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| Blog
by: Renee Robins, ACO, Owen Sound Animal Shelter |
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------------------- Recent Posts ------------------- |
Jun
30, 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________ |
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| Sunday
for Mutt Strutt Calling Gary Lewis Strutt Prizes Mutt Strutt Was a Success Found Border Collie Lost Dogs First Report of Rabies Border Collie 895 and Counting Diggity Dog Tucker Kitten Killer Lilly Lilly Update DNA Testing Another Collar Embedded Going to Nunavut No Dogs on the Beach |
No Dogs on the Beach - Happy Canada Day Weekend !! Go out, enjoy it! Spend time with your family, and your beloved pets. Play, and enjoy! However, please remember, keep your pooches off the beach. As the Animal Control Officer for Saugeen Shores and Saugeen First Nations comes the reminder that your dogs are not permitted on the sand. The sidewalks are OK, the rock beaches its OK, (leashed of course) but under no circumstances do we want your dogs where the people lay. If there is sand under your toes, please do not have your dog with you. Be considerate of those who don't like dogs, or their mess. Be considerate of those who fear them. You will ruin their holidays. Remember that it is for good reasons these rules are made, and they are made by dog loving people. (I support them, and I give my life to help animals ... think on that). Cottagers, you do not get special rules ... you rent the cottage, not the beach sorry. You will see the beach is posted.
Many times...
AND, sadly it is often ignored...
Lets do us both a favor, and you follow the rules.
I do not want to spend my weekend giving trouble any more than you want to see me do it. Jun 29,
2011 Going to Nunavut - Today, we microchipped the dog formerly named Page, now recently named Shania by her new owners. She has been in her new home only a short time, and would not normally be chipped so soon, however, her situation a little extra-ordinary. Normally, with each dog adoption a microchip is included with the adoption. However, we request a person keep the newly adopted dog a few months, to be sure they won't be returning to the Shelter. As a microchip is a permanent form of ID, and the first few months the most challenging, this is done to reduce the chances of dog being registered to the wrong owner. But Page needs it now. Page now Shania, is about to make her journey home. A five day drive away. Page is going to Nunavut! Yes, Nunavut! Although not our furthest adoption, it sure is pretty close. She
is leaving tomorrow for her home and needed to have good ID, and as it's so
far! They promised to send photos and updates. I can't wait to see these
photos! I know that there is a good chance they also won't be returning her.
Jun 28,
2011 Another Collar Embedded - Some of you may recall a dear friend I knew and loved named Carebear. He was a small grey cat that came to me with his collar slipped over his arm which grew into his skin and became embedded in him. It was removed and took a portion of his underarm with it. Lots of tender care kept him well, and many surgeries tried to repair it. Sadly as it was impossible to heal the hole (it repeatedly tore open) a decision was needed, take the leg or end his life. We opted for the removal. This decision saved his life. My pal lives happily ever after spoiled rotten with three limbs. I had hoped it would be the last time we would ever deal with such a dilemma. Unfortunately, it has happened again. Another stray found wandering, emaciated, starving and full of infection. When her collar was removed it left her a large opening that was rotting.
The smell of rotten flesh was the worst ever, and this poor girl was reeking. She is in no condition for any sort of surgery, and our goal is now to get her well enough to have one. Please keep her in your thoughts.
She has a rough road ahead, and the odds for her are not good. I am, however, trying to be
positive ... Carebear made - so will this little one! All parts on my end crossed.
If you would like to make a donation for this little girl, we can issue a
income tax receipt for $15.00 or over.
