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.

By: Renee Robins

WE WANT YOUR EMPTIES ... BRING YOUR BEER AND WINE BOTTLES INTO THE SHELTER for fundraising.

Ten Years; 
10th Anniversary;
Jack-In-The-Box Update;
Easter Surrenders;
St. Basil's School;
Parasitology for Vets;
Spring is in the Air;
Dog Hit by Car;
Weekend Arrivals;
Unadoptable?;
Every Year;
Whiskas;
Chase;
Cracker;
Lenny;
Yay for Henry;

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email your comments to:
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We depend on donations from private funding to support our Spay and Neuter Fund.

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

Yay for Henry!!
Only a short time ago I was contacted by a Paisley Vet about a beagle mix pup who came to them as a stray and was not reclaimed. 

This vet knew he was a dog worth saving and had him altered, vaccinated and took care of all his health needs. The vet tried to place him. However, Henry remained homeless. 

When the email came from the vet I was touched that they would ask for help. Impressed that they had helped him this far, and pleased that we could be there for them. 

Henry did TV with me on Monday, and sat quietly and waited his debut. He offered tricks to those that viewed him, and then walked quietly back to the truck. I know there were people at the station who discussed him, and told others about him. I was hoping on Monday he would go home :( But his home was not found on Tuesday and I was starting to worry when it became Wednesday. Then, as the day wore on, a Shelter friend came asking. 

Today, Henry found his forever home! I am thrilled that we did not let that vet down. Henry is such a well mannered, quiet, and laid back fella who got along well with dogs and cats that I knew the right match would be there for him. I am pleased it happened so fast! 

The biggest thank you to the vet that brought him to me, and helped me help him. 

Henry's new home has promised to stay in touch, and I can't wait to receive updates. Congrats good boy.

"Molly (Frenchie) came in for a visit"

Lenny
Yesterday, I sent you all to look at the cat adoption page to see Cracker. Today I am sending all of you to the happy tail page. My personal fav, btw. 

You may remember a blog about a sick little kitty from outside of my area. You may remember him by the name Lenny. Lenny found sick, by people who called everywhere to try to find help for him, only to discover "there area did not take cats", and that there was nothing they could do. After panic, and uncertainty, they called me. 

I offered tips and advice. Then Lenny got worse. Lenny needed meds, and he needed it ASAP. Then, they delivered him to me. We treated him, we loved him, and in no time at all he gained his health, and his loving personality shown through. They, his finders, kept in touch, as their heart broke for him. When he was altered, and prepared to place him up for adoption, his finders contacted me again. 

It seems they found a space in their homes, as he had already found a spot in their hearts. Yay! Lenny now with a family, is doing so very well. Loved and forever home. Congrats Lenny. I told you it could be done, and be OK. I knew we would find you the right place someday. All the best to all of you.

Cracker
First, I must report, Chase has gone home. With a new leash, a new collar and a big bed waiting. Her family was thrilled to finally be able to have her and I was as thrilled to finally see her go. Sad, I will miss her, but double happy to know she will be OK. Waiting patiently for pics and an update! 

I wanted to share this blog with Cracker. Cracker the cat, has been a long work in progress from the semi-wild street cat, to the pussy cat lover boy he is now. This blog is to introduce him to all of you, now neutered, now loving and giving, and a friend to all other cats, and to thank my co-op student Miranda who has made a difference in his life. 

Shortly after his arrival we deemed him "a little crazy, nut cracker" hence the name. A sign was posted "enter this cage with caution" This boy was a growler, a hisser, and so very unhappy with being confined. He was neutered, and assumed likely he would become a farm cat, and continue out his ways. However, Miranda thought differently. She took the time to win him over, used patience and compassion, and has seen him through to his conversion. Cracker is now the perfect family cat, this Cracker is no longer a nut cracker and will easily fit into any home. 

