The Toronto Humane Society was founded by John Kelso in 1887. The mandate of the Toronto Humane Society is "to promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering."

They are a non-for-profit organization, committed to caring for abused and unwanted animals in Toronto. The shelter helps about 9,000 animals on an annual basis. Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and turtles are some of the many animals the Toronto Humane Society minds.

Without the dedicated staff and the countless volunteers, the Toronto Humane Society would not be the successful charity it is today. Many of these volunteers are overly committed because they work hours past their shift.

Tim Trow, president of the Toronto Humane Society said: "Staff members and volunteers have earned the right to take pride in the care they have given the animals."

Instead of euthanizing injured and hopeless animals, which many shelters do, the Toronto Humane Society works with these animals, helping them slowly through the recovery process. They dedicate themselves to organizing the adoption of animals and treating injured and unwanted animals.

The adoption procedure the Toronto Humane Society executes is one of high quality and excellence. To ensure the candidates inquiring about adoption are well suited for the animal they are interested in, an interview is organized. During the interview, a staff member will determine if the animal one has chosen is suitable and they are the right owner for the animal.

In addition, the applicant will be asked to present the interviewer with two pieces of identification verifying his or her address, and a photo. Following the interview, the candidate is informed whether she may adopt the animal. The Toronto Humane Society does not charge for its animals, however, they would appreciate a donation.

The love and care they provide animals is endless. The qualified staff and veterinarians check up on the animals on a daily basis. They ensure the animals receive the vaccinations and medications they need and they perform regular checkups on the animals to ensure they are healthy. The injured animals are closely watched and often undergo surgical procedures. The volunteers clean the cages, walk the dogs and feed the animals.

At the back of the building the Toronto Humane Society has its own dog park. This facility was built so dogs get exercise, play off leash in a controlled environment and socialize with other dogs.

The Toronto Humane Society is an immense organization ensuring animals have loving homes to live in.

Alyssa Bidzinski and Laura Morris