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.

By: Renee Robins

June 14th - 2nd Annual Mutt Strutt at Grey Sauble Conservation Authority - One of the prizes: 2 Tragically Hip Tickets for June 27th at Wiarton ... more details to follow...
Get your pledge form [.pdf]

Lexus; 
Princess; 
Four Dogs;
Spring Has Sprung;
Bullnese;
Deliberate Act of Meanness;
Barn Cats with Love;
A Cracker of a Day;
Huskys and Many others Found;
Fixed Barn Cats;
Gump;
Cracker Update;
Bottle Drive;
Email Down;
Winnie the Pooh;

Archives
-------------------
Apr '09 Blog;
Mar '09 Blog;
Feb '09 Blog;
Jan '09 Blog;
Dec '08 Blog
Nov '08 Blog;
Oct '08 Blog;
Sep '08 Blog;
Aug '08 Blog;
Jul '08 Blog;
Jun '08 Blog;
May '08 Blog;
Apr '08 Blog;
Mar '08 Blog;
Feb '08 Blog;
Jan '08 Blog;
Dec '07 Blog;
Nov '07 Blog;
Oct '07 Blog
Sep '07 Blog;
Aug '07 Blog;
Jul '07 Blog;
Jun '07 Blog;
May '07 Blog;
Apr '07 Blog;
Mar '07 Blog;
Feb '07 Blog;
Jan '07 Blog;
Dec '06 Blog;
Nov '06 Blog;
Oct '06 Blog;
Sep '06 Blog;
Aug '06 Blog; 
Jul '06 Blog
Jun '06 Blog;
May '06 Blog;
Apr '06 Blog;
Mar '06 Blog;
Feb '06 Blog

email your comments to:
osas@bmts.com

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

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

Winnie the Pooh
Again, as always we do our best to make light of things, to make the difficulties, less heartbreaking. We try to make that which makes our heart hurt less painful. With that intention I named her Winnie, as in, Winnie the Pooh.

Winnie the Pooh, as well that's what she was covered in, from head to toe. I smelled her before I met her, my new arrival from Minto. I did think the horrid smell was much like pig waste and I suppose it could have been. I heard the clippers as I approached the area that I could smell, and as I opened the door, my heart sank, at what I discovered.

Winnie, with ears as heavy as five pound weights with the balls of waste hanging from them. Her feet so full of matted mass it hurt her to walk. It was difficult to determine where the dog started and stopped as we struggled to remove those mats from her. It was one snip at a time, and a few hours later, we had the underneath of her bare. 

We all know I am not a groomer, and it seems now she looks much like a sheep:

With no idea from where she originated this thin Cocker poo, the state she is in does not paint a very nice picture. I know it takes more than a few days to end up this way (she tolerated the clippers, the strangers in her face, and her bath that followed). I am confident that her temperament is just fine.

Today, nearly her last day, became her first day in her new life.

Option 'C', Please!
The sun was nonexistent, and the clouds were overhead. Deciding on what to do with the afternoon, you look over to notice the dog is ready to go out. You leash him, and head out for a stroll. Moments into your walk it begins to rain. You're wearing a rain cap, and less annoyed than you could be, so you continue on. The rain picks up and becomes a downpour, so you consider your options:

A) to keep walking,

B) to stand under an awning until the rain passes

C) cut the walk short, promise to go out later, and head home at a fast pace, or

D) Tie the dog up to a lamp post, and hit the bar for a beer.

I choose C, but today however, I had dealings with a man, who choose D. Not only did the dog get left outside tied in the rain he was left for 2 hours in the pouring rain. Those 2 hours were long enough to have more than one beer!!  

When we arrived the rain had slowed to almost a stop. The dog was laying on the concrete in a puddle shivering, and clearly had had enough waiting. The owner was located (at the bar) and reminded that in Owen Sound it is not OK to leave your dog tied anywhere for any length of time. He was reminded that it is against the rules, not to mention not safe, and not nice. He was then escorted to his home, after we waited for him to finish up.

Certain that I will likely be seeing him again, (he may have even forgot all about us) I did make a promise to the dog it would be the last time on my watch. Next time, I will just take him, as I am curious to know just how long he would have left that dog out there. How long would it have taken him to call? 

