A no-kill Shelter dedicated to loving and nurturing the animals in our care until they find new homes - no matter how long it takes.

OSAS 
by: Renee Robins

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email your comments to:
owensoundanimalshelter@inmail24.com

Success Story:
- They made it... read Renee's blog;
- Read Todd's Interview;
- Little dog pulled
from icy water;

We depend on donations from private funding to support our Spay and Neuter Fund.

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

Let the Games Begin
A dog is running in and out of traffic. A call comes in from a concerned citizen. The dog is one we know, we know where it lives and know it will run through traffic to get home. 

A busy highway, below a hill, and a difficult spot for any driver to avoid the dog. I respond, spot the dog by Wal-Mart. I approach and the dog heads off running  through traffic and back home. When I arrive at the dog's home, he is there sitting on a parked car. No one appears to be home and no one comes out. Unable to gather the dog from his own property my plan is to catch it, tie it back up and deal with the owner later. 

I approach and the dog threatens by growling. He is a chain dog protecting his property, intact, and very secure with his home - so I weigh my options. 

What would you do? Chase the dog and risk running him back into traffic spooked and not watching? Use a snare pole or leash, but can't get close enough and he is keeping his distance and watching you very closely? When you turn from him he returns to the comfort of the roof of the parked car? Try to leash him and risk being bitten and loose the dog? Try to bang on the door and risk being bitten and again loose the dog? OR Chase the dog away from the road in the hope of catching it? What would you do? 

Well, this would be great if it could be like an action book: Choose A [click on A] and the dog is in traffic; Choose B [click B] and your bitten; or Choose C [click on C] and the dog is off and running? 

I write down the license plate, call it in, and head back to the Shelter. The thought of chasing that dog into traffic is not sitting well with me. The owner of the vehicle is found. A phone number was located and the owner is called (three times). On the third call I wake up the owner. He has been sleeping while the dog is dodging traffic outside his door! I advise him to let the dog in and promise I will be back to check in ten minutes ... which I do and find the dog is secure. Phew! How did you do?

The Kittens Are Here
It seems it's that time again - time to admire them a little tiny bit, awww kittens! 

We hope for fast homes and then start praying it is the last bunch. However, today three calls came in. One call about two unaltered females who may be pregnant as they sometimes go outside (which means they are). They need homes ASAP (my guess before that gestation time is up). Another - five cats all outside: three females, two males and none fixed (guess what that means!). Three expecting females and the owner is moving. AND the third call, I must smile as it was my favorite, five kittens found in a parked car (this could happen? except how did they get in that cage?). They were not from Owen Sound, however, so not my call. However, I know they will likely need me tomorrow as their animal control does not do cats. That goes for the other two calls. It just sounds I am up a whole lot of cats real soon! 

Admiring my babes, ready to go today! 

Thankful they are making it out soon, but still hoping they are the last and celebrating they are all males.

Time for that sterilization room! Please give, we are so close to the amount we need!

Let Me Know
Saturday night we had our first, ever, meeting to plan the Mutt Strutt event.

OMG do we ever have great stuff to give away. Besides the long list of gift certificates, free treats and snacks, there are prizes for the woman who sells the most (great hair stuff, lotions, and candles) - for the man who sells the most (Harley Davidson gift pack) and the overall highest pledge gatherer how about kayak lessons? (Thanks Brian Haining).

The goodies are still coming in and I can't wait to give it all away. I am looking forward to seeing some of my old friends there (Boo, Tucker, Willie, Hush puppy, Noggin, Dakota ... you know who you are). Seeing my pals is reason enough to get excited!

It did however occur to me that I have no idea how many walkers to expect. So, I need to get a list together of all the walkers so I can feed all of you ... so if you're coming to the Mutt Strutt, please drop me an email [osas@bmts.com], call me [519-372-1123], or just drop by!

Ears
Two Easter bunnies were surrendered. Likely cute gifts, who only in one month were no longer as exciting. It could have been allergies as they suggested, but in either case, they were two homeless bunnies. Our Co-op Student knew someone looking (thanks Kateri) by the name of Dudley. Today, Dudley came and found himself not one but two bunnies to adopt (thank you Dudley). 

