Success Stories

Dallas

NOAWS Notes: Dallas was one of a number of pups that were born from a stray dog that had been running wild for a number of months. The mommy dog was traced back to Moosonee - she had someone made her way from the James Bay Coast to Cochrane, Ontario!! And had pups beneath a kind familie's porch - Dallas was one of those pups. Thanks to the kindness of a regular NOAWS volunteer, the pups were taken care of and moved to Timmines, where Dallas and all of his siblings were adopted to great families. Here is a note from Dallas' new parents:

On June 21, 2004 my partner Brad, and I adopted a Texas Pup - Dallas - from NOAWS. We left his name as Dallas because we think that it suits him.

I
just wanted to say that he has tripled his weight he is close to 12lbs, he has lost 5 little teeth so far!!! He is very social he loves to play and be around other dogs, cats people, he has the greatest personality that I have seen on a dog, Brad and I try to take him out every night, we usually do, even if it's just to play with my brother's dog, so they can run together.

We entered Dallas into a Dog Contest that was held at the Porcupine Miner's Competition
- we are both very proud to say that Dallas came home with "2nd prize as the"coolest dog"" Brad and I are just so happy with Dallas, he's already travelled with us, to Wawa and to Sault Ste.Marie.

He is a great walker too,we walk him alot on dirt roads where there is not much traffic - he walks
right beside us with no leash (when there is traffic, of course we keep him on a leash just in case)


We just wanted to say thank-you, and just to let you know how Dallas is doing!


Take Care
Tannas, Brad and Dallas

 

Elsie's Story
(as told by those that she has touched in her journey)

Chapter 1 - A Lost Soul
(as told by her rescuer, a private citizen from Timmins)

On a cold day in February 2003, Elsie was found at the Esso Truck Stop in the middle of the night. She was very cold and scared. A friend who was working there brought her to me - it was on a weekend and the pound was closed.

Signs were put up and phone calls were made but no one claimed Elsie as theirs. I was advised to bring her to the pound as she was a stray and I could be charged for harboring a stray dog. So off to the pound she went and when no one wanted her there either, she came home to me.

Elsie was always fearful and would urinate as soon as you looked at her. At this time she was about 6 months old. Unlike most puppies, she did not gobble her food and would often leave most of it sitting in the bowl.

At my house, she had become a companion to a 12-year-old female dog, who did not particularly like her very much. At this time, the woman who lives next door to me took a dislike to Elsie and complained about her non-stop. Poor Elsie had done nothing wrong except chew the hedge and dig a few holes.

That summer she went camping and learned the joy of eating blueberries right off the bushes. During the winter she had a harness and would pull a light sled around for exercise. In the spring, she went into heat and I knew she would have to be spayed ASAP.

At the same time as my ex-husband lost yet another job, I applied for and received the grant for the PALS Program from NOAWS. In the past, my husband had been helping out financially with our dogs and cats but now that would all end. As I am on Ontario Disability, I did not have any means to pay for Elsie to be spayed and indeed I did not have the money to buy them their next bag of dog food.

I heard about NOAWS and phoned for help. To my surprise and happiness, Linda arrived with dog food and an offer to help Elsie by placing her into foster care with the Landers. So there ends my part of the story and the Landers part take's over. I hope that this fills in some of the blanks in Elsie's story. That poor dog had a very long road to travel to find a good new home, and N O A W S were the people who made it possible.

Thanks yet again - Nona

 

Chapter 2 - Elsie at the Landers'

(as told by the Landers family - NOAWS PRIZE foster home)

Elsie entered our lives on April 5, 2004 - She was very friendly right off the start but at the same time she was very nervous when approached to quickly she would squat and whittle on the floor. Elsie was a little malnourished, which was NOAWS biggest concern. However, the person who had her, had rescued her some time before and was concerned of her well-being due to her own finances; with great anguish she called on NOAWS for help.

By April 7, a potential adoptive family made contact inquiring on Elsie showing great interest in her - there seemed to be a soul-mate connection right from the start.. Through the power of computers we exchanged numerous discussions and pictures of Elsie and of Sandra's family, friends and home.

Today Elsie is very happy and living a good life with Sandra in Southern Ontario. She is truly Sandra's soul-mate, and we know they both will be together for long time as they compliment each others life with love and trust.

