Humane Society of Durham Region

Birds Now available

2011-02-23T16:01:00.002-05:00

All the animals that were removed from the home in Fenelon Falls last month have now been surrendered and are looking for homes. This includes the 10 cats and 127 birds that came to our shelter. For anyone who is interested in the birds, please contact the shelter or come in to fill out an adoption application. The adoption fee for the birds varies from species to species.

Birds, Birds and more Birds

2011-02-04T10:19:00.002-05:00

On Sunday January 30th, the Humane Society of Durham Region assisted the Kawartha Lakes Humane Society by taking in a number of animals from an investigation in their area.

A house fire in Fenelon falls required the removal of more than 300 animals. These animals once treated by on site veterinarians were then transferred to shelters all over the province.

Our shelter agreed to house 10 cats and all the birds from the home. The birds which number over 100, were in filthy cages and many different species jammed in together.

We are working at getting the birds regrouped according to species with the help of numerous volunteers from local bird organizations.

We are looking for more help from people who are familiar with handling birds to volunteer some time to help with the cleaning and care of the birds.

We are also accepting donations of cages and food for the birds. We have parrots, Rosellas, parakeets, canaries, Cockatiels, finches and doves so we need food for all those types.

The birds are not available for adoption at the moment as it is still an investigation. We cannot foster the birds out at the present time either, they have to stay in the shelter until we are given further instructions as to what is going on with the investigation.

If you can help or donate towards the care of the birds, please contact the shelter at 905-665-7430.

NEW SHELTER FINALLY OPEN

2010-12-22T13:25:00.002-05:00

On Friday December 17th our new shelter officially opened it's doors. Located at 1505 Wentworth Street in Whitby, just west of Thickson Road, the 6,100 square foot space has impressed everyone who has walked through the the doors.

We have started moving the animals in and so far they seem to be finding their new home very comfortable and they seem to be very happy. The cats who are living communally are especially happy, playing with all of their toys.

The dogs are loving their spacious dog runs and are enjoying the ability to go outside whenever they want to. They also love their raised beds.

Everyone is invited to come and visit the new shelter and see the animals but we ask that you be patient during our time of transition as we have to accompany you when you come in.

We have a new phone number as well - 905-665-7430

Christmas/Winter Hazards for Pets

2010-12-02T10:27:00.003-05:00

THE 12 HAZARDS OF THE HOLIDAYS

1) Ethylene Glycol
This common toxin can cause acute renal failure with as small an amount consumed as 4.2mL/kg in dogs and 1.5mL/kg in cats. Usually the first signs seen are lethargy, wobbliness, increased drinking and increased urination. If emergency treatment is not instituted this toxin is usually fatal.

2) Chocolate
Seen more frequently during holidays, symptoms can be variable depending on the “purity of the chocolate”. Symptoms include increased thirst, vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate or arrhythmia and can progress to seizures.

3) Prescription drugs
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays added to visiting family and friends, ingestion of our human medications can be a real hazard. Dogs and cats do not react the same way as people do. Consulting with your veterinarian or Poison Control can be a life saver.

4) Poinsettia
Commonly thought to be “the” toxin of holidays the plant rarely causes more than gastric upset. Having said that, it is best to keep these ornamental plants out or reach (or out of the house) to avoid vomiting and diarrhea in your pet.

5) Raisins/Grapes
Because the mechanism of toxicity is not known, we do not know how much is too much. This “treat” can cause renal failure and even death.

6) Mistletoe
A rather infrequent toxin because of rarity and expense, mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea,fluid loss and even death has been reported.

7) Macadamia nuts
Although the chemical causing the toxin has not yet been identified this ingestion can cause depression, inability to use the hind limbs or stand, in coordination and vomiting. Fortunately, this toxicity is usually self limiting but unpleasant during the episode.

8) Bulbs
A Christmas time favorite, the amaryllis bulb can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. Again not a pleasant Christmas morning surprise!

