Janet Eaton

The funds will be used to help provide urgent care for vulnerable animals in Leeds and Grenville.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been operating for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness.

“My experiences with pets have definitely shaped my understanding and perspective on animal rescue initiatives. All my life I’ve had the joy of forming deep bonds with my pets, be it dogs, horses, cats. I’ve seen first hand the unconditional love and companionship they offer and it’s made me aware of the plight of animals in shelters and the importance of giving them a second chance. As women who care deeply for our community and its most vulnerable members, we hold the power to make significant differences. Supporting the OSPCA isn’t just about helping dogs, cats or horses, it’s about empowering ourselves to create change. We are a united front of compassionate women who understand the importance of empathy and kindness, both in our lives and in the lives of animals in need. By casting our vote in favour of the OSPCA we stand in solidarity with those who work tirelessly to give rescue animals a second chance. Imagine arriving at work one morning only to find a dog tethered to the front door, dropped by someone who could no longer care for their dog. Imagine his name is “Hunter”, because I have a story about Hunter. He wasn’t the dog you see today happily wagging his tail at every passerby, he was a dog that trembled when he was approached, he was a dog that was abandoned, leaving him scared and wary of humans. Whenever he heard loud voices or sudden movements he braced himself for something unpleasant. Inside his kennel at the OSPCA, he yearned for the attention he saw other dogs receiving and he timidly barked and began wagging his tail, a flicker of hope that maybe a loving family would embrace him and give him a second chance. It began his plea for connection and healing, his plea for someone to love him. So here Hunter’s story begins, a story which I saw first hand. It was the day my office administrator adopted her rescue dog. The story of Joanne’s adoption of Hunter is a story of a journey of patience, a demonstration of love and commitment. This story moved me and reshaped my views on animal rescues. Joanne’s son deals with emotional struggles and her home having never had a family pet meant that adopting a dog would be a solution to her son’s emotional needs but little did she know it would become the solution to her emotional needs. Hunter was adopted during COVID and although Joannes concerns were for her son, a Mom’s concern for her child, it would be a time Joanne would face one of the most devastating struggles in her life, the hospitalization of her Mom during COVID and not being there with her during her passing. We are all aware of how difficult it was for families who were faced with these circumstances. Having this dog, Hunter, was a turning point for Joanne, thinking Hunter would be the rescue she sought for her son’s mental health, Hunter became her rescue. This dog that needed love and healing was in fact the love and healing she needed. I witnessed a changed woman, I witnessed first hand the transformation of both Joanne and Hunter, it was plain to see it in both their faces and it’s a beautiful reminder of the bonds we share with our pets. Because of this specific moment in my life, I understand how crucial it is to advocate for the well being and safety and now the story becomes even more how these rescued dogs impact our well being. It’s fuelled my passion of animal rescue witnessing a shy rescue dog that blossomed into an affectionate companion and a mother whose life was transformed, seeing both was incredibly rewarding.

Therefore, as 100 Women Who Care let’s support the immediate needs of these animals as well as contributing to long lasting changes in our community creating awareness about responsible pet ownership and fostering a culture of compassion.

Together we can ensure that every pet gets a chance to feel the warmth of a loving home. Join me in voting for the OSPCA.”