Mattie's Place

02/05/2025

[ FINAL UPDATE ON BART ]

Bart joined Mattie's Place at 15 weeks old, August 15, 2024 with double cherry eye and requiring all basic vetting.

Sadly, he jumped off his fosters' deck instead of taking the stairs to the backyard and broke his elbow when he landed.

It has been an immense hemorrhaging of funds on Mattie's Place ever since.

I was expecting a $2,000 investment in Bart when I welcomed him for his cherry eyes and basic vetting. A $14,000 investment has been painful.

Bart has had multiple surgeries: September 9th, September 19th, October 31st and February 3 and many vet appointments between all those surgical dates.

Bart had his final surgery on Monday and is doing well post-op. There is nothing more I can do for Bart's leg and after multiple surgeries it is as best as it can possibly be for him - probably at 90% full usage and not causing him any disruptive pain or discomfort.

The easy out (for the humans) & most cost effective would have been to amputate the leg but I'm glad we powered through and though it came with a significant price, he has all 4's and he'll live a great quality of life, without the need for pain medication or further support, once he's healed from Monday's surgery.

I am missing a few invoices (I have them just not readily available at the time of posting) for his post-neuter complications appointments/meds, 1 set of x-rays early on from the injury, pain management refills as he was on pain meds from August - January. And he has 1 further post-op recheck appointment February 18, 2025

BART INVOICE TOTAL THIS POST: $12,379.39
APPROX ADDITIONAL COST: $1,500

I am officially closing Bart's medical file and thankful this is all behind us now and he can get on to living life, with his foster family who adopted him in October 2024, with no further medical interventions.

02/04/2025

[ LET'S MAKE THIS SWEET SENIOR GIRL FAMOUS ]

I'm happy to accept her at Mattie's Place if I can find a foster suitable to her needs.

If you're looking to adopt directly, please contact:

London Animal Care Centre
121 Pine Valley Blvd, London
(519) 685-1330

Let's spread the news on this darling girl currently in an overpopulated shelter to find her a foster with Mattie's Place or an adopter with London Animal Care Centre.

Due to space restrictions she's in a smaller kennel and she has such a happy, constantly wagging tail, that she's causing trauma to the tail, wagging it up against the walls and causing it to bleed.

THE SHELTER SAYS:

Good with dogs: Seems to prefer males. Liked two of our other male dogs here but did not appreciate the young female Corso trying to engage a play session!

Good with cats: Unknown

Good with kids: Unknown but likely yes

Good with strangers: Absolutely, loves everybody

Guarding Issues: None observed

House Trained: Unknown, clean in kennel

Crate Trained: Unknown but very good about being kenneled

Destructive: No

Leash skills: Needs improvement! Likes to pull.

Okay with manipulations: Yes

Known commands: Come, sit

Behaviour Issues: None observed

Medical issues: Apparently healthy mature female dog, presume is spayed. Moderate periodontal disease would benefit from dental cleaning and possible extraction -- dental scheduled for Wednesday February 5th. Small mass on side- vet will check out

IF YOU'D LIKE TO FOSTER SAFFRON:
www.mattiesplace.ca/fostering

02/04/2025

TEMP FOSTER FOUND - THANKS EVERYONE!

[ CASHEWWWWWW ]

This hunk needs a temp foster while his boarder is away.

FULL PROFILE: www.petfinder.com/dog/cashew-73693463/on/scarborough/matties-place-on571

Email if you can assist: [email protected]

02/04/2025

[ WITH GRATITUDE ]

Thank you Animora for your support over the years of Mattie's Place and the dental health of pets.

We appreciate your donation once again this year for our 2025 adopters, who's newly adopted pets will go home with a *dental kit; dental sticks, dental gel & a lick mat.

Please support the Canadian businesses that support Mattie's Place. They play an important role to our dogs in foster care.

*while supplies last

02/03/2025

[ 2 SURGERIES TODAY ]

🟦 BART: joined Mattie's Place August 2024 with his sister Lisa. Not long after arriving, he jumped off his foster's deck and broke his elbow.

He also arrived with double cherry eye and had to have those surgically corrected.

Bart is on his 3rd surgery today for his elbow, having more hardware removed as the implants are bothersome to him.

Since arriving to Mattie's Place, Bart has had to endure 5 surgeries, including his neuter.

He was adopted by his foster family, but Mattie's Place is still responsible for the cost of repair of the elbow and it's been a long, expensive journey with Bart.

APPROX $15,000 has been invested in Bart to date. All invoices previously posted.

