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

WINNER OF THE KAYAK IS: DANGERFUDGES! Congratualations.

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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.

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

Dixie
When I named her Dixie I imagined the swing on the porch, the sunset and the open fields. I imagined her laying, content in the sun with her tail wagging. I was sure the life she had had before the Shelter was that of a chain dog, with only a few feet to wander in a circle. Nothing to see, nothing to do and of course many puppies to feed. Her gouged her ear proved she had been in a discussion with another dog - another chain dog perhaps? Her body was weathered and showed of the many pups she had mothered. With no history and these assumptions I knew it would be hard to adopt her out. A hound, with a whole lot of nothing to speak for - her heart of gold would need to do it for her. 

So, I hung onto that cowboy hat dream ... assuming her person of course would need one, the boots and say "Dixie" in that cowboy (southern drawl). I hoped for it, and promised it to her, but was afraid I would break my promise. 

Following our Zoo-A-Thon ... there was someone who came for her. However, Todd and Sandi were not sure, and needed me to chat with them. It was a country home, however, there was another dog involved, and they wanted to be sure there was the right intentions (no need to make her a mom again ... or a chain dog).

When he came to meet me I must admit I was giggling as there was a "Dixie" (spoken with an American accent - Dix..ee) he asked for. As he approached the desk, I noted the cowboy boots and as he spoke I could have sworn he was from Alabama ~ however, he was from somewhere much closer ... and that accent ... I had heard it before. He had adopted Angus from me!! Who is also well. The appointment to have her Spay-ded (also with accent) has been made. She now has that field, the cowboy boots, and a deck (no swing ... but he has promised to think on that :) Way to go girl!

Successful Day at Grey Motors
I love my people... all of you ...you are wonderful! We save thousands of lives, we raise the money needed to keep them well, we have great fundraisers to do it and you help me pull through all this successfully. 

There is no way I could have done today alone, and I need to thank each one of you: Sandi, Candice, Elaine, Renee L., Karen, Gloria, Doreen, Kateri, Dayvn, Mary-Martha, Sue, Karley, Aislyn and Maddy (who stood in that hot sun all day flagging down traffic and got covered in wet dogness), you trimmed nails, washed dogs, cars (and even a transport truck), and pushed and sold all the stuff that we brought to sell. 

Thank you to Jamie Johnston who went beyond the call of the Mix duties to help us, and Rico too. Thank you to the Grey Motors staff who were so kind. Thank you again to all the people who donated items and their time to make today a great great success! 

As always, we shone - rats, a rabbit, two cats, a kitten, and three dogs were showcased. Every hour there was someone new (which proved to be harder than it sounded) and by the end of the day there were homes for rats [we still have more], a cat, a kitten, a dog, and a potential adoption for a dog and the rabbit (who are both supposed to be tomorrow). 

The best part was the attention we received all day, new listeners, new fans and more people to know who we are and what we do. AND, we raised some money too - somewhere around $600.00 at my last count.

Winner of the package is Leslie Zori - Congratulations!

Grey Motors Dog and Car Washing
Tomorrow is another big day for all of us! For me it means being on air all day for hours featuring homeless friends every hour. I will be starting with rats - let the fun begin! From there it will be one after another, until many get their chance to shine. 

Please listen in for our friends, and make sure others are listening too! We are Grey Motors all day and will have for sale delicious dog cookies, thanks to Teri (mom of Hobbes and Simon) and her mom Linda, cooling pet bandanas thanks to Peanut's mom, refreshments thanks to Suzie's mom. We will also have car and pet washing, and even pet-i-cures thanks to Mary Martha. As well as Soft Paws for kitties, and free giveaways too... It will be a creature party! 

Here's hoping for good weather for a good cause and to you spreading the word!

Winner of the package is Leslie Zori - Congratulations!

