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

Enter the 2010 Calendar Contest ... fun, fast and prizes...

250th!!!; 
Wonder; 
Please Don't Touch; 
Sunny and Sunset; 
GP; 
The One That Got Away; 
Copper; 
Care Bear; 
Llyle; 
Support for Llyle; 
We're at it Again!; 
Church Goes Home; 
Pumpkin and Pepper;
Rabies;
In the News;
Pumpkin and Pepper Update;
2 Great Emails...;

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

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

2 Great Emails...
Today, I received 2 really nice emails. I thought I would share ...

Dear Renee, My name is Melissa. I adopted Sunset on Saturday. We got her for my grandma because my grandpa has been in the hospital for 2 months (and will not be coming home). My grandma has been lonely having the house all to herself. We thought a kitty would be great company for her; someone to talk to, take care of, and love. When we showed up with Sunset my grandma was overjoyed. Sunset (now named Molly) hid under the bed but was easily coaxed out with some toys and was soon playing with her new scratch post, balls, and stuffed fish. I just wanted to let you know that Sunset/Molly went to a great home where she will be loved and spoiled and greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do. Sincerely, Melissa 

AND, the next one...

Renee, My Mom and I came to the shelter on Saturday. We both want to thank you and the girls. When we saw Memphis, we knew he had to have a home with us. Memphis wears his red collar all the time and he picked up very quickly that the red leash is for his walks and when he has to go out to do his business. When we came home, I took him to do just that. We came into the house and he seemed to like it. In ten minutes he did two "opps", one is each bedroom. I said to Memphis "what did you do". He looked at me and looked at "his gift". He is a treasure. He feels quite at home. Mom says he has to know where I am all the time. When I take him for walks, Memphis is well manered, doesn't pull (although he very easily could as he is a strong dog). As I am telling you this he is on one of his big soft pillows resting beside me. He is good with the cat, but Prisilla is not liking that she has to share. She would growl at him but he doesn't care and walks away. Memphis has made a home for himself in the short time he walked through the door. I had to go away for the day on Sunday. When I got back, Mom told me that he cried and barked for a bit, then settled down, but when he would hear a vehicle drive by on the country road he would run to the window and look out. As big as Memphis is (and thoses long legs), he loves to be cuddled. He has lots of love to give. My job today is to check into pet insurance, find a good vet for his first appointment and get a tag for him. 
I do believe he knows he is Loved. Can't tell who adopted who. Mom says he has to know where I am at all times. At night he checks to see if we are all in bed, then he goes to bed on the soft rug in my bedroom. All this in almost 48 hours. What's that old saying..."Grow old with me, the best is yet to be". That's Memphis. 
Thank you, again, On behalf of my Mom (Bette), myself, Memphis and Prisilla.

As it has started my week off on the right track, and has our spirits up, following a weekend of great adoptions, I am pleased to share.

Thank you both for the reminder that I love my job. Congrats to you both and kisses to my furry friends for me!

Congratulations to the winner of 
the tapestry fundraiser:
Catherine Farr

Pumpkin and Pepper Update
It was a case of karma, fate, weird ironies, or prayers being answered depending on how you look at. It was a case of strange regardless, and it was so very good!

Today, Pumpkin and Pepper went home. They went to a loving and giving senior home. Waiting for these two are leashes, brushes, crates and all sorts of great things, invisible fence to boot and loads and loads of love. Not bad for two dogs left to die in the industrial park!

These two who touched all of us with their great will to love and please, and who entertained us with their many tricks [if only we knew those words to ask for them lol] have stayed together, will be together, and will be given all they need by their new family. 

Now, for the weird. When discussing the French connection to the new adopters, and the difficulties the language barrier has been, but for only a short time, there were smiles on their faces. There is a French background with these two as well. They are also from Montreal :) Local to the area, they have connections as a daughter lives in Montreal who will visit soon. 

