Ladybird Animal Sanctuary

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Ladybird Animal Sanctuary Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a Canadian animal rescue charity dedicated to saving the lives of cats, dogs and small animals from high-volume shelters.

Registered Canadian Charity: 815911318RR0001 We are the Ladybirds - Melissa McClelland, Lisa Winn and Janine Stoll; best friends and musicians who have spent over a decade sharing in each other’s music. Through recording as the Ladybird Sideshow Project, touring Canada or simply singing three ­part harmonies in each other’s living rooms over a bottle of wine, our collective passion for music has a

lways been the glue to our friendship. As our music careers veered in different directions over the years, our friendship held strong and our shared passion for animal welfare eventually helped us conceive of Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, bonding the three of us even closer. It all started with a cat named Oliver who had been abandoned at a local shelter where Ladybird Lisa was working at the time. After spending a year in a cage, and some time not being able to shake what seemed like a cold, he was diagnosed with feline leukemia. In some shelters, this is a death sentence, even though FeLV cats can live long, healthy lives, despite the diagnosis. Oliver was snuggly, affectionate, full of life and certainly not deserving of death just because of his diagnoses. Lisa brought him home and spent months trying to find him a suitable home, as she already had her share of rescue animals. It was sweet Oliver who sparked our idea for Ladybird Animal Sanctuary. With one foster home, one rescue cat, a website design from our extraordinary web genius Janine and some serious word of mouth, we watched Ladybird grow from one simple idea to a registered Canadian charity with a system of 30 plus volunteer foster homes, and hundreds of domestic animals rescued from high-­kill shelters. Each animal eventually adopted out to a loving forever home, or becoming “Permanent Resident” when they are not suitable for adoption. We are working hard towards our dream of opening a physical sanctuary in the Southern Ontario region. This will be a safe haven for animals, where we can continue to rescue dogs, cats, small animals and birds, and where we can also take in farm animals. This will also be a place for our Ladybird community to gather and grow. We will welcome anyone who is willing to help, learn, engage and celebrate the lives of these wonderful creatures. There are steep learning curves at every turn, but we are up for the challenge because there is an important task at hand. With every success story, every rescue mission, every grateful furry little face, we know we are doing our jobs as animal defenders. We could not, and cannot possibly do this alone, so please join us on our Ladybird journey!

25/01/2025

Which Ladybird alumni rescue are you this month??

Every Ladybird animal comes to us with their own personality and back story, but they ALL leave with a bright new fresh start….

January blues, hibernation, fresh new start, winter wonderland? Let us know in the comments which animal you’re feeling this month 🙃

Facebook is full of fake accounts that are set up by scammers/spammers. Please don’t engage with any accounts that ask y...
25/01/2025

Facebook is full of fake accounts that are set up by scammers/spammers. Please don’t engage with any accounts that ask you to join a group or click a link. Report the comment to Facebook and block the account.
We try hard to keep up with blocking and deleting these comments on our page, but these jerks are relentless. 🤨

Thank you Save Our Scruff for this informative post. Dogs, and all other types of pets end up at shelters for many diffe...
24/01/2025

Thank you Save Our Scruff for this informative post. Dogs, and all other types of pets end up at shelters for many different reasons. We've seen all these scenarios and more.
All the dogs featured in this post belonged to someone at some point- even the "strays" who were not really strays at all (i.e. Bunny and Brie).
Humans need to do better.
Please don't get a pet unless you plan to keep that pet for their entire life. A pet should be part of the family - not "disposable" when they're no longer convenient. Spay and neuter your pets. Save up for vet visits - emergency, unexpected illness, or routine. Or get pet insurance.
Don't shop for your pet. Your local shelter or rescue will have the pet you are looking for, and if they don't right away, they will eventually.
There is currently an animal crisis happening in Ontario and beyond. Shelters and rescues are full, but the animals keep coming. Because of irresponsible pet owners and backyard breeders, euthanasia rates are climbing. We've gone backwards from where we were, and there's no end in sight.
Please adopt. If you're not in a position to adopt, support your local shelter and rescue in other ways that you can.
It's up to all of us to help animals who have ended up without a home through no fault of their own.

FOREVER HOME FRIDAY! Fridays are great days for good news stories.  Ladybird loves receiving updates about our rescues f...
24/01/2025

FOREVER HOME FRIDAY!

Fridays are great days for good news stories. Ladybird loves receiving updates about our rescues from the lovely families who have adopted them.
Here is an update from Mariana’s forever family.

