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by: Renee Robins, ACO, Owen Sound Animal Shelter |
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------------------- Recent Posts ------------------- |
Mar
30,
2010 _____________________________________________________________________________ |
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| Grace; Spring is in the Air!; Golden Update; Chia; Long Drive; Taking a Break; Spring Has Sprung; Grace Update; More Golden; Looking for Scandal; Cellar; Easter Bunny?; Easter Egg Hunt; Wildlife Encounters; Dogs Off-Leash; Nature in Spring; BBQ and Easter Egg Hunt; Who Let the Dogs Out?; Bears Season; Dog Tags;
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Dog Tags - If you do not have your 2010 dog tag, well. it's now too late. You are no longer going to save $10.00, and if we end up with your dog, and it's not tagged, you are now paying more to get it back. Many were in today, after reading it in the paper, remembering it or on the website (it has been this date forever). I intended to add it to the blog last night, but in lieu of the 8 o'clock page for a cat, and then the 10 o'clock page for a dog and all the evening distractions that followed it was the last thing on my mind. I have been chasing dogs and cats for weeks now, and although I have complained about doing it, last night I remembered there are worse things. Know what's worse than a page at 10 o'clock at night to gather a dog hit by a car? Not being able to gathering it. If you are someone who owns a boxer on the west side of town, or one of similar breeding, and may have lost your dog temporarily last evening, or who let it out randomly, please call me to let me know he is safe and sound at home. I have not heard from you, not last night, nor
today and I have been wondering if the dog is OK. You do not need to leave your name and number with me, and you are not in any sort of
trouble. It was a sleepless night for me as I wondered if this dog was all
OK, and pray that my thoughts of "well if he was running that's a good sign"
were accurate. I would sure love to know for sure this pup is OK.
The Winner of the Doggie Gift Basket is Patrick Boudreau.
Mar
30,
2010 Bears Season - Report from today's newspaper... Tuesday, March
30, 2010 Warmer weather is bringing unwanted visitors to the region. Saugeen Shores Police Constable Doug Lein says there have been three bear sightings in Southampton in the last few days; the latest last night. Constable Lein says the bears are seen in residential areas. He says the animals are natural to the area and drawn to many things in these areas. Constable Lein reminds residents to make sure garbage is in animal proof containers when it's outside. He also says bears are attracted to filled bird feeders - so making sure they are unreachable is wise. Constable Lein says if you find yourself in the presence of a bear, make noise if you can't get away - to scare the bear off. Calling the Ministry
of Natural Resource's Bear Wise Hotline at 1-866-514-2327 is the next step
or police. Mar
29,
2010 Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who ... who? Well, I can honestly say there were at least 4 of you in the last 48 hours. I know this because I just spent the last 2 days chasing, gathering and picking them up. You know who you are, as you have now reclaimed them. I almost missed TV today, and this is the opportunity for a cute fella named Bundy to showcase himself, in the hopes of finding a forever home. He is an older dog who hated the Shelter and wanted so bad to leave, but in lieu of Mr. Pointer who I was chasing at 11 am, I almost missed the show. Thankfully for Bundy, he had the opportunity to go, as this opportunity proved to be what he needed and has now gone home. With no time to primp, prep or prepare I was winging it for both of us, me with liver treats in my pocket, which I must say worked out in Bundy's favour as he sat so pretty for the camera while he was smelling them. I know there was a panic with my last second arrival; good thing I can throw on a mic in seconds! This is just one more reason to keep your pet leashed. Please keep your dogs in
check as my chasing your dog takes time which could be used to help the homeless go home!!
