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RAPSity News
September 2009
RAPS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sat. Sept. 12th -- Drop-in Obedience Class at the Richmond Animal Shelter.  (9:15-check in; 9:30 - instruction begins)

Sat, Sept. 19th -- Drop-in Obedience Class

Sat. Sept. 26th -- Drop-in Obedience Class

Sunday Afternoons in September -- Visiting Hours at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary (1:00 - 4:00 PM).  Call 604-275-2036 for directions.

Sept 26th & 27th -- Pet Food Drive at the Richmond Animal Shelter

Halloween Haunt at RAPS -- Sat., Oct. 31; Time TBD.  Mark your calendars.  Get your dog's costume ready!

Bunny Waste for Your Garden -- Free!
Come pick up bunny waste for your home garden!  RAPS has lots of bunny waste for pick-up at the Richmond Animal Shelter.  Just bring a box or bin during open hours and it's yours!  Take as much as you'd like!
Pet Food Drive on the Weekend of Sept. 26 and 27th

This summer RAPS took in a record number of animals from the group of Urban Barn Cats, as well as an extraordinary number of dogs found abandoned in Richmond.  Some of these animals have been adopted, but most are still waiting for their forever homes.  Please help us feed these precious souls, by donating cans and bags of quality cat food, dog food, or rabbit supplies on the weekend of Sept. 26th and 27th.  You can drop off your donation from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Richmond Animal Shelter.  Thanks for helping RAPS help animals. 
Training Tips from Downtown Dogs

Q: I’m attending your fall puppy classes when my teacup Yorkie will be around four months. I'm not sure what to do about training in the meantime; I live in downtown Vancouver, and there are lots of dogs, people and cars. I would like her to be comfortable with everything. What should I work on before class starts?

A: This is a common question from many new puppy owners. The best thing you can do for your new girl is to get her out in the big wide world and positively introduce her to new experiences and noises, a little at a time. Puppies, like babies, need to experience the world in order to get comfortable with their place in it.

Although she is a little dog, avoid the temptation to pick her up whenever other dogs come around or any time she looks intimidated/fearful. This is a mistake many toy breed owners make with their puppies. Picking your puppy up in these situations sends a message to her that there *is* something to be afraid of, and the big reward of being picked up will inadvertently encourage a fear response from her in the future!

If your puppy shows fear in new situations, use lots of verbal encouragement and praise to show her how confident *you* are.  She will respond based on the cues that you give her. But use your best judgment. She doesn't have to meet every dog or person on the street. Too much stimulation can be overwhelming for a little pup and can negatively influence future interactions, so give the dog park a miss for now.

A word of caution: when you are out on the street with her, be careful that she doesn't sniff any dog's "leavings" on the street, or come nose-to-nose with strange dogs. Although most dogs are vaccinated and the chances of her getting anything are slim, it’s still a chance you don’t want to take.

Christine Reynard is the owner and trainer at Downtown Dogs.  If you have question for Christine, email her at christine@downtowndogs.ca
The  Richmond  Animal  Protection  Society (RAPS) is a registered charitable organization that operates two shelters in Richmond, BC -- the RAPS City Shelter and the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.

Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS)
12071 No. 5 Road
Richmond, BC
(604) 275-2036
newsletter@rapsociety.com

Executive Director:
Carol Reichert

Newsletter Writer/Editor:
Christie Lagally

Newsletter Copy Editor:
Helen Savkovic

Contributing Writers:
Shane Burnham
Serena Bornholdt
Barbara Dudok
Sonya Kamp
Leslie Landa
Marianne Moore
Christine Reynard

Photographers:
Tracey Garbutt
Marianne Moore
Barbara Dudok
Debbie Wolanski
Cat Sitter Available
Reliable Adult Cat Sitter:  Tame or Feral.  I will provide loving care in your home.  Several years experience.  References available.

Stephanie
604-277-7622
stephross@shaw.ca
IN GOOD HANDS
A Pet Service

Planning a get away? Leave your home and animals IN GOOD HANDS.  Honest, reliable, mature women with dog walking experience will spend quality time with your pets in the comfort of your own home.

Your home is safe, your pets are happy.  Daily dog walking available.

References available
Call Kim:  778-968-3605
kim_1957@live.ca

Back to School for You and Your Dog!
RAPS, together with Downtown Dogs Owner and Certified Master Trainer Christine Reynard, is offering drop-in dog obedience classes on Saturday mornings at the Richmond Animal Shelter.
 
Beginning Saturday, September 12th, join us to brush up on your dog’s training or come out to teach him some brand new skills! These fun and energetic classes will incorporate elements from Basic and Intermediate Obedience, as well as Rally Obedience and Agility. Classes are open to dogs that are new to training, as well as those with some experience. (Please note that dogs must be working on a “martingale” style training collar and a 6-foot leash.)

