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| Blog
by: Renee Robins, ACO, Owen Sound Animal Shelter |
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------------------- Recent Posts ------------------- |
Apr
28, 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________ |
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| Happy
Birthday Poopy Thoughts? White Sox Poodle Skirt Vessey Fundraiser ATTENTION Southampton Easter Time Tickets are Available You're Almost There Ten Year Commitment Don't be a Chicken 2nd Annual Easter BBQ Easter Fundraiser Update Coyote Chasers Wonderful
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Wonderful - The Shelter had some visitors today, of a kind we see randomly, but not in a while. This group we see wander past, hang out briefly in our presence, stay long enough to leave an impression and move on.
They creep slowly, carefully watching, but have little fear. If we keep from doing anything intimidating they will stay a while.
Today,
they frolicked and played, while the rest of the family grazed. They are
after all deer :)
Apr
27,
2011 Coyote Chasers - I could hear him running from my porch, and could tell he was a young hound. I could tell he was inexperienced and learning and likely in training. I suspected he was after coyotes, and guessed, in this case, he was likely a Walker Hound. As I can identify most breeds by bark (years of listening to dogs bark), I would have bet money on it. From my bedroom I could hear him as I drifted off to sleep. My thoughts were of his safety, and for that of the coyote. I won't start a debate here, but instead leave it at I was hoping for the best for both of them. I wondered about this pup's training, and wondered if his owner took the time to teach him a recall, as so many hunters don't. I did consider that perhaps by afternoon an owner may call looking for him. I did not expect to see him this morning laying curled up in a ditch, although as I expected he was a young Walker Hound (I assume a male). He lay a few feet from a police cruiser. Tears came to my eyes as the reality of this pup catching more than a coyote was likely. As he was approached, he bolted! A relief, and yet at the same time a disappointment as he is well enough to run, but sadly still running. I will be keeping my eyes peeled, and my ears
open at work and from home, with my fingers crossed, for his well being. Apr
26,
2011 Easter Fundraiser Update - Thank you ! Once again, the supporters of OSAS need the biggest thank you as the 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt and BBQ was a huge success!
Thank you to the DangerFudges for the prepwork, and for the BBQ skills, thanks to the Wellers for the same, thanks to Jen and Elaine for the help with the crowds and the cash, and Teri too!
An awesome thanks to the Hamills of Pine Grove Paints and Miniatures for the petting zoo, and to all that attended and battled the rain and cold (and super excited children) for a great turnout.
I am thrilled to say we raised $400.00 dollars for the Spay/Neuter and Medical Fund! This potentially will help over a dozen homeless get fixed.
As we could not do it without you you have my sincere gratitude.
And of course, thank you, once again, to the Mix 106.5 :) Apr
22,
2011 2nd Annual Easter BBQ - It's almost time for the 2nd Annual Easter BBQ fundraiser. Tomorrow from 11am - 1pm we are lucky to be invited, yet again, to the Grey Roots to provide burgers and dogs for a great cause. The Mix 106.5 will be hosting an Egg Hunt at 11am sharp. Just a reminder the hunt happens on time, and happens fast, if you're late you may miss it! We will have attending Pine Grove paints and miniatures farm, with a petting zoo. I have heard there will be a miniature donkey, a miniature horse, fancy bunnies too! Cubby and the Easter bunny are slated to attend, Attack Players, and of course the Mix crew. With great food, good times, and cute animals to view, I am certain it will be a wonderful celebration of spring, and Easter. All proceeds from the
BBQ will go to the Spay/Neuter and Medical Fund. Happy Easter to all!
We'll see you there! Apr
20,
2011 Don't be a Chicken - Although it was not necessarily my area of animal control, and not a job I was sure I could do, when the call came regarding a straying chicken in coyote country I was pretty certain this chicken was otherwise a goner. Not an animal of the wild, this prey was sure to be food by dark. An easy meal really :( Also not wild so the MNR could not help, and not abused or neglected leaves the SPCA out. Pest control does not cover this, and there was nobody else but us. Technically, it could be domestic? Technicalities aside I would regret not to at least try. This chicken was otherwise cooked. (Chickens have no means of defense and really don't even fly). So, I attended with a fish net and a cat carrier thinking at the very least I could contain it and try to find its home. How far could it have gone? My guess was not far. Walking, clucking scratching, is slow! I suppose I should have asked for a better description of the bird in question, but assumed everyone knows a chicken. Never assume they know. Imagine my surprise as I wandered nearly right up to it, ready to pounce and watched it stretch out to a very large turkey
vulture - sitting on its food and very unhappy to see me! It was a quick switch from prey to
predator for both of us. I slowly tip toed away, very much a chicken? lol Apr
18,
2011 Ten Year Commitment - I came across this on the weekend from One Voice 4 Animal Rights. It’s Easter time and the pet store windows are fill with adorable baby bunnies. If you're thinking about adding a rabbit to your family think about this: pet rabbits have a lifespan of 7-10 years. Don't buy on impulse. Wait till after the holiday. Make an informed decision by learning about rabbit care first. If you still want a bunny, PLEASE consider adopting a rabbit from your local shelter or rescue group. For the rabbit's health and well-being (as well as for your child's) make sure an adult will be the primary caretaker and will always supervise any children in the household who are interacting with the rabbit.
