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Upper
Credit
Humane
Society
Shelter Newsletter Archive
Tips for Choosing a Dog Food Brand
Have you ever wondered whether the food you’re
giving your dog is actually healthy for him?
Follow these simple steps to “grade” your dogs
food and see its true quality.
Start with a grade of 100
1. For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points.
2. For every non-specific animal source (meat,
poultry, meal, or fat) reference, subtract 10
points.
3. If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin,
subtract 10 points.
4. For every grain mill run or non-specific
grain source, subtract 5 points.
5. If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or
more times in the first five ingredients (i.e.
ground brown rice, brewers rice, rice flour are
all the same grain), subtract 5 points.
6. If the protein sources are not meat meal and
there are less than 2 meats in the top 3
ingredients, subtract 3 points.
7. If it contains any artificial colorants,
subtract 3 points.
8. If it contains ground corn or whole grain
corn, subtract 3 points.
9. If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients,
subtract 2 more points.
10. If the food contains any animal fat other
than fish oil, subtract 2 points.
11. If lamb is the only animal protein source
(unless your dog is allergic to other protein
sources) subtract 2 points.
12. If it contains soy or soybeans,
subtract
2 points.
13. If it contains wheat (unless you know that
your dog is not allergic to wheat), subtract
2 points.
14. If it contains beef (unless you know that
you dog is not allergic to beef), subtract 1
point.
15. If it contains salt, subtract 1 point.
Extra Credit:
1. If any of the meat sources are organic,
add 5 points.
2. If the food is endorsed by any major breed
group or nutritionist, add 5 points.
3. If the food is baked not extruded,
add 5
points.
4. If the food contains probiotics,
add 3
points.
5. If the food contains fruit, add 3 points.
6. If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or
other grains), add 3 points.
7. If the animal sources are hormone-free and
antibiotic-free, add 2 points.
8. If the food contains barley,
add 2 points.
9. If the food contains flax seed oil (not just
the seeds), add 2 points.
10. If the food contains oats or oatmeal,
add
1 point.
11. If the food contains sunflower oil,
add 1
point.
12. For every different specific animal protein
source (other than the first one; count chicken
and chicken meal as only one protein source), add 1 point.
13. If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin,
add 1 point.
14. If the vegetables have been tested for
pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1
point.
Score:
94-100+ =A
86-93 =B
78-85 =C
70-77 =D
0-69 =F
Here is how some of the major dog food brands
scored:
“A+” Rated Food Brands
Artemis large/medium breed puppy 114 A+
Authority Harvest Baked 116 A+Canidae 112 A+
Chicken Soup Senior 115 A+
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium 122 A+
Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato 106 A+
Foundations 106 A+
Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables 110 A+
Innova Dog 114 A+
Innova Evo 114 A+
ProPlan Natural Turkey and Barley 103 A+
Royal Canin Boxer 103 A +
Royal Canin Bulldog 100 A+
Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult 106 A+
Timberwolf Organics Lamb and Venison 136 A+
Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken 110 A+
“A” Rated Food Brands
Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula 99 A
Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice 97 A
Solid Gold 99 A
Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold 97 A
“B” Rated Food Brands
Diamond Lamp Meal and Rice 92 B
Eukanuba Natural Lamb and Rice 87 B
Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold 93 B
Nutrisource Lamb and Rice 87 B
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy 87 B
“C” Rated Food Brands
Alpo Prime Cuts 81 C
Blackwood 3000 Lamb and Rice 83 C
Eukanuba Large Breed Adult 83 C
“D” Rated Food Brands
Iams Lamb Meal and Rice Formula Premium 73 D
“F” Rated Food Brands
Bil-Jac Select 68 F
Diamond Maintenance 64 F
Ol Roy 9 F
Pedigree Adult Complete 14 F
Pedigree Complete Nutrition 42 F
Pet Gold Adult with Lamb and Rice 23 F
Purina Beneful 17 F
Purina Dog 62 F
Purina Come-n-Get It 16 F
Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ 63 F
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies 69 F
Be
Doggone Safe on Halloween!
