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| Blog
by: Renee Robins, ACO, Owen Sound Animal Shelter |
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------------------- Recent Posts ------------------- |
Oct
28,
2010 _____________________________________________________________________________ |
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| Still
Smiling; End of Summer; Rabies Clinic; Even Dozen; Power Workers' Union; Happy Thanksgiving; Thanksgiving Day; Rabies Clinic; Returned; Wonder; Clinic Tomorrow; Great Turnout; Hunting Season; How Much...; Runner; Lost and Found; Rabies Clinic; Grandpa; |
Grandpa - His cloudy eyes, greying muzzle and his old man ways earned him the name Grandpa. This was by no means an insult or a name he was lesser than by having, but rather merely the name I often called him. It was "good morning old man or how are you today Grandpa" and old man a little harder to say. A jack of ten or more years who was tossed and arrived with no name something had to be given that we could call him. Grandpa was what I kept using and so it was the name I offered him. He broke my heart with his arrival reminding me so very much of my Jack at home who is also an elder. (Thoughts of my buddy homeless was devastating) when no owner came and then the waiting each day I was beginning to think Grandpa may retire with me. I smiled with the first email "Grandpa, what an odd name for a dog, but what the heck, tell me about him". As we chatted this potential adoptor and I, I learned he had once had an old Jack too, whom Grandpa reminded him of. Like me he was empathetic to his homelessness at such an age, and he too thought he was worth spending time with. Grandpa
is in his new home tonight and sporting a new name. A name which still makes me smile, as quite close to
Grandpa it will now be "Grey". Good luck old man. Oct
27,
2010 Rabies Clinic - With 2 down and 1 more to go! Two successful rabies clinics planned, prepped for and organized. Two different areas, two very different communities, and both with a need for the doc to be there. Again, animals in need were given a chance at being protected against rabies and again people attended to see it was done. Many outdoor dogs, some hunting dogs and all in contact with other animals, these otherwise would not be vaccinated animals were at risk. We saw 50 animals in comparison to the near 300 in Owen Sound, the day was a great success. As we prep, plan and organize yet again for
the final clinic, I need to remind everyone that this will be the last for 2010.
The final clinic will be held this Friday Oct 29, 2010 at Saugeen First
Nation fire hall from 12-5 pm.
Oct
25,
2010 Lost and Found - It was with tears of joy he came for him, his lost dog from three weeks ago. He was certain that he would never see him again. His best pal, who wandered away to have no word about for weeks had nearly given up hope. He has no idea how close he actually came to loosing him forever.
A stray from another location, who had spent time at a pound, this dog's time was up, and although he was sporting a tattoo, and neutered no one traced it (or noticed it - eek !!). The owner had not known to contact this facility, and therefore they had no reports of this dog missing. It was by chance we had space to take him, and it was by chance that we were the ones who gathered him, we who noticed the tattoo right away, and in no time had located the owner for him. My space was limited, and I was unsure I could take him, but once I spotted him, there was no way I could turn him away. Reality is ... I really never do. BUT, I knew leaving him would likely be a very bad ending for him. It was a happy ending, thank goodness, as there were so many other ways it may not have been.
He is home, and there is one happy man, and one happy dog. This makes me happy too.
I have recommended he promptly go and get his dog tag ... as this is a method I hope his dog control can use to find him??
Oct
22,
2010 Runner - She was found running, and I had a hunch this was not her first time to get away. She was full of beans and clearly a dog with the desire to move, but this was not the indicator. For the first time in my dog catcher history I had gathered a dog with not one invisible fence collar but rather had two. Yes, 2 do not escape collars. Puzzling, as I was not sure any dog would require 2, but more complicated was the thought that somehow she had still gotten away. Although they had tried to contain her, they had forgotten to ID her, and I had no way to return them to her. I was instantly concerned and thought that perhaps they would not come for her. This is sadly common that sometimes owners grow frustrated with the dog that runs away, decide they are not worth the reclaiming fee and allow them to go. Sadly, the dog must face being homeless, would be looking to find her way home or worse finding her a home after telling them she may run away. It
was all for nothing, thankfully, as they were searching, and came promptly
to gain her. I was thrilled to see
her go home, but more thrilled to learn the invisible fence collar
mystery. She runs with one, stays home with two ... phew. However, today
she went for a car ride, and while parked decided to leap out the window ... yikes!!
