Forever Homes Wanted

Once again here are some more Mississauga Humane Society animals that urgently need foster/adoptive homes. All the animals posted in the last Forever Homes Wanted are still in urgent need of foster/adoptive homes! Pleae keep them in my if your looking for a new furry companion. You can visit their website to see other dogs and cats that they have for adoption. Mississauga Humane Society

Misty - "I am a Labrador, female, about 10 yrs old. I am looking for a foster/adoptive home. Here is a bio by my foster mom who can no longer foster me due to moving." Misty is truly a people person. She loves to meet and greet people and will sit patiently when asked to do. Responds to lay down will watch your every movement for a sign of recognition. Thrives on attention anytime. Misty also is a very good sleeper; she will wake when I do and is ready for her first walk in the morning, she does her bathroom needs and is happy to return home. No accident ever in the house and she will let you know when she needs to go. When I leave her alone to go shopping she will lay at the front door and stay there until I return. Mystic has 'cushings' disease and needs a medication capsule that is placed in the food at morning and suppertime. This lovely natured dog will respond well to a loving home and is no trouble to care for." Please contact MHS 905-271-0883.

Shadow - I am a Labrador X, male, 4-5 years old, about 75 lbs. I am looking for a new home due to the change of lifestyle of my current family. I am very active and energetic, and need a home that can provide me the necessary exercise, play and attention. Due to my energy level, size and strength, a strong and experienced owner with a firm hand is preferred, as I can be dominant at times. I can be uncomfortable with strangers at first, and may bark at them, but with a little time and patience, I can be your friend for life. I am very loyal to and protective of my family; and can be a good guard dog as I am alert and bark when stranger is nearby. I am very intelligent and understand many commands. I am attending obedience classes and am getting easier to control! Surrendered July 2008. Contact Burleigh 905-607-7294

Ol Shep - Ol Shep needs a long-term foster home or adoptive home! This 10 year old cocker spaniel has been bounced around from home to home since his previous owner passed away. He really needs a long term, stable and patient home where he can stay until he finally outgrows his bad habit of resource guarding. He should be the only dog in the home, but he is good with cats. Ol Shep is a sweet old guy about 95% of the time. He loves going for walks and never pulls on the leash. He adores being around people - he'll follow you around the house and curl up at your feet whenever you sit down. Unfortunately, the other 5% of the time he can be bad. He can bite if he feels his space is invaded, or HIS possessions are 'threatened'. He knows several commands, including sit, go lie down, come, and off, and he is crate trained. He loves having his tummy scratched and will happily go belly-up for complete strangers. He does sometimes growl/cry when pet, which has scared more than a few people off, but it's actually kind of endearing once you're used to it! Shep has the potential to be a really good dog, but he needs a little work to get there. Unfortunately, because of his age, training is an uphill battle. Ol Shep needs to be treated as a dog who respects his leader (you!), more than a pet! He should go to a knowledgeable dog owner with a very firm hand. Please contact MHS 905-271-0883(direct line) for more information.

Tina - I am a Labrador-Shepherd cross, female, about 9 years old. I am looking for a foster/adoptive home. Here is a bio by my former foster mom: "Tina is super-friendly with everyone she meets, including kids, and is a lovely doggie companion... she is going to make a GREAT family pet. She is in an excellent shape for her age, still active and playful. She loves to go on walkies and play with other dogs at the dog park. Playing fetch and tug-of-war are her favorite pastimes. She would be ideally suited to a family with a fenced-in backyard or with a park nearby for daily play. She is a very smart girl and knows all her tricks (sit, pretty, shake paw, other one, lie down). She pulls on her leash when excited, but with consistent training she will improve." Please contact MHS 905-271-0883 or emailinfo@mississaugahumanesociety.com. Surrendered June 2008.

