10 THINGS WE'RE THANKFUL FOR THIS THANKSGIVING (AND ALWAYS!)

1. OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS

We are so fortunate to have the most passionate, committed volunteers working every day to help us provide our animals with care, attention, and unconditional love. 

2. OUR INCREDIBLE PHOTOGRAPHER

Since we first opened our doors, the amazingly talented Jen Worrall of Gotcha Studios has volunteered her time photographing our dogs in hopes that families will see their photos and fall in love. Jen has a knack for capturing the personality and spirit of each dog, and her beautiful photos have helped find homes for countless dogs in need.

3. KNOWING THAT 77 HORSES WILL NEVER SEE THE INSIDE OF A SLAUGHTERHOUSE

In Canada, thousands of horses are slaughtered for meat each year. While we recognize that saving 77 horses is merely a drop in the ocean (we have big plans for the future!), it warms our hearts to know that these horses, who were so close to such a horrific death, are now able to live out the remainder of their lives in peace.  

4. ADVOCATES AGAINST BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION

It has been eleven years since Ontario first enacted its discriminatory Breed Specific Legislation. Over the past year we have had the opportunity to connect with countless advocates and organizations (such as BSL Awareness and the Ontario "Pit Bull" Co-op) who have been fighting this battle in our province since the beginning, and who will not give up until the legislation is repealed. Last week, MPP Cheri DiNovo introduced a bill aimed at doing just that, and, as a show of support, an enormous group of advocates rallied outside of Queens Park and marched to Nathan Phillips Square. The continued passion and determination that these advocates show after such a long struggle is moving, and we know that it is through their perseverance that change will come to our province. 

5. TEAM CHELSEA

Five years ago, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Chelsea went missing after escaping from a doggie daycare. Sadly, Chelsea was never found, however a group of dedicated volunteers continue to search for missing pets in her honour. Team Chelsea has since reunited hundreds of lost pets with their owners, including several of our adopted dogs. If one of our adopted dogs goes missing, we know that we can always count on Team Chelsea to be there, rain or shine, day or night, to help us and the family get them home safely. The lengths that these wonderful individuals go to in order to help find animals that they have never met is truly inspiring. 

6. THE GENEROSITY OF OUR COMMUNITY

We could not do the work that we do without the amazing support of our community. Rescue can be a lonely undertaking, but we are constantly reminded that we are all in this together, and that, together, we can achieve so much more. 

7. BIG SLOPPY DOG KISSES.

This one is pretty self-explanatory, no?

8. RESCUE GROUPS HELPING ALL ANIMALS

We're convinced that we have the best team around, and our staff truly are the heart and soul of Dog Tales. Rescue is no easy job - it is filled with late nights, early mornings, heartache, and frustration. We are so thankful for the passion, commitment and joy that our team members bring to work every day.

10. 646 HAPPY BEGINNINGS (AND COUNTING!)

We are thankful every day for the families who have opened their hearts and their homes to a dog in need. To see our dogs living such beautiful, full lives reminds us every day of why we do what we do. Thank you for being a part of our extended Dog Tales family, and for allowing us the opportunity to help more dogs. (Want to see photos of our dogs enjoying their new lives? Check out our Happy Tales page!)