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

Back to School; 
2009 Calendar Contest; 
Unexpected Guest; 
Zak; 
Sweet Peggy; 
Roxy; 
Don't Shoot The Messenger; 

; 

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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.

Every aspect of all we are will get better tomorrow. Our job gets easier, our job gets better and our Shelter becomes everything I ever wanted it to be!

Many miles have been crossed over the years, and many great changes have been made (new air, new indoor/ outdoor dog area, dog play area, sitting area outside for people, stainless steel cat cages and the best web site in the world. 

However, nothing compares to what is coming tomorrow at 9 am - are you ready?

Ivory Update
Another Monday and another chance to showcase someone needing a home. Today on Rogers Daytime I brought Ivory with me - she sure needs that special place, and perhaps that special person would be watching TV (they would home anyhow, and that would be a start, as she needs someone to be home). 

Dave and Diane loved her, and all those that watched her were as inspired by her as I often am. It truly is awesome to watch her maneuver, and function better than many others do who are not impaired! 

There was a great person watching (Sue), and that person was home - home sitting with her therapy dog who she trained herself (who is going blind - read it twice ... the therapy dog will someday need her own guide dog). 

Sue, the mother of Patience, and I met many years ago, when her search for Patience began. 

Shortly after the show aired, Sue and Patience arrived at my door (not to offer Ivory a home, but offer the next best thing - HELP). Sue has trained many therapy dogs, and sure knows what she is doing. She has patience picking up her pen (did a demo) opening doors for her, and carrying her bags! Sue mentioned her work with blind and deaf dogs and dogs with both senses missing. 

Sue loves Shelties, works with Shelties, and when you follow Shelties, apparently you come across many with impairments (as it is common - who knew?). 

Sue has inspired me, enlightened me and has offered to help anyone with training of Ivory. She uses the senses she has to guide her - smells like vanilla for her bed, and cinnamon for food, and touch - shoulder means lay down, hind means stay. A touch stick helps guide the dog to areas she needs directed to. 

The only thing better, would have been for Sue to offer to take Ivory, but with her own needs (hence the dog she has) she can't. But, the promise to help, makes life better of Ivory, and that is all that matters.

Great Adoptions
I didn't think it was possible. I hoped, I prayed, I crossed my parts, but honestly, I had no idea it was possible. When I agreed to take two boys from Ohio, two big ones, I expected they would be with me a while, and when I met them, thin and cowering in the back of the cage, I knew I had my work cut out for me. One dog is hard, two dogs harder, and two big dogs who rely on each other, nearly impossible. 

We thought of splitting them, and although they were posted together, we were pretty sure Doodle and Dandy would be adopted separate. Doodle so shy, and relying on his brother for bravery, I was dreading that day. We kept them kenneled together, sure they would go faster apart, but not having the heart to separate them. 

Last night a nice couple asked about Doodle. They took him out, were nearly convinced, and although we kept saying, really they should go together, they wanted the night to think on it, and thinking is encouraged! When I checked the messages at 8 am, I almost began to sob. Our dedicated walker had found a home for Bruce - great news, as he was another hard mover, as he was fearful. And not to be outdone, she had also found a place for "the brothers" together. 

I had to quickly call the potential, and thank goodness she understood. These boys had angels on their side (and a great friend named Doreen who went beyond her dog walking duties with this one). 

Thanks to our friend, these boys will now have great new forever homes. We cannot thank you enough, Doreen, for your connections. 

Good luck boys, you have traveled a great distance and accomplished so much together ... go and be well together.

Beep, Beep, Beep
As the final touches go on the surgery room (yay yay yay), and we meet with the Doctor, the Tech, and go over all the lists, and records, and legers again, the excitement is building. We are very eager to start fixing them all, and for the potential decrease in time spent at the Shelter for all of them. 

We have been taking turns starring at the tools, and the wraps, and honestly we stand in amazement at what has been accomplished, with the top of the line equipment - a room that any clinic would be proud of. There is one small problem, and that problem was fixed today. 

Llyle, it seems, shares our excitement and, like the rest of us, want to get in, on and admire, as cats do - the surgery room. Today, a friend stopped by, and we ended those urges. 