Only homeless for one day, these lucky girls are off to be loved forever. They are replacing another which had passed of old age and Dudley sure was missing his pal. 

The best part of this blog, sure put a smile on my face. Dudley is a hush puppy basset hound! 

Clearly no one has told this pooch he is not suppose to love bunnies this way, but it sure was nice to see this bunny- loving hound give kisses to his new floppy eared friends! Six floppy ears - how great!

What were they Smoking today?
Man people were cranky today ... what is going on? The sun was shining, it was warm, the flowers were blooming, and spring was in the air, yet everyone was so cranky!

Normally there are barking dog complaints, today, there were what seemed like hundreds ... and not just "this is the address please look into it" but instead "YOU COME DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW AND MAKE THIS DOG STOP!" There was a deceased cat on the road, and instead of one caller ... there was eleven (was everyone out on the road?) Eight people called about one dog who they were worried about being a problem ... a dog we know about, have dealt with, and have made it all work out, BUT today, every neighbour called. And it was "YOU GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW AND SEIZE THIS DOG" (like I can). There were four callers who had "stray cats" who now have had babies and "WE NEED YOU TO PICK THESE UP RIGHT NOW" (but they were not in my area). 

And my all time favorite, today, was "...I am not giving you my name or number, you may not call me back". I received a complaint about an illegal dog. This illegal dog she said was also vicious. She said "...can you tell me what dogs are legal?" I begin to explain and I get "...I know this dog is a pit bull, this dog has a mean face, I can see it through the fence, and it is barking. I have seen pit bulls it is very large, and it is trying to kill me". [OK you all know I am sensitive these days, but I take it OK - all pit bulls are mean whatever, but there is no way I am saying the dog was big - she was all of 55 lbs.] Then she says "...I am sure there is a drug house here, I can see people coming and going at all hours and you need to fix this too!" YIKES I advise her to call the police and you betcha the response was "YOU GET DOWN HERE AND GET THIS DOG, IT IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE, IT IS NOT LEGAL!". 

You all know I am venting and I promise all of the day's events are being looked into, but what the heck was in the air? They were not nice at all ... and they used those mouths to talk to others too?

Dizzy
How about a happy blog? 

Did you notice the new addition to the front page. This addition is a picture of a turtle sitting comfortably in the sun with the plants surrounding her, the warm wind on her shell and I am sure a smile on her face! This turtle we know very well and we know her as Dizzy.

Remember ages ago the turtle found split in half and laying belly up in the sun? Found, brought to me, who was crazy glued, who then mended and earned the name dizzy because of her inability to walk a straight line (yes only in circles). We toyed all winter with the idea of setting her free, wild turtle and all, and the rules technically permitted us from keeping her. But what were we to do? Unable to release her in the winter, we housed her till spring. When spring came, we filled up her tank and hoped for the best - but poor dizzy sunk and nearly drowned. It seemed although she could waddle swimming was impossible. It was as though she was doomed to live out her life in our bathroom, in an aquarium, as a pet we really wanted to set free. The wildlife people likely would have recommended we euthanize her, unable to set her back from where she came, but we had hope there was something better. 

On Saturday that something came. A shelter friend had a small man made pond, one with control over the depth and it has plants and sunshine and fresh outdoor air - and perfect! 

Dizzy now "free" in her mind at the very least, but safe, and secure and contained. A great accomplishment, to have her happy and I am sure turtles can be happy! Keeping us all relieved and feeling a great success over saving someone so doomed. 

Thanks Jamie for giving her forever! Go Dizzy go!

Piglet
Tonight I lost my best friend. The best dog in the whole world, and my constant companion has passed. 

I would like to keep this all to myself as I am hurting pretty bad, however, many of you knew her, loved her and I need to let you know.

Piglet (who many of you read about in my book) died tonight in Todd's arms and passed to Rainbow Bridge. Although I would have given my right arm (I need it less) to save her, at 14 and full of cancers, with an autoimmune that was suppose to take her seven years ago; she was fighting a loosing battle. 