Christine will be teaching these classes from 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM every Saturday morning this fall (rain or shine!).  No pre-registration is required (cuz it’s 'drop-in'); arrive at 9:15 to check-in and pay, instruction starts promptly at 9:30 AM. The fee is just $10.00 per class and all proceeds go directly to support dog programs at the Richmond Animal Shelter.  Click here for a flyer. 
 
We hope to see you and your pooch there!  Call 604-275-2036 for more information
Adoption Profile:  Mei Mei
By Serena Bornholdt, RAPS Volunteer

Mei Mei is a 10-year-old Shar Pei.  Despite her age, Mei Mei has lots of energy and spunk.  She is a great companion on walks and loves to lead the way.  Mei Mei is also a champion sniffer; she has a zest for exploring and picking up new scents.  She would love a comfortable home where she can lie back and receive lots of cuddles and love.  Mei Mei is a sweet girl who would be great for anyone who wants an adult dog. 

Cats Can Sleep Anywhere!
By Marianne Moore

Someone once said: “Cats are strange creatures that are prone to many ailments, but insomnia isn’t one of them”.  How true!  Not only can they happily sleep sixteen to eighteen hours daily, but it seems they can fall asleep just about anywhere.

They love to sleep in small, cozy, enclosed spaces, preferably high up, maybe because they feel safer like that.  However, some of the awkward places they choose hardly seem safe.  I mean, how safe can sleeping on a narrow ledge, in a tree or on top of a hanging fluorescent light fixture really be? 
                                        
Truly carefree cats sprawl while they sleep, with head, feet and/or tails sticking out or hanging down any which way.
 
When it’s hot, they prefer to sprawl in the shade, causing the courtyards at the sanctuary to resemble the site of a major train wreck.  When it’s cold, cuddled up with one or more of their furry companions, preferably on a wooly blanket and under a heat lamp, is what they’ll choose.  Generally, the warmer the location, the more likely it is that you’ll find a cat sleeping in, on, or under it. 

Do cats dream?  Who knows, but many of them twitch in their sleep, perhaps dreaming of chasing birds or being chased by a dog. And some of them snore – not just a gentle whiffle but sometimes a full-blown GZZZAAWK that can be heard across the room!

Whatever their choices for sleeping places at RAPS’ Cat Sanctuary, many cats there would prefer to sleep on a lap or safe in loving human arms.



The RAPS Cat Sanctuary is home to almost 900 cats that have been rescued from the streets, but who have not yet been adopted.  To help support the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, you can sponsor a cat or donate online.  The Sanctuary is open for visiting on Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.   Call 604-275-2036 for details.
Tails from the Road
By Shane Burnham

The RAPS Animal Control Officers (ACO) have a hard job, but they take every day in stride.  Here are a few of their adventures. 

AUG 5 -- Two boys reported an injured dog in a church parking lot. Officer Burnham arrived on scene and found the boys with the small white dog who appeared to be in distress. The dog was taken to No.2 Road Animal Hospital for treatment then brought back to the shelter. The owner came in the next day to reclaim the dog.
 
AUG 7-- RAPS received a report of "a lot" of small dogs in a garage. Officer Burnham attended and found a total of 16 small dogs of various breeds. The owner claimed that 3 belonged to her, 3 were her brother's, and the rest belonged to friends who were overseas and would be returning soon for school. Burnham also informed the City of Richmond about the situation as there is a limit on how many dogs can reside at a residence.
 
AUG 12 -- RAPS received a report of a pit bull type of dog being walked off leash and which subsequently attacked a cat in the complainant's yard. The dog owner took no responsibility and stated "that's what dogs do". The complainant followed the dog owner for a bit but lost track of them. The cat did not suffer any major injuries. Richmond Bylaws require pit bulls or pit bull mixes to be leashed and muzzled at all times. The file is still under investigation by Officer Kilborn.
 
AUG 13 -- A dead dog and a second dog were reported tied up to a tree in an industrial area in Richmond. Burnham attended and observed the reported complaint. City Bylaws and RCMP were called in to assist due to the circumstances. Burnham recognized the dog, and called the owner to attend. The owner stated he works at the location and was aware the older dog was on his last legs. The dog passed away while the owner was not on the property.
Shelter Wish List
A few items that RAPS needs donated this month!
  • paper towels
  • toilet paper
  • eco-friendly cleaning supplies
  • liquid (not powder) laundry soap
  • wet and dry cat food
  • plain paper
  • digital camera (used is fine!)
  • Lean Cuts canned dog food
  • scotch tape
  • paving stones for the new cat run
Donations can be dropped off at the Richmond Animal Shelter at 12071 No. 5 Road in Richmond.  Call 604-275-2036 for more information.

You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up for the RAPS E-newsletter at either the RAPS City Shelter, a RAPS event or online at www.rapsociety.com. The Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is a registered charity that operates two shelters in the City of Richmond — the RAPS Cat Sanctuary and the RAPS City Shelter. Registered Canadian Charity #890733777 RR0001. Thank you for supporting the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS).

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