|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Blog
by: Renee Robins, ACO Owen Sound Animal Shelter |
March 2012 |
||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
------------------- Recent Posts ------------------- |
Mar
30, 2012 _____________________________________________________________________________ |
||||||||||||
| Six
Husky Pups We Need Your Help Cats and Litter Boxes RIP Montel You Can Run... Gaynor Update Patrolling Spring Weather St. Patrick's Day Summer's Here Kittens Born Today Cat's Fighting Advance Notice Mix 106 Easter Egg Hunt Recycle Only Last Day Tomorrow |
Last Day Tomorrow - Today is March 30th, tomorrow is the 31st. This the final reminder that dog tags for 2011 expire tomorrow, and you are to have your 2012 tags. Tags may be purchased at the Shelter tomorrow between 9am and 5pm. We only take cash - we do not have a debit machine. Your tag will not only
make you a law abiding pet owner, but will provide you with an important
piece of ID ensuring, if we have to, we can get your pet back to you if
they run off. Your payment for tags helps pay for the animal control,
keeping everyone safe, and if nothing else gives you a reason to smile
when we come to your door you can show off your pets bling!
Owen
Sound By-Law...» Mar 29, 2012 Recycle Only - This signage has had me thinking about S+++ all day. It reads quite clearly "NO DOG POOP". It leaves no confusion and no guessing. This garbage can allows for waste but not that which is fecal in nature.
Without mentioning names, I can say it is a private business. This business clearly one which does not want dog poop, dog poop odour, the wasps or the flies that will be drawn to it. It is unsanitary, and I understand the concern for not having waste of this sort around. However, I imagined, I as a responsible pet owner who had a bag of poop as I scooped and imagined I stood there with my package. As I am responsible - I follow the rules. I then look up and down the street to see no waste cans. I would walk until I found one, as I was responsible, BUT what about those a little less? Guaranteed, after one crappy experience they stop scooping. So, I then pondered solutions, a waste can for dog poop in areas often traveled by dogs? One to conceal odour and be bug proof? The benefits for the people, and the dogs are large, and the need too. It would reduce the poop complaints and maybe save tax dollars! I then realized the odds of dog poop cans are not going to make the budget. I then wondered about the DIA covering it, or perhaps some other group? Owen Sound By-Law for this law is found on page 3 of 7 and part 4.1 [.pdf ]. This is the City website and not the OSAS website. There is a lot to think
on and I would appreciate your thoughts sent to me osas@bmts.com.
Not knowing how best to proceed and stuck thinking on it is rather poopy. Mar 27, 2012 Mix 106 Easter Egg Hunt - APRIL 7, 2012 at Grey Roots Museum from 10am to 1pm. I am thrilled to announce we are once again hoppy to be holding yet another Easter Fundraising BBQ at Grey Roots. Once again, we have been invited by our friends at Bayshore Broadcasting to participate. Hip Hop Hooray!! As always, we are in urgent need of cash donations to keep our spay/neuter and medical expenses covered. This BBQ helps us continue to operate. The event will be held Easter weekend on April 7th, and will be bigger and better than before, if that's possible! There will be, in addition to the egg hunt, a BBQ, face painting, a petting zoo, and a reptile exhibit. There will be entertainment for all ages. I am eggcited to be participating yet again, and am hoping for a great turn out. Please help make this a success.
Check
out the Mix 106 website for more information...» Mar 26, 2012 Advance Notice - Late last week about 800 dog tag reminder letters were sent out. These letters were addressed to everyone who had purchased a tag last year who had not yet done so. According to the records this is a reminder that it is time to get out and purchase the tag. As tag prices jump up on March 31st, these letters are thought to be a courtesy. These letters are form letters. If you are in receipt of one, please do not take it personal, you are not being picked on, in fact, we don't even know it's you. If your dog has passed, pleased accept our condolences and understand that it is impossible for us to know such things. If you were already tagged and still got a letter please know there can be errors, we are all human, but please also know it was not OSAS who sent them. We can direct you. Thank you to those who called us to update our
records and those who purchased tags and appreciated the reminder. For those without letters, and with dogs
needing tags, you can purchase them at OSAS or at the City Hall. Legally, you have until March 31st to get
tags, and following that the price jumps. Kindly accept this as a courtesy
too. Mar 22, 2012 Cats Fighting - Another sure sign of Spring, sadly, is the first unaltered male cat with a hole. Yes, you read that right. History has proven that with the coming of the season, of love for many creatures, comes the scuffle. For each female screaming for a mate, comes a collection of males waiting to fight for her. Not only are they prepared to fight for her but for the territory they are standing on, and hey when those hormones are raging so why not just fight all takers?
