MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

Newsletter

Summer/Fall 2016

Inside this issue:

Page 1

Message from the

Board

Page 2

Current TRACS

Projects

Page 3

An Afternoon Tea at

The Rock House

Page 4 & 5

In Loving Memory

Page 6

Rescue Rainbow

Bridge

Page 7

Orphaned or not?

The

Responsible

Animal Care

Society PO Box 29074 OKM

Kelowna, BC

V1W 4A7

250-763-8214

info@tracs-bc.ca

www.tracs-bc.ca

First, we would like to apologize for our “summer” newsletter getting to you in what is

almost “fall”. As always with lots of animals to care for and never enough volunteers,

we have been stretched thin, thus making the newsletter a work in progress.

In this latest version you will find a variety of reading material. We had a great start to

our spring with an exciting fundraising event as well as have suffered some big losses in

the first half of 2016. In this issue we would like to share the happy and the sad we

faced in this journey called, “animal rescue”.

Within a year of starting our Rabbit Rescue Project in 2008, we had trapped and given

sanctuary to just over 800 rabbits. With most of our beloved bunnies now being

between 7 – 9 years old, this has been a particularly hard year. We are seeing more

“old age” diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and kidney issues and our medical care has

turned to hospice care in many cases. Every year we seem to lose just a couple more

than the last. This is hard for all of us as each little bunny has a special personality and

place in our hearts.

Having said that, we have had a few new faces join us at the East Kelowna sanctuary,

and still have just under 350 rabbits remaining in our care. We will continue to give

them our best until it is their time to hop across the bridge, and in return we receive

snuggles, nose kisses and binkies when the bananas are served.

We hope you enjoy this issue of our newsletter.

Cathy, Cheryl, Cyndy, Jenny, Laila

WHERE CAN YOU GET A FULL BODY

WORKOUT WHILE HELPING ANIMALS

AND HAVING A GREAT TIME??

Great Question…

We just happen to have the answer.

OUR BUNNY SANCTUARIES!

We have numerous spots open on our

cleaning and maintenance team.

Go to http://tracs-bc.ca/get-

involved/volunteer/ for more

information.

WE NEED YOU!

Page 2

CURRENT TRACS PROJECTS

RABBIT RESCUE PROJECT

The TRACS Rabbit Rescue program which began in 2008 continues with just under 350 rabbits still in our care. We provide veterinary care, food, and shelter in safe sanctuaries which are run solely by volunteers. Another integral part of our team are a number of local veterinarians, specializing in exotic animals, to keep the bunnies healthy and numerous local stores who keep our bunnies well stocked with greens.

MISCELLANEOUS ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM

Sometimes a companion animal is the “best friend” who provides a loving bond and companionship that would otherwise not exist. Often people do not have the resources to provide for their animals veterinary bills. Our goal is to have the animals seen by a vet ASAP, and although paying for their treatments is beyond our ability, we do what we can so they can move forward in dealing with their pet’s health concern.

In other cases animals are abused or abandoned. Often these animals are in need of veterinary care and/or foster care before they can be placed into their new forever home. This program has been put in place to help with providing the best care and support possible in times of need.

OKANAGAN CAT COALITION (OKCC) TRACS is one of the member partners of the OKCC, along with Okanagan Humane Society, SPCA, and Alley Cats rescue. Working together with veterinarians and concerned citizens the OKCC strives to rescue, trap, spay/neuter and re-home unowned community cats.

ANIMAL COMPASSION PROJECT IN SCHOOL DISTRICT #23 In 2015 we were given the opportunity to speak to a Justice Program class at Rutland Middle School about issues surrounding animal welfare and cruelty. They have asked us back for the new school year. FUNDRAISING

All TRACS programs are funded by donations, fundraising and grants. A very small portion of these funds are used for administration leaving almost 100% going directly to the animals. Fundraising in the community helps to not only raise dollars but awareness of the animals in plight. TRACS on going fundraisers are:

- Recycling, Bake Sales and Garage Sales

- Flower Baskets for Mother’s Day

- Yearly Rabbits of Kelowna Calendar

- Nature’s Fare 3% Rebate Program – SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS FOR US

- Donations via PayPal to our Sponsor a Rabbit program

- Education days at local pet stores

- Charity collection tin program - donation tins placed at various locations

Do you have an idea for a fundraiser?

Do you have experience fundraising?

Can you help at fundraisers?

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR

FROM YOU!

On March 20th, our spring got off to a dramatic start with an absolutely amazing event, an “Afternoon Tea and Silent Auction”. Cheryll Gillespie and Sam Shakura, the dynamic duo of interior designers known as Rock House Style, opened their stunningly beautiful, lakefront, “Rock House” to over 100 guests.

The afternoon began with guests checking in wearing their best “tea” hat. The selection of hats seen at this event was truly amazing. The amount of thought and effort put into every style of hat you can imagine was outstanding.