Luckily, this guy was thrilled just to get her home, and we discussed
tethering her in her own doggy seat belt for travel. He was still smiling
as "his dog now had papers" and is willing to do what he has to
keep her safe and sound. I offered him my contact info and I still have a
hunch he may need it. Hope I'm wrong! Oct
20,
2010 How Much... - How much is that doggie in the window? [Sing it with me] The one with the waggily tail? How much is that doggie in the window? I do wish that doggie's for sale! Today, I did a presentation at Lee Manor for the Day Away Program. The program theme was Occupations and today I chatted with twenty or so people about the job I do. I explained the many duties, roles and tasks and battles I often face. We chatted politics and press, we discussed life and death decisions and all the good we have done and goals we have for the future. Together we took a virtual tour of the Shelter via my laptop and we shared stories of those that had come through my doors and those that had been in their lives. It was to be a brief chat which grew into an hour and a half presentation.
In the end there were applause, many thanks and then my favourite part ... They stood
and sang "How much is that doggie in the window"
A favourite to me as a child, go figure, I could even sing with them. This a
favoruite for them I am sure as this earned me an invite to stay for dinner!
Unfortunately, I had to get back to the Shelter. Oct
19,
2010 Hunting Season - Hunting season has started. I am not a hunter but yet I know, guess how? Sunday two beagles missing, Monday four hounds missing, Monday eve one hound found. These all reported to me in such a short time. Each hunting dog lost I am tempted to ask "is it not easier while training to hunt if you teach them to come back?" Had this been done with my new friend Holly I would have had some more sleep Sunday night and so would the doc.
She and I spent three hours pulling quills from the worst face of quills I have ever seen. This dog it appeared had grabbed a porcupine on its adventure and had managed to fill its mouth with it.
She dehydrated, hungry, weak and in pain needed them to go immediately and it was well after 1130 pm when we quit.
I am very thankful there was an owner seeking her return who came for her Monday.
I do hope I don't see her again. Oct
18,
2010 Great Turnout - If there were any doubts as to whether a rabies clinic was needed, wanted, or any questions as to whether the public would attend, they promptly vanished.
The clinic, held at the Shelter was to run from 10 am to 3 pm. When I arrived at the shelter at 8:30 am and was greeted by a full parking lot of persons waiting their turn those doubts were gone.
As the line continued to grow and crept out of the parking lot, and in no time down the road I knew there was a need. People continued, non-stop, until we ended at 3 pm - I was amazed at the turnout. People were turned away until we closed at 5 pm.
I am pleased to say that over 265 pets were protected against rabies. I am also pleased to say that nearly 200 people were in attendance. Each gave thanks and offered words of support. When you are thanked so many times in a day you sure begin to feel appreciated. Kudos to the doc once again for a job well done. Kudos for once again going beyond to make a difference. Thank you to my staff and to the great workers for assistance it sure was needed!
We will be doing it again
on October 26th in Cape Croker and October 29th in Saugeen First Nation. Oct
15,
2010 Clinic Tomorrow - With the preparations done, the press and advertising there is little on our end to do. Each radio announcement (thank you Bayshore Broadcasting as always) brought goose bumps as I heard them. With all the legalities, and formalities done it is time to let it happen. Hoping for a great
success tomorrow, and for the energy to keep up with everyone. Saving the world sure takes a lot of work but we
will do it one at a time. Oct
14,
2010 Wonder - I have called him Wonder. Wonder, initially as it was "...I wonder what is wrong with him, I wonder if he will get reclaimed, I wonder if he manages OK and I wonder if he will ever find a home". Wonder, a two year, found as a stray, who appears to be a JRT/Beagle mix, also appears to be entirely blind. Appropriately, named it turns out, as he is also much like Stevie Wonder, and also very wonderful !!
