BABY CATS!

Kittens galor. Who can frown in the presence of a kitten? Who can be unhappy when a baby furball is at play? I know I CAN'T. Many people don't like grown cats but will totally go, "Awwwww!" when a kitten is in sight. It's very difficult to get mad at one, too...THEY ARE JUST TOOOOOO CUTE!

Here are some of the kittens who have taken up residence at the Oakville Humane as of recent. Inquire about the foster program or just drop by and adopt one!

KITTY LITTER #1

The Black/Grey kitten has been ADOPTED :)

The 2 Classic Red Tabbies are still AVAILABLE. 

Their names are LOGAN & TONY and they were born

on March 20th, 2009.

KITTY LITTER #2

No names given yet.

KITTY LITTER #3

The Charcoal Grey little guy has been ADOPTED :)

The Mackerel Orange Tabby (JAY-Z) and the Grey Tabby

(BEYONCE) are still AVAILABLE. They too were born on March 20th, 2009.

KITTY LITTER #4

No names given yet.


LONE KITTY #5

No name given yet.

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV)

FIV is the feline version of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). There are a few cats at the shelter who tested positive for FIV. It is not a definitive death sentence and properly cared for FIV cats can live quite normal lives and have normal life spans. The concern comes to play when secondary infections occur such as upper resporatory infection.

FIV is transmitted most commonly through saliva to blood (biting). It can sometimes be passed on from a mother cat to her kittens during gestation but not all of the time. Associated problems can range from skin irritations & diarrhea to kidney failure. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids can be added to the diet as well as vitamins and anti-oxidants. A close eye should be kept on FIV cats but to ensure that it is not spread, FIV+ cats should be kept indoors and should either be the only cat within the home or in a home with other FIV positive cats.

To prevent your cat fom contracting the virus, there are vaccines available so inquire about it. Kittens should not be tested for the virus prior to 6 months to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

All-in-all...KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS! ALWAYS!

Here are some cats at the Oakville Humane that have tested positive for FIV. They are great cats that deserve a home just like any other. To ease the minds of the uninformed and/or misinformed, FIV cannot be transmitted to humans in any way. HAPPY ADOPTING!

"KYLE"

Help out an FIV positive cat today! Ask about Kyle at the shelter.


"SPENCER"

Help out this fun-loving guy by inviting him into your life. Adopt Spencer!


"ACHILLES"

You can make a difference in Achilles' (pronounced AH-KIL-LEEZ) life now. Inquire about him at the shelter.

PETS FOR ADOPTION #8

BLACK & WHITE, WHITE & BLACK or BLACK?

Ok, so I constantly hear different comments on cats (sometimes even dogs) that are "darker in color" (i.e: black or mostly black). To say the least, I get really annoyed when they are negative comments (no offence if that describes you but you need to read on).

Yes, there are superstitions, old-wives tales and urban legends about these evil black creatures named "cats" that aid witches in the brewing of small, chubby children. Come on people, get real. Are we all that dense? While working at the shelter, I overhear many people from the general public come through and complain to their partner how they, "don't want a black cat because they are scary and unlucky."

**ROLLING EYES** To those who believe this....BELIEVE ME, IT'S NOT TRUE! I've had wonderful experiences with ALL types of cats no matter the color or breed. Ok, so maybe you're not superstitious...maybe you don't believe in all that luck and charm. I have even heard people comment on black dogs saying, "Aww that dog's color [black] is so boring!" Now what is that? Just plain weird is what it is!

Please, I urge you, don't only make a decision to get (or reject) a furry-friend ONLY based on its' color! You'll probably miss out on a great companion. To drive the point home more, there are even certain shelters (not Oakville Humane) and breeding facilities that don't even bother placing a black cat or dog up for adoption due to the fact that TOO MANY PEOPLE just simply don't like their color! Just sit back and think how absolutely rediculous and "racist" that is. Would it be fair to walk up to someone who is darker in skin tone and say, "Wow, you must be quite the unlucky one!" (*NOTE: I'm sure people really do that or even think it but you catch my drift, right?)

