10 11 One by one, hands went up across the room at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s 2018 Educational Conference, as delegates pledged theirsupporttodonatetowardsthetrainingofaservicedogforsomeone in need. In a matter of minutes, thousands of dollars had been raised. The inspiration behind this powerful show of solidarity was Shawn Fougere, a police officer coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After hearing Fougere’s story, animal welfare partners in attendance came together to pledge their contribution to fund a service dog to give someone else this same life-changing opportunity. With that promise of support, the Ontario SPCA reached out to Shai Perlmutter and Peter Lood of In Canis Speramus in Ottawa. They train personal protection dogs and taught Fougere’s dog, Kal, to be a service dog. They found the perfect candidate for the job – a Shepherd puppy named Nakita. Nakita has progressed well through her training and has been matched with someone coping with PTSD. For people diagnosed and living with PTSD, the struggle is real, and this dog will help this deserving individual. Special thanks to the Brant County SPCA, Don Cherry Pet Rescue Foundation, Georgian Triangle Humane Society, North Bay and District Humane Society, Peterborough Humane Society, Quinte Humane Society, Royal Canin, Welland & District Humane Society, the Wiki Rez Dogs Group, Ontario SPCA Board member Kari Wilson and the Ontario SPCA for making this life-changing initiative possible. Partners come together to fund PTSD service dog Nakita undergoes training to prepare for her role as a PTSD service dog. Collège Boréal and Ontario SPCA sign 10-year animal wellness agreement Collège Boréal  and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society signed a milestone 10-year agreement to renew a partnership that gives students hands-on animal wellness learning and provides a home base for the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre. The agreement marks the first time  Collège Boréal  has made a commitment for a period of 10 years. In support of future generations of animal wellness advocates, the Ontario SPCA also announced its intent to provide funding support to benefit a Francophone Indigenous student accepted into  Collège Boréal’s two-year accredited Veterinary Technician Program. “We have forged a strong relationship with Collège Boréal that will help shape the future of animal wellness,” says Kate MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Animals in the local community, as well as remote Northern communities served through our Animal North Network, benefit from this unique partnership. We look forward to the next 10 years and beyond.” As part of the official opening of the new veterinary wing of Collège Boréal’s Sudbury campus in 2013, the Ontario SPCA and  Collège Boréal  forged an innovative partnership to facilitate the sharing of resources and knowledge. The five-year agreement resulted in Collège Boréal becoming the first Canadian college to teach shelter medicine, the creation of a new Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre and the joint use of Collège Boréal’s veterinary wing. “The last five years have proven that sharing complementary resources to offer excellent college-level training in veterinary care is a success,” says Daniel Giroux, President, Collège Boréal. “In addition, the generous offer of a bursary for a Francophone Indigenous student to study in our Veterinary Technician Program at our Sudbury campus just goes to show what an incredible partner and friend the Ontario SPCA is to Collège Boréal.” “The benefits for the program and our students of this innovative partnership with the Ontario SPCA have surpassed expectations: sharing of certifications, courses and manuals, student bursaries, provincial conference participation, networking opportunities, access to a multitude of placements throughout Ontario, week-long internships at the Ontario SPCA’s provincial office in Stouffville and employment across the province, if not the country,” says Kim Morris, Dean, Collège Boréal. “Merci, Ontario SPCA!” Joined by students, officials with the Ontario SPCA and Collège Boréal sign a 10-year agreement. News Updates in Animal Welfare Cupcake champions bake a difference for animals in need Two sleepless days and more than 1,000 cupcakes later, Jessica Burton was ready for National Cupcake Day™. Her kitchen floor was covered in enough sprinkles that she had to wear slippers, but that didn’t faze her. “I feel it’s important to get involved. Not only is the Ontario SPCA a cause I believe in, animals depend on us – especially those in need,” says Burton, who is a “fur mom” to two cats and a 17-year-old dog. “Baking a cupcake, donating time, giving money; it all adds up.” Burton has been participating in National Cupcake Day since 2013, raising over $16,500 to date. She sells her intricate designs at a bar she operates in Brockville. From pigs and flamingos to cupcake hamburgers and fish with colourful candy scales, her designs are far from ordinary. Burton credits her community for supporting her National Cupcake Day efforts, as well as friends far and wide who make donations online. Two of her staff also got on board, donating their tips for the day. “When family and friends and the community help out, the feeling is unreal,” says Burton, who raises funds for her local Ontario SPCA, the Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre. “It makes you feel good knowing you’re ‘baking’ a difference.” Now in its seventh year, National Cupcake Day took place on February 25, 2019. Presented by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, the collaborative fundraising effort supports animal charities across Canada. A total of over $345,000 was raised to help our furry friends, big and small, who have been abused, abandoned, neglected or are no longer wanted. For more information, visit nationalcupcakeday.ca Blake Doyle was the top Mini-Cupcakeateer fundraiser in 2019, raising $2,150. Corporate volunteer program makes it easy for companies to help animals The face of corporate philanthropy is changing, as more companies are looking for meaningful ways to have a positive impact on their communities. Sigma Promotions first got involved with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society when Lisa Karjala, who looks after service and sales for the Aurora-based business, adopted a dog from her local Ontario SPCA animal centre. “She is such a large part of my life,” says Karjala. “I wanted the Ontario SPCA to be a part of our commitment to giving back.” Ontario SPCA staff visited Sigma’s office over a lunch break and guided staff on how to make “snuffle mats.” These enrichment tools are made by weaving pieces of fabric together to create a thick mat where treats can be hidden. Scents can also be applied to keep things interesting for the animals. Other corporations are also taking a less conventional approach to volunteering. Mars Petcare has been a long-time supporter of the Ontario SPCA as the provider of Royal Canin® food for animals awaiting adoption. In 2018, employees from their Bolton office and factory built scratch posts for cats in Ontario SPCA adoption centres. Over 20 people constructed 50 scratch posts. “Associates at Mars are passionate about making a difference for pets,” says Leslie Brams-Baker, Director of Corporate and Consumer Affairs with Mars Canada. “We have found that associates who give their time to improve the lives of pets are more engaged with what they do every day.” Interested in corporate volunteering? Email cmay-mcquillan@ospca.on.ca to learn more. Mars Petcare staff built 50 scratch posts for cats in Ontario SPCA adoption centres. News Updates in Animal Welfare