THE SILENT AUCTION

The guests then had a chance to browse the over 100 auction items laid out on numerous tables though out the homes’ dramatic living room, as well, take a look out one of the huge floor to ceiling windows to watch some of our bunnies playing in the enclosed courtyard. The list of businesses who donated auction items is long and our gratitude never ending. Auction items ranged from spa packages, jewelry, wine baskets, photography, landscape pieces all the way to “one of a kind” pieces of art. Thank you to Sam who worked endlessly on securing auction items and making set up seamless. As an added bonus of cuteness, placed between all the auction items were photos of our very own bunnies; just to remind everyone what this event was really about.

THEN IT WAS TIME FOR THE TEA

The tables were set with a bunny theme, and everywhere you looked a rabbit could be found, even down to the tasty bunny cookies on bunny shaped platters. These along with a plethora of other treats were prepared by Cheryl herself who spent the days leading up to the event baking and decorating morning noon and night in between her busy schedule.

AN AFTERNOON

TEA AT THE ROCK HOUSE

Page 3

The tea was served in teapots of every shape, size and color by a team of volunteers dressed in black and white. The tea cups of every variety possible were laid out on round tables decorated in white. The display in its entirety was astounding.

During tea there were speeches about TRACS and what we do as well as “carrots” were sold table to table as an additional fundraiser.

The amount of support shown to TRACS with the response to this event was incredible. The auction items donated for the event were astounding, and the support overwhelming. By the end of the 4 hour event we had raised just over $12,000. We could not be more pleased with the result.

It was heartwarming to have a community come together and give so much for an organization that is entirely volunteer run. Our gratitude to Cheryl and Sam for organizing and hosting this event is never-ending and we are hoping to talk them into a repeat of this wonderful event next spring.

When we lose someone that is precious to us, we are left with a feeling of sadness. Whether it is a precious friend, family member or a treasured pet, the loss can be hard to bear. It is as if a part of you has gone missing. So far 2016 has been a tough year of loss for us. We have lost some very dear souls and at this time would like to pay tribute

Granny Mymka and Marshmallow

On August 11th, 2016, we said good bye to Bernice Mymka. Bernice was a young 93 years old, the mother of

Cyndy Mymka our president, and loving wife to Peter Mymka.

The story began in 2008 with the first bunny Cyndy caught. She was named Hannah and went to live with Bernice and Peter. She has been there ever since and became Granny’s best friend. They spent long hours

together in the den, figuring out life’s problems, watching TV or reading.

After that Bernice and Peter opened their home to the various bunnies Cyndy would bring to them for foster care. At first it was moms with babies, lots and lots of babies, which Bernice would dote on, waking up in the

middle of the night to check on, and loving each and every single one.

Then as the years passed the foster care turned to medical care for teenage bunnies with attitudes and their fight injuries or bunnies with tummy trouble. As the bunnies have aged and their medical needs changed the bunnies were cared for with special carrot curls and bite size pieces of apple that Bernice would cut up daily

for them.

Bernice was Granny to our volunteers as well. Always making up yummy treat packages to take home with us,

always asking how things were with us, and always having an encouraging word.

Bernice proved that no matter what age you are you have the power to make a difference in an animals’ life.

She will be deeply missed and leaves a large hole in our Bunny Family.

Peter continues on with daily care of his foster bunny family. Our hearts and thoughts are with Peter and Cyndy. We are quite certain that Granny is currently laying under a tree in the sunshine watching over her

buns from afar.

So what about Marshmallow…?

Marshmallow, a beautiful champagne color bunny, took ill last year with some eye issues. We managed to keep them at bay with medications and care. Recently things turned for the worse and it was found that she had a large abscess under her eye which had gone into her jaw bone. The only thing to do for sweet

Marshmallow was to help over the rainbow bridge where she would feel no more pain.

But what does this have to do with Bernice?

Miraculously Marshmallow crossed the bridge at the exact time that Bernice left us. We are positive they

found each other and made the journey together. They will forever be bonded in our hearts.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Page 4

Cuddle

Mojo

TRACS was near and dear to Bernice’s heart and was one of the charities she wished donations be made to. If you would like to make a donation in Bernice’s memory please visit our website for options. www.tracs-bc.ca

At our largest sanctuary there are a number of rescue dogs. Bill and Zero, a shepherd cross and a Husky/Malamute cross, were young adults when their mom allowed us to build our bunny sanctuary on her property. Although they loved all the attention they got from the volunteers, it took the dogs some time to get used to the idea of bunnies and go from the crazy dogs getting zapped by the electric fence for getting their noses too close, to the Bunny Guardians regally sitting by the bunny pens taking stalk of all who entered.

Hope

In December of 2009, a family of 4 feral felines living at the Kelowna Ford dealership were humanely trapped by TRACS. The family consisted of Momma and her three – 5 month old kittens.

The family of cats was taken into foster care by Cheryl and Tony Lazarus, who although having no previous experience with feral cats, took on the task of gaining the family’s trust.

Momma cat was named Angel, the only male kitten Spirit, and the 2 sisters Faith and Hope. The entire family was extremely feral and scared and so Tony built them their very own kitty palace, by enclosing the deck on their house. This allowed the cats to watch what the humans were doing inside the house without feeling in danger, as well as Tony and Cheryl the chance to try to bond with them thru the glass.