Funny how they have traveled the same roads I suspect, to end up together. Très bien!

A rabid bat has been confirmed from the Sauble Beach area and one unidentified person exposed to the bat will begin anti-rabies treatment.

Rabies Program Manager for the Grey Bruce Health Unit Karen Sweiger says this is the 6th rabid animal to be confirmed in Bruce Grey this year.

There were four rabid skunks and one rabid fox previously.

Just a reminder that it's the law all cats and dogs over three months, and all riding horses in Grey Bruce must be vaccinated for rabies.

Vaccinations protect pets from acquiring rabies and help protect you and your family if your pet is bitten by a rabid wild animal.

Ensure that your pet’s immunization is up-to-date.

If bitten by an animal, immediately wash and flush the wound with soap and water.

It is the most effective procedure in the prevention of rabies.

Seek medical attention.

A tetanus shot and antibacterial drugs may be given, as required.

___________

From Bayshore Broadcasting News Centre - Aug 26, 2009

Rabies
This blog comes from the heart, as it hits close to home. It is of importance for all of us that this comes out, as it keeps us safe and well. For the first time ever, for reasons that really should not have involved me, or our Shelter, a dying bat came into our facility. This dying bat was later to be determined to be rabid. 

Not my first experience with rabies, but definitely one that is quite scary. For those who are not aware, a bat with tiny teeth can bite without you even really knowing it. My immediate concerns of course are for my staff, (but relieved everyone took precautions) and then for those that delivered it to me! These people are now at risk, and we must contact them, and those who they exposed potentially. 

NEVER EVER EVER EVER handle any injured wildlife, particularly fox, Bats and skunks, as they are big carriers. This is the fourth case of rabies I now know of, this year alone, and that is a huge concern for me. 

Please let the professionals do their job. Rabies is fatal. Please do not handle any strays of any sorts, fluffy could be a carrier too, I fear as time goes on it will get much worse. AND, on that note, I do also believe it's time we had the rabies clinics back in Grey Bruce! Please make sure your family pets are vaccinated, and keep them under control. "Rabies is no way for a friend to die!"

Pumpkin and Pepper
They arrived from Quebec nameless, with numbers, with files written in French and details undetermined. My French is not good, but when I glanced at the file for the male and read 'tres malad' on the top, my elementary school French reminded me this means very sick. 

The meds given translate the same in English, and the work-up could be determined. These two, now called Pumpkin and Pepper came to me very sick. Having received vaccines at a time of great stress, it is likely they received kennel cough with them. 

Unfortunately, this meant for me a week of dogs in isolation with many precautions to be taken (no need to have the vets calling to tell us the dogs are coughing) and meant a week of meds and TLC. 

Fortunately, for them it meant they could be cared for and treated, and placed up for adoption, as their alternatives in Quebec were not as promising - their time was up. These two sweet babes are now ready to go, and the struggle to get them well is over. Now, the struggle is to find them a loving home. 

These two are so bonded they must go together, they sleep together, eat together, groom each other, and even walk in sync. They even bathroom together! To separate them would likely kill them. 

As they learn English, which is coming very well, they impress me with their willingness to learn and please. I have no doubts they will thrive in any home. Mature dogs, well trained, and easy to maintain, and now with the vetting done. I pray their stay with me is now short. 

I pray the battle for them is now over, and finding a home is the easy part. 

Here is what Joy had to say on these two little cuties:

Hi Renee,

It’s me Joy from Montreal. I was reading your blog (as I do everyday) and just wanted to thank you so very much for taking in Pumpkin and Pepper. It was a close one! Luckily, everyone is familiar with your work and dedication, that the shelter was thrilled that you agreed to help these two.

For weeks I tried to get help and because they are bonded, rescues offered to take but would not commit to let them remain together. For this reason, I did not trust all these rescues to keep their word, so I kept looking for alternatives. Finally ANML-RESQ came through with your help and generosity.