With his handsome coat now so well groomed, and his body condition a million times better, he is a looker too! I am now hoping that perfect place finds him. A home with patience and compassion, and who will give him TLC. 

I'm looking forward to his happy update. Tell anyone looking for a new cat for their home that this one is a keeper and will thankfully be part of any family.

Chase
I was prepared to blog on Friday with the happiest blog. 

My friend Chase, who has been with me so long had a potential. They drove an hour to meet her, spent three hours walking, and playing and introducing her to the whole family. Chase was on her best behaviour (thank you Teri for the great TLC you have been giving her, I am sure it is helping). She had a blast with them, and they with her. Then we discussed the other dog. After contemplating the maybe she will like him, maybe not, it was decided they would go get him. Another two hours was spent driving for them, and they returned with him. I held my breath as we introduced them, and waited for the reaction. In a few brief moments, they were both in play bow with tails wagging ... yay! Another few hours was spent with her and it was decided that they would take the night to sleep on it. I waited patiently for them to call. I believe I was again holding my breath. No call came. 

Saturday they returned, and I was sure excited, but they were still undecided. Another few hours were spent and it was all fun and games again. As pleased as I was they were spending such good time with her, and she was loving it, I was at the same time so sad when they left without her. Sunday the call came, Chase was going home ... HOORAY! Then the call came tonight, they were not coming, and I must admit I was rather heartbroken. It was clear they loved her, it was clear she was well suited to them, a 200 acre farm, and so much love to give. 

Then came another call. They will come tomorrow! The storm that was to come this evening worried them. They feared her potential fear of the rain. With concerns about her first night being a bad night, they decided to wait. Can't blame them for that! I will be sleeping with all parts crossed this evening, and likely still holding my breath. Tomorrow can't come fast enough! Hopeful that this is the beginning of her new future. 

Everyone send good vibes her way!

"Maggie came in for a visit"

Whiskas
This blog is all about Whiskas. Whiskas has been in my thoughts all day, and it is a hooray! You may have noticed him on the cat adoption page. He was the cat who sat cowering in the back of his cage, with his angry face, beautiful to look at and clearly upset to be with me. That was Whiskas with his best face on, as he was. quite miserable with me. 

Himalayans, Siamese, Persians, and all those specialty breeds do so much worst with being homeless. They are more sensitive, and more emotional, and all that fine breeding makes them have a weaker immune system too. They are a great challenge to me and I love them. 

Whiskas a Himalayan, hated being homeless the minute the cage door shut. There were a few battles between he and I ... while I struggled to feed him, mostly he was all talk, but I'm sure he has given me a few scars. This continued for weeks. Then the fight left. No desire to eat, or drink, Whiskas was starving himself to death. We had a new problem force feeding - it was a battle of to put him through this, on many days IV fluids, he hated, meds, he hated, and me forcing anything into him - he hated it all. We moved him to a quieter area, and offered him a friend, as a last resort. 

Strangely it helped. Whiskas was just lonely? He needed a companion? In time he gained his weight back, and was able to be neutered. In time, he forgave us for all that he had been through, and forgave those that threw him out. And finally, he was able to go home. 

A kind woman saw him, in his early days (third day in) and saw how unhappy he was. She asked about him for a very long time. I am pleased to say, Whiskas has gone home. My favourite part, she lives alone, in a quiet house, perfect for a sensitive cat, and ... with a cat, missing his companion. 

I will be waiting for his happy tails, can't wait to hear from him. Fingers crossed for you fella, that your worst days are behind you.

Every Year
Monday and Tuesday dog tag reminder letters went out. These letters were sent to everyone who purchased a tag last year who have not yet purchased this year. These letters are a friendly reminder/warning that purchasing the tag is now past due. 

There were about 700 letters sent out. Today, about as many people called me. If you were one of the people who called, you need to know that these letters are care of the City Hall and that is where you should be directing any inquires. A number of people were downright nasty on the phone and many had complaints and problems. There was one call about a pet that had died. I am sorry if your pet died and this letter made you feel bad, but there would be no way of knowing of your loss and I am sorry about your pet passing. Thank you for letting me know.

