Dear friend,
As we ring in 2013, what better way to make a fresh start than with a
renewed commitment to the wonderful animals who share our lives? Check out our
New Year’s resolutions for pet lovers and other stories on how you can make a
difference for animals this year.
Much appreciation, Lorie Chortyk General Manager, Community Relations
PS. You can multiply your impact! Forward this message to friends, family and colleagues.
|
January 2013 Issue 119
Barney is a handsome eight-year-old male Blue Heeler/Australian Cattle Dog mix.
He is very energetic and requires lots of exercise. Barney would
be a great dog for a family who likes to go hiking or running and has
time to spend with him.
Learn more
about this loving dog…
Molson (aka Cardigan) hasn't always enjoyed the simple luxuries of a home life.
As a stray, Molson struggled to feed and fend for himself. In addition, Molson was caring for a three-month-old puppy who was homeless as well.
Read more about Molson's Happy Ending.
|
BC SPCA among Charity
Intelligence’s top picks for 2012
Charity Intelligence has named the BC SPCA one of its
top charities for 2012.
The organization monitors and evaluates charities
across Canada in areas such transparency and accountability, administration and
fundraising costs and effectiveness of programs.
The BC SPCA was one of 45
charities, and one of only two animal welfare organizations, selected in the
top 2012 picks. Earlier this year, the BC SPCA received an A+ rating in MoneySense magazine in their annual
rating of Canadian charities.
More...
|
10 steps to a more humane world
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to get more
exercise?
Why not consider signing up at your local SPCA as a volunteer dog
walker?
Our list of New Year’s resolutions for pet lovers offers ideas on how
you can help make 2013 a happier year for animals in your community.
More...
|
Owner of dog left in Vancouver
dumpster charged with animal cruelty
The owner of a two-year-old German shepherd who was left in critical
condition in a Vancouver dumpster in July has been charged with animal cruelty.
The dog, named Captain, was rescued by the SPCA and rushed to an emergency
clinic by died the following day as a result of his injuries.
More...
|
Join us for the sweetest day of
the year – National Cupcake Day for SPCAs & Humane Societies!
This February 25, the cupcakes you bake for friends, family and colleagues will help save the lives of BC animals.
Visit our website to register to host a
National Cupcake Day Party (it’s free!) and receive a host-kit and personal
fundraising page. Thanks to PetSecure Pet Health Insurance, Reynolds & BMO
Bank of Montreal for their generous support.
More...
|
Cats get twice the space
With the help of a $10,000 grant from the Vancouver Foundation, the BC
SPCA is retrofitting its stainless steel cat cages with portals to allow cats
twice the space of conventional cages.
Based on research by the University of
California, Davis, providing the extra space reduces stress-related illness,
improves cat welfare and results in cats getting adopted faster.
The cat portals are part of the UC Davis
Capacity for Care animal management system being implemented by the BC SPCA.
More...
|
Cat overpopulation a national
tragedy
Cats are the nation’s most popular companion animals, according to new
research conducted by the Canadian Federation of
Humane Societies (CFHS), of which the BC SPCA is a member.
Less positive,
the CFHS study also found that the number of homeless cats is growing faster
than the human population and outstrips the available space in animal shelters.
The CFHS is calling on people to adopt
cats from animal shelters during the holiday season.
|
Too few cats come back
For every four missing dogs
the BC SPCA reunited with their families last year, only one lost cat made it
home.
Cats – as well as dogs –
need at least two forms of identification,
including one permanent piece such as a tattoo or a microchip.
Should your pet
go missing, his ID will help him find his way back to you.
Check out our other useful tips for
finding lost animals.
|
Have your say on the care of all horses in Canada
Nearly a million horses are
raised throughout Canada in a variety of conditions.
The Codes of Practice for
the care of horses and other equines are now open for public comment.
This is your opportunity to speak for these
animals and influence their lives!
More...
|
Matching gift sends “A Second
Chance” campaign soaring
Our “A Second
Chance” social media holiday campaign was a huge success.
With our supporters donating, signing up as
fundraisers and sharing with their networks we surpassed our first goal in just
six days.
Then the Eldon
& Anne Foote Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation stepped
forward with a matching gift of $40,000. Thanks to them, and everybody who
participated, we raised $80,000
to help give injured and abused animals a second chance.
|
BC SPCA employees invest
in their mission
In 2010 the BC SPCA launched the Family Campaign asking
employees to support the work they believe in by becoming donors.
Many became
PAW Plan donors or increased their gifts. We hoped to raise $16,000 but
exceeded our goal!
In 2012, individual
employee donations exceeded $34,000. As staff, we know the BC SPCA relies on
donations, and we see firsthand the animals who get a second chance; that is
why we invest in our
mission.
|
Donor of the month: Erin Little
This January, Erin Little will be embarking on the
adventure of a lifetime, climbing Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro in support of
the BC SPCA.
Erin has raised $10,000 for BC’s most vulnerable animals, a cause
that is very close to her heart.
More...
|
Paw Patter
Just because cats have fur
doesn’t mean they don’t get cold!
As temperatures drop,
outdoor cats are susceptible to frostbite, particularly in the tips of their
ears, tails and toes. When these areas get cold, the blood vessels in them
constrict and less blood flows through them.
Eventually, the tissues become as
cold as the surrounding air. When the tissues freeze, they die. Thawing is very painful, and frostbite damage can be
permanent.
|
Events coming up this month:
Youth Workshop: "Cat Crazy" (Cowichan)
Youth Workshop: "Winter Wildlife & Pets" (Richmond)
Youth Workshop: "Cat Crazy" (West Vancouver)
Youth Workshop: "Cat Crazy" (Vancouver)
Youth Workshop: "Cat Crazy" (Maple Ridge)
|