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.

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Over Hill, Over Dale ... Under...
I was dripping with sweat, just walking from the vehicle to the area where the dog was "supposed to be". I was dreading a long chase in the heat - for me and the dog who would be wearing his fur coat. I was cursing in my head the owners who allowed him to stray on such a hot day, I think the heat was making me cranky. I was relieved when I saw him sneak under the deck, although not too thrilled about crawling after him, but it sure beat running on a day like today.

I tried to coax him out with promises of a car ride, walkies and a treat with no success, so under I went to retrieve him (he was a retriever). It is never recommended to crawl under a deck after a dog and I would tell you not to do it as it can put a person at risk, but, this pooped out and thirsty old man was not budging otherwise. I was so pleased he did not put up a fight and wagged his tail as I leashed him. My greatest struggle was lifting him into the back of the truck. It was drinks for both of us, and a drive with the windows down. I breathed a sigh of relief that this was not like my last catch. 

The last stray I chased was on a golf course and I chased him for quite some time. Once I caught him, I was quick to discover that once I leashed him it was perhaps his first time he had been on a leash! So, it was two steps forward, three steps back, until frustrations empowered me, and I picked that big boy up (all 100lbs!) and carried him to safety and my truck. The crowd of golfers now circling, actually applauded when he was loaded - which made me laugh - golf claps! Today, glad to miss the struggle, but still would have liked a few claps?

Shining Examples
I was so impressed today - twice! And all this, as the end of the month calls have been driving me nuts. This means for those that don't know - we are bombarded with "I am moving tomorrow and can't take my pet" or "I moved in and found a cat with kittens here" - calls. 

It happens every month, and it is very depressing. However, today, it was not about abandoned cats, but rather about caring people who gave a second chance to older cats who were not going anywhere, and missing their home so bad. 

Two cats (black) in one day, both senior, hooray! Both went to families with young children, who were very keen on those adorable kittens. What a lesson in compassion with the new addition to their family, with one that needed it most.

Trapped
It was beyond the call of duty again! Really not a job we would expect to be able to do. A skunk trapped in a fence, who was dying and needed immediate care from the Owen Sound Animal Shelter. No one else would have tried to save him for fear of getting skunked and the poor thing would have passed without help. 

We expected him to be stuck and expected it to be tragic, but as always there is a twist. I sent Todd knowing that potentially I could be very smelly and my next stop today was on-air at the Mix. When Todd came back, this is what he told me. 

He approached to see it stuck between the boards of a fence, with only the hind end clearly visible. He knew he was in need of some different equipment and asked the home owner for a hammer to pry the fence board off. 

When the first board was lifted the pressure was released and the little fella could be seen clearly. He noticed a copper wire running along the neck of the skunk, and noted that the skunk was soon to pass, as it had laboured breathing. The copper wire still a mystery, he began to try to wiggle it free. When the skunk changed position the view changed too - he noticed that there was a board connected to that wire. He knew it was a trap. 

Assuming that there was no chance for this creature, who was clearly in pain, he walked to the truck for euthanol to quickly end its' suffering. When he discovered there may not be enough euthanol, he debated whether the police could be contacted. Now, thinking the terrible process would be faster and more peaceful with his hands, he decided to transport it to the Shelter. 

Arranging a speedy transport he wrapped the skunk and rolled it and decided to remove the trap to ease some pain (remember Todd is the animal whisperer) he decides to wedge his fingers between the trap and the skunks face, to remove it. Again his method proves successful and the poor soul falls free. To his surprise, and the surprise of the young skunk ... it stands, shakes it off and waddles off into the bushes. They are both unscathed (and both still smelling like roses).

We are all still shaking our heads as to who the trap was set for, clearly something larger than a mouse as it was the size of my hand, and I can't help but feel ill at the thought of it. We have confiscated it and would love to talk to the person who comes for it.

There is no need for traps of this magnitude in the City of Owen Sound - if you have a problem with animals, contact us.

Dakota
There is more storyto be told for Dakota, and today is the day I'm going to tell you. Let's start at the beginning.

