August 2014 Welcome to NewsHound!     In this edition of NewsHound, read about iAdopt for Fall, learn more about the launch of the new volunteer management software and find out how to register and take part in the upcoming Friends For Life! Walk™. Another Happy Ending   In Need of Volunteers   Adoption Appeal for "Zorro"   iAdopt for Fall   Volunteer Software Launched   Friends For Life! Walk™

Another Happy Ending    The Ontario SPCA Midland & District Branch has had many challenges during the summer with a greater-than-usual amount of friendly felines arriving daily. “Toopy” and “Crickett” are just two of many! They came to the shelter on April 10th when they were abandoned in a box with severe chemical burns to their bodies. Their daily treatment turned into weeks, and then weeks into months, but recently Toopy and Crickett were finally ready to find loving homes, which they did. This is one of the many happy endings that we are fortunate to share and smile about. Congratulations to Toopy and Crickett and their new families on finding perfect forever homes. View adoptable animals here.       In Need of Volunteers   The Ontario SPCA Midland & District Branch has some great volunteers! Most of our volunteers are retired members of the community, but we also have our fair share of part time workers and students. We are still in great need of helping hands to help care for abandoned and neglected animals. These great people can all assure you that volunteering with us is a very rewarding experience, not to mention a great way to give back to your community. We are always in need of helping hands so please stop in and see what you can do to help! View volunteer opportunities here.     Adoption Appeal for "Zorro" There always seems to be a cat or dog that for some reason stays at a shelter longer than others, whether that’s due to colour, size or disposition. “Zorro” is one of those kitties. He came to the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Branch from an investigation with a handful of other kittens. While all his other pals have been adopted, he is still here, patiently waiting for a family to call his own. Plenty of candidates have passed by, glancing at him or petting his paw through the cage before moving on to the next cat. Hopefully soon that right person will go to his cage, open the door and shake his paw, and say “you are coming home with me!” If you think you might be the right person for our lovely Zorro, please come by soon. He is waiting for you!             iAdopt for Fall   Because there’s no better time to fall in love, iAdopt For Fall.   Wouldn’t it be nice to have a furry companion to enjoy the fresh fall weather with?   What better time to welcome a new addition into your family than during the fall months!   From August 1st – September 30th, particpating societies will be running the “iAdopt for Fall” adoption campaign.   Take our online Meet Your Match™ adopter survey so you’ll know before coming in to one of our shelters which type of animal you really click with. Take the survey now!   To learn more about iAdopt,  visit www.iadopt.ca.           Volunteers can now manage their own schedule!™   Ontario SPCA volunteers can now update their contact information and manage their own schedule all from home. The Ontario SPCA has launched a new online software system called "Better Impact"; this system is especially designed to manage volunteers and provide a more efficient way of communicating. As a volunteer you can sign up for shifts, inform us of any vacations, log hours, or change your phone number all from your home. Volunteers just need an email address and access to the internet to get started. For more information see you branch for details or log into www.myvolunteer.page.com to create your web page.         Friends For Life! Walk™   September 20th and 21st, 2014 is the Friends for Life! Walk™ weekend to save pets. Around the province thousands of walk participants will enjoy a stroll with their families in their community to help raise support for animals in need across Ontario.  Even people without pets can come out to enjoy the day and support this worth while cause.   Find a walk near you.   This event is your opportunity to help the thousands of animals at the Ontario SPCA  who are waiting to find their own friend for life!   Visit friendsforlifewalk.ca to register and learn more.

Caytlynn Croisier Manager, Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre