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Earlier today, Officer Robert (City of Toronto Provincial
Offences Officer Robert Meerburg) and K9 Cody gave suggestions
about ways to responsibly give the gift of pet ownership over
the holidays.
"When you give a pet as a gift, remember that you are also
giving the gift of lifelong responsibility. It is important when
giving that type of gift that the recipient be involved in the
selection," Officer Robert told reporters at a media conference
earlier today.
The holidays are a busy time of year, and considering bringing a
new pet home at least one week before or sometimes after
Christmas can be a good idea. It allows your pet to integrate
with the family and not get forgotten during all the
festivities.
Alternatives to giving a pet as a gift include giving a gift
certificate to go together with the recipient to adopt a new pet
at your local shelter once the holidays are over; or giving the
gift of volunteering to cuddle cats or walk dogs at your local
shelter; or making a donation to you local animal shelter in the
recipient's name. Instead of surprising the family with a cat or
dog this holiday season, consider one of those methods of
bringing an animal into your child's life.
Giving the gift of volunteerism at one of the Toronto Animal
Services animal shelters can help introduce children to the
sense of responsibility and commitment that comes with owning an
animal.
"We encourage responsible pet giving," says Eletta Purdy of
Toronto Animal Services. "We have many animals needing homes,
but we want to make sure those animals get to the right homes at
the right time. We don't see many animals coming back after the
holidays, indicating that Torontonians are acting responsibly
when it comes to pet adoptions."
Those who wish to make a donation to Toronto Animal Services can
do so by calling 416-338-7297 (PAWS) or by visiting our website
for further information at
http://www.toronto.ca/animalservices.
Financial donations or donations from the animals' wish list
help support enhanced programs such as the Spay/Neuter, Extended
Animal Care or Animal Adoption, Socialization and Enrichment
programs, as well as help supply the shelters with additional
equipment.
Animal shelter's wish list:
- dog biscuits, denta bones, raw hides, and other dog treats
- cat treats, catnip
- small animal toys, treats
- bird toys, perches
- leashes, collars, halti-leads
- brushes, combs, nail trimmers for both cats, dogs and small
animals
- special equipment such as heaters and/or lighting for exotic
animals
- dog toys such as kongs, balls, ropes
- scratching posts, outdoor enclosures for cats
- dog houses for outdoor runs
- towels, blankets
- heating pads, hot water bottles
- Canadian Tire money
- food processors
- can openers
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest
government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6
million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of
the greenest and most creative cities in North America.
Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and
efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th
anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a city. Toronto's
government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and
liveability for all its residents.
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