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| Blogs
by: Renee Robins, ACO, Owen Sound Animal Shelter |
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------------------- Recent Blog Posts ------------------- Happy New Year! Third is the Charm Ginger; Daisy; Two Left to Die; Holly; Miss Mouse; The Package; Don't Hold Your Breath; Saturday Update; What a Blast; Home Visit; Golden on the Run; Valentine's Food Drive; Council Visit; Cold Weather; A Hunt'n We Will Go;
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Jan
29,
2010 Today, we acquired the biggest live trap I have ever seen that was not on TV. It filled the back of my big truck, and frankly if I wanted to, I could comfortably hang out inside. It is perfect for what I need, to gather that dog, as long as I can figure out how to use it. I have set many a trap, and gathered everything from porcupines, to opossum, skunk to raccoon, squirrel to mouse, cats, and even a fox. I have gathered a groundhog, a rat, and a mole. But, never anything like a dog. Generally speaking, such is done with a leash! It took a lot of wrangling on the phone to find such a trap, and took a lot of wrangling to load, and prepare it. I must say, this is sure going beyond gathering a stray dog! However, as the temperature drops yet again, I am reminded that all this is for a whole lot of good if it works the way I want it to. As the neighbours are rallied, and the troops on standby this is sure going to be one heck of a "hunting trip". It baits from the roof, with the food hanging on a string, and the doors shut quite differently. It really is something off of a safari show. Intrigued, and fascinated and thrilled to have it to
use. Soon we will catch this boy I pray, "and put him in the box and then we will
get him to a warm and safe place!" All fingers crossed. Jan
28,
2010 It was while traveling through the storm our first page came in, that was a concerned owner of a missing cat, who had been missing three days already. Within the hour came two more. It seems that as the weather has turned miserable, there are now those who are concerned. So many times I have said it "why put them out ... this is what happens!" I pray these three are not sitting frozen to a car,
as was Kisco so many years ago, or laying in a snow bank half frozen and
almost dead. I pray they are not trapped and freezing. I pray they are not getting frostbitten and that they are not about to loose parts to the
cold. So many go missing each day, and unfortunately in this weather, so many are never
found. Fingers crossed for all of them. Jan
27,
2010 Thank you for your questions, I appreciate you taking the time to ask them, and to get answers straight "from the horses mouth". Your insight was appreciated. We are grateful to be able to address any questions. Thank you for
your comments, words of encouragement and suggestions. Thank you for recognizing the improvements that have
occurred over the last 10 years, the many changes and pro active steps we have
taken. As we have great plans for the future, it is helpful to know that we are
on the same page. Our doors are always open to you, whenever you would
like to drop by. Jan
26,
2010 Now onto the blog. Unfortunately, our donations are down. Today, I bought two bags of cat food, these which will likely last three to four days. It was with great sadness these were purchased, as normally our Christmas donations carry us through to spring, and it is only January. With Valentine's Day coming I have thought perhaps the need for this food could tie in with the love of cats, and love of persons who love cats. As normally we offer a sponsorship and donation program for this occasion, but in lieu of the cat food need I have decided instead we will ask for cat food. Donate a bag of cat food in honour of those you love? In memory of a cat or a cat lover? In celebration of the love of your beloved pets? You will receive our greatest thanks, and gratitude, and a letter confirming receipt of the food as your gift to them. A message to your loved one can be posted on the site for our Valentine's Food Drive. The need is great, and we are asking with our whole hearts
for your help. All cat food - dry especially. Cat and kitten food will be accepted and appreciated. Jan
25,
2010 Earlier sightings prompted a blog for help, and thankfully help has been found in Julie - I thank you! She has assisted us in offering food, her eyes and her newly acquired tracking skills. She has helped us confirm he is alive and well, and has helped us confirm he is still in the same neighbourhood. Saturday's chase involved many concerned persons, and even the police, however this would not stop him. I have tried without success to contact those that lost him following fireworks, and the last contact with them was rather disappointing, as it seems they were not interested in getting him back. While I now plan for a live trap and stake out, I am at least pleased to know where he is, and how to find him. One small step forward. Four times in ten years we have been placed in this situation. One dog ran for eleven months, that one holds the record. He was gathered by his people who were missing him, and the remaining three eventually were convinced with food as they were near starved. It is so very important that if you live in the Southampton area, and frequent the Front Street and Huron Street areas (by the flag) to please keep your eyes and ears open for him, and please call me anytime of day, our pager is always on. If I could get his schedule, his routine, or an idea of where he goes each night, this would help me. If I could figure where he may run to, or where he hides, this would help me. I know where he goes sometimes, but the rest of the time I have no idea. I hope that he stays well, and fear he may be running out of time, I think frostbite is a for sure thing, and worry about infection. I remember Will from years ago, and know what the elements did to him. I have been worried about this Golden for months, and would love nothing more than to see him full and warm. Please send good vibes for him, and keep him in your thoughts, please tell everyone to watch for him, and help me bring him out of the cold. Jan
