Ruff-Spots Animal Welfare Foundation!

Goodbye Flo

2008-03-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY- YOU SURE WILL BE MISSED

The Ruff-Spots Team is saddened to see Florence leave the group and the province. Florence was the Founder, Past-President, Webmaster and Secretary-Treasurer, she will be missed tremendously. The time and effort she has put into Ruff-Spots is insurmountable. Florence, please be assured that we will carry on to the best of our ability and will be looking for your advice, help and guidance. The Ruff-Spots Team has generously contributed a monetary donation to Ruff-Spots Animal Welfare Foundation Inc in honour of Florence. This money is being used to spay a little dog named Tigger from Exploits Valley SPCA.
Florence, we wish you and your family all the best in your new careers and happiness for your family in your new life. GOOD LUCK FRIEND
The Ruff-Spots Team

"Top Cat" Draw Winners

2008-02-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

Winners of our "Top Cat" Ticket Draw on February 23, 2008 at the K of C were:

\
Ticket # 0204
Winning Prize: Catonics
Winners Name: R. Taylor, Holyrood

Ticket# 1450
Winning Prize: Cats Meow
Winners Name: D. Hillier, CBS

Ticket# 0554
Winning Prize: Mighty Cat
Winners Name: J. Walsh, Mount Pearl

Ticket # 1212

Winning Prize: Tres Kitten
Winners Name: S. Croucher, St. John's

Thank you everyone for all your support!!!

A day in an animal Shelter

2007-11-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

This video may be considered disturbing and may not be suitable for all viewers. This video shows the true impact that animal overpopulation has on all of us.

"Coven Night at the Vaults" Fundraiser

2007-09-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Ruff Spots’ Halloween 'Fun'draiser
“Coven Night at the Vaults”
An Evening of Witches, Warlocks & Wine...

Friday, October 5, 2007

Newman Wine Vaults
Provincial Historic Site
436 Water Street

8:00 p.m. Doors ‘Swing Open’
Valet Broom & Vacuum Cleaner Parking Inside

· ‘Spine-Tingling’ Wine Tasting with
Wine Educator Tom Beckett &
Nadine Hogan, Kriscott Distributors Ltd.
· Magical Music by the
String Trio "Troika"
· Candlelit Vault Tour

· A ‘Spell-Binding’ Performance by the
Reverend Thomas Wyckham Jarvis, Esquire
(Master of the City of Legend's Haunted Hike)
· 'Trick or Treat' Auction & Sale
· Costume Prizes

Don't miss this bewitching night! It's sure to be an evening that will haunt you forever...and ever and ever......

Advance Tickets Only
$30.00 Per Witch or Warlock.
Call 782-SPAY to get yours!

Smokey needs a loving home

2007-09-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

“Smokey” Needs a Loving Home

Smokey had a hard start in life. He was a stray for a very long time. He was very mistrustful of people and other animals. He spent years starving and fending for himself, taking handouts left for him in the backyard of a very nice lady who helps animals in need. He was in hard shape when he finally decided to enter this lady’s home. His visit turned into a year long stay and Smokey turned out to be one of the most affectionate, kind, and loving cats anyone could ever meet. The lady who took him in has many, many animals that she fosters and cares for, and does not feel she has the time to devote to the emotional and physical attention this special boy deserves. Smokey has gotten a bit tubby since he is now an indoor cat and requires the interest of a person who will give him oodles of love, care and exercise. He may be around 7 or 8 years old, probably pushing 20 lb, is grey and white and has long fur (he has been shaved periodically to keep him from getting matted). Smokey is neutered but has not been vaccinated or tested for disease. This sweetie is a very special cat who is lucky to have found the right backyard to enter into- we all know that some stories don’t end so well. He deserves everything a cat could need and want. His personality will melt your heart and he’ll remind you of a cartoon as he waddles and rolls around. Ideally, Smokey needs a home with no other pets and to be an indoor cat. If you want a feline companion who will give you tons of love and affection for years to come- someone to always be your lap cat, then Smokey is truly the one. Serious inquiries only. Contact: andreanorman70@hotmail.com

Dog Feces raises Mayor's hackles

2007-08-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

As written in the Shoreline, Vol.19 No.20 August 26, 2007

Some dog owners in Paradise may not know it, but the Mayor of Paradise is fed up with the way some people let their dogs' do business', wherever they want.