Jun 27,
2011 DNA Testing - Today, I learned of a new evolutionary discovery. For years DNA testing has been available for animals and humans. This testing in animals used for years in diagnosis of defects, illness, breed and type identification. As we all know every creature sports his or her own DNA not to be copied by anyone. This DNA identifies without a doubt the creature in question. Crime fighters have used this method for years to link the bad guys to the crimes, and now it seems it has evolved to linking the four-legged to their crimes as well. In the US, landlords are now requesting DNA from their tenants pets. Here's why ... it will now be possible, without a doubt, to identify the dog who made the dodo left in the yard, and the person who didn't clean up. As it is still uncertain as to how this would hold up in court, I'm smiling at the thought that potentially the fear of being found out may stop this kind of crap. Literally! As a person who does not
approve of messy pet owners, who believes people need to be responsible, I support this.
As the person often left dealing with the people who don't clean up, I love
it! While I wait to see if this new plan works, I will mention it in the hopes word gets out and those less responsible start to be.
It's a good practice to make a habit? Jun 24,
2011 Lilly Update - It seems all Lilly needed was a haircut to go home :) Once cleaned up and looking like the adorable poodle she was under all the yuck it was easy peasy for her to sell herself. Feeling better about herself she was smiling and tail wagging too, and few can refuse her smile. I'm so pleased. A home well matched with older folks was what she needed, and fingers crossed she has found it. As the others wait their turn to find forever I can't help but wonder if a poodle cut would help Harley go home? Gosh if only I could! In the hopes the idea helps, imagine it for me, pom poms and all, hey imagine him with a pony tail on his forehead, heck make him poodle pink? Does that help? Harley,
a big and active pup he does require a very different home than an older toy poodle, and sadly it has been a challenge in locating it.
He needs room to run, a dog experienced home, with older children. Its not impossible to find is it?
Likely easier than making him look like a poodle :) Jun 23,
2011 Lilly - Under every shaggy pooch, when the mats are removed, the unwanted trimmed and tidy there is always a gorgeous face. Finally, pretty Lilly has had the yuck cleared away, with the biggest thanks to Mary Martha, and now displays her best self.
Quiet and accepting through out her clip it was as though she knew it was a step in the right direction.
Her face, now clear, we can sadly see those clouds in her eyes, and her smile now shows her missing teeth.
However, the best part is on the inside and anyone who spends time with her will agree.
Lilly would be a wonderful companion for an
older home and is now set to find her forever home.
Jun 22,
2011 Kitten Killer News for Wednesday June 22 2011Kitten KillerThe 18 year old Owen Sound youth charged in connection with killing a litter of kittens has openly admitted his guilt and apologized on his facebook page.The local highschool student was charged yesterday after police stopped a group of people from confronting him on the incident. The investigation revealed the accused had been drinking at the east end residence when the animals were killed. Police haven't released his name yet because he hasn't appeared before a judge. The accused appears in court July 14th. Jun 20,
2011 Tucker - Some of you may have noticed a very special adoption a few days ago. Tucker a dear friend who spent way too long homeless finally found his home. Those of you who have followed the blogs for years are aware that sometimes for fear of jinxing good adoptions by blogging, I hold back. Sadly sometimes I get excited and tell everyone, only then to announce sadly the return. Being homeless for any length of time can add excitement and behaviours related to this when finally "set free". It can add to the challenges of being re-homed (with all there is an adjustment period but worse for those out of a home for a while) and sadly sometimes this transition is too much for those not yet bonded and don't handle it too well. The bond is what helps people work through this transition, and it's tough early on, I get it. So, with each adoption I hold my breath. Tuckers I held harder!! As I believe the worse is finally over, I think it's safe to say that Tucker has gone home! A big and active pup, he has always been in need of entertainment and
exercise, but at the same time willing to please and a super fast learner.
As all of this was discussed with new owners, and they took the time to think and listen and ask questions it is possible it will all be
OK. In the next few days I plan on exhaling. Good luck Tuck Tuck. Jun 17,
2011 Diggity Dog - She came in as a stray found at the compost site. As this location is quite far from homes, for a little dog, I questioned the little lady being lost. Her long toe nails lead me to be suspicious of her travels, and when she went unclaimed I was pretty sure there was more to her story.
