Thursday, December 28, 2006

Florence has picked a theme song:)

Well, since it is only just a little over 2 months away from Florence's headshaving, it is about time that she chose a "theme song".

and here it is.....


Sunday, December 10, 2006

A couple of small fundraisers for Ruff-Spots


Andrea and Jane Norman are selling these beautiful ceramic handglazed dogbowls with 100% of the proceeds going to "shedding my hair campaign".

These bowls are available in green, purple (as seen above), yellow, brown, light blue and dark blue. Bowls cost $15.00 each.

To order a bowl, please contact florence@ruffspots.com with your name, address and phone number.
Thank you!




Christmas dog cookies for sale, made by the Mount Pearl Senior High Animal Rights Club in support of Ruff-Spots Animal Welfare Foundation.
10 small biscuits per bag. $2.00 (10 for a toonie)

Ingredients:
whole wheat flour
rolled oats
lactose-free skim milk (to protect tummies)
corn oil
eggs (free range. It's just not right to exploit one animal to help another!)
brown sugar (just a hint)
baking soda

All ingredients are human grade ... only the best for our best friends.
These treats come gift wrapped in the bag you see in the picture. They make excellent stocking stuffers.
You can place your orders with Jan Smith at Mount Pearl Senior High at

janetsmith@esdnl.ca

Cut off date is December 14th!! Thank you for your support!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

UPDATE to letter from CornerBrook

The total raised to date is approx. $1750.00. We have an account set up at The Bank of Montreal on Caribou Road in Corner Brook. The account number is 8161-811 and the branch number is 1030. The Bank of Montreal has provided this account free of charge. We have set up accounts at West Lane Recycling and Scotia recycling under the name of Pet Transfer. Recyclables can be left at these locations and will be credited to our account.

To date we have transfered about 70 dogs and cats and even two pigeons. We are also asking that if you or someone that you know has a pet kennel that they are not using and are willing to donate it to us we can arrange to pick it up. Many of these kennels are sitting in sheds and basements never to be used again. Besides the Clarenville SPCA we have transfered pets to Heavenly Creatures in St. Johns. The Spca's in Grand Falls and Gander are also on side and have either accepted pets to adopt or have helped us by providing a lay over during transfer. Thanks for your continued support and I will keep you updated.

Rod Lyver

Letter from CornerBrook



To all concerned,

I am writing today to inform you off a situation that exists here in Corner Brook. As you may or may not be aware there are countless numbers of animals that are dropped off at the city pound to be destroyed. Our local SPCA does not have the space to hold these animals therefore thousands have been euthanized.

A temporary solution has been found and so far has saved 39 dogs. The Clarenville SPCA has agreed to take as many animals as they can as room becomes available. I have organized a group of drivers who transport these pets across the island to the Clarenville SPCA. While the drivers do this for free there is still the cost of spaying or neutering these pets and giving them their needles. So far the Clarenville SPCA has absorbed this cost but as you can well imagine it is affecting their ability to look after their own area. While the cost to vaccinate and spay or neuter a pet can be as high as $200 the Clarenville SPCA is not asking for this total amount per animal.

At this time they are requesting that I try and raise at least $25 per pet. I feel that this is a very reasonable request and I have taken upon myself to guarantee raising the first $1000 towards this goal. I am therefore seeking your support in raising the money needed to continue this worthwhile endeavor.

It should be noted that this is not a request on behalf of any SPCA but comes from me. Any and all money raised will be deposited in a separate account earmarked for the pet transfer program. This account will be managed by me and Constable Ken Dean of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. All donations can be dropped off at Rod’s New to You Center at 11 Herald Ave. in Corner Brook. Our Mailing address is P.O. box 1152, Corner Brook, Newfoundland, A2H-6N9.

My contact phone number is 709-634-5152 and my email address is newtoyou@nf.sympatico.ca . I expect to have a bank account number soon and I will make it public information. I will also be setting up an account with recyclables at the return depots. Further information will follow as it becomes available.

