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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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.

More Bugs on the Horizon
Well, it looks like the spider is still in that cup. Looks like my thoughts on that were correct, that poor spider! 

However, it also sounds like perhaps he is being fed and perhaps also this is a better fate than what may lay ahead for him [outside in this weather???]. You have to read the article:

Arachnid's arrival causes stir

Posted By SCOTT DUNN, SUN TIMES STAFF Updated 8 hours ago

Was it the deadly funnel-web spider that Karen Elliott suspects crawled from her festive red poinsettia plants just before Christmas?

This 59-year-old Tara woman figured it was after searching the Internet and finding a picture just like the brown and black arachnid she found in her kitchen sink.

It was either a poisonous funnel-web spider native to Australia -- called the most dangerous spider in the world by some -- or a harmless Parson spider, her search found.

On Dec. 23 she placed two poinsettia plants in the kitchen sink in some water to revive them. The next day she saw the spider in the sink and grew curious. She's not a bug squisher on principle, so she scooped it up and put it in a jar.

The edge of her dark suspicion was sharpened by the recollection that sometimes black widow spiders are found nestled in bunches of store-bought grapes. She scoured her house for more spiders like the one in her sink but found none.

"I don't like to look panicky . . . but at the same time if it is a venomous one and the Parsons is a wrong ID, that's a little unsettling," Elliott said in an interview Monday.

"I notice them. You've got daddy longlegs, you've got little house spiders, you've got the little brick spiders and the little brown and white jumpers . . . I pretty well know most of my local spiders," she said. Normally she puts them in her garden.

But it turned out her spider isn't a killer after all.

Tom Mason, a widely respected spider expert who works at Toronto Zoo, concluded Monday upon seeing an e-mailed photograph of Elliott's spider that it is a common ground spider, the harmless Parson spider, quite unlike the deadly funnel-web spider.

There are more than 40 types of funnel- web spiders and the few deadly ones, such as the Sydney funnel-web spider, come solely from Australia. The stout, hairless creature is about the size of the first joint of a thumb.

"Some people say they're the most dangerous spider in the world," Mason said. They're all named for the web they spin, which includes a funnel-shaped place where the spiders hide.

Elliott bought the poinsettia plants at Wal-Mart in Owen Sound shortly before Christmas. Wal-Mart spokeswoman Felicia Fefer checked and found out the poinsettias are all Ontario- grown.

Elliott said she would put the spider outside, under the protection of shrubs, if it turned out to be harmless.

This isn't Elliott's first crack at entomological sleuthing. Once when Elliott found a bug she couldn't identify in the bedroom of one of her kids, she took it up to Owen Sound hospital. Someone there found the answer in a book, she said. It turned out to be a wasp larvae.

Elliott has had fun with a spider before, once bragging to her husband that she'd trained it.

She got in the habit of tossing flies she'd swatted into this spider's web, high in a bathroom corner.

"Well it got so that when I went in the bathroom, he'd come down the web towards me and wait for me to throw him a fly." 

Taken from: http://tinyurl.com/7nuoby

Seems the spider is everyone's news these days. Wonder if the paper got a call on Christmas too? [lol]

Happy Birthday and thank you Abby for 
asking for donations 
to the Shelter for your birthday!

Clatter on the Roof?
It was not the clatter on the roof top, nor was it the commotion at the chimney that woke me Christmas morning. I expected it to be my children's laughter, or the dogs letting me know it was time to go outside. Mostly, I thought, it would be something Christmas-ish and I was sure not expecting it to be the pager. Not at 7:00 am on Christmas morning! 

I did think, perhaps, it may be a Christmas joke, you never know. Santa lost his reindeer? Stray deer found? I did not expect the call, nor did I expect it to be what it was. "I have found a strange spider in my sink and I was up to baste the turkey, and I found it, and have captured it under a glass. I googled it, and it is an Australian Funnel Spider and it is very poisonous and I need someone to come and get it!"

 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasian_funnel-web_spider

We were uncertain as to where to direct her. Her thoughts "Perhaps it came in on the poinsettias?" We gave her the number for the MNR. I have wondered since, however, does that spider still sit under the glass, did anyone answer the phone? Is he still under there, that spider from who knows where, all trapped under that glass with no food or water?

Potentially, he sure had one crummy Christmas [ho ho ho].

I crocheted Petey's hat, 
but he didn't want to set still ~ Joyce

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas 
At The Animal Shelter...>
or
Twas The Night Before Christmas...>

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of you! Your support is always appreciated. Without you we could not do what we do, and because of you we can.