9) Road Salt
Rarely is this seen as an acute oral ingestion but road salt can cause significant discomfort on the pads of dogs. Combine this with a small cut and that can become quite painful.

10) Foreign bodies
Toys, ribbons, ornaments – is it any wonder that the occurrence of these accidents increases at Christmas time. Just like you would with a baby in the house –pet proof your Christmas and avoid your veterinarians office this season.

11) Table scraps/change in diet
Sure everyone likes a bit of turkey but allowing your pets to ingest bones or letting Grandma feed the dog the left-overs could end up with a trip to the veterinarian. Try to avoid changes in your pets diet as much as possible.

12) Hypothermia
Although this winter has not been too cold yet, hypothermia can and does affect our furry friends. Cats are especially prone to this and more so over the busy holiday season when they may choose to stay outdoors to avoid the hustle and bustle inside.

Pet Pics 2010

2010-11-12T10:48:00.001-05:00

www.animalhoardingproject.com

2010-11-02T09:09:00.002-04:00

As you know, Animal hoarding is a serious animal welfare problem that affects every community in the country… but hardly anyone is doing anything about it. It’s only when the hoarding degenerates into criminal animal abuse that authorities can get involved. Before then, it festers, with helpless pets locked away inside the homes of people who are often suffering from serious emotional problems. Unfortunately, Animal Hoarding affects every different species of animals and the exotic pet community.

Most hoarders start out as dedicated pet owners or want to turn their love for animals into a legitimate business- through breeding, unfortunately they let their situation get out of hand. Even when an organization such as ours steps in to remove the animals, the people are in the same situation again a year later. Studies have shown that without psychological help the recidivism rate for animal hoarders is near 100 percent. Without Psychological help, animal hoarders are doomed to repeat the past, over and over again.

For people who find themselves in this situation and for family members who are at their wits end trying to stop the hoarder from taking in more animals there may finally be some help.

www.animalhoardingproject.com is a website dedicated to helping people and animals in this situation. They can provide psychological help, professional support and find new homes for the animals. They approach every hoarding situation in an individualized manner- looking at the problems from a animal control, social and emotional view point. Their team of psychologists, veterinarians and animal welfare organizations work with concerned friends and family members to craft a real viable solution for the individuals and their pets.

The Animal Hoarding Project began as a way to reach out to friends, family and loved ones who want to bring about positive change in an animal hoarders' life. Now, as part of the Animal Planet documentary series, Confessions: Animal Hoarding, they are reaching out to people across Canada and the US to give them tools to help a loved one who is struggling with a compulsion to collect pets.

If you or someone you know has a serious hoarding issue, please check out their website.

Faith

2010-10-25T10:19:00.003-04:00

Update on Faiths condition

As most of you are aware, just over a week ago our shelter rescued Faith, a 12 week old Black and White Boxer puppy who was in very emaciated condition. She spent most of last week in and out of various veterinary clinics in critical condition.

We are happy to report that she is now stable enough to be placed in a foster home where they are monitoring her condition closely. She is still required to be taken to the vets every day for checkups, but she is steadily gaining weight and is feeling much better.

It will be several weeks before we know if she has any permanent damage from being so emaciated. In the meantime we are asking anyone who is interested in being added to the list of possible candidates to adopt her to fill out a pre-adoption application that can be found on the Adoption centre page of our website under available dogs.

People have been asking us if they can go to visit her. Unfortunately with her still being ill, and being in a foster home, it is impossible for us to comply with this at this time. We will be arranging a meeting with her with those candidates whose applications fit her needs best when she is ready for adoption. We feel that she is still several weeks away from adoption at this point.

Anyone interested in making a contribution to her considerable vet bill can contact the shelter at 905-433-2022 ext. 0.