“It has been about 2 1/2 months since we adopted Mariana, so I thought I would send a little update. 😊
She's the sweetest girl ever. Her favourite spot to be is under the bed, but she has been coming out more and more. My partner and I hang out a lot in one of the other rooms upstairs and Mariana will come into the room, "yell" at us and then go back to the bedroom, where she is waiting for us.
She loves getting pets and scritches on her head. She also loves jumping up on the bed at night for snuggles. She particularly likes to find your hand to bump with her head, so that she can get her deserved scritches.
Mariana has definitely filled a hole in my heart. I could not have asked for a sweeter cat to have adopted, and I'm so glad I was able to connect with her through Ladybird!”
❤️
See more success stories like this one at our website:
https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/success-stories/

Sadly, this is the reality of where most pet store animals come from. Ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, bir...
23/01/2025

Sadly, this is the reality of where most pet store animals come from. Ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, birds and other animals sold in pet stores (especially big box pet stores) come from facilities like these that are akin to puppy mills. Mothers are bred until they age out, and are then "dispatched" because they are no longer making money for the mill owner. The conditions are beyond horrific.
This is one of the many reasons the phrase "Adopt. Don't shop" exists, and why we will keep saying it until places like this are shut down for good.

Available for adoption:Gina!AGE AT ARRIVAL: Approximately 1 year oldARRIVAL DATE: November 28th, 2024SPECIES: GerbilGEND...
23/01/2025

Available for adoption:

Gina!

AGE AT ARRIVAL: Approximately 1 year old
ARRIVAL DATE: November 28th, 2024
SPECIES: Gerbil
GENDER: Female
ADOPTION FEE: $25
NOTES:
Gina was found alone in an apartment building and brought to Hamilton Animal Services. We’re thankful for the person who found her and brought her to safety. No owner came forward to claim Gina, so the shelter reached out to us. We were happy to get Gina out of the shelter and into the vet for a health check. Thankfully, Gina doesn’t have any obvious health issues after being abandoned, but because we didn’t know her history, she stayed in our care for the gestation period to be sure she was not pregnant. Thankfully she wasn’t.
Gina is not all that thrilled about being handled, but she is a friendly little girl. The bedding in Gina’s 75 gallon tank is very deep, which allows her to make intricate tunnel systems to burrow in and adventure through. Burrowing is a natural behaviour for gerbils, and they should always be provided deep bedding such as Carefresh brand. Gina likes to run in the large wheel she has been provided, and she enjoys dust baths. Gerbils are big chewers, so timothy hay and lots of wooden toys should be provided to keep their teeth in tip top shape. Gerbils are a lot of fun, and with a proper enclosure (a large tank with a secure lid is best) and enrichment, they can enjoy their best life.

Please adopt Gina!
❤️
Visit our website to apply:
https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/las1736/

📍Gina is being fostered in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

22/01/2025

Chinese Crested puppy rescue!

Someone put Topper and his brother into a crate and abandoned them in a park in Burlington. Thankfully someone found the crate and brought the puppies to Burlington Animal Services. After their stray time was up, Topper’s brother was adopted. Because it was thought Topper had a heart murmur, and because of lack of cage space, shelter staff reached out to us for help.
We were happy to get Topper out of the shelter and he went straight to the vet for a health check. Turns out, Topper doesn’t have a heart murmur after all, and aside from the typical skin issues that Chinese Crested dogs suffer from, he’s in good health. We’ve got him scheduled to be neutered at the end of the month.
Topper is a very friendly guy. He’s only about five months old, so he has lots of puppy energy. He is getting along with the other animals in his foster home, and he loves to hang out and snuggle with humans.
When Topper is healed from his neuter and gets the go-ahead from his vet, he’ll be made available for adoption.

Welcome to Ladybird, Topper! We’re so happy you’re here!
❤️
Visit our website to see all the ways you can make a difference for Topper and the other animals in our care. Your support is what makes rescues like this possible!ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/how-to-help/donate

📍
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a rescue based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We don't yet have a physical sanctuary, but we're working on it! Check out this page of our website to see how you can help us reach our goal of a place to call home. https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/how-to-help/buy-a-brick/

Chinese Crested puppy rescue! Someone put Topper and his brother into a crate and abandoned them in a park in Burlington...
22/01/2025

Chinese Crested puppy rescue!

Someone put Topper and his brother into a crate and abandoned them in a park in Burlington. Thankfully someone found the crate and brought the puppies to Burlington Animal Services. After their stray time was up, Topper’s brother was adopted. Because it was thought Topper had a heart murmur, and because of lack of cage space, shelter staff reached out to us for help.
We were happy to get Topper out of the shelter and he went straight to the vet for a health check. Turns out, Topper doesn’t have a heart murmur after all, and aside from the typical skin issues that Chinese Crested dogs suffer from, he’s in good health. We’ve got him scheduled to be neutered at the end of the month.
Topper is a very friendly guy. He’s only about five months old, so he has lots of puppy energy. He is getting along with the other animals in his foster home, and he loves to hang out and snuggle with humans.
When Topper is healed from his neuter and gets the go-ahead from his vet, he’ll be made available for adoption.

