When news of a looming postal strike appeared in the media, the sentiment of my peers in the for-profit and private sectors was one of indifference.  A feeling that Canada Post was an archaic and dying service in today’s world of email, e-transfers and Amazon delivery was expressed.  They truly believe they will not feel the impact and business will continue as normal.  They were not worried.   

Where the impact will be felt is with not-for-profit organizations.  The organizations who support those who are in the greatest of need and the most vulnerable – individuals fleeing from violence, seniors, those struggling with housing and food insecurity in a harsh winter, the list is endless.  For Calgary Humane Society, it is the thousands of animals we admit every single year suffering from abuse, neglect, cruelty and abandonment looking for a new home and a second chance.  This is where the impact will be felt.   

The holiday season, which kicks off with Giving Tuesday, is the most critically important time of year for most philanthropic organizations – Calgary Humane Society is no exception.  Over 45% of our total fundraising revenue comes in over the final two months of the year.  We often can predict the success of our fundraising campaigns by the size of the mail bins being delivered daily from Canada Post in response to our Direct Mail pieces sent out in advance of the holiday season.   

If the postal strike should evolve into a long term strike, this could significantly impact the program and services not-for-profits are able to deliver – the very organizations that pick up where government programs and subsidies end. All of us at Calgary Humane Society, and in the not-for-profit sector as a whole, are holding our breath and quickly adapting our strategies to minimize the impact this strike could have on our year-end financial results.  We are all hoping for a quick resolution to the dispute, but as the days turn into weeks, we are becoming increasingly concerned.  There is so much more at stake than letters being delivered to the North Pole for Santa.  

The need in our community is great this year.  With the falling economy, rising inflation, the housing crisis, along with political instability that seems to hinder any progress towards positive change, not-for-profit organizations need the support of the community more than ever.  At Calgary Humane Society, we rely solely on the Calgary Community to continue our operations.   

We implore anyone who is planning on giving a charitable gift this year to please consider an online gift.  If you are considering a gift to Calgary Humane Society this holiday season to help the animals in our care get a home for the holidays and the life they deserved right from the start, we urge you to go to our website at https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/ and click on that orange donate button.   

Or even better, on December 7th we will be hosting our Home for the Holidays Christmas market at the shelter starting at 1:00pm.  This kicks off our Home for the Holidays Adoption event that runs through to the end of December.  I extend a warm invitation to anyone thinking of giving a gift to the Society this year to please come in for a visit!  We would like nothing better than to be able to warmly greet you at our front door and thank you for your support in person.  I look forward to seeing you.       

All the best,

Carrie Fritz, Executive Director

Somebunny to love: Why Adopted Rabbits are a Hare above the Rest! 

When thinking about a loving, playful, and interactive pet, you probably wouldn’t think of a rabbit. Let us show you just why they make incredible pets and why adoption is the best choice. 

What makes rabbits unique pets? 

Rabbits make incredible pets—they’re affectionate, playful, and highly interactive. Many rabbits will learn to recognize their owner’s voices and will follow them around the home. Rabbits love gentle petting and interaction, making them wonderful companions for those who get to know them at their pace. 

As well as being very affectionate, rabbits also have an incredibly playful side and are highly intelligent. They can be trained to do tricks like “stand,” or “spin.” They love tunnels, mazes, and jumps so setting up the home for plenty of free-roam enrichment becomes quite the hobby for the rabbit care givers not just the buns. A rabbit’s curiosity is endless and watching them go on mini adventures is so much fun! 

Caring for rabbits is a big commitment 

Even though rabbits make amazing pets, they’re not the ‘easy’ or ‘starter’ pet that many people believe they are. They need daily care and attention, with plenty of bunny-proofed space to roam around. Cages and huts that are marketed for rabbits are actually much too small and cramped. Rabbits do much better with penned off areas, full rooms, or even access to the whole home all the time. They need space to run, hop, and binky (a brilliantly wild type of jump bunnies do when they’re extra happy!). 

Because rabbits are prey animals, they can often be very skittish and may require a lot of patience and gentle handling when you first bring them home. It can take some time for them to learn that the big thing hovering over them is not going to swoop down and carry them away for supper! They don’t like to be picked up, but over time they may show that they enjoy being up high and will jump up on to the couch to binge-watch your favourite series with you.  

They also have a very specialized diet. Despite Bugs Bunny’s propaganda, rabbits cannot survive on carrots (in fact, that’s really bad for them!) Rabbit diets consist mostly of hay with pellets, fresh greens, and the occasional tiny fruit treat, and plenty of fresh water.  

Did you know rabbits are classed as exotic animals? They have to go to specialized exotic vets for all their veterinary needs, including yearly vaccinations.  

