President’s Message 2

Fundraising News 3

Upcoming Events 5

Memorials 6

Membership Form 8

S.H.A.I.D. NEWSS.H.A.I.D. NEWSS.H.A.I.D. NEWSS.H.A.I.D. NEWS

Fall 2010

450 LaHave St. Unit 17, Suite 138 Bridgewater, NS B4V 4A3 902 543-4849 shaidtreeanimalshelter @yahoo.ca www.shaid.ca

Once again this holiday season, S.H.A.I.D. is participating in the annual Home for the Holidays campaign. Our focus will be on our long stay cats who have been at the shelter for 5 months or more plus a pair of “seniors”. In order to help these kitties find their forever homes, we are absorbing 50% of the adoption fee as our Christmas gift to them. That means each of these

wonderful cats can go home with you for just $75. While we do not propose or support pets being given as gifts (no adoptions allowed right before Xmas), there are many of you who can provide wonderful homes for these lovely creatures. Why not enrich your holiday season with a new family member? We have only 9 cats available at this special adoption fee, from now until January 8th. Here they are:

To learn more about these beautiful cats, visit their profiles at www.shaid.ca or, better yet, come out and meet them!

Board of Directors President: Claudie Le Cam Vice President: Colleen Baker Secretary: Julianne Jollymore Treasurer: Daphney Tufts Others: Sally Ronalds John Ramsland Margie Bowes Lisa Rhuland Crystal Berringer Ann Spracklin Honorary Board Member: Birgit Schmidt SHELTER HOURS: Open to the public Tues. to Fri. NOON to 3 PM Sat. 11 AM—4 PM CLOSED SUN .& MON.

A LOOK INSIDE:

Claire: here since June

Iman: here since Jan.

Copper: here since Feb.

Brandy & Sasha: would very much like to go home together. They come with a $100 food gift certificate from a generous donor.

Bridget: here since June

Regal: here Since April

Gonzo—Sr.

Flash—Sr.

Page 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FROM CLAUDIE

S .H.A .I .D. NEWS

I am very happy to tell you that S.H.A.I.D. is running well and is always open to homeless and abandoned animals. You will see our stats in this newsletter, and I am pretty impressed by the shelter staff and volunteers who constantly maintain a clean, safe and serious place. Our waiting list for cats has grown a bit during the last 2 weeks but our dedicated staff is working hard to maintain an efficient control of the situation before winter time. It is pretty busy these days with lots of kittens but people seem to like adopting them. In any case, spay-neuter is always the solution against overpopulation, and all our animals are altered before leaving the shelter – kittens included. Our dog adoptions slowed down at the end of the spring, but now adoptions are positive and regular, and we have friendly dog “tenants”. Rats were admitted in July from an abusive home, and, of over 20, only 6 were able to be rescued and taken care at S.H.A.I.D. Over 10 bunnies – adults and babies – found a place at the shelter and all of them have been adopted into good homes – the last one Paul – left S.H.A.I.D. 3 days ago! To keep operating, we had to buy a new freezer for the quarantine room, a printer/copier for the office and a dryer. The old dryer was used more than we thought due to the constant and dusty work done outside by our nice neighbours for the last 5 months, making it impossible to dry things outside. I invite you to visit the shelter and to discover our new logo, new banner and new scrubs given out to the staff. This refurbishment was necessary and will make the team look more professional. We stayed open four Thursday evenings in the summer, and will again on December 16 – 10 days before Christmas. S.H.A.I.D. will stay open from 12 to 7 pm to welcome all the families and people who desire to adopt a cat, a kitten or a dog. We may have puppies but we don’t know yet! We had 3 gorgeous beauties in August for your information! On an administrative/legal side, I want to let you know that S.H.A.I.D.’s lease has been reconfirmed for the next 20 years on Mullock Road. All kinds of people donated money to the shelter after their wedding, a birthday, a special community event, a horse show in memory of a beloved one, a funeral, and S.H.A.I.D. is in the heart of so many good people and we are delighted and proud of it! I would like to add a thank you to the Town of Mahone Bay for their $500 donation, and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for their $1000, for their support and their

