OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, July 16, 2009 · 10 Mark Your Calendar! SEPTEMBER TH Cat adoptions spell relief for shelter The Oakville & District Humane Society has a recurring problem. Not enough owners are claiming cats that have come into the shelter and there is an increasing number of people needing to rehome their cats -- resulting in overloaded facilities and exceptional demands placed on the care of all animals in the shelter. To provide some relief and to find animals homes, the shelter is holding a cat adopt-a-thon July 17-31. Cats and kittens will be available for a minimum donation of $50. Each year more than 2,000 cats find themselves at the Oakville & District Humane Society (ODHS). There are currently more than 80 looking for homes. The overflow is so significant that hallways, offices, foster homes and even the bathrooms at the shelter are being used to house these animals. "We never compromise the care of the animals that find themselves at the shelter despite the volume in our care," said Johanne Golder, executive director at the Oakville & District Humane Society, "but we can be challenged by our limited space when so many animals, and cats in particular, are in need." Cat owners and prospective cat owners are an important part of the solution to this problem. Missing cats should be reported immediately to the Humane Society. Visit the shelter at least once a week to determine whether a member of the public or an Animal Protective Services Officer has picked up your 20 HALTON Bridal Fully Equipped Booths Still Available Call Kelly @ 905-878-2391 x 252 Expo FASHION SHOW · PRIZES "BUY IT NOW" ROOM Plan on Attending This Fabulous Afternoon at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club MOLLY MAID Vanessa Anderson is carrying on a long tradition that was started by her late mother Cindy and husband Ray. Vanessa and Ray are now celebrating their family's 23rd anniversary with Molly Maid. Cindy joined the Molly Maid organization in 1984 as a Home Service Professional and when the opportunity presented itself, she and Ray purchased the Molly Maid franchise servicing Burlington and Oakville. For many homeowners the arrival of Spring means it's time for a thorough house cleaning. Call Molly Maid at 905 681-7484 to arrange for a free, no-obligation in-home estimate of your individual needs. You'll love coming home to a clean house! cat as a stray. Call every couple of days to check with the Lost and Found Department. According to a town bylaw, cats are required to wear identification. With the proper identification (Humane Society registration tag, microchip implant), a cat's chances of being reconnected with its owner are improved. Cats come into the shelter for a variety of reasons, including those surrendered by their owner. "Most people know at least a month in advance that they will need to place their pet," stated Golder. "What they may not know is that there is a waiting list at the Humane Society if they choose to surrender their pet. We simply cannot accommodate the volume of last minute requests that we receive." People placed on the waiting list are encouraged to find their own solution for re-housing their animal when faced with a move or finding out that a member of the household is allergic to the pet. The perception that the Humane Society can accommodate every animal may not be realistic. The Humane Society makes every effort to help all animals; alternate solutions should be pursued first. Spaying and neutering cats is a responsible way of preventing unwanted pregnancies. In turn, it will help to contribute to the reduced volume of abandoned mother cats and litters in the shelter or in the foster homes of Society volunteers. There's no place like home for a happy and safe cat! With so many finding themselves at the shelter at this time of the year, responsible pet ownership would significantly help with the feline overload that takes place at the Humane Society each year. For those interested in adoption, providing a cat a new home, and helping to relieve the feline challenges currently being faced at the shelter, please call 905-845-1551 for more information or visit 445 Cornwall Rd. Oakville / Burlington · Phone 905-681-7484 www. kvillebeaver oa .com