I also wanted to note that my experiences working with various breeds of cats & dogs yielded quite some interesting patterns. I've noticed that certain breeds of cats are more "aggressive" than others (just like how certain breeds of dogs are SOMETIMES a factor in their aggressiveness). For example, I've been hissed at a whole lot more from Calicos & Brown Tabbies than any, I repeat, ANY breed of cat. Also, I've noticed some more aggressive behavior from Siamese cats...again, let me express that this is MY personal observation, so don't get upset :)

Anywho, I hope this has changed the mindset of certain people, who for some reason or another, have believed the lies that these beautiful, bundles of joy and black fur are mean, evil, unlucky, or boring merely because of this. HAPPY ADOPTING!


"BAMBOO"

• Lab mix
• Spayed female
• Color: Black
• Approximately 1-2 years old
• Received at the shelter on April 8th, 2009
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Bamboo has a little limp because there is something a little wrong with her back leg/hip. But this does not stop her at all from running around and being playful.

"MATLOCK"

• Neutered male
• Color: Black & White
• Approximately 10 months old
• Received at the shelter on March 20th, 2009
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Matlock is family friendly and quite the character. He loves hugs and kisses and deserves a family that would give it to him!

"CHRISTY"

• Spayed female
• Color: Black with some white
• Approxiately 10 months old
• Received at the shelter on August 1st, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Christy is so cute. She is nervous and shy at first but settles in if you give her the chance. She loves to sleep in a cat bed and sometimes burries herself within it, which adds to the cuteness factor.

"BECCA"

• Spayed female
• Color: Black
• Approximately 1 year old
• Received at the shelter on June 15th, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Becca is approaching her one year mark being at the shelter! She needs a home BADLY! She is the type of cat that makes you laugh because she is wierd lol. She bounces and jumps and looks at you with her big, green eyes so playfully. She's just so lovely.

PETS FOR ADOPTION #7

"CORDELIA"

• Spayed female
• Color: Black & White
• Approximately 5 years old
• Received at the shelter on July 24th, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Cordelia is royalty. That's why I call her Lady Cordelia. At the shelter, Cordelia is not quite fond of the other cats around but we're unsure if this would be the case in a home with other cats. She really has made great strides and truly is a success story because she went from being miserable to oh-so sweet!

"PABLO"

• Neutered male
• Color: Charcoal Grey & White
• Approximately 2-3 years old
• Received at the shelter on October 30th, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Pablo would be a great companion for anyone but tends to overstimulate easily. He loves to watch birds out the window!

"DOVE"

• Spayed female
• Color: White
• Approximately 10 months old
• Received at the shelter on April 22nd, 2009
• STATUS: ADOPTED :)

DOVE! What a sweety!!! As soon as I open up her cage, she gives my leg a nice hug. I always feel loved with Dove. She may not be as graceful as a dove but she sure embodies the love a dove represents. She is family and child friendly and ANYONE will enjoy her. She is also on a special diet of Sensitivity.

"NORA"

• Spayed female
• Color: Black & White
• D.O.B.: September 13th, 2001
• 8 years old
• Received at the shelter on October 3rd, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Although her file name is "Nora," I like to call her SUGARPLUMB. She is so lovable & relatable that nearly everyone at the shelter has their own name for her. She's a little plump around the mid-section but that's under control. She eats Calorie Control. Nora's owner failed to pick her up from the shelter so now she needs a family that will love her unconditionally.

PETS FOR ADOPTION #6

"AUTUMN"

• Dilute Calico
• Spayed female
• Approximately 4 years old
• Received at the shelter on July 3rd, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE
  

"BETTY"

• Grey Tabby
• Spayed female
• Approximately 4-5 years old
• Received at the shelter on March 19th, 2009
• STATUS: ADOPTED :)

Betty is a plus-size beauty...but she's on a special diet of calorie control. Just look at her face, she's begging for a great home where she can be groomed and loved.

"SADIE & MAISIE"

• White with Brown Tabby on the head
• Spayed females
• Approximately 9 months old
• Received at the shelter on February 20th, 2009
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

The beautiful "snow-white sisters," Sadie (with the blue eyes) & Maisie (with the gold eyes), are quite shy and timid but are VERY gentle and quiet. They are slightly under-socialized but that shouldn't discourage anyone from wanting them because they are SWEET!!!

AN UNLIKELY PARENTAL MATCH!