Dakota came to me as an untrained, unsocialized, pup who spent her days, I assume, mostly outdoors doing her thing. She was surrendered as they were moving, and could not take her with them. She was with me only days when I noticed that glimmer in her eyes was not all glimmer. My observations told me her sight was limited, but I needed to be sure. Initially, exams by the vet confirmed my observations were true, and that for some unknown reason her right eye was blind and her left eye reduced. We agreed to run more tests, and to administer drops in the hope of getting more answers. Her owners had never vetted her, and clearly did not know her sight was not what it should be. 

As time went by I began to notice something else, she gained weight, and changed shape and now I suspected that perhaps Dakota is expecting. If she is expecting, the estimated due date is coming up - so now we wait. 

Yesterday, while out for a daily romp, I roll her over and discovered another complication, somehow, she has managed to puncture herself behind her leg, and there was a hole left to show for it. I have no idea how this has been done, as she has been under careful observation, but it will need to be vetted. This new dilemma could put the pups at risk, but could not be left and off she went for a safe sedation and sutures, and low intensity laser to help speed up the healing process. 

We wait again to see what will 'pop up' next; pups or a loving home. Dakota you are so full of surprises!

The Chained
In the City there aren't many, and we know where they are, and keep tabs on them. We watch these yards where they stay, these dogs who are chained, who live a life with limited attention and who's world revolves around their yard. These dogs are kept to keep people away, to guard and protect, to bark and snarl, and to do whatever they feel they have to succeed as protection. 

In one such case an old male shepherd runs, back and forth in his yard, barking and lunging at those who pass, as he has done for as long as I can remember. Today we were needed to do a strange job, as enforcement needed to go in, and spend the day here, and it was up to us to keep this dog happy and restrained while they worked. 

We went equipped with wieners, snare poles, leashes, blankets and the police on call heaven forbid we need them. It was for nothing that we brought so many precautions, as it turned out all we needed was Todd and the situation was under control. 

His methods work wonderfully - he merely approached, leash in hand and slipped it over the head of the dog in question and for the remainder of the day they stood and chatted, he and this dog - Todd guarding the guard dog. There was one bite encounter, as it turns out this guy does not accept touching, but considering the potential this was nothing. The job went off perfectly, and there was far more trouble from the owner. I have a message for this guy - "sorry pal we ruined your dog, he now likes people and he LOVES wieners!"

Updates
The updates are here !! I have had one of those whole face smiles I am sure all day, with those updates that were on my mind all night. 

It had been confirmed that Tipper was better than well, and for that I was so pleased, but there were others I needed to know about. Today Potato's new mom and dad sent the update I was longing to hear - he not only is well, but is fantastic. His new name is Tater, and he has been vetted and tested, and all tests are clear. He is cuddled and spoiled and loves every minute of it. An update from Honey confirmed she was wonderful too, and her update came with a picture of her lounging on her new bed ... which is her new mom's bed too! By the time I heard from Tucker's mom, my smile had already appeared, and I am sure grew as I read that message. 

Preparations of Tucker's adoption over the last few weeks have made the transition easy. We had crated him, taught him to walk on a leash, and perfected his abilities to behave as well. His mom trusted me, trusted her heart, and purchased all the right tools. I am so proud of them both. Today, he too had that vet visit, and has passed with flying colours. His return is beginning to fade in the face of all his new possibilities.

Potato
Still thrilled with the fantastic weekend with seven adoptions on Friday, and four on Saturday, I expected returns or a slow adoption day.

Mostly, I expected returns, with Tipper, Tucker and Potato all leaving me. Tipper and Tucker having some work to do in there new homes, and Potato having some medical concerns. I know you wondered why he was still with me such a cute boy, while other kittens left, meaning people were looking. He was, however, named Potato for a reason, that made him special and that 'specialness' made it hard to let him go home.

Potato was named for the yeast infection that filled ears when he came through my doors a stray (starchy ears…lol). He is the first kitten I have seen with such a case, and normally found in dogs. It is still a question as to how he got this infection in his ears, but we do know the fluff kept it in.

It has been a month of treatment, and the yeast has finally cleared, but sometime between then and now Potato developed a wiggle. Not an obvious fall down wiggle, but an obvious balance is not quite right sort of wiggle. We have been holding him to see what might progress or regress, as it could be his ears, or could be something worse. I was very uncertain about his adoption, but confident that they were going to take him to the vet, and prepared to work anything out, and love him regardless. I trusted them, but I did worry today he might return and with bad news about his condition. No news today, so I will wait until I hear something.

