Page 1 January—February 2015

The Official Newsletter

of the Lunenburg Branch of the

Nova Scotia Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

January - February 2015

In This Issue Page

Number

Pet-friendly Rental Accommo-

dation

2 - 4

Make A Difference - Appeal

For New Members

4

Provincial SPCA Annual Gen-

eral Meeting - Dartmouth

5

Provincial & Branch Website

Renewal

5

50/50 Draw Tickets on Sale 5

SPCA Provincial Lottery

Tickets on sale

6

Bridgewater BMO Bank

Supports Lunenburg SPCA

6

Happy Tales 7

For Adoption 8-9

In Our Care 9

Adopted 10

Mission Statement of the Nova Scotia SPCA

The mission of the Nova Scotia SPCA is to prevent abuse, ne-

glect and cruelty to animals, and provide for province-wide

leadership on matters that promote and improve the welfare of

all animals through animal protection; care and rehabilitation;

humane education; advocacy and engagement and

collaboration with stakeholders.

Not even snow could stop Sweet Pea from her morning walk.

(Now the bush behind her is buried under the snow banks and

Page 2 January—February 2015

By Janice Kenefick

A quick browse through the Kijiji Lunenburg and Bridgewater web pages confirms that there are more

pet-friendly accommodations now than in years past. However, there are still more people looking for them

then finding them.

Sadly, the inability to find pet-friendly rental housing is among the most common reasons cats and dogs

are surrendered to animal rescues and shelters. Often the surrendered animals are older, less adoptable pets

who have spent most of their lives with a single family. Giving up a beloved pet makes for a wrenching experi-

ence for pet guardians and their beloved pets alike.

Yet there are proven advantages for landlords who offer pet-friendly housing and safeguards that can be

put in place to prevent problems with irresponsible tenants.

A 2014 survey of Canadians conducted by Ipsos-Forward on behalf of the Canadian Animal Health In-

stitute revealed that 66 percent of Canadian households have at least one dog or cat. Most pet guardians love

their pets and regard them as family. They won’t want a property where their pets aren’t welcome. Therefore

landlords who don’t have pet-friendly policies could be turning as many or more as half of their potential ten-

ants.

In the absence of a Nova Scotia study or statistics on pet-friendly housing, statistics in this report are

from two studies. The Companion Animal Renters and Pet-friendly Housing Study in the USA study was car-

ried out by The American Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Education Promoting Animal Welfare

(FIREPAW). This was a nationwide, empirical study to determine the state of pet-friendly housing in all of the

USA. The study is widely quoted by American and Canadian welfare groups and is cited in this article. Also

included is The BC SPCA’s statistics research on pet-friendly housing.

Tenants with pets typically pay between 20 and 30 per cent more for rental units than tenants without pets.

Tenants with pets tend to stay longer, an average of 46 months, compared to 8 months for tenants without

pets.

Knowing that pet-friendly accommodation is hard to find, pet guardians have a vested interest in being

model tenants.

Tenants with pets tend to make stronger bonds with their neighbors.

Tenants with pets tend to have more loyalty to their immediate community.

Pets, particularly dogs, that remain at home, when their guardians are out, help to increase the security of

the building. Additionally, dog owners walking their dogs in early morning and late at night can notice any

suspicious activity and report it.

Pets can also help to break down barriers between neighbours-which helps to augment the security of a

building or neighbourhood.

Tenants with pets on average report being happier and having higher satisfaction ratings overall than ten-

ants without pets—particularly those who were forced to give up their pets.

Happier tenants means fewer conflicts and complaints to management and rental property owners.

Pets also teach children empathy and responsibility, and contribute to their overall self-esteem. That’s

beneficial for everyone.

These facts mean less turnover, fewer costs and less hassle for a landlord. However, not every pet own-

ing tenant is responsible. Every year the NS SPCA comes to the aid of cats and dogs in terrible condition after

being abandoned and left without food or water for days or even weeks, thanks to irresponsible tenants that

moved out without telling anyone, and leaving their pets behind. (Abandoning a pet in these circumstances is

illegal and the pet guardian faces criminal charges).

