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

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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.

Halloween
It's nearly the worst day for dog catchers. I know, as most Halloween's are filled with pages of notes from frantic owners, dog chasing and/or surprised dog finders. 

Shortly after dark when the doors start opening and closing, people wander off, the strange creatures with their masks start appearing, the dogs start disappearing. The cats get in on it too, but their people tend to take a little longer to notice and not all go looking for them [OK most don't care to look for them]. 

As Halloween is at the end of the month, we already find ourselves plagued with "strays" tossed because people are moving, and with the cold weather approaching the "strays" fed all summer now needing rescue. It really is our least favourite time to have to house them, as there is so many needing help already! 

Halloween is closely followed by firecracker nights, thunderstorms, and long weekends; but definitely number one! 

Please remember your four legged friends when prepping for the special occasion. Keep them confined and wearing ID. I prefer to spend my Halloween trick or treating and not unnecessary dog chasing! 

Keep in mind:

1. Keep the pumpkin and decorator corn away from your pet as it could cause serious digestive problems.

2. No tricks or treats for four-legged critters.

3. Keep the critters away from the candles in your pumpkin.

4. Keep the cords/lights/decorations out of reach.

5. Don't dress up your critters unless they like it ... undue stress can be problematic.

6. Keep your cats inside as there are always mean people around.

Congratulations to Sarah Thomas of Hanover who won the $500.00 Chi Travel Set from Chatters.

Flipper Adopted
Sassy continues to be well ... not good, but well. I sure hoped she would be bouncing around by now, but she is still pretty depressed. Things are looking up, but she is still in my thoughts. Here is a picture of Sassy and the horror that was lodged inside her.

Too much information, maybe, 
but this shouldn't happen to a little dog.

On another note, FLIPPER HAS BEEN ADOPTED!! Flipper, the deformed kitten with three good legs and well, one ... flipper'ish, who was thrown from a vehicle a while ago. 

I knew it would be tough to adopt out a deformed cat, especially a black one! I have spent weeks listening to people tell me they could not live with a cat like that :( 

I appreciate their honesty, but was crushed listening to it. I was thankful that she did not hear those comments, the "oh my" and "what is wrong with that cat" and the "who could love a cat like that". I knew I could not give up on her, as her prior people had, and knew that someone could love her and give her a chance, if I just let her have one! I knew Someone out there would think she was extra special, and would say "oh yes, that girl needs me" ... so we waited. 

Last week she was spayed and made more adoptable. Today, it became all worth while. Today, one of my staff made it official and committed to take her home. There was a great feeling of relief, and of pure happiness as I watched her make her journey to the car to make a travel to her home. I smiled knowing this car ride would sure be better than her last one, and this one would bring her love and care, and not the sidewalk! 

Way to go little Flipper. Best of luck with your forever.

Sassy Update
It has been a day of checking in and updates. 

The moment I opened my eyes this morning I thought... "how is Sassy?" I waited till 9 am to call and learned she had been out to pee; which was very much better than having passed away. 

A few hours later she was still quite pale and not eating and I was still very worried. Thankfully things have progressed as the day wore on and I am pleased to report this girl has eaten a little (OK a wiener) has had a few pee's and is wagging her bum when you talk to her! I am so very pleased. 

I knew she was in the best of hands!! Honestly, I worry as she was not in my hands, but if there were no better hands to trust with her than our very our Doc! 

Sassy is still not out of the woods just yet, but I think we can all sleep better knowing things are looking up for this little one.

Sassy
Three came to me from a "farm" in which fourteen had lived in the barn. Breeds of small size, they were as farm animals, breeding and living in a big pile. One of these three is my dear friend Sassy, so shy and yet trusting, who offers everyone her belly and is the only one who was treated somewhat as a dog should. I assume this as she is the only one I can leash and take for walks. 

The remaining two, a Shih/Poo male, and his offspring a Shih/Poo Jack are still quite unsure of the world as likely their only interaction with it was the day they came to me tied in the back of a pick up truck with bail twine, and standing in their feces. 