Spring is still springing and its raining cats and dogs :( Mar
26,
2010 BBQ and Easter Egg Hunt - I must announce the changing of the location for next weeks fundraiser. Originally, it was planned to be held at Grey Sauble Conservation, however, it has been moved to the Grey Roots Museum. It is at the same time from 10 am to Noon, with an Easter egg hunt at 11 am Sharp. There will be 2 hunts at this time. We will be there from 10 am to Noon burgers and hot dogs, beverages and cookies for dogs and their people to treat themselves. The proceeds from the BBQ and Easter Hunt ($3.00 for a dog/burger and drink) will go to the Spay/Neuter, Medical fund to save lives. These proceeds help each animal find a home faster and, in many cases, save lives. Without these surgeries we cannot help as many as we do, please consider this and come out and support us! This week over a dozen animals were altered, and we are fast approaching our 500th in total. All thanks to the donations made by you. Each donation goes to the Spay/Neuter, Medical Fund and is used to help the animals. I rememeber only a year and a half ago being able to help only five animals a month, boy how things have changed. So, help us keep going by dropping by Saturday at the Grey Roots Museum. Those that are waiting for a second chance in life thank you! Mar
24,
2010 Nature in Spring - They were here before we were, we built in their forests, and then reduced their food supply, and removed their places to run and hide. They are the skunks, raccoons, porcupine, squirrel, etc., that live on the city streets. They are living despite us being among them. They now feast on garbage, and what they can forage from our yards. They attempt to make homes in our yards, in the shed, under the deck or in our attics. They have no other options, we took the space from them, there is just not enough forest here in our city to house them. We are now seeing them as they prepare to reproduce, they are nesting, and usually in a least wanted place. The solution is not to shoot them, poison them or torture or harm them. They are not intentionally out to get you, or cause damage to your things. They are merely trying to survive the best they can in a place that has gradually been taken away from them. Please review the tips on living with wildlife offered by the OSPCA, MNR, or HSUS. Please do yourself a
favour and keep your yards free of debris, food and other garbage. Know
that your bird feeder is a food source for them too, and they will come to
it. Close any entrances that they may feel will make a potential home
[This is best done at night when they vacate]. There are wildlife deterrents, ask me about them, ask your local
TSC Store? Cohabitating is a very possible solution! WIN ME! For $2.00 a ticket you will get your name in a draw for this cute basket for your pup ...
Mar
23,
2010 Dogs Off-Leash - This is a friendly reminder to all people residing in Owen Sound, and to those who visit frequently. It is against the City By-Laws to allow your dog to run at large. This means your dog may not go out for a pee without you or a leash, or containment. This means your dog may not journey to the neighbours to do his business. This also means that although the sun is shining and fido is feeling frisky he may not go for a jaunt in the park unless he is running along side you with leash attached. These rules are to be followed by all, even those of you who have super friendly and super obedient dogs. Today, I had two dog-on-dog attack reports. In both cases dogs were off-leash. Yesterday, we had three calls for missing dogs, these three were all out just to do their business. Last week, a dog knocked a child off a bike in play and I suspect tomorrow there will be more calls of trouble. This trouble could have been avoided if the rules were followed. I enforce these rules because I am asked to and it's my job. I do, however, understand and support them as a lover of people and animals. Only with care and control will your dog be guaranteed safe, and the people you are in contact with or could be in contact with remain safe. Accidents do happen. It is our job to do our best to avoid them. People make mistakes, but if we intentionally do not follow the rules for whatever reason it becomes intentional and not an accident. Please do me the favour and save me the call in which there is a complaint; I really have other things I would rather be doing than have to remind you of these rules. Do your pup a favour and keep them safe, and do what's best for your community and be responsible. If
you do, however, need to let your dog run and play (which I entirely understand), please do so in the country, or in an off-leash dog
zone. For example, Saugeen Shores has a great off-leash park!! We live in such a rural area,
that finding friends with open fields is not hard to come by. We all know someone who has a place
where the dogs can play. Keep them there and we will all be happy! Mar
22,