I promise that tomorrow morning each and everyone will be given Christmas goodies, and some great cuddle time. I personally will be dishing out loads of love!

Enjoy all that comes to each and every one to you! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Email just arrived from newly adopted Cova:

My message is simply that I had no idea how fulfilling it would be to see Cova in a real home. I admit I was skeptical when I found out how old he was, but then I thought to myself that it was almost selfish of me to turn my back because he may or may not live for several more years. He needs someone for right now and I am glad that we found each other. It warms my heart as I watch him fall asleep feeling the beat of my heart or with his little paw on top of my hand (making sure that I am not going anywhere). Thanks for all that you do Renee- Love Hayley and Cova

Run Baby Run
It's 10:45 pm and I'm just in! As if the Christmas rush doesn't keep me hopping, tonight we chased a dog in a blizzard in the dark. 

This poor hound has been running for weeks in Southampton and finally tonight has been captured. She is now warm and dry, and will have food in her belly. Thanks to those who helped and assisted us in her capture! Anyone missing a tricolour Walker Hound female who may have been missing for over three weeks now? She has been on my mind since the calls started coming in - that awful weather we have had - she was sleeping in it! Thankfully her ordeal is over!

On another note, today it was made official and I have been singing all day! No, not Christmas carols, but I have been humming "Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more!" Tomorrow Jack in the box goes home! Yes, it is OK to adopt at Christmas, if you live in London, and only come to town at Christmas, AND if you have adopted before and have committed to this boy many weeks ago. 

Having this home lined up for him sure made us work hard with a goal in mind, and I think made him fight harder too? It will be happy tails for him soon, as tomorrow they are united and the paperwork makes it all official today! My Christmas gift arrived in a box, but tomorrow goes home in arms of love! I will miss you my boy ... xo

Back by Popular Demand:

Cat treats - homemade and delicious. 
Only $2.00/each while supplies last.

Dog treats - homemade and delicious. 
Only $2.00/each while supplies last.

A Little Christmas Magic
I must admit my day started off as a bummer. Although, it was surgery day again, and I love that day, it also started with "I have a stray cat in Lionshead, and no one will take it, someone will, but will kill it. I am allergic, help me!" Followed by "I have a cat I found in the snow bank!" Followed by the surrender of the most beautiful puppy, Lola who "was a gift that was not wanted". Then came the call from Durham, "...two dogs here that we can't hold until Christmas - can you take them today?" 

I was feeling rather disappointed in mankind and was sure not feeling Christmas'ish. However, the day got so much better. We had the best of adoptions today. 

Cova an 11 year old neutered male, who was looked over and looked past for months - who nearly starved himself and got very ill and recovered only to remain behind bars. Today, this sweet boy found a forever home with a great shelter supporter who, like me, hated the idea of this old man being homeless for Christmas. 

Miley the ferret went home to a great Ferret lover, who had one many years past, and left with Miley in her sweater all tucked up tight. 

Tim Bit [DOA] the cat who was dead when placed in my hands, revived, saved, adopted, returned, and then waited until her perfect home came. That day was today as blind Dakota's mom adopted her!

To make things almost perfect, came the adoption of Himi Half Nut [yes you read that right]. This boy was with me since Halloween, but did not make the blog, as I was pretty certain he would not make it out alive. When he was "found" Himi was missing, well, half a nut. Someone attempted to neuter him by themselves and did not complete it. The infection was horrid, his weakened immune system made him getting better very hard. This boy became deathly ill very very fast. It took over 11 weeks to get him well and neuter [properly]. He had someone praying for him and waiting. Finally, today, after the Doc's OK Himi went home too! 

At 6:55 pm my day was complete with the adoption of the little unwanted puppy. The mother of Jelly Bean was looking for a small companion and I knew who to call. I was choking back tears as she informed me I had made a very sad time very much better, as this will be her first Christmas without her husband. 

Turns out it was the season of goodness after all, and the stray cat and those dogs from Durham are now safe under my roof too!

Garth
Today, I had an awesome surprise [may not be as exciting for you]. This was before the blog, before the web page, before the Mix, and before Rogers. It was even before digital camera, and more the days of the old camera, film, and pictures posted on bristol board. Boy we have come a long way! I had a visit today from an old friend I knew as Garth.

Garth was picked up as a stray nearly 10 years ago, a wiggling bundle of young dog, who was never reclaimed. I named him Garth [Brookes] after the song playing on the radio that he and I shared on the way to the shelter in my crummy old van. Today, 10 years later, he paid me a visit. 

It brought tears to my eyes to see him so well, so many years later. His eyes now a little cloudy, and his waist line less defined. His graying muzzle showed the time that had passed from his days of being with me. He, was still with his mom, and still only a few steps from her side and he is still loved and still very well. 