The way in which they were carried in like livestock was perhaps the way they had always been carried (by the scruff and ears). Slowly but surely they are coming, and will now eat while I am near them, but there are miles yet to go before they can go home. Keep them in your thoughts!

Sassy however, everyone's sweetheart has a whole other sort of problems, social but failing. I was told "she had an accident and cannot have puppies" and we were just not sure what that meant. Her spay was set for last week, as she was a little under the weather and we wanted to wait. 

Today, it became urgent and it became apparent her reason for not having more puppies was because of her insides rotting. 

As I type this it is 9:30 pm, the team is with her, and she is in surgery having everything removed. We hope that she will not become septic. Please pray for Sassy.

UPDATE
It is now 10:30pm and I have just checked in with Dr. Becker ... here is the update. 

"Sassy was one sick pooch. Her insides were so rotten, full of cysts, she was dying ... she had hours (guess is six hours) to live. There is, inside, what appears to be mummified puppies."

She is being sewn up, and will go home with Dr. Becker for the night. Sassy has a tough fight ahead of her, as the next few hours will be touch and go. The chance the infection will kill her is very high.

"Doc - in for a visit"

Jack
Today, Jack opened his eyes !!! Jack, the name I have given to my "trick in the box" found at home, ten days ago. Eyes open on day ten, which means, I was bang on with my age guess. 

Today, he peeked out at me and his "mom", he rubbed against my cheek, and I stared into those eyes, and nearly cried!! Jack has seen the light of day, and has lived long enough to know love, and see loving faces, and know his mom. I am thrilled. 

He still has so much to accomplish, and so many miles to go, but has surpassed my expectations. 

Jack shares this blog with my friend Hush, my deaf pit bull friend who is going to help change the world. It is my hope that he helps others open there eyes too!! 

Today, we hung posters, and gave out facts, and will be doing promos from now on. With National Pit Bull Awareness Day October 25th, it seemed fitting. Today is the official launch date for the 'Silencing the Rumours' campaign.

See who the winners of the 2009 Calendar Contest are ...>
Drum roll please ... AND THE WINNER IS...>

"Turtle - in for a visit"

[My Editorial response] to article entitled “Animal shelter opens operating room”, dated October 20, 2008 – Owen Sound Sun Times

Editor:

On October 1, 2008 the Owen Sound Animal Shelter experienced an incredible event. After years of fundraising, researching, and hard work it all paid off with the opening of the Spay/Neuter and Surgical Room.

The Surgical Room is filled with state-of-the-art equipment, no corners have been cut and no monies have been spared in this top-of-the-line Room. As well, the Surgical Room has been accepted by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (Canada) CVO. 

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, on staff, Dr. Becker, D.V.M., and Registered Veterinary Technician Nicole Currie, R.V.T., make a great team, and the Shelter assistants and staff are incredible. 

Following our official start, there have been a total of 21 homeless animals successfully altered. These animals, not owned and seeking a second chance for weeks and even months, were altered with the hope of finding them a forever home. As the Owen Sound Animal Shelter is a no-kill facility, it is essential that the homeless animals become adopted quickly so other animals can come into the Shelter. Faster adoptions reduce the animal’s distress, increases their chances of success in their new homes and creates a space for another animal to come to the Shelter.

When these surgeries are performed, in-house, it has proven to be both cost-effective and time saving. In four weeks, it has already increased the Shelter’s adoptions and helped to ease the waiting list of people trying to bring in animals. 

The Owen Sound Animal Shelter would like to take this opportunity to thank all of its’ supporters. Only with your continued support can we “operate” to the best of our abilities. Your donations have helped us save many lives and will be used, now, to help save thousands in the years to come. We are pleased with the service provided and honoured to serve such a giving community.

Renee Robins A.C.O.
Shelter Manger/Operations Supervisor
Owen Sound Animal Shelter
www.bmts.com/~osas/
osas@bmts.com
519-372-1123

"Goober/Dozer - in for a visit"
Goober/ Dozer, adopted a year ago, came for a visit today, and he is soooo wonderful. He has learned manners, and matured, and sat here on his best behaviour. His daddy says "I wouldn't part with this dog for a million dollars."