2010 Wildlife Encounters - I remember once many years ago getting a call about a raccoon trapped in a window well. I remember this not being my call, but the frantic old lady afraid to go outside in case it chased her made me take the call. Although I assured her it was likely not stuck but instead sleeping as they were nocturnal and likely she could walk right by she was "not budging" when her calls to others failed her I offered to come and poke it and to offer it some encouragement to vacate. I can't stand to hear an old lady cry and I remember arriving to see a super sized raccoon curled into the smallest hole. I approached and she did not even look up at me. I spoke and she did not flinch. She with no cares in the world. I grabbed the net and poked her gently with the handle and she slowly lifted her head and smiled at me. I asked her to leave and poked her again. She stretched and yawned and wandered out of the hole. I peered inside to see the woman peeking back out at me with a pot in her hand in case she needed to save me? While the sleepy head headed for the closest tree I searched for a board to cover the hole. I was reminded of this today, as another frantic lady had a raccoon perched on her roof. After agreeing to come and set a board for the raccoon to climb down she was thrilled. Moments later, however, she called me. Her husband would not have it. He would be tougher than me. Armed with that wood he would do it quickly if she stood as back up :) Wildlife is out and
moving - be forewarned. They are looking for places to nest. Look for
places around your house and on your property where they may go and repair
the area and close any holes. Learning to live together is better for them
and me. Mar
19,
2010 Easter Egg Hunt - In keeping with the Easter theme and possibly you heard, if you listened to the Zoo today, an announcement of our next big fundraiser. Please mark April 3rd on your calendar, the day before Easter as this day will be sure to be great fun. It will be held at Grey Roots. The Mix is hosting its 2nd annual Easter egg hunt, and we have been invited to attend. We have been further invited to use this as a fundraiser and participate with a BBQ. The biggest thanks to the Mix, as always, as we sure can use the donations. There will be Easter goodies for your pups on hand too. I have heard there will
be friends of the Easter bunny on hand as well who will be available for
adoption but not until after Easter. Hope to see all of you there. Mar
18,
2010 Easter Bunny? - We all know and love that big white Cadbury bunny. Buck buck buck buck !"?? A clucking white rabbit who delivers Easter cream eggs has become some what an Easter tradition as the Geico lizard or the Fido phone? I am certain the media has found homes for many geckos and Afghan Hounds with their advertising just as 101 Dalmatians had many seeking Dalmatians. It is unfortunate there is not a warning on each commercial and show or at the very least an advertisement for rescue? Tomorrow I am brining a rabbit to radio. I am advertising the Easter bunny with only a few weeks until Easter. However, this rabbit comes with a message this message is one of responsible pet adoption. She the biggest rabbit we have ever had, I recognize this as (plug ur ears rabbit) "meat rabbit" one meant for food and not for pet. Meant to grow big. I suspect her people in Windsor did not know this and were not prepared. This girl is a great pet
and will only go as such, however, she will be used as a reminder that the
only rabbit we buy at Easter on a whim is of the chocolate variety. Mar
16,
2010 Cellar - I have named her Cellar, as per my usual, as is her story. It makes light of a very bad situation making it easier to be digested and easier for me to live with. I recognize the name Cellar is likely to be changed, who wants a dog named Cellar? (Well besides someone like me, I have a Sunshine, Rocket man, and also had a Piglet and a Pancake, etc., etc.) I do already randomly call her Stella as a cute nickname. Her name is funny but the reason is not. She came in as a stray and being a lovely pup I wondered if she would soon be reclaimed. Investigating into this we learned her people would not likely come for her, nor should they as this girl had been living in a basement. Neighbours heard her cries and not one ever saw her outside. Those that kept her we were told allowed her to stay in darkness. Thankfully somehow someway she has been freed, and I thank the stars this has not affected her spirit or
temperament. Cellar is still a young dog who is happy to be with all of us
and is willing to please. She deserves a home that will spoil her and see
her as a truly lucky pup. Mar
15,
2010 Looking for Scandal - I was hoping tonight's blog would be about great news. I was hoping it would be the final chapter or ending to the Scandal Saga and that she had gone home. After our daily visits to Southampton, weeks of setting bait and months of praying [even her owner was to come in this past weekend]; I really had hoped this was going to wind up. However, I have nothing to report. This seems to be the Scandal scenario. We get a step ahead then take two backward. I have now left many many messages with her owners and I waited all weekend for them to call. Scandal has been on my mind and her owners in my thoughts for the entire weekend. Not even a returned call. I am frustrated and annoyed at this and sure hope there is a good reason. I sure hope the reason isn't because they didn't come :( I'm hoping they connect
