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

Mark your calendars ... to get your pet's picture with Santa. Santa will be at the Port Elgin Pet Valu Friday November 21 from 11am-7pm and the Owen Sound Pet Valu on Saturday November 22 from 10am-4pm
__________________________________________________

Archives
-------------------
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

Success Story:
- They made it... 
Renee's blog;
- 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.

Will That Be Take-Out?
They have been waiting for weeks, phoning nearly every day and then it happened. The pups were ready to find their forever homes.

It was the green car in the parking lot at 11:00 am and it was there when I arrived back from my radio stint with the puppies [which was a riot, I hope you heard the show]. The green car was followed by a silver car at Noon, followed by a blue car at 12:30 pm.

They entered one at a time and assembled in front of the desk. It was much like sending for take out, as it was green car first, followed by silver car's order, and then blue car's order on the side. By 2:00 pm we were down four puppies. Heartbreaking to say goodbye to the little ones and they all found fantastic homes. Likely it was easier on my heart to quickly kiss them goodbye. The day continued much the same - a green van followed by a brown car. 

Green car will be back again [yippee] as they too were considering Jesse. In a few weeks she will have her spay as I promised her and I will be calling them! 

Jesse, now tired of being a mom, nearly has her mom days done [only two to go] which will likely be tomorrow. She will be home free, puppy free very soon she will be finding herself a forever home.

Funny ... ???
It's funny now; but not when it happens. You're doing whatever and the cat comes scooting across the floor, pouncing and jumping, and playing with something. You laugh and you leave it. Moments later you realize ... it was poop.

It is something I see often at the Shelter, cats and kittens playing with poop ... and well, I always just assumed they were limited with finding things to do. They seek comfort in "their stuff" and sometimes lay in the boxes too. With toys and treats sometimes the litter games continue, and well, I never really know where it goes. I have cats at home that play with poop, however, they are all Shelter cats!! 

Yesterday, I received an email about a cat who plays in the litter. This cat was never caged, and never from a shelter. It has me stumped. 

I emailed a few other behaviour friends, and it seems we all just thought it was shelter related or boredom. When I Googled it, I found others had the same question; with no solutions. 

My advice, thus far, do not discourage! Do not move the litter box, change the litter more often, cover it, don't discipline and don't scream or yell. We all know how fussy a cat can be about its toilet. Clean more often? Bait some poop with Tabasco [it works for dogs that eat it btw]. Anyone have any ideas? Send me an email.

"Harry came in for a visit"

"Moxy [Victory] came in for a visit"

Thank you and Happy Birthday to Kassidy Eastman who requested donations to the Animal Shelter in lieu of birthday presents. She donated canned cat food, and monies. Kassidy is the human sister of "Ivanah, now Mya, and Willow, formerlly little buttercup".

Facebook Help!
A few weeks ago I received a Facebook message. An urgent plea from a concerned person, who had a strange sight at their birdfeeder. Feasting on bird food was a very large porcupine [brace yourself] and perturbing out of this porcupine, amongst those pins and needles was a very large arrow. 

She was seeking help, and my ability to help was limited. I have had an encounter with a porky needing help once before, involving a shower curtain, which worked out fine, but this guy needed more than re-located. Numbers were given for the MNR, and the wildlife people, but honestly I was not sure this was the answer, he needed captured and soon. Then it hit me, I knew a trapper, one whom I had seen bottle feeding baby Skunks, and with an Opossum in his pocket it was worth a try? I gave out the number of Bill Easton, and boy am I glad I did. 

A recent update from the finder of the big Porky, came with pics, and with a name!! Homer, as he is now called is alive, well, and doing soooo very well. 

He is feasting on pine boughs, and corn, and is nearly ready to be released from where he came. 

Congrats Homer, and way to go Bill, I am very impressed, and very relieved. Thank you for helping, where I couldn't.

 Thank you to my 'new Facebook friend' for the contact, that fella owes you, thank you for caring!

"Wally Wobbles - in for a visit"
He is soooo very well. He is now Bailey, as in bailed out of jail ... lol and will never "be out of his moms arms or be homeless ever again!"

