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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Feb '06 Blog

Success Story:
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.

A 'Shy' Day
What a great adoption today, yet another, we are on a roll! My apologies to Bobbie at Mature Dog Adoptions, thanks for your help with Shy, but today she became a princess, and found herself a home.

Today Shy was given a gift by Sandi, a beautiful collar made with sequins and "jewels". While putting it on her, and giving her time to show it off, an older couple arrived. Looking for a mature dog to replace their dog which passed after 15 wonderful years. They got to meet Shy in her comfort area, and with tail waggin this was all they needed. Although still "shy" she quickly warmed to them, must have been the jewels, (confidence booster for all of us) and they could not turn her away. Now "princess" is to be her name, and she gets to keep the bling - lucky girl. Shy will sleep in the comfort of a home tonight!

A Better Day
A better start to today, with a trip to the vets for the big snip and the final step for my friends to ensure they will be leaving soon. This was the focus of the day and makes it all worth while.

Great news came from Mature Dog Adoptions today, they have a foster lined up for Shy. Since she is so very Shy and hates it here (we don't take that personally) we have agreed to let her go. This is what is best for her ( they will get some idea about how this girl is in a home). Right now we know nothing as her prior owner died.

Then little Spirit found her way home which is one less mouth to feed. Looking forward to the cats return tomorrow, so they can be posted on the web site and adopted.

Kittens? Not Again
Would you believe I had four cats in today and two in yesterday. Three of the six are expecting kittens. I was beginning to think kitten season was nearing an end ... apparently it's going to have yet another run. This would be kitten batch #3 this year - I'm not thrilled. Actually took a call from someone who surrendered two batches this year and they want to get on the list to bring in another and this from the same mom! Definitely had a chat with them about how it's not healthy for the cat and explained to them the need to put a stop to this! I asked them to consider their options for the cat spay/surrender, etc. They need to deal with the problem right now.

However, on the plus side - several Shelter cats are going for alterations tomorrow ... phew, the happy thought for the day, keep an eye out - by the weekend there will be a whole new selection of fixed to choose from ... not that there is anything wrong with the ones that are here ... tell all your friends! 

Bear
It is a long story, but today it got the ending we were all praying for. 

So, today I can tell you Bear's story, and we all worried  whether it would ever end. Thankfully, it was a happy ending too! Months and months ago, last winter now, in November of 2005, Bear was surrendered to the Shelter. He was a husky/shep mix, intact and full of beans. He had been living on the second floor of a two bedroom apartment with kids. 

He was a big fella with lots 'a spunk, the landlord said he had to go. When we arrived the next morning at the Shelter there was a surprise in the dog room, as Bear greeted us at the door. Only three dogs thus far, could climb the gates, so we assumed someone didn't shut him up tight, and the doors locked themselves? Day two he met us again, and it became apparent, that he was now dog number four with the ability to climb over the gates. This presented no real stress on Bear, as long as you checked going in and going out. A country home inquired about the dog they met going through the door (surprise?) and we were pleased to see him adopted. A month went by and on one of my monthly visits to our Durham Veterinary (cat fixes) one of the girls at the vet's office asked how was the  space for dogs at the Shelter. When I asked why, she told me there were a few in the back that were on borrowed time as animal control had picked them up. Of course, I had to meet them, and then I saw a familiar face - Bear - I grabbed all the dogs and brought them back to the Shelter. Again, we expected him to escape. What we did not expect was the "altercation" that followed with another dog named Spike, and then another smaller one. So, here we have a dog that can go in and out of the cages and potentially hurt the other dogs. So Bear was locked up in the isolation room, and there he stayed. 

He was taken out for his walks and swimming, etc., but not easily viewed by the public. Anyone who asked for a dog his style we would mention him. However, when you tell prospective adopters that "I have a dog in the isolation room" and would you like to see him, scared them every time. We all knew he was great, other than the training, and getting out thing, we just kept hoping someone would give Bear the break he deserved. 

Today, he got his chance. I was not there to see it, but I heard all about it. Bear's new family knows his entire story,  met him and from what I heard it was love at first sight. THANK GOODNESS! It was the happy ending we had all been praying for. Good luck Bear. I will be waiting for the updates!

Paranoid
Freaked myself out twice today. At 1:00 sharp, Daisy's mom and dad were coming through the door, with crate in hand. This usually is the "as soon as they open the door the dog is coming back" moment. I was not expecting them, and I was so sad to see them, poor Daisy (my day had gone so well with the radio show and Tigger and all).  What a relief when I saw the smile on "mom's face" I love to be wrong about this! Daisy is perfect. She is fitting in well. She is great in the house.. who needs a crate? She loves the other dog, loves the family, and is well trained. She has had a check up, has had her vaccines, and is booked for a spay. Who hoo !! atta girl. 

