HUMANEINSIDER
Judy Gans- Page 4
Vegan Brownies - Page 10
Miesi-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Megan Whitney Memorial Bursary Program
Page 1
Toronto Humane Society in the News
Page 2
Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities
Page 3
Meet the Team: Staff Q&A with Judy Gans,
Donor Relations & Processing Agent
Page 4, 5
Adoptable Pet of the Month: Noor
Page 6
Spring Safety: Preventing Seasonal Risks
Page 7
Spring into Action: Parasite Prevention for Your Pets
Page 8, 9
Recipe Spotlight: Vegan Brownies
Page 10
Happy Tails: Miesi
Page 11
March DEI Calendar
Page 12
Bursary Program
Megan Whitney Memorial Bursary Program
The Megan Whitney Memorial Bursary program honours the memory of Megan, a valued and passionate advocate for animal welfare who made significant contributions to Toronto Humane Society and its mission.
The bursary was established to provide financial support to one employee each year who is pursuing post-secondary education in a field related to animal welfare, fostering professional development, and encouraging continued dedication to the humane treatment and care of animals. Through this bursary, Megan's legacy will continue to inspire and empower those committed to advancing animal welfare
Last year, Seray Desdemir was the recipient of the bursary. When asked to comment on how the bursary has impacted her, Seray wrote:
"I just wanted to express my gratitu thanks to Toronto Humane Socie me the Megan Whitney memorial this bursary eased the burden of school and full-time work while a explore opportunities and grow H i hi ddi i l h l ll e
Even during the hardest moments of juggling school and work, knowing that I had both the material and immaterial support from Toronto Humane Society empowered me to push through. I am so lucky and honored to have received this scholarship, it is truly special we have opportunities like this at Toronto Humane Society.
My goal is to come back to the Toronto Humane Society as a veterinarian, I was one step closer to my goals with the help of this bursary. Programs like this allow employees to educate themselves further and bring what they have learned to the workplace Although I never had the privilege of meeting Megan, I have heard wonderful things about her. I sincerely hope I have made her proud. Her legacy continues to live on through each THS employee whose path she helps support"
This year’s bursary program will be opening soon and we encourage all those interested to apply. If you have any questions about the program, please reach out to any member of the Human Resources team.
Toronto Humane Society in the News
February was a great month for Toronto Humane Society in the media, with 286 total mentions and an incredible 174 million+ impressions helping amplify our mission and connect more people to the animals in our care.
Throughout the month, Toronto Humane Society was featured in a wide range of stories that highlighted both our community impact and the animals waiting for loving homes
Celebrating Valentine’s Day With Pets
In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, Toronto Humane Society shared important pet safety tips while also spotlighting our Love Basket campaign This initiative encourages compassionate giving, supporting animals in our care as well as pets in the community who need a little extra help. Coverage in outlets like Toronto Sun helped spread the message of love and care during the season
Adoptable Animals
Adoptable animals also took centre stage in February’s media coverage Several articles featured pets currently looking for homes,
including Jess, Muezza, Babyboy, Rogers, and GiGi giving each of them greater visibility and a better chance at finding their family.
Avoiding Online Pet Adoption Scams
Toronto Humane Society was also called upon as a trusted expert voice In a feature by CTV News, Director of Animal Sheltering Melissa Shupak shared important advice on how to avoid online pet adoption scams The segment followed a story about an Ontario family who lost $1,000 while trying to adopt a kitten online, underscoring the importance of adopting through reputable organizations and staying vigilant.
Together, these stories reflect the growing reach of Toronto Humane Society and the vital role media plays in helping us educate, advocate, and find homes for animals in need
Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities
Q1 Anniversaries
1 Year
Jessica Nichol Senior - Manager, Shelter Operations
Jessica Diamond - Manager, Human Resources
Connie Edwards - Veterinarian
Olivia Mazurek - Veterinarian
Kelly Johnson - Registered Veterinary Technician
Samantha Dychtenberg - Animal Care Worker
Ethan Zatzman - Animal Care Worker
Adrian Fracassi - Case Manager
5 Years
Cynthia Minter- Lead Veterinarian
Sally Kerek - Veterinary Assistant
10 Years
Shannen McNee - Lead Certified Animal Trainer
Current Job Openings:
Coordinator, Communications
Coordinator, Events
Registered Veterinary Technician - Public
Veterinary Services - Casual
Veterinarian -Public Veterinary ServicesCasual
Veterinarian - Public Veterinary ServicesPart Time
Veterinarian - Public Veterinary ServicesTemporary Full Time (12 months)
Meet the Team: Staff Q&A with Judy Gans, Donor
Relations & Processing Agent
Tell us about your role at Toronto Humane Society! What do you do, and what do you love most about it?
I work in Donor Relations, supporting our donors through communications, donation processing, and relationship-building I also conduct building tours, which I really enjoy, because I love sharing our history and the important work we do here with the public A great perk is fostering a dog in the office I love knowing that even behind the scenes, I’m helping care for the animals
What inspired you to work in animal welfare?