Domestic rabbits are inquisitive, intelligent, and very social by nature. A rabbit is a delightful companion animal as long as you remember: Getting a bunny for your child always comes back to ONE VERY IMPORTANT DETAIL - you need to want that bunny in your life as much as your child does! Bunny's are NOT a child's toy. They are a real live TEN-year commitment!!! As the week before Easter is here, it seemed appropriate in
sharing as I peek at my friend shiver, and remember each year the many homeless rabbits we see.
Consider the commitment with any adoption of any new friend, rabbits included.
If you're not interested in keeping a rabbit for ten years, perhaps consider
a chocolate bunny instead? Apr
15,
2011 You're Almost There - There is nothing funny about a cat lost or left outside, nor about a cat trapped. Honestly, it's rather depressing. One in only 100 hundred are reclaimed, I know the odds of this cat being now homeless are good. The odds of this cat being altered also not good, and the chances this cat is now with me a few weeks or months now likely. As I do celebrate this cat being off the streets and being safe there, is still a sad part to it all. I arrived to gather yet another
and see a sign posted on the door which read - "Renee, please go around back".
So, I do and find another note "head toward the deck". I am now smiling
and find another reading "you're almost there" which had me giggling.
A treasure hunt of sorts which was made especially for me. Well, they are
were just notes, a cute idea, until the reality of this cat being homeless takes
all the fun away. I can at least laugh at the game clearly intended to brighten my
day as I take yet another back to the Shelter. Apr
14,
2011 Tickets are Available - The tickets are ready! It's all a go! I am so excited to announce the details are now finalized and tickets are on sale now! July 16th 2011 we will hold our first benefit concert at Grey Roots from 6-10 pm.
We will be entertained by the great Justin Burgess, Brian Monez, Tracy Rice, Beckon, and Skarni headlining. With five fantastic entertainers, it is sure to be four hours of pure enjoyment, all for a wonderful cause. This of course is that to keep us operating. (Surgery day today by the way, another ten altered!) With hundreds in need each year these funds are much needed. There will be a BBQ, and refreshments. This will not be a licensed event. Tickets are available for 15.00 each, while supplies last. We are limited so get them fast! Tickets are presently on sale now at the Shelter or may purchased online, email me for details. As they become
available at other locations it will be posted. Keep your eye on the site
:) Thank you to Austin Graphics for the ticket design, and the free
printing, your help once again appreciated. (Kisses to Apple the cat for
me too, please Austin Graphics) Your support has helped us make a
difference!) Easter Fundraiser
Apr
13,
2011 Easter Time - With Easter drawing near (don't forget the BBQ on April 23rd by the way) it is that time of the year I get busy with the bunnies. A visit today with Shiver (who is still sadly homeless) brought a smile to the toddlers at the YMCA. Together, we noticed her long bunny ears, her wiggly nose, her whiskers, and then we counted her toes. They admired her tail and her hop, and were then asked what colour she was. Oddly, the common response was yellow and she is black. Miss shiver was such a hit they hugged her, and then me, so I volunteered to show the others too! In a short time likely 50 kids had handled this super patient bunny. I enjoyed their amusement knowing well how nice it is to love an animal, and providing that opportunity is wonderful. It is always the best of days to be with people who love the little creatures, even when they are little people.
Here's hoping the joy and love to animals stays forever! This in the long term will make my job much easier. Apr
12,
2011 ATTENTION Southampton - Residents of the 500 block of High Street in Southampton. We are in pursuit of a black, male, scruffy looking cat. This fella is responsible for a cat bite after having his toes squeezed by a stranger. Unfortunately, this well meaning cat finder may now be in need of rabies vaccines if this cat is not found. The cat wandered into her yard, and kept its distance, and appeared to be homeless. She fed him and he appeared grateful so, like so many others, she simply picked him up and searched for ID. Then she checked for a declaw, and this is when it happened. Here is where I say, 'I have been handling stray cats for 20 years - many feral or street cats, all temperamental, all sensitive and all handled with caution.' I have still been bitten very many times - this happens. However, I have my shots. Please, do not handle stray and wandering cats, or really anything. It is for this reason we don't recommend it. We personally opt to use live traps as it's safer for all involved. As the cat is now missing, we hope she can identify him and before the 10 days quarantine is up. If you do spot a cat in this area, of this
description, please call so a live trap can be set for him. We cross our parts to find
him! Apr
11,
2011 Vessey Fundraiser - It has been decided that I would carry the bulb fundraiser a few extra days in the hopes for a few more sales. As it was to end Friday, and today Monday I suppose this means a few more than a few more days. Those interested, who made contact who then did not confirm, please do. Those that forgot please email me ASAP if you would like to place an order. If you have not yet heard,
it's not to late to add spring to your garden while making a difference for the homeless.
