NS SPCA Tea & Super Initiative to Save Animals Throughout Atlantic Canada

Saturday I went to the 2nd Annual SPCA tea at the Ramada Inn in Dartmouth to listen to Kristin Williams - the Executive Director of the NS SPCA talk about last years wins and losses for the organization and what their plans are for the coming year.

They also had one dog and their owner - Remington and his owner Karen DeWolfe - talk about their experiences as a foster mom and adopter with the SPCA

I think Remington would like to think he did most of the talking, because he did quite a bit of barking - but it was his Mom who the people there were listening to! He's an excellent example of the SPCA not giving up on a dog - he came in with demodectic mange - so he went to a foster home - where he could get well -

and when he was healthy enough to be adopted - he foster family couldn't bear to part with him, so that is where he stayed - and he's now a therapy dog who goes to a nursing home once a week - and he's an ambassador of his breed and has a fabulous life - but in another world - he never would have gotten a chance.

Kristin also talked about fund-raising and how the organization needs to raise one million dollars a year in order to keep doing what they're doing - and I think if anyone can do it, I think that the SPCA as it is right now, is in a position to raise that kind of money.

One of the exciting plans that Kristin talked about was the announcement that was published yesterday - that "The Nova Scotia SPCA, the SPCA Newfoundland & Labrador, the PEI Humane Society, the New Brunswick SPCA and the Fredericton SPCA have announced a collaborative initiative in support of animal welfare in the Atlantic region. The Atlantic Network is the first such provincial and regional collaboration of this scale in the country."

Now that is big, and fabulous news. Last year when the NS SPCA started moving animals around Nova Scotia - a ton of lives were saved - so imagine being able to move animal around all of Atlantic Canada - imagine how many MORE lives will be able to be saved. It gives me shivers just thinking about it.

We really are moving in such an amazing diretion with our humane community - it is unbelievable - I am so happy. I can only hope it continues. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Here is the press release from yesterday -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
Atlantic Canada comes together to save more animals

Nova Scotia (Monday, March 28, 2011) – The Nova Scotia SPCA, the SPCA Newfoundland & Labrador, the PEI Humane Society, the New Brunswick SPCA and the Fredericton SPCA have announced a collaborative initiative in support of animal welfare in the Atlantic region. The Atlantic Network is the first such provincial and regional collaboration of this scale in the country.

The network will be focusing on sharing ideas, growing membership and exploring efficiencies and cost sharing. Two specific commitments for 2011 include an Atlantic transfer system, enabling the participating animal welfare groups to assist one another in alleviating intake pressures and addressing capacity concerns. The second commitment is to work towards a reciprocal adoption program, whereby individuals approved for adoption at one of the participating Societies is automatically approved at another. While a formal program is in development, requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

The network meets and corresponds regularly and have already facilitated successful transfers of animals in need of adoption or assistance. Those interested in speaking with the network about opportunities within animal welfare are welcome to contact one of the participating Societies.
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QUOTES
“The Nova Scotia SPCA is very excited to be partnering with other animal welfare organizations across the Atlantic region. Each of us has an important role to play in the protection of animals and animal welfare. By working together, we can create a more compassionate society. Collaboration is essential and this network has incredible potential.”
~ Executive Director of the Nova Scotia SPCA, Kristin Williams

“The SPCA Newfoundland & Labrador is very pleased that Atlantic Canada SPCA’s and humane societies have come together to form valuable working relationships. Information sharing and collaboration will strengthen the animal welfare sector in our region. This is definitely a step forward.”
~ Financial Director of the SPCA of Newfoundland &; Labrador, Lynn Cadigan

“As the only animal shelter operating on Prince Edward Island it sometimes feels like we’re working in isolation. Our involvement with the Atlantic network provides opportunities for us to share experiences and to gather ideas and inspiration from our counterparts in the region.”
~ Executive Director of the PEI Humane Society, Kelly Mullaly

“The New Brunswick SPCA is pleased to play a part in this very important Atlantic initiative. This group represents the beginning of a collaborative effort for the welfare of animals in our region. To be a part of this will no doubt make the mandate of the NB SPCA easier to fulfill and save many more animals across Atlantic Canada.”
~ Executive Director of the New Brunswick SPCA, Mike Murphy

“When we work together, we know how much more we can achieve and this is just the beginning. Our collaboration will make this region a national leader in dealing with animal welfare issues. The Fredericton SPCA is committed to working with our Atlantic partners to strengthen our message, to curb pet overpopulation and to positively change the lives of neglected, abused and homeless animals.”
~ President of the Board of Directors for the Fredericton SPCA, Susan Morell

MEDIA CONTACTS
Nova Scotia SPCA - Kristin Williams: (902) 835-4798 x228 or KWilliams@spcans.ca
The SPCA of Newfoundland and Labrador – Libby Carew: libby.carew@gmail.com  
PEI Humane Society – Lisa Hashie: (902) 892-1190 x24 or lhashie@peihumanesociety.com
New Brunswick SPCA – Mike Murphy: (506) 458-8208 or mmurphy.nbspca@bellaliant.com
Fredericton SPCA – Mike Murphy: (506) 458-8208 or mmurphy.nbspca@bellaliant.com