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 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.

Fundraising
With Valentine's Day closing in, you probably need a great gift idea. Show someone who loves animals that you love them. Get your loved one a membership from the Shelter. Or, how about a sponsorship; sponsor one of our Shelter animals. If you sponsor one of our animals, we will provide you with great pictures and a card to send to your loved one.

This year, we have Valentines treats for your pets. For $2.00 you get a heart shaped box filled with treats for either a cat or dog. A great way to show your four-legged youngster that you love them.

All fundraiser monies go to the spay/neuter fund. This fund ensures that animals who might normally get passed by are adoptable. The fund also ensures the animals are adopted, thereby making room for more animals to come in - I have a long waiting list for people who want to bring in cats. When animals are adopted quickly it reduces stress on the animal and behaviour problems associated with being at the Shelter too long. When the animals are spayed or neutered, it lessens the numbers born each year and gives me hope that one day the tide of unwanted animals will slow down. 

This fund also doubles as a "medical fund" when necessary, as you have seen recently with Kisco. The fund also pays for medications, blood work, surgeries, and all types of veterinary care. Most of the animals you see on the site all beautiful and often a little overweight (oops) don't come in like that. Most animals are in need of parasite control, elimination of virus' and proper diet.

Please remember that when you see those cute faces on the Shelter web site, it is because of donations from you that we can continue to help save lives.

Kisco Live
I think I blushed live on-air this morning with all the praise Gloria gave me. If you didn't catch the show, we talked all about my pal Kisco (Mr. Freezie) his survival, and the harrowing journey he recently went through (see blog). 

I loved the opportunity to share his story once again in the hope of making a difference. If only one person caught the show who had not thought about the cold temperatures and what it can do to their pet ... then it was worth it. 

Thank you Gloria for the opportunity, as well as a big thank you to Rogers Television for supporting the Shelter. I am, grateful for the praise, as you saw today, well speechless, but none of this was for thanks, but rather the thrill of knowing Kisco will get another chance at living. My reward comes later when I see him get adopted and I wait patiently for his update and how well he is doing and how much he is loved. 

It is nice that the Owen Sound Animal Shelter continues to be seen with a reputation for dedication. We have worked so hard to be seen as a place that gives new life to those that need it and, it is with the support of the community that we can continue to do just that. 

As an update on my pal Kisco, he continues to thrive and gain weight ... all is well. But, on another note, I still have not received a call from anyone missing a kitten ... doesn't that just figure!

Kisco
I stand in awe when I see his little face. I am amazed and know I have witnessed a miracle. I'm almost sure he saw the white light. 

My pal now has a name; Kisco ... it was that or Mr. Freezie (you know that self preservation thing). Not only does he have a name, he now looks at me, stands, walks and has even tried to run! 

Kisco, the kitten that stared death in the face has eaten a dozen small meals now, on his own, I think he has even gained a couple of ounces. 

He woke me this morning just after 6 am, but I thought he was one of my cats as he was making so much of a ruckus ... how pleasantly surprised I was to see my pal rubbing up against the cage door and screaming to be fed! Music to my ears. 

It was a tough battle ...  what a fighter. I thought we were going to loose, but instead tonight as I type this I am so proud to have been able to help him through this! Awesome!

Barbaric
It has been an emotionally challenging, physically draining and darn well pretty depressing day.

It all started with a stay cat call, and went downhill from there. You see, this cat, was not just any stray, this young kitten was actually frozen onto the roof of a car. I want anyone who thinks it is OK to let your cat outside any time of the year to read this blog, and anyone who knows someone who feels this way, email it to them. Not only was the kitten frozen, but the kitten was covered in oil and is missing his hind toe nails probably from trying to get warm under the hood of the vehicle.

It is my job to enforce the City of Owen Sound's Cat By-Law which forbids cat owners to let their cat wander. I enforce this law not only because it is my job, but because of things I see on a regular basis, and my friend today is no exception.

