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.

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email your comments to:
osas@bmts.com

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.

Cafepress our on-line store All funds go to the Spay/ Neuter Fund.

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

This Blog is All Zena
Zena is the sweetest, most loving and giving dog. She has been with me a while as she underwent a major surgery, had to heal and be observed and finish a course of antibiotics. 

My whole morning revolved around Zena, today, as we dashed to the Mix and then to Rogers - together. I was pleasantly surprised that she could easily jump into the back of the truck and how well she traveled. She sat quietly on my feet at the Station and offered Jamie some delicate kisses. Then on to Rogers and she warmed up to Dave all while entertaining with her many tricks, sit, shake, sit pretty, down, roll and stay. 

In both instances, I spoke of the easy transition when it is a senior dog, how well mannered they tend to be, and how easy an older lady fits into most homes. All the work now done adds to the benefit that our dogs are the best as they get older. 

I was hopeful that as our day went on the phone would ring as surely someone heard, or saw her. Hours passed, and nothing. It was a sad goodnight I offered her as I was closing at 7 pm. I had promised her that this was going to be her day and she would shine and go home. 

Let's hope this blog helps with that, as I did promise her she would get this privilege [blog star] and that this would help her get out from behind bars.

Holly & Uno
You may have noticed a week or so ago that Holly disappeared from the site. Holly a Husky/Border Collie, female, who was found as a stray in Southampton. She did her time and needed rescued. We took her in, adopted her out, she had an encounter with a small dog and came back. 

About a week ago, a strange thing happened, Holly filled up with milk! As we had a tiny crying puppy, who was found as a stray, who upset poor Biscuit, and her milk came in, we wondered if it was perhaps contagious. Holly, not at all large in belly size sure didn't look like she was expecting. However, to be sure we decided to hold her a little while, and we are sure glad now we did. 

Yesterday, came the arrival of one little pup, identical to mom in colour, and also a female! One tiny little pup, no wonder she nearly went unnoticed! I guess she was not spayed? Holly will now be with me until she has weaned that pup and been spayed. 

The pup, has already been named Uno [meaning one - also good for the UH NO which happened when that milk arrived]!

Happy Birthday to Julia Lathum from TraeLynn Graham
A donation has been made in your honour.

Three Cat Limit
It's official! The City of Owen Sound has put in place a limit on the amount of cats per residence. It was mentioned a while ago, as it was suggested this could happen. Many public meetings have been held, and after careful deliberations, it was decided, 3 licensed cats is all you may have. 

If you are someone who has more than three cats, and reside in Owen Sound, it is essential that you get your cats tagged as soon as possible. Licensed cats will be grandfathered, and permitted to stay. However, if they are not, you will be in violation of the by-law and charges may be laid. 

Please don't make me the cranky enforcer 
who has to use her angry voice,
Please just get them registered!

Last Friday, we had two cats surrendered by their owner. These two made five cats in the home. Knowing that potentially she would be above the limit she opted to surrender them to me. I need to tell you, a tag is cheaper!! Please don't use this option!! I am sure hoping others won't follow her, and instead people will do the right thing, as a responsible pet owner should. It is unfortunate, however, that often, we deal with those less responsible!

Here's hoping for the best for you, me and the cats!

Our Valentine's Fundraising has begun! For a $10.00 dollar donation, you can sponsor a homeless animal who has no one to be their valentine, the proceeds will help keep them well, or go to the spay/neuter fund. This donation can be made via Paypal [on the left], at the Shelter, or you can email me for directions to mail a cheque. Please make sure you attach the message "for valentines sponsorship". Please specify if this is in honour of someone or in memory. Letters can be provided if this is a gift for a person loved one, or can be emailed too. 

We also have great treat bag valentines for your four legged friend. These are available at the Shelter for $2.00/each. Every penny helps and is appreciated. Your donations will help save lives and ensure more help and love for all.

I have personally contributed as a Valentine's treat for Todd. Roy, after having shared the couch with him, can be his special valentine. 

There can be shared sponsors, so it is not as though the Mr. Poodle can't share, the more love the better!

Fix'n Day
The Shelter smells of surgical scrub and the sink is full of surgical tools. The washing machine is full of drapes and wraps, and bloody scrubs. It was another successful day of surgery, and although we will be cleaning lots tomorrow we have another four neutered male cats, another four spayed female cats, and for the first time a neutered bunny.