There were a number of calls about the prices of the tags going up, but the prices are set by the City of Owen Sound and we just enforce the purchasing of the tags and have nothing to do with setting the prices. There was a notice on the web site, and it was in the local paper.

There really is no need to be vulgar and cuss on the phone, because if you are a City resident you know that every year your tag comes due. And, if you do not have your tag and didn't receive a letter, please save us both the foot work and drop by the Shelter, or go to City Hall and get one. 

Our door-to-door campaign will be starting soon, and when we go out, this time, the price of the tag will now have a late fee charge incorporated into it. It is better to get your tag on time and save the foot work and late fee.

Unadoptable?
Available less than 24 hours, and three of five deemed unadoptable got to go home! I love it when that happens!!

Avril with her pony tail (sorry girl I am not a groomer) found a forever home with a woman who was seeking a companion for her cat. We tested her with the cats, and turned out she wanted to love them. They walked and talked she and her potential, and it was discovered they had a lot in common, most ironically that her "mom" had the leash in her purse that matched her new collar that I had for her. Weird ? Perfect!

For Toby came the family seeking an active dog. He sure had that! They really wanted a Lab and this he was and again seems pretty perfect. 

Then finally came a friend seeking information on the new arrivals, Lorraine and Wade the healers from our recent fundraiser, they spoke of their interest in Fifi.

I smiled, as I had thought of them for her too. Ironic? Perfect! After loosing her owner, ending up at a shelter, being vaccinated, then being shipped to me, arriving, being spayed, and then having one sister leave Fifi was sure going to need some TLC. The healers, can do this for her. I have felt it for me! Ironic? It was perfect as Fifi slept in his arms. While they signed the papers I was feeling quite confident it was as it should be - Perfect!

Weekend Arrivals
Saturday five wonderful sweet dogs came to me. Two young busy Labs from Lakeshore Pound, where their days were done, (and both under two years of age) and three traveled from Quebec, deemed unadoptable by the SPCA.

Once again I anticipated dogs with real issues, nippy, jumpy or terrified and cowering, but instead I met loving, bum wiggling, happy go lucky Labs and three sensitive little ladies, who although stressed offered their bellies and curled into my arms for cuddles. Again, I was puzzled by why they were not placeable, again confused and so pleased they had connections to get them to me. 

It was clear "Avril" (I named her that, she came with a number, no name) needed a haircut, but the rest, seemed all OK. "FiFi" again not her name (another number) has nothing that I can see, but maybe needs a bath? I was smiling at how placeable they actually were, and was feeling quite sure it would be a short stay for all of them. Then came KiKi. 

Kiki more nervous than the other two, immediately said to me "TLC needed" however, it was only under careful observation that it became clear, she needed a little more than a little TLC. Kiki can't see. Tomorrow there will be more check ups, and I will know more. French to English translations are underway (and vet notes are hard to read in English!) However, it seems that she is not going to be an easy mover, as I had hoped. I realize also, that it is going to be a special home needed for her. Being raised with dogs, she may need one to help her? Thankfully I know we have had miracles happen before, and I hope to see it all happen again this time for her. 

I wish I knew a little more French, as clearly Kiki is in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar smells, and not even a familiar language to comfort her. Please put Kiki in your prayers.

Dog Hit by Car
When a call comes in 'dog hit by car', we stop everything and run. We grab blankets and wrap, and go. We drive quickly and we panic. One gets on the phone to notify the veterinarian we may be on our way. We brace ourselves for the worst, and arrive on the scene to see an old and crumpled beagle laying quietly on the shoulder of the road. Fortunately her finders sit with her, offering her kind words and a gentle touch (which generally I don't recommend as a dog in pain may bite, but not this one). 

