Our members thank you for your support.

LINDA MacKINNON

Member — Toronto Humane Society

Linda MacKinnon has retired from a career in education as a teacher, school administrator and Superintendent of Education in the Brantford, Kingston and Timmins, Ontario areas. Her not-for-profit experiences include chairing four successful United Way campaigns in three communities. She has served on the Boards of the Timmins District Hospital and the Kingston General Hospital as well as Chambers of Commerce. Leadership and elected governance positions have included the Canadian Mental Health Association, Almost Home, the Social Development Council and the Kingston Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, she was seconded to the TDSB (Toronto District School Board) as one of 3 Members of the School Community Safety Advisory Panel investigating the shooting death of student Jordan Manners at C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute on May 23, 2007. Mrs. MacKinnon is currently a certified paralegal. She and her family are long-time pet owners with strong ties to the animal care communities where they have lived.
Here are the last 2 companion dogs of the MacKinnon family raised together from puppyhood: Taylor (Labrador Retriever) and Elmoe (Jack Russell Terrier). They were the best of friends and gave us love and joy unconditionally.
  

JUDI KING

ART Member, THS Member and THS Volunteer Dog Walker

An animal lover and devoted pet owner all her life, Judi now shares her life with her husband, Eric, three Cockatiels and a Green Cheek Conure.

Judi served on the Board of Directors of the Barrie Kennel Club for a number of years and participated in educational programs and sponsorship of all-breed championship dog shows and obedience trials. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Unionville Lioness Club.

A senior law clerk with an international law firm at their offices in downtown Toronto, Judi’s relationship with the Toronto Humane Society (THS) began in May, 2004 when she became a Volunteer Dog Walker. With joy and passion, she dedicated hundreds of hours to the lost, lonely and abandoned dogs under the care of the THS. For a period of time she also assisted as a Volunteer Dog Adoption Agent. Judi’s commitment to the THS and the animals grew and in 2005 and she formalized her association with the THS by applying for and being granted membership.

As a voting member, Judi took seriously her responsibility to the animals, staff and volunteers of the THS. Over time, Judi observed escalating deterioration in the standard of care the animals were receiving and recognized that something had to be done. Together with a group of equally concerned THS members, volunteers and individuals, and after researching the public archives into what became a long history of dysfunction and questionable management, the Association for the Reformation of the Toronto Humane Society (ART), was formed.

 Judi with Coca (adopted from the THS, now living in Calgary)
  

ARIE GAERTNER

Lawyer – Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, LLP http://www.millercanfield.com/

Legal Spokesperson — ART

Arie Gaertner has extensive experience in Commercial Litigation. He regularly advises public and private corporations and individuals regarding litigation matters involving partnership and shareholder disputes, oppression, contractual disputes, wrongful dismissal and other employment matters, construction and real estate litigation.