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| Blog
by: Renee Robins, ACO, Owen Sound Animal Shelter |
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------------------- Recent Posts ------------------- |
Aug
31,
2010 _____________________________________________________________________________ |
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| Blue
Picardy Spaniel; Break the Cycle; Care Bear Update; Radio Debut; We're at it Again!; They're Here!; Dog Owners Charged Over Dispute; Bruno Has Found Forever!; Lost and Found; AA Study: Dogs Cause Driving Distractions; Lost/Found Pup?; Psssst - Want to Buy a Pup?????; Déjà vu; Couldn't; Neglect or Brush?;
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Neglect or Brush? - It is not the first blog of this sort, nor is it the first time I have seen this situation. A longhaired gorgeous cat is neglected, it gets fleas perhaps, it itches, it scratches, it mats. It loses an undercoat, which gets tangled in the mats and in no time poor kitty becomes a giant ball of stuck together hair.
This terribly uncomfortable, terribly itchy and smelly pile of fur pulls and tears at the skin below. I have seen the skin rot and decay and have seen cats rip off their skin in an effort to relieve the discomfort. They think by bringing me a "found cat" either they are ashamed to admit they had neglected it, or in an effort to save the fee just not say.
I am then faced with the job of making it all better (thankfully this I can do). With a sedative on board, and a new set of blades me and the kitty [ I now call Sweater ] spent an hour together.
Sweater near bald by the time I had finished, and me sporting a fur coat (hence the name). Luckily, the cat below the mess was in good condition, skin all OK. Luckily, no damage had resulted and nothing but a little kitty pride had been hurt.
Sweater now needing a sweater perhaps, with a new home at least is keeping cool in this heat :)
I hope this my last matted cat, but have my
doubts! Also, hoping my last time to get fur in my eye!
Yuck!
Aug
27,
2010 Couldn't - We were asked to pick up five, passed and said we SHOULDN'T. We decided with many dogs expected in soon we really COULDN'T. A no-kill shelter can't push its' limits, as we need space for strays, and these dogs could wait. They had a home. Persons would not harm them, they just WOULDN'T. Two would be OK for today. Next week, could be OK for the others. However, he sat quietly amongst the bushes, surrounded in chaos, and he watched me. I could see his ribs, and the bone on the top of his head. I offered him a treat. Although I really SHOULDN'T, and he gobbled it right up. Gobbled it so fast it was like it may have been his first, or expected it to be his last meal.
The two we had agreed to gather were easily spotted. They came for treats and ate them quickly as well and they offered us no trouble. My eyes, however, were on him, that little pup I just COULDN'T leave. I feared the what if's, what if he COULDN'T get enough to eat, clearly he was starving, what if he COULDN'T be kept and wandered away to be someone else's dinner, and what if he DIDN'T make it until I returned? I promised I would come back very soon. But I COULDN'T walk away. Something made me do it, something I COULDN'T ignore. He can share his cage with his momma (one gathered) besides, and just maybe he can go home soon??
He SHOULDN'T stay long right? Couldn't
is now up for adoption, a 12-14 week old pup. Well socialized, and first vaccines, great with dogs cats and children.
I WOULDN'T want to regret my decision, and have him stay
any longer. If you are looking for a
pup, Please consider him. Aug
26,
2010 Déjà vu - It was 7:35 pm when I headed to Hanover to gather a Husky. At 7:00 pm I had just returned from Hanover with a Husky. Nope time did not go backwards, and nope I did not spend all day in Hanover. Today, there was a running dog in Hanover - day for Huskys? In between there were 11 hours of cleaning, walking, medicating, and 7 surgeries. There were calls returned and the public to deal with too, it was a long day!! So,
as I approached the turn-off with a
Husky in the back for the second time today, I decided that if he were not reclaimed I may just call him
déjà vu? As it felt oddly familiar. So familiar,
in fact, to a tired brain, I began to wonder if I had perhaps
dreamt it the first time? With Hanover
Huskys on the brain tonight I am sure there may be dreams of them this time.
Aug
25,
2010 Psssst - Want to Buy a Pup???? - It was as she suspected. Her worst fear as we told her we did not have her pup came true. She feared someone had taken her, in the hopes of keeping her as there own, despite being well ID'd, and well cared for; someone had thought she needed a new home. The story as I heard it second hand was this: Moving very quickly, this pup's owner wasted no time at all, and began asking persons nearby if they had seen the dognapper. This woman is a great detective! Thankfully, in a small town people know people and people watch people, this is one of those occasions that this came in very handy. The owner spoke with someone ... who knew someone ... who knew where this pup had gone and knew where to find her. Taking matters into her own hands (which I don't recommend) the owner walked right up to the door and found her dog inside. The spouse confirmed they had acquired a new dog. Luckily, threats of the police were enough to have them hand the dog back. If this is as I have heard it, I must say I am filled with two very strong emotions, one of sheer pride for the owner of this dog, as they clearly put themselves on the line to retrieve the pup, and two she did not quit and worked very hard to find her. I am in disgust at the dognapper and sadness that such a person still exists in this day and age. I
hope deep down I heard the story all
wrong, however, as I have been
disappointed in the human race many
times before I fear it may be right.
