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.

Pup Pup
All about entertaining today. My morning at the Mix Morning Zoo was a hit - with a little extra excitement as everyone at the Station wanted a turn with pup pup (Dakota)! From rags to riches ... this little one was born in the Shelter and had a great day playing it up!

Dakota was the perfect pup, cute, playful and not one accident ... he used his manners. We were then off to Rogers - again the star of the show as he impressed everyone. His new stardom found him a home at 1:05 pm this afternoon due to the patience of his new mom who kept checking the web site for him and tracking his movement through our busy day. 

This afternoon I went to St. Basil's to talk to the junior and senior kindergarten classes on wildlife ... winter vs. springtime and what the wild creatures in our neighbourhood are up to. The kids were cute and they really learned something about wildlife. 

It was a day all about sharing views on animals with the public and keeping the young ones behaving - both 2 legged and 4  :)

Microchip
Chased another dog ... OMG - can we say OMG?

Luckily this one was microchiped and beeped for me within minutes of arriving at the Shelter. Unfortunately, it was traced to a previous owner who did not have the new owners information. My smiles quickly faded. 

However, lucky for this pooch, her owner was not far behind me in his search and called a short time after my discouraging call to the previous owner ... phew! A roller coaster ride of emotions with that one. 

I have been assured that "Sandy" will have her chip information changed by tonight and if all else fails, will now sport her new shiny City tag for id...

Busy, Busy, Busy
Another stray dog in today :(  I was busy with dogs and cats coming in and luckily going out. The phone rang with potential adopters as the day warmed up. The dog walkers were in today; nice weather for walking a dog.

We had to fit in chasing down a dog. We never hesitate to do this as the alternative is to have a dog in danger or the public at risk. Busy, busy, busy! I had so many things to do!

Don't forget to remind your friends and loved ones to keep their pets on a leash and have them wear their ID. The poor little jack that we finally tracked down has to sleep over because he had no ID on him. Hope we can find his owners tomorrow.

Mix it Up
Harry's voice was heard and they made their way to the Shelter today ... phew I was starting to worry that Harry wasn't going to find a home at the tender age of 10 :). A very nice couple heard me on the Mix and were looking to replace their Himalayan who passed after 16 years. They heard Harry's plea as an older cat and the couple became very interested in making a difference in his life. After waiting a while they called to find out if he was still here - lucky for Harry it turned out great - they came to take him home. I knew the right people would come for him; it was worth waiting. 

Our friend Benjamin found his forever home too. I had announced again on-air that Benji was still available and the right people heard me -  they had been thinking about adopting and thanks to the Mix the couple came in and adopted Benji.

Thanks a bunch to the Mix from Harry, Benji and I.

You have given them both a new leash on life! You Rock !!

NB: We received 2 more strays today, so make room for daddy!

Spring is in the Air
I love that sunshine! The warm breeze and the budding flowers we planted in the fall, it all reminds me that it is sure nice to be feeling spring once again. HOWEVER, I am not the only one feeling the spring fever. There were two stray dogs this weekend, both reclaimed today ... phew, four calls about missing pets - two dogs and two cats, a cat bite incident aaannnnddd all the female cats not yet fixed are coming into heat!!

Spring is in the air. A reminder with those warm feelings that pets wander most on these spring days when hormones are running too high.

Gander spent a good part of his day on a spring walk with a nice man who had seen him on my web page. The walk must have been pleasant as the man has committed to more of them. Has he found this dog to be the one for him?

Laundry Day
Well the plan was to take the day off and use the time to catch up on the home stuff we missed while away (laundry - yuck!) However, thanks to an old friend (shall we just say a 'frequent strayer') the pager went off at 11:30 am and we were back in town. After chasing the old fella down and bringing him to the Shelter we ended up staying for a while.

You know me, I hate to leave when there are great things going on. I'm glad we stayed because it was nice to see that Jinx the cat found a home. Someone had waited all week for his quarantine to be up (poor Jinx had to do 10 days because his vaccines were not totally up to date) and excitedly they rushed in to take him to his new home. 

It is always great for me to see someone so committed even before they fill out the papers. It is a relief to know that the potential is there for a forever home. Here's hoping it keeps up!

Learning New Tricks
I must tell you that although it is difficult to get up real early to do the Mix morning show - then rush to the Shelter to do the cat rooms - then fly off to Rogers for the TV show ... it is always a rewarding day. I get to spend the morning with a wonderful animal and it really gives me time to be with them. 

Today Gander and I had a blast. He impressed the Mix staff with his tricks (you probably heard that when you were listening to the program) and then at Roger the staff were equally impressed with Gander's patience and a particular trick we learned.

While Gander and I waited our turn to get on the Roger's set - I thought a new trick would be in order. I believed that he would be able to do something like a hop. I was right and now Gander does a bunny hop ... so cute. The Roger's staff were so impressed with how fast he could learn (I knew he was very smart). When we both got back to the Shelter that was when all the calls poured in about the hopping dog. We shall see how it turns out for Gander tomorrow. I have asked all the callers to come in and see him. 