This tiny 14 week old kitten had become part of the vehicle, covered in snow and barely breathing. In fact, he was gasping for his last breathes when he was removed. I was sure he had passed when I unwrapped him, but was surprised to see him twitch.

I held him while his body began to defrost, while he slowly began to quiver while he thawed. I noticed the frost and damp mark he left on the table when I switched to a drier towel.

I should have photographed his poor starved and frozen baby for his owner. It has been a long day of fluids, anti shock treatments, gentle rubbing and gentle warming. We almost lost this fighter so many times today that I have lost count. He did cry out when he began to thaw, I am sure the pain of that was quite aweful, and I prayed the pain meds helped.

We have so far to go, and I hope he makes it through the night. He will be staying with our family this evening so we can keep an eye on him. It is hoped there will be no long term damage from his head being frozen (his eyes were fixed and dilated - a sign of brain freeze for a few hours), or to his organs. However, I will cross this path if and when I get to it.

Shame, shame on the person who has allowed this to happen to this poor baby - what a terrible way to go. 

I would like to thank Cathy for the coffee and words of support ... you knew I needed it today.

Aging
It was just so sad seeing Mitsy come back again today. I guess, I was hoping that her fate might have changed overnight. 

There were a few visitors (thanks Cathy we were touched) and a few phone calls, with everyone checking in, and rooting for this gal. How wonderful it is to see so many people trying and hoping and pulling all their strings. They know as we do that it is important she gets moving. I am pleased to say it appears not to be in vain, all that pushing and wishing and hoping. 

Tomorrow a family member, who had no idea Mitsy wound up at the Shelter will be coming to retrieve her, and keep her as long as she is still with us on this earth. THANK GOODNESS! 

A weight has been lifted in knowing things are turning out OK for her, and it will be a good day tomorrow no matter what else happens.

Mitsy
Mitsy arrived at the Shelter today and I am not sure who was more confused, her prior owner who really was quite scattered in the details, poor Mitsy, or me. 

The basic story as I understood it was Mitsy had lost her "mom" a while ago, the wife of this man who surrendered her. Mitsy had been staying with a family friend, and when this was no longer possible she became a surrender. The man was uncertain of Mitsy's age, her diet, or medication she may need. I, in my confused state and so sad to see Mitsy with me, agreed to take her and the man was on his way. Imagine my shock when the vet was contacted to hear that this old lady herself was fifteen! and on thyroid medication, and needs special food. 

Now I'm worried and stressing for this  poor elder who would so much rather be curled up on a warm bed. I turned to ask if anyone could have Mitsy for a sleep over and Laurie (thank you Laurie, once again for going the extra mile ... the staff are great) who offered to take her for the evening.

I know that Laurie is making a difference with Mitsy, but this is a plea to you to help me find Mitsy a great adoption match. I need you to keep your eyes and ears open for anyone who may love a dog like Mitsy ... she is quite a gal.

Don't forget, the home must be quiet and the people adopting must be committed to Mitsy until the end.

Puppies
Warm cuddly puppies; puppy breath and wet noses. 

My entire day was all about those wiggly puppies. A great way to make new friends, as everywhere we seemed to go, my two pups and I - people stopped for a cuddle, and to chat. They were not so interested in me, just the pups, but it's great. I was not so sure I would be leaving the Mix with both of them, as I pried them out of the hands of Dianna, who enjoyed the ear nibbles. The same dilemma with the staff at Rogers as Gloria the host of daytime enjoyed a good cuddle. It was what those baby's needed, socializing, a good cuddle with someone who loved them, and a chance to show off their cuteness. 

Both babes found a home, and of course now more people on the list in case more come in. I should mention that in two weeks time, you will be listening to the Morning Zoo show at 10 am with Robin Woods, myself and my friend of the day. I'm not sure why - was it the mad morning rush on all of us, or the number of announcements taking up all the time or the school closings, but this is going to be great!

Starting February 2nd at 10 am we will be live again with the Morning Zoo. The new start time will be a bonus for me, as I can rush a little less, and drink more coffee, and have more time to chat.

