HOPE. CARE. COMPASSION.
2023
SPRING
HAMISH’S HAPPY TAIL
“Hamish is such a sweet, happy boy and settled in so quickly! He had absolutely no interest in being separated from my other cats after the first day and is getting along famously with them. He loves chasing the laser toy with them and joins them for zoomies (usually at 3 a.m.).
I think he’s slowly becoming a lap cat and will come to snuggle with me in the evening. Otherwise, he has claimed all of the cat beds in the house, as you’ll see in the pictures I’ve included.
He lives up to his nickname as he’s a total “Ham” -- he loves to chatter away, do Neighbourhood Watch out the windows, shout for his breakfast, partake in some catnip, and roll for tummy rubs.
I’m so very grateful to have him with me, and for the work you guys do. -Jen F.
Did you know that all kittens and cats in our care in need of spay or neuter surgery receive one prior to adoption from the Guelph Humane Society? Many thanks to the CanFel Foundation for providing funds and support to our Spay/Neuter Program.
COMPANIONSHIP
Pets provide companionship and can serve as a source of comfort during difficult times They are always there to listen and offer unconditional love
Pets require exercise and playtime, which can help owners increase their physical activity levels and improve overall health.
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Living with a pet can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, as they provide emotional support and a sense of comfort. Benefits of living 01 02 03 04 REDUCED STRESS AND ANXIETY INCREASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INCREASED SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY
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WITH A PET
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can be beneficial to individuals of all ages
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IN PHOTO: GHS ALUM, HAMISH (ABOVE), GHS ALUM, HARLOW (COVER).
TRILLIUM GRANT ENABLES GHS TO HELP MORE VULNERABLE PETS & THE PEOPLE THAT CARE FOR THEM
The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) celebrated success resulting from a $29,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant received in 2022 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant has allowed the GHS team to develop its skills and programs, providing more help for vulnerable pet owners and their animals.
GHS Cares programs support disadvantaged populations, reduce barriers, increase access to essential services, and protect the human-animal bond. The grant has enabled GHS team members to receive Mental Health First Aid training, certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Team sessions to build empathy skills and resilience were also made available.
“The Guelph Humane Society’s GHS Cares Programs fills gaps in our social service and healthcare system by helping Guelph and Wellington’s vulnerable pet owning community members access the social assistance they need,” says Lisa Veit, GHS’s Executive Director.
The grant also provided start-up support for the launch of the GHS Pet Food Bank to help Guelph and Wellington pet owners care for their pets during difficult times. The food bank program officially opened in April 2023 with additional support from local pet food supplier MarCam. Food is available through distri-
bution partners Chalmers Centre, Wyndham House, and the Guelph Community Health Centre’s Community Health Van, with more community organizations expected to join the program.
“Pets are known to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and ease loneliness and isolation,” says Veit. “The GHS Pet Food Bank aims to reduce pressures on families, by providing a consistent, reliable, source of healthy food for pets in their care, and ultimately, keeping more pets and people together.”
The grant has enabled the GHS to further promote the importance of preserving the human-animal bond for residents of Guelph and Wellington County.
“As the MPP for Guelph, I would like to extend a sincere congratulations to the Guelph Humane Society for receiving the Resilient Communities Fund Grant. The Resilient Communities Fund grant is sure to help these services continue within Guelph and will support the Humane Society’s future endeavors in helping local animals and individuals living in our community,” said MPP Mike Schreiner.
GHS is committed to enhancing the welfare of all animals. Thanks to OTF, GHS can build on this work and make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their people.
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SEASON IS IN FULL SWING
This Spring GHS is featuring #WildlifeWednesdays on our social media channels to help raise awareness of wildlife in our community.
This story about our teams rescue of a nest of baby red squirrels was featured on The Dodo, a popular American website for animal lovers. The nest was found in a community member’s car while a mechanic was repairing it. The nest was safely removed while they waited for a Guelph Humane Society Animal Services Officer to arrive.
Officer Brooke arrived at the scene and conducted an assessment of the neonate squirrels to make sure they were all healthy enough to attempt a reunite with their mother back at the residence.
The neonates were placed in box by Officer Brooke, with a ‘door’ cut out so that mom could easily access her babies and move them at her own pace. Officer Brooke then assessed the weather for the day. Since it was warm and sunny, it was safe to put the box with the babies near the original nest to wait for their mother to find them. Officer Brooke placed a sign on top of the box that said “Please don’t move me, I am waiting for my mom” so no one would disturb the young.
Mother red squirrels are extremely dedicated and will often look for their babies up to 24-48 hours after the baby/babies have gone missing. The first attempt to reunite was unsuccessful and so the neonates went back to GHS for fluids and warmth for the night.
“It is an indescribable feeling, honestly, knowing that we reunited a family that is now going to thrive together. It is the main reason I chose this career,”
Brooke told The Dodo. “Nothing is better than when a mom recognizes her young and takes full control. Nature is so beautiful — I am so lucky to be witness.”
The next morning the babies were placed back at the residence in the same spot for reunite attempt #2, which was successful! Mom was able to find her babies and moved all of her babies to a new nest.
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IN PHOTO: PATIENT, GRANITE WITH VET STUDENT, RILEY.
Donate to support our Wildlife program at guelphhumane.ca/donate and follow @guelphhumane on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more #WildlifeWednesday stories this season.
