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.

By: Renee Robins

WE WANT YOUR EMPTIES ... BRING YOUR BEER AND WINE BOTTLES INTO THE SHELTER for fundraising.

Winnie; 
New Fundraiser; 
Toronto Humane Society; 
[Policies and Procedures Info]
Leslie; 
Statistics 2008; 
IT'S COMING...; 
Two Great Additions; 
Mutt Strutt Prizes; 
Rabies; 
Curley; 
Mutt Strutt 2009; 
Broker; 
Cougar Sighting?; 
Broker Update; 
Chickens in the City; 
Hot Days of Summer; 
Page; 
ACO(s) to the Rescue; 
Curley Adopted; 
Broker Update; 
Laker Adopted; 

Archives
-------------------
May '09 Blog;
Apr '09 Blog;
Mar '09 Blog;
Feb '09 Blog;
Jan '09 Blog;
Dec '08 Blog
Nov '08 Blog;
Oct '08 Blog;
Sep '08 Blog;
Aug '08 Blog;
Jul '08 Blog;
Jun '08 Blog;
May '08 Blog;
Apr '08 Blog;
Mar '08 Blog;
Feb '08 Blog;
Jan '08 Blog;
Dec '07 Blog;
Nov '07 Blog;
Oct '07 Blog
Sep '07 Blog;
Aug '07 Blog;
Jul '07 Blog;
Jun '07 Blog;
May '07 Blog;
Apr '07 Blog;
Mar '07 Blog;
Feb '07 Blog;
Jan '07 Blog;
Dec '06 Blog;
Nov '06 Blog;
Oct '06 Blog;
Sep '06 Blog;
Aug '06 Blog; 
Jul '06 Blog
Jun '06 Blog;
May '06 Blog;
Apr '06 Blog;
Mar '06 Blog;
Feb '06 Blog

email your comments to:
osas@bmts.com

We depend on donations from private funding to support our Spay and Neuter Fund.

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

Laker Adopted
There was the biggest concern when it was noticed that Laker had lumps. Concern was clearly for his life, but more as he is homeless. It was not an issue of cost, as I would have done whatever I had to for him, but more for the issue of his comfort. 

Although he enjoyed walks, playtime and dips in the pool, he was missing out on family time, cuddles on the couch, and all the pleasures of a real home could offer him.

Devastated that I had saved him to only watch him die a slow death behind bars, I was feeling very guilty. I promised him two weeks ago, that if there was no potential found soon, I would take him home. However, my home is less what he needed, as well, I am never there. My dogs for example come to work with me, which brings him right back to the Shelter I was trying to keep him from. Great for my herd, OK for most, but not perfect for him. Better than nothing, but not what he needed. 

Then the offer came for him to be fostered. THANK YOU. He would stay in palliative care as long as he needed. It was arranged for him to go on Wednesday, tomorrow, then something magical happened. Something that happens every now and again, when the angels take over. 

Late last night, hours away from his rescue, Laker went home! He is now the new brother of an English Bulldog, and an instant part of the family, there were tears of joy with his adoption. 

I am awaiting happy tails, and updates soon, and will surely pass them on. Kudos to those that welcomed him into their hearts and home. Bless you all - take care of my boy.

With sutures removed today and only a few days left of meds and supervison, it is soon time to send her home.

Watch for the blog and enjoy as I do, to see how well she is and ready to go home.

Curley Adopted
TODAY WAS HIS DAY! Curley has gone home. HOORAY!! The recent push for him, with the blog, the radio appearance, the Mutt Strutt and all the extra TLC paid off! Without the push there would have been none. 

People would ask "do you have any small dogs" to which I would reply "yes". People were immediately interested, as I told them how wonderful he was. Until comes the question, "how old is he" I always started with the "well, we are not sure, he was a stray and we use their teeth as a gauge, and his teeth are bad" followed by "but older". Then, the interest ends. 

I understand the hurt that comes from loosing a pet, I understand the sadness that comes with that. I have done it. They are family, and as such, it is as loosing an important part of the family with little time spent. I understand it can be costly. I understand that in most cases people come to me after loosing a pet, and they are still hurting. However, I don't understand how they could leave Curley behind? As I have said before, a million times, "if it was the right place, it would be for him". 

