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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday February 3, 2007 - 21 Take advantage of early bird special for dog licence T ake advantage of a reduced rate for your dog's annual licence. Mandatory annual dog licences, required by Town of Oakville by-law (#1982-145, Amended #2003-227), are available for $5 off the regular price until Feb.15. All dogs are required by law to wear a current licence or their owners risk being fined a minimum of $130. The Animal Protection Officers at the Oakville & District Humane Society enforce this by-law on behalf of the Town; a by-law that affects the shelter when people do not comply. "The shelter's SPOT mascot reminds people of their legal responsibilities," stated Johanne Golder, Executive Director. "Smart Pet Owners Tag reminds owners that to reconnect with their lost dog more quickly, its smart to ensure your pet's wearing a current licence tag." On average a dog that is found wearing a current licence tag will be returned to its owner through the shelter within 24 hours of it being lost, provided that we can locate the owner. Dogs found on the street that are wearing tags can often be reconnected with their owners even faster, when neighbours call their tag into the shelter and their owner is notified. The dog's tag number can be matched to its owner over the telephone saving the owner time and the expense of impoundment fees incurred if the dog ends up in the care of the Humane Society. Without a tag, the onus of responsibility to locate a lost dog is left up to the owner. In the meantime a dog waiting in the Society kennels is cared for, fed and provided medical services if required. The Society's Lost and Found Department staff is more than familiar with the cost of animals that do not wear identification. Despite the dog and cat by-laws the Lost and Found department handles over 5,000 animals annually, the majority of which are not wearing identification when found. Most animals that are not reconnected with their owner, are assessed for adoption and are cared for at the Society until a suitable home is found. Some are adopted very quickly and others will take some time to find the right family. "As a non-profit organization we use the money from licence sales not only to help provide shelter and medical care, but also to support the Lost and Found Department and adoption services. People may not realize that when they buy a licence it's not just great for their pet, but it's also important to the Society," added Golder. In addition to supporting essential ODHS services, monies received from licence fees are used to provide humane education programs to over 5,000 school children each year. These programs offer a proactive approach to learning about animals and encourage responsible pet ownership. "Picking up a licence is as easy as a telephone call to the shelter, or completing a form that's available at our offices at 445 Cornwall Road, our website at www.oakvillehumane.ca , the Town's By-law office at 1225 Trafalgar Road, or in the brochure racks at the recreation centres, veterinarians, pet retailers or libraries," added Golder. "We're trying to make it as simple as possible to purchase a licence to ensure that dog owners are able to meet their legal responsibility." A copy of the dog licence form is also provided in today's issue of The Oakville Beaver. Clip it out and mail it or fax it into the Society. A licence tag will be mailed to your address. Save $5 when you register by Feb. 15 - $45 (Unaltered), $20 (Spayed/neutered) and 50 per cent off for seniors. For more information about licensing your dog, contact the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-845-1551. For information about other Town of Oakville dog by-laws visit the Town's web site at www.oakville.ca. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society. PET OF THE WEEK: Macey is a great puppy. She is outgoing and friendly with other dogs. She would be a great family pet. For more information visit the website www.oakvillehumane.ca ALLIANCE CHIROPODY (FOOT CARE) CLINIC 232 South Service Rd. E. Salima Kassam Registered Chiropodist 905-845-2291 Q: A: My heels are cracked and very painful. What is wrong with my feet? How can I stop this? Cracked (fissured) heels are very common during the winter months due to the dry heat we use to heat our homes. This, in combination with the fact that the skin on the bottom of our feet is the thickest compared to the rest of our body results in the dryness. The cracking is the result of the friction that our heels experience during the normal walking cycle. Once your heels crack, treatment is required to prevent a cracked heel from becoming a bleeding, cracked heel and then an infected, bleeding, cracked heel. A visit to your Chiropodist will stop this painful cycle. Your Chiropodist can treat the cracks and give you ongoing care advice to prevent reoccurrence. Sometimes skin only thickens on one side of the heel. This is an indication that too much pressure is being applied to the one side when you walk. Your Chiropodist can evaluate/treat your stance and gait (walking) pattern to determine whether this can be the cause of current/future heel, ankle, and knee pain. To advertise in this special section call 905-845-3824 Call to Book your Appointment Today at 905-845-2291