This cartoon is misleading to the max. To clarify, I would like to state that the surgical room is to help fix cats and dogs that are homeless and need help finding forever homes. It is to reduce the overpopulation problem, but more so to help place the animals from the Shelter!

The lady with the cats seemed annoyed as I sent her away (and, yes, she too is now on my list waiting to surrender those cats, as are so many others now that the weather is turning colder). But, she will not be releasing them to me and returning for them! And, quite frankly, she was not the only one annoyed with the article and the cartoon. 

I'm hoping this clears up any/all communication troubles the Shelter has had in the last couple of days with The Owen Sound Sun Times.

And, I know you want to hear how surgery day went... It went absolutely great. Blondie is doing just fine and so are the others. We also had a couple of adoptions - those cute 12 week old Lab/Collie/Shep/Rottweiler mix and Thunder - great adoptions and a great surgery day.

The Owen Sound Sun Times article Animal shelter opens operating room, dated October 21, 2008 and The Owen Sound Sun Times cartoon, by Robert (Bob) Menzies,  dated October 22, 2008 are misleading ... The Shelter information regarding the Surgical Room is not appropriate wording. The Cartoon by Robert (Bob) Menzies states that the Shelter will spay/neuter family pets. The Shelter will ONLY spay/neuter SHELTER ANIMALS at this time. If the Shelter changes this policy, we will issue a public statement via the Mix 106. Dated October 22, 2008

For more information ...>

Blondie
Tomorrow is Blondie's big day. Not the biggest day for her, as she is not yet going home, but likely the second biggest day for her as she will be spayed! One step closer to that big day! 

Everyone has watched her on the site now a long time and wondered what the plan was. Her aggression with animals part of the dilemma in placing her, and her desire to redirect it a bigger one. Blondie when in "get it mode" will not break it, and will challenge those that ask her to. Difficult huh? Although not entirely unadoptable, time has proven it to be difficult to find the right match.

Fortunately for all dogs, once the first few weeks of hell passes, the Shelter becomes home, or as close to it as we can be. She does enjoy her time here, thankfully, and is all OK with it (glad she is), but I sure wish we could find her a forever home.

We have recently started medicating her, to reduce her anxieties, and after watching the HUGE improvement in Ben with his alter (as we know it can do) the combined spay and medicating will prove to be the inspiration for turning her into that adoptable pet.

Keep Blondie in your thoughts as she makes her transition into fixed-dog hood, and for the day after when she as a new gal, starts a search again for her forever home.

A home for her will need to be dog smart, patient, and have no children or pets. If you know someone like this, who may be looking to adopt a pet, please pass her info on.

Animal shelter opens operating room
Posted By DENIS LANGLOIS, SUN TIMES STAFF 
Posted 14 hours ago

A new spay and neuter operating room at the Owen Sound animal shelter should mean less time in the pound for dogs and cats, says the shelter's director. 

Renee Robins, who manages the city-owned facility with her husband Todd, said it is much easier to find homes for fixed pets. [facility - I thought we were a shelter for animals]

"The goal is to have all the animals adopted out, fixed," she said in an interview at the east-side facility. 

The shelter has raised more than $20,000 for the operating room over more than two years. [NOT]

Veterinarian Melissa Becker and technician Nicole Currie will visit the shelter each week to perform the operations, Robins said. [Sorry Nicole you are more than a technician to us]

Having an in-house operating room will save the no-kill facility money, administrative time and transportation costs, she said. 

In the past, unaltered animals were taken to a veterinary clinic in Durham for the operations. The high cost meant the shelter could only finance four or five operations per month, despite welcoming about 30 adult cats over the same period. 

"To do only five, it was just not keeping up," Robins said. 

Up to seven animals can now be fixed at the shelter on the weekly operating days. 

The city's feral cat problem is "getting better slowly," Robins said, but is still "bad." 

Robins said about 400 dogs and 600 cats are adopted out of the shelter each month. [WE WISH!!!!]

"It's never ending with the animals coming in here," she said. 

