Two dogs in Ottawa shelter’s care for more than 400 days combined

Walter and Billie are two dogs who, together, have been in the shelter’s care for more than 400 days, wrote the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) in a newsletter.

According to the organization, the dogs were brought to the shelter after their families made the difficult decision to surrender them to the care of the shelter. The two longest-staying dogs are joined by nearly 500 pets who are being cared for at the OHS in search of their forever homes to start the new year.

In an update from the Ottawa Humane Society, Walter — a three-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever who first arrived at the OHS in April 2024 — was adopted this week after spending 264 days in OHS care.

But Billie, a two-year-old female German Shepherd who came to the OHS in May 2024, now sits far above other animals as the organization’s longest-staying dog — marking 228 days as of Jan. 2.

“Her foster volunteer says she’s a sweet girl who is absolutely enthusiastic about life, and that she wakes up every day with a big smile on her face, ready to embrace the world with happiness and energy,” OHS said in an email.

“While adoption is one of the ways you can support Ottawa’s homeless animals, there are many ways to get involved,” Sharon Miko, OHS President and CEO. noted.

The holiday season can be a difficult time of year for families, both emotionally and financially and no family should struggle to afford pet food.

“A donation of unopened pet food to the OHS Emergency Pet Food Bank can make all the difference for a person and their pet,” wrote OHS in a newsletter.

Additionally, the community can also support animals at the OHS by providing a monetary donation on the website.

“A donation goes a long way in providing life-saving care, keeping pets with their families and in building a more humane and compassionate community for all,” added OHS.

Today marks the last day donations are doubled by the OHS, doubling the impact of each donation for Ottawa’s homeless animals by providing shelter and care.

In efforts to continue building a more humane and compassionate community for the animals in 2025, OHS has provided recommendations for pet owners, including:

• Stay aware of the plight of animals:  Animals suffer every day, and animal advocates have the power to make a difference. Speaking up about serious issues like dog hunting pens will help protect innocent animals.
• Make a good adoption choice: Adopt homeless animals from the OHS or another reputable animal welfare organization. If you must buy, research reputable breeders who care about their animals’ well-being.
• Help Ottawa’s most vulnerable animals: The OHS cares for thousands of animals every year and relies on the support of a caring community to make second chances possible.
• Get your pet microchipped and update your pet’s microchip regularly:  When an animal is admitted to the OHS as a stray, they are immediately scanned for a microchip to locate the owner. With an up-to-date microchip, an animal can easily be reunited with their owner.
• Take your pet to a veterinarian: Make sure your pet sees their veterinarian at least once a year! Even if your pet seems completely healthy, visit your veterinarian regularly.