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

Kittens get on the list; 

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Success Stories:
Little dog pulled
from icy water;

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

Puppy Poem             Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

Peek-A-Boo
Well the heat continued and the discomfort that goes with it. The dogs went for another dip today, and I opted for a uniform strike. I brought it with me in case duty called, but avoided putting it on. 

The air conditioning is catching up and the dogs and cats are now very cool, the office is not as comfortable, but it keeps us alert to the heat outside. 

We had a wicked hail storm around four o'clock and all the dogs went wild, boy they hate that thunder, I was glad they were all in and safe and sound. 

The Strathcona School dropped off more cat boxes last night, so today we ensured that every cat had one. Today with the cooler air, the kittens frolicked in them.

My two youngest played a game of peek of boo for hours. Quite entertaining to watch and an excuse to stay inside where it was cool.

Hot ... Can We spell H-O-T!
Could it get any hotter? What a day. The Shelter is so sticky and moist, the dogs are all panting and moistening the air and the cats are all out stretched on the stainless steel for a change. With the air conditioning turned way up we got some relief, BUT with that we got a ton of moisture. Off I went to Home Depot to invest in some rubber matting for the oh-so-slippery floor in the hallway ... and then I went to Wal*Mart for a POOL!

What a riot! The dogs were in and out, swimming and splashing rolling and rolling and did I say splashing. Pyro loved it the most, and we think for sure she has been in a kids pool before, as she jumped right in, put her face right under and shook it?

We skipped the walks yesterday and instead ventured into the pool. Now, is that the way to spend a day like today or what?

Me in my hot uniform and heavy work shoes opted to step in myself and cool off as best I could, while the remainder of the day I secretly prayed not to have to chase anything, except those dogs in and out of the pool!

Please remember that a dog's ability to sweat is very, very limited, they are wearing a thick coat, please take extra precautions to keep them cool. 

• Don't keep them in your car,

• Give them constant access to a cool place,

• Keep the water bowl full at all times,

• Make sure to well ventilate,

• Walk in the early morning or late in the evening,

• Remember hot pets can be cranky pets, so

• Supervise your children!

Scheduling
So, apparently I did some double scheduling today but, figured a way to work it out as long as everything was on time. I moved my visit with daytime until the end of the program, and thought I was laughing. 

I was at the mix from 8:30-9:00 am and then returned bear cat to the shelter to eat and do his things before his next show. He was really great at the station, and made him self so at home, so I decided he could do it again (you never know with cats) I gathered my things for my meeting to teach PSWS how to teach responsible pet care, and was off, with the meeting to start at 9:45 am. The meeting was scheduled to go until 11:00 am. However, if you have ever seen me speak, I know you have all heard me speak by now, I tend to go on and on, so I prepared notes to keep me on track ... anyways (see on and on). The meeting went very well, and ended cause I had to at 11:30 am. Guess what time I was live, on Rogers daytime? 11:45! I don't know how I did it - but I did it. Bear cat and I were smiling on the couch when it was time to roll. I was still fiddling with my mic ... but it was a go.

After a morning like that, I figured the rest of the day would be a breeze - boy was I wrong! Two dogs in - one named Buddy ... watch for him, and one Princess. One cat in, Chloe ... watch for her. Three dogs out, Mequoi, Princess, and Findlay. Findlay left the Shelter at about 7:20 pm, so you can say that was a long day!

Success, except for bear cat! :(  Maybe tomorrow - at least he had an exciting day.

Care-4-Life
So, all week and some of last I have been working on a new thing. I have always had an idea of preparing a summary of what you should think about when thinking about getting a pet, is it time? are my kids old enough, etc. In lieu of my public speaking, tomorrow, I have prepared not only a very long speech, a catchy phrase and a handout as well.

CONSIDERING A PET?

Follow the CARE-4-LIFE Plan in making that decision.

Costs, must be considered for routine care as well as emergency care. Consider housing/ feed, and medical requirements, for the pets entire life.

Allergies. Check with all family members and friends keeping in mind that families sometimes change

Room, housing and space requirements, for exercise, equipment, and supplies. Do you rent or own your home? Prepared to live only where pets are allowed for the rest of the pets life?

