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

Archives
-------------------
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:
owensoundanimalshelter@inmail24.com

Success Story:
- They made it... read Renee's blog;
- Read Todd's Interview;
- 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.

Pictures with Santa
It wasn't easy being Santa's helper for the day! Loved every minute of it, all the pets, the big kisses, wiggles, some hugs, lots of love, lots of giving and the entire event was fantastic. Everything I had hoped and so much more!

When I saw the weather today I was positive it might just be Santa, Rocket and myself. But our fantastic supporters came out for the cause and there were 49 pet pictures with Santa, 11 engraved tags, many book sales and some donations. We are well over $600.00 dollars for the Spay/Neuter, Medical fund ~ how fantastic is that! 

There were a few technical difficulties (those pictures will be printed by Friday Dec. 7th) but the rest went off without a hitch. I loved seeing some familiar faces and I always love making new friends.

The BIGGEST thank you to Santa who toughed it out and played Santa for 8 hours straight and he only worked on pizza, coffee and a few cookies. Please support Colley's Costumes at (519) 422-1538 the next time you need a costume made or need to rent one! They kindly provided the clothes and the body too. 

Thank you Teri Hastings, Remax, who donated 4 gift baskets for our prizes and give-aways (519) 534-2370. Thank you Rural Roots who also donated of a gift basket.

The basket winners were:

1. Tiffany Beaton

2. Ruth Mlean

3. William (Farley's dad)

4. MaryLynn Morrison

The Rural Roots Package winner was Erin Armstrong and the Grand Prize Winner was Allison Lewin.

I loved every minute of the day and would like to thank you for your support and the support of Rogers Television, the Mix 106.5, and I would also like to thank Pet Valu for holding this event and for your continued support (519-376-2828). 

I promise to post pictures ASAP! J

Christmas-Like
A great surprise to get us all feeling a little more Christmas-like was the new light display. 

Brian (friend to the Shelter) provided the lights and the time to set them up. We are always trying to brighten the mood and relieve the stress we often deal with and make life better for our four-legged friends as well as the two-legged ones.

This will be the first year ever that the Shelter has festive lights. They look so nice. Although it might not compete with the Festival of Lights running downtown, it certainly will do the job putting a smile on our faces and just in time for the Pet Valu 'Pet's Christmas Party' celebration! 

Hope to see you there spoiling your pets. I am sure they will be on their best behavior with the big guy as he will be watching.

No Way for a Senior To Go
The weather is becoming more like winter and with that people begin to slow down. Although our phone is still ringing with lots of questions, people needing help and potential adopters there have been few to come through the door (storming weather outside would account for the drop in walk-ins). 

The animals are getting a little extra rest and we are able to do extra cleaning and stuff fundraising socks for cats and dogs. It seems that all the home providers are unable to drive through the snow. One person was traveling today however, and that was the person who took the effort to gather a senior cat stuff it in a bag take it to the mall ( a shopping cart) and leave it in the grocery store. This poor senior ( black in colour) is very ill and I am hoping that this was not the way they had intended for this senior to die. 

If only the right people could travel and the others were stuck at home it might be best for all of us. For this kitty anyways.

Can You Believe It?
"I know I am not from your area, but our animal control don't help cats, and what else can I do?" "The Humane Society said to call you!" "I fed this stray cat and well it is a very nice cat and it would be easy to find a home for." "It is not fixed, but seems nice and is pretty - can you take it?"

I cannot count the times I have heard this in the last two weeks. It is then followed by "the snow is here, it's cold and this poor cat is outside". We are just as frustrated as you are, if not more and believe me if I could help every one I would. I can't fit in everyone. At present I have a very long list of people who have been waiting for a space to bring animals in.

I'm sorry there isn't enough space, but I need your help. Can you call your township and tell them your problem and have your animal control help. It is time that the townships take responsibility. It is easy to say "we don't help them, or we don't have a problem of strays" but if we all confront them they would have to take a different stand on the issue. There isn't enough Shelter space at the present time to help everyone. This week alone we had calls from Tobermory, Durham, Kincardine, Shelburne and even Staynor. If we are to continue as a no-kill shelter, we have to rely on adoptions to continue to make space for more.

If you are not a person who has a stray cat and simply read the blog daily, my apologies, but you can help the effort by calling your township too - we all know there are strays out there - it is time to make a difference.

Updates
Fantastic and wonderful updates today, and I love to share ~~ SO GREAT WHEN IT WORKS PERFECTLY.

