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

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Success Stories:
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.

Lucky Lady
I knew I was going to have a good day when on my drive to work this morning I saw a magnificent sight. None other than Miss Lady standing in the morning fog, with the pink sky behind her. I  rolled down the window and slowed to blow her  kisses. I know she sent me luck.

The day that followed was great, except for the fact that Buddy was not in love with Jim Burchard at the Mix and growled at him. Sorry Jim! It must have been that hat ... other than that, the day went off perfectly.

Shortly after 1:00 pm a nice couple came to adopt an older declawed cat, and Zoe sold herself to them. A real task for Zoe as she normally is a bit antisocial at first. Way to go girl, you found yourself a nice home. Then Chloe the bunny found herself a country home - with a rabbit lover.

By 2:00 pm Tucker's family came to take him home. ' Happy dance' - jump up and down! Hurray we did it! I was ecstatic to see him go, although I will certainly miss him. I know they will continue to volunteer here and I will get those great updates.

The time flew by and the success continued with Bubbles finding himself a 100 acre farm (with no other pets too!) Yippee! Then sweet Murmel was adopted.

One young pup in, who likely will go tomorrow. Watch the site for Lilly - a Rottweiler mix pup, five months old, housetrained, and good with other dogs and older children. 

Thanks Lady for sending your luck my way.

Tucker
Tucker came to the Shelter so many months ago I almost stopped counting - 8 or 9?

He was a bouncy fella, full of life and energy and at first glance appeared so excited to meet us that he wiggled when he walked. He was placed in his cage and a new side of Tucker emerged, a fella who no longer wagged his tail when we approached, but instead barked and threatened. This is often typical of the guarding breeds, particularly shepherds who also circle. Tucker had been released to us by a young man, who apparently had a change in lifestyle and had no time for this big dog and could no longer keep him.

It took a few days for Tucker to allow us into his cage, although never hurting anyone or ever trying, he was just scary - only Todd would walk and feed him. Once I got him out and about, and he would ran and move, it became quite apparent that Tucker's wiggle was more than excitement. After some persuasion of Tucker's vet, we had Tucker's health records faxed to us. Although the gory details were not mentioned it became very obvious this poor dog had been in some life threatening situations. 

At four months of age Tucker's back was broken and had injured many of the muscles and tendons which ran from his back to his hind end. This 'accident' went without treatment and when Tucker arrived here at one year old he was clearly experiencing hip dysplasia, arthritis and degenerative disk problems. Although not in pain, it hurt him to assume a sitting position or to turn quickly.

The future was very grim for Tucker, and it broke our hearts every day as we heard people say "that aggressive dog should not be here", or "that dog needs to be put to sleep". Tucker was so giving and loving and so keen on pleasing all of us that it just about destroyed us to know he may never find a forever home. Tucker did not present himself well as he snarled and lunged as people passed by. To top it off, he was messed up for life, which would only get worse further down the road.

Here is where the story gets good...

You remember Lady, the elderly dog (who had been here forever too), well she had a potential home lined up, and then I adopted her out to someone else, someone who really wanted her - a busy lady with lots of love.

Anyhow, that busy lady and I discussed Tucker's situation, and it was agreed that she would adopt Tucker, but he had to be neutered. Todd and I had discussed this many times, but there had always been a chance that his circulation problems or the anaesthetic could kill him if he went under the knife. I now weighed the possibility of this great dog staying at the Shelter indefinitely or giving Tucker the chance he deserved... I made the appointment.

As Tucker's operation date approached and came closer I had my doubts. The big day came ... and boy, oh boy did I spend those few days, when Tucker was gone, agonizing over my decision. And... I am pleased to say that Tucker finally came back today - healthy and in great condition. 

His stay at the Shelter will be very brief, as he will be going to his forever home on Friday.

Bling
Must have been a Monday (by all indications), as the day started with a dog chase at 7:00 am and ended with one at 9:00 pm. How do you spell Argggg? The later one was wearing shiny bling, a.k.a. City licence. I left a message for the owner letting them know this gal is here. 

As for the other one, a Dalmatian who arrived on the weekend (who may or may not have been a stray: "I found this dog ")... I cannot stress enough how much easier it is on me, the dog, and the owner of the dog that they wear some form of ID. 

