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Surprise - After 13 surgeries, two stray dogs, and a full day of work, it was a surprise we were not really psyched for. 

The last alter for the day became quickly complicated as a huge growth was discovered in the nasal passage near the back of her throat of our last cat. 

It had to be removed through her mouth. This was the first I had ever seen and hopefully the last, as it was truly gross. Luckily the doc knew what to do!

Please keep this kitty in your thoughts as we hope for a good recovery. 
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July 29, 2010
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Dear Sir  - I am sorry to hear that you are being evicted from your home. I am sorry to hear that you had three days to find a home. It is very unfortunate that you have waited until now to call the Shelter. 

I am saddened to learn that your 17 year old cat cannot go to your new home with you. I understand you are frustrated by this, and understand this is an emotional time for you. It was suggested that you try to find a family member or a friend to take in your cat. It was also suggested that you try a foster home alternative. Please know that these suggestions were not without compassion, and had your cat's best interest at heart. 

Your cat is old and will be miserable in the Shelter environment. She will go off her food and potentially end her life under the stress of the Shelter environment, as well as distressed missing you. I cannot stress enough I would never want an animal to suffer and know that by coming to the Shelter at the age of 17 years there is a great risk of this. 

It was inappropriate for you to swear at us when these suggestions were made and it was not right for you to tell us what you thought you may now do to this cat. You threatened to go to the papers over this and tell everyone how mean and cruel we have been. It seems perhaps you have misunderstood. Here's hoping you have reconsidered and find a more suitable environment for your elderly cat.
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July 26, 2010
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Cats and Kittens - Hooray for a great adoption day! Saturday must have been a full moon or a lucky day somehow, as with it brought homes for six homeless cats hooray! We have a little breathing space and this makes us all smile. 

It has been what feels like forever since so many moved all at once and we were sure needing it. Perhaps all my begging and pleading is now paying off? Many removed from the site, but this does not, however, mean we are running out, as new cats will be posted again soon, there are still many others waiting. Shorthaired, longhaired, young and old we have them all. They are all fixed and many vaccinated, all litter trained, and all checked by the veterinarian. 

If you are looking for something in particular, i.e., a kitten, please know we have them in waiting and nothing would make me happier than seeing them adopted as soon as they are ready to go. 

As we clean shuffle and post the new ones, we are excited, and hopeful. Hopeful the rest will move as quickly too. I am hoping for yet another full moon, or another lucky day, as it sure would be nice to have even more breathing room. It seems there is never a shortage, I have yet to run out of kittens and cats, and that would be a great day if I did! 
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July 23, 2010
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Surprise - I was in pursuit of a lost dog, patrolling the village of Saugeen First Nation for a wandering pooch I knew was there somewhere, and was pretty certain I could find him perhaps if I wandered a little on foot, and wandered into the forest, and was in for a big surprise. 

If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

I heard the bushes rustling, and was sure I was close to him. I called him, "hey pup, here boy, want a treat? car ride? cookie? wanna go for a walk" I shook the treat bag, and called for him a little more" ...

If you go out in the woods today,
You'd better not go alone. 
It's lovely out in the woods today,
But safer to stay at home.

I moved a little closer calling. Then I saw him. He was not who I was seeking. 

Beneath the trees, where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

I walked right into him. That great big bear!! Shocked, and in disbelief, and a little silly feeling, I did what I thought was best... I grabbed for the camera thinking [this is gonna make a great blog!!] and then quietly stepped away. I am disappointed the pic missed him, and considered going back in to get another, but instead passed. 

For the residents of Saugeen First Nation, particularly those near French Bay Road, make a note... you have a bear in your backyard!! I now know too!! 
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July 22, 2010
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Calves Stolen [Bayshore Broadcasting News] - 

Someone stole some cattle from a farm in Southgate.

Grey County OPP say the theft occurred sometime last Friday night or early Saturday morning at a farm on sideroad 55 east of Mount Forest.

Police say the thieves entered an unlocked barn and stole 4 registered Holstein calves valued at about three thousand dollars.