Rabbits are not a low-maintenance pet and are as much work as cats or dogs. They are social animals that need daily enrichment, interaction, and exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are also a long-term commitment as they often live up to 10 years or more!  

So why is adoption better than getting a rabbit from a pet store? 

Aside from the ethical choice about adoption versus store-bought pets, the fact is that adopting with CHS is the smarter choice. Our rabbits are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and recovered—an advantage for adopters since these procedures can be costly and may carry risks if done privately. Rabbits that aren’t spayed or neutered are prone to severe health problems as well as behaviour issues.  

Adopters also get the benefit of advice and support from our experienced shelter staff, incredible vet team, and our outstanding volunteer Bunny Huggers who provide us with so much insight into each bunny’s quirks – we can help you find the rabbit for you and your home.  This support doesn’t end once you’ve brought your new friend home. We offer a lifetime of support for questions, concerns, and advice for all thing’s bunny!  

Adopting also means that you are supporting the shelter and our efforts to provide our rabbits a second chance and the adoption fees go towards helping the rest of our animals. We understand that sometimes an animal may not be the best fit for a home, so we offer adopters the option to return their pet within the first six weeks. Our team will gladly continue working with you to find an animal better suited to your lifestyle  

What are you waiting for? Hop to it! 

Rabbits bring so much joy to those who understand their needs and are willing to make the commitment to their care. They are affectionate, playful, and curious pets that deserve the right environment and a loving home. By choosing adoption, not only do you give a rabbit a second chance, but you support the welfare of animals in need and find the perfect pet match. For those ready to commit, adopting a rabbit is an incredibly rewarding choice!  

Kerry-Leigh Fox, CHS Adoption Counsellor 

This summer, Calgary Humane Society proudly ran two successful Community Spay and Neuter Clinics, offering much-needed services to help address pet overpopulation and capacity issues in Calgary. These clinics provided no-cost spay and neuter surgeries to low-income pet owners, ensuring that pets remain where they belong—at home with their families. 

The response to our first clinic was overwhelming, with an incredible number of applications pouring in as soon as we opened registration. The demand was so high that we quickly realized one clinic wouldn’t be enough to meet the needs of our community. Thanks to the dedication of our team and the support from our community, we were able to organize a second clinic, allowing us to assist even more pet owners and their beloved animals. 

At Calgary Humane Society, we believe that responsible pet ownership is essential for the well-being of both pets and their families. Our Community Spay and Neuter Clinics are a key part of this commitment, providing accessible resources to those who need them most. By offering these services, we help to prevent unwanted litters, reduce the strain on animal shelters, and support the long-term health and happiness of pets across Calgary. 

But our commitment to the community doesn’t stop there. Calgary Humane Society also offers a variety of additional services to support pet owners and their animals in different ways: 

• Behaviour Helpline and Classes: We understand how challenging it can be when your pet is struggling with behavior issues. Our Pet Training programs offer private consultations, training classes, and free resources to help address these problems and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. For assistance, call 403-723-6019 or email behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca. 

• Food Bank Program: Financial difficulties can impact everyone in the family, including pets. Our donation-based Food Bank program provides pet food and supplies to families in need, ensuring that pets don’t go hungry during tough times. For more information, contact 403-205-4455 or email general.inquiries@calgaryhumane.ca. 

• Pets and Renters Program: Housing challenges often lead to pet surrenders. Through this program, tenants can access free behavior consultations to help their pets become better tenants and neighbors, reducing the risk of surrender. For more details, call 403-723-6019 or email behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca. 

• Pet Safekeeping: For individuals in crisis due to family violence or abuse, our Pet Safekeeping program offers temporary housing for their pets, providing a safe alternative while they seek help. Access to this program requires a referral from a recognized service agency. Contact us at 403-723-6025 for assistance. 

• Emergency Boarding: In cases of sudden hospitalization, natural disasters, or other emergencies, we offer short-term boarding for pets when other options are unavailable. This program is a last resort and requires a referral from a recognized service professional. For more information, call 403-723-6025. 

• Rosco’s Keep Them Home: This initiative, in partnership with veterinarians, helps return surrendered animals to their owners during emergencies like accidents or ingestion of foreign objects. Referrals are made by participating veterinarians, ensuring that aid reaches those in genuine need. 

• Seniors Program: In collaboration with the Calgary Foundation and Calgary Seniors Resource Society, this program offers support to seniors, helping them maintain connections with their pets through medical support, food bank services, and more. For information, call 587-320-3801 or email general.inquiries@calgaryhumane.ca. 

We are excited to continue our work in the community and look forward to running more spay and neuter clinics in the future. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels to find out when the next clinic will be available, and how you can apply to have your pet scheduled for surgery. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their families in our community.