Kenny - I'm Kenny, and I really need a break. I was found near frozen and dehydrated on someone's porch. Although I was close to death, the Mississauga Humane Society took me in and nursed me back to health. I've been neutered - in fact, the picture you see was taken when I was still under from the operation. I look better when I'm awake. ;-) I'm about 8 years old. There are a couple things about me you need to know. First of all I tested positive for the Feline AIDS virus. That means that I can still have a long life, but I need to either be the only cat in a home or live with another cat who is positive for Feline AIDS. Please know that this disease does not transfer to people or dogs or any other species - just cats. There's one other thing - I have a handicap and the way I walk has been described as like a duck. I have pulled through everything and am doing well, and now I really need someone to take me home and love me. I'm quite handsome with my pewter grey coat. If you would consider giving me a FOSTER HOME or a FOREVER HOME please call MHS at 905-271-0883 or emaillisa5@rogers.comand tell them that you want to be Kenny's angel.

Splash - I am a Tortoiseshell, DSH, female, about 6 months old. I have wonderful markings and big yellow eyes. I am enticing and striking little gal, and will make a great first impression, so please come and see me - I am waiting for you! Some great things about Splash said by her foster mom: "She comes to you to be pet and likes attention, she is quiet and well-behaved. She is used to small children and other cats so she would fit easily into your home." Rescued Sep 2007. Contact Kara 905-608-1483.

Lost! What do I do?

Many people have the "joy" of dealing with this type of thing, for those of us who haven't we're lucky and hopefully we never have to go through it. I've known several people who've had their pets go missing, they jumped the fence, ran out a closing door, broken through the screening, dug under the fence, slipped out of their collar, the list goes on with how they got loose. I've also known people on the internet who've lost their furry family members, and it’s even worse to deal with as you can't offer support physically just typing words to them and hoping it helps. It happened recently on a forum I’m a member of, a woman lost her cat, several members replied to her thread with ways of helping and words of encouragement. I’d like to add some of those ideas here to maybe help others if they should ever find themselves in a situation like this.

Dogs and cats know there way back home if it isn’t a new location that is. Several times they will turn back up like nothing had ever happened. They have a great timing system that tells them the when the next meal is due and will often times turn back up around then leaving you mumbling nonsense about them worrying you sick and being a rebellious little so’n’so. Pets who venture out stay close to home, so even if you don’t see them they are probably around somewhere.

First off I’d like to mention that if you spay/neuter your pet that it greatly reduces the chances of him/her wondering off to find a mate and worrying you sick which in turn doesn’t do you a favor, your family or your lost furry friend. Fixing your pet also has many other advantages but we won’t get into that right now. I’d also like to mention that microchips are an awesome little invention. Should your furry friend get lost and someone picks them up they’ll usually be scanned and the chip holds all your information, address, name, pets name, phone numbers. You can also place a collar on your pet, for cats I suggest a breakaway collar incase they snag it on a fence or branch, with an ID tag on it. Keep the information on the microchip and then ID tag up to date always!

First off, make sure you check everywhere in your house if the pet is on the smaller size, every nook and cranny even in the most unlikely places. Animals have a tendency to surprise us with what they get into. Be sure that they actually did get out of the house. Of course you should contact your local shelter, put posters up, and inform your neighbors once you’ve confirmed your furry friend is actually missing. Don’t just phone the shelters every day asking if they have come into your friend, go there and look half the time shelters are so swamped and busy they just don’t take the time to notice every animal that comes in that may or may not be lost. Tell as many people as possible in your area so that there are eyes everywhere for him/her. Also check your neighbor’s garages, sheds, etc. if they’ll let you.

Food is always a great way to get them out of hiding. Walk around, call their name, have some wonderful smelly food on hand that will surely get to them if they are in the area. Animals that spend the majority if not all of their life inside (like housecats) will be fearful outside; after all it is a strange new world out there. He/she may even be too afraid to come up to you, don’t take it personal they are scared, the outside world is a scary place, you can’t blame them for wanting to remain hidden. It always helps to stay low to the ground, crouch every so often, if you do come across your pet don’t just rush up to them, they can easily see this as danger and run off as they are so rattled with the outside world.

The women on the forum mentioned she had even mixed her cat’s wet food with warm water in a spray bottle and sprayed it around her house to try and entice him home, she also thanks to the advice from another member recorded the sound of a female cat in heat as her cat was male and not fixed and played it to try and entice him around. Both great ideas to keep in mind. If your pet will respond to the clanging of their dishes do that outside. Put out items that have a familiar scent, shirts, blankets, anything. It has enticed animals home before I’m told.