2nd Round of Aviva Community Fund Event Starts Today

2010-10-25T10:14:00.003-04:00

We have made it to the second round of the Avival Community Fund contest and once again are asking that you contact everyone you know who has access to a computer to help us win. You can vote for our idea once a day through round two and we need all the support we can get. In the first round we had just over 450 votes. That is a far cry from the over 4,000 the first place idea got. Make sure you click on to our website every day and follow the links to our ideas. It does not cost you anything and it might just help us finish paying for the new building.

Please vote every day.

Aviva Communtity Fund

2010-10-08T09:26:00.002-04:00

We have submitted two ideas to the Aviva Community fund contest and need everyone's help to win. We are looking for funding to complete the building and to help with the purchase of cages and equipment for the new shelter.

Please have everyone you know log on to our website and follow the links on the main page where they can vote for our ideas. The can submit one vote per day per email address.

There is not much time left as voting closes early next week for the first round.

Some Photos from the dog wash

2010-09-20T15:28:00.005-04:00

Special thanks to Marlene Luscombe, one of our volunteers, for taking the pics for us.

Thanks to all the doggies and people who came out to support us that day and to Walmart, North Whitby for allowing us to hold the event in their parking lot.

The day was a great success!

Pet Expo Whitby, October 2nd

2010-09-02T14:03:00.005-04:00

Join us at the Durham Pet Expo on October 2nd from 10 am to 5 pm. The event is being held at Cullen Central Park - 380 Taunton Road West in Whitby. Admission is $5 per person, children under 12 are free. Admission proceeds from this event will be donated to the Humane Society of Durham Region. Highlights of the event include a fasion show by Tootlewear Dog Apparel, Trick Demos and training performance by Country Lane Pet Resort, Raffles, Prizes and more. For more information about the event please go to their website at http://www.durhampetexpo.com/ or call toll free 1-866-743-7226

Found Cat - Pickering

2010-06-21T15:15:00.001-04:00

Groundbreaking Ceremony pics

2010-06-07T10:16:00.029-04:00

On Friday, June 4, 2010 we finally held the groundbreaking for the new shelter. Many officials from all levels of government celebrated the day with us. Max and Maggie, two of our adoptable dogs also came to see what the new shelter would look like. Max was the best dressed fellow there in his brand new hand tailored Tuxedo.

Thanks to all those who attended the event.

Photos courtesy of Ian Goodall Photography.

The speaches

Keith Miller - Master of Ceremonies

The speakers

Karin, Mayor Pat Perkins of Whityby, MPP Joe Dixon, , Nancy Shaw from MP Jim Flaherty's office

The groundbreaking

MPP Joe Dixon

Mayor Perkins

MPP Joe Dixon and Liberal MP Mark Holland with Karin and Max

MPP Joe Dixon, Councellor Lorne Coe and Mayor Perkins

Max

Linda, Maggie and Mayor Perkins

Keith in his fancy hat

Karin, Claire and Jeff McGuire

Joan and Linda with Maggie

Kay with Max

Dr. Makowal, Debbie Grills, Joan and Karin

Checking out the scale model of our new home

Max showing of his finery

We can't wait.

White Nose Syndrome

2010-06-04T09:47:00.001-04:00

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Health have issued a message for the general public in regards to Bats.

There has been an increase this year in the reports of people finding large numbers of dead bats. This has been attributed to White Nose Syndrome, or in general terms, the bats coming out of hibernation too early. The warm weather started very early this year and the weather was very dry. This kept the mosquito population down and that is the bats main food supply. Without the food they starve to death.

This high mortality rate has the ministry concerned as bats help control the spread of west nile and other things that mosquitos carry. There is speculation that this could be an even worse situation next year.

The ministry is asking the public to avoid handling bats if they find a live one in their house. If you touch a bat, the bat has to be killed to test it for rabies.

They ask that if you find a live bat in your home and are certain that it has not had any contact with the occupants of the home, to contact your local Ministry of Natural Resources office. The number is in the blue pages of your phone book.

GROUNDBREAKING

2010-06-03T12:58:00.002-04:00

The official groundbreaking for the new shelter is scheduled for Tomorrow, June 4th at 12 noon. Everyone is invited to attend the official ceremony.

