Dex, Ollie and Jethro

Dex is a young dog (10 months old) who arrived at the shelter looking for guidance, direction and stability in his life.  After spending most of his short life in a yard, not exposed to other dogs nor receiving any training, Dex found himself with us, in a home for a short period of time and then back here again.

A lost soul looking for some continuity in his life, Dex is a typical adolescent testing his boundaries and could be unruly, nippy, jumpy and yes, generally test your patience at times. But none of his actions were due to anything Dex has done, they were due to what wasn't done as he was growing up; training.  Therefore Dex made up his own rules, and why not.  There was no one to tell him any different. 

Dex started off as a small cute and fuzzy puppy and then quickly grew; without any guidance or much in the way of socialization.  He's basically a very young pup in a large body and required everything that a youngster half his age would require starting with the basics - housetraining, obedience training, firm and consistent boundaries and a kind but firm leader. Yes, Dex is basically starting from square one at 10 months old.  A friendly young dog who loves people and enjoys playing with other dogs Dex was looking for a dog experienced home and someone with patience, a sense of humour and the time to commit to working with Dex. 

A short time ago Dex caught the eye of a fellow living in Hope, who came to meet Dex at the shelter.  The meeting went well but the fellow couldn't take Dex right away, but he did come back yesterday and adopted Dex . . . who is now going to be a Hope pup!   Our diamond in the ruff will finally have the opportunity to grow, learn, shine and reach his full potential.

In the category of "where are they now" . . . .

Jethro

Ollie (now Oz)

Jethro and Ollie found themselves in care with several other dogs in June, after being seized from a grow op situation.  They, and the other dogs, had been placed around the property in pens as canine alarm systems.  Jethro and Ollie were transferred here from the lower mainland with one of the other dogs, Drew.  All were scared and apprehensive when they arrived after living an isolated existence on the property.  After about two months of rehab the three boys were considered ready to expand their horizons in the big wide world.  Though they still required further socialization and exposure to new situations a shelter environment couldn't take them much further. 

As time went by Drew was adopted first, to a home in Powell River.  But Jethro and Ollie still waited for that special person to discover them; months went by.  In November it was decided to transfer Ollie to the Powell River Branch; Audrey (volunteer manager) had an open foster home available - but in-between Ollie reaching his foster home Audrey found a potential adoptive home for Ollie so he went to his potential new home in Powell River instead.  And there he stayed, settling in wonderfully with his new guardian who has since formally adopted Ollie . . . now named Oz. 

A short time later Jethro found his way to Powell River too, where Audrey once again found a foster home ~ Jethro lived at the foster home for almost a month and last week was adopted by a woman and her son on Vancouver Island.

Great news for all three boys who came from not the best situation but have now gone on to live in homes of their own :-)  

Brooke, Fred and George, and Pepper find their homes!

Brooke is a sweetie who was found wandering around by Totem Lodge in Sechelt and brought to us to keep her from harm and hopefully reunite her with her family; but even though we advertised this friendly gal in the local paper as Found, no one called.  After her holding period Brooke was spayed and once recuperated from her surgery only waited a few days before heading off to her new home that includes a canine pal for a friend.

Fred

George

Fred and George are two siblings that were taken to the Kamloops branch in July after being found in a field all alone; after a short stint in Kamloops the boys were transferred here to help them find a home . . . which actually took a while after they had a minor health problem that just wouldn't clear up.  Finally they were given a clean bill of health and within days were adopted together !

Pepper arrived as a stray, covered in fleas, terrified and with her tail tucked up under her belly - she had also obviously been nursing pups recently.  As the days went by, no one called for Pepper ~ and with no ID on her it was impossible to reunite her with her family (and possibly her pups). 

While at the shelter Pepper was defensive and distrustful of people, not ready to become your new best friend just because you extended your hand to her or tossed her a treat.  But she did start to trust those she grew to know and would enjoy a cuddle and snuggle with them, but strangers were a different story.  Living the shelter life can be overwhelming and intimindating for some dogs, and Pepper was one of those dogs and though she did enjoy playing with some of the other dogs in care and participating in a game of fetch, it just wasn't a home.