Email Down
An urgent message arrived at about 8:30 am, yesterday. This message introducing me to two dogs, on death row, awaiting certain death. One a Lab, with special needs, and the other a lab/pointer. Their time was up, and this was their last chance at finding a home. 

I sent out an immediate response "I have space, send them", to which I received a response from my email: "message returned, see details". As I held my breath, I sent it again. To which I got the same message. After a panic, and clean out of the entire computer, and the turn it off, turn it on, and clean out again, I resent it. Same response! I then tried other addresses. 

It turned out the server was down. The entire day I sat, send/receive. send/receive. By noon I was worried. By 3 pm I was panicked, and by 9:00 pm I was sure I could not sleep. The blog could wait, the updates could wait, but those dogs needed me, and their life depended on that message. I was terrified that I would wake to a message that they had been destroyed, while no message from me had arrived. Until that moment, it had not occurred to me how much I relied on technology to do what I do, and had not even created a back up plan, no phone numbers, or other contact information (I only know I type in L for lakeshore, J for Quebec, etc. - that's right, I didn't even know the address I was sending to). 

Although, I checked throughout the night, I had given up by morning, and was sure my day would be awful as I expected bad news, and was so very tired. At 9:00 am, however, I had a connection, and my first message was "please tell me they are OK I have space, I can take them!!" I held my breath as the message was sent, and then again when I hit the receive button. All is well. PHEW! 

The dogs are OK, and will be saved for me. The remainder of the day, filled with responding to email (all 142 of them) was still a good day - knowing those two were going to be spared.

Bottle Drive
Thanks to the bottle drive, their was a pile piling up of returnables all around the front foyer and the front door area. Thanks to the May 24, and the warm weather, people had more to give. Word is spreading (thank you!!) and although it is rather embarrassing at times, to have people walk past them (always comments are made) we have succeeded in raising some much needed monies to help us out. 

Today, the pile was getting out of hand, as with it was a small pile of blankets (thanks) and some dog food (also thanks), and it was beginning to get quite crowded. So, I decided to pack it all up and head to the Beer Store. Halfway through the truck load I discovered a box, and as I picked it up, I noticed it was quite light, and so I peeked inside. Imagine my disappointment to find inside three tiny kittens, sickly and dehydrated, with no idea how long they had been there! 

With my cleanup then placed on hold my attention moved to sorting out where and when these babes arrived. Clearly, once again, someone has taken advantage, and making this one much worse, these babes did not even have water to drink. They were hot, too, and needing medical attention these three have a long rough road ahead of them. Likely being stuffed in a box for who knows how long did not help them. As I wiped the goop from their eyes and offered them a meal which they ate quickly (thankfully) and struggled to hydrate them and medicate them, I was filled with disappointment for those that dumped them, and for myself to not have seen them dropped. 

Please, keep them in your prayers, and hope luck continues on their side. Luck already has kept them from ending up at the Beer Store; let's hope it helps keep them alive.

Cracker Update
After a few days with fantastic adoptions (and much more space thank you all of you who kept us in your thoughts), I knew today would be a great day. With a day that started with good spirits, and a great TV appearance (Bob you were a star) we were on a great roll.

With surgery day, and six more altered, I was smiling already by 10:00 am. Then I got a visit from Biju, formerly Fifi, the dog from Quebec, with a new leash on life, added to my great day with her gentle nudges, and the kisses I stole from her. I loved seeing her so well, and so very happy, and enjoyed listening to her new momma telling me all about her, with such love in her voice. 

The good karma just kept on pouring in with the arrival of an email from my dear sweet cracker. Cracker, a reformed feral, adopted, returned and then adopted again, has found his forever home. He is the new brother to 2 prior friends of mine, Tim Bit, and Dakota and has fit right in and made himself at home. 

I believe I responded to the email below with "yay! yay!" as truly that was what I was feeling. All yay inside!! Clearly, he has now found the right place, and looks so very happy. I could not be more pleased with the start to my new week! yay!

