77 replies to this topic

[Strong Brew Hamstery]

*We were given the ok by the mods to put this on the boards and advertise it!*

 

Mika and I are currently working on an "Ontario Hamster Association". 

 

This is the URL here, and you can find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/450429538433323/

 

Right now we are ironing out some details, but it will be a small start-up association. We will not only encourage hamster owners and enthusiasts from Ontario, but also the Northern states (or anyone in North America) to join if they want to.

 

Hopefully it will be a great way to make connections, and provide a unifying body in the North. As the North only really has the IHANA right now, Mika and I hope this will allow hamster lovers to get together at venues and explore and educate others on proper hamster care in our areas.

 

If you're interested in joining, please just send a request or post here. Have any ideas? Let us know either here or there. As it's still new, input is great and can be used to form the eventual OHA.

 

Thanks!

SBH/Komi

[hammyfriend]

Hi! Great Idea! I have always thought there should be a Canadian/ North American Hamster Association. I would love to be a member, (I live in BC)

 

[Poofthecat]

I would love to join!! But I don't have a facebook page T-T

[Strong Brew Hamstery]

Everyone is welcome to join, Canada and Northern States included. Of course certain things won't be easily applicable (if we attend a show, etc.) but it'll be a great way to spread relevant knowledge and make education about hamsters known.

 

I'd like to make a webpage, but we need to get the content down first before I do so. However it'll be easier to join then!

[Sparklingpets]

this is great!

[Strong Brew Hamstery]

I really hope we can be a proper association soon. Mika luckily has some fantastic connections with other rodent rescues in the area, so we might be able to rent a table as a sort of "vendor" at one, perhaps in Toronto, and people would be welcome to join.

 

While we couldn't have a proper show yet, we could still do a mini-informal show of our own. I'm hoping when I've settled down a bit more to visit Linda from the CHA and get my judge's certificate, so if we do hold shows, I can judge them. Provided things take off, and there is enough interest, etc. 

 

Hopefully, if nothing else, we'll be able to provide some education and help to those in our immediate area, and across Canada too!

[meow]

I would love to join! I live in the northern states, pretty close to Ontario!

[Strong Brew Hamstery]

You are more than welcome.

 

I imagine, if we DO end up getting bigger, hosting some shows in different places (Toronto, perhaps Buffalo, NY) would work as well. Give both sides a chance to hamster it up. I know there are rodent expos in the Northern States too. Definitely things for down the road, but good to consider for now!

[KKM]

Wow, this is amazing!! I live in California, so we have the CHA. I think that more light needs to be shed on small pet care in general.

[Strong Brew Hamstery]

Thanks KittyKatMe

 

I'd love to be near California... Biscotti's robos! But yes, it's so hard to make a unifying body over such a large expanse of land. I hope it can serve to educate and inform, and create a network of people who can rely on one another.

 

(Maybe I can find someone to hamster-sit our dozen+ hamsters eventually LOL!)

[meow]

You are more than welcome.

 

I imagine, if we DO end up getting bigger, hosting some shows in different places (Toronto, perhaps Buffalo, NY) would work as well. Give both sides a chance to hamster it up. I know there are rodent expos in the Northern States too. Definitely things for down the road, but good to consider for now!

Kk coolio!

[ekevinn]

 Hey there! I'd love to join! I'm very happy that you guys are really pursuing this, as there is not a lot of awareness for proper hamster care in Ontario, and this would be a great way to promote it. I do not mind helping with advertising the association, or helping out with any other needs you guys require. I really hope that the OSPCA can notice this and hopefully make it a big thing, perhaps. 

 

Who knows? Maybe there might be an adoption agency just for hamsters (finally!) in Ontario. (BTW, I just requested to join.)

Edited by kfrules777, 27 August 2014 - 12:32 PM.

[Mika]

I hate to say this but I don't think the OSPCA would bother about this too much. They're not too ... Involved anymore.
I've had run ins with them, the local authorities, etc due to my connections with a rescue. They're very reserved now.

What's really good is that as we network and promote ourselves to other prospective hamster owners, we can also go
ahead and raise awareness about their requirements. I'm hoping in the future we can even do a workshop or two so the
owners could get some hands on tips such as diet, bin cage creation, handling, etc. being primarily online is a big bonus!

I'd love to be able to set up a foster-adopt program as well. Hopefully that can come up after my current potential project.

[Strong Brew Hamstery]

That all sounds great. I posted some potential ideas on the group, and added anyone asking to join. 

 

A workshop would be awesome. I certainly have some hammies who would be great to use for that. If we can do it online, then I can use my dwarf boys too. 

[Poofthecat]

I would LOVE to see a website put up for this!! It would be so much fun to do all of this!! How many years do you think this will go running?