So, comes the extra push. It paid off! His radio appearance sparked some interest, and then when the following week to repeat he was still homeless, well, there were people listening. Then there were two offers actually ... yay! Nothing, however, right away. So he and I waited, knowing there was potential, knowing both would be great, and both would be great for him.

Today, they came for him. Now in love, and ready for him. HOORAY! The biggest thanks to all of you who considered him, it warms my heart. Be good Curley, your second chance seemed so hard to acquire!

ACO(s) to the Rescue
The forecast called for golf ball size hail, thunder and lightning all day, and potentially 100 mile per hour winds. By the time I reached the Shelter the rain was beginning to come down and the thunder was rumbling. With each rumble comes a barking dog room, and it makes for a noisy day. 

Within five minutes of arriving, the pager goes off, to which I believe I commented "here we go, stray dog number one" I certainly was not expecting it to be anything else (OK perhaps someone reporting a missing dog). What I did not anticipate was a call about a baby raccoon on a fire escape with his foot trapped, and now more agitated as he was being rained on. I am aware it is not my job to help wildlife, but I did suspect that it would be hours before anyone could help him, if they would, knowing that generally the thoughts are "to let nature take its course". I am also aware it is a very bad idea to be on a metal fire escape in a storm. However, deciding if perhaps we went quickly, we could beat the lightening.

Todd and I arrive, to view this little fella on the very top of the fire escape, likely four to five floors high, with his foot through the hole, and very stuck. We climb, armed with a blanket, in the pouring rain. Todd deciding to be the raccoon restrainer [thankfully, as the last thing we needed was to have the baby raccoon plummet to his death with our help!!] while I tried to wiggle his foot free. Trouble was, while being stuck over night, the leg swells, although it slides in easy, sliding out does not work so well. Wiggles and tugs, were not working, and I was beginning to fear the worst!

Peeking down, I notice a crowd gathering, and so I yell to a woman below, "do you have any cooking oil?" and she is off and running to get some. A kind man, also looking up, offers to get a crow bar, and in minutes I am heading down again a fire escape in the rain to gather these new tools. Up again big metal bar in hand, the rain now pouring down, the lightening starts. For a brief second I realize, being on a metal fire escape, with a crow bar in your hand, in a lightening storm is likely a very bad idea!

Wedging the crow bar between the bars, and now entirely covered in cooking oil, up my arms, my hands, the poor little soul, and all over Todd, our efforts were getting us no where - I was beginning to panic. With a brief thought, I wedged my fingers down the hole, and grasped the raccoon with my other hand. Todd then with crow bar in hand pushed with all his might, while I pushed the foot from the bottom, and prayed to not loose my grip. In a few seconds the foot popped out, and the baby raccoon was free. In double time we were off that fire escape, and the little fella was set free. 

As we drove away, soaked, and stinking like corn oil and raccoon, I did have a little giggle imagining the headlines if we would have been struck by lightening with the baby raccoon in hand on the metal fire escape "Animal Control goes out with a bang?" We would call that a job well done!"  

Page
Just as we start to celebrate the wellness of Broker, one cat saved from the terribleness that has happened to her, we meet another. 

An urgent call about a cat stuck in our fence, and out of our area had us all in quite the panic. They don't have a place that takes cats! As they described the "open wounds behind the shoulders" we were as distraught as the finder.

Unable to tend to the cat, as our hands were tied, as it was out of our area, we offered to take it, and help it, if they could get it to us, and cover the fee. Money was not an issue when saving a life, these kind persons struggled, set it free, gathered him and delivered him to me. Although much better than I expected this lucky kitty was caught by his giant mats. 

These mats, clearly causing him grief, parted with the force, and ripped the skin that was attached to it.

Fortunately, as well, these rips were only service skin deep. The skin likely damaged with the rotten mats that lay on it, which were, I might add, larger nearly than the cat, would easily tear. 

Page, as I am now calling him, sat quietly while we shaved him, and lathered cream all over him. It will likely be weeks before this beautiful Persian finds a home, a neutered male, I pray someone is missing him? 