I thank you in advance,

Rod Lyver
Corner Brook

Monday, November 27, 2006

2 cats found at MUN

We received an email from this lady looking for some help:

I have found 2 cats on MUN campus. They are living underneath a building and it's getting too cold for that. They are both average size. One is short-haired orange and white, yellow eyes and extremely friendly, the other is long-haired black with a little white around it's eye. They are both friendly and I would guess that they have not always been homeless. They don't get along with each other but ate for about an hour when I fed them. It is urgent that they find a home. I could not take them home as I have dogs who don't like cats so they are still outside.
For more info contact Suzanne Power 754-2101 or suedogberry@yahoo.ca.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Need a home for Freeway (German Short Haired Pointer)

Calling all Animal Rescuers & Friends!

Please forward to as many people as you can.... Can we find a home for Freeway? She is a 10 year old (unspayed) purebred German Shorthaired Pointer. Her owner has been diagnosed with severe Alzheimers Disease and will be moving to a senior citizens home within days.

His only daughter has a demanding job that requires her to travel quite often, therefore unable to take "Freeway". She is willing to pay for Freeway's spay surgery....they just need to find her a good home. Freeway is still full of life and has a few years left in her...all I know is that she has lived with cats. Her picture will be sent to me soon. If you know of anyone who would like to have this breed...or know of anyone that would be interested, please let me know.

Thank you,

Andrea Lane
28 Joshwill Crescent
CBS, NL A1X 6V9
andrea.lane@hotmail.com
834-0854

Friday, October 27, 2006

ONLINE AUCTION HAS STARTED!!

Ruff-Spots online auction has started and there is something for everyone. You don't have to be a "pet lover" to get involved.

To register, go to http://www.ruffspots.com/auction.

Thank you and happy bidding!

Florence

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Dog beaten, dragged, left for dead


Jason van Rassel, Calgary HeraldPublished: Thursday, October 12, 2006


Warning: Graphic Details

A trail of blood led police to two suspects who allegedly beat a family dog and dragged the animal behind a vehicle in Didsbury, Alberta. The dog's injuries were so severe, a veterinarian called to the scene had to euthanize the animal on the spot.

"This was definitely, in my 10 years of policing, the most horrendous act I've seen against an animal," said Cpl. Kevin Fischer of the RCMP in Didsbury, 90 kilometers north of Calgary.

A couple found the female collie-Lab cross lying in The street near Ross Ford Elementary School in the northwest corner of town early Sunday. Their frantic phone call woke Dr. Andy Mencarelli, a veterinarian at the Krebs clinic in Didsbury, who went to the scene.
The dog's legs were bound together with duct tape and there was a tow rope around its neck.

Its head was wrapped in a bag. "There was blood everywhere," said Mencarelli.

The dog was able to lift its head, but in too much shock to make any sound, he said.

When Mencarelli lifted the dog to the back of his truck to euthanize it, the true extent of the animal's injuries became apparent.

"This dog was just broken," he said, adding its neck, pelvis, back and skull were fractured.

Investigators believe the six- or seven-year-old dog endured a beating prior to being tied up and hitched to a vehicle.

"Indications are the dog was dragged behind a vehicle," Fischer said. The dog had no tags, tattoos or obvious identification, but police officers followed a trail of blood to a local home.

Police have laid charges against two teenagers, but Fischer said Wednesday they are no closer to learning a motive for the crime.

"There is nothing, at this point," he said.

Daniel Charles Haskett, 19, of Didsbury has been charged under the Criminal Code with injuring/endangering an animal and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He is also charged with obstructing police.

A 17-year-old male, whose identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with injuring/endangering an animal and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

For adult offenders, each of the animal cruelty charges has a maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine or six months in jail -- or both.

The case is also being investigated by the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A conviction under the province's Animal Protection Act can carry a maximum penalty of a $20,000 fine and a lifetime ban from Owning animals, but an official said no further charges are being contemplated.

"We have been notified of it and are having some follow up involvement," said Morris Airey, the Alberta SPCA's director of enforcement.