I just wanted to let you know how much I personally appreciate your efforts. Though I am not with the shelter, I do make it my business to try and help those that require quick assistance. I am fortunate that I am given this opportunity and most of all be introduced to you earlier this year when I received those dogs deemed for the gas chamber as well as the puppymill dogs.  You took these dogs, nurtured them, prepared them for adoption and gave them the gift of life.

You do amazing work. I hope that enough people realize that and appreciate everything that you and your staff does. Sadly, there will always be those that don’t understand and will continue to abandon their beloved pets. They feel relieved I suppose that you are there, caring for what they choose not to. Hopefully one day, we will not be required, but something tells me that our efforts will always be in popular (or unpopular) demand. 

Best to you Renee and again I thank you for all you have done and are presently doing for these worthy souls.

~ Joy ~

Church Goes Home
He was the funniest little fella with the neatest trick. My first words to him were hello little man, and can you sit? Immediately he plopped himself on his hind end and started to beg, with his front paws crossed in a prayer position. I laughed, and made fun "this little boy is praying for a good life", and with that I named him Church. 

Time after time when asked to sit he said a prayer and I decided that I would give him a command for that soon, perhaps something like Amen or Halleluiah. I told him he was a lucky dog being from Minto and his time was up. I told him that his prayers have been answered, he was saved and potentially the day before could have been his last, as they had told me it would be. I promised him a home would be found, and if he was very lucky and prayed hard it would be quick for him. 

Hours later his prayers were answered and not as I expected. His owner had been located! Away on holidays, and not knowing the dog was missing, they did not know they needed to contact right away. This is where I mention a reclaiming period is merely 72 hours. With tears in their eyes they came for him and they were filled with relief that he was safe and well. I wonder if they realize how close he came to losing his life and not the happy ending that it was? 

Church as I called him [who was actually Tango] had angels watching over him. Thank God ;)

"Picture update on Roy"
Visit his happy tail...>

We're at it Again!
It is time once again, for the 4^th Annual Calendar Contest. We are getting better and better every year and I am excited to see the pictures and get this underway !

Our theme for this year will be " Pin up Pets" and I want to see your pet's best pose ! All pets may enter! Entry fee will be $10.00 per photo.  Also, we will be voting again for top pictures for the calendar. 

We are presently looking for sponsors. For $100.00 this will give the sponsor a business card size ad for the whole month on the calendar. 

The contest will run until September 21st ONLY. 

You can use our Paypal 'donation button' to pay and forward your pictures to me [Renee] at osas@bmts.com. Good luck !

Support for Llyle
Thank you, all of you, for your kind words of support following the passing of our friend Llyle. As always the difficulties in this position lesson with each and every message, and they are truly appreciated.

We miss him terribly, once again this morning I said "hello Llyle" as I do each morning when I arrive, and once again I teared. However, with that came a small smile today, at the thought at perhaps he was present, perhaps haunting me for making him stay all those years.

While the cats beg me to let them replace him - like Velcro the little black kitten who placed himself on the cat condo today and meowed at me each time I tried to gather him, Page who rolled up on the counter top, and Otis who already thinks this is quite comfortable here and curled up in my chair - I would like to think that perhaps there will never be another that would need me so much, no more in such need of repair, and no more needing such compassion. But as I scan the rooms in front of me, I am disappointed to see there are so very many. The options are too great I am afraid.

As the messages come in, I am reminded of the lives Llyle has touched, as he has mine, and for that I am truly grateful.

Llyle
It is with great sadness that I write this blog. Today, we said goodbye to our old friend Llyle. One of our first rescues, our companion and boss for the last 10½ years. He has gone [to the bridge]; he was approximately 21 years of age.

I am unable to find the words for this blog, as my whole heart is heavy. So, instead I will post his story...>

Llyle:

I pray the pearly gates have a desk for you to sit on so you may meet the new arrivals. You sat so proud here, a king on his throne. I pray that you find things to catch and mountains of canned food to steal.

Tonight our desk sits empty, the dishes are empty, and our hearts empty too. 

We will miss you.

Care Bear
Is anyone missing a gray young male cat, perhaps with a collar? 

This poor soul likely was lost some time ago as it has been long enough that the collar he was wearing had become a part of him. It slipped under his arm, and this collar clearly was not a break away, in some time the collar wore a hole clean through the top layer of his skin, and then some. As he moved it pulled, and with each pull a tear, and with each the opening grew. The studs on the collar could be seen engraved in his skin even now after the collar has been removed. I imagine the pain this must have caused him, and imagine the discomfort each movement made. I imagine that the instinct to survive would have pushed him to eat and drink, until lately as the infection is now taking over. 

The infection poured out of him when the collar was removed, as did the maggots that had made their home in him. With an opening now over an inch deep under his arm, chest and up into his scruff, this cat we are now calling "Care Bear" is in huge need of help. 

I am thankful he is with us, as his time on his own would sure have been short, and I am thankful that he has lasted to make it here. I pray now for his speedy recovery, as he is under vet supervision, and I hope his strength continues. Another lost soul seeking a happy ending. Please keep him in your thoughts as his condition will take some time to heal.

If you would like to donate to his vet bill, please use the 'Make a Donation' button on the left.

Copper
It's not only time for Polar to go, but also time for Copper. Copper who has gone, and returned so many times that it is difficult for me to know how many. He is not looking to just go home, but rather to stay. Tomorrow he will be on the Zoo and tomorrow we will try to find him forever.

We need to find him a forever, but at the same time try to find a forever that will leash him and hang onto him. Terribly sad that he has been shuffled so many times, I hate to advertise that, as it seems to be a terrible deterrent. However, the truth needs to be told, and it clearly is not his fault. He just has things he would like to see and do, and needs to have someone who understands and controls it. I must also mention that all dogs should be leashed, or contained, if all else fails perhaps they could be trained. 

Hoping to both promote responsible pet ownership, and to find a home for someone who desperately needs one. Please tell everyone to listen in. He would love to find his forever.

The One That Got Away
This morning in thinking about the two not moving so quickly, my mind was on Rez and Polar. Two neutered male Huskies, very attractive to see and with great personalities to boot. 

In thinking, I decided that if there was nothing extraordinary to blog about, I would dedicate this one to them, in the hopes their day would come faster. 

Neither do very well at selling themselves behind bars, as both bark loudly, and neither are great on a leash - it has been hard for them. Although both are wonderful, it's hard to get that someone to notice when they don't come off initially that way. 

As I type this, however, it is no longer about two homeless Huskies, and rather now a celebration for one, as Rez has gone home. A past interested party returned. As I celebrate for him, I can't help but be heartbroken for the one who did not make it out today. 

Please review Polar's picture, and his information and keep him in your thoughts - tell everyone. Maybe tomorrow will bring a good news blog for him.

GP
Tonight GP is being posted on the site, a Lab mix, young male pup, who unfortunately had to spend some time with me before he could be posted. 

Although GP came in with a name, and history such as he is crate trained, good with dogs and raised with children; GP came in as a "stray". As there is a reclaiming period, he had to be held, which would give time to anyone looking to come for him "just in case". So, poor GP had to wait. 

This is very unfortunate for a dog who came in with tail wagging, and sparkles in his eyes only to have to grieve for his people and adjust to a life behind bars. This is especially unfortunate, as I could have had him in a new home in minutes. There is a list of people waiting for young Lab mix pups. Unnecessary stress, unnecessary confusion and unnecessary risks were unavoidable, but we did do our best to keep him happy and comfortable. 

Fortunately, GP [wonder what that stands for??] loves his walks, all the attention, and is presently feeling rather unaffected. 

I suspect tomorrow he will go home and I will be glad his time with me will be over!