Winter Has Arrived
The calls are changing, it's happening, did you notice it? The weather has changed, we are indoor more, our dogs are not getting out except for a fast pee, they are acting up and acting out, as they just don't get it. 

There are people looking for advice and people considering surrendering their pets to me. In the hopes that both will be reading this, this advice could help us both and especially the dogs! 

Dogs are creatures built to move, exercise and do stuff. Without activity they make their own [my Weim loves to gather socks and place them on the bed] this sometimes is tolerable and sometimes not, such as couch chewing, wall scratching, or garbage eating. If they can't make their own, they get a little cabin fever, and may do all sorts of crazy things, jumping, running in circles and pacing. In time, they start to get nasty.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to keep them happy while keeping warm:

1. Invisible fence, then they go out, we stay in?

2. In-house training sessions - teach them new tricks, a few thousand sits, downs, come, roll over all these equal exercise and brain stimulation.

3. Play pooch ping pong - have people all over the house call them, its great for the recall and they are the only ones running!

4. Hide toys/treats and ask them to find them.

5. Join a dog club and let your dogs play together in each other's homes or at a dog place.

6. Consider dog daycare for one day a week, with a place they can romp and play.

7. Look to agility, dog sports like flyball or dancing with dogs indoor.

8. Make shovel time all about dog play time too. You're out anyhow - why not.

9. Bundle up and walk ... keeping in mind, they get cold too.

10. If you are OK with the cold, check out the various winter sports you can do with your dog, and practice in the home some days, and get out and get doing on the rest.

Santa Arrived
He came, we sat, we wiggled, and jumped for joy, there were treats, and goodies, and a jolly good time for all! The biggest thank you to John and Dianne Adams, Pet Valu, for our 2nd Annual Pet Pictures with Santa Day. 

I believe there were over 70 shots taken! There were big pets [a Bull Mastiff into the lap of Santa in places he shouldn't have been] there were little ones [little Raison the Chihuahua who nearly disappeared into his beard] pets adopted recently, like little Maggie, and pets of past adopted, like my pal Tucker. I shed a few tears to see my once thrown out pets enjoying their Christmas time with a family that loves them. 

It was a wonderful, and awesome time to see so many being spoiled! I loved that Royal Canin sponsored the day and provided goodie bags and others offered great gifts too, like Dianne Adams for WisdomWords. A heartfelt thanks for the Santa of Friday for all of his hard work and the great stories, and for the Santa of Saturday, who also provided comic relief ! Apologies for baking you in that attire, hope you can forgive me!

Thank you to Renee of ANML-RESQ for her assistance in controlling the flow, and to Peter for all of his controlling of the creatures. Thank you to Teri for giving up her Saturday and helping to keep all the names straight, and to Di for all her management and picture taking abilities. Thank you to Leslie for her awesome photo shooting and for making the trip to help us, and also to Joe her helper. Thanks to the Pet Valu workers for keeping the rest of the store running while we created such chaos!! 

As the Shelter prepares for the holiday season, we will be smiling, and remembering our good times with the big guy! 'Tis the season, after all, to be jolly.

Congratulations 
Shelly Morrison for winning the Fudge Package
from the Sweet Shop in Tobermory.

Congratulations 
Maria Smith, Tj Shaw and Mary Lynn Morrison
 for winning the gift certificates 
from Eastside Mario's in Owen Sound.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
I will be privileged tomorrow and Saturday to spend the weekend with Santa! I can't wait to see the big guy, sample the treats, and give out all the goodies. My favourite part, of course, is seeing all of you, with your four legged family members, spoiling them, and making sure they have a great Christmas.

Our great raffles will be on hand for you to see, and put in your name. There will be a professional photographer on hand, and her shots are wonderful! There will be a few books for sale and, of course, great sale items from Pet Valu too. A special thanks to Royal Canin for providing the hand outs!

It all starts on Friday from 11am-7pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm in Owen Sound. 

I hope the weather holds out or else we may all have to arrive on sleigh. 

Listen to the Mix 106.5 for any changes in our plans.

Get your pet's picture with Santa. 

Check out the Pet Valu Flyer...[.pdf]

Santa will be at
the Port Elgin Pet Valu Friday November 21
from 11am-7pm and
the Owen Sound Pet Valu on Saturday November 22
from 10am-4pm

Mickey
It was all about the snip again today, with another surgery day. A busy day with five cats out, three in, and two dogs in, and one reclaimed cat. I was 'operating" at crazy warp speed all day! I did, however, do some snipping of my own on my pal Mickey. Mickey the lover of Sassy and the father of Cappy had a lifetime of filth and debris that had to go. That along with those two other little things that, well, he no longer needs. 

Mickey is terrified of new things and I needed to jump on the opportunity to get my hands on him while he was sedated. 

He is still learning to trust, so, the last thing he needed was me waving those clippers all over him! Once, the official 'OK' was given, out came those clippers and I was off and cutting. In a very short time (which is good as he was slowly waking) he became mostly naked. 

The upper half of those mats were removed, but the rest was impossible. I am sorry Mickey, I am not a groomer and had I thought about this, I would have had one on hand. I cannot groom properly a wide-awake dog and a floppy half asleep one ... yikes! I gave it my best try! 

Mickey is all cleaned up and a little lighter and he is ready to find a new home soon. Mickey needs a home with no kids, a patient home, and one who understands where this boy has been (always living in a barn) and we are set!

Perhaps this little Shih/Poo could now pass for a Chinese Crested with his lovely mane? Sorry pal, I promise when you go home, you can take a coat!

Don't forget to check out the great blog on Ivory, below  :)

Ivory
A few weeks ago, a new picture of Ivory was posted. This picture taken by a friend (and Ol'Roy's former father for those who knew him) and displayed Ivory's spirit and her beauty. Once this picture was posted, the calls started coming in (James we need to get pics of all the dogs? Blondie?). 

I have spent time sorting through them - some were good, and some were promising. There were offers to take her temporarily, foster her, but it was forever I had promised her. I met a family early last week and I immediately was impressed. They left with some research to do and phone calls to make (to Sue for sure) and I remember saying "Gosh I hope they come back". 

They had a female Sheltie at home, and both dogs hit it off well. Tonight, they called and they had thought about her long and hard and had decided to take her home. A country home and dog smart. I couldn't have asked for more. 

I was not there when she left, I must admit I did it on purpose, as it is not professional for me to sob, even though those tears would have been tears of joy. They have promised to update me and have already sent a message. 

My fingers will be crossed for Ivory and I know she will always have a special place in my heart - my girl who trusted and loved despite what was handed to her. With a "leap of faith" she leapt into my arms often and touched my soul. 

Enjoy your new forever home, my friend, trust them as you have me and I pray you will not be disappointed.

UPDATE

Things are really great. she finally seems to be at peace and comfortable with us and the house. we have been working hard at walking on a leash and are starting to make progress, although it would still probably take us an hour to even get to the end of the lane at the speed we travel (frequent stops to sniff, and lots of back tracking/circles). she has also learned to sit when I tap on her back. she does it every time when she can tell that I have a treat in my hand, and about 50% of the time when I don't have a treat, smart girl. pictures are coming, it's on my to-do list to get them uploaded before the weekend!

Call If You Are Concerned
Brace yourselves, here comes the snow. It seems I was not prepared at home as we scraped the snow off the windshield this morning with a spatula [yes you read that right]. 

My thoughts, however, have been with keeping those outside warm, and as I brace myself for the huge pile of "stray" cats [I fear are coming] I hope to be able to fit them all in. The Shelter animals are snug, warm and their bodies are comfortable, but I worry about those not in my care. 

If you have an outside pet, I sure hope you are prepared, and have already secured a warm shelter, a heated water source [snow doesn't count as water] and have increased the food amounts as their bodies need to compensate for the needed energy to stay warm. 

Please keep your eyes on those outside and if you find that animals are not being well cared for phone the numbers below! I try to watch them all, but can't do it alone and I need your help. Everyone needs to do their part. 

The Humane Society deals with cruelty, abuse and if someone is not being cared for they can do something about it. They are the people you call in this case. The telephone number for the Grey Bruce SPCA is 519-364-0400. The Ontario telephone number is 1-888-ONT-SPCA. Write these numbers down and use them [call me at 519-372-1123 or email me at osas@bmts.com if you don't know your local number].

Don't forget that you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

You've Got Mail
Last night, Hush got mail. Someone was smart enough to read Gloria's editorial in the Owen Sound Sun Time on-line section of the paper, smart enough to look up her home address, but forgot their return address on the envelope. They sent the following note ... [see below, for your viewing pleasure].

It wasn't the sort of response that 'Silence the Rumours' was looking for, and it is rather heart-wrenching to actually read the beliefs that some share [at least one person].

I always thought it was the uneducated, uninformed and less intelligent people who supported the ban. Those that only believed the facts as presented in the media and did not check out the facts or truths. 

There are people who believe the "rumours" and fail to seek out the truth. If they had checked out the pit bull and the hype around this dog, they would have found out that ALL dogs bite and most people are remiss in not training their dogs.

I suppose my assumptions were correct, and this really is all the proof I needed. 

Thank you, anonymous hate-mail author, for providing this proof to back my argument [no return address was necessary].

Chatters has started a great thing! Today, arrived a gift basket from the Sweet Shop in Tobermory.This basket is filled with all sorts of great things, fudge [my personal favourite] chocolates, candies, hot chocolate, apple cider, etc., etc., etc. I would love to keep it for myself, however, this basket was given with the intent that it would help raise much needed monies for the spay/neuter and surgical fund. Seems some great people from the Sweet Shop noticed the draws from Chatters, and wanted to help too! Thank you!

Following that arrival, a donation of three $10.00 gift certificates came from Eastside Mario's in Owen Sound, how great is that! 

Two draws are now being held ... both to be drawn on November 22nd. For $2.00 we will put your name in the jar, and you will get a chance at either of these prizes.

Thank you to The Sweet Shop and Eastside Mario's Owen Sound, for thinking of us. Love it.

Great stocking stuffers, makes a great gift or a great evening out!

Jack-In-The-Box
Today, for me was very special [yes, it was surgery day and I love that - another seven, but not that reason]. Today, was my friend Jack's one month birthday! Jack (or Jack Jack or Jack-in-the-box) as he is so lovingly called has surpassed all my expectations. 

I was heartbroken when he arrived in that small box on my steps in the freezing cold, but I am now rejoicing, as he is big enough so he can climb, romp and roll, and believe me he does!

His "mom" still feeds him with supervision, and both of them still sit on the back of our desk during the day. He still returns home with me each night and we still wake for nightly feedings [yes with his bottle].

I am encouraged and hopeful, and so we celebrated together - he did get a happy birthday song and a few birthday kisses!

A mere four weeks to go and this first four went fairly quickly. I'm looking forward to providing the next update, and sending him home, perhaps in a box of different sorts, for Christmas!

Have Your Say
Last night I attended a public meeting of the By-Law Committee. This meeting was held to discuss the proposed new bylaw which would place a restriction, or limit on the number of cats per residence. 

There have been suggestions as to the number, three for example, and there has been discussions for and against the new by-law. The intent behind this new by-law will be to prevent cat collectors from doing just that, collecting in the future. It is intended to reduce the number of cats in Owen Sound, and perhaps help reduce strays (some feel this way).

As I learned, most people are at a loss, they do not want to have collectors in the neighbourhood, but hate penalizing others, and more importantly the cats. Is there a solution out there?

This is your opportunity to put your say in, please send me an email at osas@bmts.com. As we are presently in the discussion stage it is important that if you contact me now and HAVE YOUR SAY.

I should mention the present By-Law No. 1991-055 states, all cats must be confined to their own property, must not trespass and are to be tagged. 

Click here to view a copy of By-Law No. 1991-055...> [.pdf]

UPDATE

Cat bylaw a waste, critics say... click here to read> posted 8 hours ago

Sassy Adopted
Under constant care and TLC, Sassy pulled through. Gentle hands healed her and gave her comfort and Sassy mended physically in a short time, but emotionally it will take her a lot longer.

Dr. Becker helped her with her physical difficulties [saved her life] and began teaching Sassy all those things about being a dog. Sassy has now learned how to enjoy the comfort of a soft bed, the warm indoors and what it is like to be loved. 

Sassy was officially adopted by Dr. Becker and will now be in her care forever. Sassy's life as a kennel dog is in the past and with all that love she will be able to do it. If you were one of the people who asked about Sassy, you will understand why she was no longer available.