Mayor Wiseman didn't hold back his frustration at all during this weeks council meeting when he told council how annoyed he has become with irresponsible pet owners. Mayor Wiseman says the issue of dog 'waste' on the trails and other public areas has always been a 'pet' peeve of his, but what he witnessed at the Peter Barry Duff soccer field over this week has him so flustered, he wants to assign a municipal enforcement officer to solve the problem.

"There was the coach, with two Tim Hortons coffee cups going around picking up dog crap. Now we got five year-olds, six, seven and eight year-olds playing soccer on a field that some idiot, who should'nt own a dog, let his dog out on the field crapping on it. These are people that should not be allowed to won a dog! It's absolutely disgusting! I got so mad yesterday evening that I would take every dog in Paradise to Mount Pearl to be euthanized! It just burns me so much that idiots are allowed to own dumb animals!" Councillor Thornhill came to the defense of the 'dumb animals' and said that dogs themselves should not be held responsible. "You can't blame the dog. It's not the dog," said Thornhill. "Well, who are you gonna blame? said Wiseman. "The owner!", Thornhill shot back.

Wiseman asked council if it would be possible to get a municipal enforcement officer to carry out an extra patrol of the area and confiscate 'offending' dogs that are running free. "It's unbelievable that we have to spend taxpayers dollars to go out to try to keep the dogs off the soccer fields where kids play", said Wiseman. "It's the same thing with the trails, I think we should ban them from the trails, if people are not going to keep them on a leash and pick up after them, we need our municipal officers to crack down on that crap."

Councillor Bobbett suggested that maybe a simple solution might be to put up more signs. "That crowd can't read!", said Wiseman. "We've got signs up there!" Bobbett said, "Maybe we should put up some more."

"Baseball bat, that's the only thing they understand", said Wiseman. "We need to get the message out to those idiots that that's not acceptable here, and we are going to do something about it".

What are we going to do with all the cats?

2007-08-13T15:42:00.001-07:00

Every shelter across our fair province is always faced with hundreds of cats coming through their doors.

People are not spaying/neutering and letting their cats roam. The cat overpopulation crisis is nothing new but it seems to be getting worse even with all kinds of information on spaying and neutering available to them.

How are we as a society able to handle this problem? Ruff-Spots tries to promote the adoption of animals from shelters...there are many spayed/neutered cats already there, but we realize that people are still going to get their "free" kitten from the paper.

So, Ruff-Spots began with the mission of spaying/neutering shelter animals to make them more adoptable and to make a cut to the animal ovepopulation problem.

But, for those who already had unspayed/unneutered animals....we were of no help. But, as of July 2007 that has now changed. We now offer SNAP-NL, a spay/neuter income assistance program for our province. We have just started in the St. John's area to start things off. Applicants fill out a short application and if accepted (mainly due to funds) you will receive a voucher which you bring to the vet and pay a small fee for the spay/neuter. Ruff-Spots will pay the rest.

But like any charity, we need donations and your support with our fundraisers to keep this program going.

If you require further information on the program, please email snap-nl@nl.rogers.com

We all need to work together on this issue, province wide, to help the cats...both tame and feral!

Cries Under Road Lead to Trapped Puppies

2007-08-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Reports of cries and barking from under a road in Melbourne led to the discovery of several puppies trapped in a drainage pipe.

Firefighters in Melbourne said the puppies were spotted stuck under Lipscomb Street Tuesday afternoon.

Neighbors initially tried to free the puppies using rakes and ropes. Firefighters then used a blast of water to free one of the dogs.
After several hours, the second puppy was pulled out of the pipe.
Lipscomb Street was closed for two hours while firefighters went into the pipe to rescue the dogs.
The puppies were not injured. They were transported to animal control Tuesday night.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

Online Shop now open!!