Sunny and Sunset
You may have noticed the arrival of two new kitties to the Adopt a Cat web page. These two, Sunny and Sunset, are finally ready to go after a few weeks with me. 

These two were from a litter of four - a mother and three older kittens - which were left on the doorstep of a local vet clinic. I guess this happens on other doorsteps, not just mine. Unfortunately, their animal control does not take cats, unfortunately the clinic doesn't have lists of people waiting for cats [anymore than we do] and unfortunately, even after we received them they had to spend time with me - homeless. 

Mom was spayed and adopted quickly, but it seems the kittens are the hardest to place. At fourteen weeks, on their arrival, they were beyond the cute baby stage and not yet old enough to be fixed. Thankfully, the clinic cared enough to bring them to me and thankfully Sunny and Sunset are well. 

Fixed kittens are easier to find homes for and hopefully they will soon be adopted and placed in the adopted section on the web page.

Please Don't Touch
Imagine being out for a casual walk, on a public trail, and hearing noise in the bushes. Imagine you walk a little closer and notice four tiny kittens eyes closed, making all sorts of noise and seeming very lonely. They are without a mom present, and you worry, as we all would.

You are now faced with a few options, one to leave them, and call me, or pick them up take them home, feed them, care for them until it becomes too much work, and then call me or leave it all alone, and pretend you saw nothing.

The best option would have been to leave them and call me. I would have directed you to locate a mother, as with no mother these kittens have a very rough road ahead of them. An outdoor kitty on a trail is likely wild, and like other wild animals will run from you. The odds were good she would return. I would have checked on them, and if need be, we could have helped them. The option chosen thankfully was not to do nothing, as this could end up so wrong too. However, the option to take them home, and feed them the wrong food, dehydrate them, weaken them, and keep them long enough mom won't want any part of them was not a good option.

This blog is for the just in case scenario, in case it happens to any of you, just so that you know, please call and we will direct you.

Your heart was in the right place, however, it is a difficult task to keep those babes well. Keep these babes in your mind, and thoughts, thankfully they are getting the best of care now, but still have a long way to go!

Arriving at the Shelter doors, my first response was "I wonder how that happened", as he peered at me through a partial eye. One eye with limited ability to see and the other eye clouded over. From that it became, I wonder if he will make it, as his poor condition was a strike against him. 

At six months of age, and the size of a twelve week old kitten. It then became I wonder if he can use a litter box, or if he can find his way around. Then, soon be I wonder if anyone would ever consider adopting him. 

My beautiful boy in every way soon thrived, and proved he could exist in every normal way. His big heart warmed mine each day, and in no time I forgot he could barely see me. 

Two days ago he was altered, and given the all OK, and soon my wondering turned to, I wonder how long he will stay? 

Today, that question was answered, and with that my prayers for him. Today Wonder found a loving home. No longer will I question who would love such a cat, or who would offer him forever. This boy won her over as quickly as he did me. His desire to love and be loved was all she needed to see. Congrats my boy. Kisses!

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

250th!!
Another day of successful surgeries ended with a tally. It was a spur of the moment decision by our vet to count up all those we had altered, and we were shocked with the totals.

Brace yourself. Today, we completed our 250th surgery! Less than a year ago our dreams of making a difference became a reality, being able to alter those waiting homes, and to be able to place them faster. 

Uncertain as to how all of it would play out, we took our chances, crossed our fingers and held our breath. Today, with that total in I am ecstatic to know that not only has our dream become a reality, but it has become a success. 250 pets altered, and with that 250 lives changed! In approximately 40 weeks of surgery, our totals are incredible, and for that I am very very thankful. 

Kudos to all those that help and support us, with special thanks to Doc, Amy, and Amanda. Thank you to all that have donated to help keep us in operation. With 250 altered, and one pet responsible for 8 million offspring, it is safe to assume we have done a little to change our local pet population. 

With the sky being our limit, with excitement I prepare to make an even bigger difference!

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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