We search her body for signs of damage, and quickly assess her needs. Once confident it's OK to move her we wrap her, and prepare to transport her. Someone knows where this girl is from, and Todd is off banging on doors. Fortunately someone is home, and we tell them in which direction we are headed. While we drive she is restless, clearly in distress, and although she is on my lap she appears to be uncomfortable. I talk softly to her, and pray we make it to the vets and all will be OK. Thankfully, not long after we arrive at the vet, the owners arrive and we hand her off to their care. 

I will worry now for the next while, and wonder how she is. I am concerned as she is an elder, and any injury can be fatal. I am disappointed that she was left to wander in such an aged state and saddened that it had to be this way for her. She will be in my prayers, and her people too. 

I hope that they won't learn their lesson at her loss, I do hope they were traumatized a little by it. The whole experience, of course, is quite traumatic and I know I will not forget it. Please keep a hand on your pets, their lives depend on it!

Spring is in the Air
The sun is shining, there is a warm breeze and things were all shiny and bright. Too bad I was not seeing people in the spring spirit today, as it seemed nearly everyone dealt with today was real cranky. 

At first I thought it was just me, tired and all, but when my visitors began to notice it, I was convinced there was something else brewing. 

There was the woman with raccoons in her garage, which although they have been there for five years has decided that now they must go. I advised her that spring is not a time to move them, as they are having babes. She did not care. I advised her to try a radio, and deterrents, and block the entrance when they go out to feed, however, she was not budging. She called my boss on that one. After much deliberation it was decided that if a female is captured it would then be promptly released, a big annoyance to the raccoon and to me, however, it was something we both agreed on. Not that wildlife should be my problem, or pest control don't get me started on that one. 

Then there was the cranky woman with a found cat not from my area. With a waiting list now started to come in (tis the season) she was not pleased that my help could not come faster, nor was she thrilled when she announced it was expecting, and then learned the price goes up when there is more of them. 

Then there was the man who needed a puppy today, who was angry that I had none and the lady who "would not pay a cent never mind $125 for the dogs I had" (huh? please leave).

Then to top it all off the lady who needed a dog, today, who is not available until tomorrow, who can't wait, who thought I should bend rules and was offended that I would not... YIKES 

With a busy day ahead tomorrow, I am praying all the cranky goes away. May everyone sleep well, and be pleasant, so I may enjoy the nice weather tomorrow.

Parasitology for Vets
A later blog for me, as I type this at 11:00 pm. A full day of surgeries, followed by two emergency calls, followed by a conference on Parasitology for Vets. 

I will be winding down tonight thinking of bits, pieces, and bugs. I had not really thought of the images I may be remembering, or the itch that those bug images bring. It was only after the slides started that I realized that I may have an experience with grossness. One disadvantage to attending the vet conference when not a vet ... those vet things. 

I was pleasantly surprised, however, as the night wrapped up, as realistically there was nothing I had not yet seen. In hindsight, I likely see what we were learning about daily. I left thinking, instead, about the creepy crawlies that so many of my friends arrive with, the series of steps we take to remove them, and the hopes that they will never face those troubles again. 

I think of those that are anemic, and weak, lethargic with big worm bellies, those that are pale, who when bathed turn the water red from the flea dirt and dried blood. I think of those who have mites so bad they have scratched their ears off, and those so thin as all their food only feeds the parasites inside. 

Thankful we can help them, I do wonder about those I don't see. Those I don't see, are leaving me with images of concern. I will be thinking of them while itching.

St. Basil's School
The Shelter was closed to the public on Monday, but this does not mean I took any time off. 

There was the stray dog call, the three stray cat pages, and, of course, the raccoons in the house call too. The pager beeped all day, and we spent most of our "holiday" on the phone. 

Today, was a day for catch up on the rest of it, with more calls to be returned, and a day for educating. A visit to St. Basil's school Ms. Irvin's JK/SK class proved to be entertaining, and as always enlightening, and was a good way to keep the holiday head functioning. 

