A no-kill Shelter dedicated to loving and nurturing the animals in our care until they find new homes - no matter how long it takes.

OSAS 
by: Renee Robins

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Success Story:
- They made it... read Renee's blog;
- Read Todd's Interview;
- Little dog pulled
from icy water;

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

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

Bummer
What a day. Another bummer of a day - this job has its' ups and downs!

First with my pal Meat coming back, such a shame with such a great job he had found. As it seems Meatloaf prefers to move in and take over, and was not so sharing with his new dog friend. This poor older dog who was grieving his brother, could not handle the stress of the pushy new brother in the home, so Meatloaf was returned. 

I hope his return does not go against his next adoption and that he is not blamed somehow for the lack of working out. Although, it was somewhat his fault, it is entirely situation- related. If you were were looking at adopting Meatloaf, please consider him again and come in and meet him - he is a great dog and I know you will give him a chance.

Another return today was my sweet friend Shiloh. One who cowered in her cage for months before she went to the perfect home. Unfortunately, with health concerns, her family has had to relocate, and cannot take her with them. I am heartbroken for her even more, knowing what it will do to her to be returned. Shiloh came in with her man in tears, while he sobbed I excused myself, and headed into the rain. (tears go away in the rain). It was the perfect place for Shiloh and I hope that another home is not too hard to find. If only I could somehow change their life for them and make it perfect for her again? 

I'm glad to have both back in my care, and not tossed on the street, and I will try to focus on that thought, and the thought of them being happy again.

Meatloaf
Another successful transport and a dog saved from a terrible fate. Meatloaf sat homeless and behind bars for some time and today got the best home ever! 

I don't often hear their stories when they come to me, but Meatloaf I heard some of and know life for him was not so great. A garage with no windows was once his home and perhaps a van. He with a dog as his buddy and a master removed for "time". People feared him, with his big box head, large size and his scattered history made it hard for some to place him. A regular blog viewer saw him (thank you BTW) and heard someone was looking, who had a dog who had lost its best buddy too. 

Meatloaf, from a home inside a garage, has now gone to a five acre farm. He has a pond, a creek and miles to run! He has a dog to romp with and all the food and treats he could ever need (they have a pet food business!) Best of all, he has a couch, loving arms, loving touches and has crawled his big butt into their family forever. 

Way to go meat head! Thank you to those who thought he was worth saving and who took the time to call me. Thank you to those who worked him out a transport. Thank you to those that took care of him while he was elsewhere and thank you for keeping him in your thoughts. I am pleased to report Meatloaf is so good and will be now forever!!

Gertie
Finally! Big bold FINALLY ... with a sigh of relief. Today Gertie went home. 

She was the second of three surrendered as their owner passed, this one the eldest, and black, and well ... not so pretty, with the sweetest personality ever, and so not ready to end her life. 

I knew it was a tough road ahead for her and I actually worried the Shelter environment might kill her (days off food with stress is not good with an elder). BUT she stayed with little stress and lots of TLC and knowing she is now in a loving home made it all worthwhile! 

A senior cat, missing her passed senior friend, now has another sister. Gertie who loves cats, is in now her glory. Fourteen was our guess for her and with a now twelve year old partner in crime she just might stick around another ten - and might too. She may have become a lifesaver for another - I am sure somewhere her person is smiling, and is pleased to know she is going to be loved. 

Smiling here too! Good luck Gertie ... you go girl!

Horse Whisperer!
While patrolling the city streets I tend to daydream, although I am watching my driving (promise) and watching for whatever and I tend to also do my best thinking. 

Today, while sitting at a stop light I look left and begin to think I am hallucinating as I notice walking up the street is a lone horse mid-day, right up the side of the road, almost on the sidewalk, and towards the snow bank. I did this double take, and I am sure a "what the" came out of my mouth. Not sure where the horse came from or where it was going, I knew for certain it should not be heading up the road by itself! I decide to make the left. 