I’ve always loved animals, and the idea of contributing in a meaningful way to their care and protection really resonated with me. Being part of an organization that makes such a direct difference feels rewarding
Where did you work before coming to Toronto Humane Society?
Before joining Toronto Humane Society, I worked in a variety of roles, including television producer for a cable company In the early 1990s, I produced a series called “Adopt-a-Pet” with Toronto Humane Society. About 20 years later, I applied for a role here and was hired by the same person I had worked with back then! It really felt like things had come full circle
Do you have any pets at home? Tell us about them!
I don’t currently have a permanent pet, but I do pet sit and have the opportunity to foster dogs in the office from time to time. Being around the animals every day is a wonderful part of working here and definitely gives me my “pet fix” while they’re on their journey to adoption
What’s a memorable or heartwarming moment you’ve experienced while working here?
One of the most heartwarming things is seeing how much people care staff, volunteers, and donors all coming together to support the animals. I’ve also found it incredibly moving to help an animal come out of its shell through office fostering and become more comfortable with people. It’s a powerful reminder of what we’re all here for.
What’s one fun fact about you that your coworkers might not know?
I’ve been very involved in community theatre and have performed in a wide range of productions around Toronto I’ve also been at THS since 2003 23 years this year!
What’s a skill or hobby you have outside of work that people might not expect?
In addition to theatre, I enjoy creative hobbies and I love that some of them could be used for events and in the office For example, I painted rocks to look like animals, and they usually sold out both at Paws in the Park and at the front desk!
What’s your go-to comfort food or favourite local spot to eat?
Popcorn! It’s my favourite, favourite comfort food.
Rapid-Fire Questions:
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Sweet or savory? Sweet
Books or movies? Movies
Summer or winter? Summer
City life or country life? City
Spicy or mild? Mild
Reality shows or documentaries? Documentaries
Road trip or plane? Road trip
Board games or video games? Video games
Adoptable Pet of the Month: Noor
Noor is a gentle and thoughtful cat with an air of quiet curiosity She takes her time to warm up to new surroundings and appreciates approaching life at her own pace. With her big, expressive eyes, she notices everything around her, and she enjoys careful, slow interactions with people Once she feels comfortable, Noor delights in affection, especially gentle head and neck scratches, and she happily leans in to receive pets.
While she isn't drawn to toys, she enjoys exploring and responding to new scents, like catnip, and can show her affection by rubbing against hands or the edge of her space.
Noor has a sensitive side-loud noises or sudden activity can make her cautious-but she quickly settles when approached with patience and calm energy.
Noor is best suited for someone who appreciates a calm, observant companion and is willing to let her set the pace for interaction. She is a cat who thrives on gentle attention and small moments of connection, making her a quietly affectionate presence in the right environment
WhyInjuries“SpringUp” andHowWePreventThem
AtTorontoHumaneSociety,weconsistentlyseeariseininjuriesinvolvinganimalsinthespring Springisaseasonofchange andwhenmanythingschangeatonce,riskincreases. Thegoodnews?Theserisksarepredictableandpreventable
WHYSPRINGISDIFFERENT
EnvironmentShifts
Snowmeltsanduncoversobjects
Smellsintensify
Familiarroutessuddenlyfeelnew
PopulationShifts
IncreasedTNRactivity
Startofkitten&puppyseason
Younganimals=sharpteethandclaws
Dogs
Wildlifesightingsonwalks
Overarousalatdogparks
Leash-pullingonslipperyor unevenground
Bitingorgrabbing theleash
AnimalShifts
Seasonalhormonalchanges
Lowerthresholds→fasterescalation
Biggerreactionstothingsthatwere “fine”inwinter
HumanShifts
Fewerlayers=lessprotection
Increasedtrippinghazards
Morepeople,pets,andactivi outside
HIGH-RISKSCENARIOSTOWATCHFOR
Cats
Overstimulationduring petting
Escalationduringplay
Stressduringhighvolumeprocedures
Kittens&Puppies
Verysharpteethand claws
Overexuberant,poorly inhibitedplay
Accidentalscratches andnips
Spring into Action: Parasite Prevention for Your Pets Prevention
Spring is a season of renewal flowers bloom, trees come back to life, and the warmer weather invites us to spend more time outdoors. But as pleasant as the spring season can be, it also marks the return of some unwelcome guests: parasites Fleas, ticks, and heartworms thrive in the warmer months, making spring the perfect time to focus on parasite prevention for your pets
Protecting your furry friends from parasites is essential not only for their comfort but also for their overall health. Here’s everything you need to know about safeguarding your pets from these pesky intruders as the temperatures rise
Why is Parasite Prevention Important?
Parasites can cause a range of health issues for your pets, from mild discomfort to life-threatening diseases Fleas can lead to allergic reactions, tapeworm infestations, and intense itching that can cause skin infections. Ticks can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis
Heartworms spread by mosquitoes, can cause
severe damage to your pet’s heart and lungs and may even be fatal if not treated.