The two suspects are scheduled to appear in Didsbury provincial court on Nov. 6

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Little Ralph...aka Popcorn



Here is Ralph in his new home trying to make friends with the resident Dove. Ralph has made many new friends at his new loving home including a couple of dogs, a dove and another cat.

We would love to post a picture of one of the cats that were adopted, so please feel free to send us a picture at lilly@ruffspots.com and don't forget to let us know the new name:)

Florence

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Homeless No Longer!

I'm happy to report that Lilly and ALL her kittens are now in good homes with people who will give them lots of love and attention!

Our last kitten, Tiny, who was the runt of the litter, went to his new home today. He will be known from now on as "Ari"! Farley is now "Elvis", Popcorn is now "Ralph", Zack is now "Buckley", Jake is now "Indie" & I'm not sure what Sass's people now call her (if they are reading this, we'd LOVE an update on her- I've misplaced your phone number!). Lilly is still Lilly, and is living the good life of an "empty-nester".

I have a pic of Indie with her new big feline brother, Luka, but I have to download it from my other computer- and I promise to post it soon. They are a gorgeous pair together!

A HUGE thanks to everyone who followed our blog, and passed on the word about Lilly & the kittens!!! I don't know if I would have attempted to take on the fostering of Lilly without the support of RUFF-SPOTS- you girls are fantastic! Lilly and all 6 kitties thank you, for their lives.

Carolyn

Friday, October 20, 2006

Just a quick update

Carolyn will be updating soon, but I just wanted to let everyone know that there is only 1 kitten left. That's right!! Tiny, the little black and white kitten is still looking for a loving home.

Florence

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

I'm SHEDDING my hair for Homeless animals


My name is Florence Heffernan and I am a volunteer with Ruff-Spots Animal Welfare Foundation. This organizations raises funds through donations and fundraising to spay/neuter shelter/rescue animals across Newfoundland and Labrador.

I am going to raise $5000.00 for this charity to ensure that many more animals can be helped, and to assist in helping control the pet overpopulation problem in our communities.

I pledge to "shed my hair" for homeless animals with your help. With your support, I know I will!!

I would greatly appreciate you supporting me to help Ruff-Spots. Just follow this link. http://www.canadahelps.org/gp.aspx?id=66

Thank you! Florence

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Moo needs a new home


We just had an urgent request from the Goosebay SPCA to find a home for Moo. Here is what they wrote:

Meet "Miss Moo " who is approx 7 years old, spayed, has some needles and as you can see definitely has Beagle breeding. Moo has a wonderful home but due to her owners moving they are unable to take her and have asked us to help them find her a new loving home. She is a wonderful, loving girl who just loves to be near you and soak up all the attention you have to give. Moo is very well behaved, good with other animals, and just loves children and women but is a little shy at first with men until she gets to know them. Are you that special someone who can help us and Moo's family find her a new "Forever Home". Please contact the shelter at http://www.spca-hvgb.com/ if you would like more info on this special girl!!

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Wanted: Nice Home with Cat-Loving Humans!

WANTED
Nice home, with cat-loving humans and lots of kibble. Kids are a bonus. Dogs optional!
Tiny (on the left) and Farley (right) are the only 2 precious kitties left of the 6! Zack's new owner is on her way to get him as I write this, and Sass, Jake (now called Indi), & Popcorn (who might now be called "Ralph"- I just love that name!) have found their forever homes over the weekend.
So, these 2 precious boys are still available - and they are just about 8 weeks old. Personality-wise, Farley is the sookiest- he starts to purr when you look at him! But I think a lot of people are superstitious and don't like black cats, especially this time of the year (our own pitch-black cat, 14-year-old Walter, is also a big sook, and he's only brought us GOOD LUCK! He's also not much into Halloween. When he was younger, I used to dress up as a witch to answer the door for the trick-or-treaters, and I always tried to get him to sit on my shoulder for the kids- but her never went for that much!). Anyways, I think any family would be very fortunate to have either Farley or our little Tiny as part of their home- no matter what colour they are (Tiny has a white chest and 4 white paws- the vet said we should have called him "Socks"!).
Of course, Lilly is still with us as well. She would make a wonderful feline friend for someone who really does not have the time for "kitten antics" but wants a loving and affectionate young cat. When the time comes, Lilly will be spayed by Ruff-Spots.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Sitting Pretty!