The children were given the opportunity to meet a real Easter bunny, three tiny kittens, and for added fun EEk the hairless rat. 

There was giggles and screeches of joy as they cuddled and kissed and wiggled. The animals of course, loved all the attention. 

The children were full of wonderful questions "what does it eat" "what is its name" where is its mother" and once we got past all of that we did the harder ones like "why is it homeless" and where do they stay?" 

Sometimes honesty is not always the best answer, as it seems I summed up the "why is it homeless" question with a simple answer "its home has not been found yet". Thankfully they dropped that one. I kept the fun going this way, as the reality of why I really had them was definitely not a pleasant one. 

Many spoke of their pets at home, as they told me how much they loved them. My favourite part, of course!

Easter Surrenders
Surrenders are difficult to stomach most days and you would think that after 10 years I would get use to it. But, actually it gets pretty frustrating. I generally speak light of it "it will keep me employed", however, the reality is it's pretty disappointing. 

To make it easiest I always focus on the positive, the dog or cat going home to a new family where they will be loved and spoiled by their new loving family. 

In some cases, it is genuinely needed, and it is the best for the pet, but in many more it seems to me so simple to fix it all and people are willing to relinquish than fix the problem.

The holidays always make it harder, as for me they are a time for family, and my pets are such a big part of mine. I shop for treats for the pets at home and at the Shelter [we still have a few homemade goodies].

Today, came two pups eight months old that the children no longer had interest in. Not use to being leashed, not use to being in the car, or out with people these two have some socializing skills to learn. 

Today, also came Alice, once loved and spoiled, and clearly less loved now, as it has been months since she has been brushed, bathed or even walked. 

Saturday, will come another no longer wanted. As we celebrate second chances this Easter, new birth, and new life, I will be trying to celebrate for all of them until they get their new homes. 

Instead of being sad for them behind caged doors, I am hoping that rebirth comes quickly ... three days!

Jack-In-The-Box Update
Tonight I had the most perfect email. The good karma continues my friend Jack, once a one day old kitten left on my doorstep to an uncertain future, then bottle fed, and then accepted by a surrogate mother, is well. 

I remember when his name first appeared on my blog, as Jack in the box. I remember when his mom first emailed me about him. Knowing her as a prior adopter, and a wonderful home provider, I remember promising him the best of homes if he would survive. I also remember telling her not to get her hopes up, as the odds of him making it out were slim. I remember crossing my fingers, and saying prayers, and hoping with each day he would make it out. 

I was so pleased to see him go home, and tonight am equally as pleased to share his good news update with all of you. Jack my boy, is loving life, with the biggest legs, and the biggest smile! 

Once so small he could fit in the palm of one hand, now would barely fit into two. Kisses my boy, so glad you made it all OK. I knew there was a great life ahead for you. AND, Sam, your brother, now about 13 years old, adopted so many years ago. 

You look also amazing, such a handsome old man. Sorry about your crazy brother!

10th Anniversary
What a fantastic way to kick-off for our second decade. The weekend events were wonderful, and it was all that I had hoped for. 

People who loved their pets came together for the blessing, to give thanks, and ask for the best for their four legged friends they loved. There was many old faces, and some new ones. It was a gathering of pet people who believed that their pets were part of the family. 

Read about our success in the Owen Sound Sun Times...>

The snow and rain kept away, and everyone was on their best behavior, all and all over thirty pets, including the shelter residents, Sumo, Llyle and even Peggy and Mable were blessed. Eek the rat was even given a special prayer. 

Thank goodness for Rev. Claire Miller, for making the day so special. She blessed our pets, and us that cared for them. 

On Sunday with talking to the animals persons were given the chance to connect with their pets souls. Those living and deceased. Every person who attended were blown away. 

