Lakefield Animal Welfare Society Hosting Kitten Adopt-A-Thon

The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society is hosting an adopt-a-thon on Sunday, in hopes to find homes for the kittens currently in foster homes through the agency.

Photo courtesy of Lakefield Animal Welfare Society.

There will be approximately ten kittens of all different ages, genders and colours up for adoption on Sunday.

The kittens are currently living in foster homes, and will be ready to go home with a new family immediately after the event. It is suggested that those attending come with a cat carrier.

There is a $150 charge to adopt a kitten, but $50 of that will be returned after the kitten is spayed or neutered (they are currently too young to do so).

“Sometimes the kittens become available all at once, like this, and it’s easier to have all of the foster parents bring the kittens here all at once,” said Dee Hargreaves, staff at LAWS.

Hargreaves notes that during Sunday’s event only kittens will be available for adoption.

To book an appointment for viewings call 705-652-0588.

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100 Men of Peterborough Donate Over $7,000 For Kawartha Wildlife Centre For Oxygen Concentrator Units

The Kawartha Wildlife Centre has two new oxygen concentrator units thanks to a donation of $7,100 from 100 Men of Peterborough announced on Monday.

The long-eared owl (pictured) is one of the smaller species found in Ontario and is not considered an uncommon sight in quieter areas in the Kawarthas. Photo Courtesy of Kawartha Wildlife Centre.

The donation was made in the fall this year and the two purchased concentrators will replace the previously broken unit. The machine is meant to aid in animal welfare when injured animals arrive for medical aid.

”Equipment like this is extremely hard to secure right now,” said by the Wildlife’s Facebook post. “When injured wildlife come in oxygen support is critical for protecting their organs and supporting their recovery.”

Kawartha Wildlife Centre is funded by community donations and cannot be given money from the government. Photo Courtesy of Kawartha Wildlife Centre.

100 Men of Peterborough selected Kawartha Wildlife Centre as one of four charities/not-for-profit/non-profit organizations as a recipient of their quarterly donations.

Each member pools their money of $100 then determines its recipients through an audition process. Three organizations are chosen at random then each member votes on who gets the donation.

If you would like to donate to the Kawartha Wildlife Centre, click here.

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough Annual Christmas Auction Will Support Humane Society's New Animal Care Centre

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha and the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) announced on Monday the 2021 Kawartha Rotary annual Christmas Auction will support ‘Our Pet Project’, the fundraising campaign for the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre.

Rotary Club President Carl Brown visits the Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“For over 23 years, proceeds from our Christmas auction have benefited many worthwhile community initiatives such as the Nichols Oval Waterpark and capital builds at both Hospice Peterborough and the PRHC,” said Carl Brown, Rotary Club President. “With construction well underway and fundraising ongoing for the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre, we felt it was an important time to support our furry friends through the 2021 auction.”

Last year’s auction raised over $18,000 in support of the YES Youth Transitional Housing Project. The 2021 auction will support the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre with a goal of giving $15,000.

“We are always thrilled when a community partner thinks of our organization and supporting the future of animal wellness. Kawartha Rotary’s Christmas Auction is a double win in that it encourages shopping at local Peterborough businesses while also helping us get even closer to our fundraising goal for the new centre.” said Shawn Morey, Executive Director, PHS.

Construction is underway at 1999 Technology Drive, the site of the new centre and fundraising is currently over $8.5M of its $10M goal.

The online auction goes live on Monday and ends on Sunday, Nov. 28.

For more information on the Christmas auction contact Susan Zambonin, Auction Co-Chair, susan@habitatpkr.ca

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Help PTBOCanada Support Peterborough Humane Society's "Strutt Your Mutt" Fundraiser

During the month of September, editor David Tuan Bui, his fiancée Autumn Nadeau and other PTBOCanada staff are getting in shape for the Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Strutt Your Mutt fundraiser.

(left to right) David Tuan Bui, Autumn Nadeau and Macaroon after the pair’s first walk of the month to kick off “Strutt Your Mutt.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The virtual challenge encourages anyone to register on PHS’s website then get active by running, cycling, yoga or any physical activity to raise money for animal wellness.

Community members and local businesses can sign up online as an individual or team and set their personal wellness and fundraising goals. Prizes are available for the highest individual and team fundraiser.

Bui and Nadeau will walk every day possible during the whole month to raise money. Their plan is to raise $1,000 but may continue to increase the goal if the amount is exceeded.

They are running since their pet cat Macaroon was adopted from PHS on Oct. 15, 2018 and saw it as a way to give back to the animal shelter.

“She is my very first cat and I would love to give back to the Humane Society for giving us a furball who's given us so much joy,” exclaimed Bui.

David Tuan Bui joined the PTBOCanada team on Mar. 1 when owner Kirtus Evoy purchased the business from Neil Morton. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

If you would like to donate to PHS on PTBOCanada’s behalf, click here.

