Pet Safekeeping for Domestic Violence Victims

Today's blog is provided by an organization for whom we are champions and appreciate all the incredible work they do....Alberta SPCA.  

A study released by the Alberta SPCA in November 2012 revealed that 59% of pet-owning women in emergency shelters delayed leaving the abusive environment out of concern for their pets. In 36% of the cases, animals were threatened by the abuser – and 85% of those threats were carried out. Interviews with victims show how difficult it can be for women with pets or livestock to leave a violent relationship, and how the animals suffer as an abuser controls the victims by threatening or harming the animals.
 

Photo credit: Alberta SPCA

In addition, children often witness the animal cruelty – and in half of the situations it’s the child’s own pet that is threatened or harmed.

To address this situation, the Alberta SPCA is working with many other agencies to help both animal and human victims of domestic violence. A major goal of the partnership, known as the Alberta Alliance for the Safety of Animals and People (AASAP), is to provide a province-wide pet safe-keeping network for family violence victims while they are in emergency shelters. 

AASAP includes professionals from law enforcement, social services, veterinary services, health, animal welfare, women’s shelters, legal education and other communities.
AASAP wants to start a pilot project in the Edmonton region, with the hope that it can expand to the whole province. 

This will involve hiring a coordinator to take calls from human services professionals and match the pets with a volunteer network of clinics, shelters and foster homes. Working out of the offices of one of the partner agencies, the coordinator will also maintain a database of volunteers and ensure that adequate records are maintained. After a year, the pilot project will be assessed and an expanded program will be designed based on lessons learned; the pilot project is also anticipated to demonstrate the need to prospective funders.

 

Photo credit: Alberta SPCA

This initiative will have direct benefits to numerous individuals in need:

·       Domestic violence victims who would be able to leave violent situations to seek safety for themselves, knowing that their pets will be kept safe and cared for.
·       Children of domestic violence victims who will also be reassured knowing that their pets are safe.
·        Human services professionals – social workers, police, women’s shelter staff – who are often forced to scramble to find accommodations for pets of victims.
·        The animals themselves will be kept safe from abuse and neglect.

To find out more, please visit:   http://www.fieldlawcommunityfund.com/ideas/pet-safekeeping-for-domestic-violence-victims/

Team Toby appreciates the work Alberta SPCA and the AASAP is doing to help individuals and animals in need.  Thank you for sharing your project with us.  Together, we can make a PAWsitive difference!

You can extend your vote for Alberta SPCAs project at:
http://www.fieldlawcommunityfund.com/ideas/pet-safekeeping-for-domestic-violence-victims/

 Kindness to Animals

SPCA Alberta had an exciting contest just before school ended. According to SPCA Alberta, "well over 500 students participated in this year's "Speak Out in Kindness" Class Pizza Party contest! After discussing the quote by Jane Goodall, "The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves" students thought about what they would speak for and demonstrated it through posters, artwork and videos. Submissions from Alberta students overwhelming exhibited kindness and compassion to animals, people and the environment." (source Alberta SPCA website).

 It was an honour to be invited to be on the  Celebrity Panel of Judges 

http://www.everylivingthing.ca/make-your-mark/poster-response/panel.html


Here were the top three responses:

http://www.everylivingthing.ca/make-your-mark/poster-response.html

Miss Riedel's Grade 1 Class

Canyon Elementary School, Pincher Creek

Mrs. Wojcichowky's Grade 3 Class

St. Justin, Edmonton

www.flickr.com

Mrs. Mittelsteadt's & Mrs. Nay's  Earth Club

Madonna Catholic School, Sherwood Park

What a wonderful contribution these classes and students made!  Love what  Alberta SPCA is doing in their Everything Living program to make the world a better place.  Find out more about their kindness initiative and classroom programs at:  http://www.everylivingthing.ca/about.html

Lessons On Life...and Love...Taught by a Dog!Toby

Toby, our dog and one of my best teachers in life.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jo-anne-white/2012/12/19/charmaine-hammond-lesson-of-love-and-life-from-a-dog

Lessons of life and love from a dog was the topic of my conversation on Dr. Joanne White's radio show, you can listen on the link above.

Isn't it amazing the lessons us humans can learn from a dog? 

Our dog Toby taught me many things, but most profound were the lessons about patience, persistence, trust, unconditional acceptance and the power of the animal human bond.

Watching Toby with patients at the hospital he volunteered I was constantly amazed at how he shared these lessons with other people. Interestingly enough, I discovered that his teaching went far beyond the lessons he shared with me. Patients reported that they learned about kindness, friendship, respect, communication, self control, listening and confidence from this dog.

Animals make such wonderful contributions to the world simply by how they show up.  This week, take notice of the lessons you learn from your pet.

Freedom Dogs...dogs making a difference!

Beth Russell on PAWsitive Radio.  She is a Registered Nurse and the Founder and Training Director of an organization making a huge difference in the lives of many.... Freedom Dogs.