The Landers Family - Foster Home

 

Chapter 3 - Elsie Comes Home
(as told by Sandra, Elsie's new mom)

She was the missing link I had been unknowingly searching for, as strange as that sounds. I knew in my heart that someday, somehow, somewhere there was going to be a wonderful and challenging addition to my life.

And this would be Elsie.

She is a loving and protective girl with a HUGE heart. Everyday I look into her eyes and feel my heart wake up and smile. Her and Tanner (our other dog) seem to have found their ground and heaven forbid they are separated. Neither of them like to leave my side.

Elsie traveled home to us just beautifully, ... she quite enjoys and anticipates car rides (those two words really excite her!). She was spayed as soon as she got here, and recovered fast and very well. Now, there are no more surprise trips where she will be left alone in a strange place - only fun ones where she is sure to come back home. She is a very welcomed addition and is spoiled terribly.

She joined her new brother whom she enjoys and protects. There is a spirit around Elsie that radiates warmth and life. She is the definition of survival and joy.

She has completed our family in every way. She is safe, warm, fed lots of healthy food, exercised, and taking in all the love we can give.

She was meant to be with us we wouldn't trade her for the world. A HUGE, HUGE THANKS TO THE LANDERS (grandma and grandpa), AND TO EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH ELSIE!!!! She would not be here if it were not for the very special people who took the time to care!!!! And for having faith in us to provide her with a life long commitment!!!!"

Sandra, Chuck, Tanner and Elsie-girl

 

 

Mishka and Sasha

NOAWS Notes: Mishka and Sasha were found with their mother and litter mates in a farmers' barn - they were about 10 weeks old, and very wild. They did not trust humans, and were quite happy just being with other cats. But they were in danger of being eaten by fox, or frozen in Northern Ontario Winters - so were brought into foster care by NOAWS. They remained in foster care for 6 months, and were spayed and neutered. The foster home worked to socialize them, but since there were other cats in the home, they were content with the companionship of felines, and could do without humans, if at all possible!! These cats were considered as having a very low chance of being adopted, even though they were quite beautiful, and looked almost like pure "Russian Blues". Then along came Cindy and Yves - who wanted to rescue 2 cats. They fell in love with Mishka and Sasha, and took them into their family. Here is an update on Mischka and Sasha's adoption, from emails written to NOAWS:

"At first things were fairly interesting. I've had cats for several years, so I assumed that my home was catproof. With these shy guys actively searching for hiding places, I discovered that I was sadly mistaken. For a few days I was frequently surprised by cats in odd places. These slinky beasts can fit into small spaces and unusual areas that you assume cats can't fit or won't go. At various times we've found these guys under our armoire and our dressers, hiding on top of the fluorescent fixtures in the workshop, behind the dryer, and even under the covers on our bed. Sasha managed to squeeze herself behind a row of books on a bookcase, and I found her when pulling a book off of the shelf. I'm not sure who was more surprised, her or me. But, as they gradually got used to us, they started hiding less and coming out in the open more.

I already had 2 cats, Molly and Neko. I wasn't sure how they'd react to new 'siblings', or how Sasha and Mishka would interact with them. After all, Molly and Neko were here first, but neither has a dominant personality; still, both are significantly bigger than the two "Russians". I was worried that we might have some scuffles as they tried to determine the pecking order, but was pleasantly surprised at how easily they settled in. Aside from a few hisses and growls the first couple days, things have been smooth and everyone has selected their own favourite spot. When Sasha's out in the open, she's either on the chair she's decided is hers, or up on the staircase looking down at everyone else. Although she seems content to be a loner, Mishka is incredibly affectionate. He'll walk up to Molly and Neko just to rub against them or to lick their faces. He seems to have bonded especially with Neko, and they often wrestle together or curl up together on the couch.

It's taking a bit longer for them to come out of their shells with us, but it IS happening. The first few days they'd hide all day and only come out after dark. The only way we were sure they were still around was by the disappearance of food. In fact, their appearances were so scarce that when we did see one slinking around, we couldn't tell who it was. Gradually, as they came out more we could see that Sasha was smaller and far more silver-frosted. Her face is shorter, and her ears are larger. Now we know them well enough that we find it easy to tell who's who. Besides, Mishka has let us put a collar on him, so anyone could tell!!

One thing that surprised us about their behaviour was their loud 'talking' at night. I'm not sure if they did that with you, or if that's a new behaviour they just started. Shy as she is, Sasha in particular is very vocal. She'll come into our bedroom and chat at us until we talk back, and seems to enjoy this. She's an incredible mimic; if you meow at her in a certain way, she'll do it right back at you!! I've had cats who liked to talk to me before, but never one who mimicked like that. And, although she's never let us pet her yet, she does likes to sleep with us. Once we're settled and the lights are out, she'll hop on the foot of the bed just out of reach. Mishka, on the other hand, is happy to join us at night, but doesn't settle out of reach. He'll plop himself on your chest and beg for petting. In fact, if we stop before he's had enough, he'll nibble our fingers as a reminder to keep on petting. Now, whenever we're at the computer, reading, watching television or any other quiet pursuit, we have him joining us. Although he still gets shy when we have company, he is an absolute glutton for attention with Yves and I.



Having these guys also brought us another cat adventure. Yves and I were sitting outside one evening when out of our neighbour's yard popped a small grey cat. We immediately panicked, assuming that either Mishka or Sasha had managed to escape. I went to get a container with food in it, since all cats respond to the sound of shaking food. I was just hoping that the cat would get over being shy long enough to come inside or let me get close enough to catch it. So, I shook the food, and the little guy came running. I grabbed the cat while Yves opened the door, and went inside. When I put him down and he started winding around my ankles and purring, I could see that clearly, this wasn't one of my cats. But he was skinny, had broken whiskers, callused footpads and just looked stray. So, being soft hearted fools, we brought him in, did a flea check, and fed him. We put up 'found cat' posters in our neighbourhood, and when we had no response, we had to make a decision. Much as I love cats, four is lots, and five would have been too many. So, our little stray has now been named (Simba), dewormed, vaccinated, neutered, and was the best birthday gift ever for my nephew's girlfriend.

And believe it or not, Sasha is now letting Yves pet her!! While I was out of town, the house was quieter than usual, and she started getting very comfortable with him, wanting his company. She still won't let me touch her, but she no longer runs away, and will sniff my fingers or eat out of my hand. Mishka is also settling in even more comfortable than he already had. He has discovered the joy of warm laundry fresh from the dryer, and thinks it's his job to decide our bedtime. Sometimes when we stay up later, he'll sit on the stairs and 'talk' to us, asking us to come up to bed.

Mishka and Sasha are so beautiful, and we've been taking

quite a few pictures of them, solo and with our other babies.

Thanks again for such beautiful, wonderful cats.

 


Buddy's Story
(as told by his Foster Family)

NOAWS notes: Buddy was turned over to NOAWS from the Iroquois Falls Dog Pound, having been unclaimed by his owner.

We were Buddy's foster family - We received Buddy on January 15, 2004 and he found his new forever home on March 26, 2004.

He was very skittish when he came to us, pulling steady when walking, jumpy at loud noises looking for places to hide. He was very shy and wouldn't play with the other dogs. In just a few short days he began to come out of his shell playing with the other dogs and with my taking a dog obedience course at the time he soon began to stop pulling while walking.

In the two short months we looked after for him we were blessed with his love and trust and knowing that today Buddy has found a loving home with the Willard's and is adjusting very well; however, he still is nervous about riding in a vehicle but I'm sure with love and patience that the Willard's have to offer him he will be running to go for his rides with them.

We have learned that Buddy now likes to go for his van rides and that he insists that he can talk to you and if you don't look him in the eyes he would hit you with his paw until you listen to what he had to say. I know the Willard's and Buddy will have many days of joy and stories to tell for years to come.

 




COOKIE (AKA Zephyr)



She came to our home 4:30 pm on April 11/ 03 and found her forever home on November 1/ 03.

We were her foster home, and here is her story:

When Cookie came to us, she was very skittish about everything and everyony. Her fur was very dirty and all matted up to the skin and she had bleeding gums. We were told she was abandonned by her owners, left tied outside in her yard for 10 months. The neighboures fed her, and she was left to fend for herself. We knew nothing more of her history - Not even her real name. She responded to Cookie, so Cookie it was. We did not know what happened with her in the time she was left outside - it was a guessing game.

