|
Sheltering Helpless Animals In Distress - South Shore, Nova Scotia
|
Written by Shaid
|
|
Monday, 30 July 2012 20:41 |
|
We all know the wonderful feeling that comes from doing the right thing, be it returning a lost item of value, helping someone pick up dropped groceries or just taking a moment to say a kind word to a stranger. My name is Sandy and I get to have that feeling every Sunday morning when I volunteer at SHAID.
There is something special that happens in my heart as I visit each of the cats in “my” room at the shelter. Why? Because I can see the difference it makes to each of them when their litter and cages are cleaned, their food and water freshened and because I spend those few minutes with each to scratch their ears, rub their heads, brush them or if they’ll let me, lift them out and give them a snuggle. Some are reticent as I reach into their cages. They are suspicious. Life and people have not always been kind.
I am often treated to the metamorphosis of these animals. I get to see them start coming forward to ask for my hand. I get to have my hair re-arranged by furry paws reaching through cage doors to demand my attention while I’m tidying up another cage.
Do I love getting up early every Sunday morning? Do I love the smell of dirty litter and kennels? Well, no, I surely don’t.
Do I love the contented purrs in the cat rooms at the end of my “shift” and the joyful bounces of the dogs happily following the shelter staff as they go about their duties? Do I ever!
One of my favourite “inmates” is a cat named Fran. Fran is a soft grey six year old and her tongue sticks out a little bit most of the time due to some surgery she had on her mouth. Fran is a sweet cat who has spent some time in the playroom where she got along fine with the other cats. She has been at the shelter way too long and would love to have a forever home of her own. Come meet Fran and see if she is the right kitty for you.
|
|
|
Written by Shaid
|
|
Friday, 20 July 2012 17:58 |
|
S.H.A.I.D. is pleased to let you know of its Facebook page. If you want to join us, please go to S.H.A.I.D. TREE Animal Shelter.
A little reminder, that we are open to the public 7 days from 11 am to 3 pm.
Have a sunny and safe Summer!  |
|
Written by Shaid
|
|
Friday, 20 July 2012 13:08 |
|
SHAID has many wonderful staff and volunteers and we’d like to introduce you to them over the next few months. This week we’d like to tell you about Melissa:
Melissa was born and spent her early years in Halifax before moving to the Bridgewater area. She attended school in Tantallon as well as the New Germany Rural High School.
While still in high school, Melissa began volunteering at SHAID as part of her 02 Program. She loved what she was doing so much, once finished the program, she continued to volunteer there.
After being a volunteer for more than three years, Melissa successfully applied for a permanent position at the shelter and has been very happy in her work for over two years. She also helps with some of the fundraisers and was very busy this past May assisting with the huge, annual garage sale where she was in the “pet store” area.
Melissa participated in taking a dog and two cats from SHAID to visit the residents at the Ridgewood retirement facility in Bridgewater. While a short information session about the shelter was offered, the visiting pets were definitely the highlight and the seniors loved interacting with them.
Melissa has always loved animals and enjoys having a hand in nursing them back to health, socializing them and seeing them respond to her care and attention. “It is sad when you get attached to an animal and then they find a home, but it is also a great feeling because you know that the animal is much better off in a home than in a shelter,” she says.
McGee, a cat available for adoption right now, has captured her heart just for the simple fact that he is a little shy and he is a cat that needs to be loved and he is also affectionate, but still very independent. He is a large and handsome grey tabby.
Melissa has a five year old dog which she adopted from SHAID almost five years ago. Her advice to would-be adopters is to make sure you are ready to take on the responsibility for an animal you love and not just that you “want” one. |
|
Written by Shaid
|
|
Monday, 16 July 2012 15:41 |
|
SHAID has many wonderful staff and volunteers and we’d like to introduce you to them over the next few months. Our first story is that of Jessica, brought to you in her own words: I was born and raised in Conquerall Mills, Nova Scotia. I attended Hebbville Academy and successfully completed their three year French Immersion program during junior high. I am a graduate of the Park View Education Centre IB program and currently attend the Nova Scotia Agricultural College where I am on the President’s List. I recently completed my third year of a four year Bachelor of Science degree. I am majoring in Animal Science and have also completed the 20 prerequisite courses for admission to the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC). It is my hope to attend AVC to obtain my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Being a veterinarian is something that I have always been passionate about, especially after having attended “Vet Camp” at the AVC one summer in junior high. (Vet camp is a week long camp which allows students to get an inside look at the profession and gain hands on experience with animals). My love of animals is what initially led me to start volunteering at SHAID and I have been hooked ever since, returning each summer when I am home from university. Helping out at the shelter in any way that I can is a very rewarding way to spend my time and it makes me feel good to know that those few hours mean so much to the animals there. I wish there was more that I could do. As a volunteer at the SHAID I mainly work with the cats (cleaning cages, feeding, etc.). I have also assisted staff with vaccinations, FELV testing and de-worming procedures. Aside from volunteering weekly at SHAID, I also work at a local Veterinary Hospital where I have been a technician assistant/receptionist for the past 3 summers. I assist vet techs with diagnostics, xrays, observe surgeries - basically anything going on the in the clinic. I also volunteer at other clinics, both locally and in Truro and at my campus farm (milking cows, caring for sheep/mink/chickens) throughout the school year. When I have time, I help at a friend’s local hobby farm with horses, dogs (and new puppies), sheep, and chickens, which involves all aspects of their care, from grooming, feeding, exercising, playing, barnwork…anything you can think of involving farm animals. I haven’t decided where I would like to practice once I become a vet. I like to travel so we’ll see where I end up. I have not yet decided what types of animals I would like to work with. I like all critters big and small, feathers or fur. Addendum: Jessica has been accepted at AVC to do her Veterinary degree. Way to go Jessica!!! Note: SHAID is still in need of Non-clumping Cat Litter as well as garbage bags and bleach. If you have any to donate, please drop it off. Much appreciated! |
|
Last Updated on Monday, 16 July 2012 16:27 |
|
Written by Shaid
|
|
Friday, 13 July 2012 14:18 |
|
Please, remember that if it is too hot for you humans, it is too hot for your pets!
Keep them safe at home in a cool environment. Make sure they are comfortable and have access to fresh water at all times. Forget car drives, walks in the streets, or hours in the sand!
Please report any situation that concerns you. A chained dog without shade, water and attention is a dog in danger as well. Thanks! |
|
Written by Shaid
|
|
Tuesday, 03 July 2012 23:17 |
|
A litter of four adorable kittens - is there any other kind? - was dumped recently at the recycling depot next to SHAID. The staff there was unable to take care of them and so the litter arrived at SHAID hissing and spitting. Their fright has now abated and they are a playful bunch romping about the quarantine room, popping in and out of the play box and running up and down the cat tree. You can see that they make a sweet pile cuddled up together in the picture. The close up shows that their eye infections are still being treated. They will soon be healed and have been de-wormed etc. They all should become delightful, fully tamed pets that will be altered before being allowed to be adopted. They are all great at using the litter pan and are very curious about us humans.
Why were they left at the dump right next door to SHAID? Why did whoever left them not just bring them to SHAID? Of course space is limited at the shelter and there is a waiting list for cats and kittens. The sooner someone calls to ask for space for some foundlings, the better; but why leave them to their own, inexperienced devices, in a compost heap? It is this kind of uncaring attitude to the plight of defenseless animals that disheartens even the seasoned staff and volunteers.
Approximately 75 dogs, 210 cats and several other small household pets were adopted through the doors of SHAID in 2011. So far this year, we have taken in 119 cats and 34 dogs and we have had 104 cats and 34 dogs adopted. Each one is quarantined for at least two weeks while being treated for parasites, vaccinated, altered and evaluated as to temperament. SHAID needs to observe them closely over this time period in order to ensure they are healthy and happy and to arrange the best possible placement for the animal as well as his/her soon-to-be adopters. It is a tough job and a rewarding one. Happily, very few animals can't be helped with behavioral or health issues and so the success stories grow – read them on our website www.shaid.ca under the Happy Tales link.
Non-clumping litter, canned cat food, bleach and garbage bags are still needed – help us if you can. |
|
Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 July 2012 23:21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page 4 of 6 |
|
