The Cochrane & Area Humane Society is a no kill animal welfare organization in Cochrane, Alberta, which holds the contract for animal services for the town of Cochrane and surrounding communities.
Video Cochrane & Area Humane Society
History
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society was founded in 1998 as a collaboration between Charlene Ruttle, the Town of Cochrane Animal Control Officer, and Tracy Keith, the society's Executive Director. The Society incorporated on March 10, 1998, and received charitable status in February 1999.
In 2014, the society was selected as "Best Charitable Organization" in the 'Best of Cochrane' contest held by a local newspaper, the Cochrane Eagle.
Maps Cochrane & Area Humane Society
Programs
No kill animal sheltering
The organization provides animal sheltering to the town of Cochrane, Alberta and the surrounding communities. It is an open door shelter, in that no animal is turned away. The organization's policy is to euthanize only as a last resort for humane or public safety reasons. The organization stated in 2011 that it has been able to save more than 90% of the animals entering the shelter since its founding in 1998. Statistics reported for 2013 indicated save rates of 90.3% for dogs and 91.8% for cats.
Humane education programs
The organization provides humane education programs and day camps "where children learn about the humane treatment of animals and have fun doing it." A Humane Helpers Teen Club provides an opportunity for young teens aged 13-15 to learn how to work with animals; accompanied by a parent or other designated person over 18, who is also given training, "Activities may include grooming animals, making pet toys, walking dogs, helping with easier cleaning jobs and socializing animals."
The organization awards up to three $1,000 scholarships annually to community-minded local grade 12 students planning to pursue a career in a field related to human or animal care, health, medicine or education; who have also "completed meaningful volunteer hours at the Cochrane and Area Humane Society".
Canine behaviour programs
The organization's "Positive Approach Canine Education" (PACE) program provides certificates in canine behaviour, handling and instruction for potential dog trainers or other workers in dog-related fields. Dog training and behaviour consultations are available to help strengthen the bond between a dog and the dog's family.
Trap-neuter-return program
The organization conducts trap-neuter-return for community cats (free-ranging stray and feral cats not belonging to individuals). A Barn Buddies program is offered for feral cats needing relocation. One of the first cats trapped by the program in 1989 became the shelter cat, Norman, who died in 2014.
Outreach to Morley First Nation
Since 1998, a group of volunteers visits the Morley First Nation every week, where they "facilitate our low cost spay/neuter program, drop off food bank donations, pick up surrenders and assist animals in need". The organization reports that the "impact has been incredible since the Morley program began in 1998 with a huge improvement in animal care and a waiting list for spay/neuter surgeries."
Norm's Nook pet supply store
Norm's Nook, the organization's pet supply store, offers toys, training tools, treats, food and other items for pets. The store is named after Norman, the shelter cat for 15 years. Proceeds from sales help to fund shelter activities.
Publications
- Newsletters are archived on the organization's website.
- The organization has created an online education curriculum with 13 lesson plans, for use by teachers of children in grades K-12.
Notable rescues
- Rufus: On September 24, 2013, 8 week old pup Rufus, a German Shepherd mix, was found by paramedics with his jaw broken in three places, believed to have been the result of being kicked. Infection had already set in. An orthopedic specialist reset Rufus' jaw and wired it shut, and the puppy went into foster care for socialization with one of the paramedics who was involved in his rescue. The paramedic later adopted Rufus.
- Emmy Lou: On September 24, 2013, the same day that Rufus came into care, 8 week old labrador puppy Emmy Lou arrived at the shelter with a serious eye injury, believed to have been inflicted by another dog. She received surgery to have the injured eye removed, and was soon adopted.
- Norman: Long-term shelter cat Norman, a tuxedo cat with medium-length hair, was one of the first cats trapped in the organization's first trap-neuter-return program to get the local feral cat population under control in 1989. It quickly became apparent that Norman was not feral, but fearful. Shelter staff worked with him for many months to get him comfortable with them, and then continued to work with him to become comfortable with other people. Eventually Norman took an active role in the shelter, acting as receptionist; helping to assess how well shelter animals got along with cats before going home with a new family; and helping to interview potential new staff members and volunteers: "demanding to be let into the office and hopping up on the lap of the candidate as if to say 'You're all dressed up, let's see how you really feel about cats.' He was an excellent judge of character." Norman was especially appreciated for being "that purring presence when we really needed him. Whether he snuggled up on your lap or curled up on a bed on your desk, he was a great comfort to us all." Norman lived until January 2014, believed to be 19 years of age.
External links
- Official website
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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