“NO KILL” - Mississauga Humane Society
Transcription
“NO KILL” - Mississauga Humane Society
MYAH (adopted in March 2015) and her family 38th Edition August 2015 MISSISSAUGA HUMANE SOCIETY a Charity No. 899127526RR0001 BEAR, now 15, is still with the same owner who adopted him 12 years ago! Campaign for a “NO KILL” SHELTER 2 3 4 5 in MISSISSAUGA WE WANT TO LIVE IN THIS ISSUE 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE/ ADOPTION/RESCUE STATISTICS 3 WHOM HAVE YOU HELPED TO SAVE? 4 CAMPAIGN for a ‘NO KILL’ SHELTER 5 VENUS (Part I) 6 VENUS (Part II) 7 ARYA (Juicy) 8 HOMESWEETHOME 9 HOMESWEETHOME 10 NEWS & EVENTS 11 NEWS & EVENTS 12 STARLIGHT SOIREE/ SAVE THE DATE EDITOR: LILY CHAN www.mississaugahumanesociety.com Page 2 President’s Message Dear friends: The last few months have been really busy as we prepared for two events for our Society. The first one was MHS’s 16TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY which took place on June 6. The second one, the STARLIGHT SOIREE our annual fund raising gala, also took place on July 10. Both events were very successful and details and pictures are under NEWS & EVENTS on pages 10 - 12. Please ADOPT ME! Summer is also the KITTEN SEASON where lots of calls on stray moms and kitties are received. We are doing our best to take in as many as we can to stop the overpopulation of homeless cats. Donations and foster homes are urgently needed to meet with the high intake. Please HELP us HELP. VISIT OUR CATS for ADOPTION at After our success in our petition last year to ‘STOP the 24/7 OUTDOOR CHAINED/CONFINED DOGS’ that led to the set up of a new City by-law, we will be working on another campaign for a ‘NO KILL SHELTER in MISSISSAUGA’. This is an even more important mission as, if this is achieved, numerous animals lives can be saved. For details of the campaign please go to Page 4. PET VALU Finally, I would like you to SAVE the Date of September 26, 2015 as this is when our annual PET FEST & WALKATHON will take place. Please refer to Page 12. I wish you a happy and safe summer! Lily Chan President (2 locations) Dundas/Mavis 905 306 0909 Dundas/Dixie 905 273 9992 RESCUE & ADOPTION STATISTICS Jan-July 2015 No. of Dogs Rescued: No. of Dogs Adopted: 52 35 No. of Cats Rescued: No. of Cats Adopted: 280 252 TOTAL RESCUED: TOTAL ADOPTED: 41324413135 332 d 287 GLOBAL PET FOODS 905-501-0411 1170 Burnhamthorpe Rd (Creditview) About James Kent MHS: MHS is a registered charity run 100% by volunteers. It does not have a shelter, business venue or paid staff. It receives no support from the Government, City or the SPCA. Without a shelter, MHS depends on the kindness of foster parents who open their heart and home to animals in need. By fostering a pet you are helping to SAVE a LIFE. President Since 1999, MHS has rescued over 5,000 homeless animals. MHS Is NOT the ‘animal shelter - Mississauga Animal Services’, which is run by the City. DUNDAS EAST ANIMAL HOSPITAL 905-803-8400 966 Dundas St (Tomken) Page 3 WHOM HAVE YOU HELPED TO SAVE? Here are just a few of them…. EDDY & MALCOM MOOSE KING A 2-yr-old Mudi X whose owner could not keep due to behaviour issues 7 and 8 yr boys given up due to allergy of a family member A nice Rottweiler given up by family as owner could not afford to keep ABBY CHASE SOPHIE SOPHIE An 11-yr-old girl surrendered by owner due to allergy of the daughter Came from an home who had too many unfixed cats A 6Owner yr calico given up gave up due to her fighting not todue constant getting with withalong the other the other housecat housecat BENNY A 7-yr-old Jack Russel X that ended up in the pound due to food aggression aggression OZZIE A 9-yr-old Shitzu X who had been rehomed 4 times due to behaviour issues. Her last owner wanted to euthanise him fighting THUMPER JACK & CHARLIE TITO Abandoned by the owner and found crying help behind a dumpster surrendered by owner due to allergy of the daughter due to constant fighting 7 and 8 yr ALLEGY A young shepherd returned by several homes due to behaviour issues Two brothers whose owner could not keep due to moving out of province KAYLIE & her 5 kittens BOOTS A 2-yr-old FILA who was returned to the pound by a rescue group and in danger of euthanasia One of the many stray mom cats and kittens reported fighting BROWNIE BENNY RUBY A 5 yr shy girl whose owner could not keep due to moving A Shepherd X who was scheduled to be killed due to