Search, search and search while making sure your taking proper care of yourself. Bring with you a favorite toy maybe a squeaky ball or a laser pointer; get your friends or family to help you if they are willing. Post a lost pet ad on some pet finder websites, putting “family pet” in the ad will motivate people more then “breeding/show/therapy animal”. Putting out a reward will often help as well. Check the found ads in the papers make one printer version of your lost pet ad and then photocopy it. Printer ink will run when wet, photocopier toner won’t therefore it will remain clear for people to read. Never go to someone’s house who claims they have a lost pet that resembles yours alone, take a buddy with you.

These are only a few ideas in the search for your lost companion. There are endless amounts of tips out there and in your mind. Just remember to never give up; pets have been known to return to their owners a year down the road. Remain positive, be aware of people taking advantage of you during this rough time (say someone phones you and says they have found your pet, ask them if he/she has a white tail tip if the person says of course and your pet doesn’t hang up, vice versa as well. Ask them if the animal has a white spot on her front left leg and if they say the animal does and its true then proceed with caution) many will try and make you up the reward or say they have found your pet out of state/province and to send them money so that they can send your pet to you by plane etc. and again, take care of yourself. You’re no good to your lost friend if you end up in the hospital.

Once your pet is home with you again I strongly suggest you take it to the vet for a full exam.

I’d like to give thanks to the members on Cat Forum who have shared their ideas and tips to another member in need and gave her constant words of encouragement when she needed it most. Her cat is now back home with her, safe and sound.

That'll be $50, Oh you don't live here? Then that will be $100.

The world has lost it; no I'm not just figuring that out, I figured that out long ago. But this is something I didn't expect.

In Westchester County NY a new dog park has opened in Ward Acres Park. The dog park is said to be more then 3 acres in size with a wonderful landscaping job set up for the dogs to romp around on. Sounds wonderful, there are even benches dedicated to to the dogs there. Sounds great right? Well maybe if you’re a millionaire, the park charges residents of the area as well as nonresidents a fee to let their dogs grace this patch of earth. $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents.

My lord people, are you insane? Yes there is upkeep to every dog park if you don't want it to become a dump but charging this amount? Honestly whoever does pay that to let their dogs run around on some grass and dirt has too much money for their own good and should spare a few dimes to those who are less then wealthy. I'll keep that money in my bank account for something more important, after all there are plenty of FREE leash free parks I'm sure. Hell, while we're at it why don't we charge people who let their children go to a playground? Or even charge people to step outside their doors. This is insane.

Well there some residents who aren't happy about this little admission fee understandably and are taking the whole thing to court. The city apparently also controls what time and how people may walk their dogs in the park, the dogs must have a permit as well.

You can read more about it here.

Featured Breed: The Siberian

I figured this could be a cute monthly thing, along with dog breeds and rodent/exotic pet breeds. No it's not complete information from start to finish but it does give a person a little insight into the breed mentioned, hopefully. Though of course I and I'm sure all the other little critters in shelters would love it if you adopted one of them before going to a breeder. :)

The Siberian is a long haired breed of cat that originated in Russia. It was recognized as a breed somewhere between 1988 and 1990. They are a fairly recent and rare breed in the North America, but back in their home country they can be seen in several old paintings and in writings.

Siberians are not only exceptionally beautiful but are known to be wonderful jumpers and powerful cats. Their weight ranges between 15-20 lbs in males and 10-15lbs in females. Their body is usually shorter and blockier then Main Coons. They are slow to mature like Main Coons, usually reaching their mature size at around 5 years old.

Siberians are known to be devoted and attentive felines, intelligent, playful and are said to be the dog of the cat world. They’ll come when called and have been known to hold lengthy conversations with their owners using their little voices. They love attention and become easily attached to their owners, they usually have a fondness of water even swimming in it at times and love going for walks (on a leash of course). These cats are confident, good natured, and fond with children. They love to be underfoot, just waiting for the chance of a good belly rub or chin scratch.