I wonder who Gander will be most impressed with? I'll let you know.

Wildlife
I spent a lot of time today doing wildlife phone calls... hey this means spring is springing !! The Shelter knows !!

Many people are concerned about raccoons and skunks they see moving around and acting strange. I remind everyone that all these animals are confused and mixed up. They don't know what time of the day it is, or even what year it is... they woke up once before early in January during that warm spell and here they are waking up all over again!

It is important for children to be educated on this. I booked a class visit today with St. Basils to speak to the children on wildlife issues and problems. People need to know that the animals are OK and that spring means more sighting of wildlife.

While you are driving be on the look out as these confused animals will wander onto the roads day and night. Please drive with caution and stick to main roads where possible ... wooded roads are the biggest problem areas - be especially careful driving at dusk and dawn.

Emma
It is possible to fall in love on line? Well for Miss Emma it is.

Emma came to me as a shy and standoffish young cat who had been unsocialized as a baby. I knew she would take some time to adjust - when Emma delivered her kittens,  time was what she got. She spent 8-9 weeks with those kittens and with us ... making friends a little at a time. She became use to one person ( not all of us that is for sure!). But I persevered and had her spayed and waited and waited and waited.

Then a phone call came that made my day - "my daughter has been watching Emma on your web site since December. She was sad when Emma was adopted and now that Emma has returned she is happy and wants to adopt her." So, I gave these people Emma's whole life story as I knew it and encouraged them to come here and spend time with her, warning them of her nervousness... all this was not a concern... Emma has finally found herself a home with people who already love her and seem to understand her ways! Made my day!

Two more of my 'ins' and 'outs' were adopted to great homes ... with spring coming, I think there is a little space. It is always a good day when it has successes like this !

The List
It's all about the 'list' - the 'ins' and 'outs'. In order to keep taking in more animals (the ins) I have to keep up with the 'outs' (placements/adoptions).

I had two cat surrenders today and I spent extra time on the horn making sure some were going 'out'. I have to spend time with the previous owners to ensure that the right match can be found for their cats. It usually takes a few following-ups - but it's all about finding the right home for these cats as soon as possible. 

I love my lists - I can't remind you enough that if you have a specific requirement, something you prefer - tell me as much about your lifestyle as you can so I can match you with the perfect pet. One lucky cat was immediately rehomed thanks to the 'list'. It took some added effort, but I was rewarded and Toby was adopted. Sorry you didn't get to see him on the site, but be sure to watch for his 'happy tail'!

Another great moment was Vader finding himself a farm home today! Again, someone knew just what they preferred and with help discovered Vader was just the perfect fit. Best of luck buddy!

Can You Say Dolphin
I snuck away. I know you noticed. But, I decided to take a trip with the family to North Carolina, as I have never taken the time to do this and leave Ontario. Soooooooooo, I can tell ya'll about my travel to North Carolina. We had a fabulous time watching real dolphins, collecting sea shells in the morning, and flying a kite at sunset on Kitty Hawk Beach.

As you can guess, when the spring break hit we packed up and left. In order to ensure no one would miss me too much, I left quite a few capable people to look after everything. I owe the biggest thank you to 'my crew' who did an excellent job running 'my ship' while I was away; ensuring smooth sailing until I returned. Thanks guys ... you did an excellent job - but then I knew you could do it ... anyone need a cat? The Shelter was spotless, everyone healthy, tons of cat adoptions, no troubles with the dogs - just excellent. A job well done!!! I had a few phone calls to make, but all in all very smoooooooth. Thank you Candice for doing the Mix Morning Zoo for me on Friday, I heard from a number of people that you were great. A job not everyone would do ... Congratulations for going the extra mile. 

So I spent the day returning calls, answering emails and making sure everything was in order. I felt better after I placed Charlotte to a new home during all of that office stuff. Way to go Charlotte I know that you were adopted to a great place ... just a little reminder as to why I keep coming back to the job I love.

Thank You Benjamin
Another great day for cat adoptions, and you know we needed it. We had another litter of kittens born last night. Those of you waiting for space to open up so you can bring in cats ... sorry to keep you waiting. Is the begging helping??

There were lots of wonderful people in today to offer great homes to my available cats. Paws was adopted to a young couple and I'm sure she will be a great "child" for them. Smokey was adopted to an elderly couple who lost their older cat - they both fell in love with Smokey's cool attitude. Little Charlotte went to a couple who wanted a kitten without any hassle. Charlotte was a tiny wee thing who really won them over. Lots of great matches were made today!

Nice way to end the week!

Visitors
A quiet, relaxing day ... well, kind of - with benefits. We had lots of company today. A visit from our friends at the UKA Self Defense Canada - they stopped by with treats for all of us, both four legged and two. It is always nice to see that we are supported by our friends; it makes the job so much easier. 