aggression issues A bulldog suffering from torn ligament and owner could not afford the surgery fighting KOALA A 5-yr-old cat dropped off at the vet clinic due to a broken tail & owner could not afford surgery 5 HOMELESS KITTENS Found living with their mom under the deck of a backyard fighting Your DONATION today can SAVE LIVES In Honour of your LOVED ones - Send a Gift & celebrate the special occasion. In Memory of your LOVED ones – Send a Gift to celebrate their lives. Host your own fund raising events - Bake Sale, Birthday Party, Garage Sale.. Host fund raising events at your workplace. MAKE a BEQUEST in your WILL. lives. FOSTER A PET, SAVE A LIFE When people say: “I could never foster because it would be too hard to give them up.” We say: “How could that be harder than knowing an animal died because no foster stepped up?” Page 4 Campaign for a “NO KILL” SHELTER in MISSISSAUGA by Lily Chan Every year millions of dogs and cats are killed in shelters in North America. SHELTER KILLING is the LEADING CAUSE of DEATH for healthy dogs and cats. Up to a month ago, I still believed that this was due to lack of shelter space and homes. After attending a presentation by Nathan Wilograd on June 13, I have changed my opinion. Nathan created the NO KILL ADVOCACY GROUP in US many years ago. Shelters can implement a series of programs and services collectively known as NO KILL EQUATION. It works! Over the last 20 years MANY shelters throughout America have been able to achieve NO KILL by following an innovative and cost effective model. The euthanasia rate of some of these shelters have dropped to as low as 1%! KILLING is a CHOICE NO KILLING is also a CHOICE WE WANT to LIVE WE WANT to LIVE What is a “NO KILL’’ Shelter? A NO KILL SHELTER does not kill "SAVEABLE ANIMALS" - animals with TREATABLE illnesses or CORRIGIBLE behaviour issues. Animals are not killed because of lack of shelter space. For animals that are irremediably suffering due to sicknesses/injuries that are untreatable, they are killed for humane reasons. In the case of dangerous/ vicious .dogs with a poor prognosis for rehabilitation after extensive behavior, they are killed for public safety reasons (unless sanctuaries are available.) When the "SAVE RATE" of a shelter is over 90% (euthanasia rate is less than 10%) then the shelter is considered a NO KILL shelter. HOW can “NO KILLINGS’’ be achieved? It can be achieved with an innovative and cost effective program model which changes the way shelters operate. The program will REDUCE IMPOUNDS, VASTLY EXPAND ADOPTIONS and INCREASE RECLAIMS. ‘NO KILL EQUATION’ . www.nokilladvocacycenter.org 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. A Trap, Neuter, Release Program for Feral Cats High-Volume, Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Working with Rescue Groups A Foster Care Program Comprehensive Adoption Programs Pet Retention efforts 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Medical/Behavioral rehabilitation Public relations/Community involvement Working with Volunteers Progressive Field services & Proactive Redemptions A Compassionate and hard working Director ALL THESE PROGRAMS MUST BE CARRIED OUT COMPREHENSIVELY On July 10, 2015, the night of our Starlight Soiree fund raising gala, MHS launched the campaign for a NO KILL Shelter in Mississauga. The goal is for our own City shelter (Mississauga Animal Services) to become a NO KILL one. On that evening, a presentation was made to the audience. Pledge forms were also distributed to all the guests. Details of the campaign and petition forms will be provided on our website very soon. Our strategy for the campaign will be in three directions: Public support (petitions to Major/Councillors) Presentation to the City Council Working with Mississauga Animal Services, the city shelter This is a very meaningful mission which will SAVE NUMEROUS ANIMAL LIVES in future. YOUR SUPPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US. “TOGETHER, WE CAN END the KILLINGS of SHELTER ANIMALS’’ Page 5 VENUS (Part I) by Katie Biffis (the foster parent) I was asked to take VENUS over my Christmas break, December 2014, to give her a break from the kennel, where she had spent time boarding before, this time 5 straight months. Venus was rescued from a pound almost 3 years ago. She did not have much luck, being returned by foster homes again and again. She had behavioral issues