As we again met the "what do we do with it" decision, we have again chosen to find this boy a loving and caring home. Once again, I will rely on all of you to help find this boy a great home. Others who have come before him (Ivory and Dakota) have had limited or no vision, and these girls have found the best of homes. It is possible! As he stares off into the distance seeing nothing, he seems content and comfortable, as he knows nothing else. He responds to kind words and has learned to walk on a leash, and maneuver his way around his kennel. He is also housetrained. He will be a wonderful addition to any home, if the chance is given. I would love to see him in a home with other dogs, (pardon the pun) as he may use them to guide him. I would love also like to see him in a home where someone with patience may train him (again that sight pun). More than anything else I want for him to be loved, to be well, to be watched (there's that pun again) and to be offered all the best the world can offer him. He functions entirely using his ears, and his nose, and his courage has been an inspiration. He is not phased by the unfamiliar here and his trust is not affected. There are no signs of aggression or fear, only pure joy, and all the love to give. So,
put the word out that we have a very lovely boy who needs a home ...and a
chance.
Oct
13,
2010 Returned - Spud never made the adoption page with his cool double feet [polydactal] - I was briefly disappointed. He was available today and was to be posted but zip he was gone. The disappointment was nothing in comparison to the happiness to see him go. Good bye good buddy. Then, imagine my surprise when two hours later he was returned! I was disappointed he had returned. Such a short time away it hardly seemed right. I learned the reason Spud was returned. It seems Spud, with his big feet, and his fast fish catching skills caught and ate the family goldfish. Oops ... sorry goldfish :( Then, hours later came the return of Red [thankfully there were two adoptions today or I would have been having a bad day] I made the error of asking Todd "...what did he do eat the goldfish?" Turned out it was the family guinea pig. Yikes ... sorry guinea pig :( I
would like to take this opportunity to reminder everyone considering to
adopt a new pet, to please consider the others in your home and do your
part to keep them all safe. They should always be introduced slowly so
everyone learns to be with everyone. And, please keep the little pocket
pets safe too! Oct
12,
2010 Rabies Clinic - If you cannot make the Rabies Clinic on the 16th at the Owen Sound Animal Shelter from 10-3, there will be another Clinic. The next Rabies Clinic is being held at Saugeen First Nations, October 29th from Noon to 5 pm at the Firehall located on Hwy. 21. This Clinic is not being limited to Saugeen First Nations. Anyone unnable to attend the Owen Sound Clinic may find this date more convenient. This clinic to be held in accordance with CVO guidelines, and with the permission of such. This clinic to be held by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies vaccines will be at a cost of $25.00 per pet, or $20.00 per pet when you bring in three or more to be vaccinated. Cash only will be accepted as form of payment. This clinic will only be vaccinating for rabies. This will not include a check up, nor other important vaccines or parasite control. Please see your veterinarian for these important things. Animals
will NOT be vaccinated if they are under age, expecting, immune
compromised or not of good health. Only those animals in good health will receive
a vaccination.
Oct 8,
2010 Thanksgiving Day - It's hard to be thankful in a room filled with homeless animals, waiting for a second chance. Knowing those surrounding me have been tossed out on the street, mistreated and neglected, or have been given up by families who no longer can keep them. It's hard to be thankful to see each one behind bars and waiting, especially those who have been homeless a long while (Alf and Finn you break my heart). However, giving thanks was what Sunday was all about and the day was spent doing just that. Each cat was given thanksgiving goodies, and with each a warm message of hope, and each dog given turkey flavored bones and a happy thanksgiving message.
While each enjoyed their gift (thank you to the gentleman who donated the dog cookies) and the love we could give there were purrs and tail wags in celebration. The thoughts of the alternatives crossed my mind, being hungry or cold, or being left all alone, and things felt much better. I am thankful that each has a place to go, where they can be given shelter, and goodies and a thanksgiving message. As I wait to be thankful to see each go home, I will be instead
grateful that the alternative to be with us, for each is not so bad. Oct 8,
2010 Happy Thanksgiving
All
the best to you today, and everyday! Oct 7,
2010 Power Workers' Union - The sun was shining on us with another beautiful surgery day. All smiles as another ten were altered, and that which made it better was the great donation that came in to help us keep going! The biggest thank you to the Power Workers' Union for their donation of $3,000.00! This will cover 15 surgery days and therefore over 150-200 surgeries! That is so many lives saved! Thank you to Shari, who I know as Broker's mom and Kiwi's mom (who by the way are both fantastic!).
