Last June GayCalgary.com Magazine featured an article on the Calgary Humane Society. Since then, many headlines have popped up in the straight media about abused animals that were taken in by the shelter. Some of those stories lead to happy endings, and some lead to tragedy despite the best efforts of the organization. There is only so much that can be done to save animals, and with the limitations of their former location, we could see that they were running short on space and resources.

Just last month the Humane Society moved to their new location at 4455 – 110th Avenue SE. This is a developing part of town, and indeed the new and larger animal shelter is still a work in progress itself. Already they foresee longer holding times, and much happier, healthier pets.

Only months after our article last year, an outbreak of Feline distemper meant that many cats needed to be put down. The close living quarters of the animals made it difficult to control the spread of the disease, and major steps were needed to stop the contagion from lingering in the facility. Plexiglas has now replaced metal bars in the feline adoption area; these new cat living quarters are not only larger and multi-tier, but also sealed and individually ventilated to reduce the spread of disease. As for the dogs, they now occupy small individually ventilated rooms, and can be viewed through glass panes. The on-site private veterinary clinic and lab help to ensure that the animals do not need to go far for proper medical care.

Cheryl Wallach, Manager of Community Relations and Marketing, told GayCalgary.com that these new living quarters are designed to be less stressful on the animals, which she predicts will increase the adoption rate. In the past, potential adopters were sometimes scared away by seeing the desperation of the animals in their small cages. Indeed there is a night-and-day difference in the new facility - the animals seem very relaxed, allowing them the chance to act more natural and capture our hearts. It’s still difficult to stop from tearing up when seeing all these animals who are seeking a home, but it is no longer from a sense of guilt at seeing them crying for help.

Although the new facility is now fully operational, there are still many areas that are under development that we should see completed over the next year. Several dog-walking parks are to be created around the building to ensure that the canine residents get sufficient exercise. Other multi-cat spaces including Mewtopia are in development to allow the felines to socialize and stretch their legs.

Many gay people treat their pets as a substitution for kids (the term “Furkids” recently came into my vocabulary thanks to our writer Nico). Nearly 65% of the people that filled out the Reader’s Survey for 2005 stated that they owned at least one pet. Every animal at the Calgary Humane Society is a unique possibility for a long-term companion – a decision not to be taken lightly, but certainly one that can pay off. There are not too many things that are guaranteed to bring happiness, but adopting a pet is one option that is almost certain to bring joy into your life.

The Calgary Humane Society
4455 – 110th Avenue SE
(403) 205-4455
http://www.calgaryhumane.ca