2007-08-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Our online Shop is now open for your shopping pleasure! We have dog collars, dog bowls, keychains, zipper pulls and even coffee. Click here to check out our shop!

NL Celebrity Teapot and Art Online Auction

2007-06-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ruff-Spots is holding an online auction featuring a wonderful assortment of Prints and Teapots from some of Newfoundlands finest celebrities. http://www.ruffspots.com/auction

Karl Wells
St. John's Mayor Andy Wells
St. John's Councillor Gerry Colbert
Mount Pearl Mayor Steve Kent
Designer Eric White
Deputy Mayor St. John's Dennis O'Keefe
Potter Pauline Bartlett
Artist Odell Archibald
St. John's Councillor Shannie Duff
Artist Jackie Gayle-Vaillancourt
Artist Lloyd Pretty
Shelia Guy-Murphy
Tessa Crosbie
Sharon Snow
Actress Berni Stapleton
Actor Andy Jones

Thank you for your support!

Wesley needs our help!

2007-06-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Wesley is a 9 month old male Chocolate Lab at the Gander SPCA who was rescued by some very kind people after he had been spotted in a pond trying to stay above the water. When he was taken ashore it was discovered that someone had intentionally tried to drown him, as he had been weighed down with a heavy object. Charges are pending.

NL Pet Expo June 2 and 3, 2007

2007-05-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

Mark your calendars for the largest Pet Expo to be held in NL.

A family fun weekend featuring pets of all shapes and sizes, a variety of pet buisinesses, animal rescue groups and scheduled pet demonstrations.

This event will take place on June 2 and 3 at the St. John's Curling Club. Visit NL Pet Expo for more information.

Ruff-Spots will also have a booth set up plus their will be a weekend raffle taking place with proceeds split between Beagle Paws and Ruff-Spots.

Fundraiser Updates!!

2007-05-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

The invitations to the Tea Garden in Holyrood have been sold out!! Yipee! It promises to be a great afternoon with wonderful community sponsors supporting us.

There are still tickets available on our "Vacation. Relaxation> Rejuvenation." Ticket Draw for June 24th. Call us at 782-SPAY to purchase yours or to help us sell tickets.

More info on the tickets can be found on our website at www.ruffspots.com

Thank you to everyone for your support with these 2 fundraisers!

Bill would crack down on puppy peddlers

2007-05-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

POSTED: 0330 GMT (1130 HKT), May 14, 2007

Story Highlights• Humane Society says 18,000 dogs and cats snatched up, sold to labs each year• Proposed bill makes it illegal for middlemen to sell "random source" animals• Measure dubbed "Buck's Bill" in honor of dog seized from a dealer in 2003• Opponents say no need for law because labs are careful about source of animals

WASHINGTON (AP) -- It's the nightmare of pet lovers everywhere: Their beloved Fido or Whiskers gets lost, is scooped up by animal thieves, then sold to be dissected in a university research lab.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that every year middlemen known as "Class B" animal dealers round up about 18,000 dogs and cats through flea markets and free-to-good-home ads, and then sell them to laboratories and university research labs.
In the process, it says lost pets are rounded up, too.

Now that Congress has undergone a change in leadership, the animal advocacy group hopes lawmakers will make it illegal for "Class B" dealers to sell "random source" cats and dogs to research labs.

The proposed ban is dubbed "Buck's Bill" in honor of Buck, a black hound dog seized in 2003 in Oklahoma from a dealer. Buck, who had heartworm disease and other ailments, died of internal hemorrhaging months after his rescue, while in foster care.

Mary Hanley, the executive vice president of the National Association for Biomedical Research, said she sees no reason for the law change. There may have been past abuses, she said, but it's not the current reality. Labs are required to keep documentation on where their research animals came from.

"Research facilities take great care," Hanley said. "They don't want dogs that they don't know where they came from. They take great care so that they do know."