🟦 KIT KAT: arrived to Mattie's Place with 2 other small dogs after their breeder died. They came from horrid conditions.

Kit Kat needed a dental, bloodwork, spay and basic vetting completed. Over $2,300 was invested in just Kit Kat (invoices previously posted). Today, Kit Kat is heading back into surgery to have a lump behind her hind leg removed. We believe it's just a fattly lump, but it's in an awkward location and it would be more comfortable for her to have it removed. I don't have an estimate to provide but will update the post when the invoice is available

🦁 2 MIRVISH LION KING TICKETS 👑

Anyone that makes a donation between now & February 17th, you will have an opportunity to have my 2 tickets transfered to you via the Mirvish Digital Wallet. Monthly subscribers will be automatically entered.

FEB 25 / 7:00 PM
DRESS CIRCLE LEFT / ROW D / SEAT 41 & 42 (aisle seat)

IMPORTANT: https://forms.gle/GUwgyEtTyFC9HHiR9
please make your donation, then complete this form, so I know who actually wants to attend vs. those just kindly donating without attendance desire.

TO DONATE ...

🟠 Credit card: https://square.link/u/7VO80uHU

🟠 E-transfer/Paypal: [email protected]

🟠 SNAIL MAIL:
Mattie's Place
1468 Victoria Park Avenue
PO BOX 420
Toronto, ON
M4A 2M2

02/02/2025

[ A HOME HE IS MOST DESERVING OF ]

Neko joined Mattie's Place earlier this month, now 5.5 months old. Sweet puppy. Surrendered by his owner, 3 different times, returned twice. His bouncing around ended with Mattie's Place

Neko is the greatest dog with boundless energy and the sweetest heart. Though he had A LOT of wonderful people offering him a home, I knew exactly what I wanted for him and luckily found it.

Neko has officially been adopted.

His new pet parents have years of dog experience. They have a home with a large fenced in backyard that Neko has LOVED so much and he has continual zoomies around and around and around with his new canine sister; equal to his size, personality and play style.

This is a wonderful, dedicated couple ready to move mountains for Neko, which he is most deserving of. They offer him love, kindness and the security of a dedicated family.

Respecting the privacy of his Adopters, I'm posting some photos of Neko post groom (he was a very brave boy for his 1st professional groom), looking super adorable before his adoption day.

With immense thanks to Manav and partner for your dedication to Mattie's Place foster dogs and giving them so much love and compassion until they find their forever homes.

Congrats good boy Neko! No more being bounced around for you sweet pup. You are forever home.

🟢 FOR 2025 I'M POSTING ADOPTION FEE VS. COST FOR EACH PET, SO PEOPLE CAN HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MATTIE’S PLACE COST PER DOG/CAT.

ADOPTION FEE: $575
(they generously sent $1,075)

MATTIE'S PLACE COST: $341.77

02/01/2025

[IT'S JUST FOR NOW, NOT FOR ALWAYS]

Mattie's Place has always been about the extreme medical & behaviour dogs needing rescue help, often otherwise being euthanized.

2024 was a challenging year with adoptions & donations slowed. But intake requests soaring to new heights.

It led to a lot of BIG medical cases and some still on-going; Bart having his 3rd surgery at TVEH this Monday. Invoices are posted throughout the page with all costs shared openly for all the Mattie's Place medical / surgical cases.

$234,535 was spent on vetting costs just for 2024. The shortfall after adoption fees and donations came out of my personal pocket. There was also $20,000+ in expenses; gas, website/email/subscriptions, legal fees, foster support, 407 tolls, storage lockers, tractive purchases & subscriptions, accountant etc. etc. etc. that also came direct out of my pocket and never paid via Mattie's Place. I've attached the largest 2024 clinic spend invoices.

2024 amounted to a large out of pocket year for me, personally and I can't have another year with that immense loss to my personal savings.

So, for right now, I need to stand down on the really hard medical & behaviour cases until we're back on a stronger financial footing. I'll still intake some pets in need, but a pause is put on the extreme cases Mattie's Place loves to embrace.

We'll get back to normal intake quicker, all the hard and interesting cases, if you support the Mattie's Place fundraisers and events so I can replenish what was lost in 2024 and move forward once again in saving the most at risk pets, alongside all of you.

Sharing the recap once again for those that may have missed it a few weeks ago.

