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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, November 11, 2011 · 8 Humane society struggles to find animals a place to call home By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The Oakville & Milton Humane Society is pleading with residents to open their homes temporarily to some furry friends in need. The shelter, located at 445 Cornwall Rd., was closed to the public on Sept. 16, due to a small ringworm outbreak. The closure, which is ongoing as treatment and quarantine proceeds, is causing problems for the humane society, which, at the best of times, struggles to find space for the region's stray and abandoned animals. "While we have one of the highest return-toowner rates in the country for dogs (94 per cent) and cats (17 per cent), the closure, combined with our absolute commitment to low euthanasia, means we need to find foster homes for many of the animals currently being boarded at veterinary clinics and boarding facilities," said Brenda Dushko of the Oakville & Milton Humane Society. "The clock is ticking for us as we are heading into the busiest time of year for these facilities and many are already totally booked from midDecember on. With the shelter not due to open until at least January, it leaves us with a great need for fosters." Heather White, manager of the humane society's community outreach and education, also pointed out a foster family is better for the PHOTO COURTESY OAKVILLE & MILTON HUMANE SOCIETY animal and gives it important life experience in HOMELESS: Many cats and kittens are in a home before it is adopted. need of a home or a foster home in Oakville. "We provide everything the foster parent needs and ask that they keep the foster pet separate from their own pets, if they have them, and also that they be available to bring them to the shelter as needed," said White. Representatives from Oakville & Milton Humane Society said they are grateful to PetSmart in Oakville, PetValu in Clarkson and Ruffins Pet Nutrition in Milton for space to showcase adoptable cats, kittens and small animals. Lower-than-expected adoptions for this time of year at the humane society are continuing in the wake of the ringworm outbreak with 54 cats and kittens, one dog and several small animals adopted out since the shelter closed in mid-September. Ringworm is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus ­ not by a worm as the name suggests. Though itchy and irritating, ringworm is rarely fatal, however, it is contagious, even to humans, which is why the Oakville & Milton Humane Society decided, based on advice from veterinarians, to close the shelter to the public until its staff is confident the shelter is free of the infection. The shelter will not re-open until it is safe to do so, currently, estimated to be some time in January. Ringworm outbreaks are not always treated this way in Ontario. In 2010 the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) shelter in Newmarket was going to put down 350 dogs, cats and other animals because of an alleged ringworm outbreak. It was later determined that few, if any, of the animals had ringworm, but some 57 animals had already been euthanized before staff reversed the decision because of public outcry. Anyone interested in adopting or becoming a foster family to a humane society animal can call 905-845-1551 or visit www.oakvillemiltonhumane.ca for more information. Additional monetary donations are also urgently needed as the ringworm outbreak has resulted in additional treatment and temporary shelter costs that the humane society has been forced to bear. Celebrating 25 years of ROMAC! Join us for the 25th Anniversary of the River Oaks Matur Mature e Adults Club (ROMAC) Wednesday, November 16 2 to 4 p.m. River Oaks Community Centre Former and current members are invited to attend. Visit www.oakville.ca/seniorscentres.htm for more information about Oakville's ' senior services programs and events. SANTA T CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN SATURDAY, SATURDA SA AY, NOVEMBER 19th - 9:00 a.m. m. Ages 3 to 5 Reading Phonics Math Listening Fine Motor Skills Fun Early readers make better learners Research has proven that children who develop strong reading skills early in life learn better, are less likely to fall behind, and are more successful students. Our Little Readers® program, for ages 3 to 5, gives your preschooler a head start toward school success. Small, half-day classes combine the perfect balance of reading, writing, PDWK DQG IXQ :K\ QRW WDNH WKDW LPSRUWDQW ÀUVW VWHS ULJKW QRZ? Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com Oakville South TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES During the Santa Claus Parade, the following roads, and adjacent streets will be closed from 7-11 a.m.: · Lakeshore Road from Allan Street to Kerr Street · Kerr Street from Lakeshore Road to Stewart Street · Stewart Street from Kerr Street to Maurice Drive · Felan Avenue from Stewart Street to Rebecca Street · Rebecca Street from Dorval Drive to Forsythe Street · Robinson Street from Navy Street to Allan Street The co-operation of all motorists is requested. For additional information on road closures, contact Bob deHoog, Road Corridor/Permit Co-ordinator, 905.845.6601 ext. 3337. 905.849.4027 Oakville North 905.469.1929 FREE SANTA SHUTTLE Don't worry about parking, take the free Santa Shuttle provided by Oakville Transit. The free Santa Shuttle runs every 10 minutes from the Oakville GO Station stopping at all regular stops along Reynolds to the Church/Dunn bus terminal. The Santa Shuttle will begin at 8 am with the last Santa Shuttle leaving downtown at 11:30 am. Please note that for safety reasons children must be removed from strollers and/or wagons while on the bus. Strollers must be folded and wagons put in an upright position. During the Parade, Oakville Transit will detour Routes 2, 14, 15 and 17 out of the Parade area. To ensure emergency vehicle and public access, visibility and traffic flow, residents and visitors are asked to adhere to parking regulations during the Parade. For more information on the Oakville Santa Claus Parade visit: www.oakvillesantaclausparade.ca or leave a message at: 905-815-5981