11th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walkathon Submitted by Sue Wilson, Manager of Fundraising 11th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walkathon brings in an amazing $67,000! There was some serious Wiggling and Waggling this year at the Sunday, September 12th event held at the familiar Arboretum on the Central Experimental Farm. The sun shone as sponsors, volunteer dog walkers and the public joined in to help raise funds for the Society's premiere fundraising event. Some 800 people and 300 of their furry friends joined honorary chairs Pat Rinaldo and Rinaldo Canonico, Mayor Jim Watson, Regional Chair Bob Chiarelli, Corporate Sponsor Michael Davies, and Ottawa socialite and major supporter, Marlen Cowpland cut the ribbon to begin the walk. The Rinaldo's lent their name to the event this year to help raise awareness and funds for the animals in the Ottawa-Carleton area....they also made a wonderful contribution by donating hair products to help fill out our grab bags and made a personal gift of $2,500. Thank you!!! Our top individual fundraiser was Marlen Cowpland. Marlen was eligible for prizes but turned them down and as just happy to join in and help out her favorite charity. Randy Chartrand from Canadian Canine Academy lead us in crazy dog tricks which was well received by all. Walkers were asked to come forth with their pet to perform obedience commands and tricks (sit, down and stay, roll over were the more popular ones). Winners received small gifts for their participation and enthusiasm. Later on in the afternoon, Shawn Berry entertained the crowd as an Elvis impersonator! Right down to the clothes and the moves — Shawn had them all — what a great performer! A special thank you to all of our sponsors who continue to support us and of course a thank you to our great committee for their support and patience. Some new and exciting changes happening for next year's walk...stay tuned! Volunteer Department Lynn Dobson (longtime Companion Animal Visitor volunteer) received a cheque for $1000 on behalf of her favorite chairty from her husband Investors Group Manager Ron Dobson. To Lynn's credit, she has faithfully taken shelter cats visiting Tuesday afternoons for almost 10 years. However, this is the first year that her husband explored the possibility of making application for financial of his spouse's volunteer efforts. Linda Dryer, Manager of Volunteers and the Humane Society's live-in cat "Pumpkin" were pleased to be present during the ceremony. Pumpkin was such a big hit that employees present questioned if the cheque "couldn't be bigger still next year?" Many thanks to Lynn who is loved by all her fellow team members on Tuesday — Pat Scrimgeour, Elvie Betts, Antoinette Fracassi and Eleanor Prowse who have also served for many years. They are a great group who have made visiting an art of caring and fun! Last but not least, it should not go unmentioned that it was Ron Dobson's idea and efforts that saw a completed application result in this easily won $1000 for the Companion Animals program at the Humane Society. Your support of Lynn's volunteer work over the years is much appreciated Ron! Thank you. The Foam Man It is often the little noticed efforts which often make the difference because they are consistent and needed. As an example, starting about a year ago bags of appropriately sized foam kept appearing at my door. Many cat pillows were able to be made by children and adult volunteers for school projects and community service hours. Good arrangement. But where were these coming from? Finally the "Foam Man" was identified. It seems Ray Clairmont, dogwalker volunteer, saw my pleas for supplies and became committed to recyle his workplace's excess supply of foam. Not content to make this contribution alone, Ray has formed part of the backbone of special event set-up and tear-ddown at the Auction and the recent Walkathon. He even persuaded his brother and friends to join him! The Cat Friends would also like to thank Ray for donating a few needed supplies to the construction of the second Cat Kennel which allowed it to come in under budget ($500 from the Royal Banks' employee volunteer program.) Thanks Ray! Walkathon'99 committee Many thanks to the committee leaders and their teams for the long hours of effort that they contributed on behalf of the animals. Personally, I met many of you who came to meetings right after work and I know that weekends were also included in your preparation time. Sincere condolences to Tracy Teasdale on the passing of her father. True to Tracy's nature she would not withdraw her commitment to sign out shelter dogs and ensure their return even though her father passed away the week previous. Tracy even brought her animal loving mother to the shelter for company. You are a good daughter and an exceptional volunteer Tracy. Nutrience For the past few years Nutrience has been the food of choice for animals in the care of the Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton. Why do we feed them this food...why did we choose it?? One of the reasons that Nutrience brand pet foods are so nutritious and healthy for pets is that a great deal of time and energy has gone into research and development. Nutrience stays abreast and ahead of other pet food suppliers in ensuring that the content of their food meets the needs of pets of all ages, sizes and health. Biotechnology for Pets Nutrience uses the most recent finding in animal science to provide the pet with the most sophisticated and balance food on the market. Biotechnology is synonymous with new millennium thinking, therefore improving overall performance and physical condition. Nutrience uses new biotechnology to promote well-being at every stage of a pet's life. Natural Enzymes In the last two decades, there have been an increasing number of reports indicating that judicious use of enzymes and enzyme bearing products can make a positive impact on animal nutrition. Biotechnology can vastly improve digestion and your pets health. Enzymes are "biological catalysts" which means they can increase the rate of a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction can be related to digestion of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Nutrience uses only high quality and innovative ingredients. Besides the herbal and biotechnology, Nutrience is formulates with high quality poultry meal and poultry fat for optimum skin and coat condition. Nutrience uses only corn and rice as carbohydrate sources. No wheat is added to avoid wheat gluten allergies, which is very frequent in dogs. Strict quality control guidelines at every stage of the production process ensure that all dogs and cats eat the very best food. Besides stringent manufacturing procedures Nutrience is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed and Control Officials) dog and cat food Nutrient Profiles. The Blessing of the Animals Submitted by Katherine Telfer To celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, Deacon Brother Ken Davies came to the shelter on Sunday, October 3rd, and blessed family pets and farm animals brought by Society members and the public, along with the shelter animals that were taken out into the backyard by staff and volunteers. These included dogs and cats, a rat, a goat, a pair of ducks and two baby pigs. Marilyn Hall accompanied herself and Gwen Toop on a guitar while Brother Ken, after reading from Matthew 6, individually blessed each one. As people gathered with their animal companions, David Irving played the organ. This was followed by short readings from a small platform under the trees. Eleanor Prowse read The Canticle of Creatures written by Saint Francis in 1225; Melissa and Rebecca (ages 9 and 8) read the story of Saint Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio, Ian (age 10) read Albert Schweitzer's Prayer for Animals, which has special meaning for humane society workers all around the world; and Meagan (age 7) read Mary's Special Gift, the story of why tabby cats have an M on their foreheads. This latter was written by staff member Tara Davis and was particularly appropriate because of its association with the nativity. Saint Francis started the tradition of ordinary people reenacting the Christmas story each year in a manger complete with ox, donkey, lambs and other animals. Tara's story is printed below. Saint Francis was a rich man's son who renounced his wealth and devoted his life to the poor. He found happiness in humility and a deep reverence for nature. He spoke of brother sun, sister moon and mother earth and taught love and respect for all living things.

Mary's Special Gift Written by Tara Lee Davis Many of us are familiar with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The story many people don't know about is Mary, Baby Jesus, and a very special Tabby Cat. On the night that Jesus was born many animals stood silently by. The quiet oxen, the patient donkey and horses, the nesting does, the gentle dogs and another young mother, a beautiful tabby cat. The young cat was nearby contentedly nursing her young, making sure all her kittens were clean and fed. After their tummies were full she carefully licked their little faces clean and gently carried them all one by one to the barn's loft to rest for the night. The young mother cat settled down next to her kittens and softly purred a mother's lullaby to put all her six babies to sleep. In the barn the gentle silence of the night was broken by the cries of Jesus. Mary rocked her child gently in her arms trying to comfort him and bring sleep to her precious son, but baby Jesus wouldn't sleep. He cried and was restless. Mary laid Jesus in the manger and tried gently singing to him hoping this would please him and he would sleep. Upstairs in the loft with all her kittens asleep the young tabby cat tiptoed across the loft to see what all the commotion was about. After all it was only one baby not six! Looking down into the manger the little cat saw baby Jesus crying and Mary helpless as to her son's needs. Why would Jesus not sleep and how could she help him? Quietly the little cat climbed down from the loft and padded softly towards the manger where Jesus lay. Ever so gently the little tabby placed her delicate paws on the edge of the manger, there she stood looking at Jesus with wide green eyes. With a tender meow she turned to Mary and Mary smiled. With this the little tabby cat leapt up gingerly into the manger and settled down next to Jesus and gently purred a soft mother cat's lullaby that soothed her tiny kittens and slowly baby Jesus too quietly drifted off to sleep. Grateful for the little cat's help, Mary gently picked up the little tabby cat and cradled her in her arms. The little tabby cat continued to purr and gently licked Mary's hand. Mary lifted the little tabby cat up and with a smile quietly said "From one new mother to another, I thank you." Mary gave the little tabby a kiss on the forehead. To this day all Tabby cats around the world will always carry an "M" on their forehead as a mark of the kiss that Mary gave to all tabbies as a special gift for their special part they played in the life of Jesus. Holiday and Winter Tips Keep your holidays safe, healthy and happy with these tips: Anticipate guest arrivals and confine your cat/dog to prevent escape out the open door, running away or in front of a car. Reduce stress by maintaining your pet's regular feeding and exercise routine and