Then it happened again. This time with my pal Noggin. I was even sadder to see them, (see prior blogs to catch up on Noggin's ins and outs).  BUT wrong again, my pal loves his crate, likes the cat, loves the kids, and is doing lovely. Two small jaunts he took unexpectedly, and one trouble with a toy he did not want to give back... but all in all success. Jasper as he is now called, has obedience classes booked for this week, I am excited about that, looking forward to the next update! 

Then to make my day better the computer was officially on line, and then I got another nice family through who perfected my day when they said "we are here to meet Tigger, we heard the show and think she is just what we need". Yippee... a perfect match once again. She was with us over a month, one show and out she goes. This is why we love the Mix. Looking forward to Tigger's update too.

Hours of Operation
Our business hours are 1-7 Monday to Friday, Saturday 9-5. Our weekday hours were created with the public in mind. We do need mornings to feed, clean, walk, and clean some more. It gives us our mornings to do any early morning calls, return calls from the night before, (cause you do call after 7 pm ... why I donno?). Occasionally I see that there is a need to open in the event of an emergency, when the care of a pet is at stake. However, today this got a bit out of hand. By 11 am we had picked up a stray dog, (this is out of the public control I realize), had two dog reclaimings, a stray cat in, and a dog release. You kept us on our toes that is for sure. 

We were moving right along until 1:00 sharp. Had to have that coffee mid stride, walk and sip.

Technology
Computers, computers, computers!

Such a fabulous tool, which makes my life so much easier, which helps me with so many adoptions each year, which does record keeping, blogging, etc., and when there is a problem - boy ... lol.. 

I really am missing it, and really not enjoying the stress of  not having it. Again, I type from home. It was all about balance today. A stay dog was reclaimed at the beginning  of the day, a stray dog picked up at the end of the day. A cat adoption, a cat surrender, a dog surrender, a dog adoption. Glad to see things are even, which will maybe make it all easier when it comes time to re-enter it all into the system? 

Here's hoping this is the case.

Odie
Had to rush home! Couldn't wait to share! And my computer at the Shelter is not working. Argh! Boy technology is stressful!

First Mr. Odie was adopted last night, to a gentleman whose last dog was a rescued senior (mistreated) shih tzu! So, he knew what lay ahead! AND also - are you ready for this ... LADY was adopted YIPPEE! It was almost to Candice, and almost to a dog walker and almost to a regular web page reader - we were so tired of seeing her at the Shelter, but none of us wanted to see her returned and couldn't commit forever. Today, a nurse (so exactly what Lady needs - lol) with experience in sick dogs - she said I need to take this poor thing home ! Her dog at home is blind and diabetic, and Lady's new owner cried when we spoke about her - Yippee! Way to go old girl, I can't wait for the update. I will truly miss you...

The Shelter is also experiencing technical difficulties and I have been down for the last few days. So, anyone trying to contact me, please use the old fashioned way 519-372-1123 or please be patient as I check emails only once a day. 

Socialization
All things heal with time... the swelling has gone down, just one bump left, and the black eyes have just about disappeared. Apparently, I heal well. Phew.

Today I met a new friend Harley. A black shepherd four month old, mixed with a bit of lab. He had been living in an apartment, with other pets and a pile of kids. WOW that is a lot of work! He was released to me around 1:00 pm, and he really was not enjoying it.

Fortunately, he was still offering to be friendly and looking for company, cause you know I had people on my list ! And he was quickly adopted by 3:00 pm.

It pays to socialize your puppies! So many reasons why. I spent the rest of my day trying to make friends with another four month old, watch for him, but he is defiantly not ready for change yet.

He still cowers, and drools. I hope this passes soon. However he was released for being nervous... so, this may never totally pass.

Anyone looking for a scared border collie and heeler mix? TLC and time required for this one. Too bad in and out was so much better!

Decker
Normally, I take Saturday off and Todd does it without me. This gives me a chance to catch up on housework, laundry, etc. You know, non-Shelter things.

Today we had some unexpected company... for the whole weekend... so, I offered to go to work. All that camp laundry was stressing me out! However, this idea - in the long run - didn't turn out to be such a good idea.

You know you are bound to have a bad day when by 9:30 am you have already picked up two dead raccoons and a very stinky dead skunk off the road (you wondered who did that job, well that too is OSAS). Anyhow, my least favourite job by far is scraping up the deceased, especially when the deceased is a skunk, who defiantly is going to leave his mark on the truck and on you for the remainder of the day! I did say my goodbye's to them and wished them well in their after life.