On another note, a great update on Tipper, as she is settling in well with her two new dog siblings. Her moms have vetted her and are working towards getting her healthy. They have sent me warm hello's and assured me that they love her very much. HOORAY! Now, for Tucker ... am I jinxing it?

Picture Perfect
I tossed all night wondering about Chrissy and Scarface, and I was in the Shelter only seconds when I approached Scarface's cage (he was first as he is the closest). 

I was in awe with what I saw. I was somewhat taken back by his new cone head (protects the wound) the stitches, the drain tube, and the swelling (but nothing compares to the face he had). However, in front of me rolled, the happiest most proud, so full of himself, and full of life cat he could possibly be. No longer tucked in the back, he climbed to get onto my lap, clearly now pain free entirely, and pleased with his new face. This appeared to be the best day of his life, and I am certain it could very well be. Tears came to my eyes, as he rubbed his cone on my cheek, which was the greatest thank you I could have been given. 

I now raced to the back exspecting  nothing less from Chrissy, and I was right. Her entire body wiggling with excitement, and her head held high. I am sure she was trying to show off her new looks as she circled to put her face towards me. Finally beautiful pictures of my beautiful girl could be taken, and a smile now can be seen on her face.

The sky could have fallen and this would have still been the best of days, but it was topped off with the wonderful adoptions of Dexter, Tipper, Jersey girl, Honey and Rex.

Smiles on everyone's face tonight!

Under The Knife
I have been on edge all day, watching the clock and checking phone messages - even when there were none.

Sandi went with my friends Scarface and Chrissy and she planned to return around 6:00 pm. When there was no sign of them by 8:00 pm I started to feel ill. 

She finally called around 8:30 pm as I typed this. She assured me that Chrissy is well and she is GORGEOUS with her new face. Scarface is still under (this will be a long night for everyone) and has been altered, but still has his face repair to go. 

I sit waiting, as I would for family members to have babies, in fact before I typed this I believe I was pacing. 

They are both in my thoughts, while I wait and wait - I hope they rest easy and wake in the morning with a changed fate!

Chrissy and Scarface
The decision to save lives, patch them up and repair their physical and emotional wounds comes easy. I never regret it and second chances is what makes this job so worthwhile. However, I must admit the decision to save two of my friends Scarface and Chrissy did come with some stress. 

Scarface and Chrissy need major repair. The two of them would have completely emptied the Spay/Neuter-Medical Fund. It was running very low, as we have had to vet sickly puppies, get eye exams and had unexpected traumas. My heart would not let me turn my back on them and I knew you wouldn't want me to either. 

I would like to thank you all for your recent donations. You have helped me save the lives of Chrissy and Scarface. I would also like to say a special thank you to the Meades family of Springmount RV for their generous donation.

Cat By-Law
It is nothing new. Cats have not been permitted to wander, or step foot off their own property, for that matter, since 1991. 

The cat By-Law states that if your cat is out and about, you are breaking the rules. Cats that stray are injured, poisoned, flea bitten, buggy and ill, they and are killed everyday. It has been my job to pick up the pieces, so to speak, put them back together and give them a second chance. Our Shelter is full and more than half of these are unclaimed strays. 

People are live trapping, and they are within their legal right. Today, two cats found wandering and live trapped were fortunate enough to find their homes. We took the brunt of their owner's frustrations, although we took care of their beloved pets and then located the owners to make sure they could go home. 

There were eleven cats reported missing last week. Two of them ended up with me. We listen to your complaints, heard you vent and took it all in. 

Please don't blame those that merely did their job, instead being thankful your pet is alive and well. Where the other nine cats ended up, no one knows.

Alvinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Remember that from the Chipmunks show. Well, I had forgotten and Robin on the Mix reminded me. I remembered Alvin, Simon, Theodore (you're suppose to sing that and add a doot doot to the end - I think)? I did, however, giggle about his amorous attention with Owen from the station and that certainly helped my stress. Poor Owen, and lucky Alvin? 

I could be loosing my mind, but in a day filled with four puppies found eating a carcass and a mother cat and kittens found in an abandoned shed - I am just pleased to be able to still laugh. 