Siberians aren’t only unlike other cats in their personality they are also Hypoallergenic. Fel D1 is very low or doesn’t exist at all in this cat. Fel D1 is a protein that cats will leave behind on their fur when grooming that seems to irritate many people causing allergies. Their fur is also said to be less likely to mat and come in a wide variety of colors though the color point versions are called Neva Masquerade and has several breeders working to save the original version of the Siberian where that are no color points.

Forever homes wanted.

I can’t make a decent post today so I’m going to post some wonderful animals looking for homes and in need of an a good home.

Firstly a few cats from the Mississauga Humane Society, they do not have a shelter so all of their animals are in foster homes or located in the cat room in Petcetera.

This is Bronco. He is a black and white male estimated at around 2 years old. He's friendly, loves people and is good with other cats. He needs a little TLC and a wonderful new home and family. He's been at MHS since April 2008. If your interested in Bronco you can call Petcetera at 905-615-1419 or drop by and visit him along with the other cats in the cat room. Petcetera is located at 3950 Grand Park Drive, Mississauga (Burnhamthorpe/East of Mavis)

These two are a mother and son pair rescued in November of 2007 calledSunny and Cher. Cher is about 6 years old, Sunny is her son, is about 2 years old. They were surrendered due to an ailment their previous owners had. They have always been together and there is a discount feee if you adopt them together. Sunny loves to come and get his tummy rubbed in the morning before breakfast and will roll around on the floor with delight. They both enjoy sitting and cuddling with you while you watch a weekend movie! If your interested in Sunny and Cher contact Laura at lenhartford@gmail.com.

Meet Essy. She is a beautiful white and black female with an angelic face, about 2 yr old. Essy is a shy, quiet and sweet girl that never gets into trouble. Essy craves attention and affection, loves being stroked and petted, and having her chin rubbed. Essy is slow slow to adjust to new surroundings, and other pets, so she need an owner who is understanding and patient. If you think your the right person for Essy please contact Safa 905-502-5209.

Now for some dogs from Mississauga Humane Socitey, again all of these dogs are in foster homes as MHS doesn't have the funds for a shelter just yet. All dogs adopted from MHS are entitled to 6-8 free training classes provided by Mother Knows Best Obedience School.

These two golden girls are Cagney and Lacey. They are are 10 year old, Cockapoo sisters looking for a forveer home as their owner is moving out of the province and can't take them. Cagney was hit by a car when she was 1 year old, had surgery on her hip and she limps a bit but does not slow her down. She has a great disposition, loves everyone, she is always at you side. She also gets along with other dogs, cats, and kids. Lacey is a loving dog as well, very affectionate. She is great around other dogs and cats but a bit shy around kids. If you can give these two girls their forever home contact the MHS voicemail at 905-271-0883.


Harley is a 4-5 year old male Doberman. Harley likes to do the approaching. Very quiet, good with other dogs and cats and has no food issues. Good on the lead, Harley is trustworthy. He is also fully house trained. Harley has bounced around a bit through no fault of his own. He needs to have his people around. Someone working from home or a stay at home situation would best suit Harley. If there is another dog so much the better. He was surrendered June 2008. If your interested in Harley contact John at 905-854-3404 or jmtc53@aol.com.

Ben is a Collie/ Australian Shep, male, about 2 years old. Being an energetic and healthy young dog, an active family would be a good match for him. Ben loves everyone and likes to give great hugs; he is a very good & loving boy - everyone says so! Be is still a bit boisterous during 'play-time' but lots of good walks and chasing balls are all he needs. He was recused May 2008. If your interested in Ben contact Maira at 905-814-0908 or luzmaria_k@yahoo.ca.

And for some adds from Craigslist.

Here's a 4 year old female Black Lab for adoption in the Toronto area.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pet/741413396.html

A 3 year old orange tabby male, his owners seem to have allergies and need to rehome him.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pet/741343877.html

Here are two more cats that are needing a new home and family due to their current owners moving to Australia and not wanting to pay the $3,000 it takes for them to bring their furry family members.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pet/741247988.html

A female Pug seemingly free to good home, she's not spayed and is a year old, up to date on shots.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pet/741321274.html

Also if you or anyone you know has a lost a grey and white cat in the Toronto area or would like to adopt her as it seems she might have also been abandoned.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pet/741126103.html