Peterborough Humane Society Officially Opens Off-Leash Dog Park

Canines can rejoice as the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) celebrated the official opening of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) Off-Leash Dog Park on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“We are thrilled to bring this exciting amenity to our community. The opportunity to provide pets and people with an open space where they can enjoy some healthy exercise and promote overall enrichment is a great way to keep pets and people together,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.” It is a wonderful addition to our Peterborough Animal Care Centre, and thanks to Ted and the staff at Pet Supply Warehouse, this space is now open for enjoyment.”

Pet Supply Warehouse, a locally owned and operated pet retailer, sponsored the park and the Kitty Cam Room at PACC.

“Pet Supply Warehouse is proud to be a supporter of Peterborough Humane Society and the amazing work they do,” said Ted LaBranche, Pet Supply Warehouse owner. “We are so honoured to be a part of this exciting venture. This is a great space for our canine friends to get exercise, enrichment and socialization.”

The Off-Leash Dog Park is open during daylight hours for public use. Park regulations are posted at the park and online. There is no fee to use the park, but donations to the shelter are always appreciated.

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Help Needed For Two World Record Attempts For Dogs At Viamede Resort On Sept. 21

Golden Rescue is seeking the public’s help breaking two Guinness World Records for the Largest Cake For Dogs and the Largest Dog Wedding Ceremony which will be held at Viamede Resort off Stoney Lake on Sept. 21.

Photo courtesy of Golden Rescue.

The Barrie-based non-profit organization is asking the public for 358 dogs dressed in wedding attire to set the largest ceremony record. All friendly dogs are welcome, regardless of breed and single dogs can be paired. The previous record was 178 pairs of dogs (356 dogs) in Littleton, Col., on May 19, 2007.

A 350-lb cake is being made to break the current record of 311 lbs. held by Dino Zoo in Riga, Latvia, on April 28, 2018. At the end of the event, each dog will receive a slice to be taken home.

The picnic runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the wedding procession at 2 p.m., officiated by Lloyd Robertson. The cost for the event is $15 a person or $30 for a family. A best-dressed bride and groom contest is held at 4 p.m. for the dogs.

If successful, a donor will give $20,000 to the non-profit organization according to their press release.

Attendees can RSVP to the event by emailing picnic@goldenrescue.ca. The ceremony requires volunteers and can email volunteer@goldenrescue.ca and include ‘Picnic’ in the subject to sign up.

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Howlin' For the Peterborough Animal Care Centre Fundraiser Returns Sept. 14

Animal lovers can help the Peterborough Humane Society as they are bringing back the ‘Howlin’ for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC)’ fundraiser for Sept. 14.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The event will feature a Yappy Hour, cash bar, photo booth, silent auction, dinner, live auction, musical performance (act yet to be determined) and more.

“Join us for a fun evening of celebrations, good food and great company. We hope to see you all there to support us, as we raise the bar in animal wellness,” according to a press release statement.

Tickets are not yet available for the event.

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Wanderlight Alpaca Experience Launches First-of-its-Kind ‘Quest’ That Combines Escape Room and Dining Experiences

Wanderlight Alpaca Experience has launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Wanderlight Alpaca Quest,’ combining an escape room-like and dining experience announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience.

This on-farm experience combines the team-building aspects and intellectual challenges with alpacas.

Guests are given a backpack with a map, compass, lockbox, and instructions left by the time-travelling Incans to help them solve the mystery. They follow the map along on-farm trails to stations where they solve challenging puzzles. Once the hiding place has been discovered, the guests lead the alpacas to the safety of the farm and end with a local al fresco dining experience.

“Guests always comment on the sweet personalities of the alpacas and the beautiful serenity of the farm - this new experience allows guests to interact with the herd in an innovative and unforgettable way. People are making a visit to Wanderlight a family tradition and the Quest gives them a new adventure” said Katie Jackson, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience founder. “Alpaca walks are popular on-farm experience in Ontario, the Quest brings it to a different level. It is great for groups who like to embark on an adventure, have fun and work together towards a common goal.”

Jackson developed this idea with support from the ‘Spark’ Innovation grant – which assists new tourism ideas with funding and mentorship.

"Developing new, bookable tourism products in collaboration with other local business operators offers visitors a unique and memorable experience in our region," explains Jaimie Eastabrook, PKED’s tourism development officer. "This ultimately supports the region’s goals of increasing visitor spend and length of stay while ensuring guests have a rave-worthy experience they’ll want to come back to and share with family and friends."

The Wanderlight Alpaca Quest has been custom-designed by local experts from another Peterborough County business – Millbrook Escape Maze – based in Stewart Hall according to a press release. It continues to state that the story incorporates an element of magic by leaning into Earth elements and Incan mythology as the ancestral homeland of the modern-day domesticated alpaca.

“As a solo entrepreneur, it is invaluable to have support, mentorship, and accountability to make an idea happen,” said Jackson. “Consultations with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism and fellow tourism business operators helped me to feel like I was not alone and that there were people invested in my success.”

While the traditional elements may be a nod to South American culture, the adventure culminates in a truly local culinary experience according to Jackson.

“Guests at Wanderlight have the option to add on an al-fresco dining package with a table set with locally-sourced artisanware and delicious local food and drink,” she said. “It is a great way to celebrate solving the Quest.”

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Missing Python Since Friday Has Yet to Be Found

A 10-year-old non-venomous ball python missing since Friday has yet to be located according to the Peterborough Police, announced on Monday.

Northern Water Snake. Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.

The snake is described as black and brown in colour, approximately 4' in length and was lost in the area of Millennium Park.

It was last seen swimming toward the train bridge.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225.

