January 2016

In celebration of the human-animal bond, we thought we’d start the year with a simple video of animals that have been in our care. Sit back and enjoy this short montage of puppies, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and even a ferret!

The BC SPCA takes in more than 25,000 animals each year in communities right across the province. This includes farm animals and the wild animals that we care for at Wild ARC, our rehabilitation centre in Metchosin.

We are working hard at educating the public on proper animal care, increasing the welfare standards for farm animals and creating more humane communities so that people and animals can live in harmony.

Learn more about the work of BC SPCA and share it with your students.

Angel in a Dog Suit
by Mary Giuffre
illustrated by Paul L. Clark

Created in support of the Ontario SPCA’s budding humane education program for grade schools, Angel in a Dog Suit tells the story of Ruby, a dog rescued from a puppy mill. Told in rhyme, this ultimately uplifting tale follows Ruby through her first six years in a cage, to her rescue and time at the animal shelter, followed by her adoption and adjustment to her new home, family and life.

Based on a true story, Angel in a Dog Suit is careful not to oversimplify the journey of a dog who spends half a dozen years suffering and is then introduced to a more humane life. While her circumstances have improved, Ruby is still unsure of life outside of a cage. As the story progresses, we see how her new guardians’ love and patience helps Ruby come out of her shell.

While it is important to recognize that not all dogs rescued from puppy mills or other
abusive situations may thrive as fully or as quickly as Ruby, this particular account gives readers a sense of how it is possible for an animal to overcome adversity with the right care.

Get more BC SPCA book recommendations online.

Bake a difference for animals! Participate in National Cupcake Day on Feb. 29. 

This January and February, your school can join thousands of animal lovers (across Canada!) by hosting a cupcake party at school to fundraise for animals in need. 

If your school has a food policy that doesn’t allow sweet treats, try making savoury muffins or scones – less sugar, more protein and a great way to even get some of your daily veggies. Check these out these recipes to get you started. 

Download a poster (PDF) and register for free to receive a complimentary host kit in the mail! 

Even the most responsible pet guardian can find themselves in the situation of looking for their lost pet. An open window or a quick dash out the door when someone arrives can be the opportunity a curious pet finds for a chance to explore the outdoors. 

There are several things you can do to increase your chances of finding your beloved pet. With the accessibility of social media and the web, along with proper pet ID, many more pets are found and reunited with their family. 

The BC SPCA has tips and links to websites that can be the key to finding a lost pet.

Read more about this and other news items that you can discuss with your class.

Kindness Counts
(for K- Gr. 2)

Companions for Life
(Gr. 3-5)

You Can Make a Difference
(Gr. 5-7)

  Cluck - The life of an egg-laying hen (Gr. 4-6)

  Bite Free (K - Gr. 5)

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On behalf of all the animals we care for and protect, thank you for your support.