I pray there is no pain where she is now. I am taking solace in thinking she is there now with Price and likely chasing him as she was never a cat lover. 

For those of you who knew her, I am sorry for your loss (it is a loss for everyone). 

Please hug your pets a little extra for me and love them a little more.

Gorgeous George
This was a first. I don't think I have ever had a dog or cat or anything for that matter returned for being too darn friendly! 

They came to me on March 11th for a companion, a cat to be their pal. A country home, I suspect he may have had a "mouser" job as well, but I thought George was the perfect match. A sweet boy who loved attention, and could carry a conversation with you with gentle meows, he was a hit in my eyes! 

A few weeks later they sent a happy tail (have to take that down), and visited with a happy update. Gorgeous George they called him affectionately and spoke about how entertaining he was: leg rubs and belly tickles, this boy was all for being loved. 

Somehow - someway he came back to me today and the reason was "he is just too nice" to which I responded "huh?" It seems he prefers to be with people, and not so much on his own and they preferred him to be independent. Not such a great match I guess? 

George is now seeking another home, but thankfully has at least been vaccinated and vetted and now comes with house history. Too bad they did not love him enough to keep him, and I wish them luck in their journey to find the perfect cat? 

George is now searching for his perfect home, where they like affectionate cats. He will be my radio star tomorrow and I hope someone listening is looking for a cat who loves back!

Gone but Never Forgotten
It is with the greatest sadness and the most broken heart that I have to tell you about the passing of dear Price. We fought hard, and we fought a long long time, and I was so sure for a while we had won the battle; but, seeing him failing yesterday in such a state, I feared this was coming. I hate it when I get those feelings and it makes me feel so bad.

I am taking solace in the ten pain free days he had, the belly rubs, and the grateful purring. I am hoping the love we gave him was good enough, as it is all he has gotten. I hoped to give him a new life, but instead became the highlight of his. 

So terribly sad, and such a waste of a sweet boy, deserving of so much more. If I could have saved him, I would have, and I am terribly sorry to have not been able to. It just seems all along it was out of my hands - but we never stopped trying - we will miss you Price.

Price Not in Good Shape
I am seeking prayers for Price. He again needs everyone's help to keep him in your thoughts and cross your parts.

Although he is feeling better, he is still very full of infection and he was not a prime candidate for surgery in the first place (not in good health) he has had double the battle. His leg is healed well, and I am thinking right about now that this is potentially the best part on him. He is still fighting an infection from a neck wound, and with his weakened immune system he has picked up a cold. He is on many many antibiotics and sub Q fluids. The antibiotics take away his appetite. Already thin, every bit he has lost has seemed like so much more. We have been force feeding him since his surgery and he fights it (and let me tell you there is a whole lot of fight in this little cat). We are also forcing water into him and forcing meal replacers, etc., etc.The fever continues and the lack of nourishment is not helping him. So, after a day of trying once again, another appointment with the vet was booked and we took him over. Now on IV and IV antibiotics, it is his only chance of kicking all of this. AND with the added expenses, we are now calling him "Pricey" instead of "Price". lol Cross your parts for him and please make a donation to our medical fund - for Price!

With that depressing news we were happy to get our biggest visitors ever today! Two Great Danes, Beau and Emma came for soft paws (mom finished her hardwood).

AND if you ever wondered how many people it takes to soft paw a Dane ... the answer is four. Not because they were not the most gentle giants, but because it sure was a lot of glue! We laughed and enjoyed the eye-to-eye conversation with them. 

They kept us smiling, when we really didn't feel much like it. Truly the highlight of my day.

So Much Going On
There is so much going on with our fundraisers and I thought I would update you!

Congrats to Madelyn Voss who won the Joico hair products. Thank you to Chatters for this great package. They have donated another fundraiser for Mother's Day. This package is now available for $2.00 each ... check out the package. It is filled with great gifts for mom: a pedicure set, shampoo, conditioner, hair moulding stuff, a necklace and a free haircut! There are gifts for kids, bubble bath, shampoos and a great travel bag too! It is on now, until May 10th. Get your name in, every mom would love it! 