22,
2010 For me, the home visit was almost unnecessary as anyone who was prepared to drive all that way, to adopt a dog, who was a senior back to their home, and track down someone to do a home visit to make this easier, was already OK in my books. I did, however, greatly enjoy my visit. As we spoke of the old cat she owned, and all the care he was receiving, my eyes got a little misty as she told me about his thyroid condition and how he was shrinking. I thought quickly of my pal Llyle, who I miss terribly. We spoke of the big shoes the new dog had to fill with the best dog ever recently passing. As she teared, I did my best to hold my composure. It seems it's much easier to keep a professional face on when in the working capacity, much harder in someone's home with the dog bowls sitting empty in front of the door. I was touched by the love she had for this dog lost, and empathetic to the pains it was bringing her. When we spoke of the good times she had in the dog park and all the great car rides, I wanted nothing more than to see her find another to give her heart to again. With so many homeless
and waiting for someone, it was so warming to know that there will be one less and this one will be given all the love there is to
give. I'm hoping for a successful adoption for these two. I may even travel to go get him for
her! lol Jan
20,
2010 It was with the best intentions I placed him on my lap, to hold him while we traveled. I knew him, knew he was friendly and good to travel, I knew he would be just fine for the ride, and if I did not have to put him in the back I wouldn't. Mostly I wanted to steal a chance to hold him. Adopted out only a few months ago, and doing so well, other than this running away incident, it seems I was glad for the chance to see him and kiss him one more time. Todd did tell me the front is a bad idea, however, having all the confidence in knowing who he was, I was feeling rather certain it would be fine. As we drove I reminded Todd how he came to be with me, reminded him where he had gone, and the training he was doing so well with. Too confident perhaps. He traveled with me, accepting my love and affection while Todd drove, me offering all the "...it's good to see you buddy" and all the "don't do this again buddy" I could muster. As we neared the last corner to the Shelter I realized Todd perhaps had been very right. The front might have been a bad idea, as he started to squirm and wiggle. I offered comfort. Then it happened. I pulled him close to me, and wrapped my arms around him and he wretched, and tossed his cookies all down the front of me. Once this happens, you have two options, drive faster or stop. As we continued and hit the parking lot he wretched again, all down my legs. It seems, although, I can remember their whole life story with one glance at their face, I seem to forget the simple rules. Dogs are safer and cleaner in the back. As I type this, he is likely home, no
worse for the wear and I'm glad to have seen you well my friend, let's meet under different circumstances next time? Glad it worked out for you and that you are alive and
well. It's been a blast? I'll remember from now on, you may have traveled to me, but
traveling well you don't. Jan
19,
2010 No owner came forward, no owner could be found, no calls, no persons knowing where she originated from and there was nobody. She is one more dumped pet; tossed like trash. There is one more person or persons who walked away with no repercussions. Potentially, they have conscience problems, potentially they are seeking this site to see if she is alive and well. So, do read on... Sure hope they are reading this blog as this message is to you "...know that despite you Saturday is doing well, know that she is well and will be well loved. I am thankful, however, you don't have her anymore and I am thankful that she is so young she will forget you. Clearly, you were not the right place for her and you have done her a favour. She is a loving and giving girl, who is so full of affection and desire to please and it's so sad you did not see that. But, it is now for the best". She was spayed yesterday, and
will now wait for her new home. This home I pray will give her all those feelings of
'the fourth of July'. Jan
18,
2010 You did not impress me with your dog cookie eating [although really, how was that, you ate most of the bowl] or the stories of the dogs you have shot. You did not impress me with your knowledge of dogs, of how you feel they should all run free and that nature would control their numbers. It was not impressive that you hate all mixed breed dogs, and that only purebreds are worth any effort to you. No matter how many times you hit the desk in frustration demanding a dog today, and 'right now' - I was not budging! When your efforts were not going in the direction you wanted them to, you were then asked to step outside, and then escorted out the door. It was a very bad idea to come in again, and continue on with your rantings about my ranking and how you out-rank me in the world. Huh? It is a very bad idea to then be escorted out a second time. And, for your information, next time it will be in the arms of the police. I will call you when I have