I never forgot my friend and it felt like a journey back in time, to look into his eyes. I remembered those days and reflected on the journey I have had since then. My, how time flies when your having fun?!? With nearly a decade of lives saved, this boy was one of my firsts, now nearing his 11th birthday. 

Thank you for the visit my friend, it brought back many memories.

Jamma
Yesterday marked a new beginning for a friend I owed a great deal too. Another surgery day, another pile successfully done [gosh I love that] and a second chance a little closer for another seven. 

I promised my friend to spay her and promised her a forever home, where she would be loved, and never have to have babes again - but she had to do me a favour. Yesterday, was the spay day for "Jamma" Jamma who we also call Jack's mom or J'mamma or Jamma. Pronounced like Jam-ma, like gramma? 

Affectionately, Ms. Jamma did her job, after feeding her own babes and she fed one more [although not so lovingly at first he grew on her] saved his life, and is now ready to start her own. 

Jamma has a potential lined up for her [actually she did with her first babes and I had to ask her to wait until however long that might be] and now it is 'however long'. She was spayed and has recouped and ready. 

A happy ending is owed to her as she helped make one happen. Hoping that happy ending is tomorrow and her new beginning.

Three Strikes and You're Out
The conversation went like this ... 

She said "I am here to adopt a puppy". "What were you looking for", I said. She said "... it does not matter, just a puppy" [strike one]. I said "what size were you thinking, what age, male or female?" She said "can I just look at the dogs?" [strike two]. 

I then said [as you have all heard me say] "dogs are straight through those two doors, please keep your hands out of the cages". And off she goes! She comes out with a big smile on her face and said, "I will take one of those little ones". "Sorry", I said "those pups are only a few weeks old and are not ready yet" followed by "I really have no puppies available, can I take your name and number?" [I wanted to know who she was for future reference]. She said "I want one of those pups, I will come back on Christmas, it is a gift for my son". At this point, I said, "sorry, they won't be ready until after Christmas, they are still not weaned". Here is where this gets really funny. She said "do I get a deal if I take one not weaned? I promised my son, I don't care if it's weaned". [Ooooo! ... How much I wanted to say how would that work out, you calling me Christmas day with a starving puppy?], but instead said "sorry you won't be adopting a puppy Christmas day or any day at this facility" [strike three!]

Hillcrest School
It was a first for me, today. Once before some older men sang to me on Valentines Day just before a presentation, [awkward, but wonderful], but, today, the children danced for me! A gathering of children from Hillcrest School prepared a Christmas Wiggle, and man it sure was a great way to start off the presentation. 

They were so excited, and so pleased with themselves, I think it may have burned off some of that great energy !Way to go ladies, and two gents :) 

I was, again, impressed with your abilities, and when the time came to see how well you did with the penny gathering I was blown away! And blankets, treats, and a special bed for my friend Cova, cookies, toys, food and cleaning supplies. You left nothing out! As for the pennies - over $600.00 dollars worth were gathered!

I especially enjoyed the words you wrote for me. It made me smile to know that you understood exactly what it means to be me.

You think you might be "ticked" if someone dumped a cat on your door too ... yes, you would be lol. I am pleased you empathized, and were so compassionate. I can't wait to have you volunteer! 

My thanks to each and every one of you!

Tigger Update
Many of you have asked about her, and well, here it is - Tig is doing fine.

I have waited for updates, and perhaps bothered them a little too much [more like a mother hen!!!]. I'm happy to share this update with you ... Yah!

Tig is living with dogs, cats, lizards and compassionate animal lovers, who dedicate everything to her - she is part of their family. She spends her nights in a warm bed, and sometimes goes to work with her mom during her days. She is being spoiled, and is loving it! I have been worried for weeks and am breathing a little better [I have discovered I am horrible at waiting for updates]. 

Thank you, again, to all involved - special thanks to Renee L. Sharon, and the Dangerfudges.

Snow Update
I must admit, that a year ago I did not think I would ever celebrate this day. I did not think that a year later, on this day last year, I would ever be happy that a cat coming to me after being tossed in a snow bank would have me enjoy this day again. 

Snow, as she was called, was delivered in a carrying cage to the road beside the shelter. Just out of the cameras reach she sat for an undetermined amount of time, in the cold with only a small blanket. 

Read more by clicking the picture (Dec/07)

I spotted the cage out of the corner of my eye, and quickly retrieved it. Moments later a snowplow traveled that very spot where the cage had been placed. 