Following our long dog surgeries last week, the cats were made a priority this surgery day, and we sure got them caught up today! As there have been six cat surrenders this week, and only one fixed cat available it sure was time to keep them moving, and I hope the week is full of their great adoptions. Soon all the newly fixed cats, if they are healing well, will be posted on the site. I can't wait to post them! 

The day ended with a surgery of sorts, with a tick removal from a found stray. The first I have ever seen done in January. Who knew there were still ticks alive and moving this time of year?? 

This fella I will call Tix, will sure be feeling better after his removal of sorts, as his repair was minor in comparison and will provide him with immediate relief. Likely in a few weeks his next removal will be a little more tricky, but I will be pleased with that day too. 

Mr. Poodle is doing well and continues to be feeling great. So far so good. Keep those prayers coming.

Roy
Roy, the poodle, lives another day. He is well. He is braced again, and comfortable, eating and is OK. Another day down, and we are taking one day at a time.

Roy thanks you for your words of support, I am sure, as I am telling him from all of you. I thank you for your encouragement as well, as you can imagine, it is difficult for all of us.

Last night Roy and Todd slept together on the couch. I laughed as this morning I discovered my little poodle friend had most of it, and Todd was nearly on the floor.

It was a laugh as I thought this boy is not only loving the life he is living right now, but making the best of it - to its' fullest. Whole couch kind of fullest. lol

It will be weeks before we will know what the outcome will be, and I promise to blog about Roy until then. 

I do know you all wonder and pray right now! Please keep it up - all those good vibes are working for Roy [Mr. Poodle].

Mr. Poodle
Three steps forward and three steps back. This is the world I live in right now. My poor old boy has been set back again, with the falling off of his mouth support. He is eating, and thankfully sedate, but we are facing challenges again. I can't help but feel discouraged, and worried for his little being, as the last thing I want to do is cause any unnecessary discomfort or pain. If death is the only outcome, I hate to prolong it only to make his life worse. 

He is home with me again, and I have been holding him in my arms now a few hours. Thinking, and wishing, and hoping, and thinking. I wish that somehow the people who have done this to him could be sitting here in my place. I wish they could have seen the damage they had done, and could be faced with the struggle and decisions I am faced with. However, still thinking I suppose it would not affect them as clearly as they did not love him. 

I will continue to offer him all the care he needs, and all the love I have to offer. I pray for a better day tomorrow!

Licensed Kennels
There is reason to celebrate! First the poodle, my little man, is doing so much better. As I type this he is eating his supper, all is going in, and soon all will be going out. He is running and playing and has skip in his step. He loves belly rubs and asks for them often. He is still braced, and still has a mountain to climb, however, I have found hope. His will to be well is strong, and for that I am thankful. 

On a similar note, I have succeeded!! With the help of a friend his township has enacted a new law. A law which will give them power to inspect 'kennels' and request vet records, request numbers of animals in and out, and to ask for documents of their sale, etc.; and kennels will be subject to three random unannounced inspections per year. I am so thrilled. AND, if you're not a licensed kennel, you cannot keep dogs. How great is that! They took it one step further, as animal control is killing dogs after three days, and soon that too will be a thing of the past. In a few weeks time, they will all come to the Shelter :)

Kudos to the Township for taking these great steps. Animal care is their priority, and they will be on top from now on.

Pup on the Mend
It was described to me as a rotten piece of wood with old rusty nails inside. You remove the nails and hope for the best; but the wood was not strong. My friend the poodle owns the wood - it is his mouth and the nails have been removed. Unfortunately, what has been left is unstable. 

We offered him breakfast this morning and a drink of water, and he turned his face up at it. When I tried to encourage him I realized the problem - his jaw was not strong or able. He was under anesthetic, again, not long after with strings and wires put in place. My poor friend has been through so very much. The dilemma we now face is his age. A young dog would quickly mend, or even a cat for that matter. But this small poodle has a tough road to climb in order to mend. 

Please put Mr. Poodle [Roy] in your prayers and keep your fingers crossed that his jaw can become strong and well enough that he can function. He is relatively pain free, happy, and content [we have him well drugged as you know what a tooth ache is like - just think what a whole mouth full of tooth ache is like]. 

Tonight, he has eaten a meal and his appetite has returned. I hope that is a sign of good things to come. If love can save him, we will get him through this. He needs to fight to be well; I sure hope he has it in him!