I'm happy
that it has a happy ending in any
case! Aug
23,
2010 Lost/Found Pup? - There was sheer disappointment in her eyes when she heard we did not have her pup. This was not typical as normally when the dog catcher has a beloved pet there is cursing. She is a five month old Rottweiler pup who slipped out the back door at the Deals Surplus Store and ran to Blockbuster (west side of Owen Sound). A woman found the pup and said she would take care of it to passersby and drove off with the pup. She (owner) assumed this woman was me, or perhaps someone connected to me. We are animal control for Georgian bluffs and I can only imagine her disappointment when by 1 pm, three hours later we had heard nothing. Fortunately Keisha was tagged. And I wait to hear, as I am sure she is, I pray the finder is doing the right thing and not keeping her. I hope as I type this, she has found her way home. In
case this has not happened, please
keep your eyes peeled for a mid-size
young Rottweiler pup in your
neighbourhood and call so I may
connect you. All parts crossed for
them to be reunited too. Aug
19,
2010 AAA Study: Dogs Cause Driving Distractions - A study from AAA states that driving with a dog loose in the car is as dangerous as using your cell phone, screaming children or playing loud music. Check out the article on Fox News. Some distracted drivers tend to feed, play and pet while driving which can lead to accidents. AAA also reported that while driving 50 miles an hour with a loose 10 pound dog in car can have the impact of 500 pounds when in an accident. This can endanger the driver and any passengers in the car. It
is recommended that you restrain
your dog in a doggy seat belt,
harness or in a crate while
transporting by car to reduce
accidents and keep your pet safe. Aug
17,
2010 Lost and Found - Today, I happened upon an ad in the Wiarton Echo, in the lost and found section. This ad of course caught my attention as it was a missing pet ad, but as I read it I grew intrigued. It read "White elderly duck, answers to the name Pete, missing or kidnapped, from the Wiarton area. If found please call me or call Crime Stoppers..." Initially, I thought it a little humorous, the thought of someone perhaps calling Crime Stoppers about this duck. but upon further thinking, I became quite sad, as a beloved duck had gone missing. This duck clearly was a loved pet. I do remember fondly the pet ducks I had in the past, (Splash and Puddles) and remembered the joy they brought me. With that thought I became concerned for Pete the duck and pretty certain this elderly friend had potentially met his demise. Sure hope that's not the case. My heart was then warmed to the thought that perhaps Pete was a part of the family, and this fella was a very lucky duck (a lost and found ad, and a call to Crime Stoppers leads me to think this true). A lucky duck could be a found duck! I
am now keeping my eyes and ears open
for a Pete, hoping we can
reunite them. Hoping it is not in fact
a duck napping, and rather a duck
who just waddled off. Aug
16,
2010 Bruno Has Found Forever! - It is with great pleasure that I can announce the adoption of Bruno. He came to me as close to death as any dog could be without passing, in the worst condition any dog had ever been to come through my doors has made it out alive and well. Found starved and chewed on by other dogs, and full of infection his story was heartbreaking and every ounce of me wanted to see him well someday in the best of homes. After struggling with him hour by hour, day by day, week by week, he managed to earn a very special place in my heart. His eyes speaking to my soul. I knew it would be hard to find him a home, hard to let him go. I knew his home would have to be extra special. Click here if you haven't read the blog on Bruno...» I promised potential adopters that I would make them my best friend, in fact, I made it part of the criteria. They would have to be in touch with me forever, as it would be the only way I could say goodbye, in knowing that it was not forever. In an ironic twist of fate, I have in fact made his new owner my best friend, this being very easy to do, as she and I are already the best of friends, she my longest friend, that of 20 years. Claire who shared her dogs with me years before I ever had my own, who rescued with kittens me, and orphaned bunnies and who taught me how to train a dog before we had ever graduated from elementary school has welcomed my best dog into her home. This for me the best of news, as I am getting updates all day.
Bruno on the ride home.
Bruno at Tim Hortons.
Bruno reading the newspaper with his new dad.