First came the email from Maggie, who always will be a "Hunter" to me. She was a shy and nervous girl who cowered with men and ducked when we approached her and who spent weeks with us because of it. The pictures of her relaxing with her family on the couch, with the cats and looking so shiny and so good. What a great way to start the day! 

Then a familiar face came with my friend Nash, I felt a moment of fear, but it turned out that they had come to give me an update too! Already with two vet baths behind him, Nash smelled awesome (less like tacos) and is now less itchy and not at all red. He is now on special food and lots of TLC. This poor dog has gone from the doghouse dog to a dog sleeping in the bed. He also has fifty acres to romp through and goes for his daily romp with his now so proud daddy. "He moved right in, fit right in and it was as though he had always been there". Nash is still a little nervous of being alone so he simply follows them everywhere they go and rides in his own seat, with his pillow the entire way! 

Charlie also came for a visit, our wiggly Cocker pup, for a gentle leader. Bonus points for that guys! Charlie is now neutered, fully vetted, with a great hair do and totally in love with his people. He did tinkle all over my feet when we greeted me, but I forgive him because he was so darn happy; proud of himself. In fact, I think, his whole body wiggled as he showed his family off! 

AND then, just when the day couldn't get any better, we heard from Angel, newly out and on my mind. Totally OK with the cats as it turns out and great to walk (thanks to my leader too). She too is living the spoiled life and I couldn't be happier. 

Hooray for all my guys! Good for all of you!

BorDoodle
What do you get when you mix a Border Collie with a Standard Poodle? A BorDoodle! A cute, crazy-haired, busy with all sorts of drive, smart as a whip and needs to be entertained puppy. 

Her people called her Dakota, a name I am beginning to fear is cursed - to me she was a Muppet or the dog from Fraggle Rock (showing my age?) and I certainly would have called her Sprocket after that dog. 

Busy and all puppy, a big puppy too, she was too much dog for her busy home with two children under the age of three! What they were thinking I will never know but her cute crazy-haired face might have pulled them in. I knew she would be a speedy mover but my concerns were to find a home ready for her energy. When her potential adopter offered to take her out, walk her, then play with her and then told me her exercise plans for her, I knew things were off to a good start.

Dakota "Fraggle" jumped all over her and she kindly asked her to sit and rewarded it when she did - she had dog knowledge! Pleased to have her ask questions and ask for contact information if she had more questions, she then took Dakota "Fraggle" home. Dakota also received a new name, made me smile, as Sprocket was a dog loved by her too and she knew the dog instantly when I mentioned it.

Armed with a new name, a new home and with an interested dog experienced person, things are sure looking up for this Muppet!

Blessing
It was the "God Bless you" I received when his finder handed him to me, that originally earned him the name "Blessing". 

It was discovered that this cat was an older fella and definitely not in as good of shape as he should be - definitely too old to be on the streets, and so his name suited him perfectly.

As the day wore on and neared closing it became clear his owners had really left him and it became a "blessing in disguise" that he was delivered to me and not left to die. With the drop in temperature, snowfall today and last night, it was for the others I was sending my prayers to. 

Today, this boy was blessed with a new loving home and two cat siblings to keep him young. Already loved and off to a better way, he couldn't find himself a better fate. 

What a lucky boy to have someone watching over him ... it was a name that has proven to be true as he is truly blessed with his second chance.

Shame on You!
Another hunting season is over and another carcass to be removed by us. I am not a hunter; I love deer. I could not shoot one, chop it up, I don't litter and I would never leave a mess like this for someone else to pick up. 

If you must hunt - why not clean up your mess? It is not fair that we, revolted and gagging should be forced to do such a task because you have made this our job. That poor buck with his antlers carved off should have been given a decent disposal and not tossed in the ditch like garbage! Did you think it would just disappear - thought hunters knew better? I can tell you that it has wasted our time and taxpayer's money to have to clean up after you. 

So disappointed in the mess you left us and not far from the Shelter doorstep. Again! Likely another of these graceful creatures I knew personally as was our last years' discoveries. It shouldn't be difficult for you to pick up your friends slaughtered remains? Shame on you! 

Anyone with information of this or the "person" responsible, please call 519-372-1123.

Nash
He was surrendered with itchy skin and this was the route of his homelessness. When it was recommended Nash be taken to the vet three years ago, it was not followed up, and in time this boy has simply ended up outside. 

His itch made him balding as he scratched so much fur off down to the skin and the cold weather punished him. The problem of the itching was uncertain as it could have been anything from stress or allergy and placing him became uncertain too. A wonderful family dog, but who was prepared for the potential vet bills? We administered steroids, medicated baths and most of the hair actually grew back, but we needed to tell potential adopters that this condition could happen again. 