understanding about S.H.A.I.D.’s mission and impact in the community. Speaking of kindness, a gentleman – a long-term supporter – just offered a Maud Lewis painting – to be sold at the Zwicker’s Gallery in Halifax. Please feel free to visit this Gallery and spread the word around you! Thanks to CKBW for the 2 weekly programs that help a lot the pets! Tune in for Tail wagging Tuesdays at 1:10 pm, and on Mondays/Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:10 pm. Thanks to Mr. Lloyd Nauss from Invisio Communications Inc. for his design and creative new logo! This new logo is gorgeous on our new little bags and soon to be on unique t-shirts that we will have for sale! In my special thank you I want to reiterate all my support and respect to the shelter staff: Kelly, Karen, Melissa, BW, Shari, Christie, Shawna, and all the volunteers who are doing an excellent job all year round. A big thank you goes out to Dr. Andrea Lohnes, who donated so many hours in the last 3 years when visiting the shelter on a weekly basis and advised the shelter manager and the staff. Andrea is having a well deserved break as the volunteer shelter vet. Dr. Beverly Greenlaw agreed to take over for Dr. Lohnes for the so important weekly vet visits. We recognize that we are spoiled to benefit from a vet at our little shelter and are thankful that all the animal clinics are willing to help us.! We are lucky that the Spay-Neuter Myrtle Quigley committee is still running with dynamic volunteers who don’t give up and want to help families in need. The little TNR committee is working non-stop too to help feral and stray colonies of community cats. This committee really needs the community support and volunteer work. If you have time to help, please call Lynne Ware or Beth Kent. You will not regret taking this opportunity to make a difference. Things, good things, can be done at every level. When we make things happen, good and positive things, we can succeed, step by step, but surely. In February 1986 when SHAID was officially created, volunteers and the board had no idea of their future. They surely wanted the best. Twenty-five years later, S.H.A.I.D. is alive, healthy and trusted in the community. S.H.A.I.D. is there for the animals, and we don’t want to forget it! Less f ortunate animals are our priority. Bravo everyone! See you for the S.H.A.I.D. Christmas celebrations on the South Shore! We have events for all the community ... stay tuned.

TOP FUNDRAISERS AT THE DOG WALK: FORMER

SHELTER MANAGER JO-ANNE BISHOP AND HER BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG, INDY Jo-Anne brought in over $1500 in pledges! Thanks for continuing to support the shelter even in your retirement, Jo.

From Claudie:”We all know that money is what a chari-table association needs to survive, and to extend and organise more projects. Our last 3 major fundraisings: the Antique Auction in May raised a total net of $9,213.62 ($15,415.00 minus expenses $6,201.38) ; The Annual Yard Sale in June $22,410.98 net ($28,250.52 minus expenses $5,839.54) and finally the Annual Dog Walk and Wag at the MARC in October $4,644.45 before expenses. A huge thank you to each person who donated time and energy to make these events a great success!” THE TRADITION CONTINUES Thunder, a beautiful collie owned by Nancy Weaver, began walking in the Walk & Wag at age 3 months and he never missed a year until overtaken by arthritis. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge this past year so Nancy brought her other dog, Nicki, along to continue the tradition and he was wearing Thunder’s special tie. We appreciate the loyal support of folks like Nancy. WERE YOU AT THE WALK? DID YOU TRY THE DONATED DONUTS? A special lick of the dog’s tongue to Randy Baker of The Platter House for his tasty treats for the humans on the walk!

Page 3

FUNDRAISING NEWS TWO PAWS UP AWARDS

Our first award goes to Blockhouse Post Office staff, under the direction of Suzie Everett, for their donation of $100 raised by selling used books. Thank you so much!!!

Our second award goes to JoAnne Corkum and the employee social club at Nova Scotia Power. They applied to Emera’s Good Neighbour program for matching funds to what they raised and donated $540 to SHAID. This was indeed matched by Emera with a second $540 cheque! Thank you JoAnne for taking this initiative and “doubling our pleasure”.

Our final two paws award goes to Thomas Dauphinee. Thomas recently adopted two older kittens from SHAID. The staff were very impressed with the fact that he made 3 visits, carefully considering which cats to take. Even at age 10, Thomas was well aware that adopting was a big responsibility. Bravo and Delta are settling in well and Thomas is responsible for their feeding and for cleaning their litterbox! He says they are worth all the trouble and are cuddly at night and playful in the morning. Congratulations, Thomas. You are setting a very good example for other youngsters who want to adopt. Bravo, Thomas and Delta

“Purring is just smiling out loud”

Two doggie paws up and a huge thank you to Mike MacWhirter who spends all his evenings with our S.H.A.I.D. dogs.