Cat fights, contrary to belief, are not entirely catty - with each comes a winner, and a loser. Truthfully, I have never known a death to occur, but there can be major injuries. They fight teeth and nail and this leaves puncture wounds. These wounds get infected, swell, and then abscess. The infection can be fatal. There are also secondary troubles which occur when the skin sloughs off. Luckily, this boy is off the
streets and the only battle he will fight now is to live. This battle he will win if we can help
it! He has brighter days ahead. Mar 20, 2012 Kittens Born Today - Welcome Spring! It is with mixed feelings that I celebrate this arrival. I am happy that those freezing cold days, with waste deep snow normally found with winter are now less likely. With this comes less chance for frozen pets, frostbite, starving and cold. However, with Spring comes mating season meaning higher chance that the animals wander, and of course, it means more in the world. Today, Spring officially arrived by our calendars. Today, came our first litter of newborn kittens for the year. With this comes happy feelings that they are safe but so sad they are now another litter in need. I was very happy to see Spring until the reasons I dislike spring were born. I do love kittens, don't get me wrong, but I sure do feel sad when I see them. If only people would alter their pets I would only have celebrations today. With a bit of luck this does not mean the flood gate is now open.
We prepare and brace for that just in case, as typically the kittens pour in until June. June is a very long way away
this year ... Mar 19, 2012 Summer's Here - We rolled right out of winter (I think we had winter), and rolled right into summer. Our temps quickly did a -12 to plus 14 the next day. Today, we hit a record high of 24! In March! It has us all very confused, and more confused are the creatures I'm sure, as today for the first time I can ever recall while brushing out a winter coat and finding live fleas. Yup, you read that right, fleas in a winter coat! As fleas are dormant in the cold, and typically inactive until May or June, normally this is by far the earliest I have ever seen them. Our over heating pets are already
agitated with the quick jump in temps (normally they slowly lose winter wear when temps slowly climb).
They are already itchy now with the fast shedding they are now dealing with
and potentially fleas. It is now flea season - take action now, I suspect the season may be a long one!
Mar 17, 2012 St. Patrick's Day - May the luck of the Irish be shining on all our homeless today. May they find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I hope for them nothing but the best and if a day of luck brings it, my parts are crossed for that. Midnight, a black cat who has been homeless since before Christmas, was a guest on the Zoo on Friday. His black colour, sadly, makes him unlucky as the dark coloured animals are often the hardest to place. If, somehow, the day may give him the luck of the Irish, that would be purrfect. Although he is now comfortable in the Shelter, and considers it home (sad isn't it) I am certain he would love to have a window, in the sun, in his forever home.
A three year old, neutered, male with vaccines, good with cats and all people would be an easy addition to
any home. Anyone would be be lucky to have him. If you are considering a
new addition, please think of Midnight. And, if you are letting your
friends know about the Shelter animals, please remember to tell them about
Midnight, he really needs everyone to come together for him. Without you
we cannot help these adorable animals. Mar 15, 2012 Spring Weather - The warmer weather has brought out the people! People whom I did not see all winter, or saw bundled running to and from vehicles are back! Every street is filled with persons out enjoying the sun and with them come the bounding pooches. I can imagine there inside voices "whoo hoo we are free" "spring is springing". These frisky pups are bouncing, wiggling, and
frolicking! Thankfully for the most part they are staying home (good job people)! Not to rain on this parade
but this is where I now remind persons not to forget they will run if not confined, you know the grass does get
greener! I should also remind that while dogs are out saying goodbye to cabin fever they may forget their manners.
