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| Blog
by: Renee Robins, ACO, Owen Sound Animal Shelter |
November 2011 |
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------------------- Recent Posts ------------------- |
Nov
30, 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________ |
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| No
Chasing, Just Walking Scoops Beefcake Update Clocks Turned Back It's Hunting Season Meet Sophie Tattoo #187 Welcome Animal Control 101 Santa is Coming Louis or Lois Two Less 2012 Calendars Look-A-Like Team Santa Run Dog Run! Roaming |
Roaming - The rain turned to snow, and the roads turned to ice. The temp dropped and the people decided to stay inside. I was certain my patrols would be a slow drive, and all for nothing. I was correct on the slow drive, with white knuckles on a few occasions I was often creeping. I was incorrect in thinking there would be no dogs roaming. Note to self: snow blowing does not mean no dogs roaming.
Within minutes these two were spotted running up the road. I watched three cars dodge them. I watched one near clip the Beagle. Slippery roads make it hard to stop, and a dog even less safer on the road when on ice! Luckily, they were gathered, and are now safe and sound warm and dry. Sadly, there were others also running, those who were seeking food from trash who darted when I spoke to them.
They were not so lucky today. Here's hoping that tomorrow, for them, will
be better.
Nov 29,
2011 Run Dog Run! - It sure makes for an unpleasant day to be running through the cold rain and the wind - soaked, muddy and covered in burrs and parts of long grass! I reminded myself how much I love my job. A few moments later with frozen fingers and wet feet I considered this a little more. The owner proceeded to call the dog into the home, after me chasing it home, and locked the door behind it never to return - I was incredibly disappointed.
I took a little solace in knowing at least now this dog was warm and dry. Sadly, though I doubt it will be not much longer than the moment I drove away the will be let out again. With that thought in mind and with the intentions of also warming myself before driving away I sat quite sometime. The only thing worse than chasing a dog in the cold November rain is not catching it, and knowing that it may be returned to the rain when leaving. As we now seek further action, I do hope that just maybe, he is
not out of the storm, and just maybe he will stay in, as bad weather is fast approaching.
The Christmas stockings are out - we have dog and cat treats for Christmas for only $3.00 each - get them while supplies last! Don't forget we have the 2012 calendar also available as Christmas gifts at just $10.00 each. Thank you to
Alex and Shawn from Katrina ~ Nov 28,
2011 Team Santa - Hooray once again to my friends at Pet Valu and to team Santa, for yet another successful Pet Pictures day. A great day of people and their pets doing fun things together, with goodies for all and a moment with Santa for each to tell him how good they have been. It is always heartwarming to see those come from homeless to a home that brings them Santa.
One such dog was Girlie, who likely spent last Christmas searching for shelter, and a bite to eat as a free roaming no home dog. This year she has a home, a warm bed, and has now met Santa!! She has already received the gift of life, the gift of love and the gift of a second chance, I'm sure nothing Santa could bring could compare, but its nice to know she is family enough to be getting something. This also will make my Christmas. It sure made my day. Thank you Di, Teri, Jenny, and TJ, again you have helped make a difference. You have my heartfelt thanks. Thank you to our supporters once again for making our job easier to do.
Nov 25,
2011 Look-A-Like - He crept around in the dark in the middle of the night. He a canine of mid size with pointed ears and bushy tail. He avoided people and any interactions with them. By all accounts they may have been correct in their guess that he was a coyote, however, this boy was way too dark. The description of his dark coat thankfully had us thinking he was rather a dog, thankfully in that we could help.
We did, however, prepare for the off chance it was not a domestic dog, but were relieved to meet him once we managed to cage him. Their fears were still genuine regardless, and any roaming creature should be treated with caution.
This boy although not wild still is rather nervous.
This may be due to his handicap, you see, he does not see the best, as he has only one eye.
This eye appearing surgically removed, not accidentally. This gives me hope in that an owner may care
enough for him to be searching. Despite that, he is no longer feared, and is safe and well.
I think perhaps if he is not reclaimed I may call him ... wait for it ...
'Wile E.'