Email from 'Anne, Paul & the zoo':

When I brought Cracker home & set the kennel in the "cats room" he calmly walked over to Patches & lay down beside her. She wasn't so sure about it but he seemed quite content. And as far as Dakota is concerned he isn't fazed by her at all, just walks along as if she wasn't there following his every move. He is so calm compared to Tim Bit's cat crazies. I am sure they will grow to be great friends all of them. Thanks again !! Anne, Paul & the zoo

"Biju [formerly Fifi] came in for a visit"

Gump
And the pinch is on. No sooner did I ok three dogs from Glencoe who had run out of time, did I get calls about others. Two, three, four and five. All from owners all for surrenders. Thankfully all are understanding that we can't euthanize to make space, and that the same curiosity will be offered to their dog when it is in. Thankfully they are all waiting patiently. After the week of all the un-reclaimed strays, we are full. 

Those with "time up" at other places needed to come urgently, and now with them safe I am hoping to have them soon moving as to then take in others. With such great success in placing Beagle/Bassets before, and such wonderful 3 in with me, I am hoping that "Gumps" debut tomorrow on the radio will get all 3 moving into loving homes to stay. 

They are all under a year of age, and now neutered and all so very loving will be an easy addition to any home (although Gump is a barker - look out radio). This is not a big big concern. He will be advertising for his friends as well. At least I know people will notice him and perhaps pay attention to his plea, and the plea of the others he will be representing. 

If you know anyone looking for a dog, now is a good time to have them tune in?

Belle
It is with the saddest heart I have to tell you that my Jingle Bell has come back. With positive things to blog about, like six cat adoptions, and ten surgeries today, it has all, unfortunately, been forgotten in my blog brain, as instead I am filled with disappointment. 

Bell did not stay in her forever home, and has come back to try it all again. For those who may not know her, she is a wonderful and nervous hound dog, who ran for three weeks through the snow. We caught her Christmas eve, and this jingle bell was given a chance at a new home. Afraid of new surroundings, and terrified of everyone she met, she needed a place with patience, and understanding. I remember tears when she left, so sure the promise to help her be well was there, and today very different tears were shed as I said good night and closed the cage door. Watching her all curled up in the corner again was a heartbreaker. 

With the hopes that this round of homeless will find her what she needs, I am at least thankful she was returned to me. Thoughts of her running for weeks again are much worse. 

Please keep Belle in your prayers, that she makes a speedy transition back and that the emotional ride she is about to take is easier the third time around. 

Anyone looking for a quiet, loving and giving dog, who needs a little TLC please email me or call. But please, not if you're not in it forever!

Fix Barn Cats
IT WORKED! I am filled with the greatest thanks! Six feral cats have found farm homes! Thank you, for reading the blog, felt the tug at the heartstrings, and contacted me. 

I was not sure it was possible to find them a home - a place they could be safe and well, but, was thankfully proven wrong, and then some. I am so fortunate to have you offering to help me, and these cats - I'm sure they are very grateful! 

It wasn't nice seeming them caged not knowing how long they may have to sit with me. It was not nice to see them panic each time the door opened to feed them, as I to them am a threat not food. With only few options to take them from this, and one not very pleasant, I am relieved to know that thanks to you they have pulled through. 

With others now called to, of course, fill the vacancies, there is hope for a speedy rehome for them as well. We are smiling, while doing the shuffle, my whole heart thanks you. Others will be now safe too. Wow!

Huskys and Many others Found
Anyone missing a pair of Huskys from Port Elgin? How about a Rottweiler mix from Southampton? How about a white Husky from the east side of town? A Shepherd/Collie from the west side? or something else which Todd is on route to pick up as I type this from the east side of Owen Sound.

Stray dog season seems to have started. Although, they do escape all year long, and we do gather them all year long, however, in clusters we have stray dog seasons (generally around fireworks, heavy rains and mating time). If we check back through the archives of blogs, I am sure about this time each year, I am whining about kittens and stray dogs. However, there is something very different about this year, different in that no one is coming for them. 

Generally speaking, for most stray dogs (those really lost and not tossed) we can figure out where they belong in no time, or someone calls, or we trace ID and have them home quickly. Few are forced to stay the reclaiming period, and the majority are home with their tail wagging and no worse off before they realize what happened. 