Welcome to Ladybird, Topper! We’re so happy you’re here!
❤️
Visit our website to see all the ways you can make a difference for Topper and the other animals in our care. Your support is what makes rescues like this possible!ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/how-to-help/donate

📍
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a rescue based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We don't yet have a physical sanctuary, but we're working on it! Check out this page of our website to see how you can help us reach our goal of a place to call home. https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/how-to-help/buy-a-brick/

21/01/2025

Mom and baby guinea pig rescue!

Mama M and her baby Moo were two of a group of guinea pigs surrendered to a Niagara area shelter by their owner because they had too many animals. Moo is approximately 8 weeks old, and poor Mama M is already pregnant again. We're glad we could get these two out of the shelter and into a quiet foster home where Mama M can have her babies in peace.
Moo has to be the cutest baby guinea pig we've ever seen. Super adorable! These sweet girls are now settling in at their foster home and doing well so far. We hope Mama M's pregnancy and delivery go smoothly and that mom and all the babies can find their forever homes when they're ready.

Welcome to Ladybird, Mama M and Moo! We're so happy you're here!
❤️
Want to help Mama M and Moo? Monetary donations are always needed, but donations of Oxbow brand Guinea Pig food, Oxbow "Natural Science" Vitamin C tablets, timothy hay, small animal chew toys, and fleece liners are very much appreciated!
Options for donating items:
🐾 Pet Valu Dundas Ontario - 86 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario. Purchase items in-store and leave in the donation bin.
🐾 Amazon Wish List - http://a.co/0GNLg2x
Purchase items and have them delivered directly to us!
🐾 SUPPORT SMALL ONLINE BUSINESSES
Order items from any of these Ontario based businesses, let them know your order is for Ladybird and they'll send your donation to us!
🐇 Jax's Bunporium https://www.jaxsbunporium.ca/
🐇 The Green Bunny https://www.thegreenbunnystore.com/
🐇 Zoey and Lilo's Toy Box https://www.zoeyandlilostoybox.com
🐇 Mischief Stitches https://www.facebook.com/Mischief.Stitches
🐇 Hoppy's Hay https://www.facebook.com/hoppyshaydelivery
🐇 Professor Flop’s Bunny Shop https://www.instagram.com/professorflop/
🐇 Ashe's Fleece https://ashesfleece.store/

Mom and baby guinea pig rescue!Mama M and her baby Moo were two of a group of guinea pigs surrendered to a Niagara area ...
21/01/2025

Mom and baby guinea pig rescue!

Mama M and her baby Moo were two of a group of guinea pigs surrendered to a Niagara area shelter by their owner because they had too many animals. Moo is approximately 8 weeks old, and poor Mama M is already pregnant again. We're glad we could get these two out of the shelter and into a quiet foster home where Mama M can have her babies in peace.
Moo has to be the cutest baby guinea pig we've ever seen. Super adorable! These sweet girls are now settling in at their foster home and doing well so far. We hope Mama M's pregnancy and delivery go smoothly and that mom and all the babies can find their forever homes when they're ready.

Welcome to Ladybird, Mama M and Moo! We're so happy you're here!
❤️
Want to help Mama M and Moo? Monetary donations are always needed, but donations of Oxbow brand Guinea Pig food, Oxbow "Natural Science" Vitamin C tablets, timothy hay, small animal chew toys, and fleece liners are very much appreciated!
Options for donating items:
🐾 Pet Valu Dundas Ontario - 86 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario. Purchase items in-store and leave in the donation bin.
🐾 Amazon Wish List - http://a.co/0GNLg2x
Purchase items and have them delivered directly to us!
🐾 SUPPORT SMALL ONLINE BUSINESSES
Order items from any of these Ontario based businesses, let them know your order is for Ladybird and they'll send your donation to us!
🐇 Tiny Paws Emporium https://www.tinypawsemporium.com
🐇 The Green Bunny https://www.thegreenbunnystore.com/
🐇 Zoey and Lilo's Toy Box https://www.zoeyandlilostoybox.com
🐇 Mischief Stitches https://www.facebook.com/Mischief.Stitches
🐇 Hoppy's Hay https://www.facebook.com/hoppyshaydelivery
🐇 Professor Flop’s Bunny Shop https://www.instagram.com/professorflop/
🐇 Ashe's Fleece https://ashesfleece.store/

Katsura has been waiting a long time for her forever home. Want a sweet and cuddly companion in your life? Don’t make Ka...
20/01/2025

Katsura has been waiting a long time for her forever home. Want a sweet and cuddly companion in your life? Don’t make Katsura wait any longer! She is your girl!

