www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 3, 2007 - 13 Support everyday heroes helping animals B etween Nov. 4-10 the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals (OSPCA) celebrates everyday heroes working in community shelters across the province. Working together with a large network of dedicated animal welfare professionals, the OSPCA works to protect animals from abuse and neglect, and to provide shelter, care and a second chance. Each year the OSPCA encourages communities across the province to show their appreciation by participating in Shelter Appreciation Week. The event offers the community the ideal opportunity to thank and support shelter and investigations staff for their dedication. OSPCA Branches and affiliated Humane Societies provide a variety of vital services to their community. Matching homeless animals with new homes; rescuing abused, neglected, injured and abandoned animals; offering education about responsible pet guardianship and other topics; helping reunite lost pets with their human families and providing emergency care to injured or orphaned wildlife, are all part of the work of the OSPCA and PET OF THE WEEK: Max is a very sweet beagle/poodle mix. Many of the other animals looking for homes can be viewed at www.oakvillehumane.ca. humane societies. In Oakville, more than 5,000 animals a year find themselves at the Oakville & District Humane Society shelter in need of help. "The dedication shown by our network of Ontario SPCA branches and affiliated Humane Society staff demonstrates a tireless devotion to animals," stated Kate MacDonald, Ontario SPCA CEO. "They are truly everyday heroes who deserve our heartfelt thanks for their difficult and demanding work. Together, their efforts help make our communities kinder and more compassionate for animals and people." Here are just some of the ways the OSPCA suggests you share your appreciation for your local shelter: · Take a tour. Visit the Oakville & District Humane Society at 445 Cornwall Rd. and meet the animals and staff. Learn more about the important services the shelter provides. · Consider becoming a volunteer. The Oakville & District Humane Society relies on the support of over 125 volunteers to operate. As a charitable organization with a combination of 30 parttime/full-time staff, volunteers are a critical part of the Humane Society's ability to operate. · Be alert for signs of animal cruelty and neglect and report these to the Oakville & District Humane Society (ODHS) at 905-845-1551. The ODHS has Animal Protective Services officers that have been trained and are qualified OSPCA investigators. If you are traveling outside the Oakville/Milton area, report suspected abuse to the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-668-7722, ext. 1, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or the police. · Consider adopting a pet. · Make a donation to assist with the care of the many animals in need at the shelter. The OSPCA and ODHS rely on the charitable giving of animal lovers to support their important work. · Spread the word about responsible pet guardianship, including spaying, neutering and ensuring pets have identification ideally a microchip paired with license tag for dogs and a name tag for cats. · Send a photo or letter about your shelter experience. Success stories from owners who have successfully homed shelter animals always provide a bright spot in shelter work. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society Order now for Christmas! We are the manufacturers of an exceptional line of personalized, decorative house-signs that can add the perfect finishing touch to your home. These signs make unique gifts! thehousesigncompany.com 1-800-357-1759 SALE ON NOW Dining Suites For Christmas Save 40 to 60% on your dream kitchen Don't Replace...Reface and save time, mess and money. If your cabinet boxes are in good shape, why pay to replace them? We can reface with Real Wood or RTF. Choose from the largest selection of door styles and finishes available anywhere. You can still change things you dislike about your kitchen, add an island, pantry, corbels or even some new cabinets. You will be amazed by what we can do and you never lose the use of your kitchen. Beautifully Crafted Solid Wood Furniture www.acaciafurniture.com 1020 Islington Ave. Etobicoke · (416) 233-5127 NORSEMAN BLOOR ST. W. Showroom 3480 Fairview St., Burlington TITAN RD. THE QUEENSWAY kitchentuneup.com Kitchen Tune-Up, a division of KTU Worldwide, Inc. is a system of more than 300 independently owned and operated franchises Mon. - Wed. 10-6 p.m. · Thurs.-Fri. 10-9 p.m. · Saturday 10-6 p.m. · Sunday Closed 3800760A 2 Lights North of the Queensway ISLINGTON Free Consultation & Estimate 905.637.3331