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

OSAS 
by: Renee Robins

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Success Story:
Little dog pulled
from icy water;

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

Keep up-to-date  with our schedule.

Only 2 Left
Watching, wondering, waiting, all day. Would the puppies go? I was hoping that there would sort of be one left for the Mix and Rogers, they make for a great show. I just didn't want to wish not being adopted on them, though. 

They have been so good and it is always great having pups at the Shelter ... makes you feel good to be with puppies doesn't it?

They are so cute, one tricolour male - mostly black and a female - tan and white. Check them out ...> 

I know they will make for a great show tomorrow - can't wait. OK - two shows. Here's hoping that tomorrow night will be a night in a new home for them both. 

Wrinkles
Ain't nothing but a hound dog... gott'a sing this part, this is what I was humming as Wrinkles went out the door. Or should I say Priestly, formerly known as Wrinkles. This was the perfect name for her, all houndish and all, and fit so well with her brother Memphis. It was appropriate she took such a Hound name, as it was really what brought her to me in the first place. 

Wrinkles' prior owner purchased her from an ad in the paper which apparently read "collie mix pups". Wrinkles made an addition to the family for a week, when a family member decided she was not a Collie, but rather a hound. A call to the seller confirmed that she was Lab and Coonhound, but there was some Collie. Regardless, this proved to be the excuse they needed to surrender her.

Today those great bloodlines got her the perfect home. They were interested in the "bloodhound type" ... hey she's part hound ... her name was picked before they ever met her. So, off to the country she goes, lucky hound dog.

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Nov 29, 2006 |  Share your comments with us.

Nov 28, 2006
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Crock'a Gator Blues
I am mostly over that bad Monday, if only my crocodile troubles would leave - I would be all set. Working on a placement for this big guy, here's hoping he will no longer be a problem for me. 

I know what you're thinking ... with Christmas around the corner, what do I get that person who has everything? Here's a tip when thinking a crocodile might be a neat gift or pet. They are illegal, can't keep em, can't house them, and if you're caught with one you're in big trouble with all sorts of people. Caiman Alligators, which are crocodilians (of the croc family) are legal to purchase and can be found in many pet stores are not a recommended pet in my book. Where do you put a croc? Contrary to general belief, they do not grow to the size of their tank, and even a small dwarf Caiman can easily grow 4-5 feet. These animals need an enclosure big enough that they can swim and lounge around to dry. Unless you have a small pool in your house, this is impossible. They also need warm water, and a heated drying area; basically a beach. 

So, what are we going to feed them ... hmmmm. They are carnivores, and eat live meat. This not only means that your baby croc will need to be fed fish, but this also means that as your baby grows it will soon need to feed on small live animals like chickens and rabbits. Imagine that? ewww Ok, so then there is croc waste ... that is a lot of gross poo which will likely be in the water ... who wants to clean that? Here is another thought, your croc is going to live a minimum of 20 years in captivity ... are you committed to feeding and cleaning it for that long? 

This is where I usually come in. Most municipalities have an exotic pet by-law; as does Owen Sound. It is against the law to own such a pet, and if you are found with one, you will be facing charges. Do you have any idea what is going to happen to your croc then? Good luck finding it a home! As always I am a big supporter of the think before you purchase... care for life plan and this includes pets not normally considered a pet. So, think before you buy!

And They Get a License?
Will I complain about a Friday again? Never!

I have had a Monday to beat all Mondays. Who else spends a Monday morning walking through fields in the rain and mud in their non-hiking shoes? Who goes up and down trails not for a live animal? ... nope that would be too easy! I was searching for a dead one. It came to my attention via emergency page that apparently a carcass of what had once been Bambi was laying in the river just off a trail. I walked and walked and walked and found nothing. I was a bit relieved that I didn't find it. So, I headed back to the Shelter.

About an hour later Junior and Rosa were adopted. Then, in came seven wiggly pups to cheer me up. So, what if my pants and socks were soaked right through. 

To my dismay, my cheer ended and I was out again searching for Bambi - this time a new trail. It was with disappointment that I found him. To the person who took it upon themselves to leave that poor deer in pieces in the ditch you should be ashamed of yourself (untagged, I might add). Bambi had been in the river about two weeks - thank God for Sandi, who helped me pull him out of the water ... rotting and decaying. It was me who gagged and tossed her cookies because the sight and smell was so horrific and brutal. Thanks a ton! 

I will not forget the way you tossed him, for everyone to see, tossed out like yesterday's trash. 

What kind of person does that to a living creature?