Also for Mother's Day our sponsorship is on again. My daughter started early with a donation to Dee Dee, and I will get a letter too. How sweet - Moms will get mentioned on the site with a message to them and you will get a letter to hand them with the details of the pet you have sponsored! 

We have tickets for the Via Rail trip which are still available at $5.00 a ticket! 

Pledges are being taken, forms handed out for our mutt strutt of June 22nd! Business' have donated prizes to give to our walkers: The Party Warehouse donated webkinz for kids, Harley Davidson donated a package for men, a hair kit for woman,  West Side Bowl has donated 20 free bowls, Galaxy Cinema has donated movie passes and popcorn, Stonetree Golf Course has donated a round of golf, Joe Tomatoes has donated gift certificates, Mill Creek donated chocolate - a pound of chocolate, New Orlean's Pizza donated two large (4) topping pizzas, Grey Roots donated a trip to the museum and many more gifts still to come: leashes for your dog, treats, snacks and food! A very exciting day planned. If you did not get a pledge form call or email me. You can create your own. Local business' are getting involved. 

Pet Valu is open this day and is having a competition for their employees ...  the one who raises the most money gets to represent them. A PAID DAY OFF! All businesses should do this! Fantastic! More updates to come!

Congratulations to Madelyn Voss - 
The winner of the Chatters Joico draw! 

Day 2
Another day and a little bit better. As the emails are still coming in for little Price (thank you - I'm touched), I feel obligated to keep everyone updated! 

Now with open wounds on his other feet and a big one on his back (it seems they just keep appearing) he sure is a sight for sore eyes. His leg now feeling perfect, with no more serious concern and is now on the back burner. The antibiotics are sure helping and the pain meds are keeping him purring. However, still fevered his appetite is pretty small. He is being force fed Nutrical meal replacement and offered the best of foods. Which he takes purring ... strangely. He is even more alert and rolling over for belly rubs, he really has no idea how bad off he is or could be. 

I know now, as it is still a long haul, that we have definitely made a difference for him. There is absolutely no way this cat would have survived in the outdoors, or even behind out doors without the TLC he is receiving. 

I think about those who threw him out, and would sure like to send them his pictures. Even those who are not the kindest I am sure would feel some remorse for what he has gone through? 

Keep thinking and keep asking. It means so much to me to keep us all fighting. AND I do give him your messages and know it is helping too!

If you would like to donate, please use the 'make a donation' button on the left.

Spring is Springing!
The sun is out and love is in the air? The rain helps them run and the change in season and the desire to make friends even gets those altered a little more frisky. I love the spring and the warm weather, but I have to say a decrease in calls about straying dogs and lost cats sure would be nice! 

One woman today told me how her "Queen cat" climbed a six foot fence while in heat. I was patient with her (phew) BUT I did want to say "...yes lady cats can climb". One dog today ran away twice. Yup, twice in one day, AND paid me a visit ... twice! Yup! Fella, a leash would be cheaper and safer. One cat leapt off a balcony, one dog jumped out the back of a truck. It happens, please everyone be aware and be careful. Keep them inside and keep a close eye on them.

Another call, a cat missing two weeks now .... well they think, but can't say for sure - when did they see it last?

AND that JRT well, normally he comes home. I'll be keeping the phone beside the headboard again tonight and hoping for a bit of sleep? Dreading the thought that in two months all those missing and then found will have had offspring ... gosh let's hope not!

He's Baaaack! 
Yippee and he is fantastic! Some of you already know this, as you called, emailed, etc., etc., etc. 

Some of you heard before I did! I was away today at a wildlife course so I can teach all of you about what not to do things (smile). I was busting to get home and see how he was. Of course, I called and got "...he is here, he is well..." but until I saw him I just didn't know for sure. For all of you who also need to see him, a picture is coming soon! I can tell you, that instantly, one look into his eyes and I saw a changed cat. The pain gone, the rotting gone, and in its' place was one rolling around full of beans three legged sparkly eyed kitty! 