The first night she would not eat her food until we were all in bed sleeping. She would run and hide when there were loud noises, such as clapping of hands or walking around her. She was scared of everything: balls rolling, toys, people, traffic and leashes. She would want to hide whenever she could - even walking through a doorway was a task for her to go in and out.

On Day two Cookie seemed to have a taken a liking to our son Jack and would let him pat her more than the rest of us - but, as time went on, she started to get closer to the rest of us. On walks she would pull steady the whole time, leaving who ever held the leash with a sore arm and shoulder - she sure was a strong dog. We decided to try and give her a bath; we were surprised how easy she went along with it, even if we did have to carry her into the bathtub.

After about a week and a half her tail started to come out a little bit from between her legs, so my wife (Irene) and I (Louis) tried to shave off some of her matted hair. At first she was scared but soon relaxed, so we worked for about 1 hour on her but still hardly put a dent in her matts, so we stopped and gave her a bath - this was her second one. Again having to carry her in but this time I went in the tub with her she did not mind that at all.

Cookie was so badly matted, she had to be shaved... Here she is after her hair cut!
After about two weeks my wife and I decided to call a groomer to finish cutting her hair as we noticed she was getting soars from her hair being so tight to her skin. At that time we had a collar with a plastic clip on it, so when the groomer came to pick her up and tried to place her in the back of his van, she twisted and the clip came undone and she ran off from him and us. My wife and my daughter (Natalie) both went into hysterics, myself thinking she was gone and we’d never catch her; however, for about half an hour we discovered that she stayed around the area and we were able to finally corner her and bring her back to the house. The groomer came again this time he put her in the side door. Thus, reassuring me that if she did get lose again that we would get her back with trust.

After about one month she was able to go in and out with out hesitating at the door, her trust with us had been gained; however, toys and balls were still out of the question. She was very friendly with other animals (dogs and cats) but if they played she would get in between them and try to protect the smaller one. Same with the kids and me - she did not like it when we shoved each other in play. But in three months she started to play chase with us, she would jump on us grab our arm, but always careful not to bit down hard. As for commands, she listened sometimes, but mostly she misunderstood what was expected of her.

After the fifth month we told our foster home coordinator that we thought she would be ready for adoption. I knew by the way she was with strangers and other kids on the street and in our home it would be time for her to move on to her forever home; however, there still was a trust issue to consider - her new owners would have to be patient and work it out with her. With me and the wife having done the best we could for her, we felt that the people who adopted her would have to build her up the rest of the way.

And then, not soon after we'd decided she'd be ready to go, a total of seven months after she'd come into our lives, a kind, warm heart lady opened her home to our Cookie. With a little anxiety and a long ride from Timmins, she went to a new and wonderful home in Englehart.

We talk to the new owner on a regular basis, and after a little bit of a bumpy start, and working out a few glitches, she is just fulfilling her life very completely. Her name has been changed to Zephyr (Zefer), which means a mild, gentle breeze, and thinking about the way she prances when she walks, that name somehow seems to suit her perfectly.

Cookie (Zehpyr) poses proudly with her new family - Sandra and Trixie.

Missed by the Landers Family but always in our thoughts - GOOD GIRL Zephyr.
(Rea: Cookie) and big thanks to Sandra for opening your home and heart.
 


Dutch


This poor senior citizen was discovered one cool fall morning by an early riser in her back yard – next to her garbage can. As she approached, he looked up, and promptly collapsed into an adjacent puddle. The woman, thinking Dutch had died in front of her eyes, recruited her soundly sleeping husband to help her with this poor guy. But upon further examination, it was found that Dutch had not yet passed on – he was hanging on, but just barely! He was dehydrated, starved, on only barely strong enough to lift his head for a drink of water. 

Dutch was turned into NOAWS later that morning…where he was looked at by the kind vets at the Iroquois Falls Animal Hospital and given fluids to regain his strength. 

Nowadays, when Dutch isn’t spending afternoons sun bathing on his quilt, he is cozied up in front of a fire. 







Rosy



Rosy was a wandering stray that was brought to NOAWS a few years ago. She was found emaciated and surviving on garbage. She had recently given birth, but there were no sign of her pups. She was adopted by a great family, and is now very happy in her loving home.







