money MUST be submitted by October 28, 2008.

Register by calling Lori Higgs at 613-382-7509 or Robb Bowman at 613-382-8697.

Limited spots!

An Unwanted Pet's Lament

Life is harsh out there.
Did you know? Did you care?
You picked me up in your arms
And took me in your car
To a place so near to you
And yet so very far.
Life is harsh out there.
Did you know? Did you care?

You took me to the country
You said “you will find a space.”
You left me in a ditch
By some farmers place.
You left without a glance
Life is harsh out there.
Did you know? Did you care?

The farmer didn’t take me.
His barn was already full.
I guess there are others like you.
Who really just don’t see
that…..life is harsh out there.
Did you know? Did you care?

And so my life began
Searching for a shelter safe
From the cold and from the rain
Searching for a little food
And running from the dangers.
Life is harsh out there.
Did you know? Did you care?

Copyright Gerri in Ontario, Canada

Oreo Needs His Forever Home!

Oreo
Large-sized Male, Domestic Long Hair, Black and white
PetFinder ID: c116-07-08

It's hard to believe that gorgeous Oreo was abandoned by his owner, but so he was, on July 1, 2008. He is a wonderful lad who is reserved until he feels comfortable with you (not surprising, given his experiences with humans), then he becomes a chatterbox. Oreo is approximately 2 years of age and has many years of love and companionship to offer.

Oreo is neutered and is up-to-date with all shots, including rabies.

For further information, contact the Gananoque & District Humane Society at 613-382-1512, or go to the web site at http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/.

Help the Animals Give Thanks at Thankgiving!

GANANOQUE, ON (OCTOBER 1, 2008) – Throughout this Thanksgiving season the Gananoque & District Humane Society encourages the public to remember the animals spending their Thanksgiving in our shelter and to help the animals give thanks.

Through your donation of food we can fill our animals’ bellies with a festive Thanksgiving meal.
Your donations of blankets, carriers and toys will make our shelter a warm happy home for all the animals currently waiting for a forever family.

Why not give a pet something to be extra thankful for this Thanksgiving by visiting our adoption centre and giving an animal a new home! There are so many ways pets can bring Thanksgiving into our own homes – every day of the year! They greet you at the door, offer constant love and affection, and share their continuous joy for life! The animals will be eager to share their thanks with a flurry of licks and purrs!

The Gananoque & District Humane Society would like to thank the public for all their continuous support and for remembering our loved animals this Thanksgiving season.

For more information on the adoption process and how to donate please contact the shelter at 613-382-1512 or visit us on the web at http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/

Additional information:

The Adoption Process
http://www.ontariospca.ca/2-adoptproc.shtml

Adoption Tips
http://www.ontariospca.ca/2-adopttips.shtml

Donate Now
http://www.ontariospca.ca/3.shtml

Gananoque & District Humane Society
Media Contact: Kim Akerblom, Volunteer Publicity Coordinator
ganhumanesociety@gmail.com

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Adopt – Volunteer – Donate! Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002

A Big Thank-You To Our Supporters!

A HUGE thank you to all those who cared enough about the suffering of abandoned, ill-treated and unwanted animals to brave the rain and support our Shelter Walk and Fun in the Park Day on Saturday September 27th.

Without the generosity of compassionate individuals, we would not be able to function, would not be able to aid so many unfortunate animals that humans have discarded.

Thank you all and please know you have made a real difference.

Gananoque & District Humane Society
9 King Street East
Tel: 613-382-1512
http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/

Vote for the Animals - Presented by WSPA

On October 14, 2008 (in Canada), vote for the animals:

http://www.wspa.ca/voteforanimals/index.html

Skittle Putt Needs Loving Home!

Skittle Putt
Domestic Long Hair - orange and white
Large Adult Male Cat, PetFinder ID: c38-03-08

Skittle putt was brought in to our shelter on March 24, 2008 from a home environment. His year of birth is approximately 1998.