The calves are all less then 6 months old, had ear tags and ranged in weight from 200 to 400 pounds.

Police say the suspects would have needed a truck or trailer to transport the calves.

A vehicle was heard by a person on a nearby property at about 3 in the morning Saturday, which might have been related to the theft.

Police say cattle thefts, although rare, are always a serious concern because of the potential ease of theft and the ability for the animals to be resold.

The Criminal Code also contains special punishment provisions for the theft of cattle and someone found guilty could be jailed for up to 10 years.

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
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July 20, 2010
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Bruno - He was once a free roaming dog, the alpha of the pack. He was fed by the community, and wandered freely from place to place. He lived with others, who he led, and they like him had no place to call home. When the food was not enough for him, and his body weakened, those that were under him, challenged him, as is the case in nature. Those that wanted his alpha position took him down. 

When we met him, he was near death, having been chewed on by the other dogs, and left full of infection. He was the worse I had ever seen in any living dog, and I had my doubts he would ever make it out. There were nights I was certain it would be his last, and there were many days I held him not sure if it would be either. 

There were many sleepless nights as we tended to him every few hours. There were many travels with him to my home while we tried to save sleep time when he was well enough to travel. Much money was spent, and time was given to him by all. And, the doc went beyond the call for him. 

Today, officially, I have placed him up for adoption. My whole heart is happy, although, it will be hard to let him go. I need for him a family, in which he can be the king, where he can be placed back on his thrown. I need him to never be hungry again, to never be without vet care, and to always have a warm bed to sleep. I will also need whomever to keep in touch with me forever. This boy has become very important to me. He waits now for that most perfect home.
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July 19, 2010
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The Storm - I heard the thunder rolling in, and was pretty sure we were in for a big big storm. Miles away it rumbled, and with each rumble the dogs at the shelter grew agitated. Some circled, some barked, and each one watched the other. Even the cats had saucers in there eyes, as they knew something was brewing. I told them how lucky they were inside nice and dry and warm, but secretly wished the walls were also sound proof. 

When the rain started I checked the pager, knowing without a doubt in no time there would be lost dog calls. The rain quickly turned into torrential down pours, and in moments the visibility was nearly nil, and the thunder and lighting nearly continual. Power was out hours later, with the storm still going strong, and I made the mistake of commenting "well with no power can people call with missing dogs"? Almost as I finished the words, the call came, this a found dog in Hanover, found running in the street. 

It was difficult to see the road through the lightning, and the heavy rain, as the wipers tried to keep the rain off, visibility was not the best, and it was by this point quite late at night. As I thought of how it was difficult to retrieve him knowing where he was, I thought of those missing him, looking who did not know. The task nearly impossible. I thought of the danger he was in wandering the roads at a time in which it was hard to see (he a black dog in a downpour). 

He was reclaimed today by happy owners. I believe their words were it was like looking for a needle in a haystack trying to find him, and searched for hours. I reminded them to call me immediately if their dog goes missing again, and told them we would have much rather had them find him.
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July 16, 2010
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Run Baby, Run! - You know the type, we've all seen him. The Border Collie who sits eagerly in the tall grass for the car to drive past. He waits for that car [ his sheep ] and when you approach the chase is on, and if he's lucky he gets a good run which feeds his drive. When it's over he returns to the ditch to wait for the next one. 

I have learned it's best to know where these dogs spend their time, and be prepared with my hand on the horn. It has always been my thought that the horn may deter them, or at the very least alert owners to the fact that their dog is in car chasing mode. If the areas in which they are lurking are not in my jurisdiction it's my hope that I can at least irritate the owner with horn honking enough they may put a stop to it. 

Today, with hand on horn, the tires screeching to a halt, a Collie nearly caught my car. I was given the opportunity to speak with the owner, as this first time, it was in my area. And, for the first time in all patrols, over eleven years and thousands of kilometers, I nearly hit a dog [ and my avoiding him likely almost killed me. My mom always told me not to do this ... oops ]. 

