Newsletter
July 2020
Dear animal lover,
Here's our July newsletter, highlighting the latest news on animal rescues and animal welfare across Quebec and Ontario (click the bolded words to read the full stories). If you have any news or upcoming events you'd like us to share next month, send us an email at admin@guardiansbest.com.
Thank you,
Melanie Dziengo
Article of the Month
How to introduce another dog into your home
By: Melanie Dziengo
Sometimes, when you’re a pet parent, you have room in your heart and life for another animal. But, that will mean introducing a new family member into an already established pet-family dynamic. So, how can you bring a new dog into your family, and do it properly? This is the first in a series of three articles, so read on to find out.
Introducing the dogs
The first meeting matters in order to get the dogs’ relationship started properly, but before that, you should determine if the dog you have is amenable to having another dog introduced into his or her home. When you have that decided, you should find someone who can hold one of the dogs while you hold the other when they are first meeting.
Find a neutral meeting place
You should introduce the dogs on neutral territory, preferably outside, because it will help ensure there is no aggression between the animals. When you’re with the dogs, start the introduction from a distance and with them on leashes. Let the animals lead the meeting. If the dogs seem comfortable, shorten the distance between them, and allow them to start sniffing each other, rewarding that behaviour with treats. If they decide to ignore each other, it’s okay because you do not want to provoke aggressive behaviours.
You should also be prepared to give the dogs breaks from the meeting. Let them play, or do something else — separately — that will distract them. When you think the dogs are ready again, let them meet another time.
Pay attention to body language
During the interactions, you should be aware of the dogs’ body language. Pay special attention to their mouths to ensure they don’t bare their teeth, or have long stares. If you start to see that behaviour, separate the dogs, and distract them.
End the meeting with a walk
When you think the dogs have finished with their introductions and have calmed down, it is time to take them home. Allow them to go on a walk, letting one dog walk behind the other (and then switching). If the dogs seem amenable, let them walk beside each other. After the walk, lead the dogs inside and around the house together. If they are calm, you can let the dogs off their leashes.
Establishing the dogs’ relationship doesn’t stop with the initial introduction, and it will take consistent work. You must continue to nurture the relationship, and monitor it closely. At first, you will want to separate them, possibly with baby gates, until they get used to each other. If they seem to get along well, you can start to take the gates down and leave the dogs alone for a little while, continuing to build the bond between them. If you want to learn more about how to introduce dogs to each other, click here.
News
The Ottawa Humane Society is offering pet owners who have been affected by Coronavirus emergency pet food pickups. The initiative started in late April, and they have given away more than 2,000 pounds of food. The food comes in a two week supply for cats and dogs of various sizes.
Two puppies that were stolen from a potential sale in Brampton, Ont. last month have been found. Peel Regional Police have also charged three men in connection with the case. The puppies have been returned to their owner.
. With life getting back to a (new) normal, pets who have become used to their owners’ presence may have a hard time when owners are not home as often. Techniques to try to get animals used to being alone include mock departures, and creating a new routine.
Changes to Ontario legislation at the beginning of the year, which prevents humane societies and animal shelters from being legally able to interfere when animals are found in hot cars, are drawing concern for pets’ welfare, and whether or not they are being put in harm’s way.
Dog groomers in Quebec went back to work last month, but dog trainers are not, as they are considered to be in the government’s last phase of reopening. Some trainers worry that the lack of in-person training will mean problems for dogs and their owners later on. As of right now, there is no date when dog trainers will be able to return to work.
After a cat was found in Grenville, Que. with an arrow shot through it, a cat rescuer in Hawkesbury, Ont. wants to know who is responsible. After the cat was taken to the vet, it was determined there was nothing that could be done, and the animal had to be euthanized.
The global pandemic isn’t stopping one therapy dog, named Coogee, from continuing her duties. The Australian labradoodle and her owner are holding virtual therapy dog visits for seniors at Sunnybrook Hospital’s Veterans Centre in Toronto. Coogee gives residents some “unconditional love” during an uncertain time.
York Regional Police issued a warning to cat owners after three cats were found dead at a Vaughan, Ont. park. A fourth cat was found dead the following day. The police do not suspect the cats’ death was accidental or a predatory animal. Anyone who sees signs of animal cruelty, or who may have surveillance footage are asked to contact police.
When you’re looking for a new dog, you may hear some myths surrounding rescue animals. The Dodo is debunking five of them! Read on, and you’ll be well informed to shut down the myths for when someone presents them to you.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is investigating after 38 puppies arrived dead at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. The flight, which arrived from Ukraine, was carrying 500 puppies, and many others were sick. One witness allegedly found some corpses in the garbage can outside the cargo area. Authorities continue to work with everyone involved to find out what happened.
What should you do when you see an animal left in a hot car? The first step is to not enter the car yourself, according to police. The Weather Network lays out the process for you, and tells you who should call, no matter where you are in Canada.
Pet owners should be aware of the potential poisons they have in their homes. This is especially true with flowers, like lilies, for cat owners. Owners should know what is safe to have in their homes, and what they need to avoid in order to keep their best friends as safe as possible.
Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act has the toughest penalties in Canada for people who leave pets in hot cars. It allows police, First Nations constables, and provincial animal welfare inspectors to enter cars to help an animal in distress.
Victims of an alleged dog scam say they had money stolen from a woman who lives in Newfoundland. The alleged scammer has posed as a breeder based in Quebec, searched Kijiji for people looking for pets, provided legitimate (but stolen) Canadian Kennel Club registration, and then allegedly took her victims’ money.
Pets of the Month