The horse is calm and quietly taking a stroll. I manage to park and cross the street. Then others see the horse and a crowd of boys decide to catch it and run for it. Clearly these boys know nothing about horses and it takes off at full gallop down the side street. Thank goodness it opted for the side street. I head back to the van and grab my cup of coffee (no I did not need super powers) I also grab three amoxicillian tablets and a dog cookie (don't ask - we keep weird things in the van) and I am off and running ... and find the horse has hit a slow trot and has come back towards me. I am panicked thinking of the traffic and yell to the boys to back off - signaling them and waiving my arms as best I can without spooking the horse. Then I pull out the magic (years back I was a horse whisperer) - the coffee is dumped, the meds and cookie placed inside. AND I use the best trick in the book - with a shake shake and a "here horse" I get its' attention! Another shake shake and a click click and she is searching my hands for treats~!

I grabbed the halter and head back to the street, and together we walk and it occurs to me, I have no idea what to do with her! Walk her to the Shelter? We walk to the corner, and I see ahead of me, another horse, this one tied to a tree, and a Mennonite buggy waiting for them. I knew where she was to go. Back we strolled and arrived safe and sound. I tied a knot in her now broken lead and said my goodbyes to her. I wished I really did have a treat for her (she did not get the meds!). 

I drove past a while later and she was gone. I assume the whole bunch must have left together and no calls came in for a horse straying at large anyhow! I did manage to leave a message at a store nearby, to give to the owners of the horse. That message ... next time you're getting a ticket!

Keese
Saturday I made a new friend, with a story to tell, and many thanks to give. Last week I was contacted about some dogs in Quebec that needed a rescue, of course I said OK. These dogs fortunately found rescues before the weekend came, and on Thursday I received the "thank you, but we are now all OK". Later in the day I receive another email and I assumed something has changed. This one with one sentence "do you take cats" which of course is always a tricky response, to which I usually reply, maybe, what do you have and how many. A kind and compassionate person had her heart stolen by a shelter cat, named Keese (pronounce Ka'say - as in 'what' in French) an altered senior. This cat, at twelve years of age, was facing his last days.

Knowing I could not turn him down because this would mean his death, I responded I would take him and can you get him here? What followed was a series of transports, and the help from an angel who kept him the night, and drove him from Toronto to my arms on Saturday. 

I hope now to be able to update them soon with great news of his new found home. A gorgeous boy as an exotic shorthair, and blonde in colour, with a gorgeous personality to match, I pray it is easy to do. He is on some meds for a few sniffles, but when that clears, I hope he can go home. He has been saved, and will be up for adoption! 

Thank you to all of those who made his travel possible (oh the stories he could tell - in French I suppose). I hope to find him a home real soon and make it worth your troubles.

Angel
Last week the call came in about a guinea pig needing a home, one that was friendly, but it seemed the interest had long gone. Another case of the pet living longer than they expected I assumed. 

Apparently in good health and spirits, I told her there would be no problem placing it. She explained it would be later in the week as she gets her cheque at this time, and I assumed for a donation. Today, a very fast walking lady entered, with a towel covering a cage. When she explained this was the guinea pig surrender, I explained there were forms, etc. She made it very clear she was unhappy about the legalities, and signed her name, and handed it back. Odd she would not give her information, I assumed she must be in a real hurry. She explains as she rushes out the door, that there is a new kitten at home, and out she goes "...oh and by the way, his name is angel..." so matter of fact like. To which I quickly say, hey "how old is he" and she says "I donno maybe four" and then she was gone. I was a bit annoyed that she could so easily toss him away  like garbage (and with no donation too?). 

And then I approach the toweled cage to see his face. What I see shocks me. This poor fella had nails so long they curled around and into his feet, and he stood in his waste. He smelled of filth. AND to make it worst, he was missing an eye! Clearly he has been neglected for some time, and I cannot imagine his discomfort. All creatures are disserving of love and care, and if a person does not feel they are, they should certainly not have them. 

Angel as she called him, will keep his name. As it was angels that brought him to me, to find him a second chance this Easter. Now, as a special needs friend, I hope to find him a special home. She has made a little extra work for me, as you know, now I will certainly be checking on that kitten!!

Scoops
I must admit, I know people by their pets. The pets I always remember, their stories and names. People, I have no idea until they tell me who their pets are ... or I remember them by faces associated with pets.

Today I was visited by "my rabbit people" also known as "parents of Oddly" more so the rabbits, as it is what they have done for the bunnies which impressed me so much.