Finding Providing and Keeping Pet-friendly Rental

Accommodation

Page 3 January—February 2015

Finding Providing and Keeping Pet-friendly Rental

Accommodation

Looking for Pet-Friendly Rentals

Tell all your coworkers, family and friends that you are looking for pet-friendly accommodation. Many pet

-friendly rentals aren’t advertised but become known by word of mouth and recommendations from others.

Never move your pet into a rental that specifically states No Pets. It will only create strife when the land-

lord finds out

Being your pet's guardian is a responsibility that lasts for the life of your animal. No matter how good a

rental unit may seem, if the property owners do not accept pets, it is not for you!

Tips for Meeting a Potential Landlord

Provide references such as letters from previous landlords, your veterinarian, pet sitters and neighbours.

These will demonstrate your level of responsibility and your pet’s good behaviour.

Consider providing a résumé for your pet. It can include a photo, licence details, vaccination record, obedi-

ence training and spay/neuter information. Be sure to tell your landlord that your pet is housebroken or lit-

ter-trained, and include a statement about how your pet acts when home alone – or how it might act if the

landlord needs to enter the suite on his or her own.

If you find a place that seems a perfect fit in all ways except the pet issue, consider trying to negotiate for it

anyway using the suggestions above. Some landlords may never have rented to tenants with pets before

Cite the reasons why a pet-friendly rental is beneficial to landlords.

When your landlord meets your pet, ensure your pet is clean, well-trained and well-behaved. It stands to

reason that responsible pet owners will be responsible tenants, and people who take great care of their pets

are likely to take great care of their homes.

Tips For Landlords

Although irresponsible tenants that party hard, install grow-ops, don’t look after their children, and trash a

space upon moving, cause massive damage property, the problem feared the most by landlords is that rent-

ing to tenants with pets will result in pet damage to the rented space.

Landlords who worry about pet damage can charge a higher damage deposit or even a separate pet damage

deposit in addition to the regular damage deposit.

Advertise pet-friendly accommodations as “pets negotiable” or “pet-friendly,” leaving it open to discussion

after meeting the potential tenant and their pet (s)

Some landlords restrict the size, kind and number of pets. However, don’t assume that a larger dog is de-

structive and a smaller one isn’t. Many large breed dogs are calm compared to some high energy small

breeds.

Allow multiple pets. Many pet guardians have more than one pet, so the animals can keep each other com-

pany.

A landlord can make specific requirements. One Bridgewater landlord specified that cats on his property

had to be spayed or neutered, litter trained, and that there had to be proof of ongoing Vet approved flea

control treatment.

Landlords can restrict where pets, particularly dogs, are permitted outside the rental unit.

Landlords concerned about their carpets can ask the tenant to agree to clean it when they move out. This

can be part of the lease agreement.

Page 4 January—February 2015

References And Helpful Websites For Pet-Friendly Rental Accommodation

BC SPCA Pets in Rental Housing

http://www.spca.bc.ca/assets/images/Welfare/Campaigns-and-Issues/Animal-Issues/Pets-in-Rental-Housing/

PDFs/Pets-in-People-Places.pdf

Companion Animal Renters and Pet-friendly Housing in the USA

The American Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Education Promoting Animal Welfare

(FIREPAW).

http://www.firepaw.org/Carpfh.pdf

by Brian Kenefick

Advantages of membership includes the newsletter, invitation to special events and the opportunity to be

on the board. However, joining the SPCA helps animals in ways you might think of.

Any non-profit organisation, like the Lunenburg SPCA Branch, needs Paid Up Members for several dif-

ferent reasons, not least of which is that having a large membership helps when applying for grants, or as lev-

erage to gain discounts from suppliers. So even if you just pay the annual membership and receive the newslet-

ter you help us for those reasons, and your $15 membership fee is used to help animals in Lunenburg County.

You are also eligible as a member to vote for the local branch board, and the Provincial Board Members at the

Annual General Meeting. So please think about it and if you would like to join we would welcome you with

open arms, to do as much or as little as you are able.

The SPCA Lunenburg Branch still has two openings for new Members at Large on the Branch Board. As

these position were not filled at the Annual General Meeting of the Branch, the Board has the ability to appoint

members to fill the vacancies until the next elections in 2016. Board Meetings are monthly in Bridgewater.

We urgently need ordinary volunteer members who can help us out with our social media needs, in

the areas of Facebook, Twitter, plus whatever is the next step in the fast paced electronic world.

The Branch needs more members/volunteers to help out occasionally at events like our Annual Garage

Sale, Dog Wash, Christmas Craft Sale and more, pick one and only do that each year.

We are a foster based branch with no shelter to support; all our animals are cared for in private homes

prior to adoption. Join the team that makes it happen and help the animals in Lunenburg County.

The Nova Scotia SPCA is a “No Kill” organisation; the Lunenburg Branch is part of the Nova Scotia

SPCA, an Award Winning progressive organisation.

For more information about the vacant positions and to apply please contact Brian Kenefick, Vice

President, Lunenburg SPCA Branch at 902-543- 2334 or by email to vicepresident@lunenburg.spcans.ca

Make A Difference In The Lives

of Local Animals!

The Lunenburg SPCA Branch Needs New Members

Page 5 January—February 2015

Province wide SPCA Branches are selling 50/50 tickets to raise money for all branches. The draw will be

held on March 13th, 2015. Tickets are available for purchase at, one for $2.00, three for $5.00, or seven for

$10.00.

Those who are interested in purchasing a ticket may do so online at WWW.SPCANS.CA (available in

the near future) or the toll free number 1 (844) 835-4798. 50,000 tickets have been printed and the prize will

depend on the number of tickets sold by March.

If all tickets were sold as singles, at $2 tickets each, the winner’s take would be $50,000. The smallest

prize would be if all the tickets were sold at 7 for $10. Then the winners prize would be $35,714. Remember

these amounts are based on selling ALL the tickets. so you’re encouraged to find someone who has tickets for

sale and help the SPCA continue the special work we do caring for animals.

Tickets will be available for board members and volunteers to sell.

The volunteer who sells the winning ticket wins 2% of total sales,

and their SPCA branch wins 5%

Call the Lunenburg SPCA at 902-543-2334 for tickets to sell.

Province-wide 50/50 Draw Tickets Available

Provincial & Branch SPCA Website

Due to difficulties with the existing provincial website it was necessary to completely rework the website

into a more user friendly format. The work has been underway for a few weeks now and it’s anticipated there

will be a new provincial website with more bells and whistles by mid April.

Prior to it going public the staff and volunteers at shelters and foster branches will be shown a preview.

Comments can be made. It’s expected the new website will enable the SPCA to have better and faster commu-

nication with supporters and the general public.

Provincial SPCA Annual General Meeting

The 138th Annual General Meeting of the Nova Scotia SPCA will be held on

Saturday, April 25th 2015.

The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Harbourview,

101 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, NS, in the McNabb Room

Registration; from 9:00am to 10:00am

Meeting 10:00am till Noon

Page 6 January—February 2015

Bridgewater BMO Supports Lunenburg SPCA

BMO (Bank of Montreal) Bridgewater

Branch has offered to help raise money for the

Lunenburg Branch of the SPCA in a unique

way. When anyone signs up for a new Master-

Card, at the King Street Branch of BMO, and

uses it for the first time, the staff will donate

$20 to the Lunenburg SPCA.

At the recent SPCA Christmas Sale for

People and Pets, BMO Branch Manager, Kent

Atchison had several people who expressed in-

terest in the deal and signed up some others. If

you are interested in looking into this you may

contact BMO Financial Service Managers Debbie Hiltz at 902-543-1073 or Michael Ringer at 902-543-3645.

A big thank you to Kent and the staff at the Bridgewater, King Street, Branch of the Bank of Montreal

for supporting the Lunenburg SPCA.

The Nova Scotia SPCA is hosting a province wide lottery,

and the prizes will have your tail wagging for weeks to come!

With the grand prize left this lottery is the first of its kind for

the Nova Scotia SPCA and we are super excited!

Grand Prize Draw- A trip for a family of 4 to

Universal Studios! Draw date for the grand prize is March 13th,

2015!

Tickets are: One for $10, Three for $25, & Seven for $50

Order tickets online WWW.SPCANS.CA or the toll free number

1 (844) 835-4798.