Abandon Ship
A fella asked if he could surrender "a few" rats, told me he had cages to go with them and then so very nicely told me he would be back with a donation. He was gone a few minutes and it occurred to me that some rats had boy parts and some had girl parts ... this meant they needed separate cages. And, honestly the creation of cages these rodents were in, I was not sure they would not chew out of it.

I like rats, but I am not so sure I need them wandering around and especially where I can't see them ... a surprise would freak me out - Llyle might like to help slow down this over-population too. So, we gathered all the cages we could find, and began the process of sorting out who was who. Then the fun began.

In a matter of moments, "a few" became seven, became nine, became twelve and after lifting up some bedding - became eight more. And in no time, we had over twenty. YIKES! And the splitting, and sexing, who was the momma of those newborns? Well, quite frankly, it wasted a good few hours of my day. The saddest part, the fella did not return with any money ... which meant I have been had. RATS! 

I am hoping that there will be a FEW PEOPLE looking for pets as we are in a rather urgent predicament especially in the next few weeks when those pinkies become mature! Tell all your friends ... they are just adorable!

Winston and Shorty
They arrived on Saturday and two days was all it took for these cute Beagle/Bassets to find their way home. They came from an over-crowded shelter where they were going to be euthanized. These two boys have now gone on to better things - like living! 

I could have placed the first one on Saturday (from what I heard) it was love at first sight, however, I needed a few pups to attend the Shelter's 1^st Annual Mutt Strutt. It sure was a great event made even better by having these two characters attend ... they provided me with so much laughter. And the potential adoptors came right back at 1 o'clock on Monday as soon as we opened! 

Shorty, named not for his short legs, but more for the distance he would walk without laying down. Three steps forward then he had to rest - three steps forward then he had to rest. SO, needless to say, the walkers who ended up with these boys [sorry guys], carried, rewarded, coaxed and bribed the boys to the finish line 2 hours later (the short course many people did in half an hour ... shhhhh) lol And, Winston, the smarter of the two when it comes to walking was easily distracted ... a great thinker, who forgot which way he was going most of the time. A pleasure to have had them both and for such a short time. 

And Winston, you know who adopted him - don't you? Well, Winston left today, with that dog walker (Congrats Michelle) - lol

Mutt Strutt 2008
We came, we strutted and we conquered! and then some!

What a fantastic day, great fun, great people and fantastic pledges! The weather cooperated and the support was great with all of the best people and their best 4-legged friends who turned out to make it a sensational success!

Over $10,000 was raised! Our top pledge gatherers were Nicole Fowler at $1,700.00, with one pledge coming from Invisible Fence for $1,000.00! (Thank you Linda and Ray Sugars!) Next was Stanley and Rob Duell (from the Stanley Fund) of $600.00, and Teri Van Aalst and Simon managed to gather $500.00!

The prizes were incredible, the food fantastic and we sure made a great team. Special thanks to Nicole Fowler, Chatters, Gloria DangerFudge, Dana Sadler, Sandi Scobie and Candice Ford for their assistance on the Mutt Strutt Committee. (Thanks to Todd, Craig, and Jaret too!) It was only because of all of you that we were so successful! 

I enjoyed catching up with my Boo, Snuggles, Tucker, Turtle, Bandit and Lux, etc., etc., (you have changed your names, but you will always be in my heart). How wonderful to see them all so loved, well cared for and so darn happy. 

All the pooches were on their best behavior too! It brings tears to my eyes when I reflect, thanks to all of you for bringing us one step closer to our goal. 

OK above and beyond our goal. We have a great community of people and it makes me very happy to serve all of you.

Llyle has a new house

1^st Annual Mutt Strutt
This Sunday ... it's is almost time and the excitement is building! It has been taken a long time to prepare, and organize and gathering, but the time is finally near. 

Our 1^st Annual Mutt Strutt takes place this Sunday at Grey Sauble Conservation Authority - RAIN OR SHINE! There are refreshments and coffee thanks to Tim Horton's. Great prizes are available and even a heated/massaging pet bed (thanks Invisible Fence) a dog backpack, portable dog water bowl, hair products, a kayak package prize and all sorts of goodies for people and their pooches! I am thrilled at the response, all of the great help and anticipate a day of fun and great funds raised! 

Our Vet, Dr. Becker, will be in attendance, dog trainers, and groomers too, and Invisible Fence will be there to provide information and details on their product! The press will be there so bring your smiles and your pups! It has been a little hectic in finding dogs from the Shelter to walk, as many that were chosen were adopted today? oops lol However, I am sure there will be someone with the new pups in and the Basset Hounds that are expected, and of course we have others. 

I hope to see all of you there! For our first of many Annual Mutt Strutts!

Petey
This blog was supposed to be on Tuesday, but a migraine and a 9:30 pm home time changed it. AND, Missy's blog was yesterday, and well poor Petey's story needed heard, so I have decided to do his today. 

A few months ago a kind and gentle woman contacted me about adopting a small dog. Her requests were pretty specific, tiny dog, good with cats, etc. We talked randomly as dogs caught her attention, but sadly there was no one who was just perfect. ANML-RESQ asked some questions about a fella they had, which drew my attention to him, and in moments I was pretty sure this was the dog for her - Petey the tiny Dachshund. 

It was like adopting one of my own, when she told me of her excitement, and it was a thrill to get her updates about how much she loved him (another reason it is great to work together). Until one day, not long ago, there was panic in her message to me. Petey as little as he was, had nearly killed the cat and my poor pal was bitten trying to split them up. Knowing that Petey needed to be a cat lover, I invited her up for a visit and told her to bring a gentle leader! In no time at all he was learning to love cats, and not just for chasing, learning appropriate manners. 

I must admit it was a little tricky doing such maneuvers with a tiny fella; having to be so delicate with my leash! However, it was all worth while, and Petey is doing just great in a home. I know he is loved. AND, I am here to help if they need me.

Missy
She was surrendered to the Shelter about a month ago. As she was an older cat there was concern with how she do, how bad would she pine for her people and how long would it take for her to make it out. Seven is not the oldest, and you know we have done way older before, but it was her comfort I had worried about.

Her stay went all OK, and she only went off her food a day or two and she was a low maintenance and easy going cat. Honestly, she really did not move much, she sat in the corner of the big cage and watched the world out her window. Even when given playtime she preferred to find a place to get into and disappear. We assumed she was just a little antisocial, and for this reason, her lack of being outstanding it took a little time. 

However, today was her day! Today, she was outstanding, she rolled around, made all sorts of efforts to make friends, and even climbed into the arms of her new adopter. Her new mom and dad came today to meet her, and they brought the dog! The dog was the key, and I do think we knew she was raised with one, but had no idea that she actually liked him ~ who knew! 

When this dog approached her she jumped up to rub heads with her, then meowed and rubbed her body on her. Then the happy cat appeared. I was quite amazed to watch her transform before my eyes, and thrilled at the same time to know that this dog had come looking for a companion. A great match for both. Thankfully, I am pleased that Miss Missy will now have her dog back!

Hush
There was a little something I was working on and when the call came for Central Place, my first thought was to bring Soup Soup (the new bunny). Upon second thought, it was decided it was time to jump in and go ahead with that little something.

Let the truth be known ever since the passing of our Pitbull, and the adoption of our foster Wiemeriner I have been walking around with some guilt. Not feeling that I am doing my part entirely to help those who need me (the banned breed) and instead falling in love with another. I was beginning to feeling a bit like I had let them down. So, to ease my conscious it was time to begin. Today, was the official launch date of "Hush, Silencing the Rumours" and a surprise to all the Central Place staff and residents who were expecting a Hush Puppy. Boy were they surprised! Hush for those who don't know is a deaf pit bull. 

There was an "awwwww" and then a "my is he cute", and "what is his name" and then the moment we braced ourselves for (me and hush puppies momma) and "what breed is he?" I proudly announce he is a Pitbull and the lady petting him stops, smiles and says "...wow and he didn't even pull my arms off" and she meant it. 

There was 20 minutes of Hush doing tricks, pity charm and there were smiles on everyone's faces. One woman who was hearing impaired signed to him and I nearly cried. Then another crawled onto the floor for a moment of fun, and asked him to speak (yes, this deaf boy speaks), and when he responded they all applauded those tears nearly came back again.

A great ambassador for the breed, who left an impression on everyone, I was a proud former mom. Remember that lady who worried about her arms, well she was converted and it was proudly announced, as we laughed, and smiled and noted, one down and some to go! With that it was official, the Hush Campaign has started. 

If you have a group who needs Pitbull education, please let me know and I won't hesitate to show this boy off and give an informed presentation.

Momma's New Friend
It's official, we have another bunny to fill those big shoes left by our beloved Pancake. Here's how it happened...

Remember Ella the rabbit, who pulled out her hair from distress and loneliness, well, at that time another rabbit, Cheeks, looses her friend and Ella is adopted. They hit it off 'a little too well' and it is discovered that Ella is really an Elroy ...OOPS... and Elroy finds another loving home and all is well. Except, Cheeks is still missing her friend. 

When my Pancake died Momma was lonely, she ate and continued to search for her friend ... watch and call to her - her calling was heartbreaking. So Cheek's owner said "...hey, I have an idea ... I have a lonely bunny who needs a friend..." to which I respond "...the bunny needs to be a female, older, quiet, great to handle, want to love a friend AND be OK for day cares and old age homes..." The response I received "...Cheeks is 4, a girl, great to handle AND went to old age homes!" 

Tonight they met and actually kissed and in minutes they were best of pals - as it was almost meant to be! 

A name change is in order, as of course we tend to do that... I will keep you posted. This bunny needs a name by Monday, as she will make her debut at Central Place, Owen Sound at 2:00 pm!

June 27^th
I need everyone to put their thinking caps on.

The Shelter has been invited by the Mix 106 to have a Zoo-A-Thon on June 27^th (it's a Friday). We will be live on location from Grey Motors, Owen Sound and plan to have guest appearances every hour starting at 9 am and going to 5 pm.

The part I need help with is this: It will be a great opportunity to do fundraising and we will have a kayak on display and tickets will be available for $5.00 each, bUT, that's all I have. I was thinking of a dog wash and a car wash and both are possible and great ideas, but there will only be four of us and the Shelter will remain open that day. Does anyone want to volunteer to come down and help with the dog and car wash? 

Also, can you come up with other ideas? I would appreciate an idea that would draw people in - something that is of little or no cost that can help us reach many people to help OSAS with much needed funding.

Email me your ideas? Drop me a line? And please drop in to Grey Motors on June 27^th  and meet some Mix Radio Celebs, and have a good time. I hope to be washing pets and cars and doing peticures. 

Let's get a team together. Hope to see all of you there.

Rabies

Bayshore Broadcasting reported today... Another rabid skunk in region, Written by Diana Meder  ... Another skunk in our region has tested positive for rabies. The Grey Bruce Health Unit confirms the animal was found wandering the streets of Tara on Monday with test results coming back positive yesterday. Officials say they are not aware of any human exposure from the incident. This is the second rabid skunk reported in Grey Bruce this year. Last year there were six confirmed cases including three skunks. The Health Unit reminds us to stay away from wild, sick and injured animals especially if they're acting strangely. 

Wow, second already? It is June and they are not moving around till about March, these guys just woke up!! Now, interestingly, they can hibernate infected with rabies, and sleep with their friends and then wake up and become infected. Which is the unfortunate way it can spread so fast in such colonies. I am definitely concerned for my wild friends, but more for all of the domestic ones that mingle with them. 