You can never anticipate when or if your dog will get out, get lost, slip away or chase the squirrel for miles. They may even want to go visit the neighbour! They are dogs and dogs do dog things - if this means go on an adventure, at least we can return them faster if we are the one's who finally catch-up with them. I cannot stress enough about having your dog microchiped, Tattooed or use nametags plus the City licence. All of these are methods will get them home. 

They don't want to spend the night with us, any more than you want them to, or than we want them to. 

In case your dog has injured itself on it's great adventure, it is imperative that we can contact you ASAP. Everyone benefits from ID.

Selling Cars
How odd it was to bring a kitten into a car dealership and stand with her beside shiny, sporty cars and I'm covered in dog and cat hair. To make it stranger, the entire radio station crew were there too. We were live on location at Grey Motors for Midnight Madness. It was very different and a lot of fun.

I brought Toad with me but she was not permitted to run around... (could you imagine?). She enjoyed the attention all the same and the show was a success.

Toad had been at my house for a sleep over the night before which made it so easy to get to the location in the morning for the show. 

Calls for Toad started coming in and I hope she will be adopted by Saturday night.

StockBoy
Finally, finally - Myles found himself a home today and not just any home; one that any cat would be jealous of. 

Myles, appropriately named came to the Shelter having miles to go before he could be well. From a multi-cat and multi-dog home, he loved all of his friends, but one of those friends did not love him as much. It was suspected that a cat and dog fight caused it, but whatever the case, Myles' face was very badly torn open. He was at great risk of infection killing him, and a very real chance of loosing his eye.

Daily antibiotics, face scrubs, eye ointments, and scab picking for weeks followed. Special food, special care and special trips to town were all necessary to keep him on the mend. All that remains of his terrible story is a slight scar above his eye, and some hair loss where the scar is. His eye functions one hundred percent, his personality has not suffered and perhaps has improved; we think he is grateful to be alive. He is very forgiving of the whole ordeal and even now spends time with other dogs and cats.

PetValu agreed to take Myles and showcase him at the store. Which, in the 10 ten days since it started, resulted in the adoption of Bailey and many phone calls regarding others at the Shelter.

The customers love the cats, and the cats are loving the attention. Myles is now being allowed to wander through all those treats, toys, beds and fun stuff. He made himself right at home! Turned out to be a good thing he did, as this now will be his new home! 

I know it was his cleaning up (stockboy skills?) that helped him to stay. I saw it with my own two eyes or I would never have believed it myself. He actually put his toys away, in the appropriate spot, when he was done with them! He picks them up and carries them in his mouth and puts them in the right section. Guess he has himself a home, and a new job!

Just Ducky...
Yesterday's blog was all about the "dumped dogs".

Well, the dawning of another day and people stepping forward and reclaiming their animals ... turns out the Husky at Harrison Park apparently slips away from home and the Park is a place she frequents. As it turns out, she was in the duck pen and up to no good. It is uncertain who it was ("the caller") retrieved her, tied her in the pen and then reported her there. In future I would prefer that they not tie her to choke and just use better judgment at restraining her and just hang onto her !! BUT I am sure the ducks/geese etc., were thrilled to be alive, and for that it makes them a hero? Glad to see the Husky returned home, and very glad it was a home worth returning to!

Leon, one of the Fab Four, was adopted today - as well as a kitten not yet on the site (oops ... sorry). 

Too bad the other "dumped dog" remains here! No calls yet - this kind of affirms the 'dropped' theory. Looks like he will be here a while. 

...Mice will Play?
When the cats away the mice will play ... how does that go? How about when Renee leaves town things go nutty? 

Following the radio show, cleaning and feeding of the animals at the Shelter, I decided to leave the Country (lol) just for the day. 

Levi had done an excellent job of behaving himself, and a few calls had already come in for him by 11:00 am, so it was happy thoughts on my mind as I left. Apparently, it was a very successful weekend finding much needed homes, however, it was crazy busy ... sorry Todd ( ha ha ha) and a few disappointments which ruined it for everyone. 

Good news first, Lola, the Siamese mix kitten, and Bailey (thanks to PetValu) were adopted and a few dogs were reclaimed that had come in and not only Levi found himself a new home, but also Kozmo and Lisa. Too bad Hunter came back for bugging the cats - that was the start of the bad news. 

A call came in mid- day Friday about a small dog running near the Shelter ... there was talk about this dog being dumped. Todd chased this poor pooch all day and on into the middle of the night. With the help of some nice people Todd finally got him inside (although Todd was bitten in the process). Shame on the people who left this elderly, thin, very matted and very unhappy pooch to fend for himself. Watch for his picture, maybe you can help me find these meanies. 

Then, when a call came in Sunday night it was, of course, my turn to go. The damper was placed on my weekend to find a Husky tied to the fence at Harrison park. The dog was attached to the fence with a piece of wire strung to a choke chain around her neck - that is exactly what this poor girl was doing; choking. She also had a front leg limp and will be under careful observation for the remainder of the week. 

Too bad for the dropped dogs, glad they were found. The weekend otherwise would have been a great one.

Just a Feeling
No matter how much someone does their homework, no matter how much research you do to match the right pet with your household (which you should do), if the emotional attachment is not there it really is not meant to be. 

Often, people come to the Shelter to look for "something" and "they will know it when they see it" and base a good portion of the adoption decision on what just looks right. In most cases this is based on past pets, or their similarities or just based on what looks or feels right to the ol' heart. This is where the on-line pics often help. 

Three great adoptions today, and two of them were the result of the " I just know he is the one" theory. Ralphy lucked out when he resembled a past pet - it brought back all of those warm cozy feelings and it was decided ( he too also very loving and giving) he would do just fine. Roswell, also the reminder of a great one that had passed, had been watched on the site for weeks and then the decision was made to wait no more. Our third adoption was our little JRT/Chihuahua. Based on nothing more than my gut feelings ... and my gut sometimes "just knows" too. I recommended her to a terrific friend of the Shelter, one who volunteers, and offers her time to us. Having spent time with both of these ladies, I was sure it was the right connection. My instinct told me so ( it only took a day for my friend's gut to agree !).

Unfortunate
A real stray cat (not just somebody's cat who is left to wander the streets) arrives at the Shelter and is covered in parasites, has worms - is thin and hungry. I usually receive frostbitten cats missing body parts. I am also stunned when a person carries in a clean cat, wrapped in their arms, smelling of perfumes, cigarette smoke, or like last nights supper and they say that the cat is a stray. The disbelief is even greater when the cat is not hungry, and then has "issues" like litter box troubles (would that be the reason you threw it away?) or some other tale of impropriety on the cat's part no less.

Today a real stray came through the doors and this poor sweet girl was the yuckiest kitty I had seen in a long while. Parasites?? This gal had flea's, ticks, mites, worms AND lice. Oh ya ... makes me itch just thinking about her.

I spent some time searching for a product to eliminate all of these things (simple is good) and spent the next hour with kitty - her in the tub and the two of us getting a bath.

The next hour consisted of tick pulling, combing and very gentle removal of the things that were once attached. (I stopped counting after 30 ticks ... and those were just the ones found on her face, neck and ears). 

Fortunately, she must have been once owned and loved as she took it all with little struggle, and seemed to appreciate our efforts.

She began a debug program today, antibiotics, and a regular feeding schedule. A reminder that there are street cats out there ... and it was a pleasure to help her through this. Although I am still itching! She will be up for adoption shortly.

PetValu and OSAS
Great news today from Pet Valu. I have been working with PetValu on a new idea and have been waiting for the green light (so to speak).

As of today, PetValu has agreed to showcase 2 cats from the Shelter. These 2 cats will be at the store so prospective adopters can see and meet them. All the cat information will be available with each cat so adopters can find out everything.

The cats will be on location at the PetValu on the West Side of Owen Sound in the Sunset Centre.

Not only will two of my cats be on display, but there the cats will get to meet and greet a new crowd of people. They will have a new window to look out and access to all those great treats :)

Alfie and Casey
The web site once again, today was responsible for terrific adoptions. I love that I have regular site viewers who have specific ideas as to what they are looking for, and patiently wait for. Way to go you guys!

I was contacted last week near the end of the week, by the nicest person, who had apparently  been searching all summer for an Aussi/Border Collie and noticed Tracker on my web site. We chatted via email about his history, my expectations, where he needed to go, and what obstacles Tracker needed to overcome. Today, that wonderful person, met him, spent time with him and took him home. It was love at first site for both of them and in no time at all Tracker warmed up to the kindness he was given. I was reminded why I do this job. 

Another great success came just on the heels of this one. A great family came in and one person said "I saw on your web site ... you have a bunch of black cats" ... "I have been thinking about Casey and Alfie for a long time". You know this makes my day! They thought that both Casey and Alfie would be perfect for them. Happy Dance Time!!!

Two great cats going together ... two less (black) cats that need adoption. What a great family and the cutest kid too ! I'm looking forward to those updates and I know I will get them, as these are site watchers :)

The Fab Four
Did I make it obvious that we had too many cats today? And that so many were black? I was going for that. With all four black cats (all adults) coming with me to the station I was hoping to draw some attention to them. I do think it was effective, as the comments in the station at least seemed to be "wow that's a lot of black cats". Exactly what I was going for. The boys behaved perfectly, and showed they have all unique personalities. Meezer who climbed the counter to look out the window; Puff a little more reserved who opted to sit in the cage and peek out; Myles who was content to just sit and clean himself; while Leon worked the room. Leon LOVED it!! 

Sooo, you know Leon had to go to Rogers. I did notice that bringing four cats on-air was complicated, as this meant three carriers and three trips to and from the vehicle (although Jamie helped ... "thanks Jamie!"). This meant more cats to catch at the end, so I decided one was good enough for TV. It really is hard to look professional when you are chasing cats. Leon loved Rogers too. 

Here's hoping he sold himself, as he certainly was proving how durable he could be.

Work, Work ... Work
What patience ... I spend all my spare time watching video surveillance footage. Ever watch Las Vegas and see the great surveillance equipment those people have. Well, mine is not as sophisticated but you sure have to do a lot of starring at the screen. I have a far greater understanding of the stress those people are under. I find it is a constant battle because of fatigue and boredom - you dare not look away in case you miss something important.

So, what I have discovered today was that either those two cat were dumped by aliens in the middle of the night (bright lights with no explanation) or the spider which blocked the camera lens is in cahoots ( as the cats were dumped at precisely the same time that darn spider was blocking the view). Coincidence?

Since I know the spider would be on my side in this issue, I can only hope that with due diligence I will get my man/woman. 

I will not give up this case, for the cat's sake.

Hectic ... Crazy
Can you say crazy mixed up day? Thought the back to school thing would organize my day, but apparently it doesn't start till tomorrow.

As expected there was a dog release in, typical for the "back to school" thing and luckily he was quickly adopted. Then a stray cat in, and even more luckily reclaimed ... lucky boy ! Also, two stray dogs ( one reclaimed) and hooray, two cat adoptions and one of them was Lexi. So, although it was a good day so far - I was in for a rude awakening...

Someone took it upon themselves to toss two cats over the dog run fence. I am thankful that they were not injured in the fall and were protected by the high fence from the outdoors, but I was shocked to find the cats in the dog run - just short of putting the dogs out there.

You know who you are and I am very upset that you feel you had no alternative than to place those cats in the dog run. That you somehow felt that it was important for you to do this when no one was looking and no thought for the safety of the cats. Nor, did you think about the 16 other people waiting patiently to bring in their cats, or that your cats were not worth enough to be adopted with a name they are familiar with. Or more importantly, what those cats are going through now that they are in quarantine.

So, now I'm going to grab a coffee and sit down with my surveillance  tapes to catch  the  criminal(s) in the act.

I can assure you, that when I have finished my video viewing, I will know who you are and will be having this little chat with you in person ...

Steve was a warrior for wildlife protection, education and conservation. You can see more about his work and what he has given to the children of the world on his website, Animal Planet or in the Youtube.com. Sorry to see you go...

Two Little Puppies
Jamie and I made bets this morning, and Robin too, as to who we thought would go first, the male or the female, the black or the tan, and what time they would go. The consensus was that there would be people at the door by 1:00 and that the pups would be gone by two, and all agreed that the female would be the first to go, as she was the lighter of the two. I will let you guess too.

It was a rush at 1:00, and one person who had heard the show was there to come for a pup, having called at noon, I had expected him, and was pleased to see he was here before the rush.

The remainder of the crowd was lookers, people about some trouble skunks, lookers and a dog release.

Then came some visitors, a friend "baby" getting so big brought her friends some roast beef and bacon for a treat ... it was difficult for me to hand it out without sampling it lol, by now three I was pretty hungry! They loved it! I did my best to give them only a bit, as to avoid problems ... and now there is leftovers for Saturday. They wagged those  tails and wiggled and whined for more. Thanks "baby".

More calls about the last pup, and we waited. And that pup spent the night... the last one though!

Which one did you guess?

I will tell you ... I guessed wrong ... she the most adoptable and was the last to go. Go figure? Just when I though I had it all figured out.

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