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.

July 15th 50/50 Winner - Taylor Bartley from Guelph

OSAS 
by: Renee Robins

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Apr '06 Blog;
Mar '06 Blog;
Feb '06 Blog

Success Story:
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.

Returns
What a Monday today was! All about returns I am afraid. Had a pup come in, who was one of our pups from months ago, now nine months old and growing so big, yet returned. They had no time for the dog. Watch for Ellie on the site. 

A call from a great home and a sweet dog, we know her as Jada, who is having some troubles and talking about coming back. And then our babe from Saturday came back - the Shep/Bullmastiff mix. So sad to see her returned too. Then, Easter the house rabbit came through the door.

What a bummer. You think you get'em in the right place and you see you were wrong. Not sad for me of course or my pride - as I share my errors with you, but sad for those poor pets who are now tossed and then try to re-settle - only to be tossed again. It is hard to see. 

We here at the shelter watch them try to cope. I hope tomorrow brings happier things.

Kids and Puppies
Today Jethro came back. His first surrender to me was for puppy things, jumping, running, rolling, nipping, scratching and jumping. They failed in the correction department and provided no alternatives. Having young children turned out to be a bad mix. Nippy puppy and squealing children. 

When he was placed in this home with children, I made it very very clear that puppies need patience, training, lots of extra time, and are not always the best plan with children. I guess I saw it coming. "Too much with the kids" ... "needs training", here he is again.

It occurred to me also that I have at the moment many young "pups" who likely are a bit much to handle. Spent the day tossing a coin, to see who gets to go on the Mix with me. It will have to be one of these guys, so I picked the one that will be the biggest. Spent extra time working on some of their manners. By this evening, I taught the big girl to sit, and down, and of course speak on command. Every little bit helps on the show!

Security
One man's trash is another man's treasure. Not sure if that is appropriate, however, this was the the moral today!

Alec's previous home was a boarding kennel. He was well cared for and enjoyed the country life. However, Alec often barked at strangers, bared his teeth and lunged at the vehicles. Great for protection (although, not aggressive - just all show) not so great for business. It was a sad day for his previous owner, knowing that these things will make him hard to place, and it was a frustration I must admit, knowing this was likely something he would continue in his next home, and any home.

Alec spent a few months with us waiting for that perfect place, a few people were interested however, they had too much company, or children, and he wasn't allowed to go with kids. However, today was his lucky day.

A gentleman, who lived in the country, with his grandmother, needed a dog that would bark. Didn't want to leave grandma alone without a little protection. BUT, needed a friendly dog, who would bond with them as well. Who hoooo - what a match. A perfect fit. When Alec met them his tail was wagging and I was smiling from ear to ear ... excellent match.

Sometimes it just works the way it is suppose to. The right place is worth waiting for.

I was thrilled to then see Meesha go today too, again a great fit.

Ask Renee
A bunny in and a bunny out, a kitten and a cat out and then yippee Scooter the cat was adopted too. What a great day! However, the highlight of my day was a visit with my friend Noggin.

A few blogs ago, I mentioned that I enjoy messing with dog's brains and I really do. My specialty before all of this (lol) was fixing troubled pets in an attempt to keep them out of the "pound". Turned out I could actually run the place as well and do what I really wanted to do - save them and use my abilities to get them to new homes.

Since that blog, I have been contacted by quite a few of you, for advice and solutions. I spent Friday on one and Sunday with another. Today, I spent some time with my buddy Noggin. His few troubles are so easy to fix and I really think they can work through this as he is in the perfect home!

I really enjoyed seeing him smile, lounging around with his tail wagging, and playing with his teddy. It made me smile even on the inside! An even bigger smile to see and know that my methods work! 

If you have questions, contact me at askrenee@myway.com with any questions you have on your pets. I do love it!

Sleep?
Well rested today! Had a good cuddle with my kids and I was out like a light. It was a good thing too, the Mix was early and I had to be perky!