... yes, like in the Road Runner cartoons :) Wile E.
Coyote!
Nov 24,
2011 2012 Calendars - Just in time for Christmas, the 2012 OSAS calendars are in!! As always each picture brings great joy to my heart to see each pet so loved and displayed by a loving owner. Each month reminds me of a great supporter, and for the first time each offers an interesting pet FYI trivia. Love that!
Our calendar offers a smile, but to us also with a little luck a donation with the purchase. This is so very important in our abilities to operate. Each calendar sold for $10.00 aids in the care of a homeless pet, and you would be surprised how much of a difference $10.00 can be. As we have not yet run out of homeless pets in need, or the quantity of needs, the need to raise funds is still great. Consider a purchase of a calendar, celebrate with us our best friends, and celebrate in that you have made a difference.
Remember, if you are a proud entry in the calendar, you get one for free, please contact me!
Nov 22,
2011 Two Less - Today, I can celebrate two less free roaming dogs. Two young ladies I have affectionately named Patience and Victory who have spent their last night outdoors. No longer will they be two of very many, who competed for food and affection, never vetted and who struggled to live. With winter upon us, I celebrate that they will not fight to stay warm and dry, nor frostbitten and or parish with the cold. They will not be young mothers, and they will not be as many others before them destined to live a short life.
They will now be given the opportunity to be part of a family, and are so very deserving. Although, they are afraid in their new surroundings they are giving and kind. The process for them the smallest struggles compared to what they have already endured.
In the next few weeks I am sure they will bloom into wonderful companions who are
grateful for a second chance. Sadly, they are still two of many and we have lots of work yet to do but I'm confident we can do it. A difference in the lives of two
have already been made.
Nov 18,
2011 Louis or Lois - She called to report her missing cat Louis. Louis had been missing 2 or 3 days. I asked for the location and recorded it. I asked her to describe the cat. He was in her words 'a shorthaired silver tabby, with white feet, a white chest, and longer hairs on the tail, 14 months of age and neutered'. So, I repeated it back to her. Then asked if he had collar or tattoo etc. I told her I would search the cages and files. I also mentioned the brown tabby longhaired neutered male from a block over who was of similar age and questioned if it could be he? She again stated, no he was brown. Then she mentioned the chip! Louis was microchipped! As was this cat! I read allowed the chip # (which was not registered or I would have already found owner) but she did not know it and claimed she would search his records. I waited. Seems it was Lois. Entirely different description. Vets, however, recorded longhair, brown tabby and I should add a different location - but the right cat! This leads me to wonder how often a mix up in description leads this to happen? Good thing I advise people to send pictures and to come to the Shelter! If you are a cat owner, confirm your
cat's breed, age and learn it. In the event you're in a situation in which you need to locate
your cat it sure makes this easier. That and, of course, a good piece of
ID that can be traced.
Nov 17,
2011 Santa is Coming - Santa will be arriving on Saturday, November 26th from 10am-4pm at the Pet Valu in Owen Sound. This is the 4th Annual Pet's Christmas Party so come out with your pet and get their picture taken with Santa. There will also be lots of goodies and treats for your pets.
The cost to have your pet's picture taken with Santa is $20.00. Please book ahead for your photo shoot with Santa. You can call (519) 376-2828 or email for more information. This event is being held at the Pet Valu in Owen Sound, located at 865 10th Street West Unit 4, on the west side of Owen Sound. I will be blessed, once again, with the company of the big guy all day long! I will be taking the opportunity, of course, to tell him how good my homeless friends have been, I will be asking for his magic to help find them homes, and asking for each to have a great
Christmas. This a fundraising event for the Shelter to help keep us operating.
Nov 16,
2011 Animal Control 101 - I am always empathetic to any complainants, as generally in one way or another I have lived with their complaints. I am normally sympathetic to the alleged offender, keeping in mind that persons are not perfect, nor their pets. I tolerate most things (abuse not one of them, and I despise liars) however, upon arriving home to find two stray dogs chasing my horses I was more disconcerted and much less sympathetic. After gathering them, and noting their ID, I decided this might not be too bad. Here's a note people, if your neighbour is your animal control, do us both a favour and hang onto your dogs. Sadly, as the animal control and the neighbour we are placed in a difficult position. You find a stray, you call me, and nobody knows it's you. Me, well, they know it's me. It's not OK to allow your dogs to wander.