Page 4 S .H.A .I .D. NEWS

THE BIG MOVE: PART TWO

There have been so many developments in the matter of assisting Queen Maxine and her court since my last column that it is difficult for a purrson to know where to start. It was promised that the tail would have a happy

ending, so I will begin by saying that the curl in the tip is that the members of the court are thriving. We have been keeping our human servant well occupied. Purrsonally, having always thought she was rather idle, I see this as no bad thing. Four members of Maxine's court have made the transition to come to live with us here. I am honoured to be sharing my home with such noble cats. I wish I could say the Scottish twins ,Bruno and Paula, felt likewise. They were ever an uncouth pair, though, fortunately, their hiss is worse than their claw. For a queen, Paula is shockingly foul mouthed but I will not offend my genteel readers by dwelling on the topic of her language. Uncle Karl, however, has been a purrfect gentleman to the newcomers. The first two members of the court we transitioned here were Apollo and Luna. There was some slight inconvenience for a week or two as they were not accustomed to indoor plumbing. For two or three days they mistook MY futon sofa bed for a litter tray. Though the servant, even with its weak senses, could smell that there had been a misunderstanding, it was slow to pick up of the whereabouts of this faux pas. IN MY BED! Apollo and Luna had used a cushion and a throw to discretely disguise their confusion. I was very glad when they at last grasped that my bed was not a litter tray. The servant was rather rude about the discovery, swearing by the human equivalent of Bast. Quite shameful, really, almost as vulgar as Paula. I was embarrassed. Via a further misunderstanding, they then shifted to using the servant's bed instead of my bed for a litter tray. Apollo even peed on the servant's legs when it was asleep one night. When that soaked through the covers, and finally woke the servant, it swore by its Bast some more. Happily these difficulties soon abated. Apollo and Luna came to understand that one of the servant's primary task is to change litter boxes and that to over tax the servant by expecting it to constantly wash blankets and sponge soft furnishings, makes it fractious. Apollo and Luna made sure that no further court members made similar errors by demonstrating the use

of the indoor toilet arrangements to them. Next we brought Jed here. (see his picture on p. 7) Jed is the oldest cat of the court, and the great grandfather of all of them. Queen Maxine has expressed to me that Jed is a doddering old fool, a Tom chauvinist dog, who imagines that, she, a mature queen, cannot manage her court alone without his interference, (er I think she means assistance.) This is rather rude as he is a highly intelligent old boy, with all his faculties, well, less his ear tip from the Trap Worship and Release program. He is very protective of the court. His loud yowling does help to deter unwanted outsiders from the court. We are trying to persuade Jed to retire from formal court duties and remain here with us permanently. He worries that the court cannot function without him and will keep on going back to check on court business. It does one good to see such spirit and determination in the elderly. Another guest we have is Cam, the self styled 'rock chick', who likes to sit on the servant's lap watching music videos and to play with a feather boa. She sees the boa as a fine way of keeping her paw in with her hunting skills. Cam does tend to disappear back into to the woods, for days at a time, on solo hunting expeditions. Like Jed, she feels it important to retain an element of independence. When Cam returns to the woods, we send the servant out after her to retrieve her and purrsuade her that her true calling is to be worshipped and pampered. We do tell her that she does not need to hunt for herself any longer, that there are shops which sell turkeys to servants especially so that many cats can dine effortlessly from a single bird. We inform her that the servants have special days of ritual cat feeding. Thanksgiving and Christmas. Three further court members, Nelson, Sweetie and Deva, have expressed their desire to remain at the old farm. By the grace of Bast this may become possible for them in the long term. For the time being we shall continue to dispatch our servant to them until their affairs are settled satisfactorily. In the meantime we avoid eating chickadees, since one was sent to us as a herald from Queen Maxine's court. Your guest correspondent from 'The Daily Meow', Zahir

S.H.A.I.D. and the TNR team want to express our appreciation to “ servant” , Alison, for giving this group of cats a home after their caregiver passed away. It is never easy to move ferals and she, with Zahir’s help, has done an amazing job!

Zahir

Page 5 S .H.A .I .D. NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Reprinted with the kind permission of Adrian Rae, Cartoonist, from his comic strip “The Other Coast”.

Pose with Santa for a memorable shot to keep or to send. All digital format, printed on site and uploaded to the Internet. Cats, dogs, kids, hens, hedgehogs, families ...all welcome. $10 each or 3/$25 Locations and Dates: Shurgain Feeds and Needs, Bridgewater—Sat. Nov. 20th from 10am to 1 pm The Dog Shop, Mahone Bay—Sun. Nov. 28th From 1 to 4 pm Gow’s Home Hardware, Bridgewater—Fri. Dec. 3rd 5:30 to 8:30 pm & Sat. Dec. 4th 1 to 4 pm Your Friend & Mine, Gold River—Sat. Dec. 11th from 1 to 4 pm

Come and join us at our

Christmas open house Sunday, december 5th

from 1 to 4 pm

Bake table, crafts, and

lots of furry friends

decked out in their

seasonal finery to

greet you!