Linda from Invisible Fence popped in, and spent some time fitting Llyle with a new collar (his first in over ten years!!) and created a barrier to keep him out of the surgery room. I know it's his house, but he is a contaminant, I can't help it :( But, with patience, and gentle persuasion, and a slight correction (Todd even tried the collar and said 'it was like shock you get when you walk on carpet and touch the door knob'). With a hiss from the old boy and a back up and reroute, we knew it was working. 

Once, today, he tried to walk into the surgery room again and I heard him beeping and with the first beep he was off and running in the opposite direction!! It is awesome to know that one thing we won't be worrying about is Llyle sitting on the patients!

Thank you Linda that was awesome. Sorry Llyle!

Sylvia Moss, owner of six cats and a dog, asked councillors to vote down the bylaw, which would restrict the number of cats to three per home. Council passed a motion to that effect Sept. 8 and were expected to approve the official bylaw Monday. 

Councillors have said too many cats under one roof poses a health risk to the animals and owners and can be disruptive to neighbours.

“This argument that you have put forth publicly does not stand up,” Moss told council. 

She said the city already has a bylaw that bans cats from roaming freely. Furthermore, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is mandated to deal with complaints about animal abuse and neglect, she said.

The existing safeguards make the proposed bylaw unnecessary, she said. 

“Surely there are in place already enough safeguards to deal with situations which you consider to border on being a public nuisance,” Moss wrote in a letter to council.

Coun. David Adair, chairman of the city’s bylaw committee, said Moss provided an adequate argument “to allow for a second sober thought” about the bylaw. He moved a motion to table it pending a review by the bylaw committee. 

The motion passed unanimously. 

The city has no limit on the number of cats per home, but requires a one-time registration fee for each. Dogs are limited to two per house. 

Moss also questioned how the bylaw would be enforced and why no public meeting was held before consideration of the motion.

Coun. Peter Lemon said limiting the number of cats in each household ensures neighbours are not adversely affected by a home overrun by felines.

“To limit cats is our legal right,” he said. “To make sure everyone’s rights are protected is council’s responsibility.”

Sheila Gordon, one of about 15 cat lovers at the meeting, said the bylaw prevents people from taking in strays abandoned by their owners. 

Each of Gordon’s five cats was a stray and she once had up to nine in her home.

“It’s ludicrous to say you can only have three cats,” she said after the meeting.

The proposed bylaw would include a grandfather clause, meaning people who have more than three registered cats will not be forced to get rid of them.

Peggy Update
It is with mixed emotions that I can finally tell you that our Peggy has a home. My girl who needed her leg repaired, then her pneumonia healed and then a hernia (twice) who has been fighting with me so long now ... has a home. She will stay here at the Shelter as a permanent resident - no more cages until her days are done. 

Peggy's belly has blown again. The repair is not holding. We are seeking medical help for her, again. The reality is, she needs constant supervision and likely will never be OK for anyone to take her home. It would kill me to find out she had suffered, had failed or was tossed out onto the street again.

She has now become part of our family and I promised her forever, and I will keep that promise to her as long as she keeps fighting ... we will be here for her.

Not Just Another Fundraiser
It is not very often I can give back to my supporters, this being you, and right now I have the chance. 

Chatters and the Owen Sound Animal Shelter are having a draw to win a Chi and Travel Set - not just any ordinary Chi and Travel Set, but this Chi and Travel Set (.pdf) comes with , hair colour, a cut, and products of all sorts. It is worth $500.00 and I sure hope one of "my people" wins it!!

Here is what you need to do: Take a toonie to Chatters, located in the mall of the Owen Sound Wal-Mart Plaza, say hello to the hairstylist of the week, this week the hairlist to say hi to is "Joy". Talk to her and put your toonie in the jar and fill out the ballot. That's it.

Next week will be another stylist to say hey to. Simple huh? The more you donate, the more chances to win. All items donated by Chatters help us save lives! Can't beat that! 

The draw will be made on Thanksgiving (Oct 13th) and might be a great Christmas gift for someone? OR, treat yourself!! You deserve it!

Please support those that support our Shelter. It will cost you a toonie, but it will get your name into the draw for a chance to win a great gift!

Hear No evil...
Hear no evil, see no evil ... there is no evil? I sure hope not in the case of sweet Ivory. This gorgeous Sheltie was surrendered to me today, after two years in her home, blind and deaf. She sure has some figuring out to do! 

I will be going in many times to check on her, as I worry what the panic may do to her. She knows the floor plan of her prior home, but not the walls of her cage.

