About Us

Every Tail Has a Beginning
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• GDHS was established in 1989 as a volunteer-run, no-kill humane society serving the town of Gananoque and the surrounding area (specifically the former Front of Leeds Township, now part of Leeds & the Thousand Islands).  

 

• In 1992, GDHS became a full-service affiliate of Ontario SPCA (the provincial animal welfare organziation), affirming its commitment to animal protection under the recognized standards. ​​

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• The organization is incorporated as a not-for-profit charity under Ontario law and is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — meaning it operates legally as a charitable organization and can issue tax receipts for donations.

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Peach's (kittens) Kiwi, Cherry, Melon, Applye & Plum

Our Board of Directors 2025–2026

​Board of Executives & Directors (GDHS)​​

• The Board of Executives and Directors provides governance and strategic oversight for GDHS, a volunteer-run, charitable, no-kill animal shelter. Their role is to guide the shelter’s mission, finances, policies, fundraising, and long-term planning, rather than managing day-to-day care of the cats.
  
• All board members are volunteers — none are paid, and they usually have other jobs or are retired while giving their time to the organization. 

Meet our Executives

Melina Chestley

PRESIDENT

Director of Foster Programme & Community Outreach

Director of
Operations & Staffing

Kathleen Youmans

SECRETARY

​Michèle Serano

treasurer

Past President

Denise Smith

VICE PRESIDENT

Director of Volunteer Relations

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Meet our Directors 

Paul Perrault

Director of Property

Heidi Mathers

DIRECTOR OF ADOPTIONS

This could be You! 

director OF FUNDRAISING

This could be You! ​

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Our Shelter Facility ​

Lobby

Sunshine Room

Quiet Room

Nursery

Quarantine

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Canada Helps! Your support makes a difference, thank you!

YOUTUBE