I sat quietly trying to compose myself and immediately I was filled with disgust. Fortunately, the owner witnessed the whole ordeal. Fortunately, the owner saw my face and heard the commotion, and fortunately, they were empathetic. They recognized that they had potentially been responsible for either the death of their dog, or my injury or worse and luckily it scared them as much as it did me. It seems they really had not thought there was any harm in it, the dog waiting and chasing, and had tried to stop him, but had never considered a leash [ grrrr ]. The problem now appears to be rectified, however, I will be taking a personal interest to ensure that this never happens again.
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July 14, 2010
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Swimming Anyone? - After working an 8 hour day, you agree to do the beach patrols which are set to be done early evening. You head out the door in full uniform, in the heat, to search for dogs on the beach, and to gently warn the visitors and residents of Saugeen Shores, and Saugeen First Nation to kindly escort their pooches off the sand beach.

An hour into things, you're feeling pretty good as everything seems under control in two areas, and as the sun starts to fall you're feeling good about heading home soon. Turning the last corner of the last stretch of beach you spot them ... down yonder ... a cluster of people with dogs all running free and all on the sand beach. 

Placing the vehicle in park, as this is an area that cannot be driven you start your long walk, in the heat, notebook in hand, business cards in pocket, and leash in the other hand. You approach the first couple with the standard hello there, I am the animal control for Saugeen Shores, and you may not be aware that there is a by-law which does not permit your dog on the beach and I am here to inform you, and warn you as potentially now you are facing charges. Kindly remove your dog from the beach. They almost always apologize, you discuss signage, and where the dog may in fact go, and they are off. 

I headed to the next couple and repeated. Suddenly the woman, next on my list of people to speak to, leashes her two dogs, and heads out into the water. I proceed after her saying "excuse me miss, can you come out of the water" she ignores you. You speak louder, and this is also ignored. You evaluate the contents of your pockets, the contents which cannot get wet which are also in hand. You consider swimming out to her, and realize this will be ridiculous. She is, however, ignoring you. You wait watching, she waits watching! What do I do?? 

Well, it all worked out for me today, the details I cannot share, but suffice it to say that it is all resolved. However, I have now made a note to self that tomorrow when I patrol the beach I will also be wearing a swim suit. 
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July 13, 2010
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Apologies - The website has not been updated for days and the new arrivals have not been placed up on the website - we are experiencing technical difficulties with the website. The internet is now such an important part of what we do and the website is watched by hundreds each week - the pressure is on to get this resolved. CASE CLOSED! We're live again thanks to Bell and BMTS!!!

Two people have expressed concern over missed updates and I have apologized, thankfully they now realize that these things are not easy to fix. And that getting the website up and running is a major priority. I must say that after 6 years of daily updates, that I miss them as well.

Basically to update everyone on what has happened ... Friday there was tension with many dogs and many cats. A list was started for dogs to come in and we were hoping for adoptions. Saturday there were 6 dog adoptions and thank the stars the shuffle to accept new dogs could go through. Unfortunately, cat adoptions are down, and the incoming still up. Pressure still on for more cats to be adopted. Tell all your friends and neighbours that we have great cats and lots of kittens that need to find forever homes.
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My Mom and Dad got married June 12th! 
I got to go with them to Pelee Island on their honeymoon.
We had a great time camping and exploring.

July 8, 2010
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Bruno -  There were many days I thought the time would never come. With his day to be altered, and ready to go home soon, I must admit I was a little nervous. Bruno who was so close to death weeks ago has improved incredibly, and now well, fat, and so close to going home had one more hurdle to cross before that day would come, and it was decided that today he would take it. 

Secretly, I was on edge and afraid that after coming so far I would be devastated to have an anesthetic reaction. Bruno a cryptorchid (having only one testicle descended) needed a greater surgery which would involve some digging, and the thoughts of this being too much for him was adding some pressure on all of us. It was not spoken, and all that was said was "I am sure he will be fine" but I know there was concern from all of us. No one wanted to have any troubles with this boy we loved so much. 

When all was done, and neuter complete, tattoo added, he was laid to recover with Miss Mable, there was a sigh of relief. 