I thought Max would be an easy pleaser - a dog that people would be interested in. He is small, fixed, great with people, and would bring a happy ending next week. I was right. Three people came to meet Max, and it was number  three who chose to take him home. These were  people who had been in earlier in the week and I told them he might be in. When they tuned into the Mix, they were thrilled and came to the Shelter. 

The added reminder that my favourite kitten was still available proved to be just what he needed to find himself a great home. I want to hear all about him - so if you are reading this send me mail and pics - pleeeease!)

Auntie
Congratulations to my sister Michelle, and to Rob on the birth of their new daughter, Avery Jolyn, who blessed us with no sleep last night and the night before - to arrive this morning her own special way. You are a trooper Michelle, you earned my greatest respect. Wow!

Sooo, it has been a rough few days and how do I spend today? Sleeping? Kind of, more like in a daze, BUT it rained, and you know what thunder storms mean... stray dogs. By noon I had chased two in the rain, half asleep. By three, there were three. Then I finally went home. 

Anyone missing a seven month old Shepherd/Husky mix or perhaps a male black and tan or a Shepherd/Hound female  also black and tan. These last two were running together, and have matching collars - no ID on the east side of Owen Sound. How about a white Shepherd - ten months old, male, or was that a Husky... (lol no sleep)... No ID on the west side of Owen Sound. 

I heard Jethro went home today, I'm so pleased. Sorry I missed his adoption day, but I met the prospective adopters and I remember they were nice :). Also congrats to "stripes" the kitten!

Adoptions!!!
What a fabulous day. Tons of cats being adopted! Yipee! Three more on route to be fixed - my all time favourite thing to do with them.
Watch for them, they will be on the site tomorrow. 

So the adoption of Casper and Bradley goes like this: since the cats got along so well, loved each other, played with each other, groomed each other - how could you split them up. Well, a family with two boys wanted to adopt a cat and could not decide on which one, so why not take the pair? And they did... you know I love it!

Two other cats adopted were Mikey and our dear friend Toba!

I suspected Beauty the dog was on her way home today as well, but as always crossed my fingers and didn't get too excited. A gal I have been helping find the right match on-line took my word for it, checked Beauty out and quickly found out that I knew those two were made for each other. A great confidence builder for me and I am certain a relief to Beauty who has now found a great home!

The day then ended with a  visit from our friend Cassie who was adopted a short time ago and came in for her microchip. She is doing so well. She was vaccinated, has an appointment for her spay and only had one tiny accident in the house, and none since! 

All smiles at the end of this day.

Polkaroo
I wanted to be reminded of my youth and today I had a laugh and that reminder. 

It started out with a dog release right at 1:00 pm which was a bit of a drag, and then another at 3:00 pm and then a stray at 4:00 pm. But then, I made a new friend and his name is Polkaroo.

What a laugh... remember Polkaroo? Well, this Polkaroo is a very lovely dove. He is a domestic pet and comes complete with accessories and cage. He lived in his prior home a year and a half, but unfortunately no one knows how old he is. A well mannered bird that does not fear people.

I placed him in the bathroom, as there are not too many safe places to keep a bird here with all these cats. 

Well, the best laugh of the day was when I discovered how he got his name. When the toilet was flushed he said "cooo cooo polka roo"!

Kittens?
I took kittens to the station today, as the high numbers meant they needed some advertising. I had four special friends that needed a little extra attention, especially the little orange one. She too, a littermate of the black one we recently adopted out was blind in one eye due to the same illness and was special needs.

The kittens were great entertainment on and off air, ripping through the wires, sliding on the slippery hard wood floor, and the best part... NO mess! Jamie quickly fell for my little special needs friend, and I know she was having a hard time seeing me walk out with her. She did do the rounds at the Station with her hoping for a taker. 

A family with children came to see about a kitten and was considering a female. I did my best to present all of them, but figuring they would opt for a pretty and perfect kitty ... the kids were choosing after all! The family left to think about it and I must admit I was pretty sad. I did enjoy the family and thought this little kitty, who was so great to handle, would be the perfect family kitten (she could play dress up).