The parents of Suede and Strawberry - both from the Shelter - these two have converted the upstairs of their home into bunny heaven so both can run freely (now altered) and live as bunnies should ... behind walls. 

Oddly, now leash trained, has learned to co-habitate with the rabbits and all is good (look for their pictures on the happy tail page!)

When I saw them in the parking lot, I thought darn the bunny people have come for another (maybe for Easter??) and I had none. However, they had another plan in mind. They had seen Scoops on the site, and wondered if she could be compatible with Oddly the cat, and a couple of bunnies. When the bunnies went I said " I am not sure the bunnies will live together" and when Oddly left I said " I am not sure Oddly will not eat bunnies" and today I almost said, " I am not sure Scoops will live with bunnies" - but instead said, "how can we make this happen?" They left equipped with a gentle leader, a leash, and practice with our bunny (who thankfully was not injured in our practice, as she has a busy day tomorrow) and a crate!

I know these people are dedicated and committed, and I know no matter what they will be patient. AND armed with knowledge, equipment, and our support - it is the best chance there could ever be to have a dog living with loose bunnies! Good luck guys, and keep me posted!

Lights Out
The lights went out about 11 am, which made poop cleaning, dog walking and feeding rather tricky. Fortunately, this was not the first time I had cleaned by candlelight and have done it enough, doing it with my eyes closed was possible. 

The lights came on long enough for me to have a dog surrendered, and a visit with my friends at the YMCA child daycare (and my son) and then they were off again. 

My visit was hilarious, with pancake (the rabbit), now a familiar face, Momma New Guinea (the guinea pig), Happy the most tolerant cat ever (who actually enjoyed being manhandled), and for a change Dizzy the turtle came too. 

If she is still hanging with us (literally) I may as well put her to work! 

The kids so full of excitement were happy with our visit, and surprised me with gifts of food and treats. An Easter gift, to celebrate new life, my friends have been gathering items for weeks. 

The children learned of each pets needs and were mostly fascinated by the counting of each ones toes, a smile on everyone's face, mine included. AND, cross your fingers and toes, Happy may have found herself a home too!

SPCA
I avoided the call again ... and there was another. It seems she was determined to get her money back. 

Todd fielded the call. We all knew it was 'her' by the way Todd's face changed colours. As soon as he began to speak with her ... we all waited and watched him turn from white, to pink, to red to purple. We always know when his blood pressure is up! Todd seldom looses his cool, but he can sure get his point across when necessary! 

I heard him say politely "...and where was the dog altered?" followed by "...what? - without anesthetic or pain medication?" Then he started to change colours and we braced ourselves for what was next, and then we heard "...well, you understand that I have to report this, as this is a case of animal cruelty"! It seemed then she tried to make it all sound OK, like it was the same as a calf (don't get me started on that one!) and that it only really took a few days of discomfort. To which Todd replies, "I understand a cow takes five weeks, just how long did you say this took"? The conversation then gets very brief, and he makes it clear he is not impressed, and we the listeners, vanish. 

The next call is made to our vet and then to the SPCA. From here, I cannot give you a lot of details. BUT what I can say, is that it has been confirmed that this will be looked into, and a criminal offence will be sought. 

For everyone's information, it is a criminal offence to practice any form of veterinary care, without a license. Only a vet has a legal right to perform surgery and vet care.

If you know someone who is doing it, please call the SPCA.

When I have updates, I can share, I will. Please keep this pup and justice in your thoughts.

Animal Cruelty
I missed the call and was too upset to return it. It will be Monday at the soonest before I settle down enough to call the lady back, if then.

While I was at the vet doing everything in my power to keep my old girl comfortable for the rest of her life besides selling my soul (and I would have for her) someone called the Shelter with a question. 

It seems while digging through paperwork for her taxes this lady came across her adoption papers for a puppy she adopted last January. She paid a spay/neuter deposit (which is good), although the timeline had passed of eight months, but she wanted her money back because the pup was now altered. I was pleased her pup was altered and this would not have been a concern, until the rest of the story came out (which is bad). 

When told the lady to simply bring in the vet records and her money would be given to her ... this is where everything went sideways. 

