Aboriginal Community & Animal Advocacy Connection

10/16/2026

This Sunday!

MICROCHIP & NAIL TRIM CLINIC THIS SUNDAY!

Join us this Sunday for affordable microchipping and nail trims! No appointment required!

Sunday, October 18
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Pet Valu : 475 Wharncliffe Road South, London

Microchips : $40 per pet - Dogs & Cats over 8 weeks
Nail trims : $10 per pet

A separate entrance will be available for shy, nervous or reactive pets. Please ensure dogs are securely leashed and cats are brought in secure carriers.

Microchipping gives your pet a permanent form of identification and can make all the difference in helping them get home safely if they ever become lost.

10/13/2026

Makes me so sad seeing all of the people giving up their animals on all these groups.

There's always a way.

Going through this right now... we make it work.

NO MATER WHAT.

We're family. We've always worked this way for our family pets. Including any behaviour issues. Some deal with issues like us.

10/13/2026

Omgness 🥰

10/13/2026

Who can relate to Freddy - Queen.

He made a song about his cat's behaviour... antagonizing!!! 🤣🤣🤣

I've gone through so much over the years with both cats and dogs I've loved.

Rough, horrendous, beautiful. I wouldn't change it.

Separation anxiety, including urination behaviours for various challenges... because they have anxiety.

Many don't accommodate. They get passed off. All these rehoming groups... people saying, I hate to do this. I love them so much.

Anyways... I just want to share what a superstar lived with his cat.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1GLCwJnTroim1jV136GwRp?si=dlu5RQ0qTAOZFD6ZQAZiXA&utm_source=copy-link

10/12/2026

Do you know the difference between these four professions? Or, more precisely, what factors define these professions?

Surprisingly, industry professionals are led to believe that Behaviorists are knowledgeable on more advanced methods than trainers (spoiler, not true).

1) Trainers: Method - Conditioning. The goal is to teach commands, encourage good behaviors (house and crate training, socialization, leash manners etc.) Model - commonly class training with a pre-determined program over a set time frame (ie - once a week for 6 weeks). Conditioning methods use reactive reinforcements.

2) Behaviorists: Method - Conditioning supplemented with creative techniques and coping mechanisms. Model - commonly individualized sessions often held in-home, virtual, or in public places ("real-life") with the goal of providing personalized programs to address concerns by gaining a deeper understanding of the dog, environment, goals of human etc. Goal - Commonly behaviorists address behaviors associated with anxiety and aggression and the adolescent stage using Conditioning methods.

3) Behavioral Veterinarians: Method - Positive Reinforcement Training and Counter Conditioning (non-aversive Conditioning methods used by Behaviorists) Model and Goal - similar to Behaviorists, although may also provide in-clinic sessions. While the Veterinarian industry is regulated, Behavioral Vets are not regulated, although they commonly follow the Fear Free protocol and are governed by orgs, such as ABS, that positions itself as a regulatory body. They can also administer medications to support the program.
While there are many progressive approaches and positive mindsets that Behaviorists have embraced in the last few years, the application of these remains in the Conditioning realm.

4) Psychotherapists: Method - Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, other non-aversive methods as per the educated decision of the practitioner in accordance with the goals of their client and the preference of the individual dog in different program stages. Dogs must be over 6 months of age. Model - live, virtual, flexible locations. Personalized programs and 2-way communication to determine the dogs' thought patterns, emotions and cognitive skills to allow for processing, decision making and intrinsic motivation to encourage self-regulation to address behaviors associated with anxiety, aggression and the adolescent stage.

No one method is effective in all situations, leading to a growing acceptance of the limitations of Conditioning methods to address trauma-based behaviors and adolescent stage (due to brain development).

This post is NOT about debating Conditioning methods, (which is a topic that is exhausted within the dog training and behavioral realm) but rather, about providing pet parents with options and practitioners with advanced practices to prevent harmful measures and potentially unnecessary reliance on medications.

Explore, Empower, Educate. Make a difference.

https://www.instituteofcaninepsychotherapy.com/

10/12/2026

Natives in VetMed celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day today along with all of you! We take the time to celebrate the history, the resiliency, and the future of Indigenous people today and everyday. As a newer organization, we are here to support current and future Indigenous students and professionals in the field of veterinary medicine. Less than 1% of veterinarians in the United States are Indigenous and we hope to watch that number grow in the future. We are still here and we will continue to be here.

10/12/2026

Indigenous Peoples' Day, observed on October 12th, is a celebration that honors the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the world.

This day serves as an important reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, while also recognizing the injustices and challenges they have faced throughout history.

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day involves engaging in reflection, remembrance, educational activities, supporting Indigenous businesses and artists, and participating in cultural events that highlight Indigenous traditions and knowledge.

It's a day to reflect on the importance of preserving Indigenous cultures and advocating for their rights, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the diverse Indigenous communities that enrich our global society. And for the advocacy of our domestic animals and wildlife.