June 2009
RAPS CALENDER OF EVENTS
Sunday, June 7th -- Bake-off for Bunnies! (1 - 3 pm) Sign up now!Saturday, June 20th -- City Shelter Clean-up Day and BBQ. Let us know you are coming!Wednesday, July 1 (Canada Day) -- RAPS at the Salmon Festival and Parade in Steveston Volunteer to help out!Saturday, July 12 -- Island Vet Hospital Yard Sale for RAPS Saturday, July 18th -- Animal Wellness Day (time TBD)
Yard Sale for RAPS at the Island Vet Hospital  Island Veterinary Hospital (IVH) in Richmond is holding a Yard Sale for RAPS on Saturday, July 12th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (rain
or shine). The community is invited to participate by signing up for a
table to display their used goods. Please call 604-273-3158 to
reserve a table prior to July 1st. There is no charge for tables (1 per
family). At the end of the day, IVH asks that you give 50% of your
proceeds for them to donate to RAPS as a lump sum. No pets
please. (As much as we love them, the parking lot is not safe for dogs
to play.) Table set up starts at 9:00 AM on July 12th. We'll see you there.
Crafts 'n More Sidewalk Sale for Charity
 Every
June, Crafts 'n More clears out merchandise at amazing prices. Donate
any unwanted craft/yarn supplies and they will donate the proceeds to
B.C. GUIDE DOG SERVICES and RICHMOND ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY
(RAPS). Location: 3471 Moncton St in Steveston.
RAPS Alumni Check out these wonderful adoption success stories about
Maggie the Cat, Muffin the Cat, and Chewy, Bunny and Jackie
Salmon Festival Parade Volunteers NeededDo
you enjoy the lime-light and spreading the word about RAPS? If so
sign up to be in the Steveston Association Salmon Festival Parade on
July 1. RAPS will have a group of fifteen volunteers representing
cats, dogs and rabbits and highlighting our need for volunteers at the
shelters and thrift store. We need your help to plan, make our
'float' and walk in the parade. Children are welcome! Email
us at ' newsletter@rapsociety.com' to participate or find out more.
Hot Summer BlogsWriter for the Modern Dog Rescue Blog visits the RAPS City ShelterAt
the RAPS City Shelter, we love a visit from our friend and writer,
Careen. Her visits to us are a joy, and her articles for Modern
Dog and the Modern Dog Rescue blog make RAPS look like the best place
on earth. Check out Careen's latest entries on the Modern Dog Rescue Blog.
Training Tips from Downtown Dogs Q:
We’ve recently graduated from a basic obedience course and are
wondering: Are there any additional skills/challenges we can work on
during the summer? We want to keep it (training) fresh, interesting and
fun for Tucker (and us)! A: Thanks for your question! To keep
training fun and interesting, try introducing "motivators" into your
training routine. Pick something that Tucker really likes and find ways
to incorporate it when you train. For example, if Tucker loves
to play ball, begin training as usual; after a few commands "surprise"
him with a ball you have hidden in your pocket as a reward. Use the
ball as a reward between commands, getting him really, really excited
by playing with him and using lots of voice motivation. Then (this is
the important part), take the ball away WHILE HE IS STILL REALLY INTO
IT. Continue training as usual. Once you do this two or three times you
should see Tucker really get excited about training since he knows
there will be a great reward coming his way. Christine Reynard is the owner and trainer at Downtown Dogs. If you have question for Christine, email her at info@absolutek9.ca
Click to Give...on the Animal Rescue Site. Check out the easiest way to help shelter animals!
Pet Photo Contest Had Some Great Entries
 Check out
the fantastic entries to the RAPS Website Photo Contest for May!
Thanks to everyone who participated. Congratulations to ' Dave the Cat' for winning this month's contest. Dave's photo will be on the RAPS Home page for the next month. Our website photo contest is on-going, so please send us your entries for June to ' newsletter@rapsociety.com' by June 15th.
Donations needed for Senior Cat Care
The
RAPS Cat Sanctuary has been home to many cats for the last 10 years of
their lives. These are cats that would otherwise have faced
starvation on the streets of Richmond and Vancouver.  As
the years have passed, these tender souls need a little more medical
care to maintain them, and the costs are adding up. The easiest
way to help is to make a donation online to the Sanctuary Cat Wellness Fund. These funds will be used specifically to care for the cats at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.
Donations of $10, $15, $30 or more can pay for feline medication for
weeks and even months. Please help us meet the challenge to care
of for our loyal feline friends in their later years.