The operating room features a stainless steel table, large drug cabinet, anesthetic machine, oxygen machine and autoclave. 

The shelter also has both pre-operation and post-op areas for the animals. 

The shelter is still raising money to pay for the operations. It pays for the veterinarian's time as well as drugs and surgical materials. It will cost about $1,000 each month, Robins said. 

The shelter is holding a draw at Chatter's Salon in Owen Sound for $500 worth of hair supplies and a hair makeover. Raffle tickets are $5 each. A name will be drawn on Oct. 31. The shelter is also selling Halloween treat bags for dogs and cats at the facility. [a facility?]

To donate to operation room costs, or for more information, visit www.bmts.com/~osasor e-mail [How is anyone going to find or contact us?]

Discrepancies ... discrepancies - [hanging my head] but we made the front page [yipeee!]! Thanks to all of you who made a difference - even if the [only] paper can't get it just right.

Christopher Yale, student at Sullivan School and teacher Mrs. Thompson have collaborated on the “Nobody Project”. The project is about a little doll that is nobody and develops a personality by each of the children taking it home to help make it a somebody. The little doll does good deeds to become a good somebody.

Christopher, first to take on this project, decided to sell the toys he no longer plays with. He sold them to Kid's Plus in Hanover and received $20.00. This $20.00 he donated to the Owen Sound Animal Shelter for the “Nobody Project”. 

'Nobody' has now become an animal lover.

Christopher will be making a presentation on the “Nobody Project” to his class on October 20, 2008 and will be inviting other children to follow Nobody's lead and donate to the Owen Sound Animal Shelter's cause.

Ben
I spoke to him softly as we prepped him for surgery. I told him he was going to have a very different and challenging day, and I told him he would wake up a little sore, and changed. I promised him a minor alteration was needed to find him a forever home. I promised him that his sacrifice would be worth it, and it sure was! 

Ben went under the knife ten days ago, and he woke a new man ... quite literally. His quite well developed man hood was likely missed a little, but the difference it made was even bigger! Almost over night Ben lost some of his anxiety, he lost his need to pee and smell for pee, and he lost his desire to "do stuff". His attention quickly changed from other things to me, and I was greatly surprised at the instant change of heart and very much pleased. 

Today, it became worthwhile. He will be running tonight with his sister, on his hundred acre farm, with his older children. Life for Ben just got really good. Not getting overly excited just yet, and the next few days will tell. BUT he is going into this home a new man, and it is the best chance he has had so far!

Good luck Benny. I knew we could do it. Kisses my friend!

On a similar note, did anyone else notice that of the 15 surgeries we have done, more than half have gone home? These were our longest in, and now have homes!!

WHO WON????
It has been a great competition, and with such great shots, it is no wonder. 

Today, we tallied the votes and this is the result of the 2009 Calendar Contest for 'Pet's Alive'...

Congratulations to the top 13 winners...

1. Will = 83
2. Bayley = 75
3. Lotta = 65
4. Trip on Boat = 53
5. Scout on Rock = 48 
6. Keegan= 40
7. Lux Diving = 38
8. Molly/Lux/Jonas = 37 
9. Grampa Yappy/Little Toes = 33
10. Riley = 31
11. Tytus = 30
12. Foster = 31
13. Hobbes = 31 
14. Anna = 28
15. Turtle = 28
16. Ol'Roy = 26 
17. Chloe = 25
18. Abagail = 25
19. Nylablue = 24 
20. Toes = 18
21. ButtButt = 18
22. Miss Molly = 15
23. Miss Ringo = 15
24. Guss/Lilly Pad = 11
25. Ivy = 11
26. Koda = 10
27. Lola = 10
28. Meow = 10
29. Geddy = 10
30. Rocky = 8 
31. Tucker = 7
32. Princess Lilly = 4
33. Winston = 4
34. Rusty/Anna = 3
35. Jake = 3
36. Ozzy/Hopi = 2
37. Lookin for a Ride? = 1
38. Kismet = 1
39. Quinte/Rosie = 1
40. Rosie = 1
41. Friends for Life = 1
42. Emma = 1
43. Polly = 1
44. Angus = 1
45. Luc = 1
46. Dixie = 1
47. Froggy/Guiness = 1

It is declared that Will is our winner and will be on the cover of the OSAS 2009 Calendar. The next twelve winners will get a month page in the calendar, and, as I have fallen in love with each and every photo and love to see all of them loved and enjoyed, I have decided that the rest of the entries, who are the honourable mentions, will be in the calendar collage in the calendar too! Whoot Whoot! You're all winners to us at OSAS!