Rock On!
What a crazy day - not sure if was good or bad?

Started out with Bubba Gum at the Mix ... he ran under the desk, and intermixed himself in the wires and we spent most of the time trying to figure out how to get the "gum out from under the desk" lol. 

I then headed to Durham to pick up the cats (too bad our vet is so far away), but I was pleased to get the cats back and now they are good to go. All went well, and I am sure they will find new homes soon.

I made it halfway back, when a call came in about a stray dog and then another ... so, I quickly dropped off the cats and was off again. Luckily, when I arrived, someone had managed to get the little Chihuahua off the road, and by 2 pm he was safe and sound in his own bed.

I took the Christmas stockings to the station today, and Jamie talked about them all day on the Mix. LOVE THAT! This proved to be great as calls came in all day from people who wanted to arrange purchase and pick-up. A bonus was that a lot of these people were past adopters and I was happy to see and hear all about their animals. When they came, they brought old friends and updates ... today I had visits from Pyro, Tucker, Jasper (aka Noggin) and then Figment (aka Dakota) - fabulous! All are well, and now have great Christmas stockings to hang on the mantel and open Christmas day. 

The remainder of the day was spent on the phone trying to resolve a crocodile issue. Yup, you read that right, and I am sure you will hear more about it in the paper. Turns out there is a five foot crock in the city (can't stay) and no one wants to arrange care for it. I am doing the best I can to help, but my hands are tied and really I am obligated to lay charges. This caused a real headache and put a damper on my day.

Well, I told you about the Wiarton Rock for a Cause Show - well it was a rock'n success. What a riot and a great success which ended my day with a bang. I'll tell you more about that soon...

Truman
Remember that wonderful lady that rescued Nacho only to find out that he had FIV? Ever wonder what happened to that lady? Well, she came back last night. I must admit I wanted to save this blog until everything turned out great because she headed over to her vet with Truman and again had him tested. I was afraid to get excited before the outcome, but everything is great and Truman has found himself a loving caring home with a cat brother. He even got his own Christmas sock too! 

Fabulous news and I am so happy for Truman and his new family.

Beautiful but DEADLY!
It has been all about Christmas and preparations at the Shelter for the last week. I must admit the thought has crossed my mind to get everything out for my home too - I am less willing to commit to those preparations just yet. I know you are thinking about getting ready, and by the look of the house decorations going up, I know you are way ahead of me. 

Don't forget your pet's safety when getting into the spirit at home. When putting up lights, please keep in mind that puppies, kittens and even many adult animals find great pleasure in playing in them, and chewing on the cords - what trouble this can cause. Remember to keep them out of your pet's reach. If you are keeping lights low to the ground, place something in front of them that your pet can't move, or keep that area of the house blocked off. 

Many live decorations are poisonous, plants like Ivy, Holly, Poinsettia, and Mistletoe can be fatal. A mild case will cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures and can even induce a coma and damage the nervous system. 

Live trees become great toys with all the decorations and lights. Make sure trees are secure and cannot topple over. Make sure the tree decorations and lights are safe. When pets consume tinsel or even decorations, they can choke and die. If your pet consumes something like this, contact your veterinarian immediately. Never try to remove it from either end yourself! Decorations with glue, rubber bands, staples, string, tacks and tape can cause pain, serious complications, or death if swallowed. Store them in a secure place. Discard packaging when decorations are removed. 

Artificial snow and flocking are poisonous and can cause digestive upset or become a respiratory irritant if inhaled. Make sure you spray only the upper corners of windows where pets cannot reach. And the ever popular angel hair is made from spun glass - this is deadly and cause cuts, irritate the skin, damage the eyes and if eaten it can cause intestinal blockage and cause pets to die. 

Please keep all of these things in mind and you will have a happy and healthy pet throughout this very merry season. 

So Thankful
It never really occurred to me that I save lives. Clearly, when there is a pup like Marvin (starved and who could have died) or a pet that needs medical care immediately, or with special needs - I see it.

However, in most cases I see my job as a person who has temporary custody over pets until they are adopted by new families. Perhaps it is self-preservation that makes me see it that way.

Todd and I have worked hard to maintain a no-kill shelter and we do everything in our power to adopt out the pets in our care. There have been times when an animal could not be saved due to extreme illness or aggression - which are very rare cases. If the Owen Sound Animal Shelter did not operate this way I could not be here ... I have enough stress thanks! 

But, there are many facilities, different organization and shelters in each area and community that are NOT no-kill facilities. It is hard to understand that there are places that still euthanize dogs and cats. And, this in Ontario! Overflow and over crowding of unwanted pets is serious - this is often the case in many cities, towns and villages. 

Thank goodness there are rescue groups to save animals who would otherwise be euthanized because of overcrowding. One such case was Nelly. Nelly came to me a few weeks ago - she was on a list to be euthanized to make room for more dogs. Nelly had only hours to live. Arrangements were made to have Nelly come to us for evaluation and adoption ... Thank you Renee L. for all the hard work and long hours your rescue does to help animals. Today it was all worth while. The reality is that Nelly was adopted and will now have 300 acres of fun, children to play with and a family who will love her, who have prepared for her and who will spoil her. 

It breaks my heart to know there are TOO many places in Ontario where good dogs are put down each week due to space constraints and over crowding. A dog as nice as Nelly (with her jelly belly) almost ran out of time. I am so glad to have changed her life. I know she has changed mine.

Jumper
Jumper who was so inappropriately named, was the perfect radio star - she floated from Bob's feet to Jamie's lap. She sat at her best behaviour at Rogers, traveled well back and forth, enjoyed a few Tim Bits along the way, and was the quietest, easiest going pup. I was so pleased - makes for a better day to spend time with a pet who is pleasant. Jumper was as good to work with as the puppies, who usually are well behaved, and well mannered. The pets that I take to the Mix or Rogers are like kids out of their element. Seriously though, Jumper was the sweetest thing and she found a nice family before the day was through. 

Some of my newest friends who are here and were not ready yet, have now become available. Two ladies, who really deserve a second chance are now being given one through us. Watch for Nelly and Rosa - just great dogs. Flopsy a Walker Hound pup, found last week is also available. Here's hoping their stay here will be short. Perhaps they will get a chance to shine with a new family soon.

AND the most fabulous new fundraiser (I am being influenced by my friends the crafty kids from Strathcona) Pet Christmas Stockings. I have created stuffed Christmas stockings (I'm in the spirit now) filled with treats either for dogs or for cats to hang on your mantle ... they will be tons of fun for your pet and a great way to spoil them. 

Time to get excited about playing Santa! Your pets will love these. Dog (Hawliday) Stockings are $5.00 and Cat (Meowy) Stockings are $3.00. Sorry, we cannot ship these. Pick up at the Shelter only. 

Make your pets Christmas a little brighter, while saving lives. All proceeds go to the Spay/Neuter Fund. 

Silly Boy

I met a nice boy today, OK a JRT - 6 months old and his name was Toby. Toby's young owner was moving and didn't know where, so this active long legged dog (looked like Eddy from Fraser) was homeless. He almost became a radio star because he was so entertaining... chase the cats, chase the cats, chase the cats, chase the ball, chase the ball, chase the ball, steal a cookie, steal a cookie, steal a cookie... but he was adopted. He was a small dog and so funny, it was bound to happen.

Remember Levi the elderly toy poodle. Ironically, his owner was also moving (taking Levi with her though), so the rest of the family was going to miss him so much, they wanted another dog ... and Eddy ... I mean Toby was perfect. Not so sure he will be like Levi, quiet, laid back ... but sure was lots of fun and so cute. Good luck silly boy! 

Update on Levi was great. Also had an update from Boo Boo's mom. She said "he has been such a great addition, we don't know what we did before him". Love that. Made me feel 'in the Christmas spirit' and started hunting for the Christmas stuff. 

Check tomorrow for details on a new way to spoil your pets at Christmas...

Squeaking
So, I woke up Tuesday with no voice, I don't know how it happened, but I opened my mouth and nothing came out. I have spent the last two days squeaking by; literally! Honks, squeaks and whispers... if three homeless pets come in, you know I'm going to call them that. I have had to avoid the phone, and struggle with people coming in who need to talk to me. Thanks for your patience folks. I never realized what an important part of my job being able to talk was. Very hard to provide important details, and information on a pet without words. There was some discussion about me going home, but you know that never works. 

I'm glad I stayed, as I got a chance to talk with (OK they talked - I listened) Gizmo's new owner (aka Gremlin). Apparently, they had a great first night. They took a long long long walk and met all kinds of people. They stopped for a snack and met more people, Gizmo apparently was only nervous of one fast mover, and jumped away. NO TEETH! He slept curled on the floor most of the night in eyesight, tail wagging when his people stirred. I love that. Thrilled to get that update, and thought I would like to share it. 