that got worse as time went on. She was not good with all dogs, new people and cats were questionable. I was unsure, but had the space and set up to accommodate her. I closely followed the instructions from the trainer and others who knew Venus. It took a week or so of being indifferent with her, in order for her to trust me and me with her. Venus turned out to be a great house dog and together we bonded extremely well. She was awful on our walks, to say the least, when passing other dogs. One time I had to straddle her. I had to take routes where other dogs did not frequent. I was able to allow Venus on my second floor main living area with her muzzle on. My dog was smart enough to go upstairs and I baby gated the stairs off. Venus was not a cat chaser, but would react if they got too close, so with a close eye, things worked out. Christmas and the holidays passed and as stated, she was to go back to the kennel after the ‘break’. My heart sunk! I could not do this to her. Venus was a broken spirit, with no fault of hers. She was feeling happy, content and at home with me. I decided to keep going to make it work. I had to give her a good walk before work, left work earlier than usual to get home to her, walk again and walk again before bed. I was tired and at times wondered how long I could keep this up, but I decided to keep going. I could not risk Venus being returned again. She had already been through so much negativity. I advised MHS that training sessions would need to be offered to her adopter. I did her bio over and stated Venus’ needs in an honest and positive way about her behaviors, but also emphasizing that she is a smart and fantastic dog for a home that was willing to work with her limitations and treasure her positives. THERE HAD TO BE SOMEONE OUT THERE. – Someone that understands her limitations, see her for who she is, has the potential to be and what she has to offer "YOU". This person should be settled, experienced and mature. No kids, no dogs, no cats, quiet home environment without much traffic of new people. Venus is comical and has such a cute personality. She is housetrained, non-destructive etc., will bond close to you and be loving, once you gain her trust. Lo and behold an email came in from Sue and Bill while on vacation. They read the bio and addressed all the items on mine and Venus’ wish list. Best of all, Bill was retired, so Venus would have a stay at home daddy. I was not going to sugar coat anything. We arranged the meet and greet after they returned home. I was so nervous driving out, had tears about to fall and saying to myself, “If it does not work out, Venus stays with me until she finds her forever home.’’ Sue and Bill were perfect! Sue was sitting at the kitchen table ready to make out the payment and Bill was sitting calmly on the couch. Hmmm … They do know what to do, I thought. Venus had her muzzle on. They listened to the concerns of how to approach, or better yet, how not to approach Venus. Hands in pockets, they did not make eye contact or speak to Venus. It was smooth. He also mentioned they had been reading about the recent Oakville hoarding situation, with all the dogs out there that need homes, they felt it was time to rescue again. I knew this was a couple who had a huge heart and empathy for rescue animals . Venus even followed Sue up the stairs at one point during our visit. While Venus was outside, I gave Sue a hug and left. I was sad for Venus, losing another person she had learned to trust, but Venus may have a FOREVER HOME. What impressed me, again, about Sue and Bill, was the immediate update and pictures of Venus. Another update came through a week after. There was a setback and worry of liability. Venus lunged at their nephew, but was on leash in the house. Their nephew was doing some renovations and all was going well until he told Venus she was a pretty girl. This was all it took. A new voice speaking to her that upset her. I was prepared to come back from my March Break holiday and pick Venus up. However, Sue and Bill wanted to see Tommy, our dog trainer first, who assured them that Venus has ongoing potential, that will take it may be up to a year or more. ONE STEP AND ONE TASK AT A TIME. Thankfully, they were willing to keep working on her. I returned home. Another update … My eyes almost popped out their sockets. It read: “Venus did awesome on the hike. Bill and I