It seems, there are no vet records - no vet records? Now, how a dog gets altered without vet records was uncertain, until we questioned the lady. The lady's response floored, shocked and revolted all of us when we heard it. 

It seems it was "done themselves" ... those of you who are not familiar with this method might not be able to understand the callous and malicious motives behind doing this to a puppy. They 'banded' the puppy and it goes through such agony, pain and suffering. I am ill. I am ill that a person could and would inflict such pain, and watch while in time the pain worsens and not offer help - which is against the law and is, in fact, cruelty when you don't administer proper vetting to an animal in need. 

I am ill that a person would rescue a pup from our Shelter and put that pup through so much pain and still not realize they are the exact type of person we despise. Further, I am puzzled that this person, in this day and age - or any, would think that by doing a sterilization themselves it would be better than "putting the dog under a scalpel" as the lady called it. And the lady defended her actions and thought it was OK. The lady also thought that she should be rewarded with her money back (she never took the pup to the vet at all). 

While I think of what I will say to this lady* on Monday, and all those I call, I will be sending my apologies to that poor pup through prayer and in my thoughts and hope that somehow I can make it up to him someday.

______________
*Word 'lady', used throughout this blog, is only used for your reference - she is no lady in my book.

Remember to Brush
You met Eunice and Gertie, and you heard about how we acquired them, with their owner passing away. I mentioned how there were three actually, Dorothy being one of them, and today she was placed up for adoption. 

Dorothy is a longhaired Persian mix with gorgeous long thick hair that had not been groomed for a while. It took us some brushing and trimming to help her loose some dead hair that had been left too long. While grooming her the saddest and grossest thing was discovered. When spit mats develop and do not get removed in time, the skin underneath becomes damaged. The skin actually rots under the hair, and is very attached to the hair under the mat. 

So, while gently removing a mat from her side, brace yourselves, some skin was removed with it. I nearly fainted when I discovered it, and when she did not flinch I began to doubt it had even happened. However, when I took a breath and checked again, there was a hole where the mat had once been. Immediately she was administered first aid, and pain medications, although honestly she was all OK with it (why I am not sure - dead skin) and from there on in, we spent days of shaving her, gently to see what else we could find underneath. 

She has healed, and is now ready to go. This patient kitty loves to be brushed, and enjoyed the clippers, and normally this is a big feat for a cat. It is likely her senior owner, at one time, groomed her regularly. 

If you own a longhaired breed cat or dog, please know it is important to get those mats removed (learn from this experience). You cannot leave them, it is uncomfortable, itchy and can cause some serious damage.

Dorothy is now ready to go, and at nine years of age would love another senior home. Her beautiful coat will grow back, I promise, and I know she will let you comb it! 

Now for that home....

Adoptions
When wonderful adoptions happen the day is so much better. There were so many today, I am smiling, despite my sudden arrival of some virus ... urghhhh ... and my joy kept me going and with a smile still on my face despite how ill I was feeling. 

George a found stray, neutered and adopted today, Eunice who found love with a little boy who did not care about her age, Aretha went home as she was so loving, and Mickey went home to be with her, to be a cats cat, as he so wanted to be. Wizzard finally found someone to love him despite his concerns, and three pups came in and moved out, and finally old boy Boots found a home where he can be the only pet and the only child. Rover also was given a home with a big yard and people who love to walk - perfect for him. 

It is hard for me to pick a favorite adoption, as all were so great. AND there were tears in my eyes three times watching them go home, tears of joy (not my illness). So many are now given a second chance in life, making my job worthwhile. 

Congratulations guys ... you deserve it!

Spending Quality Time With Rover?
I spent an hour today visiting with a dog and his owners. We spoke of dog behaviour and other legalities. I can say the dog I met was not entirely thrilled to meet me and his lack of socialization as a puppy is partially to blame for this. I must admit there are things to take very seriously today and this dog had all the best intentions in the world - from his standpoint. It saddened me to know that had certain steps been taken with this dog, as a pup, our visit would not have been needed.

I was reminded today that our pets are what we make them. Socialization is the key: all dogs MUST meet all people and our pets must learn to behave properly around them. Whether they are city dogs or country dogs, as we see so often life can change for them. If we fail as owners there are potential troubles ahead.