Not this week! Something has changed. We anticipate a few "strays" with moving day each month, tossed and then not reclaimed, but this is not the end of the month yet, or the beginning! It has been mentioned that this is what is coming as people run out of funds. I had been hopeful that was all just a guess and a bad one. I am growing quite concerned that perhaps it might not to be. 

As I wait patiently for the owners to care and come, I wait also for me, as the worry is growing. Hoping that this is the last cluster that will go unclaimed. Hoping that this is not the start of something much worst to come. Anyone need a Husky or a Shepherd/Collie?

A Cracker of a Day
By 9:00 am there had been four pages. By 9:00 I was already soaking wet, smelling like wet dog, and a little cranky as I had not yet had a coffee. I remember thinking, as we hit the Shelter doorstep it was going to be one of those days. Expecting all sorts of unexpected calls with the rain, and the long weekend fast approaching I expected a day of chaos. Fortunately I was prepared to take it in stride. 

It did however, not go so bad, with the adoption of Yeller, and everything running smooth right up until 4:00 pm.The sun was shining, and my morning woes had been forgotten. Then it happened. My Cracker, formerly nut cracker, came back. My nervous cat, afraid of new things, who was unsocialized and needing TLC, was returned. Returned for being unfriendly. Returned for spending a week under the bed. Although, I remember telling his new owner clearly he needed some special care. 

While we were chatting, she had been advised of his nervous ways upon arriving and was reminded he may continue in his new home to react this way. She was told it would take time. This time to adjust she did not give him. It was a disappointment, and a real damper on my day. The day that started with a damper, ended with one too. 

I hope now a kind heart reads my plea, or sees his face and falls in love with him, so in love, they give him the time he needs to stay. Sadly, Cracker was thrilled to see me, and rolled over for belly rubs and offered kisses. I am happy to see he is not stressed at being back, but terribly sad to know being homeless is something he is now used to.

Barn Cats with Love
It is that time to ask again. The Shelter again full with the spring rush of cats (I was kind of hoping it would be different this year) and although they are moving well, there is still everyday calls to come in, and a list has been started. 

It is the biggest disadvantage to a no-kill facility, to run out of space and we need a place to put them, without being too full. They, also need to move out to make space for those to come in. 

We won't kill them to make a spot, so we need all of you! The majority are loving and caring housecats, all easily placed, once altered, and in less than a few weeks time they move on. However, some are not. We have river cats, who have been trapped and altered, Bayshore feed cats who have been trapped and altered, and feral street cats with the same story. These cats can't go back, the by-laws don't allow it, and these cats will need months and months, or even a lifetime of TLC to be loving housecats. 

Some come around quickly, and these ones are not the concern, but the others, are taking up space. These are the cats who will hide when you approach, who will run away rather than towards you. They are great survivors, and deserving of a life outside a cage. I hate to see them with me. It would be the same as trapping a wild animal and then keeping it in a cage and expecting it to be accepting. Just because it has domestic blood, does not mean it is domestic. Not impossible to convert them, just time consuming, and this time of year, I just don't have it. Only with turning others away :( 

This is my plea to anyone with a possible solution. Perhaps with a barn, someplace warm. You will be asked to still feed them, care for them, and provide them with medical care if they need it (they are not to be ignored) but their alterations have been done. I presently have three or four. Not a huge number by any means but it would mean that four more could come in easily. 

Please consider helping them, and me, and those that need their spot. Adoption fee will be waived. Please?

Deliberate Act of Meanness
I had hoped, as it had been a while, to never have to do this sort of blog again. However, the reality is, in the ideal world I would be unemployed, and there would be no need for me at all, and the reality is, that as long as that continues it is likely there will still be people who take advantage of it. 

I am proud of our ability to offer help to anyone. I am pleased that if you ask us, we will find a way to help you. It may mean that we refer you to someone, that we need to put you on a list, or that we help you in some indirect way but we will help you. If a person is seeking help, we will do whatever we can to assist, as it is those poor creatures that need the help we are here for. Unfortunately, there are those who take advantage, who misuse the help, and who prefer things their own way. It sure was not a nice start to my day to arrive with a crate waiting and with two cats inside. It sure puts a bad taste in my mouth to know that someone intentionally walked away from sight, intentionally packed them in there, and bought them a bag of food to leave with them. 