Education, are you committed to learning everything about this pet, are you prepared to train, and socialize, and train your pet?

4

Lifestyle, does your pet fit it? Does the care of this pet fit your schedule? Remember that lifestyles change, and surprises happen, are you committed to work around this pet?

Interests, will this be something you will still have interest in a week or two, in two years? 

Future, think about forever, where will you be, who will you be with. Does this pet still fit?

Everyday, are you committed to spending your spare time everyday with this pet? Will it be part of your daily routine?

Owen Sound Animal Shelter 
or call 519.372.1123

I am excited about meeting potential helpers, people to help me preach responsible pet ownership and life long commitments. Please print this plan and spread it around. Share it with anyone who is thinking about adding a new addition to their family. 

If one person thinks the process through, then my hard work will be worthwhile.

Go to web page for Care-4-Life

Clearing the Way
So, we have spent the last two days catching up, sorting and putting things away, garage sale leftovers to deal with and extra cleaning to do. When the weather cleared a bit, we took the chance to cut the grass. 

Tuesday brought us three new dogs, so today meant some testing, evaluating and assessing. One was not ready for a true evaluation, so she waits; but, the other two so far are good to go. 

Check the site to see Barron and Findlay - two great dogs. We then spent time sorting out any history on the two dogs, medical records and whatever else we could locate. Although time consuming, all this extra digging means that we can truly get to know our new friends and know the right place they need to go. 

The right match is after all the goal, so they can find 'forever' homes, not 'for now' homes.

Garage Sales
So, the only thing that was not a success about Saturday was the weather! Who's idea was that to do the long weekend in May? Actually, everyone was around and not at the beach ... we were hopping busy!

There was tremendous support from the community, with donations being brought in, people came out to help me and run things ... OK to run things. They were good at setting up and tearing down and of course many gave donations and purchased our "stuff" - and we all survived the cold.

We raised over $800.00 for the Spay/Neuter Fund ... whohoo! What a great day and we had a dog adoption, two cat adoptions and three new people signed up to volunteer - how great is that? All our visitors had kind words, support and reminded us why we do what we do.

Thank you to:

• Lynn (Secrets), Laurie Anne and Candice for going the extra mile again and again.

• Kerry Anne and Kelly for all of your help (Kerry Anne especially for putting in a long, full, cold day)! 

• Jamie Johnson from the Mix 106 for stopping by and for the live on-air reports. 

• Laurie's mom and dad for picking-up and dropping-off the tables.

• Sandy and Nicole for all your help (Sandy for those great bags as well as the surprise bags ... your the best!).

• And a special thanks to all of you for your donations and your purchases!

 Thank you all!

Speechless
Today I was speechless, and you know that doesn't happen very often.

I had an appointment to go to Strathcona School following my on-air Mix Morning Zoo. The school had completed a pennies for pets fundraiser and I was excited to bring them some of the pets that their pennies would help.

I had no idea what they had done for the Shelter and again thinking about it I am amazed and a little teary!

Two grade 8 classes started gathering pennies for pets and it snowballed into a competition. They raised $915.00 in pennies! Yippee! 

And they took it much further than that. They checked my web site and found my wish list - they put a list together on the Shelter's need and went shopping ... they spent $215.00 for: treats, collars, Windex, cleaning supplies, squirt bottles, cat food, dog food, rubber gloves, etc. As well these students purchased 2 huge totes and did a blanket drive and filled them with blankets and towels. But, it did not stop there. The students created individual cat boxes - which you know the cats love. The students decorated them, adding things like warm wishes and each cat box had a cozy blanket and a toy!

The students then went out into the community and asked Retailers to donate to the Shelter. This is what the students came up with:

• National Grocer has donated large bags and cans of dog food,

• Food Basics has donated 10 cases of bleach,

• A&P has offered all opened and dented animal food forever! The school has agreed to pick up and deliver ... and the grocery store will do it for them during summer holidays,

• Zehrs has agreed to donate all opened and dented bags and cans of food,

• Tailblazers donated toys and rawhides, and

• The Shelter received a $25.00 gift certificate from the TSC store.
  

