November Recap!

TAGS had a busy November! 

In addition to our regularly scheduled sessions at Whitby PetSmart and local Pet Valu locations, our volunteers were busy this month with several exciting events. Tags Dinner (November 16)

TAGS hosted its volunteers and supporters on Saturday, November 16th for a dinner to celebrate its 26th year serving the Durham Region community. A silent auction was held which raised over $1,000 for the organization.
A big congratulations goes out to the volunteers who were recognized at the dinner! We had 41 "One Year" milestone achievers, two "Five Year" keeners, and FOUR volunteers who were honoured for reaching the 10 year milestone. It was a very inspiring night, thank you to all of our volunteers for their contribution to TAGS, we couldn't do it without you! 

10 Years with TAGS! 
Photo credit: Heather Harton

The festivities were capped off with a slideshow of all of the dogs adopted in 2012 and 2013, bringing back memories of some of the lives TAGS has managed to improve and save in the past two years. 

UOIT Puppy Room (November 20)

What an uplifting day! Quincy, Jasper, Snoopy, Roxy, Sheldon and Biscotti were dispatched to the UOIT campus to bring smiles to stressed out students as they prepare for their exams.
Snoopy, a 9-month-old Dalmation mix was the most energetic dog to come out to play, while Sheldon, a Chihuahua mix and Biscotti, a Cocker Spaniel/Hound, preferred to win hearts by cuddling up to students.

Biscotti working the crowd.
Photo credit: Heather Harton

TAGS also visited the UOIT and Durham College campus earlier this year. Another visit is planned for early 2014.

Pet First Aid (November 24)

This course was taught by veterinarian Dr. Tanya Varley, or Dr. Tanya as she prefers to be called.

Participants learned:

-How to correctly bandage a wound on the leg, using gauze and sticky vet tape
-What key items to have on hand in a Pet First Aid Kit
-How to correctly administer CPR using compressions and breaths for small and large dogs and cats
-What human medications can be used for treatment of some animal ailments & which ones NOT to use
-What human food can be given to our pets to cure an upset tummy and which ones NEVER to give
-Having the knowledge and the confidence to treat a sick or injured pet and when to go to the vet

Oliver's mom learned how to bandage a wound.
Photo credit: Julie White

Needless to say, a broad range of subjects were covered throughout the day. Dr. Tanya answered any and all questions directed at her, which added to the value of the session by far. It was also interesting to learn her perspective on when you need to go to the vet versus knowing when it may not be necessary. This distinction is not always clear. We were also able to discuss more intense subjects such as dealing with an emergency situation in the event a veterinarian was not easily accessible. It was stressed by Dr. Tanya that it is an owner's responsibility to avoid unsafe situations: there is a fine line between letting your dog enjoy itself, and knowing when it is a good idea to stop an activity when it could be unsafe or dangerous.

Adoptions
November was also a very busy month for adoptions! Our adoption committee has been very busy these past few weeks reviewing applications, scheduling home visits, and walking potential new adopters through our adoption process. We'll reveal the adoptions on TAGS Tails this upcoming Monday, December 2. 

New Arrivals

Learn more about these dogs on our adoptions page.

This post was written by Nick.

Wordless Wednesday: Paws n' Hearts circa 2007!

Playing a game at the TAGS corn roast in 2007!
(The event is now called Paws n' Hearts, and this year it's on September 14.)

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This is a blog hop.

Click on the image below for more Wordless Wednesday photos!

Wordless Wednesday: Bella Works on Her Melting Skills

Adoptable Bella using her beagle eyes to make people melt at Pet Valu recently.

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Click on the image below to see more photos

from the participating Wordless Wednesday blogs.

The Paws n' Hearts Jamboree

Mark your calendar! Paws n' Hearts is only a month away! 

What is the Paws n' Hearts Jamboree?
It's an outdoor fundraiser hosted by TAGS in partnership with Guardians Promoting Animal Wellness (G.P.A.W.s). All of the money raised will be used to support animal rescue initiatives.

Who is invited?
Everyone!

How much does it cost to go?
Advance tickets are $7.00, and tickets at the door are $10.00.
* Kids under 12 are free

Can I bring my dog? 
Of course! This event is all about dogs, after all. The event site includes a fenced-in dog park, but we ask that every person supervise his or her own dog or arrange for someone else to do so. In other words, no dog should be in the park without supervision! 

Where is it and how do I get there?
Paws n' Hearts is being held at the TAGS dog park.

Click on the map to view a larger version. 

What can I do there?