She seemed to be resting comfortably when I left, and I am taking solace in that. This girl appears to have been born with a defect in which her eyelids have grown over her eyes. It is uncertain, however, just what is going on, as she has never been to a vet... urgh! I hope to have her examined tomorrow by our vet, Dr. Becker, and hope she may shed some light on things, so we can help Ivory. 

Speaking of light, when I snapped her photo (lots of times - it was very hard to get her to look at a camera) she did recognize the flash of light, so there is some sight! 

A home for her will need to be patient, and ideally someone who will need to be home to watch her for some time (darkness and new surroundings are dangerous). She is sensitive to touch, so older children only (otherwise, that's just mean) and Ivory is good only with cats and dogs that like dogs (same reason). 

My fingers are crossed for her, I hope that perfect place can be found, and fast, as I worry what the confusion may do to her. All thoughts are with you Ivory.

The Right Match
Surrendering a dog is seldom easy. When someone comes in with a pet they will miss and love, it is heartbreaking to watch them say goodbye. The only thing worse perhaps, is having them call, as they miss him, come back for him, take him back home, and then realize the first decision was the right one, and return him. My sympathies the second time around, are for the poor dog who must go through the shock of loosing his home... twice. 

Such was the case with Sam. Sam was left behind in an apartment when his owner moved out without him. The landlord fed him for weeks, and took care of him, and grew fond of him. She would have kept him, but Sam does not like young children (growls at them). After a few days without him in her life, she came back for him, deciding to try it out. She had a four year old child at home. Sam growled. The child became afraid of the dog, and he needed to be kept separate. When left alone, he barked. AND, she lived in an apartment. Thus Sam is back. 

I need to stress that this is a sweet dog in the right home. It always is heartbreaking to repost them... Tigger, Ben, Tasha, as something has failed them. Not that they have failed, just that it was not the right match. 

I pray that a home is found quickly, and his shuffling ends, as this only makes for trouble. I pray that those that watched him leave, and then return now understand it was not his fault, as with the others. The next match will be the right one, fingers crossed.

Red Bellied Toad Syndrome
This is not entirely Shelter related, but I need some tips, and here's hoping this gets me some.

Two weeks ago we adopted a Red Bellied Toad. This little toad purchased for my son, who keeps trying to keep wild frogs, and I keep telling him to send em back. (Frogs are at risk, please don't keep them, they need to reproduce!) 

I find this frog and I ask a million questions, and surprisingly had to pass a screening process to adopt him. This actually makes me tear, as they loved the frog! So they tell me he eats crickets, and the reality is I am worried about feeding him, so I ask them to feed him before I commit. 

I watch him eat, it is OK, so little Suzie comes home (yes, he is a boy toad named Suzie). A day passes, and it comes time to feed him, I open the little cricket box, and they become excited to see me and my heart breaks. "I am sorry little crickets ... pass well ... God Bless you". Yes, I blessed them as it was heartbreaking. 

So, I choose to purchase a few dozen, thinking I am less likely to make friends with them when there are so many. The next day, all but one had passed. Did you know crickets would eat each other? me neither. It happened with the next batch and the next batch. It has been this way ever since. I have tried big cages, little cages, feeding them, and offering them all sorts of goodness. It seems that although I asked all I needed to, and spent an hour learning about the frog, I needed to learn about his food!!

There is only one thing worse than feeding him crickets, and that is letting them die for nothing! Anyone anywhere have any ideas on how to keep crickets? It is now 9 dozen in about 2½ weeks. Oh my! AND, anyone considering a new exotic pet, please make sure you learn how to keep the food not just how to feed it, unlike me :(

I do know that crickets have no skeleton and can crush each other and need an egg carton. I know what they eat and what they need, but I am stumped as to how to get them to live longer than a couple of days.

Kitten Thrown from Moving Vehicle
As I type this it is 1:49 pm. I have just had a visit from a concerned citizen who found a 12 week old female shorthaired kitten. The finder not only found this little girl, but witnessed her being thrown from a truck. It slowed slightly, and tossed her out the window. 

This truck was early 90's, two-tone Blue, Dodge Ram standard cab. They threw her out in the area of 12th Street East in the 100 block, on the corner. This poor thing luckily has survived her fall, without any injuries, which is double lucky, as this girl has a birth defect, and has a leg which does not work quite right. 