Roy Update
As I type this, I sit with the old poodle on my lap. He is resting quietly in my home, with his chin gently placed on my knee. He is dripping blood and pus and fluids all down my leg [yup I do this job for the glory]. I'm getting covered in yuck and yet pleased that Roy is doing good. 

It was a full surgery day, today. So full that I had no cats done, so many dogs needed such TLC. Mr. poodle [Roy], took over 2½ hours to clean up his mouth! He, now, has 4 teeth and the rest needed extraction. 

He is swollen and sore and on pain meds. He needs careful observation tonight as all that rot passes through him. We need everyone to keep him in their thoughts. 

As I watched them remove those teeth, my heart was breaking, he must have been in such pain with the infection way up in his sinuses. 

I pray now he lives through this to know love, joy, and all that comes with being a loved little dog. He still has a fight ahead to make it out of this alive. I am confident he will make it. 

I am peering down at him now and he peers back; tail wagging.

"Popcorn came in for a visit"

Cold Weather and Animals
I was asked to Daytime TV today to discuss cold weather and pets. It is a conversation and discussion I have had over and over and was feeling less excited about giving.

Some days you feel less like preaching and begin to feel like it's just not getting out there. The reality is, do you not know it's cold? Do you not know it's too cold for your pets too? Year after year I blog about keeping your pets warm, and when the temperature dips, in come the animals frostbitten, injured, or the cats which turn up missing as they have disappeared in search of something warm. 

Today, there were two cats in, beat up and injured and so very cold. One little kitten near froze. I have seen limbs fall off, and ear tips fall off, and well, there was Kisco my friend who froze to the hood of the car. I preach it, and still nothing. 

On my way to the station I passed a residence with a dog who was new to me. A young pup sat curled up in a snow bank, and was shivering to stay warm. There was no food I could see, and only a thin dog house for shelter. I was cold in my truck with the heat on full, and my heart broke when I saw him. I mentioned him today on the show, and then I made my phone calls. 

Tonight the young pup is in my blog to remind me why I don't give up telling everyone about the extreme temperatures, if not for them directly, but for those, who like me, will think now about him and the others they may see. 

Please call if you're concerned, perhaps if enough of us speak up someday they will listen.

Sports Illustrated
This is a very good read and worth reading. I had to share.

http://tinyurl.com/a7lypx

Every soul deserves a second chance, and this is a great story of chances given and success found.

I think often as I read it, of the faces I too have seen and the struggles they have overcome. I celebrate with the rescuers who I am certain are very proud.

If you haven't seen where some of the other Vick dogs have gone, it would be worth it to check out Best Friends Animal Society

Puppy Mill Dogs
You can say that very delicately, I have tip toed in the back door. Imagine me peeking in, and offering a whisper? I have crept in, to that place that breeds dogs for profit, and keeps as many as 250 of them, all various breeds of dogs, in all sorts of conditions. I must speak as delicately on it, as these walls have ears (and eyes) and must simply say, I am glad I have connections, (you know who you are ;) who care, and who have agreed to help those poor souls they can gather to me. 

One such who's name I am not sure I can mention is an elderly male poodle. 

He, having been used for all he could create, is the leftovers now waiting a chance at life [and not death from the miller]. I am guessing he is 10 years old. I am guessing he has had ten years in a tiny enclosure, with no one-on-one time, and no family to call his own. His nails are over grown, his hind end covered in feces, even now days later, as the garbage pours out of him. 

His rotten mouth reeks of infection, and likely all teeth need pulled. I am uncertain as to how long it takes to rot teeth so bad, but I am pretty certain that eating food soaked in bleach might do that (yes you read that right). 

His extended belly is very suspicious, as it is not from being well fed it is enlarged, our concerns are heart failure or Cushing's Disease. 

His eyes are not the clearest, but they sparkle when I talk to him. He leaps into my arms, and offers me stub wags. Although he cowers under my hand initially he rolls for belly rubs!

Please keep this boy in your prayers, as I plan to help him through to a new home. The odds are not the best for him, but my team is on it. He is now on antibiotics to help with the infection in the hopes the dentistry does not kill him. His neuter and teeth removal is planned for Monday.

Renee's recent interview with the Sun Times and here is the article...

Fixed cats find homes fast
New shelter operating room believed to be behind adoption surge
Posted By DENIS LANGLOIS, SUN TIMES STAFF 
Posted 3 hours ago

The Owen Sound animal shelter is experiencing a surge in cat adoptions and director Renee Robins credits the facility's new in-house surgical room.

The operating room, which allows a veterinarian to spay and neuter dogs and cats at the shelter, opened in October.

Ninety-four cats have been adopted since the operating room opened, compared to 76 between Oct. 1 and Jan. 13, 2007. It represents a roughly 20 per cent increase.

"If you look at the numbers, the only thing we've changed is the surgical room, so I have to assume yes" it is the reason for the increase, Robins said in an interview. "It's fabulous."

About 70 cats have been fixed in the operating room, she said.

The rate of dog adoptions remains consistent, she said.

The surgical room, financed through donations and fundraisers, was built to save the no-kill shelter money, administrative time and transportation costs.

In the past, animals were taken to a veterinary clinic in Durham to be fixed. The high cost meant the shelter could only pay for four or five operations per month.

Up to seven animals can now be fixed at the shelter on each operating day.

Robins has said it is much easier to find homes for fixed pets.

Flipper Update
The update is in ... Flipper is fantastic! Here's the email:

Hi Renee & group,

Please, let everyone know with a blog that she has settled in, is purring & seems to be quite happy here with me.

 

She is so playful (I quite enjoy watching her play with her toys - there's still a fair bit of kitten in her) between naps, inquisitive (looks at/checks out everything), observant (her hearing is excellent - she notices every sound without showing stress & vision is perfect noticing everything - think she's watching the TV too when on the couch), intelligent & showing positive initial mutual companionship. She is doing her own thing certainly but does come to where I am to stand by my feet/rub up against my leg, looks 'til she finds me & will jump up on the chair then gets cozy beside me for a while. The favourite napping spot already/for sure is the couch up against the pillows.

 

Saturday morning I left her to go to the gym for an hour - wondered if she'd notice/be upset then find "whatever" when I got home. No big deal - she must of just went upstairs & napped on the spare bed. When I came in the door, she came flying down the stairs - meowed & just carried on. I hope this is good indication that when I'm away working at the hospital & as a nurse working shift work that she will be unconcerned & safe to be on her own.

 

Her physical disability is so not debilitating! It is quite amazing. She uses her deformed lower leg for play & really does move (walking, running & jumping) around well! She only looks handicapped. She now lets me touch & stroke her funny paw. She licked my hand this evening when petting her. I may not know much about cats yet, but already in just two days I can see that like dogs - provide food, drink, warm shelter, some attention & they are responsive showing contentment & companionship.

 

I intend to keep her indoors but just in case she slips out, she has a collar (which at first she did NOT like) & soon that collar will have her ID tag. I'm not planning on showing her how to use my dog door but in better weather if she really wants to be outside I will be with her. I still do intend to have another dog in a year or so & I'm pretty sure already that she will be accepting of that. And when that time comes, I want that dog to be accepting of her.

 

This is going to be good for me too - feeling like I wanted another pet - because of my work/shift work & being single I could not in good conscience take on a puppy right now. I know I am already enjoying having a roommate again who just by instinctual nature does not require fairly constant attention. I am so glad I heard the Mix Zoo on Dec 5 to first hear about Flipper & then again last Friday to hear she was again available. I am so glad that now she is mine.

 

I will get some pictures & for sure will send them to you. And thank you all for your care of having/keeping her until I could find her. Marylou

I love that she celebrates her differences as I did, and is inspired, and touched by how well she is. I can read the love between the lines, and am so thrilled. My girl is having so much fun, loving life, and I love it.

JONAS HAS BEEN FOUND!!!!! 

Thank you everyone who helped with the search!
A donation has been made in honour of Jonas ~ Montanna

JONAS WAS FOUND!
Saturday night I walked for hours. Many of you showed up to help in the search, and I am so very grateful. Some of you came from as far away as Kitchener, and some from across the street. Everyone of you did your part to help, bang on doors and search. 

Although our search turned up nothing, not a paw print, not a pee spot - nothing, except a duck. lol This did increase awareness and it gave his mom hope and provided her with support that I knew she needed. During the search, a very nice lady advised me to call the animal shelter - that provided a laugh. 

Saturday night, exhausted and disappointed, I nearly gave up. Although my gut told me he was still running and still near the elevators (Will, for example, ran the same block, as well as Belle) there was a chance someone gathered him up or he had run home. It was as I imagined it would be to find a needle in a haystack. There were people who thought we were wasting our time, and thought the search was nothing more than torture and false hopes. 

Today, it was all worth while as Jonas is home! A call from a Sailor came in early this morning, he had been spotted, and he knew that we were looking (yay for getting the word out). His people came for him, and he was gathered up, from under that tree, a little lighter, a little dehydrate, and with frostbite on his lips, but he was all OK! 

I am so pleased to tell everyone, Jonas is home! 

Thank you everyone for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers, those good vibes kept him well for 10 days in the frigid cold and snow. Who says pugs are not animals inside?

SEARCH TOMORROW EVENING - Jonas
Gosh, I was so excited. So excited I almost threw up! 

The call came in 'stray dog found" across from Kelso Beach, at 6:30 pm. This was a black and white dog, however, it was dark. I flew across town so very quickly, certain it was poor Jonas finally found. This the last location he was spotted or just about, and the time of night I expected to see him. I nearly called his momma, but decided instead to wait. It was a good thing I did. When I pulled up to the residence there, in front of me, was a very large lab mix definitely black with white and definitely not a pug and not Jonas. I was heartbroken. Pleased to have this dog safe with me, and btw, if anyone is looking, I may have your dog. The entire time I drove I was crossing all parts, praying, and then growing quite pleased. The entire drive back, I must admit I was dealing with my disappointment. Where are you little man?

Tomorrow, Saturday Jan 10, 2009 at 6:00 pm, we will search, a formal/informal search. Many of you have helped, and have offered to continue - thank you. Tomorrow we will meet at 6:00 pm at the entrance to the grain elevators on the West Side, it's off 1st Avenue West, on the water. 1500-1600 block just past the West Side boat launch. 

The last location he was seen. I hope to nicely bang on doors with photos and hope that maybe someone has seen him. OR, maybe he is inside somewhere [I hope] and/or maybe someone knows someone who acquired a pug recently. OR maybe we can turn him up in a shed? Here's hoping. 

If you are interested in joining the search please meet us around 6:00 pm. We could use as many people as possible - see you there!

Jessie
Well, she went, she went to the country, she went with her offspring with room to run and people to love her. I was so thrilled. It was making the return of Flipper less difficult, however, today, at 1 pm she came back. 

My sweet Jesse, my friend who was a stray from Durham, deemed a dead dog, who came to me and delivered a bunch of babes on Thanksgiving. She stayed, we raised them, adopted them out and had her spayed. She was adopted  and came back. Darn! In the home was also a small dog. A small dog who didn't care to share the bed, the stuff, etc. We have heard of this before. The size difference was too great for their comfort, what if she hurt it and sadly they returned Jessie. They were regretful, and truly did care for Jessie and it was out of love for the other dog they chose to bring Jessie back. Although I am disappointed, I would sure hate to have an accident happen and feel responsible. At least she had a night in a loving home, with her pup, and had a break. Thankfully she likes us, and is glad to be back [how sad is that]. 

More unfortunate, still, is that I needed her spot. I have 4 waiting to come in from a puppy mill, who need me to save their lives! And, another two owner surrenders expected [yes, just as sad]. 

If you know anyone looking, or even if you don't tell everyone you know. The Shelter is filling up and if you're considering adopting, this would be a good time for us as well as you.

Jonas is still missing. Anyone interested in joining a search party? This coming Saturday late afternoon ... want to be on the team email me at osas@bmts.com.

Nature Can Be Cruel
Mother nature can be cruel. I have seen mother cats leave their kittens to starve because she feels they are not well (my Rocket is an example). I have seen dogs kill their pups because they feel something is not right. In nature, only the strongest is meant to survive. I have battled mother on many occasions and sometimes I win. Sometimes, however, she continues to show up and remind me, every now and again, that she thinks she knows what is best. 

Flipper, as who you may recall from prior blogs, was my little black kitten friend born with a flipper instead of a foot. Her mom must have loved her and fed her, as she came to me of weaned age, but not before someone having thrown her from a moving vehicle [yes, people are cruel too!]. We loved her, kept her well, spayed her and found her a home where they would love her. But, the cats in the house, not so much! Today, she was returned, but not because the people did not love her, but rather because they did. They have been watching these past weeks the cats in their house chase and attack Flipper, and instead of everyone learning to get along - it has been getting worse. 