Hi everyone, Carolyn here. We apologize for our e-mail difficulties. Florence is on the case, though, so all is well! I hope anyone trying to get in touch with us will now try again.
So here's the scoop on the kittens:

Sass & Jake have new homes to go to this weekend!!!

This is Sass (a real lady):


This is Jake (I think, a real tomboy!):

So, now we have the "4 Boys" and their Mamma, Lilly, who are available.

Here are Tiny & Farley (so cute together!):

Followed by a snap of Tiny on his own:

Above, is the Zack-man- who is 100% all-boy and below is Popcorn, a gorgeous ball of fluff!

Lilly, who is one of the most pleasant and friendly cats I've ever met is also looking for her forever home. This beauty will be spayed by Ruff-Spots when the vet says its OK to do so. Please remember that Lilly is really not much more than a kitten herself, definitely no older than 2 years of age, and can offer someone many years of companionship & affection! Did I mention she's gorgeous!?! (For some reason, the blogger site won't let me post another picture here, so you can look down the page for a photo of her- or go to the first entries and see her videos!).

Monday, October 02, 2006

Having problems with email



We found out today that we were having trouble with our email.

But now everything is fixed and triple tested...so, if you are interested in giving a great home to Lilly or one of her kittens, you are safe to email lilly@ruffspots.com.

Thank you!

P.S It seems that Jake and Sass, the two little girls just may have found new homes. But, Carolyn should update everyone soon!

Florence

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Almost 6 Weeks Old!

Well, here are the kittens- almost 6 weeks old and some cute!

Starting with Sass on the left (she's looking right at the camera), there is Tiny, Zack, Jake, Popcorn, and Farley.

I'm hoping we have homes for at least 2 of the kittens (Sass and either Farley or Tiny- could the woman who is interested in one of these boys call us again?)... so there are at least 4 still available, and, of course, Lilly herself.

The kittens have taken into sleeping in dresser drawers! Don't ask me how they figured out they could get up inside the dresser from the back!! Here are Zack ( I suspect he was the brains behind the operation!), Sass, Jake, and Tiny.

The last picture is Sass and Popcorn enjoying the nice velour cat basket that Florence bought them (thanks, Flo- they love it!).

Right now, the kittens are eating solid food fairly well, although they do still nurse. They are VERY solid on their feet and, boy, are they QUICK! Watching them play with each other is "as good as a concert" as Nan always said (she was a real cat-lover also).

I hope you enjoy the pictures and please pass this blog site on to anyone you know who might be looking for a new furry friend!

Carolyn

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Updated Pics (Or The Fun You Can Have with a Shoebox!)

Mamma Lilly keeping a watchful eye...
Farley and Zack (underneath Farley)
Jake, Zack, Tiny with a ball
Sass checking out the eats
Tiny needs a break!
Looks like Jake needs a break, too!
Popcorn just hanging out.

Some of the Ruff-Spots Team at "Pooches in the Park" (Carolyn, Vi, Barbara & Florence).

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

What to do?

As an animal welfare organization, we feel very responsible for the fate of Lilly and her kittens. Even though as an organization, we do not "adopt out" animals, Lilly managed to find her way into the hearts and home of a member of Ruff-Spots.

As the kittens are getting older, we feel very responsible for their welfare once they find new homes. There is no doubt, that Ruff-Spots will pay for Lilly to be spayed. Carolyn and her family have personally supplied the medical, physical and emotional care that this feline family needs. (Thank you Carolyn) The kittens on the other hand, cannot be spayed/neutered until they are at least 6 months old.

So here is the question to you. Carolyn, does not want to charge an "adoption fee". One of the main reasons for this is because we do not adopt out animals, and we would not want the public to get confused about our organization. We would like to accept a donation in lieu of giving Lilly and her kittens a home, but then that would'nt truly be a donation. A donation is a gift to an organization without receiving any benefit..and well, a cat would be a benefit.