Pennsylvania Reps. Phil English and Mike Doyle disagree. "Lost or stolen animals may be getting in the queue for experimentation" without their owners' knowledge despite laws designed to prevent that, said English, a Republican who sponsored a House bill with Doyle, a Democrat.
Under their bill, labs would still be able to obtain research animals from breeders, pet owners who donate them, or shelters as long as the animal in question is not a stray. The bill is still pending before both the House and Senate agriculture committees.

The Department of Agriculture estimates that there are about 10 to 20 Class B dealers that sell to labs -- far fewer than in the late 1970s and early 1980s when there were more than 1,000 such dealers.

The states with Class B dealers that provide animals to labs are Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, according to the Humane Society.

Doyle said the Department of Agriculture doesn't have the money to ensure that the dealers are complying with animal welfare laws. Undercover work by outside groups has found evidence of animals being mistreated by Class B animal dealers, he said.

Darby Holladay, a USDA spokesman, said he could not comment on pending investigations or legislation.

A House agriculture panel held a hearing on the subject of animal welfare last week, which Wayne Pacelle, the Humane Society's CEO, said was a good sign that the Democratic-controlled Congress may take legislation like this seriously. The committee's last serious look at animal welfare was in 2000, he said.

An estimated 90,000 dogs and cats are bought by research facilities and veterinary schools each year. The Humane Society estimates that 70 percent comes from breeders, 20 percent come from Class B dealers, and 10 percent come from pounds.
Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, sponsored the bill in the Senate.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Join us in Holyrood on June 24th!

2007-05-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

As summer is fast approaching and the thoughts of warm weather is on our minds, why not join us on June 24th at the Tea Garden in Holyrood for our "Tea Spots" Fundraiser.

Tickets are $20.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. There will be door prizes, suprises and a small ticket auction. Grab a friend, spouse, your mom and dad, a brother or sister and join us for a wonderful day.

Please call 782-SPAY to purchase your invitation.

A warm thank-you to our wonderful communitysponsors for this event.

Piece Makers Quilt Shop, CBS
Garden Gifts Ltd. Lillian Noel
Deborah Clarke, Harpist

"Vacation, Relaxation, Rejuvenation" Ticket Draw

2007-05-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

WIN WIN WIN

3 GRAND PRIZE DRAWS

"Vacation, Relaxation, Rejuvenation"
You could win one of three fabulous "Get-away" Packages for two

Tickets just $2.00 each/3 for $5.00
Draw Date: June 24, 2007 at the Tea Garden, Holyrood

(Stay Tuned for Details on where and how to purchase tickets!)

City Nights ($1000.00 value)

Banberry House B & B-One night accomodations
Peter Belbins Steakhouse-Dinner for 2 ($75.00)
Leaside Manor-One night accomodations
Spa at the Monastery & Suites-Vitality Day Passes for two
Oliver's Restaurant-Dinner for 2 ($75.00)
Memories Forever-Limo Ride from Downtown to Signall Hill & return
The Rooms Cafe-Weekend Brunch for 2
Shopping certificates ($150.00 total)-Dandelion Green, Home on Water and Details & Designs
Movie Passes-Sobey's, Old Placentia Road
'Lug' Overnight Bag-A Special Touch

Coastal Sights ($1000.00 value)

Bears Cove Inn, Witless Bay-One night Accomodations
Gatherall's Boat Tours-Bird & Whale watching Excursion for two
Lighthouse Picnics, Ferryland-Gourmet Picnic for two
The Bread & Cheese Inn, Bay Bulls-One night Accomodations
$100.00 Gas card-North Atlantic Refining
Shopping certificate-Alderberry Blum, Bay Bulls
The Tea Garden, Holyrood-Seaside Dining for two
Bushnell Natureview 8x40 binoculars-The Bird House & Binocular Shop
Champagne, Flutes & Lindt Truffles
Men's Tilley Hat
'Lug' Overnight Bag-A Special Touch

Ocean Delights ($1000.00 value)