setting aside a quiet room where it can escape from holiday parties. Place mystery packages out of reach. Pets often chew apart packages containing food that could make them sick. Tell guests to avoid giving treats from the dinner table. Poultry skin, fat trimmings, rich gravies and buttery sauces can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea and even life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Stow chocolate candy, baking chips and especially baker's chocolate out of reach. Eating even small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts can cause abnormal heart rhythms and nervous system malfunction, even death. Secure garbage in bins with dog-proof lids or behind locked doors. Pets may chew up holiday throwaways such as meat scraps, bones, paper, foil or plastic flavored with food, and even gift wrapping and ribbon, which can absorb flavors. Read labels on products such as tree water preservatives and artificial snow, and buy only those labeled non-toxic. Put away toys after children open them. Small plastic and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs. Ingested plastic or cloth toys must often be removed surgically. Secure larger trees to a wall to prevent tipping, and use a screen around the base to block access to electrical cords and gifts. Avoid using edible decorations such as popcorn or gumdrop garlands, candy canes. They can cause stomach upset. Fasten all decorations securely and arrange breakable ornaments toward the top of the tree. Pets may chew them and suffer cuts in the mouth. Tinsel and angel hair can cause digestive tract obstructions. "Bubbling" lights, filled with methlene chloride, can be mildly toxic. Place holiday plants out of reach. Vacuum often. Eating the needles of both real and artifical trees can cause intestinal blockage. Display candles on high shelves, and use fireplace screens to avoid singed whiskers and painful burns. Tuck cords out of reach. Cats and dogs may chew on these. Home Again... Submitted by Pauline Nielsen, Fundraising Assistant It was a sunny August day when Ms. Manon Armstrong came home from work and discovered that her front door was open. As she scolded herself for not have closing properly that morning, she was greeted by her cat companions as usual. As she exchanged ‘hellos', she noticed there was one missing — her favorite fifteen year old feline "Frisky" was gone! Being an indoor cat, Ms. Armstrong became concerned that "Frisky" would not fare well alone in the great outdoors and started out with flyers in desperate hope that someone would have seen this striking black and white cat with medium long hair. After four days of fruitless searching, she made a formal ‘missing cat report' with our Lost & Found Department. Unfortunately, "Frisky" was not wearing any identification so her if anyone did take her in, their chances of tracking Ms. Anderson were slim, unless they contacted the Shelter. On August 26th, her file was added to the hundreds of other missing cats and dogs that we watch for in the found animals, DOA's and phone calls of people that have taken in to their homes. Weeks went by with no sign of "Frisky" and Ms. Armstrong wondered if she would ever see her companion that she has had since she was a fourteen year old girl. Poor "Frisky" would have a hard time of it as she had just gone through dental surgery and was left with only one tooth left! Little did she know that "Frisky's" luck was about to change. One month, almost to the day, a gentleman only three doors down the street took a very thin and scared black and white cat into his home. For several days she stayed hidden in the house, coming out only to eat, not used to sharing living space with a dog and young children. After a week, her guardian decided that he needed help in helping this little cat find her way home and brought her to the Humane Society. Tania Evans (an HSOC Service Representative) was working in the Lost & Found department that fateful day when the man brought "Frisky" in. Seeing that "Frisky" was a geriatric feline, Tania knew right a way that this was not your typical street cat. Before long she matched Frisky with the missing report and Ms. Anderson was weeping with joy, as Tania informed her over the phone that her "Frisky" was right in front of her, safe and sound, minus a lot of weight. The gentleman was astounded that he had been right down the street from Frisky's home and delivered her into Ms. Andersons' arms. Fortunately this is one story with a happy ending. Not too many cats' have the luck that "Frisky" did. Approximately only 6% of found cats are reclaimed by their owners! Most of them have no form of identification and many people give up the search after a week or two. Our staff does their very best to track owners down, which is the ultimate satisfaction for them, as in Frisky's story. The Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton strongly believes and promotes proper identification for all pets, either with a tag on a harness or collar, tattoo and/or microchip. We hold Microchip Clinics once a month, have a mandatory microchip in all animals leaving the shelter and we will have an upcoming Public Service Announcement (courtesy of S.A.W. Video) stressing the importance of pet identification. This is just one example of where your money goes when you donate monthly to the Humane Society. For as little as $15.00 a month, you can help fund the Lost & Found Department, and help the animals find their way home again. Thank you for your support! "Nothing brutalizes human being more than cruelty to poor dumb animals whose plaintive looks for help ought to melt the hardest hearts." - Queen Victoria

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