The cats enjoyed all the love they were given, and we enjoyed the coffee and Timbits. Thanks guys - drop by anytime! Our new found energy (must have been the coffee) which really helped us get some extra cleaning done. You know, when the snow goes down the added cleanup of the yard and driveway begins (poop pops up - shhh). All is clean again!

Sure love rolling up that 'rim'. lol

Coffee
You know your day will be OK when you win a coffee! Rolled up that rim and started my day off in a good way! Started some luck going our way, as well, with that morning surprise.

Zoey has found herself 25 acres of home on the range. Where she can go and go and go and go and go and go! What a great home and a great match. Her potential home was discovered yesterday and today they came back to finalize that decision. Hours were spent bonding and asking questions and me giving lots of advice and tips. However, I was confident that the advice was not really needed, as these two were the perfect fit.

Zoey has gone to be the superstar of the fields and the forest ... all with her new manners and her shiny new chain necklace. LUCKY GIRL! 

And, on a lighter note, Tammy was in today and those tired out pooches enjoyed a relaxing massage. Ended their day on the right foot for sure!

Spring Has Sprung

Spring has sprung at the Shelter! If anyone needs to see the impact that weather has on mother nature they should hang out here this week. Remember, two months ago we had warm spring-like conditions, sooooooooo... My day started today as it sometimes does; with a surprise or better yet, a treasure ... seven little treasures, in fact, in the cat room. Not a complete surprise, as I told you before, we knew there was a good possibility this little momma was expecting ... but seven? 

When there are newby's at the Shelter, my entire plans are re-scheduled. I spent the first half hour drying the new little babes, placing them in a warm bed and making sure mom was OK with the changes. Next to mom herself ... there are so many things to think about for a new mom: make sure she stops bleeding, labour is complete and that she is recovering nicely. The remainder of the day is devoted to checking (every few hours) to make sure everyone is being groomed, dried and fed. It is time consuming; but, new young mom sometimes need help. 

Ultimately, my last Sunday started this way ... another two litters were born that day. We also have two litters that are now three weeks old. Funny that nature thing ... the gestation period of a cat is about two months. If anyone is looking for a nice kitten in about a month or so, don't forget to get on my list. I suspect I will have a continual supply of youngster!

GO GO GO
My day was go go go go go! With a little help from my pal ZOEY. In her defense, she was so well behaved and totally loving every minute and all that attention she got! First at the station and then at the studio, she just did her darndest to make sure everyone noticed her. All h er wiggles and whines, jumping at the leash, jumping onto peoples laps ... all the totally inappropriate doggy stuff.

HOWEVER by noon, around three hours into our adventure Zoey sat to greet people, laid down to be petted, walked nicely on her leash in the building, stopped barking and stopped jumping. YIPPEEE> hopefully, Zoey doesn't forget all she learned ... crossing my fingers.

The real advantage to our busy morning was that Zoey really learned some life lessons (all this for a dog who has up to now spent most of her time in a crate) ... Whoo hoo she has now mastered 'superstar'.

Koda
We thought he was a stray from Town and that his owner had let him out; we waited for them to call. The dog had no id, no collar, nothing to trace. When no calls came for the dog, I went through the big book of missing pets and found one from Mount Forest. Considering this as unlikely, I called a local breeder to see if she recognized him. She came in the following day, but no success. Soooo I decided to post him on our web site, I figured if all else failed I would call the people in Mount Forest by the end of the week (just in case).

Today, I was contacted by these people (thanks Elaine) and this dog definitely was their dog Koda. Go figure, it turns out that this dog has been running since January (early January too - through all those storms and bad weather) and has run from Mount Forest to Owen Sound. Now if you don't know what kind of distance that is, let me tell you that as the crow flies that would be 47.02 miles (75.65 km) and takes 1 hour and 13 minutes by car.

They couldn't get here fast enough. They already reclaimed him yippee. There were whines and wiggles all around!! What a great success ... technology is excellent ... and my web-lady ... she rocks!

Keep up-to-date 
with our schedule.

Boomer
Well, it is better to start a month off on the right foot, than starting the week off on the wrong one! 

IT IS OFFICIAL Boomer has a home ! Robin Woods and family filled out the papers. Boomer and family had one final romp in the snow and cuddle and off they went. Really made my day, he is a great dog, now with a great home. They did their research on the breed, the training, the vet stuff, ordered a crate etc., etc. Now, Boomer is off to be well loved and well cared for. 

My favourite, is the weekly updates I can get. you know me and those updates!

Way to go Big Boo!

Koda;
So glad to hear that speckled boy and his owners were re-united. Thanks Todd for calling to let me know. This is a great site.
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Posted by: Azelda  | March 3, 2006 at 11:29 AM

Wow!!! Wonderful to hear about Koda a truly amazing story, with a wonderful outcome. Spike getting helped is also a wonderful.
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Posted by: Cathy  | March 5, 2006 at 9:44 AM

Boomer
Yeah Boomer!!! You deserve this great home. I'm sure it was worth the wait. I can't wait to see Boomers updates. Renee -
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Posted by: Renee  | March 3, 2006 at 1:07 PM

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