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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 10, 2008 - 7 Humane Society gets some unexpected help By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Once Upon A Child: We buy and sell new and gently used children's clothing, accessories, toys, furniture and equipment. And we pay you immediately for all items accepted. The Oakville and District Humane Society received some much needed funds on Friday thanks to the Tour de Dog. The one man, one dog fundraising force has seen Seattle native David Sylvester, 26, and his pet dog, Chiva, a shepherd/husky mix, cycle across more than 6,800 kilometres of North America in an effort to raise money for animal shelters and raise the public's attention to their plight. Since March, Tour de Dog has taken Sylvester and Chiva through 12 U.S. states including Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah, to name a few. On Friday, the duo left Toronto and made a previously unscheduled stop at the Oakville and District Humane Society. "I just read recently about the 53 cats that they rescued," said Sylvester after pulling up at the shelter on Cornwall Road with Chiva in tow in a red doggy trailer. "I just wanted to thank them for that and learn more about what happened there." After speaking to Johanne Golder, executive director of the humane society, about the rescue of the cats from an apparent Bengal cat breeding operation gone wrong, Sylvester took a tour of the shelter. During this tour, Sylvester became aware of the overcrowding problem currently facing the shelter, which can house 160 cats comfortably, but is currently housing around 400. Cats can be seen housed in just about every room in the shelter, including the washrooms and halls. For Sylvester, the only thing more amazing than the number of cats at the shelter is the love and care shown by those who look after them day after day. "You can see a lot of compassionate people here working and trying to do the best they can with the cards they're dealt. They're obviously overwhelmed with 300-400 cats here," said Sylvester. "They need a lot of help. They need more resources to get a better facility. It's like she (Golder) said, the population of Oakville is growing, but the shelter has stayed the same." In their lengthy trek, Sylvester and Chiva have only been able to raise $4,060 for their cause, but after witnessing what the Oakville and District Humane Society are up against he handed over $300 to them. STOCK UP FOR FALL Save on name brands clothing, toys & equipment. Danskin Dance Wear Now in Stock! SPECIAL!!! Graco Double Stroller ...$199.99 Limited Quantity ® Kid's Stuff with Previous ExperienceTM 2423 Trafalgar Road (South of Dundas) OAKVILLE 905-257-5775 READERS CHOICE AWARD WINNERS w w w.ouaccanada.com LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER ON A MISSION: David Sylvester and his dog Chiva visited the Oakville and District Humane Society shelter on Friday as part of their Tour de Dog, which has seen them cycle 4,300 miles across 12 states and one province to raise money to help animal shelters and end puppy mills. After his Oakville stop, Sylvester journeyed to Hamilton and then on to Niagara Falls, with the intention of finishing the Tour de Dog in New York City. Even then, Sylvester is unsure if he will ever truly be done. "If it's making a difference I'm ready to keep going," he said. "The overall goal is to end all the unneeded euthanasia procedures, and if the biking is helping lower that statistic, then I'll keep going." Sylvester said between three and four million cats and dogs are put down in the United States each year because of pet overpopulation. Preventing these avoidable deaths by raising awareness of the plight of animal shelters is a task Sylvester took on for his dog Chiva in repayment of all the happiness she has given him. "Before this I was involved in human health science and I still believe I'm involved in the same thing because these animals give us joy and love and that helps us," he said. "Chiva gives me so much joy, she's my inspiration everyday, she's by my side 100 per cent and this is the least I can do to help out the other animals that need good homes." While the challenge of his trip has been great, the journey has opened Sylvester's eyes not only to the need of animal shelters, but also to the decency of humanity. Companies have sponsored Sylvester, while some people have given him and Chiva food along the way. Others have given the pair a place to sleep for the night. In an example of this kindness, one woman approached Sylvester at the Oakville and District Humane Society gave him a donation and offered to put him and Chiva up for the night. "There are enough compassionate people. It's just a matter of organizing them," said Sylvester. "It's an ongoing struggle though, that's for sure." To learn more about Tour de Dog or to make a donation, visit www.bikingdog.blogspot.com. To support the Oakville and District Humane Society, visit www.oakvillehumane.ca. Since 1968 Auto and Home Insurance We find the right price, coverage and service for you. We deliver outstanding personal service: · When you call our office we ask for your name, not your account number. · You speak to the same person every time you call so we know who you are. · Proudly serving Oakville for 40 years. Please call us today for a Home & Auto Quote www.dobson-toncic.com 101-2020 Winston Park Drive, Oakville ON, L6H 6X7 905-829-2907