If you would like to create your own individual page or start your own team, click here.

The fundraising campaign is seeking its goal of $25,000 at the end of the month.

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Peterborough Humane Society Issues Virtual Challenge For Shelter Needs Fundraiser

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is calling the community to participate in the month-long “Strutt Your Mutt” fundraiser all September to help raise funds for animals in need announced Monday.

A puppy showing affection to Emily Craigen. Funds raised from Strutt, support greatest shelter needs as well as special programs such as the Milo Fund and Safe Nights for Pets (SnooPy) program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The challenge encourages anyone to register on PHS’s website then get active by running, cycling, yoga or any physical activity to raise money for animal wellness.

Community members and local businesses can sign up online as an individual or team and set their personal wellness and fundraising goals. Prizes are available for the highest individual and team fundraiser.

“One benefit to a virtual event is that people and animals that don’t like crowds could participate from a distance,” said Emily Craigen, PHS’s communications and development coordinator.

There are roughly 115 animals that are housed at the PHS. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s goal is to raise $25,000 that will go towards providing essential vaccines, veterinary care, food and socialization of the hundreds of animals that come to PHS according to their press release.

“Don’t let the name “Strutt your Mutt” mislead you,” says Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “We’re calling on all community members, pet owner or not, cat and dog lovers alike. We want to get folks active while supporting our four-legged friends.”

PetSmart often takes PHS animals to their store for display to be available for adoption. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Not only does doing this benefit the animals at the PHS but is a way to improve your own physical health according to Craigen.

“One of our participants in last year’s event lost 15 pounds through her evening walk with her daughter and their family dog,” she explained.

Registration has begun with the challenge taking place from Sept. 1 to 30. To sign up or donate, visit the Strutt Your Mutt website.

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VIP Guest Aids in "Ground-Digging" Ceremony for New Animal Care Centre

“Thor” the dog along with a small group gathered together at the future site of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a tour and to celebrate the facility’s construction progress on Monday.

Thor with officials from the humane society, the city and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Photo Courtesy Of Peterborough Humane Society.

Construction began in early May at 1999 Technology Dr. but COVID restrictions prevented a traditional groundbreaking ceremony.

$7.6 million of $10 million has been raised for the new animal facility.

The building has created roughly 50 construction jobs with 20 full-time jobs upon its completion according to the press release. Construction completion is expected by December 2022.

“Thor is a perfect example of how the new Centre will impact the lives of animals in need,” says Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society executive director. “He’s unneutered and waiting to get a spot for his surgery before he can be adopted. With backlogs at veterinary and spay/neuter clinics throughout the region, animals like Thor wait weeks or even months to get in for surgery.”

The ground-digging ceremony for the new Animal Care Centre that started construction in May. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The Centre will include the Peterborough Humane Society’s Adoption and education centre, a publicly accessible spay and neuter clinic and a provincial dog rehabilitation centre.

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Local Business Owner Makes Large Donation to Humane Society

Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance owner has donated $100,000 to the Peterborough Humane Society’s construction of their new animal care centre according to a press release on Thursday.

Peter Blodgett sits with his dog Lexie. Blodgett owns Darling Insurance in the Peterborough, Lakefield and Omemee locations. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The building is located at 1999 Technology Dr. in Peterborough where construction began in May.

"Truthfully, I'm allergic to all animals, but I have been involved in the farm community throughout my life and have a great appreciation for animals big and small." Peter shares "I've been observing the work of the Peterborough Humane Society and the positive impact they are making in our community over the past few years and wanted to get behind their mission.”

Blodgett, President of Darling Insurance, has made a generous gift of $100K to the Our Pet Project fundraising campaign for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre, the Peterborough Humane Society’s innovative animal wellness facility which broke ground at 1999 Technology Dr. last month.

Blodgett is well known for supporting charitable causes in the community. He is a founding member of “Loonies on the Street” and has helped raise nearly $2 million dollars for Kawartha Food Share over the past 20 years. He has also served on many boards, including Peterborough Musicfest and chairing Fairhaven long-term care home’s capital campaign.

Blodgett has been a long-standing supporter of charities as he is a founding member of “Loonies on the Street” and has helped raise over $2 million for Kawartha Food Share in the past 20 years. He has been board member for several organizations including Peterborough Musicfest and Capital Campaign for Fairhaven.

“Peter has been a wonderful friend and supporter of the Peterborough Humane Society for years but this recent donation truly has us humbled,” says Shawn Morey, PHS Executive Director. “The fact that he recognizes the value of our new Centre and what it will do for Peterborough & the Kawarthas is phenomenal. It’s individuals like Peter who make this community as strong as it is.”

In recognition of the donation, the lounge in the Adoption Centre Lobby of the new Centre will be named the “Peter D. Blodgett Darling Insurance Lounge.”

This contribution has now totalled $7.6 million of the $10 million fundraising goal.