Anyone missing a silver Persian; neutered male? A senior fella at about seven or eight years of age, likely he has seen better days [gosh I hope so]. 

Please keep Page in your thoughts, with thanks to those that cared enough to bring him to the Shelter.

Hot Days of Summer
There was a brief conversation in the post office this morning; small chat. Of course, it went a little like "boy it's going to be a hot one" to which I replied, "it should make for a better day for me" I then explained, although I would be battling with turning the air on, turning the air off, to make sure the rooms don't get too moist, refilling water bowls all day, short walks, and likely a few baths, squeegee the hallways, dry mopping the main area, and then doing it all again and again, there was little chance I would be chasing dogs. 

I explained, that generally speaking, on a hot day dogs stay home. Thunderstorms, fireworks, spring and fall, prime times, hot days, not so much. The post office workers were impressed "...gee I never thought of that" and I was just pleased to be able to give them something to think on.

However, I did not touch wood, so as a result, I must say, there were three. It was early morning and minutes, of course, after I made my comments, and then this evening. Thankfully it was too hot for me to run. Not too hot for those pups, however, as they gave it their all and I hate gathering them in the heat [most likely to be bitten by a cranky, agitated and hot dog]. 

In the hopes of reversing that Karma and with another hot day ahead tomorrow, I'm touching the desk as soon as I finish typing this blog.

Chickens in the City
Chickens in the City
by Jim Birchard    
Monday, June 22, 2009 

If one Owen Sound Councillor gets his way, chickens could soon be coming to local homes to roost.

David Adair wants the city to change its bylaw to allow families to keep chickens in their back yard if they so desire.

He says urban chicken raising is as natural as having a back yard garden and would allow city dwellers to have some control over their food.

Adair says several other cities in Ontario allow residents to raise a few chickens in their back yards and he wants to see council at least hold a discussion about the merits of urban chicken raising.

He says if such a bylaw change was made there would be strict rules to follow such as the minimum lot size for chicken raising, a limit to the number of birds that can be kept in a back yard, the distance the chicken coop would have to be from nearby lots and of course a total ban on roosters.

Adair says roosters are noisy and are not needed as far as laying hens are concerned.

As for concerns about avian flu, Adair says that is the result of massive factory farming operations, not small neighbourhood chicken flocks of three or four birds.

He says under the current by law people have have pigeon coops with an unlimited number of birds and also rabbits, so why not chickens.

Adair says he hopes to bring this issue before Council as some future date.

Broker Update
It has been four days since she lost her leg, and it has been a very rough road for her. 

The pain medications take away her appetite, so the meals were force fed, along with meds, and a constant IV. She has traveled with me, and spent a great deal of time, with my hands poking and pushing her to continue on. Two days ago, I was pretty certain I was fighting a loosing battle, not giving up, of course, but feeling frustrated and disappointed as well. She was comfortable, but very lethargic, and had lost that sparkle I loved her for. I was beginning to doubt we should have altered her, doubt we should keep her going. Responding with purrs, when I touch her, and knowing how wonderful she could be when well, I tried to put all of that in the back of my mind. Lots of cuddles, and a whole lot of prayers, and only 24 hours later, things are looking up. 

Her pain patch is now off, she is now medicated with something a little different for pain, and she is so much more alert!! She greeted me this morning with a meow, and a purr!! She even offered to eat on her own. HOORAY! 

Still under constant care and supervision, she has miles to go, however, seeing a sparkle in her eyes and her responding to my touch (butt elevations) I am much more confident than I was. 

Today, came the prospect of a potential home for her as well. I am hopeful tonight that she may make it to see it.

"Holly came in for a visit"

Holly has learned to love cats, and dogs, loves to be with the horses, and enjoys her time with her new best friend, who she spends 24 hours with. Was great to see her so well behaved and so happy !!

"An expert on cougars says a possible sighting of a big cat near Meaford shouldn't worry anybody.

The owner of Ted's Range Road Diner reported seeing the 6 foot long cat outside his restaurant Sunday night.

But Stewart Kenn, with the Ontario Puma Foundation, says it's unlikely it was a cougar, because the man described that the cat was wagging its tail.