With a skip in his step Nash accepted his fate entirely and loved all he met regardless of what they said about him. Many thought he should not be with us and thought it was just "too bad". However, last night, a wonderful couple saw his face on a placemat while out for supper and had been thinking about an older dog to adopt. Immediately they were in love. 

We talked for some time about what all problems could lay ahead, the potential for the condition it to just go away, or mean daily medication. They were up for the challenge.

Nash is off to be spoiled as every dog should and will start his medical care with his new family tomorrow!

WoHo WoHo WoHo
WoHo - WoHo - WoHo ... happy dance! On Friday seven male cats became ... well, less male. They toughed it out and braved the nasty to get a great new home and a better life. 

These magnificent seven had been with us weeks and months waiting patiently for a new home, but who wants an intact male? By Saturday, they were all feeling fine, just a little lighter, and they were all placed up for adoption. I had no idea how fast they would go. With only two left, Spaz (I did not name him - let's change it!) was held because of a little leg wound which had just about healed and Adaboi who had been so well endowed before the surgery that I figured he should wait to be sure he was ready to go. 

I love that they have all gone home and with the snip now done they will likely stay put. If only they could all be done in one day and then have an all out adoption the next one! Sometimes it's nice to dream! :)

Christmas Party
The green toes were a nice touch and the Christmas kitten, as he was called, began inspiring all sorts of Christmas thoughts. We spoke of the Pet Valu party and it is time to blog about it as it is only a few weeks to go. 

I LOVE seeing people spend time with their pets, spoiling them and loving them. When Pet Valu asked about offering up a Christmas party fundraiser I was thrilled. Pet pictures with Santa (throw your kids in too), free draws, giveaways and, of course, great presents to purchase for your four legged friends! 

A picture with Santa is only $10.00, there will be bling for your pet for $10.00 and my book will be on sale too. All proceeds go to the spay/neuter, medical fund. Drop off some food for our pet food drive and just pop in and to say hello. 

Christmas is a time for celebrating so come and help give me reason to be happy! It all starts on November 30th, from 12-8 and let me know if you would like to schedule time with Santa so there won't be delays.

Can't wait to see you there!

Soft Paws
Our friend from yesterday did not return, did not call with apologies and never paid what she owes. I don't feel I have to take back my thoughts from the blog yesterday as I continue to feel that way. But, putting that aside it was a great day for adoptions and the day went off with only one hitch. 

You see Jamie Johnston, from the Mix, thought it was a great idea to prep kitty, for tomorrow, with soft paws to remind the listeners and also promote the product. Normally, this task takes two of us, one to hold and the other to stick on the soft paws ... the glue sure is sticky. However, Todd went on a call to Port Elgin and I was alone for a bit and I decided to tackle the soft paws myself. 

The remaining twin (one of the great adoptions was the other) sat perfectly still while I trimmed his nails, prepped him and began to stick'em on. Somewhere soon after the first few were stuck my abilities failed. The remaining twin and I are now one. He with parts of my fingers stuck to him and me with parts of him attached to me forever. 

Here's hoping that the TV does not pick up this error and instead his toes do what they should and promote a great product which sticks very well.

Release or Dump
We were kind enough to squeeze you in. You were desperate to give her up. We took pity on you and we were glad you were being responsible by turning her over to us and not just turning her loose. You even cried great tears and broke poor Sandi's heart and she trusted you would return in a few moments to pay the surrender fee. 

I am hoping as I type this that it was all some terrible mistake and your emotions overwhelmed you and you will return tomorrow with the fee we need to feed your beloved friend, care for her and provide her with what she needs. However, if this was intentional and your plan was to rip us off all along and save yourself that small fee ... then shame on you! 

Because of your failure to return with the monies you owe, we will now have to hold her as her surrender is incomplete. She will have to wait with us a reclaiming period instead of being able to be adopted out right away. These monies that could have been spent on another who needed it more will go toward her care and I pray there is enough for the next one. 

It is only your dog and the others that are homeless that will suffer. You have hurt only them. We are hoping for your return tomorrow to clear your conscience and restore my faith in you.

Maggie
Although it was off time my friends were still very much in my mind. I drove to my destination and I knew her home was on my route and I deliberately slowed down as I went past. 

There she was as clear as I could see and it was the most perfect site of my Molly standing in the field watching her new person in the distance. It was almost a photograph with the morning sun shining in her fur or a postcard made just for me. I almost teared when I saw her and I had thoughts of her friend still left behind. 

Early this morning I told Maggie that I had seen her and that she was well and that her turn soon would come. I had no idea it would come so soon, nor happen so fast!! 

Her people, who loved her before came back today and made it official. They also have a country home with kids all grown, but grandchildren to play with. 

Hanging onto the thoughts of Molly in the field I was thrilled to know that Maggie was now home forever too and also with open fields!

Ol'Roy
Disappointed with the last few days and the news of the passing of sweet Ol'Roy I could sure use some happiness to pass on. 

It had been decided it was time to make it all official and tell you my good news. Six months ago a litter of kittens were surrendered to the Shelter at a few weeks of age and they thrived as a group for the first three weeks. On the fourth week we noticed one special kitten was a little weaker and did not thrive as well and seemed so much smaller than the others - we gave him special care. Somewhere in the fifth week this little dude began the most interesting habit of launching himself into my arms when the cage door would open - so we began to take extra care and named him Rocket Man. By the eight week mark, with the others ready to go, we left Rocket Man with his mother and hoped he would catch up. He had by this time developed tremors for an unknown reason and he marched like a little soldier when he walked - clearly he was not all right. When he developed an upper respiratory virus I was sure this was the end of him and nature was taking over as only the strongest are meant to survive. I have been known to challenge mother nature and we offered Rocket Man a little extra care and on the  Thanksgiving weekend I took him home to make it 24-hour care. 

Rocket, as we have now come to call him, is thriving and has become a wonderful friend. He is still only the size of a four week old kitten at seven months of age, but he functions entirely as any kitten should (with some twitches here and there). 

His name given in fun has now become an honour as he is now shooting for the stars. He now lives in our home and is truly loved. 

It is hoped that it can be as my daughter calls it "saving him with love" and if this is possible then my little man will live forever.

Fines
There were two small victories today and yet in both we lost the battles. 

By noon we had a stray dog in and then it was reclaimed - a repeat offender (the owner not the dog ... the dog the victim) a victory to lay the charge but a shame to once again return the dog to the owner. I keep hoping they surrender her one of these times before she catches a car.

By 12:30 pm there was another person seeking the dog they had "lost" and it was not what I expected. Cricket, apparently named Sophie was to go home. Straying at large charges were laid and reclaiming fee's enforced but there was nothing more we could do. To see a dog in the area running is not the same as seeing the owner toss it. Although we all knew the truth there was no way to prove it. 

There is no celebrating although both have fines against them and yet I feel defeated. I would have torn all the charges up in exchange for both those dogs being released to my care! 

You're in my thoughts Cricket and I will keep an eye out for you. Let's hope we meet again soon! And those who found half a conscience to come back for you should find the rest of their conscience and return you to the Shelter.

Cricket
Originally I was going to tell you about my poor sheltie mix male found straying at large. There were some mixed up half truths and we really knew he would never be reclaimed. We hoped to find an owner but knew deep down that no owner would treat a dog like that and then come for him (never mind paying the fee). It is unlikely he has ever had proper care as he is thin, full of bugs and dehydrated. So, I decided to look past it and instead celebrate his being with me. 

I was rejoicing in our successes with the adoption today of Lacey and two reclaimed. Keeping up with the ins and being able to keep some space open just incase. 

Then it happened. Thank goodness Chrissy, our Co-Op student, was looking out the window. Chrissy spotted them dump her nearby and instead of just running this poor pup was looking for a place to hide. People make me ill somedays and as we gathered up this ten week old puppy who had been left outside in the bitter cold weather and nearly dark (no one sees a black puppy in the dark) I was feeling pretty sick. Clearly she was dropped with no one caring if she lived or died. 

So did she pee on your floor? Was that the final straw? And, instead of helping her learn you threw her out the door?

Well, so much for celebrating. You ruined my day and the only thing I am thankful for is that this little girl, I am calling cricket, is now inside where it is safe and warm.

YAHOO!
I love it when it works so perfectly. 

It was early today that I started adding to the list of animals that people want to drop off. Normally, it would be a cat list, but this week we have started a dog list. It seems that as the weather changes dogs are now looking for homes. There have also been a few extra strays and the weather changing has the Shelter getting rather full. In order to continue as a no-kill facility we start a list. People are very quick to understand in most cases and agree to wait until a spot clears for them to bring in their dog. 