It is not safe for people, it is not safe for pets. If your lucky enough to have your pet return safe and sound without causing any harm (and you may just not know there has been) there is a darn good chance your dog will do it again.
Eventually luck runs out. I cross my parts in the hopes I don't see these two again, I also hope nobody else does
either.
Nov 15,
2011 Welcome - Today we welcomed the community of Chippewas of Nawash to the list of areas serviced by the Owen Sound Animal Shelter [OSAS]. The Chippewas joins Owen Sound, Saugeen Shores, Saugeen First Nation, Georgian Bluffs and the Town of Hanover. As this community comes to us in need of our help (with free roaming dogs, packs of wild dogs, and all sorts of problems connected to these things) we anticipate the weeks ahead to be busy and slightly crazy. However, we are eager to make a difference and help those that need us - with two legs as well as with four. We have been successful thus far in "controlling"
other areas and I'm confident in the changes we can offer to the Chippewas of Nawash. It is
after all a step in the right direction to obtain help ... things are already looking better!
Nov 14,
2011 Tattoo #187 - My stray cat pick-up tonight had a tattoo. This is always exciting, and usually ends up disappointing, as we assume a tat means returning home; sadly more often than not it does not. Tattoos are traced less and less often as fewer pets come in with this or any ID. This tattoo, however, had me thinking about things other than its' reclaiming. This cat's tat ended in 187. Tattoo codes are normally numbered by the animal done in the year, marked by a letter code. For example, my JRT named Montel is tattooed with H4E 145 H the year done 4E the clinic, and he was the 145th pet tattooed that year. Anyhow, back to the cat tat - 187 is potentially one of the highest numbers I have traced, in fact, I can't recall any in the 190's. In the last 15 years or so I can't remember anything this high. So, here is my question to you, if you have a pet
tattooed by a veterinarian, please let me know if your ink goes higher
than 190. My thought is that fewer than 200 have been altered by any vet
in any given year. This, of course, entirely speculative, but my theory may be correct. I
think that we have succeeded in doing more than this many this each year -
our totals in three years lead me to believe this. Any thoughts?
Nov 10,
2011 It's Hunting Season - In the event you haven't noticed the neon orange hats and coats, the trucks parked on the back roads, in the fields, and along the ditches you might have missed it. If you have not heard the hounds running, or seen the deer scat Meet Sophie - First picture I took from Facebook, and as I found it appropriate for today, I thought I would share it.
The second picture is the state that Sophie was spotted in, thin, pups hanging off her, under a porch, not her home, hungry and feeding her young. Fortunately, she and they were given time in foster, in which they could fatten and grow, and learn people were OK. With love and TLC, they have become available to move on to new homes.
She was spayed today, ensuring
that her ditch dog days with puppies hanging off her are through. And such a kind soul could not be more deserving.
She does prefer a patient home, as she is still learning there is more to life
than fending to eat and feed babes. However, she has come miles from those days in a very short
time ... I'm certain she prefers it and would love a warm home to call her
own.
Nov 8,
2011 It's Hunting Season - In the event you haven't noticed the neon orange hats and coats, the trucks parked on the back roads, in the fields, and along the ditches you might have missed it. If you have not heard the hounds running, or seen the deer scatter you may have not noticed it's time. It's hunting season. I brace myself for the found hounds and the carcass pick up. I dread the calls of missing dogs which will never be found, and more the calls of dying wildlife spotted. This aside, I worry about the safety and well being of you and your pets. Please be safe. Avoid walks on trails and in fields and forests, especially at dawn and dusk. As always, keep your dog leashed.
Keep livestock and horses close to home. Take note of persons hunting, their
wear abouts and consider they may travel. Dangers increase for people and animals in the days to
come and I'm hoping for the best for all.
Nov 7,
2011 Clocks Turned Back - Raise your hand if Sunday morning your dog woke you before the alarm. Raise it if your cat wanted breakfast an hour early or if your pet was a little out of sorts. Saturday night the clocks "fell back" an hour. Truthfully, I forgot and woke at my normal time and all my four legged friends continued on their regular schedule until today. It was today, however, with the time change I noticed my pets were a little off, at home and those homeless at the Shelter. Animals don't tell time, yet they know what time we get up, what time they eat, what time they play, and what time they sleep - the schedule. They expect us to arrive at a certain time, and notice when we don't. Daylight savings affects all of us, but humans, at least, understand what is responsible for this. If your pet is struggling perhaps consider your schedule
Saturday and split the difference. If you fed at eight (now 7) try for
7:30 for a while? Unless, of course, it's easier to suffer together getting back into routine, in this case use patience, remembering creatures of
habit are still creatures of schedule.
Nov 3,
2011 Beefcake Update - Another great update today comes from my pal "Beefcake", or fondly called "Beef". Another from 2008, another I wondered, and its all great! Two dogs found living in a van, following the arrest of their owner, came to me with the names Temper and Tantrum. Reading into this I'm thinking perhaps maybe not the best home for these boys? With names like that, it was going to be tough placing them, so it was decided (ya that was me) that Meatloaf and Beefcake would be the new names for these hardy boys. We separated the boys, as sadly it was tough placing these 100 pounders in a home together, both with the arrangement that if they pined for the other they would return, but as luck had it, they thrived on the attention of being the one and only.
Beef came with crunchy kisses (yes crunchy exfoliating with dog cookie pieces) and lap climbs and lap squishes, he being one mighty lap dog. He also thrilled with his people, and happy to show it.
Hooray for another happy thought, with that happy ending!
Nov 2,
2011 Scoops - When they are with me I love them like my own. When they go home that love doesn't stop, as they stay forever with me figuratively. I always wonder, and hope for the best, and nothing makes me happier than updates. I love to share, but mostly I love it just for me. Scoops came to the Shelter homeless in 2008. She was named for her shovel face, because sadly she was so emaciated her under bite stuck out hugely. She had delivered puppies the day she arrived, and we expected her and her litter. But, when she arrived alone, we expected the worse, and the worse was right. In a few short hours all her pups had frozen, as her owner could not even bring them in until it was time to transport them. We spent weeks putting weight on her, and making her well. It was extra important to me that a home with love and to cherish her be found.
Following her adoption Scoops came to visit often, (with a new name, but she's always Scoops to me) she in love with her new family, and they with her. Then they stopped coming. :( I always say no news is good news, but I do prefer knowing. Two years later, she came for a visit!! Miss shovel face, so fit, I didn't
could barely notice, or recognize her face. Good thing I never forget their eyes! Seems she has been
traveling, and spent time living off the coast in Newfoundland. She has
also enjoyed many a dip in the ocean, boat rides, and a warm bed each night. She
is a very important part of their family. Hooray! As I hugged her, and kissed her funny lips, I like to think she remembered
me and forgets her horrid past.
Nov 1,
2011 No Chasing, Just Walking - Happy 'day after Halloween' and not yet 'Dia de los Muertos' [day of the dead]!! I am celebrating, because for once only one reported dog lost yesterday, and promptly found by its owners. I'm celebrating as there was not one report of a dog bite or animal mistreatment. No barking dog calls ( as you can imagine on Halloween with people knocking on doors in creepy attire, this is a big one ), and not one person told me that while on their travels they had located a homeless cat. This makes me very happy. I did not spend my Halloween chasing, gathering, or on the phone. But, instead, I spent it trick or treating with my children. The pets we saw were under control, in loving homes, and on their best behaviour. Kudos to all of you who took the extra precautions, and took extra care to ensure your night, their night, and ultimately my night ran smoothly. You deserve treats, for your
outstanding performance? After the month we have had, new total at 32 strays in 31
days ... Blah! It was wonderful to have a night off as those calls never
came.
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2000-2011 © Owen Sound Animal Shelter. All rights reserved. |
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