talked and feel Venus has found her forever home with us. We want to follow through with the adoption.” Updates got better and better and more positive. Venus is spoiled, continues with the monthly dog hikes, a new truck and seat belt to ride in and a camping trailer for summer adventures with her new mom and dad, and best of all a road trip to P.E.I! Venus helps Sue garden, and as she states, a good digger but not with replacing the soil. Venus has a kiddy pool, goes for walks with neighborhood friends and their dogs. The list just keeps getting better and longer. Almost forgot … Nephew update … Ha! He did return, but this time no eye contact, as he came with sunglasses on (too funny) and did not speak to Venus. Their visit in the backyard was successful. Pictures are constantly coming in and the smile on Venus’ face and calm relaxed posture in others is priceless! I will let the rest be told by Sue and Bill in Part II. Thank you, Sue and Bill for opening up Venus’ world to endless adventures and experiences that will continue to help her become more balanced in her mind, body and soul … to become the dog she once used to be, but was robbed of somewhere along the way, leaving her broken and unsure of herself and others. Venus was the most challenging foster dog I had, but she is also the one I miss the most. Sue and Bill, you are a God Send. Live on Sweet Venus. You deserve it girl! Page 6 d VENUS (Part II) by Sue and Bill Grant (the adopter) As Katie says, Bill and I had spent some time looking for a dog to adopt before we found VENUS. It may sound odd but we weren’t looking for the perfect little puppy or a dog that could fit into any home. We felt that we had a lot to offer a dog that would represent a challenge to many potential adoptive families. While we were on vacation in Jamaica we came across the bio that Katie had written for Venus. Phrases like “no cats or other small animals” and “would be best as the only pet in the home” told us clearly that we would have challenges. As empty nesters who live in a quiet neighbourhood with a large back yard we felt like we could be a perfect fit for Venus and we really wanted to give her a chance. One of our biggest concerns initially was how Venus would react to me when I came home from work after having been with Bill all day long so we came up with a plan hoping that the adage “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” would hold true. Each morning I fed Venus breakfast before I left for work and I took a treat with me which she got when I came home so that she would see me in a positive light rather than an intruder. This definitely worked, within a couple of days she was bonding with both of us equally. We were surprised at how quickly Venus responded positively to BILL and I, but were worried when she had a setback with my Nephew. It made us question whether we could offer Venus the controlled environment she needed over the long term. We did a lot of soul searching and decided that we couldn’t just cut bait and run without truly giving Venus a chance to get overcome her trust issues. We spoke with Katie and asked for a session with Tommy Ferreira (dog trainer extraordinaire) who was an amazing resource for us. He came to our home and showed us some coping techniques, really training us so that we could give Venus the kind of support she needed. Tommy helped us realize that giving Venus strong discipline when she was acting out would give her a sense of security, letting her know that she didn’t have to worry because we had it covered. Bill and I formulated a plan to address Venus’ issues taking baby steps. First we needed to stop Venus from going crazy when a dog inside a house barked at her while we were walking by. We addressed this with leash correction each time she did it and being a smart dog within a few days we had that mastered. Next we found her comfort zone with other dogs approaching her. If we crossed the street Venus was somewhat comfortable but sometimes would go off if the dog reacted to her from this safe distance. Again we took corrective actions when she reacted and within a couple of weeks had that mastered. We took the same approach with bicycles, skateboards and trucks; I wish I could report we’ve been successful with the mail man but nobody’s perfect. Tommy suggested that we do the monthly PAWS ON THE SHORE (www.pawsontheshore.ca) hikes with