I was relieved, a few hours later though, when they returned. The daughter knew it was the right thing to do! Bonus points for sure in my book. It really made my day.
On Saturday, you know I took the day off for my birthday, but of course I stopped in ... just in time to see the little black female go. They had heard the show, wanted a female and came in to see. Fortunately, the orange one (the last of the females in that pile - lol) had been adopted so, they opted for the next available female ... black. Yippee those black ones are hard to place. PHEW! Two adoptions from one morning show. Love it!

Lady
Some dogs are dancing. Sweet lady is sleeping. Sometimes it pays to be deaf. Lady is now even more comfortable than she was before, as she can stretch out on her bunk and stay off the moist floor. Today after her long walk and dip in the pool, I surprised her with her new bed. She sniffed it, did a few circles, climbed up, did a few more circles, and has been sleeping on it ever since! We added her new spotted throw to it as well, and she seems to use this as a pillow. Awwww. 

A relief to give her a little more comfort. Thank you, again, Andrew and Kristin - you have made a difference in Lady's life.

The bunk will be available when lady gets her new home (which hopefully will be soon). Others, elderly dogs will get first dibs, and if all goes well, if sanitization is easy, it holds up well to our abuse, we will check into ordering more. 

Sounds like a whole new reason to get going on more fundraising.

Boogie Doggie

I once read a study that said playing soft music to animals calms and soothes them. I do know that music is played in cow barns and horse barns. I had always thought I would like to test that theory out someday; it works on human baby's after all.

A recent study put out in the United States, I believe Colorado, stated that animal shelters playing music to their pets were less stressed pets. The reasoning is the animal associated this with home, were better accustomed to noise, human intervention, and tended to have less behaviour problems. The best part of this study developed a theory that stated these Shelters had the highest adoption rates (although one would assume it is a pretty committed shelter), and quicker turnover, as the dogs were less stressed.

SOOOOO, I moved my idea into action, however I didn't move as fast as my webmaster did! I mentioned getting a radio to Elaine and she donated one! Yippee. Thanks Elaine.

It took a few days to figure out where to place it for best effect, but today it is now playing. As you know I love messing with those dog brains, and I am so thrilled to get to see if this works. Here's hoping it does! This theory has potential for greatness for sure! 

One thing I noticed right away, is that the stress level of the staff has decreased, (although we are still pushing cats) and now we can hum, sing and dance while we clean. That must count for something!

A plea to everyone who's cat is not spayed or neutered.

Come for a visit, come and hang out with us stressed out Shelter people. Come and see the sadness in our eyes as more and more cats come through the door. Listen to the frustration as we turn people away or the anger of people who are surrounded by stray cats. Come see the faces of the homeless cats who wait for their turn to be adopted.

There is no reason why you should own an unaltered pet - especially a cat.

If you cannot afford to fix your animal, adopt one that is.

Thar She Blows!
What a Day! This does not mean it can't be a successful day!

Did you hear the show this morning... OK I have to share all the details. The room that we broadcast in is slightly larger than a walk in closet. There were three of us, Jamie, Robin and myself, all is well, awww the pups are so cute, and then I turn them loose!

By the time we went on-air, we had cleaned up two pee's (and one of them on Jackie, who just dropped in to say hi), the pups were running around and around our feet, chasing each other, chewing the cords and creating chaos. About five minutes into the conversation about how wonderful they were, a terrible thing happens. The black and white started to poo, and Jamie went to clean it up, and then the brown one started to poo, and again the black and white, and then the other and before long we were trying not to gag! The puppies were running through it, and Robin and I were trying so hard to ignore it and keep talking on-air. What a mess!

Thank you to The Mix for putting up with the pups and me!

The day did get far better after that. At noon our dear friend Steven picked up Huck. A secret I was afraid to share until it was final. Huck has found himself a home in Welland, either until something else comes up or forever. 

The BIGGEST thank you to BIG ON BEAGLES, especially Marna, who I have gained the utmost respect for in her interest in Huck our 18 year old Beagle. I am greatly touched, and will not forget. I owe you and Huck thanks you! Send us an update soon!