During her more detailed exam and spay it was noted that
Diggity had come to us from a place much less pleasant. At two years of age she had already been a momma more than once.
Her skin yeasty and untreated, and her teeth busted from chewing likely on
a cage door or as the result of some kind of confinement. It is likely that the less we know may be for the better.
What I do know now is that she is altered, treated, and in our care and en route to a better place
where things will be much better for her. Jun 15,
2011 895 and Counting - October 2008 our facility took on a venture which changed the way we operated forever. After careful planning, months of preparation, and years of fundraising, our surgical room opened. Since its creation we have been successful in having in shelter surgeries, making the difference for hundreds. Each fundraiser, and every donation has been placed in the Spay/Neuter and Medical Fund, ensuring that we continue to operate. These surgeries often life saving, and always life changing. Knowing that so many leave altered has given us a tremendous amount of pride, and relief in knowing that maybe we have made a difference in the denting the population problem. Dozens who once had a life of reproduction, had it stop. Hundreds who otherwise would have sat in cages for months were adopted quickly. Hundreds who would have otherwise been passed over by persons looking for an altered pet were given the chance to be that pet and available for them. As time has gone on, a tally of the surgeries was lost, and finally another count is in. As we have completed another Mutt Strutt, and have our Concert planning underway, I feel it is important that each of you know just what your funds have been used for. Are you sitting down? The totals have shocked me, and have given me great joy. I can proudly say, with great gratitude to the doc, ( you rock superstar ) and my team, and to those who have contributed that a total of 895 alterations have been completed. Amazing isn't it. 895 surgeries in 32 months !!!!! WE ROCK !!! This means the biggest difference for 895 homeless animals. For this my whole heart is thankful !! With our Concert one month away, please consider attending, purchase
your tickets, and give to a great cause. It is only with your support we have been able to be successful and only with your
continued support we can go on. As ten more are on the list for tomorrow
... we will continue. Jun 14,
2011 Border Collie - It is with great pleasure that I announce that our live trapped pooch has been returned home. Missing as of May 11th, lost in an area far from home, and presumed to be dead as time had gone on, his people were quite devastated. After running for weeks this dog found comfort in a dairy barn, and luckily the owner of this barn were dog lovers and did not chase him off (or destroy him) and rather called us for help. After a few failed attempts at gathering him, these finders remained patient with us and allowed us to set a trap for him. His capture was a relief to them and to us. There was a slight delay in returning him home, as he was unaltered, and the owners thought perhaps he was altered. So, there was uncertainty that they were his rightful persons. They made the travel regardless, and were excited to see he would now be returned. No one was more excited than he, as a quiet dog who sat at the back at the cage burst into bum wiggles and tail wags, it seems this lost dog knew he had been found.
The stars were on this boys side, as in so many different ways his story could have ended in tragedy.
I am thrilled this was not the case. Jun 10,
2011 First Report of Rabies - Grey-Bruce has it's first confirmed case of rabies in 2011. Grey-Bruce Health Unit Manager Bob Hart says rabies was found in a cow in Georgian Bluffs in a triangular area from Springmount south to Kilsyth and west to Jackson. He
says Grey-Bruce is the only area of the province where rabies is found in
land animals, and it's not entirely clear why it's isolated to the area.
Hart says 10 cases of rabies were identified in the area last year, all of
them were skunks. Jun 9,
2011 Lost Dogs - For the last three nights there has been horrid thunderstorms. Awful downpours, and near tornados have been a regular occurrence for what feels like forever, and has been weeks. As always this means for us, many stray and lost pets, many retrieved and many more lost and not found. We now gather, track, trace, record, and hope to reunite, all while preparing to re-home just in case. Peeking out at the dog room, sadly I can see only one or two empty spaces... And as only seven are up for adoption the remainder are all waiting. As our reclaiming numbers drop to an all time low, and our stray numbers increase to an all time high, we are bracing, hoping that our adoption numbers stay up to compensate. It is impossible to remain no-kill without adoptions to support it.