The Beach House, St. Philips/Portugal Cove-One night accomodations
Atlantica Restaurant-Evening Dining ($100.00 Certificate)
Rhychrist Inn, Bell Island-One night accomodations
Fuji FinePix A400 Digital Camera-Shoppers Drug Mart, Gibson Drive
Two Golf Passes-Clovelly Golf Club
'Lug' Overnight Bag-A Special Touch
'G.M Collins Sun Protection & Exfoliant Creams w/beach bag & 'Sensi" Sandals-Rosewood Day Spa, Fairmont Hotel
UVEX Sunglasses
Picnic Basket, Picnic Lunch, Wine & Wine Glasses-Living Rooms Churchill Square & Downtown

Funds raised from this fundraiser will be evenly divided between our shelter spay/neuter program and our SNAP-NL Program.

We applaud & thank our generous & supportive community sponsors!

More Menu Foods Recall

2007-05-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

May 2, 2007

Menu Foods Adds to Recall List

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(May 2, 2007) - Menu Foods
Attention Business/Financial Editors

Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. Menu Foods is now expanding the recall to include cuts and gravy and select other products which do not include ChemNutra wheat gluten but which were manufactured at any of Menu Foods’ plants during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used at that plant, to the extent they have not already been subject to a recall, due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Menu Foods has received a report from a customer and has received study results, both of which indicate cross-contamination.

As a result, Menu advises the public:

- Additional items in the United States and Canada have been added to the recall list as shown below. A further two varieties for Europe have been added to the recall list.
- The recall dates of those products previously recalled have been modified to include all dates during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used in the applicable Menu plant. All of these products, including the expanded dates, have previously been withdrawn from the market and should already be off the retailer shelves.

Menu estimates that this additional recall represents less than 5% of the products that have already been recalled or withdrawn. Menu has also revised its estimate of the out-of-pocket costs for the total recall to be from $40 million to $45 million.

An updated list of the recalled products, including this addition, is available at the Menu Foods website at http://www.menufoods.com.

Casper needs a new loving home too!!

2007-04-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, they called me Casper. I am a very friendly cat, like Casper the friendly ghost. I am a young neutered male cat who came to the Clarenville SPCA in a sad state. I was severely matted, extremely dirty, had an injured paw and a severe ear mite infestation. Since arriving here, thanks to some great people, I have been neutered, shaved, treated for my ear mites and put on medication for my injured paw. I love attention and can't believe how good it is here at the shelter. Lots of food and scratches. I hope to find a great new home soon. They put a new picture on of me shaved. Don't laugh when you see it but boy does it feel great to be rid of those yucky matts! I'll look very handsome when my fur grows back.Thanks to Ruff Spots for sponsoring Casper's neuter and to all the people who donated to take care of his other problems. We wish you could hear his purrs of appreciation like we do.

Samuel really needs a loving home

2007-04-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'm Samuel. I am a young neutered male who came to the Clarenville SPCA in quite a mess.

I was severely matted and dirty and I had ear mites. I have since been all cleaned up, shaved and neutered. The girls here were told my owners moved and just left me behind to fend for myself. I am a very friendly male cat who just loves attention. I need a new family to love me and take care of me a lot better than the my last, "so called," family.

Thanks to Ruff Spots for sponsoring Samuel's neuter and to all the people who donated to take care of his other problems. He sure is glad that people stepped up to help him out.

April 2, 2007 --- Eight In One Pet Products Voluntarily Recalls Dingo CHICKEN JERKY Products in Canada

2007-04-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

EIGHT IN ONE ANNOUNCES CANADIAN RECALL OF ALL LOTS OF DINGO® CHICK’N JERKY TREATS FOR DOGS, CATS AND FERRETS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Cincinnati, Ohio – April 2, 2007 -- Eight In One, a division of United Pet Group, Inc., is voluntarily recalling across Canada all lots of Dingo® CHICK’N JERKY treats due to company concerns that the jerky treats have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination, in people, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems.