• Listen to live entertainment from three different musical groups throughout the day, including Hard Tymes and The Winter Vault. Make sure you bring a lawn chair! 
• Watch demonstrations in between musical sets from G.P.A.W.s, TAGS, a local groomer, and more!
• Bid on items in the silent auction.
• Participate in the 50/50 draw and other contests running throughout the day.
• Play doggy games with your furry friend(s).
• Eat! (There will be burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks for sale for $5.00).
• Browse vendor booths and purchase items (not all are dog-related, so there will be a big variety)! 

Dexter is excited for Paws n' Hearts!

I want to be involved! What can I do? 

• We will be accepting donations for silent auction items or door prizes until Monday, September 9. The more items you are able to contribute, the better! This way, we will be able to raise more funds to allow us to continue to do our rescue work. 
• Volunteer! We need people to help supervise the dog park, sell draw tickets, handle cash at the BBQ, and assist with setup and take down of booths. 
• Spread the word! Join our Facebook event and let everyone in your social circle know what you'll be up to on September 14. The more, the merrier! 

Can I be a vendor?
Yes! The cost to set up a vendor booth at Paws n' Hearts is $25, and there will be room for two or three people per booth. Remember, your business does not have to be dog-related.

What else do I need to know?

• It is likely that Paws n' Hearts will be a cash-only event. Please plan accordingly because there are no banks or ATMs near the TAGS dog park.
• For tickets and vendor information, contact Kathy (tagsinfo@yahoo.ca), Shari (sharis.quest@yahoo.ca) or Rick (rickrene@bell.net). 
• For other information, please ask in the comments! 

Wordless Wednesday: TAGS Goes to the Mall!

Volunteers Wendy, Nicky and Jenn were at the Oshawa Centre on Sunday to promote TAGS.
The big red dog got a bunch of hugs throughout the day from kids passing by! 

This is a blog hop. Check out the other participating blogs as well by clicking on the image below.

Oshawa Centre Community Contact Day

Are you still hesitating about volunteering? The Animal Guardian Society promotes its volunteer and foster programs every June at the Oshawa Centre. 

Our table

If you have any questions or concerns and don't want to write lengthy emails, come out and talk to some of our volunteers to get a better picture of what TAGS is about. We always need volunteers or foster homes, and you can apply online.

Some of the positions available:

-PetSmart volunteers
-Fosters
-Designated cameraman or -woman for our YouTube channel
-Graphic designer

 

We will also be selling various dog toys, dog jackets, magnets, stickers and much more in order to raise money for our dogs and cats in need.

Our big red dog has become an attraction of its own over the years. Come and take a photo with him!

Dates: June 22, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
            June 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Oshawa Centre, 419 King Street West, Oshawa, ON L1J 2K5

Our big red dog

Wordless Wednesday: Off to the Races!

Jill having fun at the Furry Friends 5K on Sunday. 

Throughout the event, Jill wore a race shirt that identified her as a dog up for adoption.
Make sure she doesn't need this shirt next year. Put in an application to adopt Jill! 

This is a blog hop. Check out the other participating blogs as well by clicking on the image below.

Wordless Wednesday: Ohmmm...Ohmmm...

Scooter meditates while using a newly discovered
chin rest during a PetSmart shift. What a goof! 

This is a blog hop. Check out the other blogs by clicking on the picture below.

Paws for Mental Health: Ontario Shores 2k Paws-a-Thon Dog Walk

                                     

On Sunday, May 26, 2013, all are welcome to attend the Paws for Mental Health 2k Paws-a-Thon Dog Walk!

Where/When
Sunday, May 26, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
700 Gordon Street, Whitby

Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental illness severe enough to affect their daily activities? The sad reality is that even more than that will become affected by mental illness or affected by the mental illness of someone close to them. 

Did you know that dogs are effective in helping to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and and other aspects of mental illness?

This event will showcase the therapeutic benefits and joys that dogs bring!

When you support Ontario Shores, you are providing patients with specialized, recovery-focused mental health care and the benefits of a broad range of innovative research. You also join the important and growing public conversation about mental health. This walk-a-thon event will support the building of a new Family Resource Centre and Staff Health and Wellness programs at Ontario Shores. 

Also, The Animal Guardian Society (that's us!) will be joining dog lovers, owners and those supporting Ontario Shores in what should be a lovely afternoon! We will have a booth, staffed by our knowledgeable volunteers. Purchase some of our exciting gift items, including TAGS T-shirts, doggy jackets, magnets, stickers and toys.