Snow had no ID, no history and had to spend weeks with me, perhaps even a couple of months. When it was discovered she had been vetted and spayed she did move out a short while after. I remember the frustration I had knowing her time with me would have been shorter had the 'droppers' just carried her a few feet closer to my door! 

Today, I received a happy tail and a happy anniversary message. Life for this girl is so very swell. She is loved, cherished and her days of being thrown out like trash are so done. 

I celebrate now, that she has now a second chance in a home she is a treasure. 

I admire the photos of her wearing a Santa hat with her friend! Happy Anniversary girl ... way to go! It sure was worth it in the end, thank goodness!

Flipper
They came looking for a kitten, mom and little girl, and they looked at a few. They were undecided, and nearly came back to look at others another day. We encouraged them to look at a few others, other young and fixed, as well. You just never know. 

We discussed, for quite some time, the history and tales of various homeless kitties searching for a home. On a whim we pulled out Flipper, and I watched their eyes light up. The little girl reached for her, and pulled her to her chest, and little Flip buried her head in her chest. I couldn't have planned it better. 

She walked with her, and Flipper sat so still, she kissed her and Flip took it all in. Mom's eyes lit up, and told me she wanted someone who needed her, and she loved that Flipper sure did. I explained a black cat is hard to place, and one with a special quality was unfortunately harder. She explained how sometimes the special ones, are extra special to those that love them, and my heart melted. It is after all how I have always felt, sometimes the disadvantages work out as advantages when looking for someone who loves them [Ivory sure scored a good one]. If they love them despite what makes them different they are more likely to love them despite all those little quirks that sometimes appear. 

That little girl did not notice her differences, and thankfully her mom celebrated them. When the papers were signed and we discussed any long term care, those words were spoken that were music to my ears "my partner will also love her, as he is a Vet". Compassionate animal lovers, who clearly were showing their little girl all those right things. Yippee for my Flipper! Good luck girl, I will never forget you.

Zena
Today we made a bloody mess!! All joking aside, we sure did, and it was all because of my friend Zena. 

Zena a Shepherd Boxer who was surrendered a short while ago, spent some time on my front page displaying her huge tumor. 

If anyone needs another reason to have your dog spayed, here's a big one - mammary tumors. The increase in hormones sometimes creates tumors, sometimes, like 80 percent of the time. In Zena's case these were big ones. So big, she looked like she had nursed pups although she had never had any. Big and life threatening - the Vet claimed these tumors would likely kill her, and they needed to go urgently. It is possible this is part of the reason she was surrendered, and was the reason I nearly could not adopt her out. Who would take a dog in this state. 

The surgery was a big one, and she was a big bleeder, hence the mess, and was very risky, a dog of her age, with so much coming off ... [Oh my!] It was a position I would have rather not been placed in ... to not be able to adopt her with them, to put her at risk to remove them, and to have her die without taking them. 

Success so far, as she is sleeping well, and is now a whole lot lighter. She will be in my thoughts as she mends as I will keep my fingers crossed that she makes it through with no infection. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers. 

On another note, THE CALENDARS CAME IN TODAY!!! And, of course they are fabulous (Steve you do awesome work).

Get them now! If you're a sponsor in it, you get yours free and for everyone else they are $10.00/each. All proceeds to the spay/neuter medical fund to help Zena and others like her, who need a second chance. Pets Alive, to keep pets alive!

Ivory and Biscuit Update
Finally, I can breathe a little better. AHHHH deep breath! Today, an update from Ivory came, and it was fantastic! I trusted them, I had faith in my choice of home for her, however, I worried. Perhaps I just needed to "see" that my blind and deaf friend was all OK. 

Today, there were pics! There were tears in my eyes as I read the update, and I think by the time I scrolled to the last photo I was sobbing. Thank goodness it is all working out for her, and my friend is happy, being loved, and has adjusted. It was all I had hoped for. She has become now part of her family, and will remain now as part of the family forever. 

Another relief for me was the surrender of Biscuit and her puppies. I have spent a little over a week now worrying about a young momma, I knew had new pups, outside in this cold weather. 

Today, they came to me. Biscuit's last litter came to me too, they swore it would be her last ... blah! I am relieved in knowing now it will be her last. 

She is terribly thin, giving her all to keep nine pups alive, [one less than there was last week ... darn] but, I know in a short time we will have her well. Looking forward to seeing her happy tail update too!

3 Kittens and Dog
Who rips off the animal shelter? Really, who do they think they are hurting? Me? The City? The only one that suffers are the animals, that's it! It hurts my feelings, but I can get over it. 