We hope you can attend.

Directions to the site are as follows:

South on Thickson Road (south of Victoria Street)
Turn Right on Wentworth Street to William Smith Drive.

The property is located on the South East corner.

Mature Volunteers needed for Fundraising Events

2010-05-31T13:33:00.000-04:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FUNDRAISING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER ON WEEKENDS

We have many events coming up over the next few months and need mature volunteers to help man tables and hand out information.

If you are able to assist at any of these events, please contact Ruby at the Humane Society by calling 905-433-2022 ext. 4.

Some of the events are:

Woofstock June 12th & 13, distillery district in Toronto
Dog Days of Scugog July 17th &18th, Scugog shores Museum, Scugog Island
Whitby Harbour Day July 24th

Winner of the Superdogs box contest

2010-05-20T12:11:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to TJ Sheehan who has won the city of Oshawa box for the superdogs show on May 30th. He and 9 friends will enjoy the show from the comfort of a luxury box. Special thanks to the City of Oshawa for donating their box for this event.

Response to the OSPCa's decision to euthanize animals

2010-05-11T10:43:00.002-04:00

The Humane Society of Durham Region is deeply saddened to hear of the decsion by the OSPCA to euthanize 350 animals at their shelter. After an outbreak of ringworm became out of control, the decision was made to euthanize the animals and disinfect the shelter.

We have received numerous calls and emails from the public who are very upset at this decision by the OSPCA. We have issued a media release stating our feelings about the situation.

Our shelter has gone through two major ringworm outbreaks in the last 10 years. Both required the shelter to be closed to the public for a long period of time and were very costly to the shelter. In both cases we never lost an animal. Not one had to be put down. Yes, the condition is contagious to people and some of our staff members and volunteers contracted it. It is an irritating condition that causes round lesions to erupt on the skin and become very itchy. But it is a fungus that is highly treatable. We had a 100% success rate. Some animals recovered quicker than others, but within two months the shelter was open again and the animals healthy enough to be adopted.

We are very lucky that we have a board that allows us to treat animals with conditions like this rather than euthanizing them.

We cannot imagine what the kennel staff and volunteers of the OSPCA must be going through right now. We lost 130 animals due to a fire. Losing almost three times that many to something that could be treated must be just devestating.

Walkathon 2010

2010-05-05T15:13:00.004-04:00

This years "People for Pets Walkathon" is being held on Sunday, May 30th at the Heber Down Conservation area in Whitby.

The entrey fee for individuals or groups is $12.50
Registration starts at 9:30 am and the walk starts at 10 am.
There will be refreshments, games and prizes to be won.

Held rain or shine, come out and have a great day.

All proceeds fo to the animals in our care.

Pledge forms are available at local pet food stores, vet clinics, Sponsors, the Body Shop at the Oshawa Centre and at the shelter. It can also be downloaded from our website.

Dog Stolen from Home Invasion in Pickering

2010-05-04T15:24:00.007-04:00

This dog was stolen during a home invasion on Mapleridge Crt in Pickering last week. As you can imagine the owners are very upset and want their dog back.

If anyone has any knowledge of the whereabouts of this dog or has any information about this case, please contact:

Lindsey Brenner

Supervisor

Animal Services

Clerks Office

City of Pickering

T. 905.420.4660 ext. 2065

Toll Free: 1.866.683.2760

F. 905.420.9685

lbrenner@city.pickering.com

Max Update

2010-05-04T15:08:00.003-04:00

An update about Max, our American bulldog who came to us in an emaciated state. He visited several specialists who diagnosed him with an irritable bowel syndrome similar to chrones disease. He kept going downhill and was on all kinds of prescription medications that did little to help his condition. The specialist wanted to do a biopsy of his intestinal tract but he was so weak and emaciated we didn't feel he would survive a surgery. He was down to 30 pounds and still losing weight. We made the decision to try going holistic with him. It turns out it was the best decision we could have made. In just over two months of his new diet he is now up to 48 pounds and full of energy. Special thanks to Kelli, his foster mom who has gone above and beyond for this guy. She has believed in him from the get go and has done everything possible to make sure he gets well. Max will probably be on special food for the rest of his life, and he still has a few more pounds to gain before we can say he is in good enough shape to be adopted, but this very special guy is well on his way to a new life.