There has not been rabies clinics in our area in three years, and a vaccine lasts three years. Which means. if you think your pet is up-to-date, and you have not done it since, it is not.

Sadly, not enough are doing these shots, I can't think of the last time I traced a rabies tag! Rabies will kill if your pet becomes infected. Please check on your pets status today. I suspect we have not seen the last skunk this season.

Going Home
We polled our resources. All family and friends again and as it turned out Sandi had someone looking to adopt. Gaffer will be going home, and will be in the family! (Congrats to the aunt who is taking him - a sure gift for both of you). Here's hoping there are still resources to be found for some of the others, as the list is piling up for those waiting to come in.

There are three dogs in Durham, on death row, two at Lakeshore and one in Southampton that need a spot soon. AND there are four private releases that also need help soon. As we are no kill it is essential we move a few more to loving homes soon. Watch the site, tell everyone you know, and help us get them going. Only by finding those we have homes can we make space to save more. That's how we stay a no-kill facility.

Thankfully, we have great supporters, and people looking to adopt and tomorrow I will be in that book of names and on the horn. Time for the others is running out, and I need to get'em in! Cross your fingers for me!

If They Could Only Talk
If only my friends could talk so that people would listen; the stories they would tell. Today, I made a friend formerly named something else, but now named "Gaffer". His story would be a sad one, filled with being unwanted and turned away and at sixteen weeks already having seen so much hatred. 

As a younger pup, this pup, this poor wee Gaffer (thanks for the name Dr. Becker) was beaten with a shovel. This beating, meant to end his life, left him with a face that only a mother could love. OK, well honestly, we all think it is pretty darn cute, in a special sort of way. He also has a cherry eye, but that is easy to fix.

He has been vetted, and his doc assures us he can function this way, and those that surrendered him promise it has been a while since it happened. They did rescue him, and planned on keeping him, but it did not quite work out. Gaffer is after all a busy puppy, and fully active despite his deformity.

He loves, still unconditionally, thank goodness they did not beat that out of him, as with tail wags, and body wiggles he greeted everyone today. I know I have good people following this site, and I am confident tomorrow little Gaffer will go home. 

Looking forward to seeing him in that most perfect loving home, as he should be. A baby should be loved.

Heat Stroke Can Kill
We made light of it, I must admit, this morning with the showcase on Rogers of my friend Frank. Frank - the hot dog. It takes a minute - Frank the hot dog and we laughed at the heat and waited. By TV time 11:30 am it was apparent that the day's heat was taking its tole on our four legged friends and even poor Frank. Franklin found the travel warmed him right up. I was beginning to panic, for nothing, until I met our first casualty for the summer of heat stroke. 

An older orange and white tabby, clearly someone's beloved pet as he was collared (not ID'd) and neutered. When we arrived to pick him out of the grass he was already seizuring, with eyes that were fixed and dilated, salivating, and was pale in his gums, and had no refill time ... clearly failing. We rushed him to the shelter, and got on the phone to our vet who told us it was essential he was gently cooled, and needed fluids to rehydrate him. As I pushed the fluids in he seized, and as he struggled to fight through it he wretched and convulsed. I could tell that there was sunburn on both ears, and clearly this boy had been cooked. 

As with dogs and cats they bake quickly in the summer heat and their organs fail quickly. I spoke softly to him, and promised to name him Sunny and with that he wretched and seized and stopped breathing. Three times we started his heart. and on the fourth try our efforts failed. This boy died a terrible and horrible death, so easy to be prevented.

My heart breaks for him and I am angered at his people. Baking in the sun is no way for a pet to die - a family friend. 

Here's hoping his story prevents the death of another. Please keep them cool.

Pancake
Everyone knows her - she has been around as long as I have at OSAS and has become a legend. Admired, loved and cuddled by so many, this girl needs to be kept in your thoughts. 

