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.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Take Me Home: January 25, 2010


When an animal is brought into the OSPCA, it receives the following:

Shelter and general care
Vet care
Extra medical treatment or surgery, if required
Food
Vaccinations
Micro-chipping
Deworming and flea treatment
Spaying/neutering


That's why a cat from the shelter might cost $150, and a dog up to $300. The OSPCA does not receive any government handouts, relying instead on money from donations, fundraisers, surrender fees, and adoptions. And speaking of adoptions, the shelter is bursting at the seams with pets waiting for a new home and family:





Take home six year olds, Karmela and Strider, and pay for just one cat. These two have been together all their lives and can't be separated. As I've said before, it's far better to have two cats so they can keep each other company. ADOPTED





Beauty, a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix, is a very excited three month old puppy. She's (impatiently) waiting for a family to call her own. ADOPTED





Just a year-and-a-half old, Lacey is an affectionate, slim kitty. ADOPTED





Five-year-old, Nemo, is a happy boy, with loads of energy. He gets along well with most, but would prefer a home without children. 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.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Take Me Home: January 1, 2010

A brand new year, and a brand new chance for these wonderful animals to find a home:






Seven-month-old, Tim, rolled around on his Christmas blanket waiting to have his belly rubbed. I obliged. He can be a bit shy at first, but warms up very quickly. ADOPTED






Tara watched my progress around the room. She's a curious, friendly, nine-month old Tabby. ADOPTED







Because they want to stay together, five-year-old sisters, Josie and Nappy, are two for the price of one. Note: Josie is no longer available for adoption. 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.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Take Me Home: November 25, 2009

A few weeks ago, Global Television News featured the Meet Your Match program at the York Region OSPCA. They called it E-Harmony for cats. The following weekend, 28 cats were adopted by viewers of the show! Usually it takes a month to find homes for that many cats.

A few of the cats on this blog are still waiting to be adopted, so I thought I might post their photos once again. They've been waiting so long for a lap to call their own:






Seven-month-old Muffin looks so much like my own cat, Meeko, that I was tempted to scoop her up and take her home. Muffin is playful, energetic and, it appears, waiting for someone to play ball with her. ADOPTED






Eight month old, Liz, is friendly and sweet, but doesn't like being picked up. I view this as a challenge, so each time I go to the shelter, I'm going to visit Liz -- and maybe I can coax her into trusting me enough to pick her up. Or maybe her beautiful face will turn your head, and she'll be adopted. ADOPTED





Monkey is about one and a half years old and very affectionate. She was surrendered to the shelter because of her previous owner's health problems. It's time for Monkey to have a forever home. ADOPTED






These two are just so cute. Two and a half-year-olds, Mickey and Francis appear to be on the best of terms. Although they don't need to be adopted together, it would be a shame to break them apart. Francis has been adopted, but Mickey (on the left) is still available. 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.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Take Me Home: November 22, 2009

There will be another microchip clinic at the Newmarket location on November 28th. Even if your pet doesn't go outside, microchipping will ensure his return should he slip out the door.

Here are two boys who would like to slip inside your door:





Like all the kittens available for adoption at the centre, one month old Steve is as cute as a button. ADOPTED





Four-year-old Chuck is a stray that no one claimed. At the centre since March, Chuck is looking for a quiet home where he can be petted and lay in the sun. Chuck gets along well with other cats, so if you already have a cat (or would like to adopt two), he's your guy! 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.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Take Me Home: November 8, 2009

The shelter is bursting at the seams with kittens and cats, so if you've been considering adopting, now is the time. You don't want all those Christmas ribbons and boxes to go to waste -- they are perfect entertainment for felines. Oh, and speaking of entertainment, the shelter cats can always use new toys -- small stuffed toys are especially welcome (no catnip, please!). Here are this week's featured pets. Click on the photos to enlarge or to see more clearly:





Five year old, Baby, is a Shar-Pei mix, looking for a mature home. He's a lovable guy who gets along well with other dogs. ADOPTED





Sweet, two year old, Abby is a Border Collie, Siberian Husky mix. She loves long walks, but not loud noises. A little shy at first, Abby needs a family who understands her breed and can provide undivided attention. ADOPTED





Marble, a Chinchilla, is between 2-5 years old. She needs a family who will let her out of her cage, and socialize with her. I have read that Chinchillas can live up to 20 years, so if you do adopt Marble, she will love you for a long time. ADOPTED






One-year-old, Kally, is a sweet, curious cat who will make a great 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.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Take Me Home: October 16, 2009

Sorry for delay in posting -- it's been a busy month. The York Region OSPCA is implementing "Meet Your Match", a program that matches people with the cat(s) that best reflect what they're looking for. The program will soon include dogs. How does it work? All cats, over nine months of age, are assessed and assigned a colour-coded personality type. After filling out a short questionnaire, adopters are given a card that directs them to the cat(s) who will best suit what they desire in a pet. Of course, they are free to choose any cat -- even if their colours don't match.

Why not visit Mohill, fill out a questionnaire, and meet some of the cats who will fit your lifestyle and family? It's easy, and it works. Here are just a few of the animals you might see when you drop in:






Blue and yellow, Skyy, is a curious, two year old, male budgie. ADOPTED






Gorgeous Freya is five years old, and needs a family who is willing to give her lots of love and socializing. Actually, it's important that all birds be given a lot of attention. ADOPTED






The most important thing to three and half-year-old sisters, Sugar and Cinnabun, are that they be adopted together. 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.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Take Me Home: September 25, 2009

This weekend, why not come to the Family Fall Fair, taking place at the shelter:

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009
Time: 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
Location: York Region Shelter
Info: Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a howling good time! There will be lots of fun for the entire family; two and four legged members. Let your dog “Bob for Wieners” and enter our “Sit, Stay” competitions; or join the kids for a “Three-legged Race” and “Fishing in the Duck Pond”. Games, prizes and a BBQ…its fun for all and it benefits the animals too!
For more details contact the shelter at (905) 898-7122 ext. 306 or just drop by and check it out.

I've been a bit busy lately, so have only a few kitties to share:






Tony, a long-haired, black and white male, likes attention and loves to be brushed. His room mate, Sam, is friendly and enjoys a good snuggle. Both are two years old. BOTH ADOPTED





Now, here's a a lovely cat who was once at the York Region shelter (where I had the pleasure of meeting her), but was transferred to Cambridge many, many months ago, Her name is Stella, and it's time she was given a special place in someone's home. It absolutely breaks my heart that Stella hasn't yet been adopted -- I would do so in a flash if my own cat was able to share her space with a friend. If you're looking for a companion, and live in the Cambridge area (or are willing to make the trip), please give serious consideration to this wonderful feline. For more information, go to the Cambridge OSPCA website. 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.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Take Me Home: August 24, 2009

The York Region OSPCA will be holding Microchip Clinics at the shelter on August 29, September 26, October 24 and November 28, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. For just $20.00, your pet can easily be identified should he/she accidentally get loose. This is a great opportunity to keep your cat or dog safe. For more information, call 905-898-7122, ext. 306.







Brothers, Skeldon (black) and Sega (black and white) , are just one year old, and need to be adopted together (two for the price of one!). Not only are they friendly and affectionate, they're also munchkins. The main feature of this breed are the cats' short legs. They're so darn cute! Unfortunately, Skeldon and Sega are carriers of the FIP virus which means that they can't be taken into a home with other cats. It also means that the shelter is having difficulty finding a family for these two guys. If you are able, please come to the OSPCA and take a look -- you're sure to fall in love. The staff will be happy to tell you all you need to know about the breed and FIP. ADOPTED






Maximus, a purebred Dutch rabbit, is just one and a half years old. He loves to be around people -- especially if they pet and rub him. He's had a rough start in life, but is a happy guy who would love to spend time with you. ADOPTED






Mohawk, an Abyssinian guinea pig, is just over a year old. She's a sweet, curious little thing who would like to be adopted with one or both of her sisters, Scoober and Ribena. 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.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Take Me Home: July 31, 2009

Four-hundred and twenty -- that's how many cats are currently at the centre. Finding homes for all of them is a huge undertaking, but it can be done with your help. If you have the space in your home (and your heart) to fit just one more furry friend, please drop by the OSPCA to choose one of the many cats waiting to meet you:






Sweet, eight-month-old Patience is looking for fun -- and a home to call her own. Take a closer look at Patience's paw -- she's a polydactyl. ADOPTED






Gorgeous Jason is just four months old. He came to the centre as a stray but is now ready to settle into a safe and loving home. ADOPTED






Seven-month-old Muffin looks so much like my own cat, Meeko, that I was tempted to scoop her up and take her home. Muffin is playful, energetic and, it appears, waiting for someone to play ball with her. ADOPTED






Esther is six years old, declawed, and looking for someone to rub her belly and shower her with love. That should be easy, considering how sweet and beautiful she is. ADOPTED






Mitsy is two years old and gets along well with other cats. She also likes to be around people, so is perfect for a family that is looking for a sociable, friendly feline. 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.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

New Photos Soon


Sorry for the lapse in posting, but I've been vacationing in Japan. I hope to visit the shelter soon to take more photos of pets available for adoption. Until then, please scroll through the older posts because many of these guys are still waiting for a home to call their own.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Take Me Home: June 19, 2009

If I could do it all over again, I'd adopt two cats together -- siblings, perhaps. Although it may double the costs, the cats could play together and keep each other company. I'd also adopt older cats. Kittens are cuddly and cute, but those adult felines are so deserving of a loving home. Of course, choosing which two cats I'd take home would be a problem -- they're all so wonderful. Check 'em out:








If you're lucky enough to visit the centre on a day when they're offering two cats for the price of one, then these brothers would make choosing two cats easy. Milo and Momo are five years old, declawed, and affectionate -- with each other and humans. ADOPTED






Silver-haired, ten year old, Rain, would like a quiet home where she can get lots of love. Rain is looking for a lap to sit in -- why not drop by to see if you're a good fit? ADOPTED






Just nine months old, Grace is still full of energy. Watch out when you kneel down to pat her -- Grace is apt to jump on your shoulders! She's a sweet, affectionate kitty. ADOPTED






Eight month old, Liz, is friendly and sweet, but doesn't like being picked up. I view this as a challenge, so each time I go to the shelter, I'm going to visit Liz -- and maybe I can coax her into trusting me enough to pick her up. Or maybe her beautiful face will turn your head, and she'll be adopted. 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.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Take Me Home: June 8, 2009

Seems I'm always filling a bag or box then hauling the stuff up to Goodwill. Goes to a god cause, but this month you'll have the opportunity to get rid of your gently used goods -- and help the animals. The York Region OSPCA will hold a yard sale on June 27 and 28th. Click here for more information.

Lots of lovable animals are waiting for adoption. Take a look:







Affectionate Roscoe, a Irish wolfhound mix, is six years old. Look at his beautiful colouring! He gets along well with other dogs, but not so much with kids or cats. ADOPTED







Five month old Bambi has fur as soft as down -- I could have cuddled her all afternoon (and she would have loved it). Bambi gets along well with other cats. ADOPTED









Kenny (white on chest) and Cartman are five months old. These two boys were all over me, purring and snuggling. BOTH ADOPTED






I thought this photo of Bambi and Kenny playing under the blanket was so cute (click on photo to enlarge). Believe it or not, Cartman is also under there somewhere.




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.