Venus. It’s an amazing program that allows owners with dogs that aren’t socialized to be in an environment where having a muzzle isn’t looked upon a freakish or to be avoided. Venus acted as we expected while we waited for the hike to start, barking at whatever that moved or came in her direction but once everyone began moving in the same direction most of the dogs including Venus settled in and walked side by side with others, no barking, no snarling, truly a sight to behold. We were so excited at how well Venus did that we couldn’t wait to give Katie an update. Knowing that Venus had been in the adoption/foster system for 3 years we went into this with our eyes wide open and with an understanding that this likely wouldn’t be without issues but that the rewards if we could make it work would be well worth the effort. Venus has now been with us for a little over 5 months and while she is still a work in progress she is a loving and playful member of our family. Bill and I are so proud knowing we have helped Venus open herself up to experience so many great things in life. It’s not an easy road and there will be setbacks along the way but don’t give up, seeing your pet thrive and grow make the hard work worth it. There are so many great pets out there that just need a chance. To anyone that is considering adopting a rescue in need I would give these words of advice: ‘ESTABLISH SMALL GOALS AND ADDRESS ISSUES ONE AT A TIME TO GIVE YOURSELF AND YOUR PET AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED’ EDITORS NOTE: They say it takes a whole village to SAVE A LIFE. We would like to thank Katie, Sue and Bill for helping to realise the dream of VENUS. We would also like to thank another ‘village member’ Betty Karafilis who rescued Venus from the pound 3 years ago and also spent lots of hours on walking VENUS every time she was in boarding after being returned by the foster parent! And of course Tommy Ferreira our dog trainer who provided the training needed. Page 7 ARYA (JUICY) What a DIFFERENCE a CAT MAKES! by Caroline Bordin Six months ago little did we know, for myself and my family, what changes we were about to receive in our daily family life. Little did we know that taking a chance on adopting a stray cat would bring so much joy and love to our lives! It all started when my 6 year old daughter approached us time and again asking for a pet cat. At that age children have a knack of asking relentlessly until parents break down and comply. However my husband and I stood firm and replied with a steady “we’ll see many next month”. Then came my 16 year old son with the same calling. It was as if she had caught a contagious bug from her 6 year old sister. Either that or they were conspiring against us. We truly believe it would just be too much to bear. In our home were 4 children and my 2 elderly parents. Bringing home a cat into the mixture would only complicate our already complicated living arrangements, or so we thought. One day, I came to thinking. I never had a pet and was never an animal person. Not to say I was not around animals as my sisters had dogs and cats. I decided “HEY, WHY NOT?” So I decided to look online and came across the Mississauga humane society. My eye caught a beautiful little calico cat. I decided to take some of the kids with me to look at her but when we got to the Adoption room at the pet store she was not there but was out at the vets as she was not well. Well, I decided maybe I should get another one. Upon arriving home I started thinking and contacted Mississauga Humane Society to see if she was still available for adoption. I was told she was and went to visit her at the vet with my son. This is where our story begins about our ARYA. Upon arriving at the vet our eyes met this scared little cat in the corner of the desk. It was then I made the decision to adopt her and give her a forever home. At the time she was known as JUICY. We bought her home that same day. ARYA, whose name started with the letter “A” was chosen as my other children names all began with “A”. ARYA, we learned was under a lot of stress for a little cat, being through a hernia operation and recently spayed. There was no known history on her, just that she was picked up as a stray and had little or no human contact. During her first few days at home, she did not want to be petted; she ate and used the litter box at night, but when