It was not a random act of kindness but rather a deliberate act of meanness. While others wait their turn to bring a cat in if necessary, who agree to pay a fee, this person opted to rip off the animal shelter. Who rips off the animal shelter? It is fortunate, for us, that we will find this person, and that you are now facing charges. 

I know you are likely reading this, as well, and will be waiting for their photos to know we have found them a loving home. Please re-read this blog, and digest what I have said. It was not with good intentions you left your cats on my doorstep with trash. It is fortunate for those kitties I do not hold that against them, only you.

Now, these kitties have to go into quarantine because you didn't have the intelligence to wait your turn to bring your cats in and give us their history.

Bullnese
I know you saw them on the front page, I know you said what I said "wow what cute pups". I know you all thought "wish I could get my hands on them". lol

I awaited their arrival to hug them and kiss them and smell them (I love puppy breath). Many of you also waited. By 1:30 pm on Friday all four of them had found great homes and the line up started at 11:00 am. What I did not expect were the hundreds of emails and phone calls I am still getting. Apparently, Bullnese are very popular. Apparently there are those of you watching my site in New York (hi), Ohio (hey), Chicago (hello), Florida (hi Florida), and Boston (hello). Many of you across Canada and the US are watching. Yay! The power of the internet is incredible. 

I remember when the photo contest was entered by a person from Saudi Arabia, and how amazed I was then. It was the same experience to receive all of your emails about these pups. I sure wish all my dogs were Bullnese, as there were more of you than there are of them!! 

Please keep watching our web site ... you never know ... and don't forget to consider the others too?

www.cybercanine.com/toxicplants.htm
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/lily-of-the-valley.html

Hot Dog
While responding to a call, I admired the sunshine, rolled down the window, noticed it was quite warm, and smiled. As I drove I noticed it was good temperature while driving but rather warm when stopped (I of course in full uniform).

I attend the call, head back, and then get another (it was one of those days) I arrive, put it in park, and attend the call. On my way back to the vehicle I hear a barking dog, look around see none. I open the truck door, climb in and immediately I notice it is HOT. I roll down the window, turn on the air, and sit for a minute while it cools. As I turn to roll up the window, I see him in the truck behind me. A shaggy longhaired chow mix in the front of his truck. Windows mostly up. The windshield covered in saliva and it's clear he was heating up, and with no shade in sight I was sure he was boiling. 

Off with my truck, and over to his. When I approached him he smiled (not the friendly kind) and I then assumed this is the reason his windows were up tight. I am now in a predicament. I try the door, (thinking some air would help in a hurry if I could open that window a bit) but it's locked. He is trapped in the oven. Avoiding my immediate reaction to smash open his windows, potentially then being in trouble myself, and losing a cranky dog on the streets, I decided against it, but instead entered the establishment, and got on the horn with the license plate "can the owner of vehicle ... come immediately to the front. "Fortunately this worked, and in moments the owner was not only rolling down windows (my shoulder flashers can be scary) but also leaving in a hurry. This is my reminder to remind you don't take your dog with you!! If it is too hot to leave the windows up for you for goodness sake don't have your dog in there!! Windows up or down!! AND if you spot a dog in a car, please go inside and tell someone. Write down a plate and call the spca, and in a pinch the police will help you too.

Four Dogs
Four dogs in today, three surrendered by owners, and one from the town of Minto.

The Minto dog for me is exciting, as it is another life saved, and I am pleased to have convinced them to send him, but the other three had me a little bummed.

Although a great home is there for them, it is still hard to digest that the poor things have to be shuffled to find it. Trying to clear my mind of it, I spent time with them, romping in the yard, and offering goodies. Keeping them happy helps me feel better about them being with me. Still a little down, and suffering with a sore finger I was a little gloomy.

However, soon came the adoption of Fella, a great cat who had been with me way too long. Then the adoption of Johnny, neutered yesterday, and I was starting to smile.