Thanks Alvin; sorry Owen - giggle giggle giggle! J

The Truth Be Told
Finally, the first day in weeks where no one has lied to me, twisted the truth, or surprised me with disappointment. There have been great adoptions, and for that I am thrilled, but, I definitely needed some honesty and trust back in my days. 

There were 2 litters of "stray" kittens with moms who likely have never seen a day outside - a pregnant "stray" we know was "found" by her owner. It has been three days of "I am coming for my dog tomorrow" who was found and not yet reclaimed. Also, "I found this dog, I swear he is not mine, although he hides behind my legs". It is a difficult task sorting out the truth and it takes its' toll on my faith in the human race. 

Hopefully tomorrow it will all be in the past, and only honest people will visit. It seems to go in clusters, and I have had WAY TOO MUCH of it for a while.

Coral
Sometimes it is in and out, and other times it is stay with us for a while. Those that stay, are those we know best, as they are our family to us all (especially Todd and I, who see them for ten hours a day) Coral was one of these, and today she went home. 

I can't help but wonder with Tucker's return if it is for real or not, and that sure puts a damper on my celebrations (afraid it could happen again), but Coral was brought to me in March, a "stray" supposedly found, but clearly an indoor cat. She and what we now assume was her daughter came together. When someone came looking for a younger blue grey female cat, it was difficult to split them, but something we felt we had to do. Good thing we did, as Coral became the Easter bunny kitten's mother on Easter, a surprise to all of us. She raised him, weaned him and then an urgent call came from a finder of orphaned kittens, and Coral was off to feed them too. The offer to keep her was there, from this home, and they would find a place for her, but I needed to see her through till the end and spent the funds to have her spayed, kept her the extra weeks in the hopes of seeing her placed in a loving home. 

She has gone with other cats, all neutered males, and I am sure she will be a mother to them. I could not be happier, except for that bit of doubt that Tucker's return gave me.

Tucker
You were not imagining things, Tucker did leave the page, and was adopted last night. There was a blog about great karma and love at first site, but apparently, I blogged too soon and Karma has other plans for my friend Tucker. 

I do remember the conversation "...this dog is really strong on a leash - we are working on it - he walks best with a gentle leader". Response "I am looking for a dog that will take me for a walk" ... I counter with "...well, this dog sure will, he is very strong". Apparently, I was the only one who knew what I was talking about. This was the first time a dog has ever been returned for being "too strong to walk". I did mention his history, and how he never ever walked, and that he has now been sheltered for a long while, but somehow that was missed. 

I'm glad to have him back to try it all again, and fortunately for my friend I am his home. He is unscathed by his night away and is pleased to return. I will continue my search and there will be a great someone for him who is thinking about it and taking the time to figure it all out. 

Here's hoping those wonderful adopters today were listening. You know I love to talk as we did for most of today. There was talk of Tucker not having a history, no details and especially for Moe and Gwen. I have to hope these people know what that means and why I tell them.

Stretched
After a day like Friday, it had to get better, and sometimes all it takes is a good deed to get that good karma going.

After a conversation last week with Kennel Inn, animal control for Aurora, it came to my attention that this kill facility was full-full-full, and they were in need of a helping hand. I agreed to clear some room, and offered to take five or six dogs. 

I must admit, our space is limited, and by Saturday with three strays in, I was a little worried about the offer. I had faith in doing a good deed and hoped I would not regret it. Boy did that deed pay off. Marco and Bruce were adopted today and two black cats (when do two go in one day, and both to fantastic homes). Bruce to be the brother for a tiny kitten, and Marco to keep the mice away - which he will love to do by the way. Then the strays were reclaimed, which certainly took the dog pressure off, with room to breath now and then the greatest thing happened. A couple interested in another dog, they had seen online, came to meet her, who then saw Tucker, who I had recently moved to his new location Friday - which was right across from this dog. He tapped them on the shoulder and it was love at first tap? It can't get better than that.

Wish I had shown him that trick last month - now to move those new dogs too.

Stress
When I opened my eyes this morning, my biggest stress was whether Tipper would make it into the back of the truck and up those stairs to stardom, as I knew there was no way I could lift her. 