One day Hope was lethargic and did not seem herself. She was rushed to the veterinarian and was diagnosed with severe liver issues. It came as a shock to everyone. Our trusted veterinarian did not recommend treatment and so on April 4, 2016. Hope was helped across the rainbow bridge with Tony by her side. Hope is missed dearly by both her Feline and human families.

She is gone but will never be forgotten.

IN LOVING MEMORY – CONTD

Zero

Page 5

Their job entailed always meeting us at the gate to the property and escorting us in. One many occasions we were also called in by their mom to help find them when they escaped the property. We would find them happily sitting in some ones driveway waiting for a treat and car ride home. As they aged their antics slowed down a bit, but they never left each other’s side. Last winter our dear Zero was diagnosed with cancer. He was put on medication and was doing well, but slowly the disease took its toll and on March 9th our Big Boy was helped across the rainbow bridge. Our fondest memories of Zero are of him running over to us and telling us all about his day. Zero loved to talk and would not let us leave until his story was complete. He loved to play and didn’t complain much when he had to wear the silly reindeer ears for Christmas photos. Zero was one of a kind and has left a huge space where he once was. Bill is still with us, a little older, a little frailer, and even though it takes a little longer to walk down to the bunny pens from his cozy bed, he still remains diligent to his duties as Bunny Guardian and big brother to Louie the beagle.

Hope soon became the 2nd friendliest of the group and eventually was comfortable with accepting and loving backrubs and treats. It was then we all knew the cats were never leaving as a special bond had formed, and eventually they were moved into their very own room within the house with a special window casing to sit on with a view of the world.

RESCUE RAINBOW BRIDGE

.

Page 6

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special.

It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway, the ones who had been at Rainbow Bridge for a while, knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen it happen far too many times.

Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this dog had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigor. He approached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. Bridge nor on Earth below.

"That poor dog was a rescue, sent to the pound when his owner grew tired of him. The way you see him now, with graying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the kennels. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the kennel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person

to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"

As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward the Bridge could be seen a single figure, a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary, a person who, just like the elderly dog, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life.

From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together.

The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?" "That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't place on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them...just as they are special to all animals." "I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival. "So does God," was the reply.

Author unknown

ORPHANED OR NOT? Borrowed from Care2causes

Page 7

You were out minding your own business, when you spotted it: a sad, orphaned, injured and begging-to-be-rescued wild animal. Your instinct is to save it – to be the hero. But before you put your cape on, you should know you could be making matters worse. No matter how good your intentions, there are some things you should never do when you see an injured animal in the wild.

1. Don‘t do anything before calling a wildlife rescue.

2. Don‘t assume it’s orphaned.

Sometimes a baby animal can look like it’s all alone in the wild but their parent could have just gone hunting for a few minutes and will be right back. By moving the baby you could be unintentionally be separating a family. In other cases, the adults are just giving their babies some space but are watching close by. A momma bear will not care that you wanted to babysit her cubs one bit and could attack. The best bet is to watch the baby animals from a distance and see if their parent returns or if they are indeed orphaned.

3. Don‘t touch it.

Not only will some species, like rabbits, be extremely stressed to the point of death, but others like raccoons can bite. Being handled by a human can also lead to tragic ostracizing by the animals’ herd.

5. Don‘t feed it.

Depending on the injury the animal has, feeding it or forcing it to drink might be fatal. Giving the animal something it cannot properly process like milk or bread, may also cause bigger stomach issues.

6. Don‘t talk all the way to the vet.

While you may be tempted to reassure the animal a thousand times that everything is going to be OK and that you’ll make sure they’re alright, resist the urge while transporting them to a wildlife rescue center. The animal doesn’t know you or your voice or what in the world is happening to them so the talking will most likely just stress them out and frighten them even more. Keep the radio off and talking to a minimum.

You know the expression “leave it to the pros”? This is a wonderful opportunity to use it and act on it. Your animal-loving heart may be breaking to see an animal suffer but unless you are a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian, odds are you do not know how to assess and handle the situation best. Unless the animal is in imminent danger (like being run over), reach for your phone, not the animal, and call your local wildlife rescue.

4. Don’t plan on keeping it as a pet.

We’ve all seen the stories online: a rescued baby raccoon who thinks she’s a dog, an adopted squirrel who sleeps under the covers, a rescued fox turned man’s best friend. While that sounds like the magic stuff out of Disney movies, odds of that fairytale actually panning out are slim. Not only is keeping wild animals as pets illegal in some states, it’s unsafe. Wild animals belong in the wild and could attack you and your pets if domesticated.

Visit this page on the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of British Columbia website to find out what to do in

various situations for different types of wild animals.

If you can’t give me

www.tracs-bc.ca

HELP US HELP THEM

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Please return to: TRACS PO Box 29074 OKM, Kelowna, BC V1W 4A7

TRACS still cares for just under 350 rabbits and is

always in NEED OF VOLUNTEERS

Please visit www.tracs-bc.ca for more information