The day started with a box of kittens on my doorstep. Yup, in the freezing cold, and less than twelve weeks old, taped shut without even a blanket to keep warm [we know who you are ... you who took advantage and you will hear from me very soon]. Those people who dumped them saved $48.00 - how smart of them? Now, those kittens have no history, no birthday, no names, and a much harder future. They must now be quarantined and placed under observation in the hopes they can go home soon. The money would have been used to feed them and house them until they were adopted! 

The day ended with a dog surrender, and almost was not this way. The owner of the dog had instructed the care taker "take off the collar and tags, call the animal control, and tell them its a stray". They actually put it in writing!

Thankfully she was honest and this dog did not have to run the streets or have to learn a new name. 

And most importantly, she won't have to be quarantined and we can help her find a forever home. History helps Bandit go home.

Visit to Hillcrest School
Hello to my friends at Hillcrest School! I am sure most of you are now following the blogs, at least this one as you promised you would! 

I enjoyed our discussions today, and giving you a virtual tour of the Shelter, introducing you to my friends of past and sharing their stories. 

I was impressed by your good behaviour and your wonderful questions. I hope that with my speaking you learned some valuable lessons, lessons about compassion, and the importance of life; all lives. I hope you learned about responsible pet ownership and the importance of loving a pet for its' entire life. 

I know you were listening when we discussed how you could call me or email me for advice on adopting your next best friends, and I know you are going to consider rescuing from a shelter now!! 

I left my book at your library for you. Don't forget to check it out but prepare for a few tears. Many of those we talked about today like Kisco, Llyle, and Marvin are featured in it. Remember that they all end up OK when you read it!

Good luck with your penny drive and thank you for thinking of the Shelter's four legged friends!

"Popcorn came in for a visit"

IT'S THE BIG 5-0!!
We are celebrating!! With our neuter of Oppi, today, and his friends, Muffy, Argyle, and Mo. We hit 50!! Oppi waws our 50th alteration in our surgical room and I was celebrating. 

Later, I thought perhaps we could have bought a cake or balloons, but we didn't. It was procedure as always with post op recovery. I wondered what I would do to congratulate the team, and thought about offering pets - but, it seems they have already adopted lol. 

When the adoption of DOA happened [Timbit as this little "Dead on Arrival"], I knew I was getting my cake and eating it too! Tim bit.. cake? 

DOA was gasping for his last breathes when he came through our door, and now weeks later he was going home! Celebrating with that piece of goodness. Way to go little friend, Oppi and friends. I am looking forward to celebrating you going home too!

Puppy Mill Bust
After about six calls and three emails today, I figured something was up. Callers seemed to be under the impression we had taken in 100 small breed dogs from a miller that had been closed not far from us.

Unfortunately, the first few people were told a very long drawn out story about Sassy, Cappy and Mickey as these were the dogs that had just come through the Shelter that had been living and breeding in a barn.

I then told them that they had all found homes, and all was well. I also told them to check out the website. SOOOO, this blog is for them?

Sorry guys, I sure must have confused you. No wonder you were sure there should have been more mill dogs and wondered where they went! We are not connected to the SPCA, and when they get calls, although we likely hear about them, we are not kept informed nor do we get the dogs.

From what I can find out, there was a seizure, near Meaford and these dogs are now in Newmarket. Please call the head office at 1-888-ont-spca for details.

If I hear more, I will pass it on, but likely, you will find out faster than I will. :) You can view the clip on CTV.ca.

Mickey Update
I have the best update to share. I was so excited some of you already got an update. lol 

I had a visit from Mickey!! Mickey, the once barn dog, former breeder, who was carried in by his ears through my door, who was afraid and growly for weeks, who was then neutered, and partially shaved, all to go home. I must admit, I did not recognize him when he came through the doors. He approached me tail wagging, bum wiggling, and jumped up to offer kisses! This is the same dog that last week wanted to eat me? He rolled over for belly rubs, and asked for back scratches, this is when I noticed he was partially bald (although it is all growing back quite well). I was stunned, shocked, and dumbfounded. 

The neuter helped, and getting out of the cage helped, however, this lady has put time, and attention and love into this boy and in one week or so, has already had great results with only a few accidents in the house early on, that is a thing of the past. He enjoys car rides, and long walks, and loves to meet strangers! WOW! ... congrats to Mickey's mommy, and kisses to my Mickey. Awesome job to you both!! Love can sure go a long long way!

On another note, speaking of inspiring, you have to check out the website [www.wisdomwords.ca] of my friend a Shelter supporter, who reminds me that there is good to be found! She reminds me to aim high, and to seek out the important things in life. We all can use some of that!

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