Looking forward to any new friends who may be able to catch the show at the changed hour, and I'm hoping you, my loyal listener, can keep listening.

Vet Problems
A trip to Durham today, and the promise of three new adoptions with the "alterations" being done. 

It was a hard decision to make. Who gets the fast track out? With limited finances to get them all done, and also our vet who has limited room and equipment. We have only two options, two spays for cats, and however many cat neuters, or one dog alteration and however many cat neuters. 

Harley was slated for the big snip, then something crazy happened, and I do mean crazy. Remember the Ticky blog, how she came into heat, and how they all cycle together ... oh boy they sure all started and they sure are still going! The entire room of cats, with the majority being female is a rolling, meowing, and howling place with them doing the lovely cat dance. Also, the remainder of the cats in that room are intact boys ... as you can imagine, they are howling right back and trying to get to the ladies who are inviting them. Loud is not word here ... more like deafening.

For the staff and my own sanity, and likely the sanity of the poor kitties at both ends of the room, Harley will have to wait. It would be great to not have to limit myself, and to make no one wait, but, I'm pleased to have three cats on the 'soon to go' list. 

Watch for Gwen, Ticky and Smoky, who return tomorrow a changed group of kitties!

In/Out
I knew the day was going to be a little crazy with the pups in, and the Labradoodle coming up for adoption. I was also hoping Jazz and Dixie were going to be adopted. Ya, you heard right our first Labradoodle - she was a beauty.

I anticipated a long line at the door at 1 pm, all people I had called and emailed. I was a little off ... but not about the crazy day. Today we successfully placed five pups from the group of seven, the remaining two have potentials, and Curley and Ginger luckily did not have to stay with us too long. 

I was not expecting five cats in, (two stray and three releases), nor the dog release which was a house pee'er who lived in his crate (I am sure I can find fantastic things about him, watch for him on the site tomorrow) or the lab pup who was really too much work at only 9 weeks old ... this really put a damper on the day. 

However, I was so glad to see so many go to fantastic homes, and have such a short stay here. Too bad for Dixie and Jazz ... I wonder where "your people" went. Perhaps they were there in the huge crowd that arrived around 3 pm? 

Did I miss you?

Pups
There is very little sadder than 7 pups (six week old) stuffed in a banana box. I think the only thing sadder was the thought of them laying in the snow, which is where they were before they came to me! 

Sad to see them in the dog room, but a happy thought at the same time to know, likely they will go tomorrow, or sometime very soon to a loving home, and by the weekend be a special part of someone's life. Pleased to be able to help them, but sad to know that there are still these situations around. 

This is the second litter from this dog, although they have claimed this was a found litter ... come on guys. Here's hoping that they will be doing as they have promised and this momma will now be spayed. Why people don't just level with me ... its beyond words. 

This week we had two "stray dogs" turned in as well. These were owned also by the people who "found them". The only thing this does is makes it harder for me to adopt them, as they give me less information on them, means they stay longer and means these poor pooches (besides loosing their home) loose what is left to be familiar with ... their name! NOW that is sad!

Found'em
The sun was setting as I was rounding a bend. I had just left the Shelter after a great, but very busy day. My head still a bit cloudy, with the start of a migraine, and my thoughts were on what to do about supper. 

So, off in the distance something caught my eye, a large shape standing very still, hard to determine for sure what it was. I pulled over and rolled down the window and I was excited at what I was seeing. There in the distance, just below the hill was a magnificent site ... the deer. I was quickly saddened to count only one and I sighed ... but I waited to be sure. To my amazement, rather quickly, this lone deer was quickly soon joined by "one ... two ... three ... four... and finally five" deer. They had not vanished, but instead multiplied! There was a little one tucked in and I counted it at the very end, when it popped up from the tall grass as they began to move. 