Are you on Facebook? S.H.A.I.D. has its own page, “Friends of SHAID Animal Shelter”. We currently have 471 members so why not join us? A good place to tell us your experiences

with adoption and to share thoughts, resources with other animal lovers. See you there!

Sport our new logo on your very own tote bag!

• Measuring approx. 13”X13” • Made of sturdy canvas Be the first of your friend’s to have one! Just $12 and available

at the shelter or the Platter House. A great Christmas gift!

Old Dogs Do Not Die We have a secret, you and I, That no one else shall know, For who but I can see you lie, Each night, in fireglow? And who but I can reach my hand Before we go to bed, And feel the living warmth of you And touch your silken head? And only I walk woodland paths, And see, ahead of me, Your small form racing with the wind, So young again, and free. And only I can see you swim In every brook I pass... And, when I call, no one but I Can see the bending grass... Author unknown

Page 6 S .H.A .I .D. NEWS

Alf Johanson Alma Crouse Ann Richardson Barbara Kashanski Beatrice Veinot Bobbi Mosher Brenda Ferrell Buddy Hirtle Clare Spinny David Taylor Donald Gow Donna Silver Doone Massie Doris Smeltzer Dorothy Lohnes Douglas Wamboldt Edna Spidell Effie Hirtle Elaine Hogg Eugene Anderson Evelyn Saunders Taylor Frances Fillmore Gail MacIntyre George Brunt George Wooten Gerald Connors Gerald Frausell Heather Russell Hector Powers Helen Ramey Helen Silver Iris Brunt Irving Henley Jeanne Currie Janet Conrad Jean Naugler

Bertie Mollie Casey Rascal Ben Riley Shadow Rocky

Joan Powell John Laird John Mackenzie Kate Mossman Laurie Harold Meisner Leta Udall Linda Rogers Loring Langille Lowell Beck Margaret Crosby Marjorie Larouche Mark Wentzell Mildred Oickle Milton Beck Noreen Hirtle Paul Crocker Paul Hebb Percy Wilneff Philip Smeltzer Ray Broon Raymond Oxner Reynolds Tremaine Aullenback Richard “Butch” Connors Richard Steele Rocko Hinckley Royden Neal Ruby Garba Sam Wiscombe Shirley Elizabeth Goodwin Terry (Theresa) Swift Thelma Falt Tina Eisnor Venita Brenton Walter Nauss Wendy Gingell

Royal Maggie Pebbles Fuddly Minnie Tweety II Sassy Kalmer’s Chesh Tala

March 31st—Oct. 30th, 2010 Donations were made in memory of:

BELOVED PETS

MEMORIALS

This past year has seen the passing of two members of the S.H.A.ID. family. Tina Swinimer passed away in February after a courageous struggle with cancer. Tina worked at S.H.A.I.D. for several years before retiring and then served on the Board of Directors. Her kindness and compassion for both humans and animals was well known. She brought a wisdom and quiet determination to her work as a Board member and could always be counted on to be the voice of reason. Doreen Oakins crossed over the bridge in June after her heart gave up its struggle. Although physically her heart may have been weak, the amount of heart she put into her work with the animals never was. She came on board as a staff member after retiring from banking in Ontario. A more dedicated worker and animal caregiver, it would be hard to find.

Page 7 S .H.A .I .D. NEWS

AT THE SHELTER

DOGS OTHERS

Admitted 26 28

Adopted 26 21

CATS

161

142

2010 Shelter Statistics July—October

"No matter how much cats fight, there always

seems to be plenty of kittens." - Abraham Lincoln

Lord knows, the staff at S.H.A.I.D. would agree with

Mr. Lincoln! This year, it seems we have had an

unending supply of kittens. Kitten “season” started in

the early spring and continued all through the summer

and fall months. We have been very fortunate to be

able to place so many in wonderful homes. Thank you to

all of you who adopted!

Occasionally, we have kittens

born with special needs who need

special people to adopt them.

Grayson was born with cerebellar

hypoplasia, a neurological disorder

that affects the cerebellum, the

part of the brain that controls

coordination and balance. This occurs when an

unvaccinated female cat contracts distemper while her

kittens are still in her uterus. Distemper damages the

cerebellum and the kittens are born with cerebellar

hypoplasia. That made it very hard for Grayson to walk

without falling over and to eat without falling face

first into his dish. His foster mom despaired but

persisted and finally Grayson was independent enough

to be adopted. We love happy endings!