Each pet will receive a free calendar as they are all deserving of bragging rights. Congratulations again, to everyone!

Fix'n Day
It was almost a near perfect day. Five more surgeries, votes coming in for the 2009 Calendar Contest [which closes tonight at midnight], and the best, best, part I convinced a momma to feed that baby! 

Although, I was up last night with it, and have him home again tonight (afraid that momma really does not love it yet) with some careful persuasion, an Elizabethan collar (cone head to keep her from eating it, yikes) a small cage, and chin rubs, he managed to feast most of the day! 

She does not clean him, or cuddle him, that part I can handle, but as long as he is getting in that good mom food, he will see another day. A huge weight has been lifted, although still the odds are slim he makes it out, the odds are much better than "very unlikely" as it was last night. I am trying to forget that neighbour thing and after a day of fixin's it was all OK.

However, it was not perfect. Anyone recognize these bunnies? 

Their person, decided they should be wild bunnies and drove them to the back entrance of Harrison Park and set them free. They did manage to fill the cage with food "just in case". I am sure, however, I don't know how that would have kept them from the fox, or other wild animals that also live in the area or the cold, or the lack of food when it snows?? Sheesh! Two females, small in size, are soon to be looking for a home. This makes six bunnies... yikes!

Jessie
This blog was to be about my Thanksgiving day surprise, one which made me win a bet too. 

I knew she was too big to not be expecting!! Jesse sometime last night had eight babies four boys and four girls. 

Although, we all know there are more than enough dogs in the world, I did smile thinking we had actually saved nine lives when we agreed to take Jessie and not one. 

However, as I sit here with a tiny kitten one day old in my sweater pocket, at home, and just in after ten hours of straight work, with feeding, medicating, walking, cleaning, I am furious. This kitten was waiting for me when I arrived home, in a blanket in a box, and I nearly tossed her out with the trash, thinking the box must have blown to me somehow. Who drops animals at my house? 

I am disappointed that my neighbours would not call me and ask for help, and that they would choose to take advantage of me by dumping this babe with me. It's as if I have been violated here at home. At work it is standard, but in my yard? This poor thing will never make it and there is nothing I would like more than to find its mother, however, the odds of that are now nil. 

Keep her in your thoughts.

Congratulations to the fundraiser winners...
The winner of the Pet Basket is Linda Sugars

 and the winner of the Chatters package is
Barb Fedy.

Thanksgiving
While Thanksgiving involves a lot of merry-making, the holiday involves many hazards for our four-legged friends. 

It would spoil the feeling of thanks, to be in the vet emergency room? Most of the safety hazards for pets revolve around the family feast. Please do not feed your pets bones from the Thanksgiving turkey. The small bones can splinter and leave shards lodged in your pet’s throat, intestines or stomach, potentially causing choking or blockages requiring surgery. If you must treat them, and we all do it, consider offering only small portions (greasy foods will cause upset tummy and bad poo!) and better yet, buy them a treat made specially for pets. Did you know PetValu [email] carries apple crumble for pets and Turkey stew for pets, too!

Watch out for bread, buns and yeasty foods as can turn toxic in your pets belly, the yeast becomes alcohol! Alcohol is never safe for our pets, it can kill them and quickly.

Finally, it’s important to be especially aware of your pets’ needs when you have guests. As guests come and go, your pet could escape from a gate or door left open. Make sure your pets have current identification on them. It sure would make my holiday better if I am not trying to track your pet down, or you. 