Again, I am amazed. How wonderful that Owen Sound has such great supporters and that the Owen Sound Animal Shelter is the recipient of this bounty.

Thank you all of you, for helping me do what I do. It is only with the support of all of you, we can continue to operate to the best of our ability. You help us make a difference, you help us save lives!

Here a Shed, there a Shed...
I am so excited about the sale this Saturday! Everyone is so supportive, I cannot thank the public enough for their donations. Thanks to all the volunteers for their help and everyone for their offer to help on Saturday. We appreciate everything you do and all of your help.

So with the stuff pouring in, I am finding that there is no more space! Both Todd and I have been given the incentive to get that shed up! So, we started it on Monday and continued most of today. Todd and I can live together, we work together, but the question is whether Todd and I can build a shed together? And in the rain?

It's almost done - hopefully it will be complete by tomorrow. What a great place to put "stuff" when it is sorted and priced ... just in time for our early morning.

Takes Time
Sometimes it just takes time. On Friday, a great person came to meet Shadow. They were interested in his handsome face and took him for a walk. Shadow was a little cooped up and acting like a bit of a dork, but he impressed her with his willingness to please and desire to be loved.

On Saturday she came back and spent more time with him, this time Todd recommended a head halter to walk. Shadow hated it, scratched up his nose and did not do a good job in convincing her she could handle him on walks. A dog that has little leash training is often difficult to place for this reason.

I ran into her again on Sunday and we had a great chat and I promised to spend Monday leash training him. So for two hours Shadow and I spent time learning to love a halti. We put it on, we took it off, we put it on, we took it off. By 1:00 pm he loved it. He walked like a perfect gentleman (hey even with no hands on the lead).

When she returned she was so impressed. Convinced she could walk him, in love with Shadow's true self, as he got a chance to settle, they made that commitment to take him home. I told you big guy it was all you had to do to find yourself a forever home! Here's hoping she stays with it, and you stay on board. All the best to both of you.

Brothers
The best news came before we opened. An email from Jackie of the Mix to let me know that Joe arrived home and that he is OK with his new brother Obie - so far so good. What a relief. I am still looking forward to hearing more updates and I am not getting excited yet. However, it was my happy thought for the day, which I really needed. 

Calls came in all day about dog surrenders and I had three new dogs come in. The dog room is filling up and with more coming in which will put on the pressure. Luckily, all are very adoptable, loving and young. So lets hope the pressure won't be on too long. 

On the plus side, three more kittens were adopted and all to great homes. So I am starting to see a little light at the end of the tunnel.

Joe
When the doors open to an old friend going home with someone who already cares, you know that you are in for a great day ! 

Joe was adopted!

I am confident this time (he was adopted out before and returned) that this is the one and they certainly thought about it. They are willing to work on whatever they have to so this will work. They have the right set-up for him ... a farm. 

A HUGE thank you to Jackie Shows from the Mix 106 for going beyond what was required in the biggest way. You have impressed all of us with your compassion.

We had a nice visit from my friends from UKA Self Defense Canada again, which allowed me to take time out to play. 

Li'l Spot entertained Llyle and myself for hours. Great fun! However, it reminded me of my lack of energy to keep up with them and happily placed three kittens in homes shortly after ... homes which could keep up to them! Happy to see them go!

They Made It
Whohoo! Those kittens made it. And now to find'em all homes! The quarantine is now up on the "box" of kittens from a few weeks ago. All is well phew. They are eating dry food, are now littertrained, and dewormed. They have been checked over for fleas and mites too! Now to get them adopted. How many people were on that list?

Li'l Spot is still with me as well, and another litter with a momma is also now available. So, I have almost every shape, size, colour and fur length available!

Get on the kitten train ... adopt today. Contact me at
372-1123 or send me an email.

Red Carpet Treatment
The day will bring success when they roll out the red carpet!! A good start to any day to arrive somewhere to find the red carpet has been laid out ... quite literally, and balloons and streamers and flowers await you. OK, OK, it wasn't for me - it was for Ross Kentner! Congrats on your 45th anniversary with CFOS! However, it sure made me smile!! 