All proceeds to keep us operating- literally, as it covers surgery days. Consider creating a memorial garden for a lost pet, or one in
honour of one you have? No better way than by donating with its creation. Click
here for more details...»
Apr
7,
2011 Poodle Skirt - Another day another great update! This one came while I tried to shop for a poodle skirt for my kid. (Animal Control Officer walks into store asking for a poodle skirt, yup go ahead and laugh many store help did). In uniform many trips to the mall or Walmart, or grocery store end up with me stopped to hear about found cats, cat surrenders, raccoon troubles, etc. When he stopped me and asked if I worked at the Animal Shelter, I was expecting it was the same.
I braced for the conversation that lay ahead as I replied 'yes'. Then he says,
'I adopted a dog there a few weeks ago.' I brace for it - it's worse than I thought. He
continues "you called him Midnight Ryder". My heart sinks. Yes I reply,
"and how is he doing" afraid to ask. I am then in discussion for the next 15 minutes with a guy thrilled with his new best friend.
Phew! His only concerns are that of a dog eating too fast, and who hogs the bed!
Yay! As we spoke of ways to slow down his eating I celebrated the
interruption in my shopping for such good news. By the way, I found that skirt too. :) Apr
6,
2011 White Sox - Again, today I was reminded why I love my job. Those warm and happy thoughts that come with each happy tail came today with a visit from my beloved White Sox. She is now known as Tracks and was gathered from a multi dog home seen scrounging for food in the garbage and left to find shelter competing with a dozen to find comfort. She also very pregnant with her second litter at only two years of age likely had a lifetime of scrounging and mothering ahead of her.
I brought her to my home and loved her like my own. She delivered a dozen puppies who we watched grow under her care. She and they were part of our family. Knowing she was highly adoptable such a wonderful friend, and knowing I needed space to help others I did what I do and found her a loving home. Heartbroken to let her go, but celebrating with her to know what lay ahead we said our goodbyes. From that day I had thought of her often, but always knowing no news is good news - until today. Her visit today brought a smile to my face and with it great pride. She is living the life I had hoped she would. Tracks now has a family friend who has her own bed (and shares dad when mom is not around shhh) has a shiny coat from her specialty food, and fresh breath from her teeth brushing (she prefers the vanilla toothpaste go figure). She sat at her
mom's feet and watched her the entire time she came for her visit, proving to me she loved her.
Tail wags and belly rubs and wet kisses exchanged, she was off and bounding to her car ready to return to her awesome home.
Love it! Apr
4,
2011 Poopy Thoughts? - Today, I believe I was "s*** on" in a way I have never been before. I am, of course, not referring to dog or cat number two's as this happens most days, but rather referring to the attitude I was given literally over poop. She is a woman with two dogs often walked off-leash, and had been warned and was seen not collecting up after them. She was sent back to fetch it. Time passed. A complaint came in. She is then warned firmly and told she is now facing charges if any offence happens again. Basically on the hit list. She expressed her beliefs that the rules were in her mind crap. Clearly, she was not of the belief they were necessary, however, we were not budging. Today, while parked (and on the phone) I viewed her in my rear view mirror
- I watched her with two dogs both leashed, and was proud of her. I noted the poop bag and
it was full in appearance and was I happy to see a job well done. I watched her walk closer to the
vehicle, watched her approach my window poop in hand. As she passed she waved it, in the window! Rolled her eyes, and mouthed
"happy"? Funny I was! It is not the first time I have been crapped on for doing my
job, but the first time someone used poop! lol Apr
1,
2011 Happy Birthday - Happy birthday to OSAS! We today turned 12 today. Twelve years ago today, Todd and I entered a facility crammed full with feral and sick cats, and with one nasty dog, no files, no forms, no records, no computer, no policies, no procedures, no rules and no direction. Luckily, we were aware and trained in what we were expected to do, although honestly had no idea what we were in for. We had the biggest dreams, the highest goals, and the drive to succeed despite what was tossed at us. Now, a dogs life later, we can look back knowing thousands of animals have been given a second chance and hundreds altered too. Hundreds faced certain death and found life. Laws have been created to keep people and pets safe, policies to keep them well, and programs to educate and assist. I am pleased to say the Owen Sound Animal Control Contract now reads "will be a no-kill facility". This is a change we worked so hard for.
Here are but a few of the most recent happy tails! Click to view more...» Four other municipalities use our services through a contract, and many others without one. We have been successful in managing to achieve all we had hoped for. We certainly have had trying times, but thankfully the good has won over those evils. It has always been a job we have done with our hearts and thankfully this has not killed us :) It has been with your support
that we have continued to be able to do what we do. Our difficult job is easier with
you. My deepest gratitude to all of you for helping me do what I do. As we move on to lucky
year 13 we still have great things up our sleeve, we are celebrating. |
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2000-2010 © Owen Sound Animal Shelter. All rights reserved. |
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