Take time to remind them please. A game of fetch quickly becomes great practice for a recall.
Chatting with passersby is a great opportunity to socialize with people. New tricks encourage listening and rewards keep them interested in learning.
Fun and games can be more than just fun and games.
Mar 13, 2012 Patrolling - It was a beautiful day for patrols, and I must admit that I volunteered early to be the one responsible for this task today. I did, intentionally, decide to do patrols by the water, and I did on purpose decide to roll the windows down and enjoy the summer like breezes. Today, the temperature hit plus 14! Not bad for March! Many were out enjoying the sunshine with their pups, and thankfully everyone was on their best behaviour. All dogs were leashed, and all owners were carrying bags for poop! The weather was wonderful, but more wonderful was the chance to enjoy it. Nothing puts a damper on my sun shiny day than having to stop and warn someone, or to run to a call. Thankfully, this was not one of these days.
Instead, all that was exchanged were friendly waves, smiles, and pleasant greetings.
My thoughts were that of the joy of watching people enjoy their pets, those pets enjoying their
people and everyone was being safe too. Mar 8, 2012 Gaynor Update - Eight years ago we adopted out a tiny black and white kitten, who left unnamed and just as many others as a "kitten adoption". When she was returned six months later, she became the cat I would refer to with every adoption as I go over with each person the return policy. This kitten was extra special it turned out as she had a heart murmor. This is a genetic defect, and nothing we were responsible for, nor was it anything we could have predicted. Sadly, her adopters failed to vet her until she was six months of age, they then needed her spayed as she was in heat. To their surprise their vet declined surgery as this murmor would put her life in danger, and to them this kitten who had a broken heart was useless, and unkeepable as unaltered. More sad, was that these people returned her to be homeless, and then wanted reimbursed not only for the $30.00 adoption fee, but more for pain and suffering of her loss. Yuck. I'm sure she was returned with a name, but I choose a new name for her. In lieu of her unpleasant return it became Gaynor, after the song "I will survive". (Go ahead sing it). With each adoption (and boy there have been many) I have thought of her, who after a plea for help, finally in time found a home. I have wondered each day what had come of her, and if in fact she had survived. Today, eight years and thousands of thoughts of her later I received an update. Gaynor had survived, is alive and well, and still very much loved by her owners. This proving that once again sometimes all you need is a little love to get by. Congrats to my sweet girl! I'm thrilled that my thoughts of her will now be followed with a happy ending.
Easter treats available
for a limited time for $2.00 at the Shelter! Mar 8, 2012 You Can Run... - I spotted them walking side by side - the man and his collie mix. A routine patrol resulted in me seeing them out for their walk. As I watched them I noticed this pooch journey on ahead which confirmed that this was a dog off leash. The City by-law states that all dogs must be held by a leash when they are off their property. This person was now in a position to be in a lot of trouble - from me giving them a verbal warning, or by laying a charge. Generally, a warning is enough to let those unknowing know, and those failing to abide realize that's a bad idea. People usually aren't thrilled when we stop them, but it normally is a brief and uneventful occurrence resulting in words exchanged and a friendly parting. However, today this was not the case. Upon spotting the offender I pulled over in preparation to speak with this gentleman. Eye contact was made and then he noted the marked vehicle and I suspect read the words "Animal Control". He then called his dog, not to leash it, but rather to keep the dog's attention and in a few seconds they were off and running. He and his dog booked it at high speed up the street. I guess he knew he was breaking the laws? As history has proven, I generally meet up
with them again in the near future, it was of little concern to see him flee.
We are, however, considering this as a warning given! Sadly, if I see him again he may actually have
reason to run. Mar 6, 2012 RIP Montel - There are few owners in my planet who have the joy of loving a pet their entire life. Sadly, most animals I see have been re-homed at least once by the age of three. I am, however, one of the lucky ones, who was blessed with my JRT Montel from the moment I delivered him, and breathed my breath into him until the moment he passed yesterday. For nearly Fourteen years he was my friend, who enjoyed nothing more than entertaining me.