There
is nothing better than helping to save lives - a big thank you to all the
Power Workers members for the donation. The 5th Annual Calendar Contest is now CLOSED! Please check Renee's Blog for the winners in the contest click here...» Oct 6,
2010 Even Dozen - Seeing her condition, that in the motherly way, my heart was hurting for her. I knew she was going to deliver soon and knew this meant babes behind bars. I knew this would mean high stress emotional turmoil for this poor girl while she struggled to feed and care for her family. Barking dogs, the public, smells, and the public make an animal shelter less than perfect for rearing puppies. We have managed in the past with a whelping box, blankets and an isolated corner, this ok, but not the best. She a sensitive dog already under pressure I decided she was best off in the comfort of a quiet spot in a home, and offered to her a place at my home. White Sox, her name, a mid size Sheltie mix, surely would only have four or five at most, how much trouble could that be?? By 10 am there were four, by noon, five and I was sure all had arrived, but imagine my surprise when by 10 pm there were nine!! At the crack of dawn I was extra rubbing my eyes as I stood dumbfounded, counting, and recounting. This little gal of 40 lbs had delivered an even dozen!!
Clearly, I now have my work cut out for me, and momma with her paws full!! I am
grateful she has less stress and more comfort as a dozen babies is enough stress on their own!! Keep
White Sox and pups in your thoughts, and maybe me too?? Eight weeks till home? Oct 5,
2010 Rabies Clinic - If you cannot make the Rabies Clinic on the 16th at the Owen Sound Animal Shelter from 10-3, there will be another Clinic. The next Rabies Clinic is being held at Cape Crocker First Nations October 26, 2010 from 12-5 at the Rec Centre. This Clinic is not being limited to only the community of Cape Crocker. Anyone unnable to attend the Owen Sound Clinic may find this date more convenient. This clinic to be held in accordance with CVO guidelines, and with the permission of such. This clinic to be held by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies vaccines will be at a cost of $25.00 per pet, or $20.00 per pet when you bring in three or more to be vaccinated. Cash only will be accepted as form of payment. This clinic will only be vaccinating for rabies. This will not include a check up, nor other important vaccines or parasite control. Please see your veterinarian for these important things. Animals
will NOT be vaccinated if they are under age, expecting, immune
compromised or not of good health. Only those animals in good health will receive
a vaccination.
_______________________________________________________________________________________ Oct 4,
2010 End of Summer - I cannot count how many calls have been received this week that went like this "...hello, I live at blah blah, the person who lives at blah blah has gone. They moved out, were evicted, left town, and have left behind their pets, tossed it out, gave it to me to hold ... etc". So many times in the past few days I have repeated "...please call the SPCA, the police, your landlord, etc." I cannot count how many people then said "...it's disgusting how someone can leave their beloved pet behind ... they should be charged ... someone should toss them out". I do agree it's disturbing to know we still live in a society where a pet can be treated like trash and not a member of the family. This, however, is a sad truth I have known for years. This, unfortunately, keeps me employed, but I hope one day my doors will be open but the cages will be empty. At this rate it won't be anytime soon. As
we hang on through the 'end of the month, end of summer or drop your pet
off season', keep us in your thoughts. Keep those in distress in your
thoughts too, in the hopes they may call for help rather than run away! Oct 1,
2010 Still Smiling - By 10:00 am I had been peed on. By noon I had poop on my shirt. The pager sang till 1:00 am and as each small frustration occurred I kept my promise to celebrate the day in honour of the Surgery Room birthday. Thankfully no one swore at me, and I must admit it would have been odd had that happened and I smiled. As words of encouragement and congrats came in via emails and Facebook I was reminded we are doing what is right. The goal to make a difference always
challenging and your support is much appreciated. As we continue to do what we do regardless of
what 'they throw at us' - it's great to smile through it. |
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2000-2010 © Owen Sound Animal Shelter. All rights reserved. |
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