the household were all asleep. During the day she stayed in her cat bed. We would all take turns going up to her to pet her and I would spend hours lying next to her, falling asleep at times. We just wanted her to know we were there. In the coming months she began eating with the family members present and allowing us to pet her more. It would take about 3 months before she would come out to see our home. By the fourth month our older daughter adopted a little boy cat that we hoped would further bring ARYA & her 5 human siblings ARYA out of her shell. Finnegan was a very social boy and ARYA would spend time watching him. It was shortly after that I would notice ARYA, peeking through the glass door waiting for me to give her breakfast and coming to me to pet her, putting her head into my hands. I no longer always have to go to her, now she would come to me. I will never forget seeing her eyes through the glass door for the first time. It put such a smile on my face that I had to tell everyone. Those eyes looked at me with such love as to say thank you for taking a chance on me, for being so patient and taking care of me. ARYA & ALYSSA her little human sister Today ARYA is now playing, spending most of her time downstairs and eating with her friend Finnegan. Yes, Arya had made such progress in such a short time. Although she still has a way to go we know she can do it based on her progress thus far. We continue to work and play with Arya. She brings each member of the family a unique pleasure we did not know was possible. For some she exhibits a calming effect, for others, an excitement of joy. Personally, understanding her plight had made me realize I could do for other cats what I do for my own. I recently started volunteering at the Humane Society. ARYA has made me into an animal lover. I am looking forward to the many years I will have with her. ARYA is considered a loved member of my family. Not just a pet but one of my children. There is nothing I would not do for her. I am ever so grateful to the Mississauga Humane Society for taking ARYA in and giving my family and me our forever pet. Latest Update: For the first time I held ARYA s while holding her. I picked her up while I was standing. I am so happy you would not believe. My little girl allowed me to hold her! She has improved so much in this last month. Maybe one day she will be that lap cat. There is hope. Thank you Mississauga Humane Society for saving her life. Page 8 MADISON ABACUS FINNIGAN SHAYLA GRAYSON NORMA MADISON BELAIR (right) & her buddy YODA Some of our adopted pets in their FOREVER HOMES CHARLIE TESS & ISADORA MAX TITO CUDDLES, BORIS & BEAR their canine sibling STERLING NEWFI (CHARLIE) OLIVER LIBBY Page 9 BLINKEY CHARLIE ARIE BRADLEY (CHESTER) MOJO LATTE CHLOE (SMOKE) & LUCY (SHALANE) LAURA SAM (STANLEY) SNOWY (ISABEL) Some of our adopted pets in their FOREVER HOMES MOOSE DIANA CHARLIE (BARLEY) Lulu PUMPKIN (right) & TEQUILA his girlfriend SISTER TEQUILA LULU CHARLIE (CHLOE) Page 10 NEWS & EVENTS DAY OF INSPIRATION TRELAWNY PUBLIC SCHOOL On April 20, the Day of INSPIRATION at TRELAWNY PUBLIC SCHOOL, Sue Gaskell our Director gave a presentation to 3 groups of students from Grades 1 - 5 about the role of Mississauga Humane Society, our rescue and adoption programs as well as animal care. The DAY OF INSPIRATION was designated for students to help celebrate the Education Week and inspire them to make a difference in the world. The students really enjoyed petting & interacting with LEWIE, a MHS alumni! RBC ‘DAY OF SERVICE GRANT’ To show their contribution to the community, a team of employees from RBC ROYAL BANK, Streetsville Branch participated in the group’s Day of Service Grant Program and volunteered at our cat room at Dundas East Animal Hospital on May 3. A major cleaning of the cat enclosure was done! RBC supports volunteer efforts of employees and retirees by providing grants to charities in recognition of the volunteer work of our employees and retirees outside of work hours. A grant of $1000 was given to MHS! THANK YOU RBC (www.RBC.com) MHS 16th ANNIVERSARY PARTY Jun On June 6 we held our 16th ANNIVERSIARY PARTY at DOGTOPTIA Erindale. The event was open to the public and everyone had a great time. Food and drinks were free! No one could resist the homemade cupcakes, shortbreads and rice crispies, and the 200 spring rolls and samosas were consumed in just