Happy New Year

I’ve never been much for New Year’s resolutions, at least not in my personal life. I have always thought it was a bit silly and likely to fail. At work, though, it’s a different story.

I have two work resolutions for this coming year:

First, I want to respect and honour the many donors and many gifts that made our wonderful new shelter possible by using it to its absolute fullest to improve the lives of today’s and tomorrow’s animals.

Second, I want to spend more time with our supporters, getting to know them and learning about their aspirations for the animals and the future, and of course thanking them for making the work of the OHS possible every day.

Happy New Year everyone!

Bruce Roney, Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

Community cat rooms cause contentment

As I walked through our new Adoption Centre yesterday, I passed by a couple in their twenties with their faces pressed to the glass of one of the community cat rooms.

“You can go in to the rooms you know,” I told them.

The young woman’s eyes widened. “We can? You just MADE my day!”

I led them into the room where they could visit, stroke and pick up the cats. Of course, I immediately ceased to exist as they explored the room with a dozen or so mostly dozing cats.

We first saw community cat rooms when researching successful newer shelters across the country. In Edmonton, we saw visitors coming and going from these rooms. It went against everything we thought we knew about healthy housing of cats in shelters, but it was so astoundingly wonderful in so many ways we knew we had to try to make a visitor’s — and a cat’s — day.

Bruce Roney, Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director

A message from the Executive Director

The coming year looks very promising at the Ottawa Humane Society, and it is looking great for the animals in our care.

After 43 years, we have finally moved to a bright, modern and spacious facility. If you haven't visited yet, this is the perfect time, as the shelter looks particularly beautiful decked out for the holidays.

I am particularly thrilled with the live outdoor Christmas tree, as that is what I chose to name along with my gift to the Breaking Ground Building Campaign! I am proud that this symbol of peace and joy will forever have my name on it.

From me and from all of us here at the OHS, please accept our very best wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and all the best in the New Year for you and everyone you love.

Bruce

(Bruce Roney, Ottawa Humane Society Executive Director)

Hoppy Holidays!

HO HO HO Hop over to the OHS to find your next best friend!

This is Speedy, A138365, an unaltered female, brown Dwarf rabbit.

She is about 2 years and 7 months old, and was surrendered by her owner on November 23.

Speedy is one of severeal rabbits and other small animals currently looking for a new home.

Rabbits are unique creatures who form tight bonds with their families and can make great companions. They are very social as well as active and playful. While their life expectancy varies with breed, rabbits can live anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

Why Rabbits Can Make Good Pets

·         Rabbits are social and with gentle handling are generally quite tame.

·         They are playful and entertaining to watch.

·         They can be litter trained. They also respond well to gentle training and sometimes can be trained to perform special behaviors or tricks.

What You Need to Know Before Deciding on a Rabbit

Rabbits need a great deal of interaction with their owners or other rabbits to be happy. Daily playtime and exercise outside of their cage are a necessity.

Rabbit pellets alone are not a sufficient diet – these pets need lots of roughage in the form of good quality hay and a variety of fresh vegetables. They do need to chew, so lots of safe chew toys should be provided, and any spaces where the rabbit is allowed to run must be carefully rabbit-proofed.

Rabbits need veterinarians, too! They should be spayed or neutered to keep them happy and healthy.

Click here for more information about adopting a pet from the Ottawa Humane Society!