02/01/2025

🦁 2 MIRVISH LION KING TICKETS 👑

Anyone that makes a donation between January 23 & February 17th, you will have an opportunity to take home my 2 tickets transferred to you via the Mirvish Digital Wallet. Monthly donation subscribers will be automatically entered.

SHOW TIME: FEB 25 / 7:00 PM

DRESS CIRCLE LEFT / ROW D / SEAT 41 & 42 (aisle seat)

IMPORTANT: https://forms.gle/GUwgyEtTyFC9HHiR9
⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
Please make your donation, then complete this form, so I know who actually wants to attend vs. those just kindly donating without attendance desire.

TO DONATE ...

🟠 Credit card: https://square.link/u/7VO80uHU

🟠 E-transfer/Paypal: [email protected]

🟠 SNAIL MAIL:
Mattie's Place
1468 Victoria Park Avenue
PO BOX 420
Toronto, ON
M4A 2M2

02/01/2025

[ AN ADOPTION TRIAL? OK, I'LL TAKE IT! ]

12 year old Chase (golden coat on the right) found himself in an Ontario shelter that did not have the funds to take care of his medical needs. He wasn't officially classified "at risk", but that does lead a dog to be euthanized if a rescue doesn't step up.

Chase did get some traction in rescue interest but Mattie's Place was able to secure a foster space and get him immediately into surgery, same day as arrival, so we were fortunate enough to be able to welcome him, November 2024.

Chase had a lot of medical needs when he arrived:

A massive tumour on his neck (benign tumour of the hair follicle with some features concerning for transition to malignancy)

A needed dental

Double advanced hip dysplasia

Multiple little masses on his upper and lower lids

BB pellet lodged above the base of his tail

and then he added a problematic eye ulcer that he obtained over Christmas that was finally healed this week.

Mattie's Place medically managed all of this for Chase.

Chase is currently on a trial adoption with a previous Mattie's Place adopter, who adopted their resident dog, Chokie, September 2023. With Chokie being under 2 years old and Chase being 12 years old, I just want to ensure the duo are a match. Chase did live in foster care with a high energy, young dog and did well. 🤞

Immense thanks to Amber Remedios who agreed to board Chase for me when he needed to move from his foster. I knew it would be a safe spot for him to hang out and heal his badly ulcerated eye.

I hope, hope, hope you're home Chase. Thank you to his adopters for giving him this chance.

🟢 FOR 2025 I'M POSTING ADOPTION FEE VS. COST FOR EACH PET, SO PEOPLE CAN HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MATTIE’S PLACE COST PER DOG/CAT.

ADOPTION FEE: $99
(they kindly sent $400)

MATTIE'S PLACE COST: $4,510.73

CHASES' ORIGINAL WELCOME POST:
www.facebook.com/share/p/1BUuVjB1KQ

01/31/2025

[LET'S HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND WITH ADOPTION STORIES!]

From Niagara Falls to Kingston, some great dogs are adopted!

10 year old Rex, joined Mattie's Place September 2024. He was abandoned at a shelter which lead to a PAWS investigation and an ongoing case with his original owner. I know absolutely nothing more than that, which was shared by the PAWS Officer that contacted me for his intake request.

I appreciate the Officer advocating for his life, stating: ...... "The current humane society doesn’t have the resources to provide this procedure and the next option for him is euthanasia. I have also reached out to a few other rescues who are unable to take on dogs at this time. I believe this poor guy needs a loving home where he can live out the rest of his life, please let me know if you are able to help him at this time."

Of course I said yes. Medical & behaviour dogs are the heart & soul of Mattie's Place

Rex arrived to Mattie's Place needing:

Dental extractions (12 teeth) / u/s guided urinalysis / Hip and abdominal x-rays / full geriatric blood work panel / 6 months parasite prevention (the shelter had his basic care completed)

COST: $3423.72

Rex is a very nervous energy dog in his day to day living. I also had Clomicalm dispensed for him, but his foster managed Rex without having to start him on this medication. The medications were sent with the Adopter with the intent that if he struggles with his daily anxiety, that they have the option to start him on the meds and work with their veterinarian on next steps.

COST: $466

Rex is the sweetest boy once he settles. He's got a lot of quirky behaviours, like having to RUN through doorways at full speed, but they are all manageable with the right adopter.

Rex's adopter actually applied to adopt Chase, but I'm grateful she trusted the process and followed the path of Rex at my urging. He was the better fit for her.

Thank you Shelly for your dedication to Rex and all the Mattie's Place foster dogs that cross through your doorway. I appreciate you so much.