Also, guests can be stressful on pets. Create a ‘safe haven’ in a quiet room with food, water, a litterbox if needed, and your pet’s favourite toys and bed. This will give your pet a place to relax when the commotion gets to be overwhelming. Also, remind your guests that your normally friendly dog may not always feel like interacting with crowds of people or children. 

Take a few minutes each day to spend time with your pet and help him feel loved despite all the chaos of the holidays. Most of all, hug your pet and give thanks for them too.

News tonight... which I am afraid I cannot comment on. Please read it carefully. 

City may outlaw feeding animals
Posted By DENIS LANGLOIS SUN TIMES STAFF
Posted 2 days ago

A bylaw is in the works to ban feeding wild animals in Owen Sound. 

The bylaw, if passed, would prohibit people from feeding or making food available to wild animals on either public or private property in the city. 

Wild animals include squirrels, groundhogs, raccoons, deer, geese, seagulls and pigeons. 

Bird feeders would still be allowed, but would have to be placed at least two metres off the ground and be inaccessible to other animals. People would still be able to feed animals at Harrison Park. 

The bylaw committee has approved a draft version of the bylaw, which is now in the hands of the city's lawyer for review. The fine structure has not been set. 

Ivory's Night
It was a wonderful night with Ivory. She is the sweetest most giving dog, an easy keeper, loves to be loved and will make someone the greatest friend.

I was pleased to see she was so good in a home, and her trusting heart made her easy to work with. This makes it easier for me to place her! Although she was a little upset tummy'ish, early this morning. It was nearly a piece of cake. All except that Todd thought it would be a good idea to lay her on the floor beside the bed (she could roll off the bed and it was either that or sleep on the floor with her) and tie a leash to her so if she moved he would know it - she moved ... I woke ... she settled ... I lay awake ... I fell asleep - she moved ... I woke ... she settled ... I lay awake ... and on and on - you get the idea! 

In hindsight, it might have been best to just let her be? Funny I thought I would loose sleep worrying. Seems, I lost some anyhow :) It was a night to remember and a girl I will never forget. I am thankful she has healed up wonderfully. 

On a side note, pics of Blossom are in!! She looks so great too. Check the new pictures below...>

Frankie, Chester (a feral), Princess (a use to be mom), and Jewel (surrogate mom to Hope and Chance) are all now altered, and Ben Ben the fireman (now known as Ben Ben the firefighter - less the man part). Ivory's spay of course the last of the day, and one to be the most challenging, as it seems she is a bleeder. Not the thing to find out exhausted at the end of the day! However, I have a great team, and everything was under control. My sweet friend is home with me for the night for careful monitoring. 

It seemed with her, her bleeding was not even the greatest concern, but as she began to wake, she began to panic, and nothing but holding her settled her. I have held her now for about three hours. Three great hours - what a girl! All's well that ends well and we are sure pooped. 

She will spend the night likely in my arms, and we will both sleep well knowing soon she will be in another persons arms forever. Thanks for making this work ... your donations make this all happen.

Blossom Update
I am so blessed. So blessed with the best of angels, these people who help and support me, and help make a difference.

On Friday night, I spoke with a dear friend, and during the conversation I mentioned my Blossom. I spoke of how I saved her but feared I had saved to her only to watch her die ... and as I talked, my friend grew very excited. It seemed her sister, had a momma, who had babes, who were similar in age and would likely take to her. This angel, drove all the way from KW to meet me early Saturday and pick her up! 

On Saturday night she had this to report:

Good news, Maryjane has accepted Blossom (albeit grudgingly, with baby powder and a few hisses) and nursed her about half an hour ago. She had 5mL at 4 and another 5mL at 8. Doing really well, the other kittens and maryjane have groomed her.

I ended up with my hand in the cage and blossom in my hand almost the whole way home!

We are so happy everything seems to be ok so far.

Then came the message today:

She [Blossom] is doing great today, nursing and receiving extra formula. Tomorrow I am going to the vet to get more baby milk powder. She is latching on great and her eye is much less boogerey today. 

She took her meds crushed into formula. maryjane is grooming her along with the other kittens, although the other kittens are 2x the size of blossom. (I'll take a pic in a few days) everyone just loves her. there is no way she is not staying with me or Amy. we agreed that she HAS to stay with us! 