Photo Credit: FreedomDogs.org

Her nursing career has been spent in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit/ Trauma Unit, Home Care and Nursing Education, Development and Research Department. Beth founded Freedom Dogs in 2006 with the goal of assisting those returning warriors with mobility issues.  It quickly became apparent that there was a much greater need for assistance with the hidden disabilities of PTS and TBI and the focus of the organization then changed.  In 2008 a proposal was placed before the Commandant of the Marine Corps regarding the Freedom Dogs’ Partner Program and he requested a 6 month pilot.  At the completion of the pilot, the results were so astounding that the program continues today.

Freedom Dogs is helping Military professionals return to civilian life. These well trained service dogs help reduce anxiety, create distractions to calm the individual, provide increased mobility and independence, provide comfort to those dealing with PTSD and in some cases... they are saving lives.

You can listen to Beth Russell share some beautiful stories of the animal human bond, how the Freedom Dogs are positively impacting the lives of returning military professionals, and helping keep families together.
  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond/2013/05/01/guest-beth-russell

You can also visit Freedom Dogs at www.freedomdogs.org

Is your cat drinking enough water?

Do you know if your cat is getting enough water?  This cat is, but just how much water does a cat need, and what are some ways to ensure your cat gets enough water?

Dr. Shelby Neely, known as the Cat Doctor was a guest on  PAWsitive Radio    talking about the importance of ensuring your cat has enough water, especially now that winter is upon us. Not drinking enough water can result in a variety of health issues including urinary blocks, and dehydration.  Doctor Neely talked about pet fountains and how cats seem to enjoy drinking from the fountain, and drink more water. 

You can also put ice cubes in their water dish.

What do you do to ensure your cat drinks enough water?  We look forward to your comments.

You can listen to the incredible tips from The Cat Doctor here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond/2013/05/15/guest-dr-shelby-neely

Walk this Way... treadmills for dogs!

Toby on the Treadmill at K9 Awareness Centre 

Kaytie Stack was our guest on PAWsitive Radio

Treadmills for dogs are a great way to:

a) reduce anxiety
b) increase focus
c)  help with socialization
d) shed a few extra unwanted pounds
e) help prepare dogs for agility or other competitions

and... they are fun!

K9 Awareness Centre Treadmills. www.k9awareness.ca

Kaytie has been training dogs since she was a teenager under the tutelage of her mother, an experienced dog trainer and show judge.  Kaytie opened K9 Awareness Centre in 2009.  She has helped hundreds of dogs in her dog daycare and training centre. Her dog treadmills are a popular activity for dogs, so much that she has now designed Spot On K9 Treadmills.

You can listen to Kaytie's great tips and explanation of the dog treadmills here:   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond/2013/06/05/guest-kaytie-stack

Lead by Example- dog inspires bully prevention book

Summertime is almost here.

Just because summer is here doesn't mean that bullying on the playground ceases to exist for a couple of months. Bullying can happen in summer camps and summer programs.  Summer is a time that families often have more quality time together. Why not take the opportunity to bully proof your children. 

My friend Dr. Ganz Ferrance said that one of the frustrations express by many of the parents he works with are that they want to do something about bullying but don't know what that something is.  Dr. Ganz suggests that parents should first define bullying for their children. Often children will ignore or even get used to the negative and hurtful behaviours of their peers because it hasn't been named.  When children have a reference point for what defines good behaviour and what is considered bullying, they are more likely to act in a way that protects themselves or helps them stand up for others. when parents  put words to feelings it allows the important conversations with your children to occur, these conversations will serve them now, and in the years to come. 

After you define bulling, Dr. Ganz suggests you use dinner and drive time as the window of opportunity to have conversations with your children.  These are low key times to ask your children questions, explore how their day went, and to get insight into any challenges they might be facing. This can also be a great time to teach assertiveness and healthy behaviours.

Recently Dr. Ganz and I were on CTV News talking about this very topic...bullying.  I also suggested the importance of teaching your children a script, something like "Hey, that's not okay". These four words can often be enough to steer a bully away or have others stand up.  My new book Toby the Pet Therapy Dog Says Be a Buddy Not a Bully provides tangible and practical tips for children and their parents to deal with bullying.  Practising the script helps build confidence, and communication skills. It will help your child act appropriately in a crisis or threatening situation.

 

 

Another tip we explored was to lead by example... children pick up on everything, they are always listening, and looking. Teaching your children by example is important to help them develop the necessary life and friendship skills that will last a life time. teaching children about kindness, responsible and loving pet care, and unconditional acceptance are lessons you can also practice and model with your family pets.

The book provides questions for parents, caregivers and educators to use in conversation with children, and it also provides activities that children can do to learn more about kindness and being a good friend.

Team Toby- PAWsitively improving lives by teaching kindness, acceptance and respect.