She actually ended up saving our lives a couple days later. A woman wandered into our apartment off the street (we stupidly left our door unlocked as we lived in a sleepy small town). The woman was not well and very confused with why she was trying to ‘find god’ in our apartment. The woman wandered around our house looking for doors to open, unbeknownst to us as we were napping in our room with Tessa able to see out the door into the living room. Tessa started barking and I thought the cat was tormenting her from the other room. After a couple of minutes of her barking I finally went to investigate and found this strange woman in our apartment. We realised she had been trying to open every door, whether it was the closet or the pantry, and the only reason why we didn’t wake up to her standing at the end of our bed was because of a scary black dog barking at her from our room. Not that Tessa needed to ‘earn her keep’ but she was so loyal and protective of us right from the first day we brought her home.

Some people are scared of Tessa because she has a mix of lab and what we think is probably pit bull It’s unfortunate that irresponsible dog owners give a certain breed a bad name. So many friends and family tell us ‘make sure she isn’t around children unattended’. Ok. You should also make sure a chihuahua is not around a child unattended as they can be just as protective and territorial as a pit bull. Or a cat for that matter, can unintentionally smother a baby cuddling with it. We’re not perfect dog owners and we’re still learning but I guess I’m rambling for the point that there are so many animals that are homeless and aren’t a designer dog or have had a perfect upbringing but they would making amazing members of the family. I can’t ever see buying a dog after being a part of a rescue dog’s life. She means more to us than she’ll ever know. We’ve slept in hotels, on a 24′ sailboat in winter, and been homeless just to find a place to live that allows pets because it isn’t an option that she’s not with us.

To end this rant, I saw a great bumper sticker that read ‘Rescued is my favourite breed’[/quote]

It really bothers me about the bad rap pit bulls get . When I volunteered at our local Humane League, there were alot of pit bulls there at the time. I made it a special effort to take them out to the fenced in yard to play with. They were some of the most loving dogs. It’s quite overwhelming when there isin’t enough volunteers to help get the dogs outside. I felt so guilty. I left many times in tears. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story.

Out on the east end of Canada, we had the Ottawa Humane Society’s “Wiggle Waggle Walkathon” last weekend. The team I organize each year just raised $7500.00 for them as well. It feels great to help… I worked at the Ottawa Shelter for 6 years and I know shelters need it… desperately.

A BIG congratulations to all of you involved and everyone who donated. We ARE making a difference.

:)

My cats (both SPCA finds) thank everyone too!

Some people are scared of Tessa because she has a mix of lab and what we think is probably pit bull It’s unfortunate that irresponsible dog owners give a certain breed a bad name. So many friends and family tell us ‘make sure she isn’t around children unattended’. Ok. You should also make sure a chihuahua is not around a child unattended as they can be just as protective and territorial as a pit bull. Or a cat for that matter, can unintentionally smother a baby cuddling with it. We’re not perfect dog owners and we’re still learning but I guess I’m rambling for the point that there are so many animals that are homeless and aren’t a designer dog or have had a perfect upbringing but they would making amazing members of the family. I can’t ever see buying a dog after being a part of a rescue dog’s life. She means more to us than she’ll ever know. We’ve slept in hotels, on a 24′ sailboat in winter, and been homeless just to find a place to live that allows pets because it isn’t an option that she’s not with us.

To end this rant, I saw a great bumper sticker that read ‘Rescued is my favourite breed’

After reading all these posts, I almost feel bad for getting my first cat in a pet shop… Don’t they deserve the same love than the ones from the SPCA ? After all, they were abandoned just like the others…

I’ve been laugh at for many years because I’ve always considered my animals as my childrens, my equals, my best friends. I am glad to see that there are many of us like moi !

I give money whenever I can to the SPA De Québec. I hope everyone who gave money for this cause will also give money to their local shelter.

What you are doing is amazing, I hope that you will reach your goal.

Animals have been living on this planet longer than us, they deserve every bit of respect, let’s not forget that.

I think your outrage is more accurately directed towards the careless affluent than those who believe in the humane treatment of animals. While in some major metropolitan centres one can see dogs carried around in purses and spoiled beyond reason (which I actually have no problem with– do as you please with your own money), animals around the world (and indeed this country) are, for the most part, considered the very bottom of the heap when it comes to doling out compassion and humane treatment. I’m not sure why you suddenly think that everyone cares about and supports animal charities above all else, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. But for those who DO, to suggest that they shouldn’t care or campaign for animals is heartless beyond words, and to suggest that their energy should instead be directed towards causes you PERSONALLY chose to support is self-centred.

For my part, I have absolutely no interest in telling people how they should spend their money or which causes, if any, they should support. As Keira pointed out, each of us has different causes about which we are passionate. If you believe in supporting children’s charities, by all means, direct your funds towards those causes; I would never dare suggest that you should instead support the diabetes foundation or a women’s shelter or Greenpeace or your local soup kitchen. It’s an extremely personal decision.

Moreover, it’s possible to support more than one charity or cause. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that the majority (if not all) of those who have supported the SPCA in this endeavour have also donated towards OTHER causes this year as well.

Okay, I’m done. Sorry for the lengthy post– nothing riles me up more than the suggestion that I am supporting the “wrong” causes or being told how to spend my own money.

When I see a fancy dog boutique in any downtown core, and see people stepping over the man sitting outside the front window who is broken inside and out as they get out of their Mercedes to go in and buy their beloved dog a $10 homemade biscuit, my heartaches for a loss of priorities as a human race - for somehow, a loss of love and basic desire to really feel for each other

See you at the “finish line” and thank you again for your interest and your efforts!!

Cheers,
Renata

I see what you’re saying, entropy71, and I totally understand what you mean. I wouldn’t say that it’s a case of priorities changing. There will always be one cause or another to contribute to and raise awareness for - whether it be cancer research, animal welfare, homelessness or children. It’s impossible for anyone to be involved with all of them and we all have different causes we’re each passionate about - my best suggestion to anyone is to pick a cause you’re passionate about and go for it!