It seems they know she is not right, and did not want any part of her. In my home, I have two very "special cats" and one very old. I guess I am lucky my old boy celebrates their differences? 

Flipper is, again, searching for her forever home and to be loved. It was a small child who chose her last time, as many others turned away from her. Here's hoping someone will find compassion, and realize she is a great girl, who functions entirely as the others do - she just looks a little different. 

It doesn't need to be an only cat home, as long as your cats are like mine and are understanding. Otherwise, a home where she is alone away from those meanies. Please consider adopting Flipper - she is truly "the sweetest girl, loves everyone".

AND, Jonas is still missing. No calls, for the second day in a row. I know many of you are searching and sending out messages. Please know that it is appreciated and heart warming. Please don't give up. That little boy needs our help.

Our friends at ANML-RESQ were in Owen Sound today [January 6, 2009] and somebody stole one of the magnet signs from the side of this van - if you see some one other than this white van using them, please let us know the vehicle and license plate number.

Jonas is still Missing
No calls have come today and we are all very worried. Please keep your eyes and ears open and please call if you see him.

Today, we received our first batch of puppies that were to be sold at Christmas [and weren't] and needed to leave their home. It happens every year, sometimes less than other years, but this year for the first time, we received Labs. Three males, [only 2 left], who have been vaccinated and vet inspected. Clearly someone lost money on this. I am reminded to warn everyone that breeding does not always bring profit and not even Labs can be sold just because it's Christmas. I am pleased, however, to have the chance to find them forever homes and now that Christmas has passed these gifts will now be forever and less for the season. 

If you are looking for something specific, please call me - I keep a list and now may be the time you will find what you have been looking for. There are more puppies being surrendered to shelters than ever before. We [shelter people] tend to call this the post-Christmas rush. On the bright side, it may be a better time to adopt, as there is more available to you. 

Please remember pups are a lot of work, and need lots of time, love and socialization to be good dogs. I do not need to see any of them again.

Jonas
If you are one of the people who called today, and did not get through you have my apologies. It seems that while doing seven dog adoptions, three cat adoptions, and taking part in a dog chase we couldn't get to the phone. I called most back, but if you are one who did not get one, I promise you will hear from me tomorrow.

The dog chase:  I need your help.

Jonas is missing. Jonas the beloved dog, of my friend Jamie has been running since Friday. A little pug, who really does not like the cold, is afraid of people, and can't be found.

He was last spotted by the grain elevators, on the west side of Owen Sound and has been there a little while.

We have had three calls and today we made three trips [see couldn't come to the phone]. 

Jamie is just sick, and has many people out searching. If you spot him, don't try to catch him, he will run. Instead call me or page me. I will reach her, we need to get him home - it's too cold for him out there!

Please pass this on to everyone - the more help the better! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR
We did it, another year done! As we reflect on the year that is past, we are feeling quite proud. 2008 proved to be one of our most challenging to date and in many ways the most difficult. There were many unexpected surprises, struggles and battles, but at the end of it all we are smiling. 

This year has also proven to be one of our most successful. Hundreds of lives have been given second chances over 225 dogs/puppies and 274 cats/kittens, Big Igg and some bunnies, guinea pigs, rats and a couple of ferrets were adopted out. Many facing euthanasia were saved because we successfully reached out and helped other shelters, as far away as Ohio and Montreal and as close as Durham. We raised over $30,000.00 dollars through fundraising and we were pleased to open our surgical room. These monies have paid for its creation and continue to pay for its operation. We have successfully completed over 70 surgeries now, more than we ever have in a year before. 

We continue to reach out to the community with our public education seminars and have expanded with the Silence the Rumours Campaign. And, in 2009, I would like see more programs for the community.

I look toward the year ahead and find it hard to make a resolution, as we have accomplished so much. But, I do have a goal for the coming year and that is to see the Shelter get an outdoor cat exercise pen [wouldn't that be great]. I will put that on my long to-do list with fingers crossed.

The Owen Sound Animal Shelter continues to do all in its power to provide comfort, care and shelter for those without a voice and in need of our help. I look forward to continuing to save lives, offering second chances to those who have none, and the best of care to all of those that need us.

It is with my whole heart I thank each and every one of you. Your continued support and encouragement keeps us going.

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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Web site and blog created, updated and maintained by Elaine Watson