All that positive energy must have started to rub off on people, because the next was a kind hearted gesture. Mary Martha, offered to clean up Curley, (you already know I don't groom). She and he locked themselves in the first aid room, and when they emerged one adorable and clean and no longer Curley cutie emerged!

Before

After

Feeling good as he was, his spirits were sure lifted, and in seeing him so full of himself, mine were as well. Here's hoping his forever now comes for him. Thank you Mary Martha for the great groom job, and the smiles that it brings!!

Princess
It was only a few weeks ago, I blogged about my sore finger. 

Princess, a scared and not impressed kitty, escaped, and when gathered retaliated. Her retaliation resulted in her tooth entering one side of my swear finger, and exiting the other. I must admit, following our bonding moment, she and I have ended our friendship. I would never wish ill on any creature, and still fed her, cleaned up after her, and spoke to her. However, it ended there. I would speak to her of the scar she was now responsible for, and remind her we would always be connected. 

Today, was her spay. Today, I told her it was her day she would prepare to go, and that soon, she would be out of my care. I did tell her that I am nicer than she is, and will be sure she is well medicated before her punctures, unlike she did for me. I made light of it. 

Surprise to me, Princess was already spayed, which means Princess has an owner somewhere, which of course frustrates me. 

Now, the scar I have is not from a street cat, but rather one no one came for. That makes it worse. The surgeries wrapping up, I had a little accident. While removing the scalpel blade, my hand slipped, and well I opened up my finger. 

Interestingly, it was the same swear finger, how is that for Karma. Teach me to complain about a little scar.

I have decided to forgive Princess now, as it seems accidents can happen I would otherwise have to unfriend myself.

10th Anniversary in the News ...> 
The Weekend was a success ...>

Lexus
Chasing a romping puppy, who chewed the wires, and barked on air ... a big playful silly pants we did our best to remain professional while 'live' on the Mix. 

Lexus entertained us, had us in tears, and I must admit holding our nose too. Seems her house training was not perfect. [Anyone who caught the show could you tell we were loosing it?] 

It took maximum effort to remember who last weeks' guest was, Kiki, and that was with Kiki's mom in the building and she had just updated me (she is well by the way). I struggled through laughter and happy tears to remember that I needed to mention Sabrina the cat who was also adopted... and then it happened. Jamie asked "and what's going on at the Shelter?" And I went blank. Fortunately, I remembered a few things, and worked thorough it... phew! 

However, on that note, I decided it was time to make a list, and let everyone get updated, myself included. So, here is the list:

May 1^st - Mother's Day sponsorship begins and anyone can donate in loving honour or memory of mom. Donations may be made to sponsor a pet or just to the animals in general. A message will be posted on the site and a letter can be provided.  Tax receipts for these donations if you would like one.

May 9^th - this is next Saturday! The Owen Sound Animal Shelter will be at the Owen Sound Farmers market. There will be baked pet treats, and all sorts of goodies. Please stop by, bring your pet if you want to (we love to see them.

June 1^st - Father's Day sponsorship beginsand anyone can donate in loving honour or memory of dad. Donations may be made to sponsor a pet or just to the animals in general. A message will be posted on the site and a letter can be provided.  Tax receipts for these donations if you would like one.

June 14^th - 2nd Annual MuttStrutt to take place at Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. Great prizes lined up so far, like Tragically Hip tickets, a helicopter flight pack, an mp3 player, food certificates, golf packages, pet products, etc etc. Prizes to be announced. Persons with the most pledges get to pick their prize of choice! 

Aug 29^th - OSAS Woofstock ... Grey Sauble Conservation Authority - acoustic musicians, people, refreshments and pets, details to follow. 

With that now all written down, I hope to never struggle with remembering under pressure again. Here's hoping that sort of pressure stays away from the Zoo for a while.

Thanks for the smiles Lexus, and congrats on your new country home.

The views expressed in these blogs are the personal views and daily events as told by Renee Robins, and the views expressed don't necessarily reflect those of the City of Owen Sound, unless relating to City By-Laws and Ordinances.

2000-2009 © Owen Sound Animal Shelter. All rights reserved.
Web site and blog created, updated and maintained by Elaine Watson