Why I Volunteer: Jenn

Oakley at PetSmart.

I volunteer in animal rescue because I love animals. 

...Obviously, right? But it's about more than just loving them. It's about believing that they deserve more respect and love than they receive. And it's about fighting for their rights when they cannot do so themselves.

I read a quote once (and unfortunately I do not remember where) that said: "One day, you will wake up and realize a lifelong dream that you never knew you had."

I suppose a realization of that nature is how I ended up applying to be a volunteer with TAGS. I was on the website looking at adoptable dogs and cats and fantasizing about actually being able to adopt one (I live with my parents, who have decided that our two cats are enough for one house), and then I landed on the In Memorium page. I was so moved by the stories I read. Not only had this rescue organization clearly changed the lives of all the people who were sharing their memories, but I was overwhelmed with happiness for the dogs. Their lives had been changed for the better because they were adopted, yes, but the real moment their lives changed was when they were rescued. After having such an emotional reaction to these testimonies and memories, I instantly knew that I had to be involved somehow. However, I wasn't quite sure how I would be able to help since I couldn't adopt or foster at this point in my life.

Cali at a Pet Valu Adoptathon.

Looking through the volunteer application cleared up any questions I had. There were several areas that needed volunteers and that interested me for different reasons, so I knew I would be able to help out in one way or another. During my interview, I was asked if I would like to be a part of the TAGS Social Media Committee, which was just forming around the time I submitted my application. I thought this was a great way for me to volunteer as it could be done from home, and I could use skills I gained while studying for my degree in journalism. That said, I also wanted to do something hands-on with the animals I would be writing about, especially since wanting to be around animals was part of my initial motivation for applying.

As a result, I am also part of a large group of volunteers who take turns showing dogs at local PetSmart and Pet Valu locations on the weekends. The shifts usually pass by pretty quickly—I spend the time alternating between getting to know the dogs we have in the store and talking to customers about TAGS and our adoptable dogs. A large chunk of the time also goes to story swapping—everyone loves to talk about the furry friends in their lives, so there are always lots of quirky stories being exchanged. (Note: I really do try to keep my cat stories to a minimum. Really, I do. It's just that my minimum is probably someone else's maximum.)

Rocky at PetSmart. Love this little guy!

I enjoy my roles, but at the end of the day, I volunteer in rescue because too many dogs and cats are homeless, neglected, abused or misunderstood. I volunteer in rescue so that I can be part of an organization that educates the public about pet health, training, the needs of animals and responsible pet ownership. I volunteer in rescue because I want the number of dogs and cats being euthanized each year to go down, not up.

I volunteer in rescue because I love the feeling I get when I find out one of the TAGS animals has found his or her fur-ever home.

If you can't adopt...foster.
If you can't foster...volunteer.
If you can't volunteer...donate.
If you can't donate...educate, network and share.
Everyone can do something to help animals in need. 

Boston Pizza Celebrity Server Event!

You are invited to attend the Boston Pizza Celebrity Server Event!

This Wednesday, March 13th, volunteers from TAGS will be pairing up with servers at Boston Pizza (Whitby North location) to serve you and your friends hot, delicious meals between 5:00 and 8:00p.m. 

We are so excited about this fundraising event because it allows us to meet more members of our community. Also, since part of the proceeds from the food sales are going to TAGS, the event will raise money for our rescue dogs, some of whom desperately need some help.

Photo by : Robert Duncan

Look at the picture above and slowly count to five. 

Still not convinced that you should spend your Wednesday night with us? Here are the top reasons why you should attend the Boston Pizza Celebrity Server Event: 

1. You get to eat pizza! (and other delicious menu items)
2. It's on hump day. Sharing a meal with friends or family is the perfect way to start the second half of your week.  
3. 10% of the food sales from the night will be donated directly to TAGS, which will help us pay for things like vet bills and dog food.
4. You will get to meet some wonderful volunteers from TAGS!
5. You...get...to...eat...pizza! 

RSVP on our event page and invite your friends. See you on Wednesday! 

TAGS Dogs at PetSmart Oshawa

We love to showcase our dogs around the community at various outreach events so that people can find out more about us and maybe even find a new family member.

You may already know that we can be found in the Whitby PetSmart every weekend, but did you also know that we've started setting up shop in the Oshawa location as well? Every Saturday from 12:00-4:00 p.m., we are there to share information about our adoptable dogs, the adoption process and volunteer opportunities.

Yesterday, Shelly, Sam and Jennifer were the volunteers on duty, and Balin and Rocky were there with tails wagging to meet and greet visitors.

Rocky and Shelly pose at the TAGS booth.

Rocky's eager to play. Balin watches from the background. 

Balin sits pretty, eagerly waiting for a treat. 

See you again next weekend!

Wordless Wednesday: TAGS visits UOIT/DC!

UOIT students hang out with Sheldon (formerly Redman)
 at Durham College & UOIT's Puppy Room January 21.

This is a blog hop—please click the link below to visit other participating blogs. 

Outreach Event - Pet Valu Adoptathon

The Animal Guardian Society is set up for an adoptathon event at the Pet Valu in Oshawa located at the intersection of Taunton and Harmony. The adoptathon will be on Saturday, January 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

June Bug, Noelle, Lexi Leigh and Tanya will be at Pet Valu on Saturday and can't wait to meet you! Click on their names below to view their profiles on Petfinder. 

June Bug - a Shetland sheepdog (Sheltie) mix

Noelle - a rat terrier mix

Lexi Leigh - a terrier/shih tzu mix

Tanya - a Chesapeake bay retriever

TAGS Dogs Are Headed to College!

The Animal Guardian Society is teaming up with the Student Association at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) to help students conquer Blue Monday blues.

Hard to feel blue when you're looking into these eyes!
(Livvy is available for adoption through TAGS.)

The third Monday in January has been dubbed "Blue Monday" as it is considered to be the most depressing day of the year. The days are short, the weather is nasty, and the holidays are over—which means there is less to look forward to and, potentially, some leftover Christmas-related bills to deal with.

To help reduce student stress and lighten the mood on Blue Monday, TAGS dogs will be at the North Oshawa campus January 21 to lend a paw as part of a campus-wide de-stress day.

The Student Association will be hosting the event in its Student Centre lounge, where they also plan to have massage therapists, snacks and refreshments available for students.

Playing with dogs is a great stress reliever.
(Iggy is available for adoption.)

Dogs from TAGS will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to receive pats and hugs from student visitors.

The idea to include TAGS dogs in the de-stress day came from Dalhousie University's puppy room, a successful campaign held last fall that helped students unwind during the exam period. Dogs from a local organization were invited to play and interact with students who needed a break from the grind of student life.

Stay tuned to find out how the TAGS dogs' visit to Durham College/UOIT goes!

Pub Night Fundraiser for the Dogs

TAGS had a really good year, both fundraising- and adoption-wise.

But this is a new year now, and we have prepared fresh ideas to save more dogs and cats from high-kill shelters or pounds.

Click on the image and like this event on Facebook!

During times like this, when people think twice about where to spend their money, it becomes especially hard to receive donations. That's why we are always trying to come up with new, creative ideas that will give people something in exchange for their generous donations.

On January 12, we are gathering together in the Portly Piper Pub in Ajax for a wonderful night that will include a fun 50/50 draw, live music and food. And the entry fee is only $10! Live entertainment will be provided by Loud'n'Clear.

You can buy tickets even at the door. The event starts at 8:00 p.m. Don't miss out on this great night!

View Larger Map

 
Don't forget to RSVP to this event on our Facebook page!

Outreach Event: Canadian Tire

Every weekend TAGS has an outreach event at the Petsmart store in Whitby. A couple of volunteers and a few dogs are at the store between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

This past weekend, though, brought a fun, once-a-year event that TAGS has participated in for the past two years—an outreach event at Canadian Tire! 

Here we are, set up right between the kitchen appliances and checkout counters

Canadian Tire has been a great location to show off our dogs for a few reasons: 

• There's an element of surprise for the shoppers, and the store is always packed with people shopping on the weekends.
• There aren't any other dogs, like there often are with the shoppers at Petsmart, which ensures a more relaxed atmosphere for the TAGS dogs.
• In most cases, the shoppers at Canadian Tire might not already have a dog (as opposed to shoppers at Petsmart) and would be more likely to adopt a dog they've seen at the store.

Dawson, ready for his big debut

The day was a huge success for both dogs, Tucker and Dawson, being showcased. Both received attention from Canadian Tire employees who are currently considering adopting a dog.

Dawson charmed everyone by nudging for belly rubs or giving his paw for a "handshake" and eventually formed a "fan base" around himself. His friendly charm resulted in not only a bone for him from one of his admirers but also two adoption applications for him the very same day! 

A very relaxed Dawson, gnawing away on a bone from a potential adopter

Canadian Tire has been a great place for TAGS to create awareness about the rescue, and we are hoping to have more chances to feature our dogs in the store in the future.