I returned to the Shelter and grabbed my camera, immediately thinking of you guys. I arrived to find them where I had left them, and even managed to walk closer, camera in hand for some close up shots. I was ecstatic and maybe too happy perhaps, as I returned to the Shelter jumping up and down to download those pictures. I think I was too happy and pushed the wrong button, and I deleted them from the world. I was so sad. I decided to go on a quick drive to see if I could find them, knowing the likely route they travel. I was off, and took the trail I suspected they would go. I was out only 15 minutes and found them, and again snapped a few great shots. I returned again to download the pictures, and it was now dark, so any other chance of pictures tonight was unlikely. I was thrilled to discover that not only did these last pictures turn out great, but the other pictures were still there, and now I have a great collection. 

Tonight I became the hunter, excited and thrilled to have shot myself not just one deer, but five! AND not one of us was hurt in the process! Pictures are coming ...

Zoo - sure Was!
Dixie is one grand puppy. She is a large puppy, active, busy and full of life ... definitely a lot of that as she is so big ... yet she is really a nice dog, with some great potential. 

So she jumped up on everyone at the radio station, and it took a great deal of my early morning energy to hang onto her, and lift her into and out of the truck (she is BIG). I did learn though, that she is incredibly smart, and willing to please and will do anything for beggin strips, and dog cookies! These being excellent qualities to have in any dog of course. Did you catch the show? Could you tell she had "tossed her cookies" all over the floor? Yikes! That comment about Renee whining... oh ya... I was. As the dog um ... tossed them. Apparently Bob has a sensitive stomach, and in case you do too, I will stop here - needless to say, it was an explosive show!!!! lol Dixie made a grand entrance and followed it up with a great performance. 

BTW, if you know any of the on-air personalities at the Mix, we are sad to say that this was the last show with Jamie Johnson. It was her last day with the Mix and the Owen Sound Animal Shelter is so sad to see her go, we owe her so very much. She promised to tune in to the Morning Zoo show when she could and she will keep in touch. 

Good luck Jamie, kisses to our pal Lux (aka Bandit) and Molly ... take care!

Mixing it up the Zoo
So last week on the Mix Morning Zoo show, I casually mentioned that this week I would likely bring a dog. This because I was expecting 7 of them in. 

Dusty became available so that was one, (and adopted today to a great match I think, fingers crossed for you fella). A senior Rottweiler, who managed to find herself a last minute home, pleased with that. Then there were three coming together, and they came Saturday from Toronto, but got lost and turned around. Missed'em. Dixie arrived, and no sign of the others. 

Until Dixie's arrival I was beginning to think that I may not have a dog to bring on-air. We have a few here that are not quite superstar quality (Trip not good with children, Harley jumps). Not quite sure what I was going to do but you see I opened my big mouth and now people are calling to see what we have - they believe the pictures are not on the web site. 

I promise you that if I have a dog that is good to go I will have Elaine post it immediately (each evening - in fact when I have something for her to post). I know you are checking - you can always send me what type of dog you are looking for. You just never know who may show up at the Shelter door - no kidding!

Snow
Most of the day it snowed and snowed and snowed some more (did you order this stuff???) It was really storming all day.

Around 5 this evening a stray dog call came in from a kind woman who found this poor old dog wandering in the snowstorm. She gave the dog a warm place to lay down and quickly called me. I knew it was a routine call, but with an urgency in getting this dog home. 

When I took one look at the dog, I knew the Shelter was no place for her while I was trying to find her owners. Clearly, she was a senior with cloudy eyes, a slight limp and to top it off, a head tilt. I have not seen one in a while, but generally a head tilt is an indicator of a prior stroke. When I checked for her tattoo, it was still very visible and I counted twice on my fingers the age she appeared to be. A tattoo starts with a letter - these representing years (Llyle's is a J and I know he was fixed about eight years ago and S would be for this year). This tattoo started with a B, but keeping in mind they avoid some letters easily confused like "I", this meant she was 15!! This is old for most dogs, and this one clearly had seen better days. 

I didn't want to leave her at the Shelter overnight, so I quickly called the clinic coded by the tattoo, and unfortunately they had closed early due to the snow storm, or rather falling snow. We were here hoping someone would be phoning and looking for the dog soon. Arrangements were made to stay late if these people arrived after hours (thanks Candice). With this dog having a prior history of a stroke and under stress at the Shelter, I knew it would be too much. It was decided that someone would stay overnight if no one showed for the dog (thought we would start that slumber party early!). Luckily these plans weren't needed because around 6 pm the dog's very grateful owner arrived to take her home. 

I was so pleased that this 14 year old girl (pretty close on that one), who was both blind and deaf would be sleeping in her own bed once again. Thank Goodness she was saved from the streets, a happy ending for this girl, which could have otherwise turned out all wrong in so many ways. 

Move Over CSI
I decided early this morning that I was going to have a better week, and a good day. 

I emailed some great pictures of some dogs playing to my pal Renee L., and this got things heading in the right direction. I returned calls that had been left hanging as I was determined to get things resolved before the week began. I was so pleased with the results. 

The "deer issue" from last week, was one of the things on my to-do list and talking with my connections paid off. I cannot get into detail, but I can say that I'm glad I didn't give up, and pushed something so important to me and I think to you as well. 

There weren't any adoptions, but it was a good day nonetheless. I'm sure the rest of the week will make up for it.

All that Jazz
Brodie was the sweetest, most affectionate and grateful little dude by far. So pleased to see him well, after all he had been through. Brodie came to me frozen, starved, sick and thin. I was so pleased to see him go to such a nice home, with a cat brother too! This and Thumper's adoption were my happy thoughts today. 

What is with the week I am having? Today's big disappointment was a series of lies told to me by a women interested in Jazz. 

Turns out, she was the mother of someone we turned away recently. Seriously, we turned you away because Jazz needs some training and to settle down and in - you have a baby at home (two months old!), did you think we turned you down to be mean? I wish people would consider that these decisions are made in YOUR best interest? Do you think I want Jazz to stay here forever? Believe me, nothing would make me happier than finding Jazz the perfect forever home - I know I made the right decision.

Heartbroken
Another day, and another deer. I'm heartbroken at this point. I am so upset thinking about it, and honestly, I realize that I have probably been watching these deer on and off all season. If these are the deer from that herd - there were only four of them - three does and a buck - now there will only be one. I'm not sure if there are any left or only one lonely gal who may relocate now that she is on her own. I will be watching and hoping my friends are OK. I am still going to get to the bottom of this and make all attempts to find the person at fault.

On a positive note, did you see the picture in the paper (great picture Sandi). Todd actually did a story himself on Saturday, a quick interview about Christmas adoptions. Apparently, many SPCA's adopted out at Christmas, and Toronto gave the pets away for free. The Owen Sound Sun Times wanted our take on things, and Todd provided an interview.

The picture of Sandi and Thumper was excellent, and might just be what Thumper needed to go home. There were two calls for Thumper today. This is my happy thought.

Deer Me!
It was all about the deer parts again today, my apologies to you. But it is still a continual thought in my mind, and for me quite disturbing still. I was not going to mention the conversation I had with the "people" yesterday, but the discoveries today have proven that I was correct in my assumptions, and their guesses were all wrong. I have become concerned for the deer, public safety, and darn it quite annoyed with the people who don't care. 

The remains were removed today, as no one wanted to do an investigation. Turned out my friend was a two point buck, and not a doe, wearing it's hide, but not much more. We did a complete search of the box and bucket for clues and found nothing as expected, and also no tag, as expected. It was also confirmed by our expertise in roadside deaths, that this deer met his demise around Sunday night. Also confirmed by two experts, (thanks George especially for the guns and ammunition place) that the deer was killed by a gun (apparently Bow season just ended so we had to rule this out). Also deer was not killed where it was found, as we figured. So who brings a body from out of town into town? Not many! ... who poaches in town? Who dumps the remains where they will be found instead of leaving them where they are? 

Please use caution in the wooded areas within the City limits, avoid the ditches and control your children and pets, so they don't find anything they don't need to.

Again
You are not going to believe it ... and frankly I am quite shocked too! It happened again!

Remember my grossed out day in November 27th, where Sandi and I removed a rotten deer found in a box in a ditch? Today it happened again at a new location, this time around the corner from the Shelter. All the pieces of a once beautiful doe ... one I think I knew personally actually, which angers me even more! 

Same situation, in a box, in the ditch, near the road, with a bucket of bits. However, this time, it was a fresh one and no smell at all. What is this? When didn't deer season end? Again no tag. I have called "the authorities" on this, who apparently have "better things to do" aaahhhhhh!  Let's not go t here. I will do my own investigation into the slaughter of the poor deer. 

Here is my take on things:

1. These are deer not killed in season 

2. Both within City limits 

3. Improperly disposed of 

4. Seemed to dispose of animal near roadway (want to get caught)?

5. Did they care what they did 

6. Deer were not killed where they were found ... not enough blood, but placed there by the same person or persons and these carcasses are heavy 

I plan to find out who this was with or without those persons who have better things to do than help. If anyone saw anything "fishy" pardon the pun, in the location of Laugheed Fisheries, behind the Shelter (hence the reason I think I know this doe) within the last week or the last few days/nights (more likely night), anyone walking the bush in the area, or carrying a box or bucket by the road ... please, call me at 519-372-1123. 

Anyone who regulars the area, keep your eyes open for items in a tree (they hang the deer to bleed them) such as a rope, or wire, any strange tools or bags, or what may appear to be blood. Maybe I am way off track or jumping to conclusions as suggested by "those authorities", but in my eight years of doing this job, I have not encountered what I have seen now, twice in six weeks !

Comments
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Barbaric
This story just broke my heart ... I cannot understand how something like this happens, or how you deal with it ... given your love for animals.

You and your family, time and time again, go over and above what is the job.

God bless you all. I will be praying for you all .... and the poor frozen kitty Kisco. I hope he pulls out of this to find a loving home.

Gloria Hogan

PS: We at Rogers thank you for sharing your furry friends with us every other week!! Everyone got a great kick out of the licking I got last week! We were all thrilled to hear they all found good homes!!!

Gloria Hogan
On-Air Personality
Rogers' Daytime
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Posted by: Gloria Hogan | Jan 26, 2007 at 11:21:10 PM
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Snow; 
This blog once again shows the individual care and concern that Owen Sound Shelter and it's volunteers places on the animals in their care. I deal with many, many shelters and I can tell you without a doubt that Owen Sound Animal Shelter and it's volunteers set a high standard for other shelters to hopefully follow. This story has touched my heart and I thank everyone at Owen Sound Animal Shelter for going beyond, to make this senior girl comfortable and taking her special needs to heart. We are very fortunate to have such caring individuals as guardians of our lost and homeless. Hugs to everyone there... keep up the outstanding work you do... EVERYDAY!!!

Renee L.
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Posted by: Renee L. | Jan 10, 2007 at 03:52:18 PM 
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Move Over CSI; 
Good job Renee!! You are right...it IS important to us to have the problems of poaching resolved. Not only is it illegal, but when it happens within city limits, it poses a real danger to the public. Somehow, I knew you were too determined to let this go. We're glad to hear it's been solved!! Thanks for going above and beyond...as always.

Renee L.
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Posted by: Renee L. | Jan 9, 2007 at 08:40:03 PM

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Heartbroken
We read the article in the Sun Times it was a great article. 
I work with JRTRO and interview and place JRT's and we of course didn't place dogs over Christmas. Interviewing and reference checks continued though, I know the relinquishments will come soon, though although nothing yet. 

I was just sick to read about the deer problem, we live in the country and during hunting season every time I hear a gun shot my heart breaks. I hate hunting but of course realize it is a necessary evil. 

Anyway enough blather from me. Congratulations guys, you are doing a fabulous job...

Cathy
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Posted by: Cathy | Jan 6, 2007 at 04:24:03 PM

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