 Changes
in routine and the strange sights and sounds
associated with Halloween can cause stress in a
normally placid family dog. Keep dogs out of the
fray by securing them away from door and
providing a long-lasting chew treat. Teach kids
to Be a Tree and stand still if any dogs come
near them on Halloween.
Halloween is lots of
fun for kids, but many dogs will be confused or
upset by kids in strange costumes and by lots of
people coming to the door, but never being
invited in. Doggone Safe offers the following
tips for dog owners, kids and parents:
Dog Owners:
-
Secure your dog
behind a closed door or in a crate in a room
away from the front door or the party if
children are meeting at your house.
-
Give him a juicy
bone from the butcher, a sterilized bone or
Kong stuffed with hotdog, Rollover or other
soft dog treats or a pre-stuffed bone from
the pet store.
-
Play music or
leave a TV or radio playing in the dog's
room to help mask the sounds of the activity
at the front door.
-
Close drapes so
that the dog does not see people coming and
going through the window.
-
If you have a dog
that barks at the sound of the doorbell,
disconnect it or watch for trick-or-treaters
so that they do not have to ring or knock.
-
Puppies and dogs
that like to chase can get overly excited by
costumes with dangly bits or streaming
material. Supervise very carefully if you
have a dog that may try to play with your
children's costumes while they are wearing
them. Teach kids to Be a Tree and stand
still if the dog does start nipping at their
costume since the more they move, the more
exited the dog will get.
-
Keep your dogs
(and cats) indoors around Halloween time.
Pets have been stolen, injured or poisoned
as part of Halloween pranks or other
rituals.
Kids and Parents:
-
Avoid houses if
you can hear a dog barking behind the door,
you can see a dog behind a screen door or
you see a dog tied up in the yard or barking
behind a fence.
-
Never approach
any dog, even if you know him. He may not
recognize you in your costume.
-
If an owner opens
the door and there is a dog there, just stay
still and wait for the dog owner to put the
dog away. You can tell them you do not want
to come near the dog. Do not move toward the
person and dog. Wait for them to come to you
to give you your candy. Wait for them to
close the door before you turn and leave.
-
If a dog escapes
just stand still and Be a Tree (hands folded
in front, watching your feet). He will just
sniff you and then move on. Wait for the
owner to come and get the dog before you
turn away.
-
If you meet a
loose dog, Be a Tree and wait until it goes
away.
-
It is best to
ignore other people's dogs on Halloween if
you meet them out walking. The dog may be
worried about all the strange creatures that
are out and about. Even if you know the dog,
he may not recognize you in your costume.
Doggone Safe, the
Upper Credit Humane Society and Super Obi wish
everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
First Thrift Shop Silent Auction Great Success
 We
held our first Silent Auction at our Georgetown Thrift Shop on
September 29th. There were a number of items for auction,
including this lovely print. We will be holding a monthly in
store Silent Auction and you will be able to bid on some
wonderful items every month. You can come into the store during
regular hours and using our Auction Book, bid on any item we are
featuring that month. Written bids will be accepted until
4.30p.m. on the day of the auction at which time a live auction
will commence. You may come into the store if you wish to make a
verbal bid and the auction will end when bidding ends.
Click here for more Thrift Shop
and Silent Auction info.
Hudson
Hankers For A Home Hudson's
Been Adopted!!!
 Hudson
is a two year old, neutered, handsome, perhaps
gorgeous, Malamute with a striking white face
etched with very distinctive black markings.
This arresting boy startled one of our
caregivers who had not yet met him and she had
not turned on the lights in the pods while
attending to another canine. There looking at
her was this luminous white face”a spirit” which
appeared to “glow in the dark”….that is how that
particular bonding began and a friendship
formed.
Hudson is larger
than a husky, gentle, does not attempt to jump
up on humans and is presently “in love” with our
resident Husky “Hannah”. Hudson hears the “call
of the wild” when exercise time is near, and is
usually the first out on the tennis court where
he tirelessly patrols, investigating and
exploring his world. Hudson is a sight to be
seen, leaping like a gazelle, following his nose
to every exciting smell. Trail walks are a
pleasure for both handler and dog and car rides
are a treat, Hudson will stretch his head
between the seats asking to be petted, just
being with one person and having that attention
means the world to him.