Understandably, it took some time for him to become accustomed to shelter life, but he now is enjoying his freedom outside of his cage during the day. Skittle Putt will be a wonderful companion who just would be happy relaxing by a sunny window, soaking up the rays -- and human love. This gorgeous guy has been waiting a long time for his forever home; please don't overlook him.

Skittle Putt is neutered and is up-to-date with all shots, including rabies.

For further information, contact the Gananoque & District Humane Society at 613-382-1512, or go to the web site at http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/.

Who We Are

Gananoque & District Humane Society

We are a NO KILL Humane Society, affiliated with the Ontario SPCA and registered as a Canadian Charitable Organization. By NO KILL we mean exactly that. We will not euthanize any creature in our care unless it is so ill or injured that reasonable veterinary intervention cannot save its life or ensure that it will enjoy a reasonable quality of life, or it has a personality disorder so extreme that it can never be adopted or maintained in foster care. We will not release any animal in our care for use in medical experimentation and to the best of our ability, we screen prospective adopters to satisfy ourselves that the animal will be going into a loving and safe environment. Although we are primarily involved with cats and dogs we also handle other small domestic animals, wild life and farm animals.

Fund raising is an on going challenge for us. All of our directors and volunteers serve without pay. We reimburse only approved, essential expenses and most volunteers waive expense reimbursement or donate the funds back to us. We have one part time paid employee, our Shelter Manager who is also the Senior Cruelty Investigator for our area of service. We work closely with other Humane Societies and Animal Rescue organizations and, in the last two years have accepted animals needing care from as far away as Toronto and have placed animals in homes as far away as Québec and Illinois.

In 2006 we had almost 600 animals come though our very small facility. Not surprisingly, that involves a lot of food, litter etc. and of course veterinarian bills for the animals’ maladies and for the spaying and neutering which we do with every animal, 12 weeks and up, prior to adoption.

Our adoption fees of $125 for cats/kittens and $200 for dogs/puppies, include micro chipping, tattooing, Rabies and FVRCP (cat) or DHPPL (dog) inoculations, deworming and spaying or neutering. Just those costs alone usually mean we have more costs involved than our fees are able to recover. This leads us into our fundraising efforts, which are numerous year round. As we receive only minimal municipal funding (2006-total $3000) we must rely on donations and fundraising for most of our revenue. Unpaid volunteers do all fundraising. We do not use any paid fundraisers.

We also always gratefully accept donations of supplies in addition to funds.

In case anyone wishes to volunteer their time, we have lots of jobs that need to be done 7 days a week, 365 days a year so even a donation of a few hours on any day of the week is a great help to us.

Donations may also be made on-line at www.canadahelps.org.

Go to “make a donation” and enter Gananoque & District Humane Society under the request for name of charity. A credit card number is required and a receipt is issued immediately by Canada Helps via email.

Please visit us on the web at http://www.ganhumanesociety.ca/

"Saving just one pet won't change the world...But, surely, the world will change for that one pet."

Shelter Walk and Fun in the Park Day

Gananoque & District Humane Society Shelter Walk and Fun in the Park Day
Saturday September 27, 2008
Town Park behind Town Hall
King Street, Gananoque

Walk:
5 km or 2.5 km (walk, run, cycle, roller blade, etc.) and/or walk your dog
8:30 AM Registration -- Bring your sponsor sheet and/or a donation of $20
9:30AM -- Opening ceremonies
11:00AM -- Walk presentations

Fun in the Park -- 10AM to 1:00 PM (approx.):
* Jail and Bail, Scoop and Win, 3-hole ball toss
* Children's activities, including face-painting by Jan, air castle, scavenger hunt in the Park, jar guess, popcorn machine
* Dog agility demonstration by Carol Pacquin
* Pet dog show
* Turkey raffle
* Pick your Apple(s)
* 50/50
* Music
* Clowns
* BBQ
* And more!

Collect pledges to support the Gananoque & District Humane Society or make a donation of $20, then join the fun in the park. Run, cycle, skate, or walk. You do not need a dog to participate.

Pick up a pledge form at the Gananoque & District Humane Society office, 9 King Street East or call us at 613-382-1512.

All proceeds to the Gananoque & District Humane Society.