with me soon, so I can update all of you also waiting and wondering. If
all this doesn't work I need to think about a Plan B! Mar
12,
2010 More Golden - One more time I need you to keep the good vibes coming, one more time I need all parts crossed, and prayers for Scandal. She is again invisible and we have lost her, yet again. Someone is eating the food we are leaving, someone is hanging out where the blanket is and this someone has blonde fur. I am fairly confident it is she. This weekend is a big one for us, and her, this weekend her companion who raised her, who spent hundreds of hours with her, who did agility and dog sports with her is coming to try her hand at finding her. She is making the trip from Kingston. Having run from me many times, and having run from the owner (the father of this person who is making the trip), I am not going to be surprised if she runs from her too. However, I am trying to be as positive as I can be and would love nothing more for her to leap into her arms ... roll over at her feet [or at least not dart so quickly?] and ask for a belly rub. Weeks have turned into months, and her search feels like it has been forever, and her
retrieval so far has failed. Nothing could be more discouraging. Perhaps if we all imagine her running to her companion tail wagging, it could actually
happen. Gosh if only it could. Let's try it and hope for a great update
soon! Mar
11,
2010 Grace Update - Just for the record, for those who consider dropping off an animal at the Shelter in the foyer without giving us any information, this is what has gone on behind the scenes. This message is for you, you know who you are, we know who you are, and you will be getting a visit from us soon. Following your dog drop we spent hours tracing your plate, finding your home, and tracing your dog's tattoo, which we also traced to you. We then spent hours track you down. This time would have been better spent on actually adopting out your beautiful golden retriever who we could have easily placed in a few hours, however, thanks to the method you used - we had to hold her.
Your dog had to spend these weeks with us rather than hours, we had to evaluate her, test her, and then seek any details on her to ensure the proper home could be found. We did not know her history, nor would we have known her name without that tattoo, and with that it is harder to place them. Your dog could not be spayed promptly as she was "straying" and instead had to be held until this week to have this done. Your dog could not be walked by the public as she was un-owned and missed many opportunities to enjoy the sunshine. We turned down many homes as she was unavailable, and luckily there were those who did not give up on her and they came back for her. No thanks to you. Her spay came out of my pocket, without even a release fee to help cover it, not to mention her deworming, or her food and care for the time she spent with me. These monies could have been used to help others. It is clear to me that she has gone to a better home and that yours was not what was best for her. I am certain this one will not toss her out like trash. Shame on you for what you have
done. You have not only failed the dog that loved you, but took advantage of
the City Animal Shelter as well.
Mar
10,
2010 Spring Has Sprung! - Spring has sprung, the grass is riz ... I wonder where my shovel is? I can now see the front lawn. I can see the grass peeking out in the dog run, and the dogs are now returning from the outside wet and muddy. Spring is a messy time at the Shelter, but I do love it. Unfortunately, as the snow goes down the poop comes up, and I fear we are doing some extra cleaning. This, however, was a reminder to me, to remind you that it is time to clean up after your pet. With walk time it's easy to gather behind them with each stroll, but with quick ins and outs we don't always do this, however, now is the time to do it! As enforcer of the City By-Laws it is my job to ensure all of you are doing it. It is breaking the law if you don't. You can be charged. It is my passion with your
pet's health and your health in mind that I encourage you to do it. Dog waste can carry
parasites and disease. It can attract flies which make things more messy, and these in turn can spread the
yuck. It is inhumane and cruel to expect your pet to walk in it, stand in it, or lay in
it - you wouldn't want to ... they sure don't either. Remember their sense of smell is much greater than
yours and they lick their feet! Gross, I know, but think about it, they walk in it, and walk where
next - your bed? IF for no other reason think of that and clean it? The rain will be coming soon, making it a whole lot harder to clean, so perhaps on the next sunny day search for that
shovel and clean up! Mar 9,