Most were brought to tears, and everyone left with the wonderful experience to talk about. Comfort and solace was given and compassion and answers to questions otherwise unanswered. It was wonderful to be surrounded by such great support, and fantastic people. 

It was heartwarming on so many levels. Thank you to Emily Littlebones and Tara Bird for helping us connect. 

Thank you to Bill and Katie for their help in directing traffic. Lorraine and Wade from Down to Earth provided Reiki treatments to people and pets, and let me just say "wow" [I believe my actual words were more like holy crap??]. 

As it was my first personal experience with Reiki ... I was in awe. Shortly after I signed up my pooch too!! With so much positive energy surrounding me I can't help but smile. 

A fundraising success which brought in over $1,000.00 to help the Shelter's Spay/Neuter, Medical Fund. There was also a cake - thank you Mr. Fudge for the best cake ever! Feeling fantastic all around.

Princess
This may be a brief blog, as I type this with the swear finger sticking up in the air. Until now I doubt I had really thought of all the jobs this finger does, but on the computer it seems it has many. It is also the click finger!

Today, while trying to be a hero, I decided to grab a cat, who escaped from her cage and did not want gathered. This quite common has become for me a skill, and generally I enjoy the challenge. I am pretty good at the scruffing method. When attempts to net her failed, and the shuffle with broom method too, and well, I could manage to get a fingers tip to touch her, I decided perhaps to just go for the grab. The live trap would have been the best option, and I do know better, but I wanted her back to safety right away? Well, I went for it, and I had her. I had her all the way to her cage door, and then my grip loosened a little. Princess, then had me. She got me too, as her tooth went in one side, and out the other right on that sensitive side of the nail too! 

The moral to this blog boys and girls, do not pick up stray cats? luckily there was wrap on hand, and my finger is now bandaged, all is well. A live trap now waits for Princess.

"Angus was in for a visit... and it was reported he is the best dog in the world!"

Ten Years
I remember that day so very well. That day that feels like only a few years ago that I stepped through the shelter doors as the new operator.

I remember the phone was not hooked up, there was no files. There were three cats to each falling apart fiberglass cage, all feral, and all ill. 

There was of course no meds, not to mention no food, no bowls, no leashes. There was also only one dog. One nasty crazy junkyard dog, that took us weeks to win over. The air was horrible, and place just felt to me so sad. Perhaps as I had not yet made it my home? I remember that feeling of being so overwhelmed as the pager went off at all hours of the night, for ridiculous calls, like dead bunnies on the road, and stray dogs that were never found, and of course the favorite the dead cat in a tree.

I remember not being sure I would make it one week. I remember my first dog adoption, Sammy. Sammy who was thrown over our fence on our second day there, and our second adoption Gilly, the one eyed beagle who was brought back although we never adopted him the dog, and after a big fight he got his money back (although I never had the first pay) and then adopted out on the third day to stay.

Both have passed now, as it has been a dogs life that I have been there. We have passed that first week, that first month, the first three, the first year, the first contract, and so on. I can now say, after today, I have done it a decade! (which I might add is a pretty big part of my total life). I now see stainless steel cages, and comforts of home added. I see dogs who can go in and out now, and enjoy the sunshine. I can smell fresh air with the new ventilation, and am cool in the summer in the dog area as it now has air-conditioning can see the dogs playing in the pool in the dog area.

The wonderful volunteers come to walk them, and groom them, and love them. The cats also groomed, enjoy regular loving. 

The surgical room in use again today, I was also reflecting on all its wonders, with the vet in, working hard and the tech all for the shelter. 

We have made friends. We have watched life start, and watched it end. We have put back the pieces and pulled pieces apart. We have saved lives, and I like to think have made a difference and we could not have done it without all of you.

Thank you!

The views expressed in these blogs are the personal views and daily events as told by Renee Robins, and the views expressed don't necessarily reflect those of the City of Owen Sound, unless relating to City By-Laws and Ordinances.

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