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Tell us about yourself and your art. I am from Guelph. Originally after going to college and then living in Toronto I found myself back here in the late ‘80’s. I began my art career in what was the start of a vibrant arts community. Painting and creating art are an extension of my being. It is equal to breathing, eating, and sleeping. Colour plays a major role as well. Wassily Kandinsky said it best “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”
Has there been an animal in your life that is special
INSPIRATION IN THE BOND BETWEEN PETS & THEIR PEOPLE
We sat down to talk to Maria Pezzano, a long-time community member and artist, to learn why she is raising funds to help vulnerable animals in our community.
Maria is contributing a portion of proceeds made from her pet portrait business to the Guelph Humane Society (GHS) to help animals in need.
later. Such a deep pain. She was my fourth pet loss but the most significant since I had her for 19 years.
Why is GHS important to you? GHS is such a great organization that does such important work in our community. I feel we are entrusted to care for animals and supporting organizations that do this work is the best way to ensure that care overall. What inspired you to raise funds for GHS and help vulnerable animals in our community? I started noticing my new neigh
Such joy and love seemed so deep. One day searching for ideas for my next painting I just started my first dog portrait. I felt such joy, I wondered if I could sell them and donate a percentage to the GHS. I thought the idea was winwin-win.
What are the featured animal paintings inspired by? These pet portraits are inspired by the unconditional love between pets and owners. I try to capture that love using whimsy and colour, bringing light and joy to each piece which I hope resonates with the
FINDING
H A P P Y T R A I L S W A L K - A - T H O N S U N D A Y , J U N E 4 T H , 2 0 2 3 P E E R - T O - P E E R F U N D R A I S I N G E V E N T G U E L P H H U M A N E S O C I E T Y P R O U D L Y P R E S E N T E D B Y : F O R M A T E A M B R I N G Y O U R D O G W A L K O N Y O U O W N R E G I S T E R A T W W W . G U E L P H H U M A N E . C A / W A L K REGISTER AT GUELPHHUMANE.CA/WALK
2022 Happy Tails Gala raised $180,000 for animals in need
Guelph Humane Society’s 2022 ‘A Hop through Wonderland’ Happy Tails Gala made a triumphant return last fall after a three-year hiatus, raising an incredible $180,000 in support of homeless and neglected animals in Guelph and Wellington County.
The proceeds from the event provide critical veterinary care, shelter, food and other necessities for homeless and neglected animals in Guelph and Wellington County.
“The community’s support enables us to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of animals in our community,” says Lisa Veit, GHS Executive Director.
The sold-out event was proudly presented by Speedy Auto Service Guelph and attended by animal lovers, donors, supporters, and staff.
The highlight of the evening was a video created by Ward 1 Studios that demonstrated the impact of supporting GHS and encouraged the community to stand up and make a commitment to closeness, a commitment to home, which raised $59,400.
“I am humbled by the incredible generosity of our community,” says Veit. “It warms my heart and reminds me that every day, we have our community cheering us on to create a more compassionate, caring community for them. I cannot thank our supporters enough.”
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KIBBLES & BITS
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GHS KIDS PROGRAMS
GHS CRITTER CAMP
The Guelph Humane Society’s Summer Critter Camp happens in July and August! Join us this summer each week from 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday to Friday, for fun-filled, animal-themed programming!
Sessions available for kids grades 1-3 & grades 4-7. Each weeklong session costs $350. Before and after care services are also available.
GHS BIRTHDAY PARTIES ARE BACK!
Do you know a child that is wild for animals? The Guelph Humane Society is now hosting birthday parties for children ages 5+!
Find out what you need to know about planning your next birthday at GHS!
KIDS GROUP TOURS
Calling all Girl Guides, Scouts, 4-H Clubs or other kid’s groups. The Guelph Humane Society offers kids group tours on weekday evenings.
Email us at programs@guelphhumane.ca to learn about program options, date availability and other details.
Visit the education page at guelphhumane.ca to register and learn more about all of our GHS Kids programs!
7 best lif pet’
GHS NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022
GALA SPONSORS
help us provide care for MORE animals
$25/MONTH = A
COMING EVENTS
Visit guelphhumane.ca for details.
Sunday, June 4, 2023
GHS HAPPY TRAILS WALK-A-THON
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
The Guelph Humane Society is paw-sitively thrilled to invite you to join us in creating more happy tails at our HAPPY TRAILS WALKA-THON proudly presented by Wellington Laboratories!
Saturday, July 8, 2023
BOTTLE DRIVE
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Save your empties to help support the vulnerable animals in our community! Donate your empty bottles and cans to the Guelph Humane Society. Our volunteers will be accepting all cans, bottles, kegs and wine bags.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
HAPPY TAILS GALA
$100/MONTH = A WEEK’S WORTH OF FOOD & SUPPLIES FOR 4 DOGS
JOIN OUR MAIL LIST
Don’t miss out on animal stories, updates, news, events and so much more. To sign up just click SUBSCRIBE at the top of our home page at guelphhumane.ca
190 Hanlon Creek Blvd. Guelph, ON N1C 0A1
Ph. 519-824-3091
General Inquiries: info@guelphhumane.ca
Charitable Registration #119236305RR0001 guelphhumane.ca
@guelphhumane
WEEK’S WORTH OF FOOD & SUPPLIES FOR 2 CATS
www.guelphhumane.ca/lottery www.guelphhumane.ca/lottery Lottery License # RAF1320000 50/50 50/50 for shelter animals for shelter animals When you win, they win When you win, they win
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