2010 Taking a Break - With the sun shining this morning, and spring in the air I could not stand it much longer and took a lunch break - grabbed my dog and headed out for a hike. I must highly recommend this to everyone as it does wonders to get out and enjoy the warm air. If you don't have a dog, I will lend them :) It seems, however, there were many others who had this same idea as while on my walk I passed many others (yay for all of you too)! A well exercised dog is a happy and relaxed dog, and is better socialized and much easier to love. The same holds true for their people. Although, I did enjoy every moment of my walk I must admit my thoughts were on the others out walking too. With that comes this blog of dog walking safety tips. The most important thing I can recommend to anyone is to know the area your walking in. This means you will know where you may encounter children on bikes, cars, other dogs, cows? etc. By knowing what you may run into, you will know to be prepared. No one wants a car chasing dog (like mine) running into a line of traffic unprepared. Keep control of your dog (do not let it run off leash) and make sure you have more than just the end of the leash. Control means you can hang on if they dart, that they won't drag you off into the neighbour's yard, that you can handle a surprised squirrel you didn't know about, or the running child who startles your dog. There are many great dog controls available, my personal favourite is the gentle leader, (feel free to contact me for information on this). Use your time outdoors to experience new things and offer training
time to your pup, this keeps them stimulated on all levels and offers you a chance to show them where they fit
into your pack. Offer them opportunities to sit and stay as this can easily
be practiced at stop signs and corners. If you walk with an mp3 player,
make sure it is on low so that you can hear the sounds around you. It is important to hear the cars, the other dogs barking, or a person who may be
calling. Walk safely in traffic with your dog on the inside. Inside keeps you between them and the
cars. Don't forget to pick up after your pup, no one wants to ruin their walk with your dogs
mess on their shoe.
Mar 8,
2010 Long Drive - Nature made them enemies, the hunter and the hunted. The prey and the predator. Had they been in the wild one would seek to destroy the other all for the thrill of the hunt. Circumstance brought them to the same situation, homeless and caged, and seeking a second chance. Fate placed them in the same scenario, and together they all waited for a chance to be rehomed. On Saturday connections brought them all to me. Two rabbits and a beagle traveled together from Windsor to my door to find them a chance at a new life. The ironies of this and the jokes to be made are many, but I am celebrating the chance to offer them forever homes. I must admit I chuckled when I read the transport request, as I am sure many did. I also must admit I was a little worried the transport would be a great challenge with barking Beagle and hopping bunnies. I imagined each circling in its crate and causing quite the commotion and worried it could be the last transport. However, these concerns were for nothing. Daisy the Beagle is clearly not a hunter, but rather a house pet who saw no desire to chase or destroy but rather rode alongside two giant bunnies for hours without a peep. Together they all traveled
on the road to my door without any trouble. Having something in common perhaps
made them all friends? Mar 5,
2010 Chia - This blog celebrates the ironies of life. Back in December, as you all know there was some trouble with the Shelter getting lots of bad press. There was a bum story in the local newspaper which caused us some grief. This article made allegations of animal cruelty and mistreatment, of funds being misappropriated and deaths to animals which sounded very real to those who did not know us. It resulted in investigations, and inspections which were ultimately time consuming, but all for the good. At the same time we challenged our reasons for doing what we do - Chia came to me broken and on death's door. My soul told me to save her, my heart to help her, but my brain had me worried sick that potentially in another's eyes this would be viewed as inhumane and cruel. Each day she was treated, and loved and cared for and kept pain free. It took months to mend her, and each day I worried about the potential of keeping her and how this could have an impact on all of us. Determined to stick with the policies and procedures I believe in and to not change those for anyone, we stuck with her. Here is where the irony comes in. I have not purchased a newspaper since that date, nor will I. However, I was contacted two weeks ago by that paper [I must admit I was afraid to call them back at first] and was offered an opportunity to advertise a pet with them to help place them. Torn on the whole ideal [let's just say no comment], I agreed and Chia was the first. She was advertised, with her blurb about how we saved her and were proud to announce it was now time for her to
find a loving home. When the call came from someone who had seen her advertised I took the time to explain her whole
story. This woman was brought to tears, and came quickly to adopt her. She
was saved despite what had been written, and ultimately was adopted with the help of what had been
written. Full circle :) Mar 4,
2010 Golden Update - Look closely. Very closely. Beside the tree to the right is a lump. Not easily seen by anyone and definitely not easy to see even if you are looking and certainly not if your not is this lump.