I'm also thrilled I don't have to say it to you but can write it down. lol

So many great things happened today, I don't know where to start. Here goes...

Meika was adopted to a family who ironically had thought before coming they would name a dog Meika; how is that for weird? They met Meika last week and have been chatting with me on and off about her. Then, today, they made it official and adopted her. 

Goldie the cat, an elderly fella, came to us after his owner passed away. Today, he was adopted and gained himself some new cat siblings too. 

I said goodbye to Marvin today, a little teary, but glad to see him in the right place. He has a vet appointment, a family who has been searching for a long long time for the perfect match (worried about him since the day we received him), and who loves him already. 

It was great to see him leave, tail wagging, fat bellied, and running and running around the hallway before they came for him. What an improvement from the starved pup who could not lift his head! Here's hoping his vet appointment goes well, and he can put his past behind him forever. His new family promises to keep in touch and I know my kids will miss him and will want to hear all about him. I know my dogs will be glad that the sleepovers have ended. lol

I think my favorite part of the day had to be the adoption of Gremlin (see blog below) the Shih Tzu dog (appropriately named Gremlin because of his ability to turn nasty in an instant - even without water). Today, he was given a new leash on life and a new name too! Now, he will be known as Gizmo, the fluffy friendly fella with no nasty side. He was adopted by an older, dog experienced family, where he will be the only child and treated like one. What a lucky, lucky dog. 

What a great day. 

Gremlin
It was a terrific feeling today to officially put Gremlin up for adoption. The unnamed stray, who was found in September (...Mice will Play?) dumped at the Shelter, who we could not pet or handle or even get out of the cage for quite a while.

Remember the gremlins? Those cute and fuzzy creatures which turned nasty and aggressive when they became wet? That was how Gremlin earned the name "Gremlin dog". Although I mean it totally affectionately, as the once moqui (nice) dog, was turned into a gremlin dog by whoever dumped it at the Shelter. 

(Remember his little face on the web site?)

I remember not so long ago, petting this little dog only when Todd distracted him (so the little dog wouldn't take a bite out of me) ...Todd got most of those bites ... oops! I remember using treats as a way to keep Gremlin's mouth busy and to save my hand! 

Luckily, it was all worth while ... now, not entirely trustworthy, cause you never know, he can be adopted out. NO KIDS and DOG EXPERIENCED PEOPLE ONLY. 

I have faith that the right person will come and adopt him, and that will be Gremlin's day to shine.

Update
Brief update...

Little Master Marvin is sleeping on my lap while I write this and I will give him a moment longer before he goes for one last tinkle before bed.

Marvin is coming along well with his housetraining, and is a smart little fella, easy, easy to have in the house. He is relaxing and less stressed or interested in all the crumbs and exits in the building. I think he is enjoying his sleep overs and Aislyn sure loves him. He is great with the kids and he has been the perfect guest.

Koda found himself a home with another dog, to keep him busy and out of trouble. Now they can play ball together and have a great time.

Mundle the cat, who I had a feeling might go fast, found himself some pals too ... 6 kids! Lucky boy.

Good luck to you both in your new homes :)

Oh, oh, Marvin is stirring ... time to tinkle ... got to run...

Food Needed
Thanks everyone. I put out a request for cat food, and the food piled in. We are set for a while now, thank you all!

I put out a sad tale about my pal Nacho, and I received a response. Thank you to Karen for taking him to your FIV rescue cattery. I know Nacho will love being with the other cats. It was the saddest thing for me after he was diagnosed to know that he was homeless and that the news potentially shortened his time on this earth. But, to know he could not have cat friends was so hard to take. Nacho loves other cats, wanted to be with them, and found comfort in knowing others were with him. Nothing could make me happier than knowing he would have pals to help him through. This is what he needs. 

On another positive note, Marvin is doing well, and is on a sleep over at my house tonight. He is eating well, (everything in site) and keeping it all down. 

Is it possible he could have gained a few pounds at your house Sandi? I can only hope :)

Starvin Marvin
What a Monday! It was all about dogs coming in, which makes for a bummer on any day. 

The dog run was emptying out, and we were all so pleased. It is about to go under some major reconstruction, a surprise I would rather hold off a bit (ha ha). Dogs in are a gentle old beagle (who hates cats) and a returned wiggly puppy, who now is named Sammy. BUT, the real bummer of a day started when we met Marvin. 