Bruno getting hugs with his new dad.
and finally Bruno with his new mom. I
have heard about each moment of his
day (thank you Boomer for carrying
him across the bridge he feared,
sorry he is fat now lol) I would not
want this any other way. Kisses to
all of you ... HOORAY!! Aug
12,
2010 Dog Owners Charged Over Dispute Dog dispute ends with owners charged Aug
10,
2010 They're Here! - Hooray, the pictures are coming in for the calendar contest! Good luck to those that have entered and hope to see more entries soon. Don't forget to vote and show off your pets - $1.00 a vote - vote for yourself; vote for your friends! All proceeds go to the Spay/Neuter, Medical Fund which helps us to continue to spay/neuter and help the animals at the Shelter! Help
us showcase your pets - "You
Make Me Smile"! Seeing your
pets makes us smile too! Aug 9,
2010 We're at it Again! It is time once again, for the 5th 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 "You Make Me Smile" and I want to see your pet's best smile! 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 everyone! Aug 6,
2010 Radio Debut - Bruno had his radio debut today. No immediate takers with my plea and with persons waiting it was time to push a little harder. I recognize he is not as beautiful as the others who have always eaten good food, those that have been groomed often or regularly bathed. His beauty, however, comes from within with the most gentle of souls. I did promise listeners I would be their best friend and added whether they liked it or not lol. I sure hope that does not become a deterrent to his potentials? It warmed my heart to tell his story and to share our success although I must admit it was an emotional few sentences for me too. All parts crossed for his new home soon. Send vibes for that please. Aug 5,
2010 Care Bear Update - He spent months with us, had lots of TLC, had many surgeries to try to fix and repair a hole in his armpit, and in time lost his limb. We called him Care Bear. I selected for him a home I knew would love and care for him. After spending weeks checking on him, and visiting him - the day he left I shed a tear and wished him well. I hoped that his struggle to live brought him the best at life now. There were a few updates in the beginning, which you know I loved, but since then; nothing. In the back of my mind I wondered how he was with his sister Fancy, and how he had fit into his new family. Tempted to call, but fearing bad news, I instead assured myself no news was good news. Finally I received a visit, not from my
Care Bear (as they wouldn't want to upset him) but from his very happy parents. They spoke of his weight gain, and how he enjoyed sharing the bed, and there was a sparkle in her eyes when they thanked me. It was heartwarming. They have promised to send pictures, and I will wait patiently.
I am thrilled the update. This is when I truly love my job. Aug 4,
2010 Break the Cycle - I understand how it happens. You have one dog, a girl, she is not fixed and has pups. Those pups find homes. This happens again, and again. I don't understand; but I try.
This continues for six or seven years. Each year a litter, sometimes two, and with each it gets harder to find them homes [cause there are more homeless than homes in the world]. A left over pup stays with you. The next litter another stays, and before you know it there are more than you can handle. Generations again, all having more babes to add to the pile.
Thank
you for calling me. Thank you for finally seeing the light. It's time to
take them off your deck, out from under the porch, and stop the cycle.
Beautiful babes, they will all find homes thankfully. I hope the same for
their elderly mom :( Luckily, they are
in good hands.
Aug 3,
2010 Blue Picardy Spaniel - On Friday, a call to Hanover had me gathering a stray dog. This dog, a beautiful female, melted my heart with her eyes. She was I assumed was an English Setter mix, reminded me of my first dog, and I prayed she was reclaimed, as my home is very full, and I would be tempted. Those eyes I had not seen in years, and they talked to my soul (anyone who has lost a special dog, and then has an experience like this, knows what I am talking about). Her lack of visible Id was discouraging.
Upon arrival at the shelter, I was immediately impressed to find a microchip. Thrilled to be able to return her home before she was stressed, and before I fell in love with her. Unfortunately, first attempt at tracing the chip failed, and I was redirected to another company. Then it happened again, and another referral. My third attempt told me she was a purebred dog as she was CKC registered. Odd I thought as I had no idea a setter came in blue, as the colour was not what I was use to, however who was I to debate colour. When the CKC failed to return my call on a Friday of the long weekend, and again on the Saturday, and again on the Sunday I was very discouraged. No reports of a missing setter. On Monday, a call from the Hanover Police reported the owner of a Spaniel fitting her description had called. Luckily, we took the chance that it could still be this dog and called them back. I have learned there are breeds I
don't know and am pleased I called them despite this, as Isabelle, was in fact,
a spaniel. This spaniel a Blue Picardy
Spaniel. Upon doing research it seems these dogs are of setter heritage, luckily for me, as I feel a little less silly about not knowing.
As the owners of this dog update their microchip information, and secure a piece of id we can all trace easily, I am updating my file of breeds in my mind, and adding the Picardy to it. |
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2000-2010 © Owen Sound Animal Shelter. All rights reserved. |
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