The pressure was on at one point with four dogs on the list and I was beginning to worry that I had taken on a little more than the Shelter could handle. You see it is not the ones I worry about in my care, but the the dogs we are helping to rehome and not be euthanized. With one dog returned home I was hoping for one more adoption to clear a spot and make room for a few more dogs. 

A great family had been in and met dear Turtle yesterday, thought about it, and returned with their screening process in hand, as well as their other dog and even great references and their vet's number. They are regular site viewers and blog lovers (Hi Guys! lol). I was immediately impressed and she was exactly what we had been searching for and they were exactly what Turtle needed. 

Now that my dear Turtle has gone home you should see the space we have - lol :)

Busy?
The bad weather made for a less busy Shelter, but still 2 wonderful cat adoptions: DJ and Ying. A good and quiet day. This gave us more time to socialize and get to know our four legged friends better.

Saturday evening two new surrenders came from the Lakeshore Pound. Thankfully there were great rescuers who made the delivery. I had, as always, decided to help them based on available space and was nervous that the dogs coming in might morph into a cattle dog with bad hair as well as needing some manners, and the mastiff would become an unaltered pit bull (lol). However, after spending time with these two today, I am in love! 

What great girls they are. I have now named them Lacey and Turtle. Both are so giving, loving and willing to please. Both would be excellent family dogs. 

Turtle and I curled up for a moment on the floor, and we had a conversation about the life ahead of her. I could not help but think that a few days ago her life would have ended. Although our Shelter is now a little fuller with dog surrenders still coming in, I am certain that there is nothing that could make me think that this loving dog deserved to die. 

Glad to have saved them both and I'm looking forward to seeing them going home.

Dolly
It may have been sheer exhaustion after 5 dogs in and 4 dogs adopted - 3 cats in and 2 cats adopted - I can't even remember how many millions of phone calls I answered. Maybe it was the sugar withdrawal from Halloween or it may have been the spirits that come with Halloween, but I think it was all quite strange. 

Dolly came to me an un-owned, unnamed stray, unreclaimed and slated to die, but we took her to give her a second chance. A few days ago we posted her and I named her "Dolly" and she liked it and it stuck. This name was a little different, I felt a little weird about it too as it had been my grandmother's nickname but Dolly liked it. 

Today, she was the best behaved radio and TV star and she really sold herself. I was so pleased with her abilities even showing off that she sits till you ask her to move! Everyone commented on her and many sang to her (a song I hadn't heard since my grandmother's passing). 

At 1:00 pm there were people waiting at the Shelter door - kind, gentle and exactly what Dolly needed. The papers were signed and they headed off to the bank. 

At 2:00 pm two goldens were released to me - wonderful dogs - but older and had been together their whole lives and my heart ached to split them up. These two were even more bonded than Molly and Maggie had been and I felt ill over separating them. 

At 2:30 pm another great family came to see Dolly and I told them she had been adopted. They took a peek at the dogs and left. They returned a short while later and asked about the two goldens - we talked for some time. They had been looking for just the right dog, watched the web site and had come to adopt this weekend. His father had passed and was an animal lover - they wanted to add to their family in his honour. They asked about the two goldens and actually decided to adopt both of them. I couldn't have been more thrilled! Lucky for these girls.

At 4:00 pm Dolly's people returned to take her home. I am sure this girl is to thank for my fantastic and wonderful adoption day - certain that at least 3 were adopted because of her. I was on cloud nine and so were Dolly's new people. Before they left they told me they had decided to change her name and when they told me the name I was speechless - it would be Ruby ... that had been my Grandma's first name! 

How freaky - I couldn't be more thrilled - what a great day!

Visiting
I had been hoping since Dakota left that no news was good news - almost called twice. I didn't think I could take the disappointment and preferred to tell myself she was OK. 

There was some panic when I realized that familiar face in my foyer, but when I saw her gentle leader and bright shiny bling, the shiny coat and a new sparkle in her cloudy eyes I could tell it was all OK. 

Dakota, affectionately called Kota now, is better than well. THANK GOODNESS she has filled back out, lost all that bad hair (clearly with stress), has learned the ways of the house and worked out her issues with Angel, her Cairn Terrier mix friend. 

Her poor eyesight has not affected her in any way and she functions just superbly. Although sometimes the ball gets lost in the "clouds" when tossed up too high, but she plays a mean game of fetch and will play all day. She did manage to jump all over me and give me many wet kisses - I had missed them and knew what I was in for. 

I took a moment to enjoy her jumping and couldn't have been happier to let her and watch her happily go home.

2000-2009 © Owen Sound Animal Shelter. All rights reserved.