I decided that if I ran into great trouble, I would try to push her, and pull her, and hope for the best. How funny it seems now that Tipper was my only stress because as the day continued on, it went something like this:

1. four dogs attack police officer in Port Elgin

2. dogs need gathered, quarantined and some were 
   in trouble before, but not sure which ones

3. dog hit by car in Owen Sound

4. can't locate dog hit by car

5. woman with a BBQ planned has concerns over a 
   dead bird in her yard

6. cat in labour with breeched and deformed kitten 
   which is stuck

7. vet coming, but is tied up

8. paper carrier bitten by a dog in Owen Sound

9. dog scaring people at the marina 

10. person bitten by skunk in Port Elgin and need 
    it picked up

11. although we are not suppose to pick up the 
    skunk can we pleeaasssssssseeeeeeeee

12. no owner home where skunk is, no skunk - drive for nothing

Also at some point there was a disagreement about a dog reclaiming.

We had some more bad news from the vet about Dakota's eyes, and some serious stress about needing money soon to pay for those surgeries booked. What a day! Tomorrow definitely will be better? 

After all was said and done, Tipper totally had no troubles getting on-air, had a great time, and turned out to be the best part of the day! That will teach me to stress?

Ruby
This blog is about a special friend, who we call Ruby. I have really no idea how this became her name, as this was Candice's choice, and it was Candice who earned the right to name her, as she has saved her life. 

My girls are fabulous, and will go beyond the call of duty to make a difference in a little someone's life. 

Such was the case with Ruby, who came a lone straggler with no mom at two weeks' of age. We had just lost little Pink, and tensions were high, and Candice stepped up to the plate. With a temporary home, 24 hours of care, and plenty of TLC, Ruby did wonderfully and bonded very well with the family and even the dog. 

I know it broke Candice's heart to see her go to a good home. I saw her choke back tears. An awesome job Candice, be proud, Ruby owes you her life.

Saugeen Shores
Today, it became official, we have extended our services, increased our coverage areas and hopefully have begun a venture to make a difference in more lives. 

We have a new contract to provide service to the Town of Saugeen Shores. We are the animal control for this area as well as Owen Sound. Residents are to call us at (519) 372-1123 with found or missing animals, complaints and any animal-related concerns. 

It will be our pleasure to offer superior service to Saugeen Shores, make important changes the Town is needing and to serve the public completely in offering safety and compassion to pets, and their people. Please do not hesitate to contact me, to those of you who now have questions or concerns, and please bare with us, as we step into things and try to sort it all out.

Scarface
Today, the doctor was in the house! We have a friend who has been receiving constant care, special tending to and tons of love, who needed to see a doctor and could not travel. His name is Scarface - as everyone here calls him! 

You see Scarface has such a terrible facial injury that traveling puts him at risk. This is going to get a bit graphic now, be warned. This feline, takes the cake and wins first prize as the most grossly injured fella to still be alive and kicking, and otherwise thriving. 

Scarface came to me a stray, missing most of his face. His insides exposed through the large hole in his neck where they were attached. We have battled infection and rotten skin daily since, and spend time each day removing the pieces that fall off him. The struggle to create new skin, while avoiding loosing too much dead skin, keeps him on cage rest, as any bumping or rubbing, and off it comes. In need now of more assistance, as it just won't close we called our friend Dr. Gadd to pay us a visit with her mobile clinic.

There is hope and fantastic news that in a week, with the new treatment she provided, it is hoped there will be enough freshness to stitch the wound closed. We will be crossing all our fingers in anticipation of that day. Scarface's big day will also be a big one for Chrissy, who also was given a surgery too. 

Chrissy a fantastic, and otherwise perfect dog, has a large lump on her lip which needed to be removed. It seemed that with it people continued to look at her in disgust and that is no way to find a home. 

On a sadder note, it was also confirmed today that Dakota is in fact, impaired. We were rather certain, but had no veterinary records to confirm it, as she has never been examined by a vet. Her right eye is completely blind, and her left is damaged. Further testing in the week will help us get a better picture. So young at just over 8 months old, and so very full of life, I pray that this will not mean the remainder of her life will be spent here. Many of my friends have been "special" before and found wonderful homes. I hope that these special friends will find great homes someday too.

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