News Release For Immediate Release

Pickering Recognizes Some ‘Pawsitively’ Amazing Partners

Pickering, ON, December 14, 2011 – At Monday’s City Council meeting, the City of Pickering recognized four animal related businesses in its Pawsitive Partners Awards program.  Below is information on each award winner.
 
Earlier this year, Invisible Fence of Durham Region supplied pet oxygen masks for the City’s fire trucks.  Each kit contains reusable masks appropriately sized for animals. Pets are not immune to emergency situations and like humans are susceptible to health risks associated with a fire.  The supplied kits are vital instruments that will help save a pet’s life.
 
Karen Sloan opened her Pet Valu at 705 Kingston Road just over a year ago, and has been a strong supporter of Animal Services ever since.  Through its donation bins, Pet Valu has collected thousands of dollars worth of food and merchandise for the animal shelter.  Further, Pet Valu was the Dog Sponsor of the 2011 Petapolooza event, and was also the first store to start selling animal licences.  Additionally, Pet Valu is one of the City’s satellite facilities for cat adoptions.  Ms. Sloan adopted one of the cats which became her store’s resident mascot.
 
Since October 2009, the City has utilized the facility and services of the Dog Pad as its animal shelter.  As the City will be opening its own animal shelter in 2012, it has awarded a Pawsitive Partner Award to the Dog Pad in recognition of its generosity and support over the past couple of years.
 
The City’s newest community partner is PJ’s Pets which has been promoting Pickering Animal Services programs and services through its store as well as social media since July.  PJ’s Pets is also a satellite adoption facility for cats, and is where City Councillor David Pickles adopted his family’s newest pet. 
 
The Pawsitive Partner Awards program was created to recognize individuals, groups or businesses that have made a significant contribution to the City’s Animal Services division.   “We know that it’s not everyday that these organizations are recognized for their hard work and dedication, and we wanted to share our appreciation with the rest of our community,” said Lindsey Narraway, Supervisor, Animal Services.  For more information on Animal Services or the awards program, please visit cityofpickering.com/animals.  Pictures of the awards recipients may also be requested by calling 905.683.7575.

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As the gateway city to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet.  Pickering is an affluent community that boasts 200 years of history, along with unrivalled natural beauty, and small town charm with all the amenities and services that a big city has to offer.  The City of Pickering is a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment; and offers a wealth of cultural, sports, leisure and recreation opportunities to its residents.  Pickering’s $23-million pedestrian bridge connects directly to the GO train station and serves as an icon of infrastructure, sustainability and downtown revitalization.

Media Contact:
Name               Lindsey Narraway                
Title                 Supervisor, Animal Services       
Email address   lnarraway@cityofpickering.com
Phone number   905.420.4660 ext:2065
TTY                  905.420.1739