Dance a great success

2010-05-04T14:49:00.002-04:00

Many thanks to Mary Kay and Gord from Multimenu pet foods who for the second year in a row put on a great fundraising dance for us. The totals are not in yet but it looks like this year was even better than last year. Thanks to "The Usual Suspects" who were fabulous as usual. "He said, She said" were a new brother and sister act who started out the night with a great set. The BBQ dinner was enjoyed by everyone and the floor was packed for every song. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped at the event and to everyone who donated for the auction.

Dance tomorrow night, Great silent auction prizes

2010-04-30T13:30:00.001-04:00

For those who still have not got their tickets to the Dance tomorrow night, here is an incentive.

One of the silent auction items is a pair of tickets to the July 3rd U2 concert at the Rogers Centre.

There are only a few tickets to the dance left and they are going fast. Check out our website as to how to get tickets to the event.

Many other great silent auction prizes will also be available including 3 golf packages and a chance to sit in live at CHUM fFM's Roger, Darren and Marilyn morning show.

It's going to be a great time.

2010-04-22T14:37:00.002-04:00

Humane Society of Durham Region’s
7th Annual Golf Tournament
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Kedron Dells Golf Course
Oshawa

Cost: $110.00 per person
Shotgun Start at 12:30 pm
Includes: 18 holes, cart, 9th hole snack,
BBQ dinner and Prizes!!
Longest Drive/Closest to the Pin

Book as early as you can as we had a full house last year!!
Don’t miss out on this amazing day to help the animals
get into their new building.

To register call (905) 725-6686

Food bank severely depleated

2010-04-14T12:30:00.002-04:00

As most of you are aware, the Humane Society of Durham Region offers an animal food bank for members of the public. This food bank allows people who have lost their jobs or are on assistance, a place to get some food for their animals when they have run out of resources.

Our food bank is a short term solution for these people. If their situation does not improve, many of these people are forced to give up an animal who they have had for years because they just can't afford to look after it anymore. It is often a choice of putting food on the table for them or the animal.

If we can help them out for a couple of months with some food, it works out better for everyone involved. The animal is happier being in it's home instead of the shelter; the person has their animal that they love and don't have to worry about what might happen to it and the shelter does not have to incur the costs of taking in another animal, possibly older that needs to find a home.

Unfortunately, with the economic downturn in our area, the need for our food bank has reached epidemic proportions. It used to be that we would get people in once a week or so to use it. Now, almost every day we are seeing people come through the door looking for help.

As the shelter uses Science Diet for the shelter feeding program, the food that comes from them cannot be given out to the public. Only donated food can be put into the food bank program. The donated food is also used by our investigators when they have to go on a call where they have to feed strays or abandoned animals.

We need much more cat food than dog food as most of the people using the food bank seem to have cats.

We would prefer unopened bags of food as the food tends to go stale and get bugs in it if it is left in an open state for too long.

If anyone can provide us with donations for this food bank it would be greatly appreciated. Any brand of food will do. We take wet or dry.

Donations of food can be dropped off at the shelter or at the Wildflower boutique on Ritson Road North.

Appearance on Animal House Calls

2010-04-06T12:05:00.002-04:00

The Humane Society of Durham Region will be guests on CP24/Animal Planets' Animal House Calls tonight. The program will be repeated on both networks throughout the week so check your local listings. We will be talking about the new building and trying to find a home for Chester, one of our diabetic cats.

Pickering Town Centre event a success

2010-04-06T12:01:00.002-04:00

Many thanks go out to the owners and staff of the Pickering Town Centre who have so far raised over $9,000 for the Humane Society from their March Break event.

The stuffed animals were a great hit and there are still people who are contacting us daily wanting to complete their set.

The winner of the design a bag contest will be announced shortly.

Case of animal hoarding requires removal of 25 cats from apartment

2010-04-06T11:52:00.004-04:00

Investigator Debby Houghton is in the process of removing 25 cats and kittens from a local apartment after a call last night from Durham Regional Police. The owner of the animals was removed from the apartment for observation. The animals were living in what are described as disgusting conditions and appear to not have been properly fed. So far 6 kittens and as many adults have been brought to the shelter and arrangements are being made to remove the remaining animals shortly. With the shelter already overcrowded with cats, we are looking for help from the public to foster some of these animals.

This is just the latest in a series of animal hoarding investigations that the Humane Society of Durham Region has been forced to deal with.

Bunny Hop at the Oshawa Centre

2010-03-29T17:00:00.002-04:00

Come and join some of our shelter staff and volunteers at centre court in the Oshawa Centre for their annual Bunny Hop.

Bring your little ones to have their faces painted, get their bunny ears on and have their picture taken.

Spend some time with some of the shelter animals at the event as we have some Rabbits, Cats, and other assorted small animals who are looking for homes available for you to see.

The event is on from 10-6 all week except Good Friday.

Participation is free for the kids but donations to the Humane Society to help us rebuild are welcome.

Home Sweet Home Fundraising Dance

2010-03-29T16:52:00.003-04:00

Home Sweet Home
A fundraising Benefit Dance for
The Humane Society of Durham Region
Sponsored by Pets Eats N Treats
Saturday May 1, 2010
Heydenshore Pavillion - 589 Water Street, Whitby
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Dance starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets $20 per person
Dance features the musical Talent of “the Usual Suspects”,
With a mix of 70’s rock like Fleetwood Mac, CCR, and Rod
Stewart.
Special Guests will be the winner of Whitby Idol
“He Said, She Said!”
Hosted by Radio/TV Personality Amber Payie
* Late evening BBQ Buffet
* Silent Auction
* 50/50 Draw
* Door Prizes
* Cash Bar
Contact Pet Eats N Treats for Tickets: 905-767-PETS(7387)

Last years dance was a fantastic success and everyone had a great time. This year it has moved to a bigger venue and looks to be an even bigger success. Get your tickets early before they sell out.

More info on the Car Rally

2010-03-29T16:51:00.000-04:00

COME AND JOIN US
Charity Car Rally and Scavenger hunt
To benefit the Humane Society of Durham Region
The event is being held on April 17th 2010 at 9:30 am
Cost is $37.50 per person
Free BBQ at the Finish Line
2 PEOPLE PER TEAM
5 points extra to those who come in an animal costume
Pre-registration is required for this event. Instructions as to where event is being held will be given to you at registration.
To register call Karin at 905-433-2022 ext. 5 or email zena.plummer@sympatico.ca
You will need a digital camera, pencil and a map of Durham Region to participate.
Event will be held rain or shine.
A great way to have a lot of fun and support the Humane Society at the same time.

Hockey tickets winner

2010-03-16T09:16:00.003-04:00

Congratuations go to Sharon Consantinou who won the pair of tickets to the March 20th NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Have a great time.

Pickering Town Centre March Break Event

2010-03-12T11:34:00.003-05:00

The Pickering Town Centre will be holding a weeklong event to raise funds for the Humane Society of Durham Region all through March Break.

The "Raise the Woof!" campaign will include a visit from Nickelodeon's the "Wonder Pets" on March 15th from 11-2, Pyjama movie day on the 16th from 11-1, Cookie decorating on the 17th from 11-3, a Stretch & shake dance party on the 18th from 11-3 and on Friday the 19th it will be craft day from 11-3. So there will be lots of opportunities to take the kids out for some fun.

Kids will also have the opportunity to design a reusable shopping bag and the winning entry will have their design featured on a bag for sale at the PTC to raise funds for the Humane Society.

There will be numerous plush pets for sale at $5 each to raise funds for us as well.

Photos of pets that are currently available for adoption will be featured throughout the mall.

For more information about the event please visit pickeringtowncentre.com.

Please note, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Yoga Fundraiser

2010-03-05T11:59:00.000-05:00

Community Yoga
Saturdays
12:00-1:00pm

Join us for an all levels flowing yoga taught by student teachers. All welcome. A great class for beginners.

March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2010
April 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2010

Cost: $8 to be donated to the Durham Humane Society

www.balancedlifeyoga.ca
Balanced Life Yoga-Ajax Studio 235 SALEM RD. 2nd FLOOR AJAX ON 905.428.2300

Victorian Afternoon Photos

2010-03-04T14:49:00.016-05:00

The Chocolate fountain

Ruby with winner of Best Hat Contest. Congratulations Corinne!

Coming in costume

Having fun

Alyssa and pup

Lots of cups to wash

Lots of bling from Gemini Jewelry

Bake sale goodies

Sue and client

Milana giving a reading

Serving Tea

Claire with Visitor

Sandy, Anne, Alyssa, Karin, Claire and Ruby

Thanks to Ian Goodall for coming out on the day and taking loads of photos for us. Everyone had a great time and we hope Vandermeer's will invite us to come back again next year.

Victorian Afternoon a success!

2010-03-01T14:25:00.003-05:00

The inaugural Victorian Afternoon at Vandermeer Nursery and Garden centre was a smashing success. So many people turned out for the event that we ran out of scones early and the bake sale table was cleaned out. Everyone enjoyed themselves so much that we hope to make this an annual event. We hope to get some pictures of the event on the blog in the next couple of days. Many thanks to Vandermeer's for hosting another wonderful event for us. The tea held amongst the trees and plants with the birds chirping was like being in an English Garden. It was the perfect place to hold an event like this.

Max in foster

2010-03-01T14:24:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Kelli for taking in our Max. He has gained a pound in the last week but is battling a bit of a cold at the moment.

Foster Home Desperately needed for Dog

2010-02-22T15:56:00.001-05:00

We are currently desperately seeking a foster home for a 5 year old American Bulldog named "Max". This dog came to us several weeks ago in a severly emaciated condition and is currently under medical treatment. We have had to place him in a kennel due to lack of foster homes who can care for him and in his condition the stress of being in a kennel instead of in a home enviornment has not helped his condtion at all. He is a very sweet tempered dog that everyone falls in love with as soon as they meet him. He will require several months of medical care to get him back to health. Currently he is on a special diet as well as medications for his condtion. All medical care and food is covered by the Humane Society. If you or anyone you know is willing to foster Max, please call the shelter at 905-433-2022 ext. 0.

1st Annual Humane Society of Durham Region Car Rally

2010-02-22T14:38:00.001-05:00

Join the Humane Society for what we hope will become an annual event for the shelter. The people for Pets Car Rally and Scavenger hunt will take place on Saturday, April 17th. All proceeds will go to the shelter.

To sign up for the event please call Karin at 905-433-2022 ext. 5 and you will be given all the details of where the Rally starts.

The cost is $37.50 per person and there must be 2 people per team and one team per car.

There is a maximum of 40 cars attending so register early to reserve your spot.

At the end of the event there will be a BBQ as well as prizes handed out to those who figure out all the clues and get back the quickest.

Three new dogs

2010-02-22T14:26:00.001-05:00

Three New dogs came into the care of the Humane Society of Durham Region on Saturday. Tao, a 10 year old Blond Chow, Mushu a 9 year old Shih Tzu and Cricket a 7 year old Yorkie cross were surrendered to the shelter when the owner could no longer care for them.

Cricket

Mushu

Tao

All dogs required extensive grooming when they arrived and have now been placed in a foster home together until we can asess how best to choose the right home for them. They are all very affectionate and get along very well with other animals. Due to the very close nature of both small dogs we may not separate them, but choose to place them in a home together. Tao, the Chow, we will probably want to go to a home that already has another dog to keep him company. We are currently accepting applications for the dogs but will not make a decision on adoption until later this week.

Dog from Hampton going home

2010-02-22T14:12:00.000-05:00

"Lola", the beagle removed from the scene of a murder-suicide in Hampton last week is going home. A family member contacted the shelter on the weekend expressing interest in taking care of the dog. We expect Lola to be picked up later today.

Dog removed from murder scene

2010-02-19T09:21:00.000-05:00

Investigator Debby Houghton was called out to the scene of a murder investiation in Hampton yesterday by Durham Regional Police. She arrived on the scene to remove a Beagle that had been inside the home. The dog, covered in blood, was rushed to the shelter where staff cleaned it up and cared for it until a foster home could be arranged. The dog, who seems to be in good condition, will stay in foster care until next of kin are notified and let us know whether they will take on responsibility for the dog or if it should go up for adoption.

Foster Homes for Dogs desperately needed

2010-02-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

Our investigation department has advised us that there is the possibility of us having to take in as many as 8 dogs over the next couple of days. There will be a range of dogs from small to large needing foster homes. We cannot house the dogs in the shelter as we have no space. The kennels we use are full and can't take any more. We already have many dogs in foster homes and have very few foster homes left willing to take in a dog. We are desperate. We need people to come forward who can help us care for a dog until we can get it adopted. We provide all advice, food and medical care for the animal while it is in foster.

Rosie was hit by a car and lost her front leg. She is currently in a foster home awaiting adoption.

Requirements are a fenced yard and that you spend some time with the animal giving it care. Most dogs are housebroken. If you can care for one of our dogs for a period until we can find it a home, please call the shelter at 905-433-2022 ext.0 or drop into the shelter at 79 Taunton Road West in Oshawa and fill out a foster home application.

Victorian Afternoon

2010-02-12T16:53:00.000-05:00

We are having much interest shown for our first "Victorian Afternoon" event being held on February 28th at Vandermeer Nursery and Garden Centre in Ajax. We have two Psychics attending the event who will meet one on one with you to reveal your future. We have Gemini Jewelry attending with a display of beautiful trinkets to purchase. We will be serving tea and coffee and have scones and other sweets available for you to enjoy as well as some to purchse at our bake table. Try dipping a strawberry into our chocolate fountain.

We will be in Victorian costume and hope that members of the public will join us. There will be prizes for costumes and hats. A great opportunity for those people who are into steampunk fashion to get out their costumes for an afternoon.

We will also have a Dutch Auction with many items to choose from.

It is free to come and browse. There is a charge for foodstuffs, psychic readings and Jewelry. Cash only as we have no access to a debit machine.

Petapolooza

2010-02-12T16:37:00.000-05:00

On Saturday February 20th we will have a table set up at Petapolooza. This event is being hosted by the city of Pickering and will feature Pet industry professionals, rescue groups, food companies and more. Admission is free.

Location - Pickering Recreation complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering
Time - 10 - 5

Found cat

2010-02-12T15:19:00.000-05:00

Found cat - February 9/10

Domestic long hair cat - female approximately 1-2 years old. She is wearing a pink flea collar.
She is a brown tabby with white toes and a white bib. She is also a polydactyl - which means she has extra toes!

She was found between Centre street - South of Adelaide and North of Richmond street in Oshawa.

Please contact Mark Boucher at 905-999-5636 if this might be your cat.

Welcome

2010-02-12T11:04:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our first blog entry. On this site we will endeavour to post items such as upcomming event information, updates on high profile abuse cases, lost and found animal reports and profiles of animals awaiting adoption.

If you have any requests for other things you would like written in our blog, contact Ruby at 905-433-2022 ext.4.

Cherry - available for adoption