Content - Bide Awhile, animal shelter

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1 Content - Bide Awhile, animal shelter About Bide Awhile Shelter Vision We are often asked at Bide Awhile what makes us different from other shelters and we believe our difference lies in our heart and in our vision. At the very heart of Bide Awhile is the respect we have for our animal friends, and the value we put on our relationships with them. We believe that both human and animal lives are enhanced when they come together and because of this, we work hard to place animals in loving home environments. Because we believe in creating a humane community, we strive to educate the public about many topics, including pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and other animal issues. History Bide Awhile Animal Shelter was launched in 1969 by a small group of people that recognized a growing problem and took it on. Increasing numbers of stray and abandoned animals were in desperate need of care and safe haven. In the beginning, Dr. Audrey Shaw, a veterinarian, shared her Spryfield clinic's back room and this small group began sheltering animals in need. Other temporary locations were also used. In 1972, the six founding members took out a mortgage, enabling the Shelter to make its permanent home on Eaton Avenue in Dartmouth an act of incredible generosity and dedication that many of us couldn't or wouldn't undertake. Mrs. Harriet Montgomery, Miss Barbara Bell, Mrs Lorraine Kaplan, Miss Ruth Chisholm, Miss Rosalinde Warren and Miss Grace Burfitt had a dream that "one day, no animal will ever be turned away". The new space, in a rundown older house was in significant need of repair. Considerable renovations were required to meet acceptable standards. Materials and labour were begged and donated. Funding was scarce and Mrs. Montgomery, the Shelter's first manager, spent cautiously and saved vigorously. In the early days, all animal care was provided by volunteers. Many would do a "shift" at the Shelter in their "spare" time after their own day s work; cleaning kennels, feeding, medicating, scrubbing and fundraising. Animals received individual attention and playtime important development for successful adoption into a loving home. Bide Awhile was incorporated as a Society in 1970, allowing the Shelter to conduct professional business. A statement of the Society s purpose, its Memorandum of Association, was written and by-laws were drafted as required by the Societies Act of Nova Scotia. More than 30 years later, Bide Awhile is synonymous with compassionate care for animals in our community. The frequently renovated home in Dartmouth now houses paid staff tending to greater numbers of animals in need, with improved care facilities. Volunteers remain the driving force of the Shelter. Still, animals are turned away as we cannot possibly meet the current critical need. Bide Awhile is committed to finding solutions by working closely with animals and people, and promoting public education and awareness of animal welfare issues in the community.

2 Contact Information Executive Director: Darrold Gould Bide Awhile Animal Shelter 67 Neptune Crescent P.O. Box 50029, RPO Southdale Dartmouth NS B2Y 4S2 Tel. (902) Fax. (902) Bide Awhile Animal Shelter is open to the public as follows: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Adoption We believe every animal deserves a loving home our goal is to make that happen for every animal in our care. We invite you to discover the joy of giving a homeless animal a chance for a better life. Visit Bide Awhile Animal Shelter to meet that special lifelong friend. To Adopt Recognize that "pets are for life" Tour Bide Awhile with our Executive Director, Darrold Gould. He'll help you to identify your specific needs, and discuss responsible pet ownership and Shelter policies. Call to arrange an appointment. Complete the Adoption Application Form. (Available at the shelter) Use the "24 hour waiting period" to think through your decision to adopt, make sure it's the right one for you and the animal. Pay the adoption fee, which contributes to the cost of the animals' spaying or neutering. Take your new friend home and begin your remarkable journey!

3 Menya - Long hair, female, orange and white, 3 years old. We have many adorable kittens available for adoption. Sadie - Female, Black Lab mix, 18 months old.

4 Shilo - Long hair, female, tortoiseshell, 6 years old. Aries - Long hair, male, black, 5 years old. Cinder - Long hair, female, black, 7 years old.

5 Roy - Short hair, male, tabby and white, 2 years old. Doodles - Short hair, female, black and white, 4 months old.

6 Maizy - Short hair, female, calico tabby and white, 3 years old. Flaxen - Medium hair, female, tabby, 1 year old. Flaxen has been Adopted! Ways to Help Membership and Volunteering We invite you to become a member of Bide Awhile Animal Shelter Society. Your membership gives you a voice in the operation of the Society. The benefits of membership to you are: Two annual newsletters to keep you up to date; A vote at the Annual General Meeting each June; Eligibility to serve on the Board of Directors; The satisfaction of contributing to animal well-being in your community; and The chance to make a difference

7 Make a Pledge Thank you for your continuing support of Bide Awhile. We're fortunate to have friends, like you, who adopt a pet, become a member, make a donation, and/or volunteer your time and energy. We want you to know how much we appreciate your generosity and your commitment to providing animals with secure and loving homes. Your continued support is vital. Contributions from supporters like you are our sole financial support. Our Kennel Klub is a great way to make a regular donation to Bide Awhile. You can make a pledge for a regular monthly donation payable by post-dated cheques, by MasterCard or Visa. At the end of the year, we will send you a tax receipt for the full amount of the donation. Your monthly donation to the Kennel Klub makes it easier for us to plan, and to budget, our resources for the year. Please continue to help us bring people and animals together by completing the Kennel Klub Monthly Giving Pledge Form; it is an easy - and much appreciated - way to make a difference. News and Events The 2009 "Volunteer of the Year" is Adam Cooney, a wonderful supporter of Bide Awhile, who provides valuable assistance with our website and annual "Golfing for Critters" event. Thanks Adam - volunteers like you make Bide Awhile the amazing place it is today. This year, the Supporter Relations Committee and Volunteer Committee hosted a BBQ to thank all of the Society's hard working volunteers for another successful year - the first full year in our wonderful new building! Lots of hot dogs, hamburgers, cookies and cake were enjoyed by those in attendance. Special thanks to the Wyse Road SaveEasy for donating the grilled goodies. The rain stayed away, but we were prepared as our great friends at Royal Canin donated the use of their tent. Bowling for Critters We are proud to announce that Bide Awhile's 2008 "Bowling for Critters" tournament raised over $20,000, thanks to you! It was a fantastic event, and we look forward to seeing you again next year! Ceilidh for Critters Ceilidh for Critters continues to raise the profile of the Bide Awhile animal shelter, by featuring original East Coast music, and hosting a huge silent auction. We are thrilled to present our very first Songwriter's Circle, hosted by Juno Award winning singer/songwriter Stephen Fearing, a founding member of Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. This magical Songwriter's Circle will be completed by East Coast favorites Norma MacDonald, Rylee Madison, and Dave Carroll. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see them all on stage at one time don't miss out. Thanks to the tremendous support from the community, in our first 5 years we raised over $23,000 as net proceeds for our "pet cause". Our good friend and emcee, Russell MacKenzie from FX101.9 says come on out and party your tail off!