Though a sweetie under her tough exterior Pepper's antics did not win potential adoptees over so time went by, over two months in fact.  But, Pepper had caught the eye of someone who kept thinking about her and offered to foster Pepper over the Christmas holidays.  So off Pepper went to enjoy the holidays in a home with a family that also included two other dogs.  Pepper did really well in the home ~ with only one hiccup which wasn't really her fault ~ but sadly once the holidays were over she was again back at the shelter.

But not for long, Pepper had made an impact on her foster family, who could not get her out of their minds.

And within days, Pepper was formally adopted :-)

PS  While out and about yesterday I saw Pepper with her new guardian, I couldn't believe the transformation ~ from the scardy girl at the shelter that most people (including myself) couldn't get near, Pepper actually approached me for a treat and even wanted up on my lap!  She is coming along in leaps and bounds in such a short time and should flourish in her new home.  Just goes to show, once again, that animals do not always show their true personality in a stressful shelter environment . . . .  congratulations to Pepper and her new family!   

O'Malley, Sunflower and Nomi head to their homes

Sunflower found herself with us after she went looking for help by meowing at the door of a house she found.  Yes, Sunflower had been abandoned and needed help.  Quiet, timid and shy when she first arrived Sunflower hid and wanted nothing better than the world (and everyone) to leave her alone, but once she adjusted to her new lifestyle the playful and affectionate Sunflower emerged!  Fine with other cats, Sunflower tended to mind her own business in the Communal Room and enjoyed playing with many of the cat toys available to her . . . as usual with cats, a totally different side then when she first arrived.   Sunflower has now gone to live with a family and being the only pet can expect to be spoiled :-)

O'Malley is a young cat who found himself homeless due to his owners moving, and for some reason O'Malley not being able to move with them to the new place.  A bit confused and perplexed at finding himself in a shelter this sweet boy gradually settled in, quietly observing the Communal room activity and enjoying belly rubs.  And then moving on to entertaining himself by terrorising the other cats in the room, which led to him being locked down in the Tower (a separate area of the Communal Room which gave him lots of space but also gave the other cats some peace).   O'Malley has now found himself a home with a very nice couple and a Golden Retriever; that should keep him busy :-)

Nomi was transferred here from the Prince Rupert branch to help him find a new home after being abandoned by his previous home to live a life on the streets. A friendly and affectionate young cat Nomi loves attention and purrs loudly and steadily while being petted, he purrs so loud you'd almost think he had a microphone on.  Playful, active and inquisitive - he is a youngster after all - Nomi could also be easily spooked while at the shelter leading you on a merry dance trying to capture him again.  This handsome boy has now gone to live in a quiet home with a single person, which will be just perfect for a guy like Nomi.

  

Christmas Day at the shelter

Even though it's December 25th and a lot of people are enjoying a day off, life goes on at the shelter. Employees are there looking after the daily cleaning, feeding and caring of the animals, and volunteers ensure all of the dogs are walked and the cats receive some special time.  Here are a few of the recent arrivals spending Christmas at the shelter  . . .   

Tigger at 9 years old recently found herself at the shelter due to there being "no time" for her.

Mystery recently found herself scared and starving on the pulp & paper mill site in Port Mellon, after two weeks of hiding and running she was finally captured and brought to us ~ how she found herself on the mill site, 17 klms from town is anyone's guess.

Elsa was brought to us after being abandoned in a basement suite when her owner moved out; fortunately the landlady found her.  Extremely thin, dehydrated and covered in flea bites when she arrived, Elsa is doing much better and loves nothing better then a good petting session.   

TASO AND THE SANTA HAT

Putting the Santa hat on Taso 

 

Taso being a good sport . . .

even though the hat looks like a pillow sitting on his head

 Okay, time to re-arrange 

 

There we go . . . . now it looks like a Santa hat!

Taso, Jenna and Mooney wish everyone a Merry Christmas 

PS  Just thought I'd mention that Taso and Mooney
are two lovely seniors waiting for a new home just in case

 anyone is interested in bringing either into their life :-)

   

Aly

Aly was recently brought to us as a stray after apparently hanging around a home since September, arriving in good condition Aly soon settled into the Admittance Room and we sent her info to the local paper (Coast Reporter) hoping to reunite Aly with her owner. 

Sadly, the majority of the time when a cat is brought in as a stray they have no ID and no one looking for them, so after their holding period the cat is placed for adoption to find a new home.

Aly is one of the few lucky cats that went back to her home after her owner saw her info in the Found column of the Coast Reporter.

Please, if your cat goes missing or doesn't come home one day don't assume that he or she has been "eaten by a coyote"; hit by a car or gone off and died . . . actively look for your missing companion.  Many times they are waiting at a shelter nearby for you to come looking.  

One of the most important things you can do for your cat to help you both be reunited again is to have ID on your cat such as a tattoo, collar or microchip.  Failing that, there are many ways you can help bring your companion back home again.

Here are some great some informative sites to help you get started if one day your feline friend does not come home.

BC SPCA Lost and Found tips 

http://www.spca.bc.ca/pet-care/lost-and-found/lost-a-pet.html

BC SPCA Post your missing pet on-line

http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/search/?s=found&newsearch=yes

Safe and Sound Lost and Found - Lost and Found tips, a site for lost and found pets on the Sunshine Coast

http://www.safeandsoundlostandfound.org/

PS  You could always avoid the tragedy and heart break of losing your cat by having he or she live as an inside cat with access to a safe enclosed area outside.  

     

Niner, Graham, Vixen and Flossy go home

Niner is a young cat who found himself homeless due to his owner developing allergies ~ an affectionate boy who enjoys being brushed and combed, Niner enjoyed chatting and hanging out with people while in care at the shelter.  He also enjoyed playing with his toys and chasing a wand, or a shadow.  He really wasn't fussy what he played with. 

As if to dispel the statement that black cats generally wait a very long time for a home once in a shelter environment, Niner actually found himself a home fairly quickly . . . in about three weeks!  Now that's how to throw the black cat stats out of whack :-)  

Graham is a young cat who was transferred here from the Prince Rupert branch after being left outside the building  in a box.  Yes, a box.  That was in July.  After waiting a few months for a home in Prince Rupert Graham made the journey here in early December and didn't have to wait long for a home after a mum and son visited the shelter looking for a new companion after their former feline friend of over 20 years passed on a short time ago.  Above is a picture of Graham with his new buddy, a very caring young man who was very excited to bring Graham into their home and life. 

Vixen is another young cat who was transferred here from the Prince Rupert branch after being left out the shelter in a basket; that was in June.  Vixen made the long journey here with Graham and again did not have to wait long for a home once on the Coast. In fact she barely had time to shake the Communal room up before once again moving on. 

Great news for both Graham and Vixen.    

Flossy was found as a stray in the Sechelt area during August and arrived at the shelter literally covered in fleas and flea bites; everywhere you ran your hands over her fur your fingers encountered lumps and bumps and scabs.  But even in that terrible condition and with severely irritated skin, Flossy wanted nothing more than to be petted and loved, purring up a storm the whole time you stroked her.

Once in care, Flossy was treated for her severe flea infestation and all the while enjoyed being petted; greeting everyone with a steady purr and a few head butts  . . . she truly was a cat lovers dream, a calm and steady rock ready to greet you when you come home from a stressful day.  But even so, with all her charms and amazing personaltiy Flossy still waited almost four months for a home . . . more than likely due to her age. But Flossy's big day finally arrived and she packed up her blanket and has now headed home for the holidays!  

Gohan and Teemo

Teemo

Gohan

Gohan and Teemo are siblings who were transferred here from the Prince Rupert branch with their sister Amelia ~ where they found themselves after being abandoned by their owner.   Once spayed and neutered it didn't take long for the three amigos to each find themselves a home here on the Sunshine Coast.

PS  I saw Amelia - now named Rain - with her new mum at the pet store on the weekend and she is settling in great. 

Bali and Tequila update

Does anyone remember Bali and Tequila?  These two friends spent months at the shelter last year and were eventually transferred to the Powell River branch to be placed in to a foster home ~ who subsequently adopted the bonded pair! http://sunshinecoastspca.blogspot.com/2010/10/trena-archie-bali-tequila-and-powell.html

Below is a recent picture of the girls, hanging out with their new friend, Hobbz the cat. 

Doesn't get any better than that!

Happy Ending ~ Isabelle

Isabelle is a young kitten adopted from us this past September  http://sunshinecoastspca.blogspot.com/2011/09/lainey-dave-and-isabelle.html

Isabelle's (now named Mico) new mom has sent a wonderful update on how she is doing  . . . .

Hi To Everyone at the Sunshine Coast Branch of the SPCA:

This is little Mico whom I adopted on September 25, 2011.  She has brought so much joy back into my home. I couldn't have asked for a better kitten.  Mico certainly has me wrapped around her little toes now. She now weighs 4.8 pounds and loves her food. What a beautiful girl she is. I will keep sending pictures of my pride and joy to you as she grows.

Cheers,

Betty Jean Hockley (Proud Mama)

Sid, Dennis, Orilander and Patience find their homes

Sid (I know, it's a bit of a strange picture, but it is real :-)

Dennis

Dennis and Sid are siblings brought to us together (with their sister) after being found on a property in Halfmoon Bay.  Dennis and Sid were placed for adoption at our satellite adoption center, Sechelt Animal Hospital, and found a home together quickly with a family that includes two kids!  The family loved how Dennis and Sid interacted with each other and saw what a good match they were. 

Orilander, is the sister of Sid and Dennis ~ Orilander found herself a home with a family whose little girl lost her cat after it managed to get outside.   Orilander has gone to join another friendly and good natured cat in the home, and will be an inside cat too.  Not thinking that they would they would find a new addition to their family right away, the family very was happy to find Orilander who came into their life just before their daughter's birthday. 

Patience is a young cat who was transferred here from the Prince Rupert branch - where she had been found as a stray - to help her find a new home. An affectionate and outgoing girl, Patience is not only playful she is great with other cats and enjoys being the first one to run and greet people visiting the Communal room. Not surprisingly, Patience didn't have to wait long for a new home once arriving and has now gone to join a four member family who loved how she would not only play but would also settle down onto their lap for some good luv'ing :-)

Siobhan, Amelia, Eden, Garth and Max

Amelia was transferred here from the Prince Rupert branch, along with two of her brothers, to help them all find a home  . . .  a sweetie, Amelia has now gone to live with a couple and their teenage son who have had previous dog experience with a Siberian Husky and are all very excited to be raising a puppy again.  The family were so calm that Amelia forgot that her brothers were around and happily fell asleep in the son's arms . . . needless to say everyone was quite smitten with her.

Eden is another Prince Rupert pup, who arrived with Amelia and her brothers - this pretty girl was found roaming the streets of Prince Rupert all by herself, fortunately someone was looking out for Eden and took her to the shelter for help. A friendly and outgoing pup, Eden has now gone to live in a home with a happy friendly Boxer for a canine pal. 

Siobhan found herself with us due to her owner having a few to many cats; a beautiful Bengal with striking markings it didn't take too long for Siobhan to find herself a new home . . . Siobhan has now gone to live with a family who fell for her because they thought she had a personality similar to theirs! 

Max is a cheerful, bouncy and happy little dog who loves people and other dogs too!  Max knows sit and probably a few other commands that he was keeping to himself; he also enjoys playing with other dogs so it wasn't too surprising that soon after arriving at the shelter, Max found himself a new home.

You may remember Garth, Garth was adopted in June of this year http://sunshinecoastspca.blogspot.com/2011/06/smookie-sailor-dawn-kane-and-garth-head.html . . .  his new family promised to love him and keep him safely inside and all appeared well as Garth headed of to his new home.

But sadly, that was not to be the case. 

In early November a malnourished cat with cuts on his paws showed up at a home in Gibsons, eagerly waiting for the family to arrive home each day.  After four days, the kind person who lived at the home brought the cat to the shelter in the hopes that it could be reunited with it's family.  

Once at the shelter though, it was quickly discovered that the skinny little stray was our Garth.  With no one looking for him.  Happily ever after was certainly short lived for Garth and his family.

On a brighter note, Garth did not have to wait too long for a new home this time around and has now gone to live with a family that includes two kids and a deaf dog!  

Happy Ending ~ Jasper

Jasper is a handsome fellow who found himself at the shelter after being abandoned by his "owners" when they moved; yes cats being abandoned does happen right here on the Sunshine Coast, sadly quite frequently.  Jasper fortunately did not have to wait too long for a home and was adopted a couple of weeks ago . . for some reason I missed posting that, so I'm combining his adoption with an update from his new home!  

Which is here  . . . . 

Dear people at the SPCA:

Thank you so much for taking care of me when I needed a safe place to stay.  And thank you too for finding me such a nice new home to live in.  The lady who adopted me seems to like me a lot and looks after me very well.  As you can see by the photo, I get to curl up in her favourite chair, but I like it better when she sits down first and makes me a lap.  She gave me a new name - Finnegan - and she calls me silly names like Fishy Finn Cat and Starfish (probably 'cause I make starfish paws all the time). Sometimes she calls me "here fishy fishy" instead of "kitty kitty" - I do think she really really likes me!

So thanks again for looking after me. Maybe I can come to visit one day.

Love, Finnegan (and my lady says to say hi too)

PS  As Finnegan had a hard time typing with his paws, his new lady Heather helped him with the happy ending :-)

A few more Pet Pictures with Santa pictures . .

I told you in my last posting that the pictures our amazing photographer Darren Bernaerdt  takes are MUCH better then the snap shots I took . . . here's some of those pictures from Darren 

Major Tom ~ looking impressed

Former shelter resident Skeeter

A cutie all decked out with a Christmas scarf

Our friend Roo!
A former shelter resident, more than once :-)

What a ham!

A Daschund (or dash-hound :-) duo 

A kiss for Santa

Here's a link to some pictures posted on our local newspaper, the Coast Reporter
http://www.coastreporter.net/apps/pbcs.dll/tngallery?Site=GW&Date=20111205&Category=SECHELT&ArtNo=120509993&Ref=PH

That's it for this year!

Pet Pictures with Santa . . .

was held a few days ago, here are some snap shots of the event  . . . . the actual pictures were taken by photographer Darren Bernaerdt and are much better quality than these ones, but it's always fun to post some random shots  :-) 

Major Tom (orange tabby cat on the table) was one of the first in line
for his annual picture with Santa

All dressed up ready for a picture with Santa

Waiting 

Waiting

Waiting

Setting up for a picture, Darren ready to take the picture with
Cindy waiting to work the squeaky toy

Former shelter resident Tonka stopped by with his family

All dressed up for Christmas and a picture with Santa

Luna-Leela one of our former foster mums stopped
by for a picture and a cuddle :-)

The local rescued greyhound club , , ,

 came by for their annual picture with Santa

 Former foster pup, Marley (aka Seal) now three years old!

Shelley and her canine pals waiting to see Santa

  Another former shelter resident, Skeeter, hanging out with Santa

About 100 people brought their pet for a picture with Santa, the majority of pets were dogs but we did see several cats and one guinea pig - who thankfully managed to not disappear inside Santa's beard. 

This year we did not get a group shot at the end of the event due to running over our allotted time, but much appreciation and thanks go to Jennifer, Gail, Amie and Christa who along with Branch Manger Cindy and myself volunteered at the event . . . busy and hectic at times, but also a lot of fun. 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
without who the event could not happen each year!

Darren Bernaerdt (photography)
Eagle Ridge Veterinary Hospital (treats)
London Drugs (picture developing)
Sunnycrest Mall (use of Santa display)
and of course, Santa

plus everyone who brought their pet for a picture
the event raised $1,045 for the Sunshine Coast Branch!