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
Sonya Kamp
Leslie Landa
Marianne Moore
Christine Reynard
Contributing Photographers:
Tracey Garbutt
Marianne Moore
Cat Sister 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
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RAPS ACO Rescues Dog from Highway 91
Frightened Pandora saved through the patience and diligence of Animal Control Officer (ACO) Shane Burnham
 The
term 'Animal Control Officer' doesn't truly reflect the job that RAPS'
two ACOs do everyday. Perhaps their title should be 'Animal
Rescue, Care and Crisis Management Officers' to better reflect the
dedication that these men have towards ensuring the safety of
animals. This is a story of one particularly heroic rescue.
On
an early Monday morning, a German shepherd dog was reported on the
Highway 91 connector at Westminster Highway in east Richmond.
Shane Burnham, Animal Control Officer with the Richmond Animal
Protection Society, responded to messages left by concerned citizens.
 Shane
searched for the dog, now named Pandora, at her last reported location
at the Sikh Temple, and continued to track her through reports called
into the RAPS City Shelter. Continuing her frightened flight,
Pandora was spotted west of No. 9 Road before she disappeared into a
large blueberry field. Shane then waited there to prevent Pandora from
going back onto the road.
The situation quickly became
life-threatening when Pandora was reported on the Highway 91 connector
headed into highway traffic. Pandora was frightened and
barking, but after several attempts to approach the terrified dog,
Shane wisely decided to direct her away from traffic on the highway to
prevent a major accident.
The dedicated ACO’s search continued
for another hour, when he finally found Pandora in a field and cornered
her in the bushes while she barked at him viciously and tried to bite
the catch pole. Once Shane secured Pandora she immediately became
calm and seemed relieved to be taken to the shelter. Thanks to
Shane, Pandora is alive and well and ready for a new home.
 Bake-Off for Bunnies on Sunday, June 7th
Help raise funds for bunnies at the RAPS Shelters by enjoying some desserts.
 Join us for the RAPS Bake-off for Bunnies.
Sign up to bring your best cookies, candies, or pastries for an
afternoon bake sale. Prizes will be awarded in a number of baking
categories. If you would like to bake for this event, please email RAPS
at newsletter@rapsociety.com
to RSVP for the contest! This event will include education on
bunnies, responsible bunny ownership, and ways you can help stop the
rabbit overpopulation problem in Richmond. Remember to invite your friends and family. Thanks for helping the RAPS bunnies.
Adoption Profile: George
 George
is a nine-year-old Lab/Border Collie cross. He is a very friendly dog.
However, he has spent his entire life living outdoors, where he had
little interaction with humans. George will require a dog-experienced
home that understands the needs of Border Collies. He will be very
loyal and loving for those who are willing to spend the time and be
dedicated to George's care and training. George is up-to-date
with routine shots, house trained, and neutered. Come spend some
time with George at the RAPS City Shelter.
Guys Who Volunteer at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary
by Marianne Moore
While
it’s true that most volunteers at RAPS cat sanctuary are female, there
are also many male volunteers. Some of these guys are part of
volunteer couples but others come on their own, like these four.
 Although
he’s been a volunteer at the sanctuary for many years, Nathan Babins is
one of the youngest guys there. When Nathan first visited the sanctuary
with a friend who volunteered, he was so impressed, he immediately
signed up himself. He bonded with and adopted a shy little grey
and white cat named Shauna. Nathan’s favourite cat at the
sanctuary is Jake, a super-friendly, long-haired tabby who hangs out in
the front courtyard and helps Nathan there every second Thursday
evening.
 After
twenty-one years working in Japan, Ron Murray moved his family and
three beloved cats to Richmond. He learned about the sanctuary when he
met a RAPS volunteer in Dr. Malhans’ No. 2 Road Animal Hospital, came
to visit, and “fell in love”. He’s been a faithful volunteer and
generous supporter for eight years now. He spends eight hours a
week there, happily looking after the cats in the back pens Tuesday and
Thursday mornings. Ron loves cats, and has two at home. His goal
is to show the sanctuary cats that, despite how some people mistreat
cats, not all humans are like that. Ron’s obvious affection for
them could convince any cat. Sadie, a beautiful dilute tortie, is
Ron’s favourite sanctuary cat. She’s mature, content and clever
enough to find Ron whenever she wants a cuddle, and he’s always happy
to oblige.
 Our
resident Irish charmer, and Tim Horton’s donuts provider, is Gerald
Boal. He’s been a volunteer for one year and has done just about
every job there. In addition to usual cat care activities, he
takes the recyclables to the depot and cleans the huge outdoor
sandboxes – not a task for anyone with a weak back or stomach!
