Latest News - Ottawa Humane Society

Kindness in the Midst of Suffering

Like most people, I am looking forward to 2021 and the likelihood that over the year, our lives will return to something that at least resembles normal. Moreover, I am looking forward to saying goodbye to the wretched year that was 2020.

Dec 31, 2020

Keeping What We Have Gained

At just 26, the great Joni Mitchell wrote the words “…something’s lost, but something’s gained in living every day.” I have been thinking about that line a lot lately and its basic truth. In the past year, so much has happened. So much has changed.

Dec 23, 2020

A Very Grateful Christmas.

I have seen posts on social media proposing we look at Christmas differently this year. The suggestion is that this is the year, rather than to ask for what we want, we be grateful for what we have.

The sentiment seems appropriate for Christmas in 2020.

Dec 17, 2020

Keeping Pets Safe During Cold Weather

The temperature is plummeting and the cold weather can pose serious risks to pets.

With the public health crisis, it is likely that many people are making plans to spend more time outdoors during the winter.

Dec 15, 2020

Caring Locally

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. Maybe Christmas, he thought… doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps… means a little bit more!”

– Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Dec 10, 2020

COVID and Animals: What YOU Need to Know: Part Two.

Two weeks ago, I shared Dr. Scott Weese’s insights into the research on COVID-19 in dogs and cats. Now I would like to share what you need to know about the virus in other species.

Dec 03, 2020

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Many of you know that five years ago, I decided I was ready for a new pet. My last pet had been a dog and though I knew that I had the advantage of being able to take a dog to work, long hours and periodic travel did not mesh well with adopting another dog — at least not for me. A cat, more forgiving in her care needs, was the better option for that stage of my life. So I began my search.

Nov 26, 2020

Ottawa Humane Society Expands Life-saving Foodbank Program

Ottawa pet owners impacted financially by the public health crisis can look forward to more available dates for picking up essential pet supplies at the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS).

Nov 24, 2020

COVID-19 and Animals: What YOU Need to Know. Part One.

Did you know, one of the world’s top experts in infectious disease in animals lives in Ontario? Dr. Scott Weese is the former Canada Research Chair in Zoonotic Diseases at the University of Guelph and a veterinary internal-medicine specialist and chief of infection control at the Ontario Veterinary College. He writes an outstanding blog, called Worms and Germs that I follow regularly. He is a great friend of the Ottawa Humane Society and has always made himself available for any information we need.

Nov 19, 2020

The Lesson of the Two Borzois

Twenty years ago, not long after I started working at the Ottawa Humane Society, I learned a valuable lesson. One day, a gentleman came in to surrender two beautiful borzois. They were healthy, well-trained, and frankly, stunning. News spread around the shelter quickly, and the questions began, “How could this guy surrender his dogs? Doesn’t he know caring for pets is a responsibility for their lifetimes? What kind of a person would surrender two gorgeous dogs?” The outrage and the judgements went on for a full two days, whipped up by shared righteous indignation.

Nov 12, 2020