That lump is Scandal. Scandal the Golden who we are still trying desperately to gather. With the help of Julie she was spotted (again so many thanks) and again we ran to her. Julie pointed Scandal out to me and I was still not sure I saw her. When I did see her I was not sure I was not seeing her dead body. It lay so lifeless in the snow, and for so long. I was assured she had been moving but still feared approaching her would be to give me only bad news. Armed once again with leash, and liver bites, I went one way, Todd and Julie another. I snapped the picture and seconds later she was moving. She turned her head and looked right at me, and me at her! She stood, stretched her legs and walked off slowly. I could see the arthritis in her hind end as she moved, and the difficulty in which she got up to get moving. We picked up speed. Without hesitation she was heading away and I knew I was about to loose. I started running. Running and calling and shaking treat bags and pleading, and offering car rides and walks, and treats and goodies. I told her to 'come Scandal', here Scandal, here Poohbah, here baby, come to me please, let's go, where's your ball, where's your blanket, cookie, biscuit, treat [exhaustion]? Please? As she headed through the forest I ran after her, ducking under trees and climbing over fallen logs. All the while whistling, calling and pleading. It seems while one watches where one is going and while climbing through the forest it is easy to loose sight of the dog you are chasing. I write this blog and
feel terribly disappointed, and very sad to have failed in gathering her. Sad to
have been unable to catch an old arthritic dog in the snow, but sadder at the
thought of her sleeping under a tree in the snow another night. I am at a loss tonight and running out of ideas.
I wish that her hearing or sight was less than it is, as there is no sneaking up on
her. I am frustrated, but will not lose hope of bringing her in! Mar 3,
2010 Spring is in the Air! - If anyone has any doubts, let me explain, it is the dog catcher who knows first! lol. The weatherman can guess, the farmers can plan and almanac, and those that watch the moon and stars can assume as well, but we know. Not only are my mornings brighter, and my nights less dark, and the sun feeling a little warmer, but the spring things are happening, and in no time at all warm weather will be upon us. Yesterday, I had my first dog call shortly after 8:00 am and by 10:00 am had gathered one, and chased another few. I had seen two pregnant cats (oh dear) and by 11:00 am had three calls about missing cats. Assuming it is now time the animals are getting together in spring mode, I anticipate there will be many more lost and wandering in the days to come. I sure hope for the pet population this number is less than last year? It was a full day of calls, and after
7:00 pm when they slowed. Then it happened, I had my first wildlife call of the year.
Concerned person saw a skunk in the yard and immediately needed to call to say it must be rabid.
Thank you for calling, never hesitate, however, if your smelling it, as you are
it's OK. NOTE: the ability to spray is the first thing that goes with rabies
- I am told. Still call, but breathe easy ... pardon the pun! Celebrate that spring is near, as I am, while working through our spring sillies.
Mar
1,
2010 Grace - I was thanking my lucky stars and the universe, with a smile, when I rolled up the rim to win a coffee today. I thanked the universe out loud, thanking it for returning the coffee which was taken on Friday. I smiled thinking today karma was on my side. As I patrolled the Southampton area with coffee in hand, a page came in from Scandal's owner. She is alive, she is well, and the owner has seen her and confirmed it is her! This all very good news to me! Although, somewhat disappointed he did not manage to gather her; I was very pleased to know she is alive. [Everyone near Lake Street and Peel please keep your eyes open she is in that neighbourhood.] I spent the next few hours thinking only of her. At 1:30 pm the Shelter's front door opened, I hear a commotion, look over and spot a Golden Retriever in the foyer. I admit I looked twice. I also admit I then found myself questioning the powers that be, and thought "is it possible to will her to me, like the coffee karma??" If only it were that easy! It seems this Golden was delivered,
thrown from the heavens by her owner into the Shelter front doors. Dumped like trash. Her
owner who I know is her owner by the tattoo in the dog's ear, the licence plate
from the speeding vehicle [traced] and the car confirmed at the Shelter
and then in the driveway of the home where the dog was registered to be
living - boy not too smart 'people'! I also know the dog's
name; ironically it is Grace. |
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