Li'l Spot stole a little part of the party and was given lots of hugs and cuddles. My favorite part was talking with Jackie Shows after the show. Her boyfriend who has a farm was showing interest in our "play it again guest" Joe. I know Jackie has a special place in her heart for Joe - everyone at the Station asks about him, but I see the concern in her face. Anyway, by mid-afternoon Jackie and boyfriend arrived to spend time with Joe ... and then they signed the papers - yippee!! He goes on Tuesday, so it's official! 

The day almost became sad by a surrender of an elderly (15 yr old) slow moving beagle named Turtle. I was heartbroken to discover I had accepted someone so old! BUT, it was only sad for 15 minutes or so ... as the next person in, heard the sad story and adopted Turtle! Now that is fate! Way to go Turtle!! 

Elaine popped in to give us some treats - cookies and snacks for us two legged animals. Thanks Elaine, as always we appreciate you (and as that was my first food of the day ... my tummy loved you too)!

Smile! You're On Candid Camera...
We've got it! The best ever! We are now hi tech - I am so excited. 

For anyone thinking of dumping a somebody ... I have one thing to say "ha, ha, ha, smile"! The premises is now surrounded by cameras and we are watching you! Better yet - you are being recorded!

You know it is not about being cheated or ripping off, it is about the poor little soul that is left behind. NOW, we will know they are there ... not left behind the building where we find them days later ... we know they will be safe and out of harms way! Now, that is a great feeling. My frustrations with the "drops" became unmanageable after what happened last week with that little cat that escaped after being dumped. 

Now, we have control and the ability to do something. :)

Oh Happy Days....
Whoo hoo! The Shelter is finally starting to get to the place I wanted it to be! It only took how long? With the creation of the dog- off leash area the dogs will progress leaps and bounds ! Hours of fun available for cooped up and stressed out pups, a chance to interact with new people, potential new homes, and a place to train them - yippee! You know, we already started with Joe! 

The biggest thanks to Ms. Ida May Clifford, who thought of us in her will which in turn made this run and other improvements possible. I am certain our dog- off leash area will improve adoptions and the comfort of the dogs ! A plaque will commemorate Ms. Clifford's thoughtful gift.

Thank you to Stephen for the great idea to have cat boxes. Also a big thank you to Sandy and Stephen for creating them! The cats love them as it reduces stress ! 

In the picture, above, Tina ( a very fearful cat who would cower at the back of the cage) now peeks out and has more confidence in herself!

Collectors
Joey was a 5 year old male dog who had spent five years of his life in a house, not even going out to pee. So, you can imagine what a life he lived. He was messed up, stressed out, and thus hard to place. He growled and lunged at strangers while at the same time peed himself. 

We worked with him, socialized him, and THANKS to Stephen for the extra TLC with this one, managed to get him closer to his forever home. BUT, where do you find a home for a dog needing special care like that?? The answer turned out to be Brampton. A kennel owner/dog groomer (with a pool the dogs use !!) Fell in love online, and had the skills and the heart to take the challenge. 

Exceptional - I never could have made this connection without my web site. Thanks to the work we do with our webmaster Elaine, his adoption was followed by the adoption  of "Mrs. Potts" who was also seen and loved on line. Her new dad saw her and Romeo, and loved them both, adopted Romeo on Saturday, and came back for her today. 

Comments
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Red Carpet Treatment

WOW... I am thrilled to read the doggies have a play and run area! They must feel like they have died and gone to heaven... Way to go everyone! Now, you will have some well exercised, tired dogs that won't mind resting up for their next days activities. GOOD NEWS for everyone (-:
Renee
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Posted by: Renee  | May 10, 2006 at 16:55 PM

Dear Renee, I read your blogs faithfully and enjoy them very much, but that one with the dog in the pool was just tops!  You should get some comments on that one.  I mean, you drew me in and I am more of a cat person.  Those pictures of Pyro ... so much fun.  I hope she and BearCat get their homes soon.  Fiona's Mom  (Fiona, the cat, adopted last year.