COMMUNITY CATS

Do you have a “secret” cat? Research has shown that 40% of cat owners are also secretly feeding a cat they don't own. Compassionate cat-lovers across the country are giving outdoor kitties extra help. Wild, stray or homeless; whatever you call them, they're Community Cats. Unfortunately, despite their huge numbers, resources for 'secret cat feeders' have been limited. Often the only advice anyone is given is to 'call the council'. However, shelters around the world are not coping with the amount of cats arriving on their doorstep every day. If your Community Cat is happy and healthy, a shelter may not be the best option. OLD JED The message that desexing is the responsible option for cat owners must get through to cat owners as it has in Australia, where 95% of owned cats are desexed. We also now need to begin caring for Community Cats so they, and their offspring, don't become another statistic. By following these simple steps, cat caregivers can ensure they're doing the right thing by their Community Cats. •If she loves a pat and isn't shy, ask around the neighbourhood. She may just be dining-out at your place! •Take her to your vet to be scanned for a microchip. Your friendly cat may be someone's missing family member. •Having a Community Cat can be a joy, but when she arrives with kittens in tow, you'll have a problem. Take the plunge and have her desexed; consider it a donation to cat welfare! (The boys also need 'the snip' as this cuts down on macho behaviours that drive neighbours batty). •Put a note in your diary for an annual vaccination and health check up. Give her somewhere warm to sleep in the winter and make sure she has plenty of water in the summer. Your Community Cat needs your help to stay happy and healthy. If your community cat(s) is not approachable, please consider TNR (Trap, Neuter and Return), a program to desex the ferals and strays in our area. Help is available from your local organization, South Shore TNR, by calling Beth 543-5909 or Lynne 688-1654. They can assist you with traps, paying for the vet (a donation of $20 per cat is suggested) and plans for building shelters if your property lacks somewhere for them to get out of the weather. Let your secret out...we bet you will find there are many others who are keeping their own “secret” cat!

SHAID NEWS DISCLAIMER

The views and/or opinions expressed in this newsletter

are not necessarily the views of the S.H.A.I.D. Tree

(Animal) Shelter Society.

Comments /questions can be directed to the Editor, Lynne Ware by writing to: S.H.A.I.D. NEWS, 450 LaHave St. , Unit 17, Suite 138, Bridgewater, NS B4V 4A3 or by e-mailing to shaidylady@eastlink.ca

Page 8 S .H.A .I .D. NEWS

DONATION/MEMBERSHIP FORM 2011: Join/ support S.H.A.I.D. and help us make a difference for the homeless animals in our area. I would like to purchase a NEW Membership in S.H.A.I.D. Enclosed is $______ for ___ membership(s). ($10 each) I would like to RENEW my/our current or lapsed membership(s). Enclosed is $_______ ($10 each) I would like to purchase a LIFE MEMBERSHIP (To calculate your life membership fee, subtract your current age from 65, then multiply by $10. Please note that anyone age 55 or older has a set life membership fee of $100) Enclosed is $_________

I am enclosing a donation of $____________ to help care for the animals at S.H.A..I.D. Tree Animal Shelter. I am enclosing a donation of $____________ towards the South Shore TNR program for stray/feral cats. Name:_____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Phone Number/E-mail:________________________________

Thanks for caring about the homeless animals and for

supporting S.H.A.I.D.!

Membership Lucky Draw Winners: August: Randy Whynacht, $20 gift certificate from The Shine Factory/Ian’s Automotive & Joan Morrison, $25 gift certificate courtesy of Ashley Marlin September: Mary Cunningham & Sally Sizer, both won a $20 gift certificate from The Shine Factory/ Ian’s Automotive October: Elizabeth Richardson, Doggie Shampoo & Conditioner package donated by a fellow member & Aubrey Wagner, a $20 gift certificate from The Shine Factory/Ian’s Automotive

Mail your completed form along with a cheque to: Memberships/Donations S.H.A.I.D. Tree Animal Shelter 450 LaHave St. Unit 17, Suite 138 Bridgewater, NS B4V 4A3

S.H.A.I.D. News is being printed for you courtesy of Kim Oickle’s UPS Store

All memberships paid for in these last two months of 2010 will count as 2011 memberships as well so if you have been meaning to send yours in, this would be a great time to take care of that! Members are reminded that dues should be paid by January each year unless you are a Life Member.