He leapt out of Sandi's arms, and skipped to the back of the cage, and into the arms of his sister, who I might add was also very happy to see him better. Then he rubbed his whole body on me - even his stub! 

A relief to see him so happy, and all the worry, and effort was worth one second of seeing him so well. The vet found a more bite abscesses than first thought, figures, and the leg took a little more work and of course, all of this means more TLC. And after seeing him tonight this fighter will have a lifetime of love ahead of him. Awesome job Price!

Special thanks to Emma Bognar for her donation to Price, who saved her allowance for his surgery.

Price Update
I wish there were an update, and unfortunately I don't have one. Thank you everyone for keeping Price in your thoughts, prayers, and please keep them coming! 

He made it to the vet today, and as of 5:00 pm had not yet made it to surgery. As he is an unvaccinated cat, and has no history, he has to be done last on the series of surgeries at the clinic. Today, they were busy, we squeezed in and when you squeeze in at the end, well you have to wait all day. The anticipation of the results have had me watching the phone and when he had not gone in yet at 5:00 pm I knew I would not hear. AS the clinic stops answering the phone around 5:30 and I am sure they would have called if something had gone wrong, and I am sure as I am typing this he is sleeping soundly and with one less leg. 

A rough road still ahead for this three legged soul to travel, and I promise to keep you all posted, as soon as I know - assuming all will be well. 

Please keep him in mind if your looking to add another cat to your home. Placing a special needs fella is always tricky!

Construction
Construction is underway! It is official, although funds are still needed, the surgical room is being built!

Sunday a skilled contractor, Larry Ford, donated his time, and skills to painting and repairing the office. He scrubbed and prepped, and repaired the drywall, and then painted it from the floor to the tip of the ceiling! Now it sparkles! Thank you Larry for donating your time, we sure appreciate it, and as always - a job well done! If anyone needs a contractor, please call him, I recommend him! Call him at 519-371-3251.

Today the tiles were laid, and soon they will be finished. What a job! The office is now off limits to all of us, no longer called the office. how about the 'fix-it' room? The excitement is growing, and we cannot wait until we can use it to do everything we need it to do! Save the world, you know small stuff! 

Price unfortunately won't get to use this room, as he can't wait for his amputation. The infection is making him terribly ill, and without it he will perish. We have tried to make him stronger, and the surgery could definitely put an end to him. BUT we are hoping for prayers and angels to help him make it - without the surgery he will not make it - we have to do it. Donations have come in to help him, and thank you for that, about half has been covered. We will have to pull from the surgery room for the rest. BUT he needs us. Keep him in your thoughts tomorrow, and keep all your parts crossed for him. Be strong my friend, soon your pain will be all over!

Price
I snuck him onto the front page yesterday, and it is possible that some did not notice him. Thrilled with my good news, yesterday, but still there was a damper. I just didn't need to bring everyone else down!

Two cats left behind at an apartment building, were thrown out to fend for themselves. One of them, did not fend so well, and has now ended up with me. Originally named Princess, and then Prince (as we determined his sex to be male) and then Price as a typo changed it, and then the ironies helped me keep it. 

Price as it now is, has been chewed by something wild, perhaps a dog, or another animal. His foot is abscessed and rotten much like Peggy's was (who is now good to go to a forever home BTW) with the exception that it also has been crushed with the force. The tiny bones inside crumble under my hand when I hold it. We struggle to make him well enough that surgery can be preformed. The infection right now is our greatest enemy as he is full of it. Fever is incredible, and he is dehydrated, and has a small appetite. WE struggle to force feed him, give him IV Fluids, and antibiotics to help make him well. He is on pain meds, as we are certain otherwise he would be in great pain. It is hoped he can be made well enough to have that leg removed (its only solution) at $400-$500 dollars expense also. 

Please help us to get him well with your donations. We also need you to keep him in your thoughts, prayers and keep all your parts crossed that he makes it!

