Spring 2015 Animal Tales Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed We do it for the love “Buddy” came to us on August 15th, 2014. Completely blind, Buddy was probably born this way. As a energetic young hound, Buddy found his blindness a challenge, and he had to discover new ways to manoeuvre around his environment with his visual impairment. One of Buddy’s eyes was causing him a great deal of pain and needed to be removed. When we went public with Buddy’s story, we received overwhelming support from our community to help with the cost of his surgery. Once Buddy had had his surgery, the next part of his journey was finding him a perfect forever home. We knew that his adopter would have to be someone special. In most ways, Buddy was a typical puppy, but in other ways he had challenges that we knew not all adopters would be able to address. By November, a wonderful family had opened their hearts and their home to Buddy. We spent time with them to ensure that they understood the challenges that they would need to overcome and to ensure they felt they were up to the task. You are invited to the Kingston Humane Society 2015 Annual General Meeting Thursday, May 21st, 2015 at 7:00 PM Ongwanada Resource Centre, 191 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, ON KHS members and the public are welcome. Join us for a review of the affairs and highlights of 2014 and election of directors to the Board. Information on call for nominations for candidates for the KHS Board of Directors on p. 7. Continued on page 4 KHSnewsletter-spring2015-vMar31.indd 1 15-03-31 2:27 PM ........1 ........1 ........1 ........1 ........1 ........1 ........1 Our Mission Message from the President Postcard from the other side A couple of weeks ago, a KHS committee made up of a combination of staff and board members was reviewing animal intake statistics. We were delighted to see a significant reduction — about 65% — in the number of animals who were surrendered to the Society by their owners in January 2015 as compared to January 2014. After some discussion, we concluded that this could only be attributed to the ban of the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits in pet stores in Kingston. The ban came into effect on October 1, 2013, after a great deal of time, energy and effort made by the KHS, our sister organizations and other dedicated volunteers. We all knew that, if we could convince council to pass a motion to implement the ban, the result would be far fewer animals coming into the care of local animal welfare organizations. I had no idea it would happen so fast. Here we are on the other side of the ban and implementation of the responsible pet ownership program and we are scrambling the week before an adoption event to ensure we have enough cats to meet the anticipated need. How worth it was that?! Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed KHSnewsletter-spring2015-vMar31.indd 2 In the last few weeks of my final term on the KHS Board of Directors, I am already feeling a little bereft, and I’m fearing the KHS-shaped hole that will soon be in my life. I feel so very privileged to have had the opportunity to do meaningful work where it was needed, to change lives and to make a difference. It has been much more of a gift that I have received than one I have given. A gift that is available to anyone reading these words. So get up, go out, serve on the Board, sit on a committee, volunteer at the shelter or at an event, or do things that need doing from the comfort of your home. Promote the Society and the animals on Facebook and at work, buy a calendar, wear a KHS t-shirt. Do what you can — just do something. I’m pretty sure you will feel as fortunate as I do for the chance to be a part of something so incredible. Janice Saunders President, Kingston Humane Society The Kingston Humane Society is proud to sell Royal Canin food to the public. When you buy Royal Canin food from the KHS, you are supporting the animals that come into our care. Shelter hours are on the back cover of the newsletter. Contact Information Kingston Humane Society 1 Binnington Court, Kingston ON K7M 8M9 613-546-1291 E-mail: board@kingstonhumanesociety.ca Website: kingstonhumanesociety.ca Spring 2015 – 2 15-03-31 2:27 PM Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened Every once in a while a person is fortunate to find a job that allows her to work with an amazing group of people. Working as the Volunteer Coordinator at KHS has been that job for me. So it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye as I move on to new adventures in Alberta. Before I leave, I would like to share a few things that I’ve learned over the past two years. 1.The KHS has the most dedicated and supportive volunteers that any organization could wish for! Our volunteers do so much for us and never ask for anything in return. They truly have giving hearts. We are very lucky! 2.The staff of the KHS are the most devoted and compassionate people I have ever had the privilege to work with. 3.The city of Kingston is filled with many kind, giving citizens who have taken the Kingston Humane Society into their hearts. So, as I leave this job, I want to thank all of our volunteers and staff and the people of Kingston who work so hard to care for the animals that come into our shelter. I encourage you all to continue to fight the good fight. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne KHSnewsletter-spring2015-vMar31.indd 3 Creative Marketing Communications engage . inform . persuade . inspire reach the world tracyjohncreative.com 613.540.2125 Get an Instant Connection with Internet over Cable At a Price that Suits You Internet access at the speed you need For More Information Call 613.549.8667 KHS mission •To care for injured, abused and homeless animals •To return or find homes for the animals •To promote and organize spay and neuter programs •To undertake cruelty investigations •To provide emergency rescues •To provide humane education Sue Jones, KHS Volunteer Coordinator 3 – Spring 2015 Tr a c y Joh n • To assist with the education of veterinary technology students Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 15-03-31 2:28 PM We do it for the love Community’s kindness means a seco Continued from page 1 Their current family dog accepted Buddy and acted like a perfect big brother. After nearly three months of living in a kennel, Buddy got to spend his first night in a real bed, snuggled up to his new brother. We are so thankful for the support we receive from our community, especially when we’re faced with cases like Buddy’s. We can’t save animals without our volunteers, donors, supporters and, of course, adopters. Thank you for everything you do! 613-329-0121 Shannon Pester Backyard Waste Cleanup Spring and Summer Packages Available www.petparadeplus.com facebook.com/petparadeplus Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed KHSnewsletter-spring2015-vMar31.indd 4 On a chilly January afternoon, a caring gentleman rushed into the KHS with a five-month-old kitten, whom he had witnessed being attacked by a wild animal. On her arrival at the KHS, the kitten was immediately seen by a veterinarian for assessment and treatment. She had abrasions, puncture wounds near her neck and ear and a concussion. Her wounds were treated immediately and she was placed on pain medication and antibiotics. Throughout her ordeal, “Bubbles” remained affectionate and loving — a true testament to her wonderful personality. After five weeks of treatment and care, Bubbles was finally placed into an adoptive home. According to her new owners, she has become an integral part of their family and is the perfect fit with her animal siblings. Without the Kingston Humane Society and the Spring 2015 – 4 15-03-31 2:28 PM gene Bubb to tre succ on yo enjoy means a second chance for Bubbles an n, ld s ent n. was nto rs, and A big thank-you . . . . . . with icing on top! Thanks to everyone to took part in this year’s National Cupcake Day. Your support is truly appreciated. Thanks to all your hard work, we have received over $6,500 so far and donations are still coming in. When all the donations are in, we hope to triple what this sweet event raised for the KHS last year. generous donations provided by our community, Bubbles might not have got the care she needed to treat her life-threatening wounds and may have succumbed to her injuries. Animals like Bubbles rely on your support. And because of you, she is now enjoying the “good life” in her new forever home. Love Food? NEW! Exclusive Coupons, Buy 12 Get 1 Free* Seniors’ Day Discounts and more! Sign up today! Frequent Feeder Program www.petvalu.com/rewards Gardiners Town Centre** Kingston Centre** (613) 389-7500 (613) 547-6855 Your Pet. Your Store. Your Rewards.™ *Participating brands at time of printing are Performatrin and Performatrin Ultra. **These are franchised locations operated by 772633 Ontario Inc. ™ are trademarks of Pet Valu Canada Inc. and used with permission. 5 – Summer 2015 KHSnewsletter-spring2015-vMar31.indd 5 Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 15-03-31 2:28 PM Your commitment to the animals means so much You’ve already demonstrated your commitment to the animals through your generosity, and for that, we thank you. We appreciate your loyalty and your compassion for animals in need. However, there’s something you can do that will make sure animals continue being helped and that can also benefit you and your family. Wish list for the shelter Gift cards Gift cards for grocery stores, large retail stores, pet supply stores, gas stations, hardware stores; also Canadian Tire money, AIR MILES Dogs All kinds of canned dog and puppy food (regular and prescription), Thunder Shirts for anxious dogs (all sizes), peanut butter, Pill Pockets, Easy Walk harnesses, poop bags, puppy pee pads Cats By planning a legacy gift, you can ensure that KHS keeps receiving the funding that is so important to everything we do. You’ll find that it’s easy to arrange, it need not affect your current financial situation or income and it can significantly reduce taxes, both now and for your estate. All kinds of canned cat and kitten food (regular and prescription), cat litter (preferably not clumping, but we will accept all kinds), food dispensing toys, cat toys of all kinds, cat treats, Royal Canin baby cat food (dry or canned), Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) powder Your generosity and support make it possible for us to do so much for the animals in our area. Our services are dependent on donations from people like you. By making a legacy gift to the KHS, you will ensure that we can continue doing our vital work on behalf of the animals. Birds and small animals The Kingston Humane Society participates in the Royal Canin Elite Shelter Program. When you register at adoption or purchase Royal Canin food from the shelter, we receive rewards points that offset the cost of food for the animals in our care. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed KHSnewsletter-spring2015-vMar31.indd 6 Dogs and cats Kuranda Beds (see Donate a Bed Program link on our website), stainless steel dishes of all sizes (we will also accept plastic), grooming tools (clippers, clipper blades, scissors) Bird seed, spray millet for birds; shavings, timothy hay for small animals Miscellaneous Receiving blankets. disposable latex gloves (all sizes), household rubber gloves, towels of all sizes, washcloths, sponges, bandage material (Vetrap, Kling), batteries (all sizes), USB sticks (used to transport large x-ray files between clinics), 3 x 3” gauze, sterile (unopened) syringes (any size) and sterile (unopened) needles (22G x 1”, 25G x 5/8”, 20G x 1”) We cannot accept: Electric blankets or heating pads, garden furniture, wooden crates or carriers, cloth carriers, human clothing, used brushes/combs or toothbrushes, hanging file folders, binders, rugs or carpeting More details are available on our website. Please call us if you have any questions. We appreciate your support! Spring 2015 – 6 15-03-31 2:28 PM Create your legacy gift now We know that making a planned gift takes consideration and thought. Planning your estate and your legacy is something better taken care of now, rather than left until “later, when I have more time.” By doing this, you will be able to make a significant gift to KHS without affecting your current income or financial situation. Your family can also benefit. If you give a legacy gift in your will, the charitable tax credit could be as much as 100% of your estate’s net income in the year of your death, allowing for a significant tax reduction. Of course, you can always change your mind or change the details of your gift at any time in the future. A bequest to the KHS in your will isn’t the only option. You can also donate securities, the proceeds of a life insurance policy, or your RRPS or RRIF. We would be please to sit down with you to discuss these options. When considering a legacy gift, we strongly recommend that you consult your lawyer or estate planner for appropriate financial advice about leaving a lasting gift of love for the animals. Crafters for Critters Crafters for Critters are creative volunteers who make beautiful, useable items, for people and pets, to raise funds for the animals at the KHS. The Crafters are looking for donations of wool, new material and any crafting supplies. You’ll see their creations at the KHS Shelter Day in June, at the Sheep Dog Trials and the Women’s Art Festival in August and at their gift shop at the shelter. Donations of canned pet food will be gratefully accepted. 7 – Spring 2015 KHSnewsletter-spring2015-vMar31.indd 7 Sunday, April 12th, 2015 Cloverleaf Lanes, 10 Bath Road, Kingston Check-in at 12 noon/Bowling starts at 1 PM Recruit a team of 6 friends, family members or co-workers, collect pledges and Bowl for the Animals! Challenge others to form a team for some friendly competition. Online auction, raffle, 50/50 draw & more! Entry fee: Minimum total pledges of $200 per team or $50 per bowler. Register your team or make a pledge for a bowler at www.kingstonhumanesociety. ca (under “events”). Join the fun and help the KHS care for homeless, injured and abused animals in our community. Call for Nominations for the KHS Board of Directors The Nominations Committee seeks submissions of nominations for candidates for the KHS Board of Directors, for election at the May 21, 2015 AGM. Please submit nominations in writing by mail to the KHS (attention Chair, Nominations Committee) or by e-mail to board@ kingstonhumanesociety.ca, to be received no later than May 8. Nominees will be contacted by May 13. Details available on our website or by e-mailing the address above or calling the shelter. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 15-03-31 2:28 PM Please visit us at kingstonhumanesociety.ca Shelter Hours Monday through Friday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Closed on holidays KHS Events at a Glance Bowl for the Animals — Sunday, April 12, 2015 Cloverleaf Lanes, Kingston, starting at noon Put together a team, gather pledges, then come out for some fun and friendly competition in support of the KHS. Annual General Meeting — Thursday, May 21, 2015 7 PM, Ongwanada Resource Centre, 191 Portsmouth Join your fellow KHS members for a review of the past year’s business and election of the Board of Directors. Shelter Day — Sunday, June 14, 2015 Celebrate the work of the KHS in our community. Meet staff and volunteers, tour the shelter and check out the pet-related exhibits. 1 Binnington Court Kingston ON K7M 8M9 P: 613-546-1291 • F: 613-546-3398 KHSnewsletter-spring2015-vMar31.indd 8 15-03-31 2:28 PM
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