Help the OHS by fostering a dog this Christmas! |
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 Are you planning a reasonably quiet holiday this year? Then why not consider opening up your home to a dog this Christmas? We're looking for some temporary foster homes for adoptable dogs over the holidays. What a great way to enjoy the festive season with a furry friend from the OHS!
The dogs would be available for foster on Dec. 22 and 23, returning to the shelter on Dec. 29. All the dogs are ready for adoption, but need of a break from our crowded kennels over Christmas.
If you're interested in a holiday foster, please let us know as soon as possible. The deadline for new foster applications is Dec. 12.
For more information, please e-mail us or call 613-725-3166 ext. 255.
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 Why do we foster our dogs over the holidays?
Our Adoption Centre closes for the holidays from Dec. 23 to Dec. 27. While we do have staff coverage to come in and feed, clean and walk the animals during this period, it's still a long time with intermittent human contact for our dogs. Our holiday foster program provides the dogs with some social time with families, and allows us to accommodate our lighter holiday staffing schedule at the same time.
Why don't we foster cats over the holidays too?
Most cats become stressed moving from place to place, so fostering healthy cats isn't a great option as the associated anxiety can lead to illness. However, our cats get extra attention over the holidays as there are fewer dogs in the building to tend to. Please keep in mind that we have a year-round need for foster volunteers to take URI cats, so if you can help, please let us know!
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 We're down to the last two weekends for our seasonal photos. If you haven't seen Santa already, make a point of dropping by PetSmart at Emerald Plaza to get your pet's picture taken with the man in red!
Dec. 6 and 7 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Dec. 13 and 14 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Cost is just $10 per photo and proceeds go to help the animals! |
 We're looking for volunteers to come in during the daytime over the Christmas holidays to help in the Development office. We need assistance processing donations that are delivered in person, or come in over the phone. Available dates are between Dec. 17 and 24, and again from Dec. 27 to Dec. 31. If you can volunteer your time in two or three-hour shifts, please let us know.
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 Speck, a retired racing greyhound, became a Brightening Lives volunteer in 2003. He was just the right height to rest his head on the lap of someone in a wheelchair, or nuzzle the hand of a bedridden patient. Sadly, Speck stepped “over the rainbow bridge” on Nov. 16, 2008, at the age of 11. Speck will be missed by everyone he visited, his Brightening Lives team, and the OHS staff.
 Reba was adopted from the OHS in January 2004. She was gentle and loving which made her perfect for both the Brightening Lives Program and then the Humane Education Program. Reba's love of children and adults knew no bounds. Reba passed away on Nov. 7, 2008, and she will be dearly missed.
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Halties for the holidays
We are in desperate need of size 1 and 2 Halties for our adoption dogs. If you are considering buying a Christmas gift for the dogs this year, why not consider a Haltie? Every adoption dog wears a head collar on their walks, and because of their frequent use (and substitution of a chew toy) we constantly have to replace them. Our dogs would certainly appreciate the thoughtful gift!
Warm Hearts Raffle
There's still time to get your tickets to the annual OHS Warm Hearts Raffle. Prizes include trips to Las Vegas and the Just for Laughs comedy festival and an LCD television. Tickets also make great stocking stuffers! For more information, see our website.
Level one dog training
If you a registered dog walker, or dog foster volunteer, and want to learn more about dog training, please sign up for our level one training session on XX by e-mail.
Christmas dog walking hours
Dec. 25–26
Closed
Dec. 27–31
Regular hours
Jan. 1
Closed
Jan. 2
Regular hours
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