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Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter finds homes for most of its abandoned pets “Since the weather started getting warmer, we get 10 to 15 calls a day for puppies,” says Vicki McWhirter, head of the Uxbridge Scugog Animal Control Centre at 1360 Reach Street in Port Perry. Although nostalgic for the days when she had to visit the dump to keep up with the demand for newspapers, she explains that num- bers are down at all shelters. “We haven’t had puppies for two or three years other than the odd one and by this time of year, we usually have at least 30 cats.” At present, the shelter houses only three dogs, four cats and half a dozen kittens that are ready to go out next week. With a full-time staff of three and one part-time employee, the facility, first occupied in March 1991, is mandated by the Township of Scugog to deal with stray animals both wild and domestic. All domestic animals with owners, even those abandoned or abused, are referred to The Humane Society. Animal control will only respond to wild animal calls when they concern those dead, injured or sick. They assist residents in dealing with raccoons or skunks by renting out live traps. According to Vicki, wild animal responses make up 70% of their duties. “Even our wild animal numbers have dropped from 55 in 2004 to 36 in 2005 and 9 to date this year,” says Vicki, “although this has nothing to do with pet owners being super responsible.” In 2004, the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Control Centre adopted out 273 dogs and 562 cats. In 2005, these numbers fell to 567 total animals and Vicki seems confident that they will be further reduced this year. A prominent wall between the near-empty dog and cat kennels sports before and after photos of successful adoptions, “Since we've had our website ler.com), the animals just fly out of here. One lady recently drove down from Ottawa, after seeing a dog on-line,” Vicki explains. She also praises the staff at Paul Mac Pet Foods in Port Perry and Pet Value in Uxbridge for their care with adoptions from their locations. 12 Focus On Scugog “Maybe with three outlets plus the website, we won't get that jammed again,” speculates Vicki. It’s small, caring touches such as providing a board in the reception area for residents who need to find new owners for their pets whatever the reason. Caring touches have comforted Diesel, the dog who came in on March 27th with only a small tuft of hair left on top of his head. He was stricken with mange, an inexpensively-remedied skin disorder that left him bald. e large, golden, mixed-breed dog that greets visitors from his grassy compound by the parking lot “is rambunctious and needs the right home.” He counts on caring touches as does Daisy, a ter- rified Jack Russell terrier who is the newest resident. en faced with the stark reality of empty cages, Vicki seems hopeful. “We're so pleased that all of the animals have been adopt- ed, but it may not last with baby season just around the corner.” By Barbara Hunt Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Control Centre is located at 1360 Reach Street Port Perry. For information call 905-985-9547. Dogs and their owners will not want to miss the annual Dog Day of Scugog coming to Scugog Shores Museum Village in July. Talented mem- bers of the Super- Dog Central Per- the featured per- formers. They will be making a special stop at the Museum to enter- tain their many fans through- out the day. Other scheduled events include the popular SuperDog Idol contest, free for all dogs to enter, doggie fashion shows, parade of breeds, demonstra- tions and more. Visit with local breeders to discover what breed would be the best fit for your family, ex- plore unique gift ideas for your pooch from one of the many vendors or just have fun introducing your dog to some new friends. The popular place on Sunday, July 23. Admission to the all- day event is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors and free for all children under 12 and all dogs. Please contact the Muse- um for more information or if you are interested in being a vendor. focus@observerpub.ca