The products affected were sold at various retailers. The products subject to this voluntary recall are Dingo CHICK’N JERKY 3.5 oz. and 8 oz. for dogs and Dingo Kitty CHICKEN JERKY 1.5 oz. for cats and Dingo Ferret CHICKEN JERKY 1.5 oz for ferrets.
Laboratory testing has shown that some samples of these chicken jerky treats were contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling all these products out of an abundance of caution.

Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these pet treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella can have some or all of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers..
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Apparently well animals can be a carrier and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The company has received one report of Salmonellosis in a dog. There are no reports of human illness.

These products are being removed from retail stores. Consumers should immediately stop feeding these treats to their pets. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is aware of the recall.
Consumers who purchased any of the above-identified CHICK’N JERKY TREATS should discontinue use of the products and should discard the unused portion. Consumer can obtain information on receiving refunds by contacting the Eight In One consumer affairs department at 1-888-232-9889.

Retailer and other inquiries into this recall should also be directed to the Eight In One consumer affairs department at 1-800-645-5154 x 3.

Humane Society in Washington state holds yoga class for dogs and their owners

2007-04-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yoga instructor Brenda Bryan, performs a yoga pose as she stretches "Gus," her mixed-breed dog. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) - By the end of their doggie yoga class, most of the wandering and sniffing participants are passed out on their mats, in a position their instructor calls the "upward facing belly pose."

Beans, a majestic 2-year-old Vizsla, however, is ready to play. The overgrown puppy has tried to relax with his owner, Chantale Anderson, but once Magnet the black lab heads off to explore the room, Beans is ready to go. Mostly, however, both the dogs and the humans on a recent evening at the Seattle/King County Humane Society seemed relaxed and focused for about 40 minutes of "doggie yoga."

Leilani the toy poodle is the star of the class, perhaps because the tiny 11-year-old is too timid to venture off the mat to play with the big dogs. Her owner, Suanne Nagata, said afterward that Leilani just loves being touched. "I could just feel her relax," she said.

Brenda Bryan, who teaches human yoga as well as the new class for both dogs and humans at the Humane Society, says the dogs react to the gentle energy in the room. "As we get into it, the dogs all kind of calm down," said Bryan, who developed the poses for the class by working with her own two dogs - Gus, a mixed breed, and Honey, a Shar Pei-Boxer mix - and talking to instructors in other cities like New York, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh where yoga for dogs and their owners is starting to catch on.

The question she and the Humane Society get the most from prospective human students is how do the people and dogs interact? In Bryan's class, the humans do traditional yoga poses - yes, including "downward facing dog" - while staying in contact physically with their pets.
Part of the class includes gentle stretching and dog massage, another specialty of Bryan's, but most of the time the humans gently use the dogs like yoga props.

In downward facing dog, for example, the humans rest their heads on their companions, who are relaxing - napping? - on the mat. The yoga poses are modified both for the humans of different sizes and abilities and for the dogs. During class, Bryan reminds the people not to push their canine partners to perform. "Don't be too ambitious," she said. "Honor where your dog is and remember that dogs respond to our energy."

The class was designed to offer a new way for humans to spend time with their pets. "This is 80 percent fun," said Eve Holt, director of community relations for the Seattle Humane Society.
Bryan calls it "partner yoga," because the class encourages both the human and the dog to increase their awareness of each other. "Magnet and I were just in this little bubble," said Emily Keegans afterward. She said her dog really loves getting the one-on-one attention he receives in yoga class and she likes having another opportunity to both exercise and spend time with her dog. "I love doing yoga and I'm just really busy. Just to spend time with him and be with him is great," added Keegans. She said she was doing dog massage at a Humane Society fundraiser - a dog fashion show - when during a conversation with the agency director she mentioned that she is also a yoga instructor. And the idea for doggie yoga was born.

"It was really just a marriage of all the things I love," Bryan said. She said she hopes the class will open up yoga to a variety of people - and dogs - who have never done this kind of exercise before. "We've been having a lot of fun with this," said Bryan, adding that her own dogs rush to the mat as soon as she unrolls it at home, whether or not she was planning to involve them.
Both the humans and the canines seemed to enjoy themselves before, during and after a recent doggie class at the Humane Society. Shadow visited every mat during the class and made a complete circuit of shoe sniffing toward the end. Beans seemed a lot more interested in making new friends than relaxing, as his owner predicted before the class. "He likes to nap. He is a cuddle bug, but playing is so much more important," Anderson said.

Nearly every dog in the group took at least one break to sniff a canine or human or both, but Bryan seemed pleased with how the class was going and was neither outwardly amused nor flustered when Honey and Shadow crowded onto the mat with her and Gus. Although her voice was yoga calm, her words showed she shared the other humans' amusement.
"Everyone is being so good - and the dogs too."

© The Canadian Press, 2007

Strip from Mutt Comics

2007-04-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

More Foods added to Recall List

2007-03-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

**Pet Food Recall Alert** New foods added!

Menu Foods Recall

March 31, 2007 --- Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Reiterates Only One Product Recalled, Prescription Diet™ m/d™ Feline Dry Food

Del Monte Pet Products Voluntarily Withdraws Specific Product Codes of Pet Treats and Wet Dog Food Products

Year of The Dog

2007-03-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

This is a great movie coming out April 13th. Grab a buddy and go see it!!!

http://www.yearofthedogmovie.com/

Year of the Dog

Provided By ROCKiT Media

Update from Sass (one of Lilly's Babies)

2007-03-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to send along some pictures and update you guys on how Sass is doing. She's getting really big and has a gorgeous long tail! Everyone is in love with her.
She was spayed shortly after Christmas. (I believe she was in heat over Christmas.... Not Fun!) She had some problems after her surgery with an infection so we had to bring her back to the vet. He gave her an antibiotic and she was fine after that. She is finally growing the hair back on her side. (She kind of looked like she had a dent in her side for awhile! ^_^)
I took her in my arms last week and brought her outside. The wind blew on her face and she didn't like that at all. She jumped out of my arms and ran back into the house. It was really cute though.
I've attached some pictures. We would love to know how her brothers and sister are doing so if you have any updates on them please let us know. Bye for now!!

Brittany and Sass

Pet Food Recall March 19, 2007

2007-03-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Pet Food Recall March 19, 2007 VOCM NEWS

Some veterinary clinics in the St. John's area are busy taking calls from concerned pet owners in the wake of a huge recall of pet food. It follows reports that a number of dogs and cats in the U.S. have died of kidney failure after eating the food. There have been no reports of any such deaths in Canada. The food, manufactured by Menu Foods, is available under a wide variety of brand names and sold in stores including Wal-Mart, Dominion and Sobeys. It includes some 60 million cans and foil pouches of so called 'cuts and gravy' food. Some vet clinics contacted by VOCM News say they were busy taking calls all through the weekend from people looking for information, while others have received very few calls. For information on the recall, the company can be reached at the following numbers:

1-866-895-2708

1-905-826-3870

1-905-814-6040

Indie!!! Update on one of Lilly's Babies!

2007-03-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pics of Indie. They aren't very good because she was hiding under the couch most of the time my friends were there. Luca was more than happy to be involved in a photo shoot, but Indie was having none of it!

I had her spayed back in early February and she just had her stitches out a couple weeks ago. She's doing great and everyone who sees her wants to keep her because she's such a little cutie! She is such a sook and wants to be up in my arms all the time...she's turning into quite the little princess around my place and if Luca is getting any attention you can be sure she's going to be up in your face to break it up!

Take care,

Kelly

Funny volunteers:)

2007-03-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

Just found these pics on my camera from the Dinner and Dance on February 17.

Adrianne and Sarah, 2 of our great volunteers, took the camera that night, and well, here are some ladies posin'!

Thanks girls for all your help that night!

P.S One of these ladies is going to be a DOCTOR. Can you guess which one?

P.S.S The other lady lives in another province. Can you guess which province?

K of C Tickets

2007-03-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

The Knights of Colombus are holding their annual Ticket Sale and Ruff-Spots will receive a percentage on the Tickets that Ruff-Spots sell.

These Tickets cost $40.00 each with 20,000 tickets printed (Only 8,520 sold last year) Draw Date is May 19, 2007

Prize payout:

1st prize $50,000.00
2nd prize $15,000.00
3rd prize $5,000.00
Five Draws for $1000.00
Ten Draws for $500.00

If you or a couple of friends or co-workers would like to "go in" on a ticket, please contact us by calling 782-SPAY or email donna.short@nl.rogers.com

Thank you and good luck!

$3600.00 raised in "shedding hair"

2007-02-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Wow....what a time we had on February 17, 2007. Our auction, dinner and dance was wonderful!

Greg, Florence and Andrea also shedded their hair that night and raised just over $3600.00!!!!

We still would like to have between $4000.00 to $5000.00 to be able to start our spay/neuter assistance program....and we will work on that!

Enjoy the pictures from that evening and a HUGE thank you to everyone who supported us!

Florence, Andrea and Gred get ready for the "hair shedding" main event with their volunteer hairdressers.

Florence's new look after the hair shedding! Thank you Florence for doing this for the animals!
Greg and his new look after the hair shedding! Thank you Greg for volunteering to do this for our organization!

We are waiting on a pic of Andrea. Andrea didn't shave but donated 10"of her hair to Wigs for Cancer. Thank you so much Andrea for being involved in this fundraiser!

Thank you Andrea!!!

2007-01-19T18:22:00.000-08:00

Andrea Hanley is an animal lover and has a real soft spot for cats. Andrea has voluntarily contributed her time and her beautiful art to our organization.

Andrea just designed our Valentails poster above and will also be designing our Thank you and Christmas cards and also any more Event or Awareness Posters we may need! (all hand drawn...what an artist!)

Thank you so much Andrea! It truly means the world to us!

"Valentails" Dinner and Dance

2007-01-09T05:33:00.000-08:00

Our Valentails Dinner, Dance and Lottery Auction is all set for February 17 at the K of C on St. Clare Avenue.

Tickets are just $20.00 each and your choice of stuffed chicken breast or vegitarian meal.

We will be having a lottery auction, door prizes and of course 3 people having their heads shaved!

Grab a couple of friends and come join us for a great night for a good cause.

Call 782-SPAY for tickets or for more information, please visit our website at www.ruffspots.com.

Thank you!

Florence has picked a theme song:)

2006-12-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

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.....

Music Video Code provided by MySpace Video Codes

A couple of small fundraisers for Ruff-Spots

2006-12-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

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!

UPDATE to letter from CornerBrook

2006-12-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

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

15% raised so far for the "shedding" my Hair Campaign

2006-11-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

"Shedding" my Hair for Homeless Animals

2 cats found at MUN

2006-11-27T21:25:00.000-08:00

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.

Need a home for Freeway (German Short Haired Pointer)

2006-11-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

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

ONLINE AUCTION HAS STARTED!!

2006-10-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

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

Dog beaten, dragged, left for dead

2006-10-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

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

Little Ralph...aka Popcorn

2006-10-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

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

Homeless No Longer!

2006-10-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

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

Just a quick update

2006-10-20T04:35:00.000-07:00

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

I'm SHEDDING my hair for Homeless animals

2006-10-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

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

Moo needs a new home

2006-10-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

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!!

Wanted: Nice Home with Cat-Loving Humans!

2006-10-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Sitting Pretty!

2006-10-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

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!).

Having problems with email

2006-10-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

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

Almost 6 Weeks Old!

2006-09-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

2006-09-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

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).

What to do?

2006-09-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Lilly & Her Lovelies!

2006-09-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

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..."!)

2006-09-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

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!

This is Percy...

2006-09-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

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.

We Are Growing... will return

2006-09-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

Introducing...

2006-09-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

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...

Oops! Wrong Date-Time Stamp

2006-09-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-09-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

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!

What is in a name?

2006-09-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

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!!

One now equals Seven

2006-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!