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™. Shilo's New Beginning   Volunteer Spotlight   Thank You Pet Valu   iAdopt for Fall   Volunteer Software Launched   Friends For Life! Walk™

Shilo's New Beginning    We’re very happy to report that “Shilo”, one of our long-term residents with the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Branch, has been adopted into his forever  home. Shilo is a very high-energy dog who didn’t receive the training he needed in his “formative months”. He was transferred to our branch from another Ontario SPCA branch after he had been adopted and returned. He was adopted and returned again at our branch, due to his high energy and special training needs. With his high energy, it seemed he would benefit from having a job to do. Then Keith and Chantal from "Harry and Rupert’s Hotel for Dogs" met Shilo, and we knew we had the perfect match for him. Shilo has joined the other dogs in the family and is being trained as a working dog. When we asked Chantal how Shilo is settling in she responded, “he is a very happy guy and wiggles his butt a lot”. We’re so glad to hear Shilo is happy in his new home and is making many new canine friends! View adoptable animals here.         Volunteer Spotlight   Jan is so incredibly dedicated to our dogs here at the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Branch. She is here every Wednesday and Friday no matter how terrible the weather!  Jan has worked many hours with professional trainers to learn all she can about various training methods. She has a true gift with our dogs. Jan even trains our other volunteers to work with and walk the dogs. Each dog receives her one-on-one time, attention, expertise and patience, all of which are needed to help each dog become a more trained, sociable, and adoptable family pet. She is truly our resident "Dog Whisperer". Jan also volunteers at fundraisers and events such as our Friends for Life! Walk™ (at registration) and Pet Photos With Santa (she is the dog/pet handler). She is always willing to give her time and help out in other ways as well. Thank you Jan! View volunteer opportunities here.     Thank You Pet Valu April was Pet Appreciation Month for Pet Valu Stores. The Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Branch is very grateful to have been chosen to receive the proceeds from the 4th Annual Pet Appreciation Event – (“BUY A PAW, HELP A PET”) from both of the Pet Valu stores in Orangeville. The event raised money through the sale of paper paws at both stores for the entire month of April. Paws were purchased by Pet Valu customers for donations of $1, $2, $5 or more, and posted in the windows and walls at the stores. The two Orangeville Pet Valu stores dedicated their fundraising efforts for this event to the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Branch with a total of $3,310 donated for the care of the animals. Thank you to the Pet Valu Orangeville stores and their customers for supporting this fundraising program!             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.

Calla Spencer Manager Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre