CORNWALL, Ontario – It’s a very busy time of year at our local branch of the OSPCA, with Critter Camp in full swing, a kitty adoption drive in full gear, and preparations for the upcoming Cash for Critters Motorcycle Rally.
For children from six to thirteen, Critter Camp teaches about “pet ownership and responsibility,” said Carol Link, executive director of the SDG OSPCA. “The kids love it, they want to come back.”
Link explained that campers are assigned a pet for the week that they are responsible for. There are guest speakers every day, a veterinarian, therapy dogs, and reptile demonstrations. “We have a lot of fun.”
The camp takes place in the shelter’s education building at the back of their facility. Something that the general public is not aware of, the shelter was able to secure a grant a few years ago and part of those funds went towards small building specifically for camp, explained Link.
This space is also available for use by the community, for a donation. It has been used for Girl Guide gatherings, birthday parties and other meetings. It also includes a tour of the shelter and animals.
Unfortunately, the popular Critter Camp is full for this year, but mark your calendar and get a jump on next year. “Registration begins as early as March. It fills up very quickly.”
The SD&G branch is busily working to find good homes for their large population of cats. “It’s a busy time of year,” said Link, “Once spring hits we start seeing lots of litters, so there is an influx of cats.” The cats come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas, are micro-chipped, and with six free weeks of health insurance.
The 6th annual Cash for Critters Bike Rally is being held on Saturday, August 24. This year’s event will be in memory of Pat Hurley, a friend of the shelter, who had been on the ride for several years, but passed away suddenly, last year.
Pledge forms are available on line at www.sdg.ontariospca.ca (under events) or at the animal shelter (550 Boundary Rd. in Cornwall). For further information call 613-936-0072 or email sdg@ospca.on.ca. Participants can get pledges or pay a minimum registration fee of $25. Approximately 80 participants helped raise over yast year’s event $5,000. The ride starts at NavCentre, (registration at 9:00am) throughout SDG counties. “It’s a nice scenic route.” The ride concludes at 11:30 for a BBQ and prizes. “It’s a really fun, fun day.”
As always, “funds go to support all of our critters here at the shelter,” said Link. Everything stays here at this branch, for needs such as vet care, food, toys, cleaning supplies.
Of course, donations are always needed and greatly appreciated, including clay cat litter (not clumping) cleaning supplies, bleach, wet kitten food.
“We are presently on a feeding program, in house,” said Link who explained that they are trying, as much as possible, to keep the animals on a regular diet of Iams animal food products.
Pet owners are again reminded not to leave their pet in vehicles, and outside in the heat, and to always provide fresh water for them.