This leg is, however, an identifying feature. Anyone who has ever seen her would remember that her leg and paw meet together, and she has a toe where her knee joint should be. She hobbles on three legs with a bit of a skip, and slinks when she walks slowly. She is under careful observation for the next little while, while we make sure there are no more surprises. 

Thankfully she is tolerating us well, and is OK with all of her new stresses. Please keep this vehicle in mind and ask anyone who may have had such a strange kitten. 

I hate to make the assumption, but perhaps a barn cat who had kittens and one could not stay that way? maybe? In the hopes of getting this information out as early as I can, I have done this blog so early - if there are changes of course I will send them. Wish us all luck!

DNA Testing
I need to let you in on a little secret. Sometimes for fun, the Shelter, play a game. We have the "how old is it" game, and the "what sex is it game" and my favorite is "what the heck is it" game. 

When an animal comes in as a stray we place our guesses, and wait to see what the owner says [when they arrive], to see who wins. We have no prizes, just bragging rights, and I like to think I am often the winner. I have guessed ages by weeks. I have guessed breeds of all sorts, and OK the sex game, that's just too easy to win. I have had a lifetime of playing the "what is it game", and I think I have it down pat. 

This game is so important, all joking aside, I need to know what kind of dog I have, to help you know what you're getting when you adopt. A Lab/Terrier is very different from a Lab/Collie, which is different from a Lab/Shepherd. 

As of today, this changes. No more guessing, now you can know. Today, the DNA kits came in. Kits which will be available at the Shelter for $10.00/each. 

You swab your dog's gums, follow the directions and send it in to the company and 'wham' you have the answer you may have always wanted to know. No more "Heinz 57" now they will have a title (there is a charge of $57.00 dollars for this part). Along with the breed identification you will get a certificate, and your dogs DNA code on paper (hey you might need it for identification in case he goes missing? You never know.). Included are free gifts like magazine subscriptions (new introductory offer worth $27.00) AND here is the best part you will also get a list of breed characteristics so you will know now what you're getting. 

I cant wait to see how accurate I really am! Let the games begin! And hey, if you adopted from me, and do the test, let me know how who won!

Lost and Found
Today, I adopted out the sweetest little Bichon Frise which had been picked up as a stray on Sunday.

This little one had a tattoo which was traced to no one, and sat with me for all these days with no phone calls. I was confused as she seemed well loved, was clipped, and well mannered. It was hard to believe someone would throw her out, or not want to know what had become of her. 

Her nice new caring owner asked "What happens if an owner comes for her now" and I assured her it has only happened once before, and we would contact her and let her know. 

It was a good thing she asked, as she went to the store to buy her some great things and while she was gone the original owner claimed her. 

I was broken hearted, after no calls all this time, I would have banged down the door!! However, she assured me she was new to the area and did not know who to call. I felt confused having some mixed emotions and handed the dog back to her. The dog was so darn thrilled to see her, full body wiggle, jumping and I am sure smiling too. That made it better. 

I promised to find the adopter a great replacement and gosh I have big shoes to fill. Here's hoping I can make her happy again and with me too.

Read Catherine's Story about her dog Sadie-Jean...>

Thank you Caius Dobson [Turkey's brother] for setting up a booth at your garage sale and raising $20.00 for the Shelter!

CONGRATULATIONS TO Lorie Lee Young 
for winning the Summer Fun Package

MunJue
Today, on the 7th floor of St. Francis Place in Owen Sound, sat the strangest looking carrying cage ever, tied with wire, and cracked and repaired, and well - quite unique. 

Inside was a longhaired male cat, black in colour, of course not neutered and with no ID. Written on the cage was the word MunJue. Anyone have any idea what that means? I Goggled it and found it to mean a bunch of jumble and, of course, no names in the phone book similar to that. 

I am at a loss. In this cage, no water or food, but a sprinkle of catnip instead. Weird. No one in the building knows this fella or knows the cage, here's hoping someone else does! I have no idea if he is lost or tossed and sure would like to know. 

In the meantime "Munjue" waits with me for something. either his reclaiming or his neuter and adoption. I suspect the second however... so sad!

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

City moves to limit number of cats per household
Residents who already have more than three cats can keep them under new bylaw
Posted By DENIS LANGLOIS SUN TIMES STAFF
Posted 14 hours ago (The Owen Sound Sun Times)

No fur was flying as Owen Sound council agreed to limit the number of cats per household to three.

The city's current cat bylaw sets no limit, although Owen Sound residents cannot have more than two dogs per home. The motion to limit the number of cats passed unanimously at a city council meeting Monday. A bylaw to formally approve the motion is to come forward at the Sept. 22 meeting.

The new bylaw will include a grandfather clause, meaning people who already have more than three registered cats will not be forced to get rid of them.

Coun. Peter Lemon, who moved a motion to examine the cat bylaw, said there is no need for an excessive number of animals in one home. He said it is potentially unhealthy for the animals and owners.

"I feel if we have a limit on dogs, it's only fair to have a limit on cats," he said after Monday's council meeting.

Glen Henry, the city's director of corporate services, said the cat bylaw will be enforced mostly on a complaint basis, similar to most city bylaws.

Residents can report excessive animal populations to the city. The owner will then receive a letter from the bylaw department asking them to comply with the legislation. Further action will be taken if necessary.

The current cat bylaw requires owners to pay a one-time registration fee. Cats are also not allowed to roam freely.

Roxy
Roxy, the Beagle is back. I never thought I would say it, but I am so happy to have her back in my care. 

Last week we received a call about a stray dog picked up in Meaford, and her chip traced her to Windsor. Windsor of course advised them that she had been sent to me, and they called me. 

Although her owners info was given (yes, I know who you are) they failed to come for her and I knew her time was nearly up. It was killing me to know she was at another facility, one that was not a no-kill and today with the help from a friend she was adopted and brought back to me.

Once again, Roxy is looking for a new home (and man, I am so tempted to post that person's name but I won't) but I will not be adopting to them ever again! Twice now she has come so close to being put to sleep or worse, and twice we have saved her. 

Here's hoping this fantastic little beagle, who perhaps sometimes runs away, finds a forever home - one who would not loose her and who would care where she ends up. 

I am thankful she had that ID or else we would never know that she needed us and will do her right this time - I promise little girl. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Lorie Lee Young 
for winning the Summer Fun Package

Sweet Peggy
Another day, another trip to the vet, and another big vet bill. This time for hernia repairs to my Sweet Peggy - under the knife again today for her second time now. 

I have decided she is my million dollar kitty. First we battled a leg infection, then an upper respiratory, then a hernia repair, and then another - and then another. I am thankful she is behind my doors and not at another shelter, so she can be blessed with life as she is so deserving. I look forward to the day she is safe forever. 

Another repair was a friend Foster, this boy who was never posted, as he came in, and went out on an urgent foster situation. Foster was an eight week old Siamese, with a HUGE hernia in his belly. This boy already stressed out, ran a big risk of illness (which he later got anyway, but was treated) and a huge risk of never leaving. Afraid I would watch him die, I put the word out, and Teri (his new mom) stepped up to the plate. This lucky kitty, who you will see entered in the photo contest, has been kept well until today, where he could have his repair and his neuter. He has the best of homes now, and I am only praying for a speedy recovery. 

For Foster, the hard part is nearly over ... please donate to help save others like them, it is the only way we can do it. Two different kitties given a second chance, because of donors like you ... THANK GOD. Although we will have our surgical room, we still need supplies and when you enter the 2009 Calendar Contest, or vote on those cuties in the contest, you are helping us to help all those animals. 

These two thank you and I thank you. Good luck and speedy healing my friends. Come on Peg let's make this our last mile together!

Zak
When he was surrendered and I heard the tale of yet another dog rehomed so many times at such a young age, I was so sad. Zak, the handsome Weimeriner, so busy like my girl, I feared as I did with her, his potential to be rehomed more and more. 

Being homeless more than in a home already I knew I would do my best to find something better for him. Three potentials came and went, and I was really beginning to get discouraged. Last night something different and wonderful happened. I got a Facebook message (hey, you can adopt dogs out on Facebook too - when done by a professional!). This one from a shelter friend (Turkey's mom as I know her) someone who already researched and knew the breed. 

We spoke for some time about all of my girls funny quirks, and all the breed traits, and needed to be sure she was prepared for those possibilities too. When she told me she would be committed to him for life, and would laugh at those things, I cried. It was a match that was perfect and the tears came. 

Today, I watched him go to his forever home and there were tears again, this time cause he licked my eyeball - weird and ewww. It was the sweetest eye lick ever and I took it as a thank you. A weird thank you, from a silly sort of dog and it was heartwarming. 

Good luck my friend, enjoy your forever, and please don't be too hard on her! 

Unexpected Guest
Today, we used the surgical room, and definitely not for something I expected. 

On Tuesday we acquired three tiny kittens, less than two weeks old, with no mother. Our hearts were broken as we were certain although we would feed them, and give them all our efforts, there was really little chance that these three would make it.

I tried one mom without kittens, and full of milk, and she nearly killed them. So bottles it was. 

One kitten had an obvious wound on his forehead and other than the feeding, and pooping business it needed cleaned and tended to.

Are you sitting down? Today, while cleaning it, something inside moved, and upon further discovery (thank you surgical light) a living thing was noticed inside. At this point I stepped out of the room (oh my !!) and Todd pulled out all the fancy new tools! With a careful hand and a giant pair of tweezers he removed the biggest maggot of all time! This larvae was easily the size of a penny. 

See that? The kitten's head was maybe the size of a Looney? Imagine how that felt? YIKES! This kitten would have died outside with that alien slowly killing him, and if not, the infection sure would have. 

Perhaps this is why their mom left them? Following this removal, their day was better ... and on a chance I tried another momma and she fed them. HOORAY!

A long way to go still, but I sure feel better about them. AND I think I might call him Helmet?

2009 Calendar Contest
The photo contest is underway and we are getting some great pictures in. Be sure you get your vote in too, I sure don't want to have to choose the winner this year! 

One person, a great Shelter supporter, sent me many great pictures, a few of them were of her cat in a cage. Although I didn't think they were calendar appropriate, they were impressive. Impressive because they show a happy and content cat, one I know quite well, enjoying the outdoors, relaxing in the sun. Impressive more in that this kitty was kept safe, secure, and controlled. She was in her kennel. 

I knew I loved what this picture stood for and needed to use it for something, so here it goes. Responsible pet owners keep an eye on their pets, keep them happy, and keep them safe. Nyla (the kitty) is a lucky girl to get to enjoy the world outside, kept secure from things that my harm her. 

Way to go Nyla's mom, you deserve credit, and for that comes this blog and to those of you just not so sure how to keep your cat confined, perhaps use this as an example.

Another method of keeping them safe, and keeping them away from my door. Congrats to you both!

Back to School
Today, went back to school, we went back to our jobs, and life goes back to normal. For the Shelter this means schedule changes, a slower adoption period and more calls to surrender animals; unfortunately.

Today, there was two calls about dogs to surrender, as with life going back to normal, it seems for some this life is without a dog. 

I anticipate in the next few weeks the calls will continue, and these will be with dogs who have developed behaviours as they are confused, and finding themselves less exercised, less stimulated, and less entertained. In the hope of preventing some dog surrenders, this is a blog with tips. 

If you have just acquired a dog over the summer months, and have just spent the entire summer doing family things, dog stuff and including your pup in your life, and now your schedule has changed - prepare for the adjustment period.

Our pups don't understand and just know that life has changed. Sometimes this means they bark more, or dig holes, and sometimes it means they pee on the floor or chew the house down. I love crates and would recommend you use one, and if you have not used one so far ... this needs to be gradual. Dogs need their place, and this could be the laundry room, or the dog room, or even the kennel, but they need to slowly work up to it. Practice going in and out. This helps them relax about you leaving. I recommend back to school dog toys, and treats, which the dog receives before you leave; this keeps them busy, and excited about you leaving. 

Kongs are a wonderful new toy you can fill with new things each day. Hide bones in the house, he will find them, and that too is something to do. 

When you arrive home, make sure that dog is getting stimulated, walked, brushed and spoiled. You have to make up for lost time. However, give that pup a chance to settle before letting it free, or your first minutes together will be negative. They are only what we make them, and an under-socialized, under-excercised dog becomes well agitated. Pets are for life, through every season, and every life change. You need to help them adjust to make it easier on both of you, and can be done with patience, and understanding.

I have a couple of links to share that may put you and your family on the right path:

1. www.loveyourdog.com/school.html, and
2. www.barkbusters.com/page.cfm/ID/8/iNewsID/687

If you need help, just let me know at 519-372-1123 or at osas@bmts.com.

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