Originally named "Cake Cake" my one year old who could not say Pancake properly, her name then became Pancake in time ... our beloved Bunny has had a stroke.

It is apparent by the head tilt, the floppy ear on one side, the inability to blink her right eye, the droopy lip on that side and her hopping in circles. It breaks my heart to watch her this way, and I fear her end is very near. 

My sadness is not so much for me, although I will miss her greatly, or for her, as she has been well loved for a very long time and has had a long life (she is now 10'ish) but more for her best friend Momma new guinea.

Momma was Pancake's sister, girlfriend, best friend, and cage mate. They have been inseparable for years. Actually Momma was rescued and then replaced another "Santa" who when she passed almost took Pancake with her from sadness (who knew a bunny could love to death). They have attended all Easter visits together, classroom trips, and to the nursing homes together. They have always been a two for one deal.

I have left them together for the night. Pancake kept comfortable on meds and I pray for a peaceful passing if this is to be or a long life if it is to not. But, mostly that the guinea pig will be OK.

More Goals
Earlier this week, a donation was made to the surgical room in honour of Anne Mollen's birthday. The family pitched in, and monies were raised ... and they helped us reach our $10,000.00 goal. 

Take a minute to have a happy dance! Reaching this goal means we have enough to purchase equipment and get it in the surgical room. I am relieved, so pleased and very thankful. 

Our dreams of saving so many will be one step closer to being a reality! This does not, however, mean that the surgical room will not have added expenses, like suture material, drugs and well the vet. 

Please don't stop helping and giving! We still need to continue to help those like Peggy, who by the way, is doing great now that she is pooping! (a bit of concern there for a while). And, on that note, the giving (not the pooping), a donation to the Shelter was offered today for a raffle.

Thank you to Brian for the Kayak! Each ticket is $5.00 each and your name will be put into the draw for the Perception "Aloha" Sit-on-top kayak. Capacity-225lbs. Length-8' 6". Fun for riding waves! Fun for kids of all ages and comes with a paddle. Retail value $439.00.

Again, I wish I could win, but I am pleased to give it away, and pleased to be able to start selling tickets for it today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 
Anne Mollen
A donation to the surgical room has been made by your family!

Back In Black
IT WORKED! Ozzy has been adopted!

A blog reader fell in love and 'pop' Ozzy has gone home. Magic! Love it when it works! A black cat is always hard to place and Ozzy really lucked out. 

Moving up on the adoption page though comes, another, Huggies. If you were interested in Ozzy and wanted one similar - Huggies is the one for you. Named for the diaper box he was delivered in "...I found this cat..." Sure! Huggies is a wonderful cat. 

Ozzy's black cat good luck brought homes to Lucky (it was his lucky day), Sylvester and Rambo. Three of four cats, altered thanks to you. Four had short stays with your help and moved on. Homes came too for Chevy, Libby (the puppy that was going to get bigger than they thought??) and Journey. 

Smiles here ... exhausted ... hungry ... happy!

AND THE WINNER OF THE VIA RAIL PASSES IS
PAT BAIN FROM MARKDALE!
Pat said ..."I was speechless when ... called with the good news.  I don't win contests! ... thank you [Renee], Todd and the staff for your energy and caring."

Ozzy
Eleven days ago he was surrendered. Given up as they could not afford his neuter. Given up because the boyfriend really never did like him, and well, just because. 

They threatened to have him killed if we did not make space for him, and the only way for a no-kill shelter to make space is to cross your fingers and hope for adoptions.

We are often faced with this pressure "...take him or else I will kill him" and it is very difficult not to do more. But, my hands were tied as there was no place to put Ozzy and I had to trust they would wait if I promised to call when a spot cleared. 

You have to ask what sort of a person would rather kill their pet than wait a few days? Thankfully, they waited, and a spot cleared, and in Ozzy came. 

Now neutered thanks to the spay/neuter medical fund here's hoping he goes soon to clear a spot for another who waits.

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