A note from Katsura’s foster family:
“Katsura has been hogging our bed for over a year now, so we figured that a year in review is needed. Katsura was pulled from Animal Services (we love those folks!) on October 14, 2023 after being found outside as a stray. She hates the outdoors, so we aren’t so sure how accurate that is. Katsura came in with ear mites, a horrible ear infection and some major congestion. Dr. Stubbs helped clear out her ears (which is a nasty nasty job) and gave Katsura some antibiotics to clear up her congestion. Unfortunately, the congestion is just a part of life for Katsura (and is contagious- so she has to be a single cat) and it rarely bothers her anymore. Katsura tends to get more congested if she is stressed out (which lately is only when we are away and have someone else house sit). She may require antibiotics to help with any inflammation. Some things have changed over the year. Katsura is a lap and bed hog. If there is a lap available, she is on it. If you are trying to sleep, she is either curled up next to you or on top of you. Her ears no longer bother her, so scratches and pets are mandatory along with those laps. Katsura and the resident pupper tolerate each other- they aren’t best friends, but they agree to share the bed, couch, and dinner areas. Katsura adores food. A lot. She now gets fed in a ball to encourage movement. She also has minor arthritis, so the movement and the weight loss from being fed in a ball helps manage that. Katsura adores tomatoes. We have no idea why, but if there are any tomatoes left to ripen in a windowsill, basement or in a grocery bag, she will find them and run all over the house to hide. She rarely goes after other food, but she will claw through the bottom of a box to get to tomatoes. We can’t say enough about Katsura! She is an amazing cat who will be a great addition to any house. She will keep you in giggles and smother you in cuddles.”
❤️
Visit our website to apply to adopt:
https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/las1585/

📍 Katsura is being fostered in Hamilton, Ontario.

19/01/2025

Please welcome our first rescues of 2025 - Marzipan and Midge!

Marzipan and Midge were surrendered to Hamilton Animal Services by their owner when they could no longer care for them.
We were happy to get these cute pigs out of the noisy shelter and into a quiet foster home. They had a vet visit on their rescue day and they are healthy, other than Midge having a sore on her foot. She’s been started on medication for the sore, and hopefully it will heal soon.
These piggies are very, very scared, so their foster family will take the time to help them get over their fears.
Marzipan and Midge will be made available for adoption soon!

Welcome to Ladybird, Marzipan and Midge! We’re so happy you’re here!
❤️
You can help the animals in our care by donating monetarily, or by donating much needed supplies for our animals!
Visit our website to see all the ways to help:
https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/how-to-help/donate/

Gretchen’s surgery went great! She’s minus a few teeth and she’s now spayed. While she recovers, she’s being spoiled by ...
18/01/2025

Gretchen’s surgery went great! She’s minus a few teeth and she’s now spayed. While she recovers, she’s being spoiled by her foster mom with breakfast in bed. Lucky girl!
We hope Gretchen heals without issue and she can start the search for her forever home when she’s ready.
Way to go, Gretchen!
❤️
Visit our website to see all the ways you can make a difference for Gretchen and the other animals in our care. Your support is what makes this possible!ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/how-to-help/donate
📍
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a rescue based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We don't yet have a physical sanctuary, but we're working on it! Check out this page of our website to see how you can help us reach our goal of a place to call home. https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/how-to-help/buy-a-brick/

🎉 Thank You for an Incredible  ! 🐾Our hearts are full of gratitude for the love and support you’ve shown today in honour...
18/01/2025

🎉 Thank You for an Incredible ! 🐾

Our hearts are full of gratitude for the love and support you’ve shown today in honour of Betty White’s legacy. Thanks to YOU, Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is better equipped to provide care, shelter, and second chances to animals in need - especially for our Golden Girls; Bunny and Brie❤️

But the work doesn’t stop here! If you missed the chance to donate during today’s campaign, it’s not too late. Every contribution, big or small, continues to make a life-saving difference.

💖 You can still donate here: https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/how-to-help/donate-funds/

From all of us at Ladybird Animal Sanctuary—humans and animals alike—thank you for your compassion and generosity. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for so many deserving animals. 🐶🐱🐾

  Fridays are great days for good news stories.  Ladybird loves receiving updates about our rescues from the lovely fami...
17/01/2025



Fridays are great days for good news stories. Ladybird loves receiving updates about our rescues from the lovely families who have adopted them. Here is a lovely update from Mabel's forever family.

"Mabel came into our lives on December 20th 2024 and she has settled right in to our home and hearts. She is an adorable, sweet little girl and we are so thankful she found us. She has a great appetite and likes the snow. She is doing great! We are so grateful to Ladybird for getting her into great foster care and giving her the medical attention she desperately needed, giving us the opportunity to give Mabel her forever home."

If you have adopted a rescue in the past, you are a hero to us! Look what love can do...

Share your Ladybird rescue story at:
https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/animal-updates

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