The volunteer who sells the winning ticket wins $1,000. Their

SPCA branch wins $1,000 too!

There are 50/50 tickets too, and that prize will also be drawn

on March 13th.

Nova Scotia SPCA

Lottery Tickets Are Still On Sale

Until March 10th

Page 7 January—February 2015

Happy Tales

I Just wanted to give you a quick update on how well our little boy is doing! Other than the couple of

colds he had in the very beginning. He has adjusted well and is a one of the family!! He has even become close

buddies with our dog, sharing the couch for naps. He is a very curious little guy and has developed quite a lik-

ing for our dogs food!!!

Here are a couple of pictures so you can see how he's grown.

Sincerely,

Tammy Purcell, & Purcell family

MAGIC (AKA DENNIS) AND HIS NEW DOGGY FRIEND

Hi Brian and Janice,

Just a quick email to thank you for our little boy and to let you know that

Tucker is doing well and has settled in. He is doing great with his big brother

Gibson (known to you as Granite). We love his personality so laid back and a

huge cuddler! Thank you so very much for assisting us with his meds we greatly

appreciated the help. His health has greatly improved and our vet is pleased with

his development. He was just in for a check up and weigh in. We just adore

him!!!

Thank you,

Roberta, Brittany and Stephanie :

Page 8 January—February 2015

For Adoption We have three cats (Pepsi, Mitzie, & Phoebe) with special needs* and looking for a

forever home. Special needs cats are often hard to find homes for, but they can be very

rewarding for those who can get them to open up and be themselves. If you or anyone you

know is interested please call the SPCA at 902-543-2334.

Pepsi* wasn’t in good shape when he was

found full of mats with a bite on his tail.

His fur has grown in, his tail healed and

he’s ready for a forever home. is an

affectionate and very smart cat.. He

enjoys walking around the block on a

leash. Pepsi is FIV positive.

Mitzie* is a young grey and white tabby

who doesn’t like to be picked up but is

affectionate. She appears to like dogs.

She is shy and needs a patient guardian

who will let her come out in her own

time.

Like any kitten, she loves playing and

happily chases toys on a stick.

Phoebe* is a quiet and sweet. Tortie. She

enjoys cuddling on the couch and will

sleep on the bed. She doesn't like to be

picked up and will only allow herself to be

petted by people she knows. Phoebe would

make a great companion for an older per-

son.

Milo is a big friendly male. He was a stray who

came up to the SPCA Volunteer and allowed him-

self to be picked up and started purring up a storm.

He has been checked out by the vet and is good to

go. He is currently residing in the Petvalu store in

Bridgewater, you can adopt him from there or call

902-543-2334 for more info.

Page 9 January—February 2015

In Our Care

Keefer, is in long term foster

care for

behavioural problems that

stemmed from

living in a harsh

environment

Myrtle has passed away.

Thank you to Patricia Wilson

for looking after her

Sweet Pea is the oldest foster we’ve

had for some time. Earlier this

month she had a relapse and her

kidneys started to fail again.

We have got her back to the stage

where she is eating a little and hat-

ing taking her medicine but still

feisty.

Lady is a 6 year old female who was found in poor shape in a barn.

When found she had lost part of her tail and the rest was infected so her tail

was removed. The person who found her took her home but Lady is now being

stressed out by the other cats in the home. She has started to go outside the lit-

ter box, and no matter what has been tried she is still stressed. There is no-

where in the home that she could be isolated, so the Vet says find her a home

where she is the only cat and she will be fine.

She is friendly and loving to people, and deserves a quiet place to be herself

and bring joy to a new owner.

If you or anyone you know who can give her a good home call us at 902-543-

2334

For Adoption - Continued

Momma Cat and her four kittens are being cared for in a

foster home. Their spay & neuter have been delayed be-

cause of the bad conditions on the rural back road they

are living on.

We expect to have them to the vets soon and then a couple

of weeks later they will be able to be adopted and go to

their new forever homes.

If you are interested in any of these kittens and/or the

momma cat please call 902-543-2334 for more informa-

tion and to set a date to see them.

Page 10 January—February 2015

Adopted

STANLEY

BOGART MAUDE

FLUFFY

FELIX

SILVESTER