Peterborough Humane Society Recieves $100,000 Grant to Improve Accessibility Vet Care From PetSmart Charities

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a grant of $100,000 from PetSmart Charities to help support the expansion of basic animal wellness services offered by the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“This grant from PetSmart Charities will enable Peterborough Humane Society to begin providing even more support to people and pets in Peterborough and the entire Kawartha Region,” says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey. “As an important part of our 3-year Strategic Plan, helping improve access to care is a real priority and focus for us. This is an important next step in that strategy.”

This is part of a $100 million commitment from PetSmart Charities over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences according to PHS.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Peterborough Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

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Get Your Dogs Clean With 'Pug Wash' Fundraiser to Support Peterborough Veterinary Outreach On Nov. 10

Get your dogs cleaner and support the Peterborough Veterinary Outreach (PVO) as Pet Styling by Becki is hosting a ‘Pug Wash’ fundraising event at 655 Parkhill Rd. W. (behind the plaza) this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Pet Styling By Becki.

Proceeds go to PVO, which services Peterborough, who may experience barriers that prevent them from accessing veterinary care. 

The cost is $25 (cash only) for each dog which includes de-shedding, a bath, ear cleaning, blow-drying, brushing, nail trimming and lots of ‘pug hugs.’

Photo courtesy of Pet Styling By Becki.

All small-breed dogs are welcome including short-hair pugs such as Frenchies, Bostons, Jack Russells, Dachshunds, and more. 

“The Pug Wash is our favourite event and the Peterborough Veterinary Outreach program is a perfect non profit organization to support local pets,” said Becki.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Wraps Up 50/50 Lottery & Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le With Record-Breaking Numbers

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has wrapped up its’ Fall 2024 PHS 50/50 Lottery with an all-time high record of $43,905, completed on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Melissa of Peterborough was announced as the 505/50 winner and claimed the $21,950 grand prize.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery featured an additional raffle draw, the Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le, for a $5,000 gift certificate for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough won by Elaine Mason.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery & Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le ran from Sept. 14 to Oct. 15 raising $36,312 for needy animals at Peterborough Humane Society. Tickets

“Once again Peterborough and the Kawarthas have answered the call to help animals at Peterborough Humane Society; we are humbled by their kindness,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “We are so grateful to everyone who bought tickets, the small businesses that promoted the lottery and to the community who helped spread the word. Everyone had a hand in making this a great success.”

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Hometown PTBO: Kassie Graham On Her Love For Animals and the Humane Society's New Off-Leash Dog Park

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Kassie Graham of the Peterborough Humane Society about her love for animals, the new off-leash dog park and the upcoming 50/50 “Ruff”le fundraiser.

Click the link to purchase 50/50 "Ruff"le tickets.

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Lakefield Animal Welfare Society Getting Its Paws Together For Doggie Dash Fundraiser

The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society will host the Doggie Dash, a dog-walking fundraiser to help animals in need at the Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield this Sunday at noon.

Photo courtesy of LAWS.

According to a press release, dog owners can walk with their canine friends for 1.5 or 2.5 km through Lakefield to help rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for more dogs and cats in the community.

Registration will open at noon and the walk will kick off at 1:00 p.m.

Sarah VDB will play live music, food vendors, local artisans, and small businesses selling their handmade goods after the walk.

Participants are encouraged to register online or on-site at the event, with collected donations of $100 or more.

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Peterborough Humane Society Officially Opens Off-Leash Dog Park

Canines can rejoice as the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) celebrated the official opening of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) Off-Leash Dog Park on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“We are thrilled to bring this exciting amenity to our community. The opportunity to provide pets and people with an open space where they can enjoy some healthy exercise and promote overall enrichment is a great way to keep pets and people together,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.” It is a wonderful addition to our Peterborough Animal Care Centre, and thanks to Ted and the staff at Pet Supply Warehouse, this space is now open for enjoyment.”

Pet Supply Warehouse, a locally owned and operated pet retailer, sponsored the park and the Kitty Cam Room at PACC.

“Pet Supply Warehouse is proud to be a supporter of Peterborough Humane Society and the amazing work they do,” said Ted LaBranche, Pet Supply Warehouse owner. “We are so honoured to be a part of this exciting venture. This is a great space for our canine friends to get exercise, enrichment and socialization.”

The Off-Leash Dog Park is open during daylight hours for public use. Park regulations are posted at the park and online. There is no fee to use the park, but donations to the shelter are always appreciated.