By noon the day was obviously going to continue to be a bummer, as the only people in the Shelter were notably crabby. We all worked our way through this, though in the hopes things would get better. In an attempt to keep ourselves and our dog friends sane the dogs were each given play time. 

First Odie practiced his manners and his tricks. Then Decker's turn - a puppy in serious need of settling - an obvious choice. I had wondered why her name was Decker ( odd name for a female). And today after a few sit, shake and down's I found out why, because on the third down, I went down, Decker came up.. and both Decker and myself collided which in fact broke my nose.

For the next two hours I sat, compress to my face, swallowing mouthfuls of blood, head between my knee's trying to get the bleeding to stop. Poor Sandi, who was working with me spent the entire time unsure of what she should do, help me or the Shelter - lol. What a face ache that caused and my head thumped for the rest of the day. My eyes ached and black and blue was starting to be my colours as time went on.

Decker will be a dog I will never forget - she "decked me ... and broke my nose!"

I do not hold this against Decker though, she still is a fabulous dog... just needs to work on that down!

A valuable lesson today, and a great reminder too. I learned NOT to stick my face down when the dog might jump back up (silly thing to do !) and a reminder that just when you think you are having a bad day, quit complaining it can always get worst!

Bald is Beautiful
A bald dog does not get the same reaction at the Mix as one with hair, lol. No one touches, and they just say "oh he's different" I enjoyed it, and it was great for a laugh to see their faces. Poor Odie - I made up for it though and not only petting him, but letting him ride on my lap to Tim Horton's afterward! It's hard to make a sale when you don't look your best - BUT I know the right person will love him. His hair will grow back - I swear! He behaved perfectly and I was impressed with his maturity and his willingness to please. I know this will be what really helps him find his new home. A few calls, no takers just yet, but his day will come.

I was glad to chat with Christine at the Mix, about Bear from last week's show. He impressed everyone so much, that he was adopted fast. Missed seeing him go and was looking for a great update. This she gave me - other than the chicken he almost ate, he is in the good books, adjusting well and is becoming part of the family already. This really started the day off on the right foot for me.

At 1:00 pm a familiar face. Daisy and family spent over an hour with me chatting about what to expect, training and vet bills. You know I love that! Daisy is settled in well and the rest will be easy. I was pleased to say she has found herself a nice home.  My fingers are crossed for you Daisy - I hope this works out (it is uncertain when I have little history on a dog, i.e., training, habits and behaviours ...).

Boxer found himself a country home, fingers are crossed for him too. All in all a good day! Now for Odie...

Smarter Than Jack
So the story continues... my dear friend Noggin (you may remember from the Noggin dog blog), was the dear soul who was beaten with a shovel, healed up and given TLC for weeks. He was then adopted to a great family, who had him altered, cleaned up and gave him hours of fun.

I was inspired by this dog, as I often am by my friends who have been through something life changing ... and then survive. Noggin taught me to forgive, forget and to go on and have fun. I am reminded that even if life deals you a bad card, the next hand might be better?

Anyway, I wrote his story down, thinking about a pet that was an inspiration, as you know they all are, just as in Noggin's case. Well, doesn't Elaine enter it in the Smarter Than Jack contest for the upcoming book series expected to hit shelves in December 2006 and guess what ... I actually won!

It turns out his story will be heard after all. That day I was feeling pretty pleased with how it all panned out and then wasn't Noggin returned. It really put a damper on my happy ending.

He has gone out once more, and since been returned. Today, I think we start the next chapter, and hopefully the conclusion as well. He was adopted out and will spend the weekend at Summerfolk and then church on Sunday ... lucky fella. I know he will be counting those blessings! He will then start his advanced training, with an experienced dog handler in the home!

Here's hoping a 'happily ever after' will be on my 
happy tails real soon.

Returning
Ahhhh, relaxed and stress free!

So thrilled to see the Shelter was in top shape when I returned. All of that cleaning and preparation paid off! It sparkled! I took a look around to see how everyone was doing and found that we were not full to the roof and everything was well. Way to go girls! Well done! The best part of going away, was knowing things were OK back home! I knew I could relax!

I was a bit bummed to see some of my "friends" still here, I really had hoped a few of the long timers would have been adopted, but I guess then I would miss seeing them off.

I was tired today, kind of dragging and secretly wishing I had stayed away one more day... until a great adoption happened! Lexi and Sasha who are two sisters over seven years old and hard to split up - actually went together! It was great to see that I was not the only one who hated to split them up and it was this kind of home they needed. People who would take them and love both of them! Whoo hoo! 