🟢 FOR 2025 I'M POSTING ADOPTION FEE VS. COST FOR EACH PET, SO PEOPLE CAN HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MATTIE’S PLACE COST PER DOG/CAT.

ADOPTION FEE: $99
(she kindly sent $200)

MATTIE'S PLACE COST: $4,139.72

REX'S ORIGINAL WELCOME POST:
www.facebook.com/share/p/1B3zsWnNvo

01/31/2025

UPDATE: DRIVER FOUND

[ OOPS - I DID IT AGAIN ]

I've booked myself to be in 2 places at one time on Sunday, due to a couple really important opportunities that both required a yes from me.

I don't want to cancel either one of them, so hoping someone can meet one of my fosters in Oakville, at 11:30 am to pick up a dog and bring that dog to meet up with me as soon as I'm completed the 1st opportunity which should be by 12:30 at the latest.

My schedule for Sunday can remain as planned if someone can just help me out with the transport of the 1 small dog to me to save me that travel time.

There are so many moving wheels in the Sunday schedule that changing times collapses the day otherwise.

If you can help, please email: [email protected] (I can't really monitor comments today for offers, sorry)

01/31/2025

[ A DIFFICULT JOURNEY FOR SURVIVAL]

My friend, Sarah, from Travelling Tails K9 Rescue welcomed a pregnant bully Mom into her rescue in December, with an intended return to owner once her puppies were weaned.

4.5 weeks ago, Mom birthed 15 babies. A challenging sized litter for a young Mom. Sadly, 7 did not make it. The TTK9 team fought hard for those lost lives. Mom was not a good Mom to her puppies and day 2 the remaining pups had to be removed from her, for their own safety.

The TTK9 team bottle fed the surviving pups around the clock and their hard work paid off! They are now healthy, 4.5 week old pups, born December 28, 2024

Mattie's Place agreed to welcome some of the puppies before they were born and today, with the puppies eating gruel and doing so well, we welcomed 2.

1 male - NOVO / 2.90 kg (6 pounds)
1 female - CAINE / 2.2 kg (5 pounds)

They visited our veterinarian today, and are in excellent health. They were dewormed and will return February 11 for their vaccines and another health check.

Thank you to TTK9's foster Mom's to your dedication to these sweeties: Trish & Shannon. You saved their lives. Thank you!

The pups are going to hang out with Amber until Sunday, and then they'll head to a foster home together until adoption. If you're interested in fostering, be sure to complete a foster application today!

Mattie's Place will cover the cost of Mom's spay/vaccines/deworming next month when she's ready for surgery.

Welcome beautiful babies.

📷 : Amber Remedios

01/31/2025

[ HE'S GOT SOME MILES IN HIS TRAVEL LOG ALREADY ]

Sweet boy Loki joined Mattie's Place today from The Norway House Cree Nation, 2,800 km's north where he was experiencing -20 temperatures.

He was found alone in his community and graciously welcomed by K9 Advocacy Manitoba and I was happy to welcome him to Mattie's Place today.

After landing, he headed straight to our veterinarian for his vaccines, deworming and over-all health check. He weighed in at a healthy 6.8 kg's (15 pounds). Thank you Giovanna from a new dog rescue, Tails From The Crate Dog Rescue for picking up Loki at the airport for me and meeting up at the vets to save me some time. So kind, new bestie. 😅

Loki is going to hang out with Amber until Sunday and then he'll head to a foster home, as I need him close to me for the weekend. If you're interested in fostering this delicious boy, complete a foster application on the website

He is sweet and confident and cuddly and brave and all the things you want in a puppy.

Special thanks to his Northern Foster Mom, Shelly. You are saving lives and I'm so appreciative you helped this little guy when he needed compassion most.

A big welcome to little Man Loki, to our Mattie's Place rescue family.

01/30/2025

Thank you, Doctor…

A Perspective on the recent CBC marketplace news report on corporate vet clinics and subsequent social media fallout in pet communities.

First I will say that a respectful sharing of perspective is important. I encourage an open dialogue here. Bullying and defamation will not be tolerated.

Large corporations in general have changed our consumer landscape. Examples like Walmart and Amazon are causing the death of small businesses as people choose to save a buck over supporting local while the rich get richer. Many other professional businesses have been bought by large corps including dentists. Vet clinics were seen as recession proof and therefore a good investment which is why so many have been purchased. Manitoba was late on the scene.