that perfect dog for you, as I said I would, but don't hold your breath
waiting by the phone. Jan
14,
2010 However, today, it's in the paper (I was emailed the info). It is basically a repeat of the story now run three times. It has been repeated that two local vets expressed concerns, and of course the allegations are mentioned again. The new part about this news is that there are ten formal written complaints. Ten! I thought there were eight in the last news blurb! Actually there are only eight, it seems someone can't count. I truly feel sorry for the Owen Sound Sun Times as they also did not know who the author of the article in the paper was ... funny that! This does not surprise me - nothing about the Sun Times surprises me anymore. I can only assume that after the thousands who have been served by our Shelter in nearly eleven years, and the thousands of lives saved and touched, it stands to reason that there would come a time when we would have to be on the defensive. Thank
you for all your letters of support. If you haven't written one, please
email to Glen Henry at ghenry@city.owen-sound.on.ca
at the Owen Sound City Hall. Jan
13,
2010 This reminded me, that potentially there are those who do not realize we help every creature. Our no-kill policy stands for the little pet mice too!! As sometimes these little creatures are disposed of in some pretty awful ways, (toilet flushing, snake food, and under a boot) I have decided to remind everyone it is OK to call me. It is also OK and encouraged that you contact me, and keep an eye on the pocket pet page if you are looking. Pet stores do not take back small animals and they too can become homeless. They need rescue too. If we don't have one, and you have someone who can't wait, there are other shelters who adopt them out too - just call me, I can still help you. Hope to meet you soon little
Miss Mouse, glad you are well. I will help you find a new home too. Jan
12,
2010
Surrendered as a four month old kitten, she was adorable but bigger than cute and cuddly. Those that came seeking kittens, wanted tiny and small size, and she was simply too big. Those that came looking for a cat which was altered, she did not suit either. Friendly, playful, and so darn enjoyable with her kitten ways, she sure was perfect, but just not what was wanted. It now seems the most difficult to move are those in adoption limbo. Those which are not tiny, which I might add happens very fast to those that are, but are not big enough to be altered. There
is always the debate as to whether to just fix them sooner, however, my gut tells me no, so we
wait. Alas, her time came and the big day yesterday, and voila she is in the arms of her new family already. I am sure, as I type this, she is likely romping in her new
living room chasing feet, as she loves best. I'm thrilled to have been able to offer her the time, again reminded that no-kill is
the best option and with no time limits. Also thrilled to be able to see her altered (thanks to your donations) so that when the time came it could happen
for Holly! Jan
11,
2010 It was one of the coldest nights. Saturday, during the day was bitter and when the sun went down it was much worse. I was complaining of the coldness in the warmth of my home only letting the dogs out quickly, and was hoping that all the creatures outside had someplace warm and dry. In such a short time frostbite can hit them and ears noses and toes are the first to freeze. I have seen them missing parts so often that I cringe when the cold sets in. It was about 10 o'clock at night when the pager went off. It was the City Police. It seems someone didn't have the same views as I had with regard to the cold, and had ventured out. They ventured out with their cat in hand, and their pup, and proceeded to take them to Harrison Park. They took them to the Park without intentions of taking them home, and instead tied them together to a tree and left them there. I am certain that in a very short time these two would have been frozen. Thankfully the angels were watching and a kind person spotted them, retrieved them, and placed them in her warm car, and waited for them to be delivered to safety. These two, although slightly chilled, thankfully were no worse for wear. It is times such as this that I question the human race. I am thankful that they were at least placed in sight, but that's all I am afraid I am thankful for. The intention to leave them this way comes from a heart as cold as the temperature! If and when I catch their dumper they can somehow be made responsible for what they have done. With me now is a three year old spayed and declawed brown tabby shorthair, and a ten month old sheltie mix, female, tricolour pup. She
is wearing a pink collar. If you know someone who may have recently lost, or surrendered their pets somehow, or so the story may go please let me
know. I'm hoping for justice for these two, and thankful they are now in good
hands in a warm place with food. Jan 7,
2010 She came thirty pounds too thin, full of bumps and lumps likely created from laying in waste. She has damaged teeth from trying to chew free. She was spayed, debugged, and had those lumps removed. She was given love, care and much TLC. She is full of love and willingness to please - Daisy sure was easy to fall in love with. It always amazes me how a dog can be so forgiving. They can go through the most horrible things and still love those that offer attention to them. This is the case with this beautiful flower. Daisy is great with all people, and great with dogs and cats too. She will be an easy addition to any loving home.