Kenn says pumas can't wag their tails.

He adds that the cat is much more scared of humans than any person may be of it, and that they are a very elusive animal.

Kenn says it's very rare to ever see a puma at all, but if you do, there are some distinct things to look for to determine if it is a cougar.

He says the tail will go down to the ground, and curl back up again, and the tail will have a black tip.

The cat will also have a white muzzle, with black surrounding it.

Kenn says he likes to call the cats nose a "milk moustache".

Kenn says there are a few cats living in the area from Owen Sound to Collingwood, and even down to Duntroon".

Broker
It was with mixed emotions that I spent the day in surgery yesterday. Thrilled to be able to do them, thrilled with the idea we can afford them a little longer, and so proud to see what we have accomplished and know it is so well supported. With each moment to celebrate comes, of course, the reality of how badly it is needed. 

Yesterday, came the much needed surgery for Broker, and as I am relieved to be able to do it, there is still frustration that it was needed. 

Broker came to me two weeks ago, found in a dumpster with a dangling front limb. Unsure as to how she got there or what happened to that leg [my imagination runs wild] and the reality is no matter what, it is not a nice story. 

An attempt at cage rest failed, an attempt to reset the break last week failed and yesterday we had to take her leg. History has shown that cats do very well with one less part, and they adjust very well, however, taking it was heartbreaking, but necessary in saving her life. 

She is still not out of the woods by any sense and Broker now needs constant TLC. She has spent two nights home with me on pain meds, a pain patch, IV, special food and special antibiotics. She is getting round the clock care. Thank goodness we have the ability to offer it to her and thanks to you she can get it. 

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, as her next few days may be a struggle. Please keep her in your mind as well, if she can beat this, she will need a home who can give her special care as this poor girl deserves a loving home.

I do believe this one was even bigger and better than last year, if that is possible!!

With incredible prizes to be had by everyone, a delicious BBQ and a gathering of people who love to talk about their dog, and others dogs, how could it not have been? 

I personally enjoyed meeting my adopted friends such as Winston (interestingly who strutted his self into his owners heart last year as a shelter dog at the Strutt).

Winston strutted his way into his owners heart 
last Mutt Strutt, and came back to show off this year!

Jake, a recent puppy, Kodiac, (our youngest attendee), Hush, Will, Biju, Jiggs, Cash, Stanley, and I have to admit a personal fav, and tear maker, Ivory. Three shelter dogs attended, Laker, Buddy and Curley, and all enjoyed some hot dogs, and time on the trails. 

Our youngest strutter at six weeks

Ivory came to strutt

Cash came with his brother Hendrix to strutt for the cause

Pal came to strutt too, and did it on three legs :)

Jake our second youngest strutter

Will and Stanley came to strutt too!

Biju from Quebec on the left

Misty turned up too

I am pleased to announce, that we have succeeded in raising over $5,600.00 dollars, all which will be used to cover surgery days. This is, of course, many lives saved. 

A special mention should be made to the biggest pledged, the Coleman clan, who raised over 600 dollars !! 

Our highest pledge getters

Our best dressed

kudos to the chef

Teri and her boys

Hush and Tatu too!

Thank you to all of you who attended, raised money for the cause, and who gave us your support. 

Thank you to all the businesses who gave prizes and to the individuals who donated as well. To view the list of volunteers, supporters, businesses and individuals who made this years' 2nd Annual Mutt Strutt a success, click here ...>>> 

I can only do what I do with you. Without your support I would crumble. Each and every one of you made this day successful. Thank you!

Curley
It is time for him to go home. It has been long enough, and the poor old boy needs to go. It is time for me to push a little harder, Curley is ready and waiting to go home!

A lucky boy to have made his way to us, when his time was up with Minto, unlucky to be a shaggy mess, lucky to be groomed by a professional, and then unlucky to still have his age against him many have considered him, a few have spent time getting to know him, and then comes the question, well how old is he? Then it ends. 

The sweetest gentle old man, he would love a quiet and older home. Is there not any older people looking for a dog? Anyone know anyone? 

Today, was his day to shine, and he impressed so many with his dance. You rub his bum and he can tap dance for you! He wiggled and wagged, and had the time of his life, and then sat quietly as told. He traveled so well to and from, and walks well on a leash too. An already made friend for anyone who will give him the chance. 

My heart hurts the most for the seniors, and each day I am with him brings sadness. Let's hope his star time helps him find home time. Nothing would make me happier than seeing him attend the 2nd Annual Mutt Strutt Sunday, with a loving family.

Todd and I discussed it briefly and it was determined, today this would be my job. So, I braced myself for the remains I was about to find and equipped myself with bags, gloves and the address.

I arrive at the call and park the truck ... the cell phone rings and Todd  is changing the status of the call to: "the cat may not be dead and may be rabid!" This is not just a pick-up call, but something more dangerous!

I search the truck and noted that I may not have enough equipment for a rabid cat. If that cat is alive, it needs care, and it is going to be one angry cat and I have to be very careful.

I see that this is most definitely a cat on the shoulder of the road, I brace myself and tip toe out of the vehicle. If you stare at something long enough it appears to move ... well, I could swear it was moving. So, here is me [now as far away as possible] trying to touch the cat gingerly with the tip of my toe to see if it is going to move, attack or is truly dead.

Assuming that once I verify the cat is alive, I would have to call Todd for help to get it to safety [assuming that if this cat is alive, it is very unwell].

The cat does not move. I creep a little closer. I try another touch with my toe. Nothing. I am now crouching down on my knees and start talking to it - blowing on it's fur - and finally I touch it. Nothing. I am closer than I want to be to a rabid animal, and I check it's pulse - the cat is gone.

I retreat to gather my bag and notice the neighbourhood is watching me. What a riot it must have been to watch
me, "ANIMAL CONTROL" taking so many precautions with this poor deceased cat.

I should note, that it may have looked funny me trying to keep away from the cat, but at the same time trying to get closer; but rabies is no laughing matter.

All this aside, it is a horrible thing to have your cat found dead on the road and my heart aches for every one of them. Please keep your cats inside.

With the piles now officially sorted (thanks Alicia and Jenny for your help) and regrouped and listed, I can now present you a prize list for you to think on, pick through, and spend the last few days working toward!

I must admit, I am overwhelmed by the support and generous donations. There will be something fantastic for everyone who attends with their pledge sheets. Check out the list !! (in no particular order):

-Tragically Hip Tickets X 2
-Mister Transmission Voucher (150.00 value)
-Doggie Styles gift certificate
-Animal Communication/Animal Energy Session from Down to Earth X 7
-2 PC Gift Card (25.00 value)
-Pike Lake Golf Gift certificate (100.00 value)
-Buddy Belt Gift certificate
-4 Kings Buffet 50.00 certificates
-Wisdom Words Print Poker set and Card Shuffler Helicopter -Flight Pack with 50.00 gift certificate
-Pets 4 Life gift bag
-Mary Kay Gift bag
-Pet Flyer Gift Set
-Spoil me Pets Gift set
-Gummie Pets Leash and collar set
-Litterhouse Cooler
-English Dressage Saddle ($900.00)
-Kitty Cornered Print Energy Healing Book
-Aprils Scrapbooking Gift
-Bed in a Bag set
-MP3 Player and USB Flashdrive
-Golf Set
-Vegas Stuffies from Vegas
-Nissan Thermal Blankets
-Nissan Flashlight and tool kit
-Nissan flashlight set
-Nissan salt n pepper shakers
-Nissan Windbreakers
-Sleepy Pod Heated Pet Travel Dome
-i-cat
-Little Princess Pack
-Scouts
-Pink Drop n Flop bed
-Doggy Decor Bed
-Little pet spoiled gift
-Two gift certificates for paws n feathers, 25.00 value
-2 gift certificates, $30.00 each for Home depot

With all these great prizes to choose from, get your form filled out and come out with us on Sunday the 14th for a fun time! See you there!

Two Great Additions
Added to the site today, are my newest arrivals from the Lakeshore pound where they were out of time. Days up, they were slated for death, until we accepted them.