By focusing on prevention, you’re saving your pet from unnecessary pain and discomfort, as well as reducing the risk of more serious health complications down the line.
Common Springtime Parasites and How to Prevent Them Fleas
Fleas are one of the most common parasites, and they become more active as the weather warms up A single flea can lay hundreds of eggs in your home, leading to a full-blown infestation in no time.
Prevention Tips:
Use flea prevention treatments recommended by your veterinarian
Regularly groom your pet to check for signs of fleas, such as excessive scratching or flea dirt (tiny black specks)
Vacuum your home frequently and wash your pet’s bedding in hot water to remove flea eggs and larvae.
Ticks
Ticks thrive in grassy, wooded areas and can latch onto your pet during a springtime walk or hike. These parasites are notorious for spreading diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis
Prevention Tips:
Use vet-recommended tick preventatives. After spending time outdoors, inspect your pet’s fur and skin for ticks, especially around their ears, neck, and underbelly. Keep your yard trimmed and free of tall grass or brush, as these are common tick habitats
Remember to check yourself for ticks as well
Heartworms
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites, and while the infection is more common in dogs, cats can also be affected Heartworm disease is serious and potentially fatal, as it targets the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The sad reality is that heartworm disease often shows no early symptoms, making prevention crucial
Prevention Tips:
Administer heartworm preventatives, as recommended by your veterinarian Avoid mosquito-heavy areas when possible, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Use mosquito repellent products that are safe for pets in high-risk areas
Intestinal Parasites (Roundworms, Hookworms, and Whipworms)
Spring is also a good time to focus on preventing intestinal parasites, which are often contracted through contaminated soil, feces, or infected animals. These worms can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and even nutritional deficiencies
Prevention Tips:
Ensure your pet is on a year-round deworming schedule, as recommended by your vet. Keep your pet’s environment clean by picking up feces promptly in your yard and avoiding areas where other animals may have relieved themselves.
Regularly test your pet’s stool for parasites during routine vet check-ups
Toronto Humane Society’s Public Veterinary Services offers wellness appointments to prevent and treat fleas, ticks, heartworms and parasites If you’re unsure which product is right for your pet, our team can help guide you toward the best solution.
Recipe Spotlight: Vegan Brownies
We are sharing this delicious Nora Cooks recipe, in her own words, “I had finally created the PERFECT Vegan Brownies Recipe! They are thick and hold together when you slice them. Fudgy, but not overly so, chewy, rich, ooey-gooey and full of chocolatey goodness No one would guess they’re vegan!”
Enjoy!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons ground flax
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegan butter (earth balance brand), melted *see instructions
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips OR roughly chopped chocolate pieces
Instructions
1 Make the flax eggs by stirring the ground flax and water in a small bowl. Set aside to thicken. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 7 x 11 pan with parchment paper.
2 Melt the vegan butter (earth balance brand preferred), and measure 1/2 cup I do this by microwaving the vegan butter in a glass measuring cup, in 30 second intervals, until melted.
3 In a large bowl, whisk the melted vegan butter and sugars together Add the flax eggs and vanilla, whisk until evenly combined.
4.Over the same large bowl, sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Add the salt and baking powder and stir with a large wooden spoon until just combined, do not over mix
5.Fold in half of the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spoon or your hands Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on top of the batter.
6.Bake for 35-40 minutes. The brownies may still be bubbling and not look done, but they will firm up a lot as they cool
7 Remove from the oven, allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then pull the brownies out, using the parchment paper and let cool for another 15-30 minutes before slicing and serving
Happy Tails: Miesi
Last fall, breaking with a tradition of adopting older dogs, we adopted a young cat
Miesi (formerly Opal) wasted no time taking over our hearts and our house. She’s still shy with strangers but never hesitates to let the German Sheppard next door know who’s boss
Now two (ish), Miesi is playful, curious and very social She likes very much to be included in whatever we do, wherever we’re doing it Before settling in, though, she must investigate every corner and make sure there aren’t any unnecessary objects on the counter. Or the table. Or the shelf
This summer we tried her in a harness and a tether in the backyard She’s never left alone because she has a gift for winding herself up, but it was great fun to listen to birds and watch squirrels with her.
Miesi has made our house a home again She makes us smile every day, and now we can look forward to growing old with a young cat. Thanks!
March DEI Calendar
National Social Work Month
March 1 - 31st st
Recognizes the essential role social workers play in supporting people and communities, including within animal welfare settings where human and animal well-being are deeply interconnected. One social work program at Toronto Humane Society is our Urgent Foster Care Program
Purim
March 2 -3rd nd
A Jewish holiday that commemorates the story told in the Book of Esther, celebrating courage, resilience, and the triumph over injustice
International Women’s Day
March 8th
A global day to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also advancing gender equity worldwide.
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17th
Celebrates Irish heritage and culture, honoring Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21st
Commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa and calls on individuals, organizations, and governments to actively challenge racism in all its forms.
Jayanti
March 31st
Commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism
Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month.