He in Mable's hands was going to be just fine. I am pleased to say that within the next few days we will begin the process of finding our boy a loving home. My heart happy to be able to say it, and with pride I can thank my team, it is almost time my friends we have done it.
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July 7, 2010
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The Heat Continues -  The people were cranky, hot and bothered, and their pets are feeling the heat too! With the reports of dog bite incidents way up in the last few days, and reports of animals acting funny and not themselves I now need to remind everyone to be safe. 

Fido is unhappy. He, like you, is hot and agitated by the heat, but cannot tell you. Lap dogs are wanting to be left alone, and those who are normally underfoot are keeping their distance. This helps them cool. Please do not force them to be with you. Please tell your children now is the best time to back off, and stay out of their dog's face. 

As my priorities are keeping people and pets safe, I can't stress enough that your pet must come to you on their terms throughout these hot days, they must be allowed to stay cool and quiet, and now is not the time to have company over, push or prod them, dress them in clothes, or tell them what they should or should not be doing. 

Our beloved pets are a big part of our family, but they are still animals by nature, and they will still bite when hot and bothered. This bite is bad for both them and you. Please help a bad situation be avoided by thinking of them in this heat. Remember that personalities change when under distress and duress, and that the heat can do that. Remind your children, and keep your pets under care and control.
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July 6, 2010
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The F-Word - The heat is still turned way up! People are now getting very cranky. People who are often pleasant and reasonable are unfortunately now getting way past cranky. Today, I had the pleasure of being yelled at by an 82 year old woman. This yelling and ranting continued for over forty minutes. She clearly was distraught and even used the f-word, which I think may have been the first time someone so elderly has cursed at me.

Last fall a stray cat wandered onto this elderly lady's property; this cat stayed. Her area with no cat by-law could not help her, and unable to drive, and with limited resources she had found herself in a predicament. She offered it shelter over the winter, and fed it. Early spring this cat gave birth to five kittens. These kittens are now five months old, are feral and are living at her home. To make things more stressful, weeks ago, mom has since had five more. There are now ten and mom living in her yard. Babes from early spring soon to be of reproducing age she recognizes she is soon in a crisis. She has contacted any and all rescues she could manage, and as I listed off places and names, she confirmed connecting with them. She has contacted all veterinarians, and all animal control facilities, she has really tried everything. I recognize her frustration, I am empathetic to her stress, and understand she is up against a wall, as even to alter them, she is facing not only costs, but the challenges of gathering them at 82 years of age. She was angry with the threat of euthanasia of all of the cats, and threatened by the neighbour to do it. So, she yelled and ranted while I listened. 

Thankfully, I was able to keep my cool. After we chatted, and we discussed potential options, and she recognized my desire to help, but merely limited abilities - I believe we came to a reasonable solution. 

Hours passed, and the temp cooled a little too, I again saw her name come up on the phone ID. I braced myself as I answered. Thankfully her call was to thank me, and tell me there was a plan now in place. Unfortunately, she is not the first person I have spoken to in this predicament, but fortunately I have learned it's manageable. More manageable, in fact, than it is to find homes for so many cats. 
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July 5, 2010
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Holy Hot Dog - It was so very warm today with a temp reported to me at 39!! While we kept all the runs doors and windows closed, walked the dogs only briefly and gave each a dip in the pool we did what we could to keep those poor pooches cool. Each pant releasing more heat and moisture it was a sticky day in the dog room. The cats laid quietly and just an extra water refill kept them comfortable. My thoughts today, of course, are for those on the streets or worse yet those left in cars, kennels, yards, tied to poles, etc., without things to help keep them cool and I hope they are well. 

Please think of your four-legged friends when thinking about how you will stay cool. Everyone needs lots of water, a way out of the sun and a place they can get cool. Know the signs of heat stroke, agitation, salivation, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, heavy panting, change in colour of the gums or tongue, change in dilation or redness in the eyes. Know what to do if your pet begins to overheat, gradual cooling with warm to cool water, not cold, wrap them in a wet towel and immediately seek a cooler location and offer water to drink. Again cool to warm water not cold and call your veterinarian.
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