They are beautiful boys, who were both intact until Monday, both are now altered and ready to go. However, I have my doubts that they may not go for a little while. Laker, is a purebred pointer, who is quiet, loving, and well mannered. 

He is all pointer in personality, with age on his side to quiet him. However, sadly he is also special needs. Age has also given him bumps. Bumps, which are being noted on our vet records as "suspicious lumps". Without further testing it is difficult to say just what these lumps may be, and although they could be old man bumps (as he is guessed at 8 or 9) worse case, they could be cancer. 

In either case this fella needs a loving home, as he cannot live his days out with me, regardless of how long that could be. I am pleading with everyone to please keep him in your thoughts, your prayers, and tell anyone who may be looking, with a little space in their hearts, to give him some royal treatments as he so deserves. Where he came from? Where they went, or why they don't have him, I donno. Shame on them. However, as I have said a million times before, if it was the right place he would not be here with me, let's hope he is now going to that right place. 

The other, with a perfect bill of health has his concerns too. He is a very scared boy. Terrified of all he meets, his time with me is upsetting for him, and we are treating him with care and concern, and lots of TLC. 

He will need a patient home, who will work with him and help him be all he can be. As we work with him, I can see there is not a mean bone in his body, although scared he cowers, and offers me his belly. With such great potential, I am hoping others see it too. Pleased to have saved them, and hoping it is not for months of more homelessness.

IT'S COMING ... Are You Ready?
The 2nd Annual Mutt Strutt is only 6 days away! Although we set the bar pretty darn high last year, it is hoped this year will be bigger and better than ever! 

With a day to be spent tomorrow sorting prizes, and stuffing bags, and composing lists, I will know slightly better what is in store, but I already know there are some fantastic prizes! As it worked so well last year, the highest pledged person chooses first, here's hoping it will be you!!

It was hoped that the first year we would equip the surgical room, which we succeeded in doing, and then some. This year our goal is to raise enough so we can keep it operating without restrictions, until next year. It is hard to assume what the costs might be, so we have decided to be pleased with "as much as you have gathered in pledges". Our fingers are crossed, and we all hope that this year's strutt will help with what the Shelter needs. 

With over 150 pets and counting now altered and saved, like those that were facing certain death - Roy and Sassy who were given life. And others like Ivory and the Quebec girls were given a chance at being adopted, it has already made a difference for so many. 

Our surgical room is the best thing the Shelter has ever done, and needs to be kept going. Hope to see all of you there and I am looking forward to the time with the pets of the past and their families.

Statistics 2008
In a continuation of the policies and procedure blog, I felt it was important to post our statistics for 2008. 

These statistics give the Shelter staff and people who work hard, volunteers, dog walkers and cat groomers a feeling of pride for everything that they have accomplished for the Shelter for 2008.

I was fascinated to learn I had slightly more dogs than cats, as I never would have guessed, and also that there were many more pocket pets than I had anticipated. 

I personally enjoy reviewing the stats from a professional standpoint, noting months where there were more strays and months which had the most adoptions.

If you have any questions about the stats, please let me know and I will be pleased to discuss them with you.

"Nipper came in for a visit"

Leslie
It was posted a few days ago, and the word has gone out a little, however, it is now time to dedicate this blog to our next fundraiser. 

It was an unexpected surprise when Leslie "Chester ...aka Clayton's mom, offered her services once again to help us raise much needed funds to keep us operating. 

Leslie, some may know as the pet photographer from Christmas, or our pet pic and picnic fundraiser we had a few years ago. A photography student, who has been taking photos as long as I have known her and the best photos I may add, is offering to do it again for all of us, at no profit to her, but rather to help us keep doing what we do. 

On June 11th and June 12th, she will be available in our area (short notice, hence the urgency in getting this blog out) to come to your home. At this visit she will be available to take candid shots where your pets are most comfortable, in the places they do the greatest things. I promise, having had her do my own pets years ago, she catches their soul in her shots, and the photos will be cherished. Each person will receive a CD of their shots as well. 

A small charge of $50.00 for the full offer will be the cost (all persons will receive a receipt) and if you would like family and pet shots it will be $100.00. 