Sassy will now enjoy romping in the leaves, rolling in the grass and the comfort of her buddy's laps! I love it! How life has changed for you girl! All the best to you and your new family.

Tigger
As much as I would like to roll up my sleeves and really talk at this blog [not because I am interested in saving your face, but those of my blog readers. And, yes, I know you know I'm talking about you because it doesn't matter] I will leave that behind for now.

I need to tell you that I have been "placed in an awful predicament". This predicament placed restrictions on the adoption of my dear Tigger. My poor girl who has been with me for months. She had been adopted, returned and nearly starved herself both times, only to try to adjust herself to homelessness. I have known her since she was a puppy and loved her with all my heart. The restrictions were death, research or adoption out-of-province. Die or go to research? Research would be worse than death!

Again, without getting into details, I have spent days brokenhearted knowing her death lay ahead of me. This dog who did nothing wrong, but found herself as the wrong breed, at the wrong time, in the wrong place.

However, with that third option "out-of-province" it was worth a shot!! I had to rely on my trusted friends at ANML-RESQ and thank GOD I did.

The biggest heartfelt thanks to my friends at ANML-RESQ and all of the dedicated volunteers and the million emails, phone calls and shuffling I know was involved to get my little girl to safety.

Very soon, my girl will be making her way to her new forever home and I can't be happier. [ tears of joy]

Thank you for sparing me the pain, thank you for giving her life and my heart is happy!

UPDATE
Tigger on her way... Congratulations Tigg!

Posted Nov 8/08 

Bottle Drive
Officially it started November 1^st, however, I have been so busy doing Pit stuff, that it didn't make the blog quite yet, so here we go. 

On November 1^st a new fundraising campaign started. This campaign, thought of by a great supporter (thanks Mr. Fudge) is simple, easy and perfect for the holidays. This fundraiser is a bottle drive. 

As the Shelter is big on recycling (pets too), big on collecting, (yes pets too) it seems appropriate. I WANT YOUR EMPTIES! So, following all your festivities from now until the end of January or so, you can drop your bottles off at the Shelter. Then the monies from recycling your empties will go to the surgical room to keep it operating.

Thank you for your support, I know we can count on you to help our fundraising drive!

Dave Carr Live
Did you catch the show?? If not, it was wonderful, Hush was a star, Gloria sure knows her stuff and it was an honour to be there with such great advocates. 

WE had only two callers, both in support of our cause and against the legislation; so our job was a little easier. Dave, who plays the devils advocate, was convinced easily and I am sure this was because Hush did such a good job making friends with him!! It was belly rubs and chin scratches for Hush! The show will air eight times, and I hope many see it.

I have heard from a few people who "learned many things", were "proud to hear someone speaking the truth" and "thought we did a great job of representing good pit bull people". It was all I could have hoped for, although, I do believe Gloria and I could have spoke another hour!!

Please watch the site for clips from the show, I hope to post them soon. The only thing missing was the Hush Puppy swag, but I know for sure next time we will have it.

"Pickles - in for a visit"

Santa will be at
the Port Elgin Pet Valu Friday November 21
from 11am-7pm and
the Owen Sound Pet Valu on Saturday November 22
from 10am-4pm

"Amego (formerly Oscar) - in for a visit"

"Ella - in for a visit"

Hush
Have you seen the Hush puppy stuff on the front page? Did you click to the link and see all the items available to purchase? Silence the Rumours ... Stop the Slaughter.

Please consider these purchases and advertise to stop the slaughter, help put an end to BSL by telling others and by wearing the advertisements your purchases go to helping pits in need!

I planned a TV appearance for Hush to launch the campaign on daytime with my friends, however, he was too political to show, and it was not the right time. However, I have a slot on Dave Carr Live on November 4th at 9pm on Rogers Cable 53. 

Hush, Gloria [his mom] and myself will be live on Rogers Channel 53 - Cable. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, to learn about the BSL Legislation, and the "pit bull ban" and to voice your opinions.

Hope you tune in to hear us have a great discussion while we try to 'Silence the Rumours ... Stop the Slaughter' with the deaf pit bull named Hush.

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