OAKVILLE & DISTRICT HUMANE SOCIETY PROMO VIDEO

All photos were taken at the Oakville Humane Society. 
Photos by Lisa Winn http://www.flickr.com/photos/meejoebee/

Music: "East Parkside (Reprise)" performed by Jochen Ross & Jens-Uwe Popp from the album "The Ten Islands" 

PETS FOR ADOPTION #5

"AKILAH"

• Shepherd/Border Collie Mix
• Spayed female
• 3 month old puppy
• STATUS: AVAILABLE 

Akilah has a grown dog's head on a puppy body. She's super cute and really funny. You will have a good laugh with this one. Like all puppies, she needs training. 

"P.J."

• Grey Tabby
• Neutered male
• 3.5 years old
• Received at the shelter on April 27th, 2009
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

"OOGIE"

• Brown Tabby with white
• Spayed female
• Approximately 8-10 years old
• Received at the shelter on August 21st, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

PETS FOR ADOPTION #4

"LIBBY"

• Golden Retriever Mix
• Color: Blond
• Spayed female
• Approximately 7 years old
• STATUS: ADOPTED :)

Libby is a sweetheart! When she was received at the shleter, she was quite sick and had some sores in her mouth but now she's all healed and ready for a geat home!

"CORAL"

• Lab Mix
• Color: Tan
• Spayed female
• Approximately 1 year old
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Coral is really special. Prior to her shelter arrival she was removed fom a property that had up to 90 dogs! she was very emaciated. She is a special case because of that fact. She is a little bit nervous and needs to feel secure. Although many dogs love toys, Coral cannot be given kongs, but hard nyla bones are just fine!

"GRANT & DUSTIN"

• Mackeral Brown Tabby with white/ Brown Tabby with white
• Neutered males
• Approximately 1 year old
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Grant (short haired) & Dustin (medium haired) make everyone go "Awww!" When they are sleeping, they are cheek-to-cheek. They are very close and must be adopted together.

PETS FOR ADOPTION #3

"OTIS"

• Beagle type
• Color: Tri-color
• Approximately 7 years old
• Neutered male
• STATUS: ADOPTED :)

Otis is that loyal companion most people hope for in a dog. Although he likes to bark, he's also very playful and so funny.

"WALLY & HOWIE"

• Neutered males
• Dark spotted brown tabby
• Received at the shelter on April 29th, 2008
• Must go together
• STATUS: ADOPTED :)

These twins are so dreamy. Everyone at the shelter loves them and wants to play with them. Not only does everyone love them but they really love EACH OTHER. They are very attached and must be adopted as a set.

"TABASCO & BRONSON"

• Buff Tabby/Black domestic cat
• Neutered males
• Approximately 7 months old
• Kittens
• Received at the shelter on November 27th, 2008
• STATUS: TABASCO - ADOPTED,  BRONSON - ADOPTED :)

Tabasco (beige) and Bronson (black), came into the shelter as two wild brothers. They are quite beautiful to look at but are somewhat under-socialized (one more so than the other). They like being around other cats and both must be in a home where another cat is present.

"SILVER"

• Light Grey Tabby
• Neutered male
• Approximately 8 years old
• Received at the shelter on October 6th, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Silver (also known as "Mr. Silver"), was our resident Kitchen Cat for quite a few months while he was on medication and unable to be adopted. Now, 7 months later, he's ready to make someone very happy at home! He is quite prone to allergies and is on a special hypoallergenic diet. Mr. Silver is confident, regal and loves loves loves to be pet.

PETS FOR ADOPTION #2

"ANNABELLE"

• Beagle/Pug Mix
• 2 Years old
• Color: Beige & Black
• STATUS: ADOPTED!

Annabelle, is not yet up for adoption but will be soon (if interested, keep checking back for her status)! She is really friendly and active and how can you turn away a cutie with an under-bite?

"MATILDA"

• Dilute Tortoiseshell
• Spayed female
• Approximately 5 years old
• Receive at the shelter on December 30, 2008
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

A scrunchie face that everyone falls in love with. She is very docile but knows she's cute.

"STRETCH"

• Brown tabby with white
• Neutered male
• Kitten
• Approximately 10 months - 1 year
• Received at the shelter on February 26, 2009
• STATUS: ADOPTED :)

The name and the picture says it all. Stretch loves to stretch his arms right out and chill. But don't let that fool you, he is super active and has a really long tail to boot!