a few hours! The Doggie Fashion Show was the highlight of the event. Shown here are some of MHS's alumni dressed up for the catwalk. In addition there was a Garage Sale and guests were impressed with the high end items we carried! The event came to an end after we had the Raffle Draw with 4 great prizes. Thanks to DOGTOPIA for letting us host the event at their place and the donation of gifts. Thanks to Electrolux who donated the prizes for the Raffle. Thanks to everyone and their doggies for coming to our party. Finally, thanks to the volunteers who helped at the event. BRAMPTON AREA JEEP ASSOCIATION CHARITY SHINE & SHOW FUNDRAISER On May 30 BRAMPTON AREA JEEP ASSOCIATION (BAJA) held their annual JEEP SHOW N’ SHINE at Brampton Chrysler and our Society was the benefiting charity. It was a very successful event with lots of fun and funds! Pictured here were their members presenting MHS a BIG cheque to us. THANK YOU BASA! (ww.facebook.com/brampton.baja) Page 11 NEWS & EVENTS BBQ FUNDRAISER On June 10 eBAY ENTERPRISE hosted a fund raising event for our Society with all proceeds going to homeless animals. A lot of effort was put in the event by their staff and it was a fun-filled day with a vegetarian BBQ, games and raffles with many great prizes. There were many participants who really enjoyed the event. We also distributed pamphlets/brochures of our Society. In addition, donations of pet supplies were also collected that day. People were really generous and there were lots of dog food, cat food and other pet supplies donated as can be seen in the picture taken when the BIG cheque was presented. THANK YOU eBAY ENTERPRISE! (www.ebayenterprise.com) BBQ LUNCH & BAKE SALE On June 18, staff of GOLDER ASSOCIATES Mississauga enjoyed a BBQ lunch combined with a bake sale while helping the homeless animals, as the event was held to raise funds for our Society. Many posters and decorations were displayed and staff learned about our Society’s work and how they could help. The attendance was record breaking high! THANK YOU GOLDEN ASSOCIATES (www.golder.com). Thanks also to Joanna Kurnat our volunteer who made this happen, and also for the donations of some MHS promotional posters and the "the cute WHITE DOG" donation jar for future MHS events! ANIMAL RIGHTS CLUB MISSISSAUGA SECONDARY SCHOOL Two years ago, Jennifer Storey, an animal lover and also a teacher at Mississauga Secondary School, created the ANIMAL RIGHTS CLUB in the School. Club members have been focusing efforts on spreading the message of 'adopt don't shop' and raising awareness of puppy mills and the pet store connection. This is like planting seeds for compassion for animals for the students. This year the Club held several fundraising events such as cupcake sales for our Society. Pictured here are some members of the Club presenting a cheque of the total funds raised. THANK YOU students. You are the future for our animals! ANIMAL HOUSE CALLS We were on TV again! On July 7, Jackey Splitt, our Director, was trying hard to control two squirming bundles of energy in the studio as they were preparing for their appearance on air. Yes, LOKI & ODIN were our featured pets on Ann Rohmer’s ANIMAL HOUSE CALLS on CP24. We are pleased to report that both kittens have now found their forever homes! Page 12 STARLIGHT SOIREE 2015 Our annual fund raising gala took place on July 10, 2015. The attendance was great and we had about 120 people! This year we used a new banquet ball which is just grand and much more spacious. The numerous exquisite items for Silent Auction and Raffle really impressed our guests and there were quite competitive bids! The highlight of the event was the presentation on our new mission CAMPAIGN for a NO KILL SHELTER". The performance of the Chinese LION DANCE was probably a "first time watch" for most people! It certainly was very intriguing and dynamic! We would like to thank our donors, sponsors as well as all the volunteers. Your contribution have helped to make this gala a successful one. Of course, thanks to all the guests who attended the event. Your support is greatly appreciated. We hope to see you again next year! SAVE THE DATE! PET FEST & WALKATHON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2015 LAKESIDE PARK, 2268 Lakeshore Rd W THANK YOU to all of those who contributed articles to this issue. A big thanks to all of our volunteers, foster parents & donors.