Life at the Shelter

Beautiful tribute

15 years ago in December we were lucky enough to adopt a dog from the Niagara Falls Humane Society. We were told he was a keeshond and since we already had one we couldn't wait to meet him. When we saw he was red we were stunned but his markings were identical to our dog. We found out his name was "Quigley" and he had separation anxiety but we took him anyway and promptly changed his name to Rusty. Over the last 15 years he never got over his anxiety but we learned to "Rusty proof" our home. He licked away tears when I was having a bad day, listened intently when I needed to talk to someone and put up with the antics of my toddler grandson. This dog was truly the love of our lives. Yesterday we had to make the painful decision to call our vet. Rusty had a mass on his side that was growing large and was having a hard time getting up and climbing the stairs. This morning we lost our best friend and are heartbroken. We were told Rusty was 18 months to 2 years old when we adopted him so we know he had a good life. I would like to thank the humane society for allowing us to be part of this beautiful animals life. He took part of our hearts with him this morning.

"Not every person knows how to love a dog but every dog knows how to love a person"

Roni




Microchip Clinics Help Shelter Animals and Pets!

In the past, the shelter has run microchip clinics both to raise money for the shelter animals and to prevent lost pets from ending up in the shelter. Most recently, Global Pet Foods hosted a microchip clinic for the shelter on April 29th, 2011. Pet owners were able to pay a discounted fee of $25 to have their pets microchipped. The process is quick and gives pets a permanent piece of ID that is unique to them, making it easier to check than a tag or collar, both of which can also fall off or get caught on things when a pet gets lost.

Microchips are used on a daily basis at the shelter to help identify animals. It's the first thing we check to determine whether or not an animal that is brought in to the shelter belongs to someone. We scan the animal, and if a microchip is found, we are able to insert the number into our computer system and immediately pull up all of their important information. For animals who are outdoors on a regular basis, especially cats, this piece of ID can be vital to finding their owners and proving that they belong to someone.

Every cat or dog adopted from the shelter is also microchipped before leaving. We are able to differentiate between all of the adoption animals just by scanning them! It's very helpful to be able to quickly scan two adoption cats who look extremely similar and immediately know who is who, especially since a lot of strays refuse to wear collars for identification.

The shelter is sure to run more microchip clinics in the future to promote this quick and efficient method of identification for pets everywhere, so be sure to check our News page for any upcoming events!

Pictured are some of the participants in our most recent microchip clinic. Look at those happy faces!


NOTE, ANOTHER MICROCHIP CLINIC IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 27 AT PETCETERA AT NIAGARA SQUARE FROM 12-8 PM.


Tessa and friend

Tessa and Cinnamon Toast working at the front desk. It's always nice to have help!


The shelter is such an interesting place
Bunnies born at the shelter

Pictured is volunteer Jen with one of several baby bunnies who were born at the shelter.




Oh the silly noises we hear!

Here at the humane society we hear many noises. Dogs barking in the run, cats meowing, bunnies rustling in their cages. People talking, laughing, yelling, crying, sighing, all sorts of noises. But we recently had one visitor to the humane society who made a noise none of us expected to hear.

A bird, growling? yes you read that right, we had a bird at the shelter that growled. It was hilarious this poor angry bird growling. I did some research, apperently it means the bird doesn't want to be handled. Good to know!!!

This particular bird however, was handled, fixed up and sent on his way off to the river to live a hopefully happy life, where he won't have to growl anymore.




Grizzly goes home!!

After spending a long 102 days living with us at the shelter Grizzly gets to go home!
With lots of tail wags, kisses, hugs and a few happy tears Grizzly left today with his new family to go to his forever home.
We will miss him but we sure are glad he got such a great family!!!




Kitten Mosh Pit!

Now who says that cats aren't social creatures?
Look at these little sweeties all curled up together on a blustery day, keeping each other warm and cozy.
Come on down to the shelter and see all of our sweet kittens that are up for adoption, maybe one will snuggle it's way into your heart!


Rest in Peace Darla
We have lost one of our greatest doggie ambassadors

Darla, who often participated in day camps and education has passed away. Her bright and happy face will be missed dearly.
She taught everyone, young and old the power that a dog can have on peoples lives.

You will be missed sweet bear.




So Many Kitties!
Cats in the "Meow Mansion"

Even though these cats have such different personalities, they all come together for naptime on the couch!


Rest in Peace Zeb
You will be missed

We are sad to announce that our old friend Zeb has passed away. Zeb was a resident of the community relations office for over a year and could be relied on for a cuddle whenever you needed one. His enthusiastic purr was in the background every day.



Thanks for the companionship Zeb, you will be missed.


Adoption Room
Cats enjoying their room

Come and visit our free roam adoption room and see how many cuties we have looking for their forever homes.


Co-op kids help out a lot

Pictured is Kaitlin and co-op student from A.N. Myer with her buddy Kal, a 3 year old Mastiff mixed breed, who had surgery while in our care. He has both cruciates replaced in is back legs. Kaitlin assisted in helping Kal regain the strength in his legs after he was on bed rest for a while.