Their room is so cozy, they have a big beautiful box with warm clean blankies, and blossom is such an escape artist already! she climbs all over the place, and when I peek into the box she always gets up and comes over and mews at me and kisses my lips. 

I was there for 5 hours today, just checking ... fed her 2x (5 mL and 7mL woo hoo!) and maryjane fed her 2x also in that time period.

I can read the love between the lines and that brings tears to my eyes. I loved that little girl too, and could not be happier she is all OK.

Kisses to my Blossom, for me! Thank you Claire and Amy - Yippeee!

Inspections Away
Today, we had an unscheduled visit from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The inspector was here to check on Shelter operations, facilities, care of the animals and money transactions.

For those who don't know, all animal shelters are governed by the Animals for Research Act and it is OMAFRA's job to ensure that all the requirements are met. He inspected our records, cages and questions all methods of care. 

He was impressed by our new air circulation system, the new cat cages and our methods used to quarantine and medicate. He thought the outdoor dog area "looked good", and was pleased that the improvements had been made in the dog area as well.

He pointed out some areas that needed improvement which were to add a screen to the dog window (it is in getting fixed, better put a rush on it!) and some dog cages are in need of paint and looking weathered. I am pleased to report, that the Shelter met all requirements, easily. So, we are operating at 98% efficiency which is always great news (minus the 2% for screen and painting).

We will also be having an inspection for the new Surgical Facility. This inspection will be from the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) to make sure that the new facility is up to standard and runs smoothly. I will let you know how we do on this inspection.

A Blossom in the Mud
Yesterday, in the middle of all of that surgical excitement, a woman entered the building carrying a tiny soul in her hands. A baby kitten about two weeks of age, frozen, covered in mud, and barely breathing. 

I grabbed it from her, got few details, and immediately began warming it. As it gasped for breathe, I noticed its' mouth and nose were full of mud. I am only guessing, but pretty darn sure this kitten had been buried alive. With surgery going on, there were offers to stop and assist, but I needed them to continue, and I knew I had her covered. 

As I was getting the hot water bottle warmed, I decided I would name her Blossom. In a few minutes Blossom's breathing stabilized, and in an hour she was meowing, and in two she was eating. 

I took Blossom home for the night, and I am pleased to report that by noon today she had pooped, and wet many times, and had eaten many meals. 

Dr. Becker has offered to let me get a good nights sleep, and has taken Blossom for a night or two (told ya she went beyond the call of duty too!). 

It was a wonderful experience helping a little life once again, and a wonderful reminder why I don't need any more homeless cats in the world (people can be so cruel). 

Keep Blossom in your thoughts and fingers crossed ... gosh, it would be good to see her find a forever home.

WE DID IT!
Today, was for me, one of the most memorable days of my life. It is right up there with marriage, and child delivery, today was the day we did it. 

Today, we had our cats fixed, on premises, in our new surgical room. With only a few minor bumps to iron out for next time, we are off and in operation!! 

The first was a bit of a panic for me, however, Dr. Becker*, and Nicole our R.v.T. ran the show and I was soon in awe. 

By the time the second cat was underway, I believe euphoria began to set in, knowing soon this cat would go home, the wait was over, and in minutes another would be added to the "soon to move" list. 

We did it! If you are reading this blog, I need to thank you. If you are reading this, you are a supporter, and we could not have done it without you. You have helped me change the world and today was the day it all started. 

Thanks to all of you next Tuesday we do it again! I can't wait to move more to that "go soon" list!! Awesome.

We will have non-stop fundraisers for the monies needed to continue providing our surgeries, for meds, etc., are always required. All your donations are used towards spay/neuter and medical care.

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*Dr. Becker graduated from Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI, in 2002, and has been practicing medicine ever since. She travels from clinic to clinic doing fill in, and has made it her goal to help us make a difference. 

Dr. Becker believes that all animals deserve a loving home, and that by reducing the pet population we can give those, that need a home, a chance at one. She knows she is saving lives by fixing these animals, and we love that about her!!
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