Perhaps, it is great to be home! I did miss that!

Society for Animals in Distress
One last stop to make today, before heading home. 

Last year we went away to an out of touch area and found a local rescue to get our fix of the Shelter while away (after a few days I swear I go through withdrawal - lol). I also like to see what everyone else is doing, what they have that we don't have, and to chat about ideas and brainstorm on fundraising.

I was given a tour last year, of SAD, the Society for Animals in Distress, located in Elliot Lake. My guide was Carol who sat in the cat area when I met her, and I still imagine her sitting there, surrounded by cats, brushing them, and chatting with them. We spoke for quite some time and I learned that SAD was in need of finances and was not doing as well as it could. They too are a 'no kill' facility for Elliott Lake and were finding it hard to keep running. I offered my help and resources to both Carol and SAD.

Carol and I remained in touch via email for months as I got Elaine involved with doing a new web site for Carol and SAD. For the next year, I offered support and fundraising idea's while keeping up with Carol and SAD. Carol entered my photo contest, and I was thrilled with the picture she entered. (In fact, Carol won!) Sadly, Carol passed away in May.

I made a point to visit SAD again, this time for the lady who welcomed me last year and who now watches over SAD in spirit. As it was a long drive, I brought with me what I could filling every space in the vehicle with camping gear, toys for the drive and managed to cram in bins of treats and food. And, Carol's prize from coming in first in the photo contest. 

Best of all, I connected with another new friend, a friend of Carol's named Kathleen. Again I have offered my help and resources. I think this would make Carol very happy.

Vacation
So, you missed me... here is what I have been up to:

Todd and Kylan with the Canoe

Aislyn, the lake and me

Bear watching!


No fears no fish were injured, 
all were kissed and set free!


And taking in a lot of this:

Ahhhh! Kept checking in between fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, bear watching, swimming and rock climbing. All went well at home... that really helped in relieving stress. Way to go girls!

Contest
The picture contest has finally closed and all the submissions were great. 

I have an emotional attachment to my "friends" I have known personally, and there are feelings that come from many of the pictures based on prior things that have happened in life. So, trying to be fair, I decided to treat them all as strangers. Then I needed to come up with a theme. It is hard to compare a wacky dog picture to a beautiful scene with a swan. So, in my head I titled it, calendar pictures, which ultimately is what we were going for. 

I choose my top twelve, then Todd choose his top twelve. Some were the same, then we had to do the top three. However, we needed more opinions on the remaining ones (apparently Todd and I do not think entirely alike). 

We are still working on the runners' up and we will hopefully have it done by tomorrow.

"Congratulations to Carol (picture below) who was from Elliott Lake, SAD. Her picture really stood out and was a winner hands down". 

 

I am still wondering how she got 
those two to sit so still.

"I know you're smiling in heaven Carol, and I will do my best to ensure your prize is put to good use". 

I will keep you all up-to-date on this in a future blog.

Cleaning
As planned, on schedule and totally on track - today we cleaned the carpets, painted those floors yesterday as expected, so today was the carpet area. My daughter helped me feed the cats, fill the cat food bin all the while my son kept us amused by wearing the dog sweaters on his head, much like a toque (check out his picture)... 

He also thought he would write notes for all the cats and stick them in the cages! Whatever keeps him busy while the carpet machine is going! We started out early so we could still spend the day doing holiday events, and check on things later to make sure the carpets and paint were drying OK. 

I'm so excited to know it will smell and look better. You know that carpet is actually blue! lol

Mom
The weirdest thing happened. A busy day today with a stray dog in, then reclaimed, and many people through. Even the house rabbit was adopted.

We decided today would be a great day to do some painting, as it would have a few days to dry. We skipped out early to do some family things, and returned later at night, with plans to clean the carpet on Sunday, and more painting. Good thing we went back to town, you know that pager went off! Long weekend thing, should have known.

But, this time it was exciting. I noticed that confinement cat from yesterday was milking up a lot, and this meant babies were young. I was so worried, but my hands were tied. I was wishing and hoping, and crossing my fingers, and sending happy thoughts. That page meant someone heard my prayers... those tiny newborn kittens were found in a field nearby, by someone walking through, what are the odds of that happening? These black and white babes, who matched their moms colour, were a good possibility to belong to her. So we rushed to gather them, and were nervous introducing them. What if they were not a match, then what would we do?

We held our breath when we put'em together, and jumped for joy to see her clean them, speak to them, and then nurse them. FABULOUS ENDING and defiantly a life saving moment for those babes!

