Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Take Me Home: July 27, 2010

Nothing to report on the OSPCA front, except that the facility was cleaned from top to bottom, and any necessary repairs are being done. When will it reopen? I have no idea. But I did hear that Abbotsford, an Aurora vet clinic that took in many of the OSPCA animals, is making them available for adoption. They have some photos posted here, but the page loads incredibly slowly -- it might just be faster to go over there.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Take Me Home: May 15, 2010


As you've probably heard, no more of the shelter animals will be euthanized unless they are too ill to treat. You can get all the news online, so I won't repeat it here, but I believe we owe huge thanks to the protesters -- they really made a difference. I hope to return to my volunteer duties soon, but have no idea when we will be allowed back. I'll let you know as soon as I hear.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Take Me Home: May 11, 2010

Many of you are searching for information about the recent decision by York Region OSPCA, located in Newmarket, to euthanize all the animals at the shelter because of the ringworm outbreak. I know and love many of those animals, and am devastated, but plan to continue volunteering at the centre.

The shelter will, once again, fill up, and those animals will need our help. I don't agree with their decision, but I do believe in the organization's long-term goal of making sure each and every pet finds a safe forever-home. Thousands of animals have been successfully adopted from the shelter, and with your assistance, more will be adopted in the future. If we truly want to make a difference, we have to educate our kids, friends and neighbours -- don't let your dogs or cats wander, neuter and spay them, and report all cases of abuse.

Volunteer. Be a part of the team that will make sure this never happens again. And if you're as heartbroken as I am, then just imagine how this has destroyed the souls of the wonderful staff who care for the animals each day. They deserve our support and encouragement. I don't know how they will deal with the emotional fallout from what has happened.

Update: May 12

Just read that protesters are screaming "Murderers" at staff entering and leaving the building. They couldn't be more wrong. These staff members have worked hard, for years, to give top-quality care to the shelter animals. Volunteers, knowing how committed the staff are, would never scream such a thing, so it must be the people who have never set foot inside the building to lend a helping hand. Everyone has a right to protest, but know your facts first -- the staff are far more upset by this than anyone else.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Take Me Home: April 29, 2010


The York Region OSPCA is currently closed, and will open again soon. I'll begin posting photos then.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Take Me Home: March 22, 2010

The popular microchip clinics are coming up once again. From the York Region OSPCA website:

Microchip Clinic

Date: March 27, 2010
Start: 12:00 noon
End: 4:00 pm
Location: York Region Shelter
Info: Every year thousands of pets in Ontario go missing and many do not find their way home. Protect your furry friends by providing them with microchip identification. This permanent identification will allow finders to easily identify your pet should an accidental escape occur by providing them with important information to allow your dog or cat to be returned quickly and safely to you.

Take advantage of this great opportunity. If you adopted your dog or cat from the shelter, it has already been microchipped. Just one of the many great things about the OSPCA. Here are some more:






Long-haired and beautiful, Maggie is two and a half years old.






Zippy is a yellow-bellied Slider, and just over 2 years old. Breed knowledge is essential.




The centre (Mohill) is located at 16586 Woodbine Avenue, just south of Mulock/Vivian Sideroad. Their adoption hours are:

Monday to Wednesday & Saturday:
12 - 6 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: 12 - 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.

For more information on these and the many other pets available, go to the OSPCA York Region Website.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Take Me Home: March 7, 2010


I took some new photos at Mohill, yesterday. Walking into one of the cat rooms, I felt as if I'd entered black cat heaven -- six or seven lovely, black cats immediately surrounded me, looking for attention. What a bonanza! If you're considering adopting a new pet, please think about one (or two) or the many adult black cats that are available. Unfortunately, these dark-furred felines are the last to find a home. I have no idea why, but I can assure you that black fur is not any more of a hassle than any other colour. And my own black cat, Meeko, hasn't brought us anything but the very best of luck.









These are just a few of the fifteen sleek, black models available. Because there are so many, most have collars with their names printed. Why not visit, and introduce yourself to: Artemis, Salem, Zilda, Preston, Nathan, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Emerald, Rosalee, Pagan, Austin, Karina, Taylor, Nikademus, and Rosie. They range in age from nine months to seven years.







Bear, a seven-month old silver-marten rabbit, has a beautiful black and tan coat. He's looking for a home where he can run around (or is that hop around?), and have fun. ADOPTED






Sago is just under five years old, and is looking for a home without children. She's friendly and fun-loving, but needs a family with the patience to teach her the finer points of dog etiquette.




The centre (Mohill) is located at 16586 Woodbine Avenue, just south of Mulock/Vivian Sideroad. Their adoption hours are:

Monday to Wednesday & Saturday:
12 - 6 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: 12 - 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.

For more information on these and the many other pets available, go to the OSPCA York Region Website.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Take Me Home: February 18, 2010

When you drop by the centre to adopt, or simply to socialize with the animals, don't forget to thank the wonderful people who work there. They do a super job of caring for the many pets waiting for their forever homes.






Seven year old, Pagan, is declawed. When he's not presiding from his purple couch, he will be checking out everything that's going on in the area. ADOPTED






Rolex is a doberman-mix and just eight months, but full-grown at 90 pounds. He's cuddly, energetic and looking for a home without children. ADOPTED






Sweet-faced Dawn is two years old and looking for a life-long companion. ADOPTED




The centre (Mohill) is located at 16586 Woodbine Avenue, just south of Mulock/Vivian Sideroad. Their adoption hours are:

Monday to Wednesday & Saturday:
12 - 6 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: 12 - 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.

For more information on these and the many other pets available, go to the OSPCA York Region Website.