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Help Needed For Two World Record Attempts For Dogs At Viamede Resort On Sept. 21

Golden Rescue is seeking the public’s help breaking two Guinness World Records for the Largest Cake For Dogs and the Largest Dog Wedding Ceremony which will be held at Viamede Resort off Stoney Lake on Sept. 21.

Photo courtesy of Golden Rescue.

The Barrie-based non-profit organization is asking the public for 358 dogs dressed in wedding attire to set the largest ceremony record. All friendly dogs are welcome, regardless of breed and single dogs can be paired. The previous record was 178 pairs of dogs (356 dogs) in Littleton, Col., on May 19, 2007.

A 350-lb cake is being made to break the current record of 311 lbs. held by Dino Zoo in Riga, Latvia, on April 28, 2018. At the end of the event, each dog will receive a slice to be taken home.

The picnic runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the wedding procession at 2 p.m., officiated by Lloyd Robertson. The cost for the event is $15 a person or $30 for a family. A best-dressed bride and groom contest is held at 4 p.m. for the dogs.

If successful, a donor will give $20,000 to the non-profit organization according to their press release.

Attendees can RSVP to the event by emailing picnic@goldenrescue.ca. The ceremony requires volunteers and can email volunteer@goldenrescue.ca and include ‘Picnic’ in the subject to sign up.

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Howlin' For the Peterborough Animal Care Centre Fundraiser Returns Sept. 14

Animal lovers can help the Peterborough Humane Society as they are bringing back the ‘Howlin’ for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC)’ fundraiser for Sept. 14.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The event will feature a Yappy Hour, cash bar, photo booth, silent auction, dinner, live auction, musical performance (act yet to be determined) and more.

“Join us for a fun evening of celebrations, good food and great company. We hope to see you all there to support us, as we raise the bar in animal wellness,” according to a press release statement.

Tickets are not yet available for the event.

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Wanderlight Alpaca Experience Launches First-of-its-Kind ‘Quest’ That Combines Escape Room and Dining Experiences

Wanderlight Alpaca Experience has launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Wanderlight Alpaca Quest,’ combining an escape room-like and dining experience announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience.

This on-farm experience combines the team-building aspects and intellectual challenges with alpacas.

Guests are given a backpack with a map, compass, lockbox, and instructions left by the time-travelling Incans to help them solve the mystery. They follow the map along on-farm trails to stations where they solve challenging puzzles. Once the hiding place has been discovered, the guests lead the alpacas to the safety of the farm and end with a local al fresco dining experience.

“Guests always comment on the sweet personalities of the alpacas and the beautiful serenity of the farm - this new experience allows guests to interact with the herd in an innovative and unforgettable way. People are making a visit to Wanderlight a family tradition and the Quest gives them a new adventure” said Katie Jackson, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience founder. “Alpaca walks are popular on-farm experience in Ontario, the Quest brings it to a different level. It is great for groups who like to embark on an adventure, have fun and work together towards a common goal.”

Jackson developed this idea with support from the ‘Spark’ Innovation grant – which assists new tourism ideas with funding and mentorship.

"Developing new, bookable tourism products in collaboration with other local business operators offers visitors a unique and memorable experience in our region," explains Jaimie Eastabrook, PKED’s tourism development officer. "This ultimately supports the region’s goals of increasing visitor spend and length of stay while ensuring guests have a rave-worthy experience they’ll want to come back to and share with family and friends."

The Wanderlight Alpaca Quest has been custom-designed by local experts from another Peterborough County business – Millbrook Escape Maze – based in Stewart Hall according to a press release. It continues to state that the story incorporates an element of magic by leaning into Earth elements and Incan mythology as the ancestral homeland of the modern-day domesticated alpaca.

“As a solo entrepreneur, it is invaluable to have support, mentorship, and accountability to make an idea happen,” said Jackson. “Consultations with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism and fellow tourism business operators helped me to feel like I was not alone and that there were people invested in my success.”

While the traditional elements may be a nod to South American culture, the adventure culminates in a truly local culinary experience according to Jackson.

“Guests at Wanderlight have the option to add on an al-fresco dining package with a table set with locally-sourced artisanware and delicious local food and drink,” she said. “It is a great way to celebrate solving the Quest.”

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Missing Python Since Friday Has Yet to Be Found

A 10-year-old non-venomous ball python missing since Friday has yet to be located according to the Peterborough Police, announced on Monday.

Northern Water Snake. Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.

The snake is described as black and brown in colour, approximately 4' in length and was lost in the area of Millennium Park.

It was last seen swimming toward the train bridge.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225.

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