Farewell, Maggie May...

It is with a sad heart that I say a final goodbye to Maggie May, as she died on Thursday, February 26th after a short and sudden illness. Some of my fondest TAGS memories are of Maggie. She and I came into the program around the same time in January '03. All of Maggie's new puppies quickly found their forever homes, but Maggie was still waiting.

As it turns out, her foster home ended up being her forever home, and I know she could not have been more loved than she was with her foster mom, Sandra. She often told me about the things this funny little dog would do. Maggie liked to sleep under the blankets, but not for too long because she would get too hot. She also liked to steal toys from her fellow foster dogs and then taunt them with the toys to initiate a game of keep away. I always thought that Maggie was a bit a of a clown - I know she loved the attention.

I know that what many people saw when they looked at her was a stockily built, brindle coloured "pit-bull type" of dog, but I always saw a charismatic, vivacious, energetic, spunky, sweet, wiggly, and lovable dog that truly had a zest for life. I remember the sheer joy on her face as she ran around the dog park heedless of obstacles like benches or trees. She had such an expressive face that it was easy to tell when she was happy. She was misunderstood by some I'm sure, but those of us who knew her, loved her, and we feel her loss.

Maggie May, you will be remembered, and you will be missed.

dog ban at the beach

The Toronto Sun ran a story today about an impending ban on dogs at beaches in the city, either on or off leash. The owners of offending pooches face a $200-$300 fine. Read the story or watch the video at www.torontosun.com/dogs

They said, "Okay boy, let's go for a ride"

I thought, "Okay" and hopped inside

After a while, he pulled off the road

I remember it was really cold

He opened the door and said, "Out you go!"

Then he drove away as I stood in the snow

I ran around for a day or two

Then someone picked me up

I thought I was through...

He took me to a place and put me in a cage

I felt like I was on a stage

People looking, walking by

All I could do was stand there and cry!

Why did those people do me like that...

Throw me away like an old hat?

They rotate the dogs here every seven days

And after that...well, you'd be amazed

Then in came a woman all dressed in white

She bent down and said, "It'll be alright."

You're coming home to live with me

In a beautiful house with a big oak tree.

So if you're reading this today

Some dog's' time is ticking away...

PLEASE ADOPT!

Maggie's Adoption Day

It is always a happy day when one of our TAGS dogs is officially adopted, and Saturday was that day for Maggie, the 2 year old yellow lab. After having her adoption papers signed, she played a game of fetch in the dog park with her new forever family. Congratulations Maggie and family.

Watch the video!!!

Congratulations to Bailey and Bob, our Top Dog at training class!!

"I ain't no Beverly Hills Chihuahua"

Bruiser

Foster Homes Urgently Needed

Consider the number of unwanted animals in shelters, many will never have a second chance.
Sadly they will be put to death simply because there are just not enough good homes.
How can you make a difference?
Open your heart and your home and become a foster family for a needy dog or cat.
Learn more about our foster program at our website www.animalguardian.org under volunteer positions.
Spring is coming and the need for foster care will be great, don't delay.
There is no greater reward than a gentle lick on the face to say thank you for giving me a second chance.

Behaviour Problems?

If you have recently adopted a new puppy or adult dog and your finding yourself at
wits end, help is only a phone call away!
We will speak with you or set up a free consultation to get you and your pet off on the right paw!
Check out the training tips under the Training section of our website www.animalguardian.org

Senior Spaniel Makes Canine Comeback

(CBS) In the ring at the Best of Show competition at the Westminister Dog Show, the judge said: "I love them all. Tonight: The Sussex."

And with that, Champion Clussexx Three D. Grinchy Glee, better known as Stump, pawed his way into Westminster history, CBS News anchor Katie Couric reports.

At 10 years old, Stump is the oldest contestant to win the world's most famous dog show, coming out of retirement to beat nearly 2,500 of his fellow canines.

But his road to the title has been littered with drama.

After making it all the way to the finals at Westminster in 2004, he caught a nearly fatal bacterial infection.

"He couldn't pick his head up," said Scott Sommer, Stump's handler. "He couldn't stand up. He had 105-107 temperature for a week. It was awful."

Not only was he expected never to compete again, few believed he'd even live to see his sixth birthday.

So last night capped an expected never to compete again. Few believed he'd even live to see his sixth birthday.

So last night capped an epic comeback. Wednesday, he has his victory lunch, savoring steak tartar at New York's Grand Central Station. Thursday, he will fly back home to Texas - in First Class.

"No more dog shows. That's it. And he's gonna sit on the couch and sleep on the bed and do whatever he wants to do," Sommer said.


Love those senior dogs!!

Car Magnets support Rescue

The Animal Guardian Society has a number of car magnets for sale.
Proceeds go directly to our rescue program.
Show your support by purchasing a car magnet for only $6.00.
Various shapes, and styles.
If you don't see what you are looking for just ask us.
You can view some of the magnets at our website www.animalguardian.org under merchandise
for sale.

Spring is coming think Flea Prevention

With spring just around the corner its time to start thinking about flea prevention.
Using a safe method for flea prevention is the way to go.
Brewers Yeast and Garlic Tablets are safe for your pet, and keep those pesty fleas at bay.
Rather than chemical treatments that may be toxic to your pet, this is an easy way
to maintain your pets health.
Available at most pet stores or pharmacy's.
Put the tabs in your pets food daily, keep this up all year long as a solid prevention program.

Welcome to our new Website

The Animal Guardian Society is now in our 22nd year of operation!
We are pleased to announce our new website!! We hope that you will find the information helpful.
Should you have any questions or suggestions on topics for our blog please let us know, we love to hear from you!!
Don't forgot to check out the beautiful dogs and cats for adoption, they are just waiting for
a new forever home...it could be you.

Kathy

Welcome to Animal Guardians New Blog

MISSION STATEMENT

It is our mission to provide re-homing and medical care to displaced companion animals and to support the community in areas of humane education, behaviour counseling, the promotion of responsible pet ownership, and the needs of animals.

VISION STATEMENT

• To sustain the operation of our program and continue to serve and protect the animal citizens of our community.
• To never see any animal abused, abandoned or left unwanted.
• To continue to provide medical care and training to animals in our care.
• To construct a shelter that will provide safe housing for animals until permanent homes are found.
• To ensure that our shelter offers a centre for learning and education to our community.
  To see no animal put to death in municipally run shelters because they are overlooked or due to lack of space.
• To encourage those that profess their love and dedication to animals to take a stand to educate and participate in the cause of rescue.
• To see the day when rescue will no longer be necessary, as all animals will have safe loving homes.