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Riverview Park and Zoo’s Nine-Year-Old Sichuan Takin, Yao Ming, Passes Away

The Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) Sichuan Takin, Yao Ming has passed away, announced on Friday.

Photocourtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo.

The nine-year-old Sichuan Takin experiencing a decline in his overall health and body condition over the last few months and passed away overnight according to the Zoo.

His remains have been sent to the Guelph University Animal Health Laboratory in Kempsville for determination of the cause of death.

“We would like to especially thank our consulting veterinarian Dr. John Sallaway and his team of health experts and specialists who offered their knowledge and support in the diagnosis and treatment of the beloved takin. As well, we extend our gratitude and condolences to the caring zookeepers who had given extra attention to Yao Ming’s special needs and health over his lifetime at Riverview Park and Zoo. His loss will be significantly felt in the community, and he will be sorely missed by his RPZ team,” according to a statement made by the Zoo.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Inaugural 50/50 Lottery & Owen’s ‘Ruff’le Raises Nearly $35,000

Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) concluded its inaugural 50/50 lottery and Owen’s ‘Ruff’le, randomly drawing two winning names from last Wednesday afternoon.

Si Grobler (left), Darlene (middle) and Kevin MacKenzie (right) celebrating the 50/50 win of $21,807.50 at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre. Photo courtesy of the PHS.

Darlene of Peterborough won the $21,807.50 grand prize from the 50/50 draw while Kathryn Sheridan of Peterborough was the lucky winner from the Owen’s ‘Ruff’le. She walks away with Loll Designs patio chairs, valued at over $1700.

The inaugural PHS 50/50 Lottery ran from March 13 to April 17, raising $34,857.50 for the Peterborough Humane Society's animals in need.

“I continue to be impressed and humbled by our supporters here in Peterborough, across the Kawartha Region, and the entire province for their generous support of what we do”, said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

Plans are already underway for the second iteration of the PHS 50/50 Lottery according to a press release.

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Peterborough Humane Society Launches Inaugural 50/50 Lottery In Honour Of Late Dog Ambassador

On what would have been Ambassador Owen the Griff’s 17th birthday, the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has launched its inaugural 50/50 lottery, announced on Wednesday.

Owen the Griff’s Instagram account has over 114,000 followers and has been succeeded by another dog, Gigi. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Owen was popular through his Instagram account and a vital advocate in PHS fundraising throughout his dog life.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery allows participants to win money while providing financial support at PHS’s Animal Care Centre. In addition to the 50/50, the draw features Owen's ‘Ruff’le, a chance to win two patio chairs valued at over $1,700. 

“We're incredibly excited to launch our first-ever PHS 50/50 Lottery,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “It's a fantastic way for our community to come together and make a difference for animals in need while also having the chance to win beautiful patio chairs through Owen’s ‘Ruff’le.”

The draw will occur on April 17 at 1 p.m. PHS’s social media pages and website will update the public on the 50/50 pot throughout the draw. At the time of this article's publication, the pot was $2,220.

Tickets can be purchased online in packages of 25 for $25, 10 for $10, three for $5 or one for $2.

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Publican House's 'Our Pet Pilsner' Raises Over $8,500 For Peterborough Humane Society's Animal Care Centre

Since its inception in early February of 2022, Publican House’s fundraiser beer ‘Our Pet Pilsner’ has raised over $8,500 for the Peterborough Humane Society and their Animal Care Centre.

Our Pet Pilsner is a 4.5 per cent German-style that won a gold medal at the 2023 Ontario Brewing Awards. pilsner Photo courtesy of Publican House Brewery.

The money was to aid the Humane Society’s move to their new $10 million Animal Care Centre on Technology Drive.

The beer originally raised $5,000 as of May last year. The downtown pub raised another $3,590 and donated the money in another cheque presentation last Friday.

The brewery plans to continue to raise money for the Humane Society throughout 2024.

”With the gold medal recognition at this year's Ontario Brewing Awards, we hope to raise even more in 2024. Thank you to everyone who has enjoyed an Our Pet Pilsner and to the amazing team at the Peterborough Humane Society,” as stated in an Instagram post.

As part of the collaboration, Publican House showcased a pet for adoption from the Humane Society on their social media every month.

The beer label design was created by local artist Jason Wilkins.

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Auto Connect Sales Raises Animal Adoption Awareness During the Holidays With Adopt Advent Calendar

Auto Connect Sales launched an animal adoption awareness campaign during the holidays with an ‘Adopt Advent Calendar’ to help the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) find homes for several pets.

Elias (left) was one of 25 animals showcased in the advent calendar and is having holiday fun with Watson (right). Photo by Mark Dizon.

There were 25 animals from PHS showcased in total, with one animal featured daily on Auto Connect’s Instagram account.

Of all the animals posted, 15 of the 25 pets found homes before Christmas according to a Facebook post.

“We didn’t get these animals adopted. I think the calendar helped get exposure to the Humane Society,” said Cheryl Watson of Auto Connect Sales. “I was very happy that idea was very well received. I think the community liked it.”

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Watson had the idea of starting the calendar after attending a PHS gala. Animals were present at the event for anyone attending to interact with.

“I fell in love with a dog and I couldn’t stop thinking about them,” explained Watson. “I thought I had to get this dog adopted. That was my goal.”

Auto Connect staff met with the animals at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a photo shoot for the advent calendar.

“It was such a magical day,” said Watson. “Everybody was having a fantastic time. The Humane Society was so encouraging, supportive and eager to help get this done. It was a perfect joint effort.”

The remaining ten animals that were showcased are still up for adoption.

“Even if we can get one or two animals adopted, it was worth it,” said Watson.

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