Tomorrow the search for this home begins with her now being cleared medically. I pray the home for her will come quickly and this will be one with great knowledge of the breed requirements, and will spoil her terribly. Although things did not start on the right foot for her, it quickly changed when she was surrendered to me. If you're looking for a quiet large breed lap dog, she may be the one for you. Listen in tomorrow to the Mix Zoo to hear all about her :) Wish her luck if
you're not looking and keep your fingers crossed. If anyone is deserving of a comfy couch and people who
dedicate themselves to keeping a dog happy, it is Daisy. Jan 6,
2010 They came to me after losing their old dog to cancer, and in no time at all they knew she was the perfect replacement. They have been to see me regularly, and like so many of you (thank you) they have kept me as part of the family, and her visits are always exactly what I need to remind me that I love saving them, and finding them loving homes. She has been treated as the queen for three years, and as part of the family. Today, she came again to see me. with whole bum wags she pranced around the Shelter, and proceeded to plop herself firmly on my feet so I could pet her. She smiled with her cloudy eyes, and I admired her greying muzzle, and mentioned how she had aged. Then they told me. Today, may have been her last visit with me. They have found cancer. Tomorrow they will do exploratory surgery. If that surgery shows things are not good, she will not wake up. I am terribly sad for all of them, and for me too. It seems that although I have let her go years ago, I still kept lots of her in my heart. Please
keep Ginger and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Please pray that for them all will be
well, and that I will have many more years of visits from Ginger. My fingers are crossed
Gingy Girl. Hugs... Jan 5,
2010
His first attempt at forever was a home with a mother who was ill, who was on a respirator at home, and her husband. It seems although he was entertaining, this fella chewed tubes that brought oxygen needed to keep his people well, and well I can't argue with that one. His second attempt involved toe chasing, and pouncing, and wrestling with his new father. This again quite entertaining, and all that kittens do, but inappropriate in a home with someone who needs to sleep daytime to be up at night. Yoda it seemed wanted to play at the least appropriate times. So, he returned. We never like to see them come back, but it sure beats a whole lot of terrible other options, and we welcomed him with arms wide open. When the family came searching for a kitten that was full of life, as they were busy and active, I smiled. When they held him, and he climbed on them they loved it. I may have laughed out loud. He chased boot laces and the kids giggled. He was exactly all they were searching for. I will keep my fingers crossed while I know it may take them a little time to adjust to his overly friendly ways. He is not one to be ignored, and will climb up in your face for love. Luckily there are three children looking to do some loving! Hoping he has now found forever, as such a young fella sure needs a lot more love and attention until he
quiets. All parts crossed for you pal. Jan
4,
2010 As the year begins, we recognize our successes and thank each of you for your help with this, and move onward and upward. With that said, it's back to business. First on the list is for me to remind you that it is now time to purchase your dog tags. Your 2009 tags have now expired. You have until March 31st if you are a resident of Owen Sound to do this, and I will be happy to serve you in this manner, as will the people at City Hall. Licensing is a by-law I strongly agree with, and not just because it is my job. Did you know that only a City tag (other than a microchip) I can trace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I carry a list with me at all times. Tattoos are traced to vet clinics, and require them to be open to do it, which means weekends, holidays and after-hours, when the vet's office is closed, we can't find you. Unfortunately, this is the time most troubles happen too! Tattoos also fade, and are not kept updated; they are better than nothing, but not the best. A microchip is great, if you can find it, and your neighbour sure won't know it's there. AND, if you did the chip years ago, potentially it is not up-to-date either. A rabies tag, also is traced to a vet clinic. No tag is trouble. A tag keeps him/her safe. A tag means in the event of an emergency, God forbid your dog is involved in an accident and you're not with him, I can call you. I can trace that tag and get your dog to you and get the care needed promptly. With important minutes or hours instead spent trying to find you without ID, we are frustrated. The time is better spent helping your dog. Your neighbour may also locate your pal, and call me. I can then tell them where your dog belongs and get them home safely to you. This can all be done without me ever having to pick your dog up, and without you having to pay a fee. This tag helps us all find you. It is a responsible part of pet ownership, and it says your pet is owned and loved. IF you care for your pet, do what's right and see me soon for your new ID. Start your year with a
favour for me, and by keeping your pet safe. Start it off with a fresh start and some new shiny bling? |
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