I fear people are in financial distress, a sign of the times, and fear this is only the beginning.
Hoping the storm will pass and better days are ahead, as I know thus far adoptions are also down.
Jun 7,
2011 Found Border Collie - Anyone missing a Border Collie mix, male? Mostly black, from Georgian Bluffs and dragging a rope lead?
This dog has been in the presence of a herd of dairy cattle for a little while now, a big no no and has been quite comfortable with them. He chose to stay near them. Sadly, he's been too scared to be approached, but luckily we had a means to still catch him. (Thanks Julie!) He is a fortunate boy this farmer did not opt to shoot him, which is within his rights, and instead opted to seek help. I hope his luck continues and an owner is found, however,
I am certain it will be OK for him now, regardless. The hard part is over. Jun 6,
2011 Mutt Strutt Was a Success - Hooray hooray ! Thanks to all of you who strutted, who pledged Strutters, who donated your time, helped, cooked, and entertained we have once again had a Strutt of success! Great times were had as we strutted, feasted, and enjoyed music by Skarni (who rocks!!).
Many who once stayed behind our doors attended, all with their persons who loved them and were thrilled to show
it - you know this is my favorite part :) Some attended dressed and on display, and all attended on their best behaviour.
Very many homeless will be assisted with your help, as just under 3 thousand dollars was raised.
Many will be altered, and given veterinary care they need to go home. The greatest appreciation from all of us at OSAS, thank you for supporting us in all we do. Jun 3,
2011 Strutt Prizes - It's almost time! Time to strutt, time to share laughs, food, and great times too. Very soon, we will enjoy the company of our beloved pets, in the presence of others who do too.
It will be a great
morning of entertainment, give aways and prizes. As you can see, we are
loaded to the rafters with prizes. Hope to see you there; all for a great
cause. Jun 2,
2011 Calling Gary Lewis - Hey Gary Lewis!!! Calling Gary Lewis!! Gary Lewis we have your dog!!! I know this, as you have tattooed you name in his ear. Unless of course this is his name? In which case, hey owner of Gary Lewis we have your dog!! Anybody know Gary Lewis from the Durham area? Or someone with a Beagle named Gary Lewis?
It was a first for all of us, to see a name in the dogs ear, as normally these tats are codes, from clinics, shelters or breeders, but I doubt Gary Lewis is code. As we struggle to find where this dog belongs, thankful that he is however with us, as his time was up in Durham, any help appreciated. Gary,
you're not looking very hard for him, you have not called us! Sadly had he been inked by a clinic or breeder we may have traced him to you, as your name so far gets us nowhere. Jun 1,
2011 Sunday for Mutt Strutt - The final steps to the 4th Annual Mutt Strutt are on! The great prizes are gathered, and are better than ever, the goodie bags stuffed, also awesome, the food for the BBQ is ready. In no time at all we will be all ready to roll ... or march, wiggle or wag. For people not yet registered, or gathering pledges it is not too late. You can still attend on Sunday with your donations and win wonderful things. For people without a mutt, you may borrow one ... or keep one (lol) and for people who are unable to Strutt, please attend the charity BBQ, and support our very important cause. All donations go to the Spay/Neuter, Medical Fund. This will ensure that medical expenses are covered for those who often need it to survive. They cannot go home without it, your donations will make a world of difference in helping us save lives. Without funds we cannot keep spaying, neutering, a reality I never want to face. Please pledge if you cannot attend. The
Strutt is being held, this year, at the Owen Sound Animal Shelter which is
located at 2125 18th Avenue East in Owen Sound. Registration is at 9 am. Walk, prizes and
BBQ to wrap up by noon. Your support is appreciated. Click
here to view last years walk...»
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2000-2010 © Owen Sound Animal Shelter. All rights reserved. |
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