ADOPTION PRICELIST

PETS FOR ADOPTION #1

"AMARA"

• Spayed female
• Color: Grey & White
• Kitten
• STATUS: AVAILABLE

Amara was the smallest in her litter. Her and her siblings were wild. While the others strived and went on to get adopted, Amara struggled both physically and socially. Due to the lack of socialization, she is slightly timid and shy, hence, the "Special Case" symbol. She's very cute and would love a great home with lots of love!

"DANTE"

• Neutered male
• D.O.B.: February 15th, 2008
• Received at the shelter on April 27th, 2009
• Color: Lavender
• STATUS: ADOPTED :)

Dante is a sweetheart! He is super friendly and oh-so unique...just check out his color! Although his color is considered "lavender," it resembles a perfect mesh between grey and beige.

"THUNDERCAT"

• Male
• Front de-clawed
• Persian mix
• Approximately 6 years old
• Color: Charcoal Grey
• Received at the shelter on February 23rd, 2009
• STATUS: ADOPTED :)

Thundercat is a great guy! To sleep, he loves to be underneath his cat bed.

FOSTER CATS THUS FAR

Foster # 5 (Current foster)

SHAYMUS

Shaymus was given his name as soon as we brought him home from the shelter. As soon as I looked at him and his diluted orange fur, the name fit perfectly. So far, out of all the foster cats we've had, he has made the most drastic progress socially. His talents are quite impressive; he learned his name the quickest (within a week he could recognize it when called), he can play soccer, he can box, and although he only has half a tail (cause unknown), you could never tell. He can't resist anything that dangles and hangs, he absolutely loves hugs and kisses and always gently touches your face with his paws.

His story began quite morose. The neighbor of an empty townhouse called the Humane Society saying she heard meowing. When one of the Animal Patrol Officers arrived at the townhouse, a pint-sized, orange kitten was hiding in fear. Apparently, the owners had two cats who bred and gave birth to Shaymus. The owners decided to move from the townhouse, took the two grown cats and left Shaymus behind! Therefore he was classified as semi-wild.

At the shelter he was most unpleasant. Anytime you would walk into the room he would hiss and growl. If you stuck your hand in his cage, he would bounce from side-to-side in a panic. When we brought him home, the first few days were not much different from what he was like at the shelter...but once he realized we wanted to play with him and love him, he made a complete 180! He's the most cuddly kitten EVER!

Fosters # 1 and #2

JOHNNY CASHMERE

&

BLURRY

The brother and sister dark-duo! For my first ever fosters...they were a dream! They were in isolation at the shelter and semi-wild. I had them for a little over a month and upon returning them to the shelter they were adopted TOGETHER within 3 weeks! They were so sweet and packed full of hilarity.

JOHNNY CASHMERE

I came up with the name because 1) I love Johnny Cash 2) He is all black with not even a strand of white fur and 3) Well, just look at his face! Doesn't he look like a feline version of the famous country singer? Oh ya, and his fur is soft & smooth like cashmere. He came into our home SUPER timid and shy. A month with us and he was begging for hugs. He also couldn't resist anything that dangled...and I mean ANYTHING.

BLURRY

Her name came about as soon as we brought her and her brother home. We put the carrier they were in down on the ground and as soon as I opened the carrier door, she dashed out like a little, black bolt of lightening. Ever since that moment, she never walked anywhere. It was like seeing a blur of fur running passed us all the time...hence, BLURRY! She was not completely black like her brother which was a good way to tell the 2 apart at first.

Foster # 3

TIPPY TOE

We only had Tippy Toe for 2 weeks but she was such a joy. Her name was given to her a couple of days after we got her because anytime you would pet her she would go so high on her toes it looked unnatural. I've never seen a Mackerel Tabby before her so that was cool. She had the eyes of a cartoon character and a meow that could make anyone smile!

Foster # 4

SYRENE

Where do I even begin with this little "ball of joy?" Maybe I should start at the part where I felt I would rip my hair out in utter insanity because of her meowing. Although she came to us small enough to fit into our palms, she had a cry that could silence a wailing fire truck! And in that annoying realization came the name SYRENE (I didn't quite want to call her SIREN and scare off potential adoptive parents!) 