For more information or to donate to the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre, visit www.ourpetproject.ca.

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Construction For New Peterborough Animal Care Centre Set to Begin

The Peterborough Humane Society has begun construction on the Peterborough Animal Care Centre that is the first building devoted to advancing the well-being of animals in a press release on Thursday.

Owen the Griff (pictured) helping with the blueprints of the new facility. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The building will have three facilities in one located at 1999 Technology Dr. in Peterborough. The Peterborough Animal Care Centre will be home to the Peterborough Humane Society’s Adoption and Education Centre, a publicly accessible Spay/Neuter Clinic and a Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre through partnering with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society.

“After almost a decade of planning, we are ecstatic to announce we are breaking ground!” says Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “This Centre is going to be a huge resource for the community. A great deal has changed in the animal wellness world since our current building was constructed over 65 years ago. This new purpose-built facility will not only serve our community through providing accessible spay/neuter services, but also allow the animals under our care to experience less hurdles in getting healthier and happier, thereby setting them up to meet their new family that much sooner.”

A digital rendering of the building’s exterior. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The Spay/Neuter Clinic provides publicly accessible spay/neuter surgeries, allowing up to 25 animals per day to receive their spay/neuter surgery as stated in the press release.

The Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre will be custom-built to help dogs who need more support and individualized care than an animal centre can provide. It will contain a number of unique features including hydrotherapy equipment such as an underwater treadmill for physical rehabilitation and exercise.

A digital rendering of the building’s interior. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

“To see shovels in the ground is a cause for celebration as it means we are one step closer to making this state-of-the-art animal wellness facility a reality,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, chief of Ontario SPCA . “This unique partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society is a major step forward for animals, particularly dogs who have experienced challenges that we can help them overcome at this new facility.”

PHS still needs the community’s support to reach its fundraising goal. To date, $7.5 million of $10 million has been raised. They encourage the community members to help with the project by visiting ourpetproject.ca or ontariospca.ca/dogrehab.

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Conservation Centre Ready For Another Year to Help Injured Turtles

As we get to embrace spring weather, turtles are emerging everywhere and are at risk of being injured.

Dr. Sue Carstairs (pictured) graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife. She completed Ontario Veterinary College in 1987 following her degree. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, a local charity, is getting prepped for another busy season. The Peterborough turtle hospital is the only one in the province and admits approximately 1,000 turtles a year.

If you see an injured turtle in Ontario, you can contact the centre to get the it transported from one of 900 volunteer drivers across the province or bring it in yourself.

When fishing, do not leave behind hooks, especially with bait as it can hurt them according to Carstairs. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

A common injury is from being run over by vehicles, the second biggest threat to turtles after habitat loss. Dr. Sue Carstairs gives tips on how to help turtles cross the road if you encounter them while driving.

“Pull over and put on your flashers,” she said. “Pick it up and move it in the direction it’s heading. Don’t cross unless it’s safe.”

It can take a snapping turtle 60 years to produce enough eggs to be able to replace itself. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

Turtle conservation is important for the environment since they help with wetlands maintenence. They act as a filter for healthy water sources according to Carstairs.

Report dead turtles to the conservation centre since they can still incubate and hatch the eggs through their hatchling program if the mother has any.

Once hatched and ready, the centre will release the newborns roughly one kilometre within the location of where they were found in an appropriate body of water.

Turtles given to the centre stay there for a minimum of 8-12 weeks before being released into the wild. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

There are eight different turtle species in Ontario: Spotted, Blanding’s, Eastern Spiny Softshell, Wood, Eastern Musk, Northern Map, Snapping and Painted.

Carstairs has been given the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour, in February last year.

All donations can be made at the centre’s official website.

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Peterborough Humane Society Receives Donation for Animals In Need

Several future pets get a boost as the Peterborough Humane Society received a $3,000 donation from DocuPet announced on Monday.

Pet licensing is mandatory and must be renewed annually according to the Humane Society. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

DocuPet, a pet licensing company, has been the official pet licensing partner of the PHS. Pets can get their tags at the animal shelter to help lost animals be returned to their owners faster and easier.

“These funds will help support our mission and provide essential care and services to the thousands of animals we see each year,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “Our goal is to increase pet licensing compliance within the City, and with the support of DocuPet and responsible pet owners in our great City, this generous donation is made possible”.

DocuPet has over 170 unique pet tag styles. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

Twenty per cent of all designer tag sales purchased from DocuPet go towards the Peterborough Humane Society according to the press release.

PHC encourages valid pet tags since those animals spend little to no time at all at the shelter. That opens up valuable time, space and resources for local animals in need and the dedicated staff that serves them.

Sixty per cent of pet shelter funding comes from license sales but that just 13% of pet owners comply with mandatory registration laws according to DocuPet. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The Peterborough Humane Society cares for approximately 2,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year.

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