Fundraising
The best day today, started with a call from my friends at Chatters. You are all going to want to pay close attention to this one! I have been given TWO VIA RAIL PASSES to anywhere in Ontario or Quebec, return for two, anytime they want to be used (except Christmas and Easter) to be used up in the year. These passes in return I will give to a lucky person and their person of choice. To get in on this fundraiser make a $5.00 dollar donation to the Shelter. 

We will take your name and number each time you give ... and we will hold the draw on May 31st! The retail value of this gift is approximately $1000.00! AND you know, I can't win, but if you want to take me with you? (I could use a holiday!) 

Also, Chatter's has donated wonderful "stuff" for mom, and after the Joico products draw (next week) we will start one for mothers day! 

Thrilled with the happy thoughts, of the donations this could bring and I hope to help Price, check him out on the front page - poor kitty. 

I had a visit from SCOOPS' mom and dad (now named Kasca) and she is doing just fantastic. Still not sharing the bed with the bunnies, but they have compromised, as we knew they would. AND a visit from Timmy, formerly Noah (see him on happy tails) AND the parents of Gertrude! Gertie if you can believe it, moved in and took over, and rules the other cat - way to move in old lady!

Déjà Vu
If I didn't know any better I would have thought today was April fool's. 

Mostly this day started with a flat tire, then a page about a sleeping raccoon (who may be dead - yup the caller asked for us to come out and poke it). It actually turned out it had passed and we removed it. 

Then a lady with a box. Cats you may think, but ... nope ... bones. Bones of some sort of nature, found near the bush, near the Shelter, AND scattered. It seemed she needed to know from what species they came and who spread them. AND what we could do about it. Well, we know it was a deer, and with the location, we knew how it got there (our friends the poachers again) and well, the spreading was easy (the other wildlife clearly feasted). BUT, what we were to do with it, I donno. We offered to dispose of it, but that didn't seem enough, so we directed her to the MNR (sorry, but it's your job). 

Then a call from the Saugeen Shores Police, who needed someone to attend the jail immediately. It seemed a stray dog found at the Super 8 Motel had been apprehended, and was awaiting bail behind bars. AND these bars were not the typical stray dog ones, more the bad guy type. 

With all of that done and over, we are left shaking our head. Smiling still, and thinking the day was an awful lot like the first and second days many years ago - scattered and confusing. We are taking it all in stride still. 

If you're missing a Husky/Collie/Shep mix from Port Elgin - female ... call me, I know where she is :)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
April 1, 1999 was the day it all happened. The day my life changed forever and Owen Sound Animal Control disappeared, and the Owen Sound Animal Shelter took over!

Since that day many changes have taken place, with a new HVAC air exchange, new stainless steel cat cages, air conditioning for the animals, new playground for the dogs, new dog exercise outdoor runs for the dogs, new comfy dog beds, and toys for everyone. There has been many coats of paint applied, and changes to the landscape. We have been successful in remaining a no-kill shelter, and now can help others in trouble at other pounds, as our reputation has now become well known (our numbers keep going up and up, and the happy tails page just keeps growing!) 

We have the best web site in the whole world, with daily blogs to educate the world, and evoke compassion, and empathy, and best of all to help us with support! We have a facebook page with more supporters (thanks Jenny), we have a weekly radio show, and a bi-weekly TV show. The Shelter has oodles of volunteers, an educational program for dog bite prevention, animal care education, and offers tours and visits to people of all ages, or we come to you! 

The Shelter has turned from a dog pound, with a reputation for being just that, to the Shelter known for helping others, and saving lives. We are so very very thankful, and so pleased. Next year is our big one, and maybe we will have cake? By then we hope to have our surgical room complete and operating, we hope to have our eyes set on an expansion, and lots of surprises with that, to create a "Hush, silencing the rumors" campaign. We have a benefit concert planned, with Tanglefoot - July 25th..keep that date clear, June 22nd is our mutt and strut first ever, please contact me to participate ASAP, and to continue to grow, and keep doing what we do best.

We will continue to provide more than Shelter, provide a second chance in life, and to open our doors to the community while serving them and working with them.

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