Excited to see all of my friends at their very best, I am hoping all spaces are filled for all sorts of reasons. Spaces are limited, please email me at osas@bmts.com to get on the list. Click here to see her work...>

Toronto Humane Society
Today came the disturbing news that the Toronto Humane had been visited by the spca, and that there were concerns of animal cruelty, with animals dying in cages and suffering. If you have not heard read the article in the Globe and Mail and check out CTV.ca for the latest on this.

It is suggested that by operating as a "no kill facility" this is the result. As we strive to be a no-kill facility, people are asking questions, and I believe perhaps our policies and procedures should be addressed in this blog:

Policies and Procedures of OSAS

It has been our mandate as of April 1, 1999, to provide a service that works with the community and for the community. All this while providing a no-kill shelter in which the community can be proud. With this mandate comes our definition of no-kill. Our personal definition is that in which any animal who is healthy and friendly may be placed in a loving home. We do not turn down help for the old, the young, those with special needs. The injured are repaired, and the necessary steps are taken to ensure each animal is given comfort and compassion while it is with us. We do not pass judgment based on breed, size, or medical history. We believe everyone is deserving of a chance, and that every chance is given with our whole effort. 

However, it is important to mention, that I cannot possibly save them all, and although I sure wish I could, there are those that are sick beyond repair who suffer, those that suffer with pains that can't be taken from them with life, and those that are a risk to the public who must go to keep adults, children and other animals safe (people still come first).

With my whole heart I work to save them all, and when I fail it is with heartache, but out of love a decision is made to end it for them. I am thankfully so very blessed, to have such great success. I am blessed to be faced with such decisions only seldom, fortunately, as the heartache would destroy me as well.

New Fundraiser!!  Your going to love it. This message from a professional photographer named Leslie:

I've tentatively booked off the week of June 7th (from the 7th - 14th) would you be interested in doing some fundraising during that week at all?  I was thinking we could advertise photo packages where I come to their home (max of 20 mins drive outside of the city) and take pictures of their pets in a place where they're comfortable. Pet owners could call me to book an appointment and I'll drive out to them-- we'd pick 2 different days (back to back peferably) and they can have a choice of a time slot during one of the two days.  Here's what i'm thinking: $50.00 for just pets and $100.00 for family photos with the pets in them (to a max of 1 hour a session). You can mention that I'm studying professional photography at Seneaca and to hire a photographer for family photos usually runs $200+ dollars easily.  I'd take pictures, burn them to CDs and drop them off at the shelter and people can claim their photos there.

You have to check out her work... 

Winnie
I admitted I was not a groomer. I confessed to actually being quite bad at it. I did the best I could, mostly, with my limited skills. 

Winnie was better than she had been, and a whole lot less Pooh'ish, however, still not grand. Her beauty on the inside would have to sell her, as her not-so-beautiful on the outside was still rather pathetic. 

It worked well on the "feel bad for me" feelings, but not so much on the "bring me into your home" feelings. I suspected it may take a while to adopt her out, and in lieu of her bad do, she would likely need to leave my doors and enter those of a professional groomer.

Thankfully, I have the blog. Thankfully this blog was on Winnie's side. Dawn, (formerly Uno's foster mom, and Holly's sister?) read the blog, saw the pathetic pic, and knew she could help. 

Dawn you see is a groomer. Dawn took time out of her busy schedule to offer her help to me, once again, and make a difference for another. This time with clippers in hand, and a grooming apron (I sure could use one of those ... hmmmm) she came for a visit, and a while later, and another pile of hair, removed, and we had one stunning little dog! 

Winnie, no longer "the pooh" seemed to smile as I commented on her pretty face. Her sparkling eyes, now could be seen, and they sure were nice to see. Nice to see happy eyes on someone who had been so sad. 

Her clean up worked miracles on her emotional state and worked another miracle of sorts. Winnie has found a home. A shout out and big thank you to Dawn at 519-794-0100. I know you're reading - thank you again!!

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The views expressed in these blogs are the personal views and daily events as told by Renee Robins, and the views expressed don't necessarily reflect those of the City of Owen Sound, unless relating to City By-Laws and Ordinances.

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