Then at 1:00 pm - when the doors finally opened this is what happened: 2 puppy adoptions, Cassie, Bowser, Diesel, Cliff the cat and 2 guinea pigs - all adopted. But on the downside there were more kittens in (ewww, can't be totally purrfect, but at least there was room).

The best success. So maybe The Mix 106 show was lucky after all?

Good news for Lady too, as a message today confirmed her new bunk bed is on the way. A big thank you to Andrew and Kristin for their kindness.

Pressure
The pressure was on early in the day, as it was Tuesday to get some cats moving - with the billions ( it seemed) that joined us on the weekend. 

As it is cat season, the list of people looking to adopt had been checked of weeks ago and everyone I know are well supplied. This is really discouraging when that happens. It is hard, especially with those great, loving, giving adult cats who are healthy, friendly, ready to go and then sit and wait patiently. 

Ginger ( Spice) and Fluffy were two cats surrendered to me months ago. A lovely medium coated Calico and Tortoishell, who had been looked over for a long time. Spice had delivered kittens with us, raised them, weaned them and was now spayed and ready to go. Fluffy's reason for taking so long to be adopted out was her age.  A woman from a country home arrived shortly after I opened and I think I just about jumped on her when she told me she wanted a loving female cat who was fixed for a great home. My apologies Spice's mom if I seemed a wee bit too eager! I couldn't resist - such a lovely cat and needed a great home. Then I found myself feeling extra bad for Fluffy, another great cat and I never even mentioned her! Shame on me.

And then a wonderful thing happened. Another person looking for a cat! AND they wanted a mature, older cat, who really needed a home. So you know I jumped at that opportunity too! 

Two purrfect adoptions and a little relief.

Stray?
When we take time off which we don't really do, we still go to work. It turns out the day back is double the work.  It might have been the thunderstorms, the fireworks, or the travelers, but we were kept on our toes. 

Today, we spent the day sending everyone's dogs home (3 of them) or trying to find an owner of a cat. And, always pushing to get cats and kittens adopted out. There were seven kittens born on Saturday and seven "stray kittens and a mom" picked up on Monday night. Also, two stray surrenders on Saturday. YUCK! The pressure is on to get' em moving. In order to continue to operate as a no-kill shelter, we are hoping for those cat adoptions. As those babes get bigger they will need more space! 

On the plus side, donations have been coming in for much needed cat food - thanks guys!!!! We can really use it. 

With picture day a great success, all the money goes to the spay/neuter appointments which are booked and help the cat adoptions. 

The best part of my day was getting those pet pics in. Leslie was right on time ... she said Tuesday and Tuesday it was ... they are Fabulous!! Great job Leslie. I will be thinking of those smiling faces all night! 

Sorry guys, I peeked J

Please contact me regarding pick up
(519-372-1123)

Picnic and Photo Shoot
What a great idea ! What a great day!

Dear Leslie:

You are the very best picture taker I know. When you can take my bouncy wiggly dog who does not want to sit still, with cookie crumbs all over her mouth, slobber on her face, and a half beautiful setting, (ok the best we could do) and make her look like Princess Piglet, you know you're good! Everyone loved the shots, loved your passion, and could not get enough of those pet pics! Already the calls are coming in, about when can we do it again! You helped us raise over $ 200.00 for the Spay/Neuter Fund and this means you have helped us save lives. We owe you big time !

Thank you from all of us,
Renee Robins, and the Staff and Residents
Owen Sound Animal Shelter

I would recommend Ms. Leslie Fidler to anyone. She is the most organized, ( she ran the show for sure) most giving and most talented photographer I know. Anyone looking for any pics needs to contact Leslie Fidler at lesliefidler@gmail.com or 519-378-5156.

Thank you to everyone for their help, support, and for coming out. It was wonderful to see those smiling faces. You know I love updates and happy pets in great homes ! Pics should be in by Tuesday. I'm looking forward to a sneak peak before I hand them out!

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