Hudson was kept on
a chain for the first two years of his life and
it is no wonder he was exuberant when once in a
while he became free (he belongs to the Nordic
breed of sled running dogs, dogs that yearn to
exercise, to exercise their individuality) poor
Hudson -two years is a long time to be tied up.
He was surrendered because he was “too bouncy
for the grandchildren”, is it any wonder if he
was always on a chain?
Hudson will thrive
with an experienced family, because although he
has lots of energy, he loves to sit under a tree
and get tummy rubs from the volunteers. He
would blossom with training classes (he can do a
sit) which would help him bond to his new
family, and definitely a fenced yard is a must.
It is also a necessity that he does not go to a
family where he will be ignored and left on a
chain – he deserves so much more.
Although his life
was to many very sad, Hudson is healthy but
showing stress by not eating his rations and
having upset tummies, as upsetting for us to
accept, his life on a chain was what he had
known, and any new changes, even positive ones,
cause the dog to be stressed. Hudson has
adjusted well but Shelter life is new to him and
stressful to a dog who had NEVER been inside a
house, which shows with his upset digestion
which would disappear once in a home of his
own. That said, Hudson is adjusting better than
expected but has to learn to deal with everyday
situations starting at just above zero.
A strong
leadership type of family is needed to harness
Hudson’s energy, and soften his breed’s
tendencies towards stubbornness and headstrong
abandon. A home with older children and
preferably no cats would be ideal.
The unfurling of
the “blossom” which is Hudson, will be a sight
to see once he is adopted and he would love you
to come out and visit him with a view to
becoming his future family. Call “Hudson” at
519-833-2287 for an appointment.
Hudson has been
adopted. Yeah big guy, we knew you could do it!
Dogs to dig-in
at groundbreaking ceremony held for OSPCA Midland & District
Branch
Midland, ON, (September 26, 2007)
– More than one year after a lightening strike destroyed the
Midland & District Branch and claimed the lives of 29 animals,
the dream of a new shelter has begun to take shape! Sandra
Nymark, Honourary Chair and lead donor of the Branch's Making it
Pawsible Campaign, will be on hand to turn the first ceremonial
shovel of sod at a groundbreaking event on October 2, 2007 at 3
p.m. at the Branch's new building site. Assisting her will be
two energetic dogs eager to demonstrate their digging skills.
"As a cat owner and animal lover, I'm delighted
to be able to give something back to a shelter that has served
its community and animals so well," says Nymark. "Although it's
under very sad circumstances, this Campaign has given me the
opportunity to help build an animal shelter and fulfill a
personal goal."
Kate MacDonald, CEO for the Ontario SPCA, says
that thanks to scores of animal lovers and long-time supporters
who have already joined the effort to make the new shelter a
reality, the Midland Branch has achieved 80% of its goal to
raise $1.5 million - the total necessary to build and operate
the adoption centre. A campaign is currently underway to raise
the remainder of the funds needed. "We are extremely excited
about the new shelter, which is a testament to the outpouring of
support within this community and across the province," says
MacDonald. "Thousands of people have made this dream a reality."
MacDonald notes that the new facility will
incorporate modern animal welfare designs, including roomier
adoption rooms; concrete and glass dog runs that separately
enclose each dog; separate isolation, intake and treatment
rooms; communal outdoor areas for cats; an outdoor socialization
and training area for dogs; outdoor covered dog runs accessible
from the inside runs; separate ventilation systems to reduce the
spread of airborne disease and much more! Special cost-saving
features will include geothermal heating and cooling and solar
tubes. The shelter will also include a memorial garden honoring
the 29 animals lost in the fire.
You are invited to attend!
What: Ontario SPCA Midland & District Branch
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Where: 15979 Highway 12 East, Port McNicoll (at site of
old Branch)
When: Tuesday, October 2, 2007, 3 p.m.
Why: To celebrate the start of the shelter rebuild with
the community and Ontario SPCA supporters! Coffee and cake will
be served.
Zoocheck Protest At Japanese Embassy
 Zoocheck Canada
supported the
annual international protest against the brutal
slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan by
organizing a protest on Tuesday September 25th
outside of the Japanese Embassy on King Street
in Toronto. The protest was part of a peaceful worldwide protest
against what is often called "a crime against
nature." In the picture, Anne Burr joins
protest organizer Julie Woodyer of Zoocheck and
other participants holding up a large banner.
About 25 people attended the peaceful noon hour
demonstration.
UCHS
Annual Dog Walkathon and Treasure Hunt
Thanks to everyone who supported the Walk-A-Thon.
Click here
for more info and to see some pictures of the people and pets who
participated.
Kayly and Jenny… A
deeply bonded pair.
They Have Been
Adopted!!
Click Here For More.
 Life
was indeed a “bowl of cherries” for Kayly and Jenny
before that day came when their human parents split
up, and they were surrendered, bewildered yet ever
eager to please to the Upper Credit Humane Society.
These lovely canines
are Labs, Kayly is the 7 year old (approx) dressed
in her chocolate coat, and Jenny is a 5 year old
(approx) dressed all in black. Both girls are in
excellent health, with joyous spirits in spite of
their circumstances. They tend to present on first
meeting as somewhat “boisterous” but Shelter
existence is not a “normal home” and it must be
remembered they are shut up in their pod for hours
at a time and when they see a chance to exercise it
is a cause of great excitement….Labs are, after all,
bred to hunt, run, swim and are “physical” dogs so
swimming and ball playing is like “nectar to the
Gods”!
Both dogs are “Halti”
trained, have good manners, know commands such as
“sit”,“back off” and in
retrospect are doing amazingly well at the Shelter
adjusting to this heartrending change of
circumstances. These dogs will thrive when they are
adopted and can see they are loved and have
continuity in their lives again. Car rides are
another distraction that the girls like and they
look forward to going out often when they have their
new family.
The Tennis courts
allow the girls to let off pent up energy, where
they finally can exercise their muscles and both
dogs enjoy “cooling off” in the little pool
especially Kayly. Kayly has the sweetest brown eyes
- just like chocolate - that seem to mirror a very
gentle soul – she loves a one to one as those
arresting eyes draw you in. Jenny is the
firecracker of the pair, and overshadows Kayly in
her persistent but none the less adorable pursuit
for attention.
An ideal adoptive
family would be sensitive to their individual
natures and not allow pushy Jenny to overshadow
Kayly’s need for love and petting. Kayly is so laid
back but is actually
totally dependent on Jenny and these girls will not
and should not be separated. Who really would want
to? They would bring double the joy just as they
are – a ready made canine family – all set to go to
your home!
Knowing that Labs are
one of most popular breeds, we are hoping the ideal
family will come soon, preferably an adult only home
or one with children that are 10+ due to the
energetic nature of the duo.
Kayly and Jenny are
excitedly waiting for your call to meet them….and
are convinced that once you do you will want to take
them home…..forever…..Call 519-833-2287 for your
appointment to view.
Condors vs.
the NRAThe remarkable recovery of California condors is
now threatened by lead bullet fragments left in the wild by
hunters. Its fate rests with the governor. What will
Schwarzenegger do? Visit
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/09/22/condors/ to
read all about it.
A Joke
An American couple is visiting
Russia.
They hire a tour guide named Rudolph.
As they are taking the tour, they feel a drop.
The tour guide says, “Da! It is rain!”
The wife says, “No, it’s snow!”
The guide says, “It is rain!”
They argue back and forth.
Finally, the husband says to his wife, “Rudolph the red knows rain, dear!”
This joke was stolen from Gilbert Gottfried.
Ostrich Farm
Fundraiser
 Fundraisers
for the Upper Credit Humane Society were held at White
Rock Ostrich Farm, August long weekend and on Labour Day
Weekend, Saturday, September 1st , and Sunday, September
2nd, 2007. White Rock Ostrich Farm donated all proceeds
from "Feed the Ostrich" to the Upper Credit Humane
Society. Each cup is $2.00 - White Rock matched each
$2.00 and the funds were donated to Trooper's Fund to
help the special needs animals that come to the
Shelter. The farm is located at 13085 Fourth Line,
Rockwood, NOB 2K0 519-856-2629. Directions are posted at
www.whiterockostrichfarm.com
General admission Adults $5.00, Kids 18 and under $3.00,
Feed the Ostrich $2.00.
Sign
Rehabilitation Project
 Our
sign is finally back up. Remember our wonderful, huge,
sign that sat near the corner of Hwy 124 and Trafalgar
Road? Well it blew down in a storm this summer. Finally
with the help of the sign maker and a generous donor,
our sign is back up. Even Clive, the Town of Erin By-Law
Officer, dropped by to offer his compliments. We used
much stronger support posts and we lowered the main body
of the sign somewhat to reduce the chances of it being
blown away again. Unfortunately, the sign has suffered
some damage and will need further repairs. If you would
like to make a contribution to our sign rehabilitation
project, please contact the shelter, every little bit
helps.
He Really Is A
"Trooper”
 Several
weeks ago we wrote a story on the rescue and
rehabilitation of “Trooper” the near death lab mix dog
rescued by the UCHS. We started the “Trooper Fund” in
his name to help other special needs animals that
constantly come through our doors in need of optimum
care over and above basic needs of food and shelter.
Thanks to the
generosity of the public we have not only helped Trooper
but other animals needing dental care and other special
procedures to give them a better chance at being adopted
into a new life.
“Trooper”
continued his rehab at his Foster Mothers for many weeks
and managed to make such an impact that it was a wrench
for them when a permanent family stepped forward to
adopt him. Several meetings later, Trooper has gone to
a serene, loving home where he can
spend the rest of his days, knowing and feeling love.
On his first visit to his new family, he just walked in
and “plopped” down next to the female lab who accepted
this new “beau” immediately. Introduction to the
resident cat seemed to go well and for the last month,
Trooper has continued to settle in very well.
According to
his new family, he is now over 60 lbs, eats his food
with gusto, sleeps like a baby, and loves to lie side by
side with his new friend Dina. He has a sweet, loving
spirit in spite of his cruel ordeal, enjoys “walkies” to
build muscle, and his favourite possession is the ball
he brought with him from Foster Mums, when not in play,
mouthing it brings him comfort and joy. He is well
mannered, obedient, and oh so grateful to leave the life
of an abandoned, starving, wanderer.
Trooper’s new
family are very happy with him, he has fitted into their
lives very easily and they look forward to many years
together and his Foster Mother says he will always have
a piece of her heart and she will never forget that
fateful morning when he stood before her at death’s
door.
Trooper
thanks all of you who read his story, supported the UCHS
with donations for his and other animals’ care…..gives
special thanks to his loving rescuer/Foster Mum and
basks in the warm glow of his new family….he “wuffs” he
is a happy, lucky boy…..
UCHS is
obviously thrilled that Trooper has found an incredible
family to love him but sadly our work is neverending,
the flood of abused, neglected, sick animals continues
and once again we stress that only by public donations
can we continue our work. Trooper's Fund needs urgent
restocking and we are hoping that once again, you can
support us.
Call the Shelter at (519) 833-2287. Mailed Donations
should be made
marked "Troopers Fund", 5383 Wellington Road 24.RR 2
.Erin, Ontario N0B 1T0
Judith-Anne
Kolu
"Trooper"…
a very special dog!
Desolation, abandonment, loneliness,
and above all starvation
were all embodied in the first sighting of the dog that came
to be known as “Trooper”.
One of our Animal
Control Officers took the call at 7 a.m. knowing that this
usually meant at this time of day an animal in severe
distress or horribly injured. A homeowner had seen this
mere “ghost” of a dog outside her house and called the UCHS
and thank goodness she did. Our Animal Control officer
raced to respond to the call, and on arrival her first
thoughts on approaching the dog was “Is he even going to
make it back to the Shelter”.
Standing, or
rather wobbling in front of her was a black lab-mix skeleton
weighing (it was later registered) 35 lbs….”Trooper” was so
weak from starvation that he could hardly stand, if he
moved, he would wobble and topple over. Walking was not a
possibility, he had no flesh to speak of and was virtually
“skin and bones”.
The emotion of
the moment was overwhelming for even one of our Animal
Control officers, but she knew there was a job to be done.
She spoke to him softly and picked him up gently, even this
action caused him to whimper in pain. She laid him
carefully on blankets on the front seat next to her and
started to drive. What happened then was heartrenching…..this
dear soul laid his bony head in her lap, and just looked up
at her as if to say “at last ….I recognize that “someone
cares for me”.
A Vet visit, and
lengthy stay of many weeks, was immediate. The Vet, who
has been in practice for some time, was appalled at
Trooper’s condition and said she had never seen a dog so
thin and emaciated. She felt he had weathered most of the
winter (maybe even 4 months) battling starvation and
sub-zero temperatures. She also designated him a “fighter”
with obviously a strong will to survive….we would try and
save him and nurse him back to health.
“Trooper” was fed
6 meals of puppy food each day for weeks, and was housed at
the Vets for all that time. “Trooper’s” past, although
unknown, must have been one of a loved trained dog, what
happened to him we will never know. We feel he was an
“indoor dog” fully housetrained and knowing once again you
do not soil your den. He knows all his commands “go to
bed”, “speak’, “shake paws”, “come”, “sit”, “lie down” which
makes his will to live totally amazing. He meets everything
with great fortitude and has a very “special sweet soul”.
Everyone who meets him enjoy the experience immensely.
“Trooper” is now
in a Foster home sharing life with 2 other large dogs, eight
cats and 4 horses. “Trooper” now weighs-in at 50 lb and is
slowly gain weight on the puppy food and is fed three times
a day, which will eventually go to two. “Trooper” is
responding like a “normal” canine, a little afraid of the
horses, respectful of the two resident dogs (who seem to
know they cannot rough-house with him) and wanting to
interact with the 8 cats which he is learning after an
indignant scratch or two is not a good thing!
“Trooper’s”
ordeal makes him food oriented – boy do we love our food and
has regained enough strength to “bark up a storm”, happily
“wuffing” but in his innocent sweet way. His foster Mum says
he constantly demonstrates his very strong will to live, an
inner strength which is emotional to see. For instance he
is endeavouring to master stairs again, and tries valiantly,
and she feels that once again he will do it.
Were all the Vet bills and the strain on the Society worth
it…..of course they
were….one look at the rebirth of this boy lets you know that
the job the UCHS is doing is superlative. Trooper would
have been euthanized at many facilities but that is why I am
proudly associated with the UCHS because they feel it is
the right of even those many would turn away to be given a
chance at a new life. The light returning to “Trooper’s”
eyes says it all.
That is Trooper’s story, and this is Troopers Fund… to help
him and other animals:
Judith-Anne Kolu
Volunteer
UCHS
U.C.H.S.
Establishes Trooper's Fund
Upper Credit is pleased to
announce the establishment of Trooper's Fund, named after one of
the saddest dogs to come into our shelter. Trooper was picked up
as a stray. His sad state and thin body made officers concerned
for his life and he was rushed immediately to our Vet. Our vet
has been
 practicing for some time and yet she had never before
seen a dog as thin as this guy. A lab mix, he was named Trooper
as we decided that he was a fighter, and would survive under our
care. He was an excruciating 35 lbs and had probably been
wandering for weeks. Trooper spent some time with our Vet before
he was strong enough to be moved into a foster home. He is now
beginning his long road to recovery and although he has gained
10lbs, he still has quite a ways to go before he is ready to
start his new life. Because of animals like Trooper and the many
other special needs animals that come into our shelter, we have
established a fund in Trooper's name that will allow us to
provide the extensive medical care that goes into rehabilitating
and healing these animals. Many animals we have require dental
surgery, X-rays, orthopaedic surgery, or other expensive medical
procedures that without the help of kind people, we would be
unable to perform. To donate to Trooper's fund, please call the
shelter. We can accept personal cheques, Visa, Debit or Cash.
Please make cheques out to Upper Credit Humane Society, and
indicate in the memo that your donation is to go to Trooper's
Fund. We thank you so much in advance for your support. Animals
like Trooper will be able to live long healthy lives because of
your kind donations.
Shelter Dog
by Jessie Garbutt
In
a cage all day long
always watching, hoping that someone will
pick me
Than the songs of dogs come
Someone is coming
Someone is coming
I smell them I hear them
I’m getting happier by the second
I’m getting happier by the second
I hear the kids yelling in the distance
YAY were getting a dog today
I think to my self
I think to my self
maybe they’ll pick me
I’m so happy with the thought
They walk along the row pausing as they go.
They walk along the row pausing as they go.
They come to me, they start talking
than the worker comes over
she starts to talk about me
She starts to talk about me
I get so excited
I cant help think maybe they’ll pick me
I cant help think maybe they’ll pick me
I start jumping and barking
pick me pick me
Pick me Pick me
the worker comes toward me
and says would you like to meet him
the kids say YAY!
The kids say YAY
I look hopefully at them
Than the parents glance at each other,
at their kids
At their kids
say no we want a smaller
and calmer dog
the kids start to cry
The kids start to cry
oh how I wish I could lick those tears away
I start pawing, and chewing at the cage walls
I start pawing, and chewing at the cage walls
whining and moaning
whispering come back come back
please
|
Paws
for Thought is an event which is held in the
fall of each year to raise much needed funds for
animal shelters that support the Milton area
(Oakville Humane Society and Upper Credit Humane
Society). In 2006 we were able to raise almost
$3,000.00 for the shelters through our Silent
Auction and found forever homes for several
animals available for adoption at the event.
Also, the public donated much needed items such
as food, office supplies, bedding, fridges,
crates, etc. which were most welcome. 
Do
you remember the Abba hit "Take
a Chance on Me"? Our wonderful
feline resident "Chance" is
purring this song constantly in
the hopes of catching your
attention. Chance is an
arrestingly handsome, brown and
white tabby, 2 years old, with
yellow green eyes cleverly made
up with amazing fur markings
which makes them look
enormous. He is such a clean
looking cat with the sparkling
white facial markings which
continue into his undercarriage!
Dakota
is an attractive mix-breed boy,
approximately one year old, and his life
has not been one to envy. Dakota has
not been loved as he should have been,
cowers at sudden movements or raised
hands but his spirit is intact. Dakota
is housebroken, often quiet, appears to
like other dogs, absolutely loves to
play but would blossom if able to
accompany the new family to training
classes. Leash walking is seen as a
game and he loves to leap about trying
to get the leash in his teeth. This
sad boy's spirit has not been snuffed
out by his past ordeal, but rather he
just is a teenager wanting to play and
learn how to properly divert all that
energy in an appropriate manner!
What
can we not say about “Jace”? After meeting
him, what a funny, loving, gorgeous bundle
of canine magnetism he is and Jace exercises
such a tug on the heartstrings, he is not
easily forgotten…
Chevy
is a 3 year old male Jack Russell who was
surrendered, and he is aptly named as he is
like a perfectly stylish, black and white,
high octane, rip roaring car! Chevy is a
Jack Russell's Jack Russell. This adorable
pint sized “busybody” is definitely
someone’s bundle of joy.
Sweet
“Marie” has been in residence at
UCHS since June/July when a friend
of the writer surrendered her to the
Shelter. Their resident “Tom” was
not amused even by pretty girls!
Tyler
just needs to feel loved and safe after his many life
struggles just fighting to stay alive. Tyler came to
us as a stray, a mature, bedraggled, matted boy who had
obviously lived a rough life on the streets with a notch
on his ear to prove it.. Tyler has been with us since
the early part of this year. He was quite crotchety for
a long time, and seemed to be a loner.
Davidson
Roxy,
our sweet, young German Shepherd girl is
becoming upset at the Shelter…..youth is not
patient, and Roxy is losing hope that she
will be adopted. The more stressed she
becomes with her present life, the more
hyper she becomes. Barking at the other
dogs relieves her stress and boredom with
her situation. A new family who will take
her to training classes to harness her
youthful joy would do wonders for her
confidence and intelligent shepherd nature.
Roxy needs a job!