The ultimate trickster this boy could bow with a "ta da", dance with me and with a raised arm would twirl, roll over until I grew tired of asking him, and even sneeze on command. Kids in classrooms especially loved that one!! He lived to please me, and in return I offered him my heart. I will miss him forever. I thank the stars to have been able to know and love him, and to have been loved by him. Mar 5, 2012 Cats and Litter Boxes - Today was a challenge. Three calls in a row from people with litter box troubles made for a sad day. The sadness comes from the reality that we do not want a cat who is peeing in a house to come to the Shelter. The cat has developed a bad behaviour and you are not dealing with it. Imagine what is going to happen to your stressed-out cat in a place like this? How about a new home? You love and cherish your cat, but are fed up. How do you propose the new owners will feel, if I can even place it. The reality is, nobody will commit to this cat, and if they did, in no time they would change their mind, as you have. The cat will sit here for months in the hopes for an indoor/outdoor home maybe. While here it will go off its food, and pee all over itself as this stressed-out cat in your home is in hell here. We will tend to it, and clean it, and offer it love, but we are strangers and this will make things worse. We are here to help, we are here to save, but sadly in this case this is not the best option. I have placed them only to have them return beaten and stuffed in bags. I have placed them to have calls in the middle of the night to hear they have been tossed outside. I have placed them in "indoor/outdoor homes" only to hear that they have been lost. If your cat is "dirty" consider the following:
We are not an option that should be considered as a fix. Not for this. It is heartbreaking for me to tell this to people, and it is more heartbreaking to know that in most cases it will not end well. Knowing that as they are "fed up, and done with the cat" most won't be retrained. I hope for the best, expect the worst, and pray it is the last call I will take of this sort ... which is sadder yet as this is never the case. ________________________ Comment(s) 1 of 2 From: Claire,
Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2012 15:08:50 -0500 - Comment(s) 2 of 2 From: Christina, Date: Sunday, March 11, 2012 11:25 AM Mar 2, 2012 We Need Your Help - We are cranky, under pressure and we need your help! As a Shelter which does not euthanize to make space, we rely solely on adoptions to fit everyone in. We hope that with each incoming there is an adoption to balance things out and sadly it's not always the case. When we fill up, the stress jumps with it, as when we are full we can't take in more. This results in cranky persons on the end of the phone, but more importantly results in potentially being unable to help an animal in need. Our concerns presently, and oddly is not about cats, but rather our dogs. Hounds are at 6 in total now. There are 4 unreclaimed strays waiting. There is a Husky, Lab, Lab mix, and of course the four puppies. A Shepherd mix who urgently needs a foster as she is nowhere near ready for a home, and a Border Terrier mix. Count with me? Actually, let's not. It's very depressing. Instead, let's all cross our parts for a few great adoption days! Please tell your friends, relations and neighbours, that we need your help to adopt out more animals! Please help us to continue to take in more animals. Comment(s) 1 of 1 From: Val, Date: Sunday, March
18, 2012 06:49:57 -0400 Mar 1, 2012 Six Husky Pups - After 6 weeks of watching them open their eyes, open their ears, start to crawl, wiggle and grow, we have watched our first pups of the year blossom and are now pleased to say it's time to let them go. We have become fond of each and every one of them. It is often difficult to celebrate the birth of more homeless here at the Shelter, but we have tried to remember they were otherwise birthed outside mid-winter and would have never survived (odds for this are very poor). Mom a free roaming dog, for her life, would have birthed more free roaming pups. In the event they all lived, they would have only pulled through to be homeless, and live perhaps a life on the streets, to roam and reproduce. We are thrilled this no longer the case.
Mom is entirely fine with seeing them leave, as she is chewed raw, and is terribly uncomfortable. I suspect she is tired of chasing them as well, as six pups to keep an eye on is a big job for anyone. I do tell her each day this will be her last litter and I am hoping she understands. These pups which are Husky mix, are growing like weeds and will be mid to large dogs in no time. I am betting she knows this too. Two already placed in homes, we wait now for the remaining to be sent to their families. This of course makes us the most
happy and we are excited to see that day coming soon.
|
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
2000-2012 © Owen Sound Animal Shelter. All rights reserved. |
|||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||