Babes
A long long day, but a better Mix day, don't you think? Actually, let the Mix know if you like the show! Let's keep it going! Bob and Diana and the New Morning Zoo sounded great. Clearly, they both were enjoying the kittens running in and around the studio, under foot and through the wires. Lots of great energy and made the morning wake up much easier. This is a good thing as a long day was ahead.

Today something happened to me now for the second time this month, which never happens. My entire life, well as long as I have known the dog breeds, I have always played a game of name that breed ... see a dog on the street and quickly guess what the breed is. When Todd and I were first going out this became something we really enjoyed doing. Proved to be very beneficial for my life's work!

Two weeks ago, a late evening call to pick up a stray dog, (confused me) - a bald large dog who appeared to have had hair, who was thin and dehydrated, who resembled a golden retriever? Had me baffled. The dog went down on file as a "golden retriever". We later discovered that I was correct in my assumption, and that a bald, flea bitten, golden, who is emaciated and dehydrated, looks nothing like a true golden. Today this poor dog found a new home ... Yippee! Although not much fatter, but in much better shape and less bald. This following two weeks of fighting with his "people". I'm not going to call that a home!

Today as my bald friend was leaving, it happened again. In comes this tiny little thingy in a man's arm and I found myself doing it again (what the heck is that)? Poorly shaved, scarred, cut, and really really itchy. Turned out this little gal was originally a Pomeranian. A few short minutes with this girl and I discovered that she was crawling with parasites ... ewww itchy itchy me. She went right into the tub. At least in her state of no hair, the bath was way easier. 

She was then given a nail trim, her ears cleaned, and in less than half an hour was feeling way way better. She then lucked out after her time at the spa resulted in a home right away. A couple had come in when the little dog had and the couple was intrigued with the little dog and wondered what she was. The little dog was great to handle and could go home with them.

A 9:30 call and I was just getting home, put a damper on the day... I was already so tired... as a cat was picked up at Wendy's... a stray, and someone thought they should catch her ( it is almost always impossible to safely do this) and their arms were badly scratched up, BUT they managed to hold onto the cat. (Please don't ever catch a stray like this, call me, we will get you a humane trap). So now she is under quarantine for rabies. I have to now hold her, and the worst part of all, she seems to have had kittens recently. I hope not too recently... I will be thinking of them and hoping for the best.

Day Camp
I guessed right with yesterday's prediction, when the weather breaks things will pick up. Boy did it ever!

We had a great visit today about 1:30 pm from the Inglenook Creche day camp. Twenty very excited children and a handful of supervisors spent about an hour and a half with us, on a tour of the facility and playtime with some of the residents. Around that same time Todd went home for a ladder - (he has a tendency to find something to do when this sort of thing goes on) - and then things went nutty.

Two dog adoptions - Patch and the husky mix pup. Fortunately, Patch's people were in yesterday and got the details and did the research, so this was great. People were in to see cats, and a call about a stray cat, marked "urgent" came in. Laurie and I split up, as safety is so important, and did our best to help the customers, while entertaining the children. 

Phew, it is cooler today, but I was sure sweating! Residents and the children had fun!

Bones
What commited and dedicated volunteers I have. In this sticky heat, they still continue to come in, and sweat it out so that the dogs get quality time, grooming, play and TLC. 

The play area and pool was well used today and short walks were had by all. Thank you to Faye who brought everyone chew bones. These proved to be especially beneficial in keeping the dogs occupied when the rain storm hit later in the day and early evening and I am sure through the night.

A slow day for adoptions, which is just as well, as everyone was sleepy and uninterested in being social. Many phone connections were made and potential homes lined up, with the cooler air moving in it will be best for all of us to adopt at this time. For now everyone is content in relaxing in the cool air with those bones.

Shade
A better day, except for this heat. Always a bright side to everything, the heat tends to keep the pets home? Although I fear a storm is coming... hang on to ' em!

It is hot, sticky, moist and slippery here. Much better than years before with our improved system, but still ewwwy for sure. The more we open the door, the worst it gets - but those pooches need to walk! Many swims today and brief exercise time ( no need to overdue) and so easy to do when it is hard to breathe. 

My thoughts today are with those poor "outside dogs", wild and farm animals, as well as the "outside cats". I hope that they all have plenty of water to drink and access to shady trees. It is almost to warm to sit still out there.

Fortunately, it was business as usual, not everyone has gone to the beach... although we all should! Boxer found himself a farm home, and will be sitting under that tree by supper time. We managed a home for a tiny kitten who is now available - watch for the siblings today on the site. The returned dog went home, as they were way too sad about leaving Ellie here. Glad to see she was loved and still is.

I am off to the beach myself... need that breeze. Here's hoping we don't get too bad a storm, or we can expect those calls coming in.

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