The significant increase in veterinary pricing falls somewhat at the feet of large corporate beholden to their investors but more so, the changing landscape of pet ownership/guardianship. Pets are family more now than ever. This change in the importance placed on our pets has driven a vast improvement in veterinary care. Gone are the days where it was ‘acceptable’ to shove a tomcat in a boot. Now, kidney transplants and stents to save kidneys are possible in cats. That improvement in care comes at a cost. As well, people’s expectation of outcomes have changed. If a vet is willing to try an unfamiliar procedure, at reduced cost, and things don’t have the desired outcome, people are no longer forgiving and board complaints are on the rise.

Further adding to costs is that for decades, vets, RVTs and staff were badly underpaid. The veterinary professionals shortage (caused by large numbers of vets retiring, a better work/life balance and a large increase of pets in homes) has resulted in higher wages (I would say more fair wages although still much less, if you compare what a Doctor of veterinary medicine makes as compared to a human doctor).

Wages make up 50 % of clinic costs. So higher wages are certainly part of the cost of service increasing. As well, services have had to increase to cover costs of running a business given that many more people are asking for written prescriptions, so that income is lost and must be replaced to keep the doors open. Cost of goods have also greatly increased since Covid especially.

Now I will be the first to say that I think that large corporate buyouts of vet clinics are the death of veterinary medicine as we knew it. But they aren’t going away. And other companies like Chewy coming to Canada just drives it further. As well, large corps are buying out vet labs and will be making it harder for the little guy to compete.

End of the day though, your choice in a veterinarian should be based on trust and the relationship you create. An honest conversation on what you can afford needs to be had in order for the vet to work within your budget. The majority of vets will do this, if they know there are costs concerns. But if your animal needs a CT or MRI to diagnose a complicated issue, just be glad they aren’t a human then. Vet care is so much more affordable than human health care and we offer many of the same diagnostic procedures, medicine and surgery.

Have the conversations, be open with your concerns and most of all, remember your vet isn’t a mind reader and they aren’t trying to take your money. They absolutely do have your pets best interests in mind.

01/30/2025

FOSTER NEEDED ...

Alfie needs a suitable foster in the next couple weeks. I really want to get him back into rescue as he's not thriving in the adopters home.

[ FOSTER NEEDED - FOSTER TO ADOPT ]

Poor Alfie (this is not Conrad, it's his brother). I had hoped he found his forever home, with another GSD/Mal experienced family, but unfortunately, his adopters live with extended family and Alfie is not doing well at all with one of the members of the household and is very suspicious of them daily.

Alfie joined Mattie's Place 1 year ago when he was 1 week old. He was adopted and returned at 6 month old. Then adopted at 1 year old and sadly, being returned again.

Alfie spent months in boarding with Amber Remedios, between his 2 adoptions and he's proven to be a really great dog with all sorts of people and all dogs he's shared space with or met. I'm not sure how he continues to fail or be failed outside Amber's setting.

His breed predisposes him to be "suspicious". You have to work to create a relationship with Alfie, but he's super easy going and befriends people quickly. He's quite a people pleaser.

His full profile can be found on the website.

If you understand the breed and have a lifestyle that allows you to spend time adventuring or giving him the "work" he needs daily then please complete a foster application or reach out on the adoption process.

01/29/2025

[ UPDATE ON CHASE & DABOA ]

Chow Chow Daboa's 11th birthday is coming up on February 1st. He's been with Mattie's Place since May 2023 - (609 days or 20 months). However you view time, it amounts to, he's been in rescue a really long time.

It's not just that DaBoa hasn't found a home to call his own, being in rescue this long brings continued expenses for food, grooming and medical care.

Today, DaBoa was back at the vet as his eye has filmed over in the past couple days. Glaucoma, eye ulcer, nuclear sclerosis, cataracts have all been ruled out. His eye pressure is good, but one eye has a grey haze.

We're going to monitor DaBoa's senior dog eyeball and the vet feels, for now, no action needs to be taken.

In other news, Chase was also at this vet appointment and his eyeball ulcer that we've been nursing since December has resolved and is 100% healed! That's super good news for 12 year old Chase!

Was really great spending time with these 2 good old Mattie's Place boys today and Amber too, of course!

Daboa's Adoption Profile: www.petfinder.com/dog/daboa-99-dollars-adoption-fee-65043943/on/scarborough/matties-place-on571

01/29/2025

UPDATED: DRIVER FOUND - THANKS EVERYONE!

[ DRIVER NEEDED ]

I need to get a few bags of dog food & another winter coat to a foster dog in Orangeville.

Is anyone traveling in that direction anytime soon?