So, what can we do? What do you think we should do about the spaying/neutering of the kittens? Should we ask for $50.00, which in turn, we will purchase a gift certificate to go towards the spaying/neutering of that cat? Ruff-Spots does not want any money. What we do want is to ensure that the cats find great homes and that money will be there to help subsidize their spay/neuter?

please let us know your comments on this. You can press the "comment" button on the bottom of this page or email lilly@ruffspots.com.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Lilly & Her Lovelies!

Jake (left) & Popcorn (Tiny is in behind there somewhere as well!)



Sass (a bit out of focus), with Zack. Sass is the biggest kitten, and I think she'll end up semi-longhaired.







"Brotherly Love"- Farley & Tiny

Followed by their mother, the Lovely Lilly-an absolutely gorgeous tabby with a personality to match! Did I mention that the vet figured Lilly was no more than 2 years old? This might have been her first litter. Given her friendliness to people and comfort around children, I can't believe that she was not loved by someone at sometime. Is she missed? Why is she not being looked for? We have descriptions out to all the agencies that take "lost cat" reports. Could it be that when her family realized she'd be bringing them kittens, they just didn't want the hassle and kept the door closed? Unfortunately, this happens all too often. And it's just not fair.


We'll post more details in the coming days concerning how families or individuals interested in giving one of these beauties a forever home can do so. Or, if you are really taken with a particular kitten (or their mother), get in touch and let us know who you'd like to put "on hold". We already have a family interested in Sass!

More Pics... (formerly "We are Growing..."!)

Here are the pictures that I took last Sunday of the kittens (at about 3.5 weeks old):

Zack, who is the "Einstein" of the litter (first to poop in the litter pan!):

This is Tiny, still the smallest!

The silky Sass (Jake in the background)
Popcorn, who has the loveliest fur

Jake, close-up (HER Pappa has to be a Siamese!) Farley, the boldest (and sookiest) of the bunch!

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

This is Percy...


and Percy wanted to pass along a message from Lilly and her kittens. If you are interested in providing a loving home for Lilly or one of her kittens, please call 782-SPAY or email lilly@ruffspots.com.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

We Are Growing... will return

Something funny seems to have happened to the last post of the kittens- Farley's pic totally disappeared!
Don't worry, I will put the pics of the kittens back up ASAP- but their photos are not on my laptop right now.
I'll add a new one of Lily too!
-Carolyn

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Introducing...

The vet visit went extremely well last night- everyone is healthy and the vet believes the kittens are probably close to 3 weeks old!

So, here they are...

This is Sass (ladies first!):


This is her brother Zack:



This is their brother Tiny (he's sleepy in this shot!):

This is Farley (also male):


Of course, the next one has to be Jake ('cause he's kind of Gold!):


And last but not least is Popcorn (male):

As you can tell, we're big Canadian Idol fans in our house! There was some argument among the kids that Tiny should really be "Tiny BEN" and that we should change Popcorn's name to "Craig". Oh well.

Given that we have 2 indoor cats at home (one senior cat, and one not yet finished her initial kitten vaccination series), I really wanted to be sure that Lily did not have feline leukemia or FIV. So, we got her tested last night and the FeLV/FIV blood test result was NEGATIVE! Fantastic news! This means that Lily doesn't have either virus and neither do the kittens.

Tonight we de-wormed everybody with "Interceptor", and gave the kittens a more shallow "bed" that they'll be able to start crawling out of soon to explore the world (well, at least the bedroom!).

Well, that's all for now. I'll try to post new pics of them about once a week. Hopefully, my photography skills will improve over time!

Carolyn, who has a whole new respect for pet photographers...

Monday, September 04, 2006

Oops! Wrong Date-Time Stamp

The pics I just posted today have the wrong date-time stamp (like, 2003!)- which my hawk-eyed 7 year-old noticed when she was approving my first attempt at blogging.
Those pics were taken today (Sep. 4, 2006)- I'll have to go fiddle with my digital camera to correct it.
-Carolyn

Hello from Lily!

Hi, Carolyn here (Lily is staying with our family). I wanted to thank our "RuffSpots Team" for all their help- you girls are really great to work with!


Lily is settling in quite nicely. Much more relaxed, as you can see. We had a small incident with her and our senior (14 year old) cat, Walter, today. One of my daughters was exiting Lily's room and Lily squeezed out between her legs. Walter was in the hall and she made sure that he knew he was to go no where near her kittens. Everyone was fine, though- I think my daughter was the most traumatized!


Here is a recent shot of the kittens, sleeping. They're getting too cute now. They "play" with each other, and try to meow at us!

I'll post some individual pics of them in the next day or two. I want the vet to confirm that we've got the boys sorted out from the girls (well, only 1 girl, if I'm right!).

I can tell you now that the one in the left corner is "Popcorn" (which I guess could be either a girl or a boy kitten's name). He has the cutest black triangle on his nose! I think he's going to be a real charmer.

Here is our other kitty, Binka, aged 6 months, being a BAD KITTY (that's my dining room tablecloth)! We adore her but, like for all kittens, you need to have a lot of patience and realistic expectations about the trouble they can get into. The good news is that they are mostly more fun than bad, and they do settle down after a while!


Please let anyone you know who might be considering a pet know about Lily's blog. Cats make wonderful companions- they give so much and really require so little: a litterpan, food, a few toys (ours are mostly homemade- straws, and balls of paper) and your love and attention!

Sunday, September 03, 2006

What is in a name?


Carolyn's children have now named the 6 beautiful kittens. We should have a photo of them real soon. In the meantime, their names are:

Popcorn, Tiny, Farley, Zack, Jake and Sass!

Lilly and the six kittens will be going to the vet on Tuesday for a check-up and for a FeLV test.

The kittens are growing stronger everyday and Lilly is a wonderful mom showing much patience!!

Friday, September 01, 2006

One now equals Seven

After all the rain and cooler tempatures, Carolyn was getting worried about Lilly and her 6 kittens. So, she contacted a vet and the vet advised her they will be fine. Carolyn has 3 dogs of her own plus 2 cats (with one just recenlty adopted from the Burin SPCA) but still felt the need to get Lilly and her kittens inside.

Carolyn has 2 young daughters who are excited yet upset over Lilly and the kittens. All of the family's pets are spayed/neutered, so this was the first time the children had seen newborn kittens and Carolyn was afraid they would become too attached.

Caroyn and her husband have decided to take the Lilly family into their home and use a spare room for the clan. The cat and kittens will be warm and taken care of and Carolyn's children will receive an educational lesson from this on how important it is to spay/neuter your pets.

How many more animals are out there just like Lilly?

Ruff-Spots are going to try and find beautiful Lilly (named after the flower Tiger Lilly that is next to Carolyn's front step) and her precious kittens new homes. Are you able to help us? Please contact us at ruffspots@nl.rogers.com if you would like to adopt Lilly or her kittens (once old enough).

Here is an updated video on Lilly and her kittens in Carolyn's home.

http://media.putfile.com/Lily-Update

Carolyn will be taking Lilly and her 6 kittens to the vet on Tuesday to make sure they are all doing fine. We will have another update then!

The adventures of Lilly the Cat

Found Cat August 26, 2006 in Mount Pearl

Momma cat (now renamed Lilly), is a beautiful female cat that chose to give birth under the front steps of Carolyn's home (a member of Ruff-Spots). Lilly is wearing no collar, and Carolyn is now feeding her to ensure the kittens are well fed by their mom. Carolyn is unsure how many kittens there are because she is unable to look in under the step.

Carolyn, has put up posters looking for her owner and Ruff-Spots has her story on their website, hoping the owner will come looking for her. The SPCA and St. John's Humane Services, and Mount Pearl Animal control have been contacted, but no one has reported a lost cat.

This is a link to a video that Carolyn has of Lilly. http://media.putfile.com/Lost-Cat

Lilly is very affectionate and is not scared of people. She lovs to be petted and is always purring. Someone must of loved her once!!!!!!!