She was very independent and did things on her own terms. She was the most confident out of all the fosters we had. When all the other cats would run and hide from the vacuum cleaner, she would just carry on with her playing as if it weren't even running.

Upon returning Syrene to the shelter, she was adopted within 2 weeks. Her adorable nose and stuffed animal-like face made it hard to get mad at her. She wasn't the cuddliest I've come across but she will always have a place in my heart...and her meow will ALWAYS have its' resonance in my ears!

FOSTER PARENTHOOD

So, it's been almost a year since I started working at the shelter. I love animals, the people I live with love animals, too, but I'm the only one that isn't allergic to cats on some level or another. So I saw it most fitting to begin fostering cats early in December of 2008 lol.

Fostering needy animals from your local shelter is a great way to contribute. It's free to do, it's fun and it almost always yields great outcomes (for you AND the animals!)

Animals that may need a temporary home before going up for adoption include those who are;

• SICK: Many animal shelters have poor ventilation and that coupled with confined, overcrowded areas produce poor health in the vulnerable.
• PREGNANT: Sometimes dogs, cats even hamsters are brought in that are "expecting." They need a home during this time
• WILD: Some cats are found completely (or partially) wild. It is crucial that they get the socializing needed in order for them to be comfortable around people and in a home.
• UNDER-SOCIALIZED: Some cats or dogs may not be wild but they might not have been in "proper" homes prior to being found or surrendered to the shelter. The animal could have been abused, neglected or raised to feel fearful most of the time. Dogs born in a puppy mill or cats bred in sub-humane conditions are perfect examples of this.
• TOO YOUNG: Baby kittens whose mother died may need round-the-clock attention and bottle feedings. Animals that are very young do best outside a shelter environment because they are very susceptible to Upper Respiratory Infection and other sicknesses. 

Check out your local animal shelter and inquire about their fostering program. Food and supplies are FREE so you don't have to worry about any costs. Make a world of difference in a needy animal today. For more information about the Oakville & District Humane Society Fostering Program, click here  http://www.oakvillehumane.ca/foster/foster.html

GREETINGS & WELCOME

Hello there and welcome to my page!

My desire for having this page is to spread the word in hopes that these wonderful creatures that I work with each day find the loving and nurturing homes they so deserve. 

I named this blog 'PRAYING PAWS' because as I interact with these furry members of society, I can't help but be grateful to our Lord, Jesus, for creating such wonderful companions. As I clean, feed, and play with them, I feel compelled to pray for each one. I want them to be free from the metal cage and in a home, I want them to be healthy & I want them to feel loved.

Now, don't get me wrong, first and foremost is the salvation of the Sons and Daughters of God...the lost, weary and sinful human inhabitants of the earth. My heart's desire is that all of humanity will be drawn to repentance and glorify Jesus **WILLINGLY**. But just know that ALL of God's creation will and shall be reconciled unto Him on that day. To understand what I'm saying, here's a snippet of one of my favorite books "Visions Beyond the Veil" by H.A. Baker. (The book is available for free online!);

 

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The natural creation is to be born again through the resurrection of Christ. Christ saves more than man. He saves the whole creation that fell into unreality in the fall of man. For "all creation, gazing eagerly as if with outstretched neck, is waiting and longing to see the manifestation of the sons of God . . . There was always the hope that, at last, the creation itself would also be set free from the thraldom of decay, so as to enjoy the liberty that will attend the glory of the children of God" (Rom. 8 :19-21 Weymouth) [...] 

All nature looks forward to the new spiritual regeneration that belongs to the redeemed, for Christ ''brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.'' Christ himself "is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation.'' How is Christ "the first-born of all creation" unless it be that in his resurrection into the new order animal and plant creation will eventually follow in this order as the full harvest of which Christ was but the "first-fruits"? Even the earth itself is to be a regenerated in the new order, since "according to his promise we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (II Peter 3:13). Will not that new earth have trees and flowers and animals and birds and all the beauties of glorified nature in a higher incorruptible order that shall abide forever?

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; 

and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead 

them" (Isaiah 11:6).

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See, God loves Everything that He created with His hands...and this includes those four-legged, fluffy, oh-so-cute kitties I work with! Why not respect God's creation?

All-in-all, this blog will feature many different things...keep checking back for updates on new animals posted!

Sincerely,

Sabrina a.k.a. "SunRae"