Love is wonderful and all pets need to be loved, but part of that love includes proper training and socializing. If socializing would be done less dogs would stay with me. Those dogs that are with me, some have issues, but they are adoptable and will make great family pets, as we have the job of fixing it and making sure a home with TLC is found. 

As we are expecting puppies tomorrow, I am glad for this reminder today and as always those who adopt them will be reminded of the duties they have ahead of them as well! 

Litter Recall?
She looked at me like I was half crazy when I said "...we don't really use much litter here." Then it occurred to me, that this is not what she expected me to say. Concerned about a cat litter recall she had heard about, she thought she would visit us to be sure we knew. Anyone hear of a recall? She was fascinated when I told her what we actually use, and loved the story, so I thought I would share it with all of you. 

A couple of years ago, a "cat lady" who had many cats, and a wood pellet burning stove accidentally found that her cats mistook this pile of pellets for their litter. Well, rather than throw out the ruined pellets, she used it for litter and found to her surprise they loved it. The cat lady was sold. So, she told us to try it and we discovered that it is really great. Pellets are cheaper, and one bag is $5.00 and lasts us at least three days - clay of the same size is more expensive and lasts only one day. 

As the pellets turn to sawdust, less is more, as you want the concentration to be just right. The pine beats cat urine smell like nothing else - even the toms. The cats like it. It is easy to clean up - as they roll around and don't become sculptures in the boxes. And the best part of all, it is way easier to lift a garbage bag of sawdust than a garbage bag of clay! AND it is Canadian and encourages tree planting and, and, and...

So, please don't try this at home without another box available, they don't all love it and we do use your donations of clay litter as the kittens use clay, the elderly use clay, and the fussy use clay. But, the alternative is there, if you clean your box everyday and it is just a little heads up on a great product. AND clay litter can irritate noses and cause respiratory conditions - especially when cats are sitting so close to it and digging around in it.

Missy
She came in yesterday an owner surrender, an elderly dog from an elderly home. At 10 years old it was potentially difficult to place her, and I feared it would be so hard on her physically if she pined for her home. 

I was pleased to see Missy managed well through the night, and even more pleased to see her find a loving family so quickly and go home tonight. 

I am once again reminded that is so important for people to think of their senior pets in their wills or, heaven forbid, failing health. Too many animals are surrendered simply because arrangements were not made and for the animals it is so unfair. The animals will grieve for their people and deserve a chance to be remembered. Please tell someone your intentions for your pet(s). I am always saddened for these pets most of all when they are brought to me. They have been a loyal companion and they deserve some type of arrangements be made for them. They are as important as your children, so please don't pass on the opportunity to think of their future.

On that note, my little old ladies Eunice and Gertie are still waiting for their second chance, please consider them if you are thinking of helping a low-maintenance short-term cat, who would appreciate a chance more than anyone else. 

Their time is limited so let's make it a time full of love and family and not in the Shelter.

Blue Budgie
There were angels working for us again today and this time in favor of our little blue bird. 

At the last minute I decided to take little Blue Belle, Snowball, or Blue Bird to Rogers today to make a debut. Having never taken a bird to TV, I thought perhaps it would be something a little different. 

Having such a unique story for such a tiny bird after being frozen and lived to survive, I thought the world might like to hear it. The budgie was relaxed, calm and spoke softly to those that would hear it. Thankfully there was a special person listening. Carole Matthews, a member of the Bayshore Broadcasting team and Intuitive Medium had the TV on, but was in the other room while it aired. Something drew her to the TV and she heard the words miracle bird, needing a loving home and her attention became focused.

Her blog will tell how she had been thinking of our friend Gloria and was visited by a beautiful bird. Check out her web site at www.carolematthewsintuitive.com or read her blog. Something told her this bird needed her and in honour of our Daytime friend this bird now has a beautiful name and a permanent home where she will be loved as "Glory". 

To make this story even better, Carole remained tuned in to hear the announcement of her adoption and further to hear we were raising funds for our surgical room (yes, we are still in need of funding - lol). Carole offered to donate two personal readings to raffle off to help us raise money. 

I know that Gloria would be especially pleased to know a frozen friend was saved in her honour (she always loved the story of Kisco - a once frozen cat) and to know that monies to save thousands will be given in her name as well.

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