OK so you know only I could give him a name like that. Marvin appears to be a Sheltie mix AND appears to be about five months old by his teeth. This poor boy was surrendered by a kind heart who convinced his "owner" to give him up. Marvin is about 3-4 lbs soak'n wet, skin and bones, starved, emaciated, dehydrated, full of parasites, and missing a portion of his ear (something chewed it off). I gagged as I bathed him, and watched the bones protrude out from under the hair that hid them. Every bone in his back, neck and face show. His growth is clearly stunted and altered as his hind end is smaller than his front end, and his head appears larger than his body. 

What a lucky boy that the kind lady happened his way. I am angered at the person who would starve a baby ... who does that? But, I am focusing my energy on making this boy well again and finding him a loving home. 

Starvin Marvin, was a term my mom used (haven't a clue what that is ... send me an email askrenee@myway.com if you know), but now, the name will always be this poor little boy. I know he will sleep well tonight thanks to Sandi for giving him a sleep over. He will have a full belly and a warm bed to sleep in. 

Things are already looking up for my new friend. 

Karma
Hooray, Hooray, Hooray ... Squeaker was adopted today!

I was feeling like the Karma in this place had changed when Nacho came back. Lady had given us luck, and it felt like we were on a roll, until that happened.

Since Nacho returned, only a few short days ago, Sandi was bitten by a cat, Todd by a dead raccoon (ya, you read that right) and an older dog was surrendered. Watch for Theo, I swear there were real tears in his eyes when I shut the cage door (mine too).

Thanks to PetValu as lucky little "Squeaker Bell" (as they called her) found a home today. Squeaker had been with us since April. When she was turned in (tossed at the door) she was completely and totally a naked (bald) cat. So, we quarantined her, treated her for every parasite we could come up with, changed her food (in case it was an allergy) and bathed her in medicated shampoo. Still she was a bald cat.

We were beginning to think she would have to be adopted as a "sphinx mix" (hairless), when her fur started to grow back. It turns out it was stress related and apparently she liked us more than her old home? I was pleased to see her go with people I already knew. They are OK with her ability to go fur free, and will love her anyway.

Her adoption changed the mood here, and soon Ike was adopted by someone who saw him on the site. Perhaps we are back to normal?

Doggy Snowman - courtesy Renee and her children

Bad News
I was on such a great roll when Kia and then Harley were adopted. 

Harley's new family had been watching him on the web site for weeks, and were quite in love with him. They have a fenced yard with room to roam, and time to dedicate to his training. 

As a bonus, they have a Harley, so they loved the name (hey, whatever gets him adopted lol). He sold himself actually, when Harley touched them through the bars as they came to see him, and tried to walk by. 

My day was shattered with terrible news, and I am still quite shocked and saddened and as I type this... 

Nacho was returned this evening, and I am afraid that is not the worst part. His loving owners, who did as they should and took him straight to the vet to make sure he was alright and take precautions had him tested for FIP, and FIV as they had another cat at home. Information on FIV...>

Nacho failed. My poor boy who had been through so much, had come so far, and finally found himself the place he needed to be and couldn't stay. He will remain up for adoption, in an isolation cage, marked "special needs". 

Nacho can only be adopted by someone with no cats or a be someone who already has an FIV cat (FIV is contagious through fluid transfer - like saliva - but not to humans, just other cats).

Breaks my heart, as he was such a cat lover too. Here's hoping someone who has a FIV cat is looking for another friend. 

My fingers are crossed, again, for my pal. 

Comments
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So Thankful

To: Renee, Todd and ALL the volunteers at Owen Sound Animal Shelter.

We could NOT save these worthy lives without the help, kindness and generosity of the Owen Sound Animal Shelter. We are TRULY fortunate to live in a community where we have 2 wonderful no-kill shelters. Unfortunately, without a place to bring these deserving animals, we would reluctantly have to let them go. We can't save them all, but, for the ones we CAN save, it DOES means the world. Nelly is a very lucky girl to be given that second chance AND to have found such a wonderful family to spend the rest of her life with. Thanks to ALL of you for loving and caring as much as you do!!! YOU have made the difference for Nelly and MANY, MANY deserving animals, that for one reason or another have found themselves homeless. Thank you Owen Sound Animal Shelter!!! (-:

Renee L.
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Posted by: Renee  | Nov 22, 2006 at 10:29:50 PM
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Starvin Marvin

OMG.... my heart breaks for Marvin. Thank GOD an angel was looking out for him and contacted you. Please keep us updated on Marvin... I won't be able to get him off of my mind now )-: If you need anything for Marvin, please let me know.

Renee 
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Posted by: Renee  | Nov 8, 2006 at 4:26:32 PM

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