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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1989, PAGE 15 TAGS '89 Pets find good homes By Julie Parsons Thousands of cats and dogs are abandoned and left homeless every year. Many animals that have homes are undernourished, and starving for love and affec- tion. Out of a love of animals, Sharon Lariviere took 25 puppies into her home last year. Realiz- ing the great need in the com- munity for animal care, Lariviere began Tags '89 last November. Under the Tags '89 program, Lariviere finds homes for unwan- ted péts and finds animals for those people who want to adopt. Since January of this year, she has found good, caring homes for 169 dogs and about 45 cats, "four of which have gone out in pairs," says Lariviere. Lariviere has four pets of her own - a doberman pinscher dog, siamese cat and himalayan cat, and a rosella bird. She cares for Tags pets just as she does for her own. All prospective owners under the Tags program must sign a contract agreeing to certain con- ditions. For example, all pets must be spayed or neutered, and there are rules to be met for a pet's daily care. Rather than select from what pets Lariviere has, anyone want- ing a pet must first tell Lariviere what they wish to adopt. Upon locating the particular animal, prospective owners must go to see the animal and meet the current owners. All prospective owners who are interested in the pet that has been located must then take a day or so to further consider the adoption. Lariviere uses this time to obtain the reactions of both the current pet owners and the animal to the prospective owner or owners. In some cases, Lariviere has, for the welfare of. the animal, rejected prospective owners. But, by and large, she says, there few problems. Tags '89 has a "99 per cent success rate," says Lari- viere, noting that four area veterinarians have adopted Tagg' pets. With regard to adoptive owners returning pets, "I've had it happen a couple of times. They don't realize what they're getting into," says Lariviere. Ross Balbirnie, of the PAW Animal Control Centre com- mented that Tags '89 is 'a good help to us. They're good for placements. We refer to them, especially for older pets." Many feel a pet is a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for their child, and often they pur- chase an animal from a pet store. But Lariviere notes that, in some purchases, the animal may have diseases or other problems for which the pet store may not take responsibility. "Yeou will not find a reputable breeder who will deal with a pet store,"says Lariviere. She advises that anyone con- sidering a pet as a Christmas 'ft,whether from Tags '89 or fomi a pet store, should think about it from a practical point of view. Jerylyn Farrow, of No. 1 Pet Store mn the Oshawa Centre, says "Ail our animais see the vet the samie day that they come in." She added that any ailment that Draw winners Billie Joe Sutton of Whitby worn a.two-seater Savana Jeep as the first prize winner in the Whitby Jaycettes' Ail About Chil- dren draw. Margot Brain cf Port Perry won a walkie-talkie headphone set from Sony as second prize wmnner. Gary Sleeman cf Whitby won an infant car seat as third prize winner. The draw was held at Henry Street High School, in conjunc- tion with the All About Children drisdoèòôf the year. they may have is discussed with the owner upon purchase. She adds when the owner takès the pet to the vet, if any further ailment is found, the pet store will take the animal back. Marjorie Monaghan, of the Angel Hut Pet Store in the Whitby Mail, sa s, "All our dogs and cats have leen to the vet and given shots." She added that all dogs and cats have a veterinarian certificate and will not be sold without one. As well, all of their dogs come from bree- ders or local private homes. Lariviere has no fee for the work that she does finding pets for people. She does, however, accept donations from those who feel they would like to give. "Please think twice about pur- chasing an animal because it is a commitment for the lifetime of the animal," says Lariviere. FINALLY RELEIED SPECTACULAR PENTHOUSES! SEN6.SATIOAý.-L LAKEVIEWS! THE SUCCESS CONTINUES AT SAIINDS WITH THE RELEASE OF EXTRAORDINARY PENTHOUSE SUITES OVERIOOKING THE WITBY MARINA! Magnificently upgraded residences: " soaring nine foot ceilings " classic marble vestibules " richly outfitted kitchens " lavish ensuites with whirlpool tubs • 2 parking spaces • plus breathtaking panoramic views of the lake! Come live up to your &eams and see the views from our fabulous new Crow's Nest Tower above the sales centre! SALES OFFICE HOURS Mon. - Thurs. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fri., Sat., Sun. & Holidays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tel: 686·8346 430-7723 Penthouses from $213,900 Other suites from $174,900 910 Sq. ft. to 1714 Sq. ft. IL ---&SId cxcIusMveIythrough Nurmnan Hil& AsmiKiatesLtd. Realroirs. Prices and srp ficatkbi a.-a. uhjtcto ihanê .witkuut u, lhtict-. E0.&E.