Gerald spends eight to twelve hours a week at the sanctuary,
volunteering and visiting the cats and the other
volunteers. “I just “love ‘em to death”, he claims.
The feline love in Gerald’s home is Chantelle, a sweet little black cat
from the sanctuary. Zulu and Dr. Chops are Gerald’s favourite
sanctuary cats, because they’re both so friendly and outgoing – kind of
like Gerald himself.
Geof Filtness is the newest of our
featured guy volunteers. He’s been at the sanctuary for just six
months but has fit right in with cats and other volunteers alike.
Geof learned of the cat sanctuary when he visited RAPS’ city shelter
after hearing about its no-kill policy, which he fully endorses.
He spends about three hours a week at the sanctuary, cleaning and
hosing down the courtyards and dealing with whatever else over nine
hundred cats might require. He visits a few more hours
every week, bringing kitty treats, including several catnip plants
which the ungrateful (but happy) little kitties demolished in just a
few hours!  Geof,
who has always had cats in his home, currently has two, but like most
volunteers, he enjoys coming to the shelter and interacting with the
cats and people there. On Geof’s first visit, Groots, a mature,
black and white boy with one bent ear, perched on Geof’s shoulders for
most of the visit, so Groots is Geof’s favourite sanctuary cat.
The cat sanctuary couldn’t function without guys like these four, and we sure wouldn’t want to try. Thanks, guys!
To volunteer at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, email us at volunteer@rapsociety.com. There are multiple shifts throughout the day to accommodate your schedule.
Why do I Volunteer?
by Barbara Doduk
 When
I heard about RAPS, I knew I had to be a part of it. I love animals,
especially cats, and I fell in love with the place. Every Friday after
my shift, I leave with a heart full of joy, and a renewed sense of
wonder, that such a place can even exist. The Cat Sanctuary only exists
because of the people, the hundreds of volunteers and staff that care
for these cats, who devote hours, days, and years of their lives to the
sanctuary. It is truly a gift that they give these cats. I consider
myself lucky to have been accepted into their world, and privileged to
help the people who made this wonderful place, and privileged to love
the cats.
To volunteer, email volunteer@rapsociety.com.
Tails from the Road
by Shane Burnham
The varied duties of a RAPS Animal Control Officer makes for some interesting stories. Here are just a few.
MAY
1/09 -- Report of a stray dog living in a bush area of 6500
River Road. Officer Burnham patrolled the area, spotted the dog, and
gave chase. The dog ran down River Road and headed towards Gilbert
Road. During the pursuit, Officer Burnham had to jump a ditch, but
failed and got stuck for a second in mud. Burnham recovered his footing
and continued the chase on the railroad tracks and just barely missed
the dog with his catch pole and hand. The dog then disappeared. As of
May 19 the dog has been seen in the area of Eckersely and Park. Burnham
has repeatedly attempted to catch the dog but has not been able to do
so. The owners are aware of the situation but cannot catch the
dog either as they had had it only a couple weeks prior to losing it.
The dog is a "street dog" from Russia named Masha.
MAY
16/09 -- Received report of a dog that is always locked in a metal
shed. Officer Kilborn attended the residence and observed the shed but
found no dog inside. There was food and water on a back deck and other
evidence that the dog roams freely in the backyard. There was no dog
seen at the time Kilborn attended and no evidence to indicate the
claimed report.
MAY 16/09 -- Report of a dog that was lost
from YVR. Officer Kilborn attended and patrolled the surrounding area
but could not spot the dog. Patrols are ongoing.
Sponsorship is a Gift of Love
At just $15/month ($10/month for Seniors), cat sponsorship is perfect
for community members who want to be connected to a cat even if they
can't keep the cat at home.
The RAPS Cat Sanctuary is
home to over 800 Cats that aren't adoptable for one reason or
another. However, they still need the commitment of caring
visitors to the Sanctuary. Cat sponsorship is one way to maintain
a connection to your special cat friend at the Sanctuary.
Here are a few cats that are looking for sponsors.
 Roland's Storey --
Like many of the cats who live at the sanctuary, Roland was born on the
streets. At just 3 months of age, the feral orange and white kitten was
trapped and taken to our Kitten House to be socialized. In spite of our
efforts, Roland remained quite shy of people and couldn't be adopted.
However, a year later, he is happily romping with other young cats in
the rear yards of the sanctuary. Read about Elizabeth and Benson too!
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