Grace


Grace, a beautiful 4 yr old calico, was a stray kitty that was brought to vet after barely surviving going through fan belt of car.

The veterinarian managed to save her, with the help of NOAWS funding and donations, but she is blind in 1 eye, and suffers permanent damage to her front leg, which has atrophied. Grace is now in a loving home (see "Willie's Success Story), where she will never be at risk of such an injury again.

Even though Grace has sustained permanent damage to her front paw and is blind in one eye, she is still an avid skateboard enthusiast!!

Every winter, many cats are injured or killed in the engines of cars, since they climb up under the hood to get warm. In order to prevent this from happening, NOAWS asks that you please bang on car hood or honk horn before starting your vehicle on cold mornings!









What ever happened to Willie?

In January of 1995, the entire town of Iroquois Falls became aware of a little cat who was found frozen in a cardboard box.

This poor discarded soul was sentenced to a slow painful death if it had not been for the kindness of a stranger who was inquisitive enough to investigate the contents of that "out of place" box.

A gentle woman brought the frozen creature to Dr. Demirel’s Animal Clinic (known today as the Iroquois Falls Animal Hospital) to see if the cat could be saved. The helpless feline was still frozen to the box, emaciated and in the severe stages of hypothermia. "Dr. D" and his trusty animal health technician, Uli Huck, had an enormous task ahead of them. The cat, named Willie, had to have both his ears amputated, as well as a large portion of his tail. His legs and feet were in terrible shape from the terrific cold that night, and his fate even at this point was uncertain. But with skill and kindness, this young cat was nurtured back to health.

With all the inhumanity this tiny creature had endured, he was still able to purr loudly when stroked and was abundantly affectionate when held. Even though he had never known the gentle touch of a human hand, Willie had not lost faith in humanity.

It is a sad commentary on our species to know that there will always be people as cruel as those who subjected Willie to the pain and terror of that fateful night. But I am encouraged for the legacy we leave our children, knowing that this space and time is also shared by the wonderful people involved with the Northern Ontario Animal Welfare Society, and organizations all over the world like it.

NOAWS found Willie a home, where he will live out his days being loved and cherished; the birthright of all Gods creatures.

"Bless the beasts and the children, for in this world, they have no choice - they have no voice."








RC - A Rodent Control Officer's Story
as told by Margaret Pedskalny

   My name is Rodent Control Officer First Class. You can call me RC, for short. My current job posting is at my friend's apartment on Main Street in Iroquois Falls. Previously, I held a post at the Airport Terminal Building, which is where I got my name. The friend I mentioned before was the cleaning lady at the airport. It was good to have a friend here, since I've never really had one! The following is the story of how I came to live in her home:

   AS I look out the living room window, I can remember how things were 8 years ago. I was "between jobs" (read: a stray cat), living on the cold streets of town. Some kind soul offered me food and shelter with a place to keep warm one fateful evening. But, since this kind hearted person could not give me a "permanent posting" in his home, I was "stationed" at the airport terminal building temporarily. The manager took me on here as the "Rodent Control Officer". I was certainly up for the job, and figured that, by the time my wounds had healed, I could show them just how good a Rodent Control Officer I could be! There were many people for me to meet at this new post, but it was really some time before I found a true friend and soul mate.

   Then she came in - finally, someone that could be a true FRIEND. She took the time to talk to me, to pet and to brush me. I was always sure to give her my very best PURR. However, since I had been "between jobs" (stray), I did not have a name. My new friend decided to name me after my current job title, "Rodent Control Officer", or RC for short. That was fine with me!

   After two years of living and working at the airport, I became quite ill. My friend took me to the veterinarian, and found that I had ear mites and an infected tooth. She took me home, and nursed me back to health.
   I liked her home very much, and did my best to win her over and try and secure a new "job" at her place.

   I know my friend loves me very much; she feeds me, pets me, has a lot of nicknames for me, lets me sleep in her bed, and has even given me my own blanket and pillow.

   Since my friend took me into her home, I am her constant companion. I know that she enjoys my company as much as I enjoy hers! I also like this new home, since I do not have to catch mice, or try to find someone to pet me.

   As I look out her window, I'm glad that she chose me to be her good friend, and welcomed me into her home.

   Well - I have to be going now - It's time to "patrol" the couch (the cushiest job I've ever had!).

R.C.