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First Christmas Cocktail Party for dogs and their human companions

On December 3, 2006, a group of lucky Toronto pooches attended, with all the pomp and ceremony, the first Christmas Cocktail party for dogs in the Greater Toronto Area held at the Novotel Toronto Centre. Each dog, accompanied by one or two human companions, enjoyed all sorts of natural appetizers and goodies, and gulped down Muttinis (chicken, beef broth and cranberry juice). They watched or participated in a fashion show, tried some agility equipment, enjoyed a therapeutic massage and manicure, socialized with other dogs, posed for pictures and television cameras, and for that afternoon they were the “talk of the town”. What those pooches did not know is that by having fun they were raising funds for cats.

The event, organized by ORA - Organization for the Rescue of Animals, aimed to raise funds for the over 130 cats under the care of ORA. While ORA rescues several abandoned dogs each year, the drain on the organization’s finances comes from the cats. Dogs are usually stronger and require less veterinary care. Cats tend to be more delicate and require a lot more diagnostics, surgeries and medications.

Bellamusica’s musicians, Alex Mine (back left), Dave Devall and ORA’s founder Claudia Vecchio at the Dec. 3rd event.

Santa Claus with Marshmallow (left) and Cinnamon (right) and their young caregiver, Marshmallow and Cinnamon were rescued as puppies by ORA in 2006 and adopted by the Philpott family.

Since ORA is a strict no-kill animal organization, rescued animals receive all necessary medical care. We never decline any diagnostics or intervention suggested by the veterinarians. We believe that rescuing animals is only the first step in guaranteeing them a happy life; providing them with good medical care is a fundamental part of it. Obviously, the organization’s veterinary bills are astronomical. But the idea of organizing a Christmas Cocktail party for dogs and their human companions also arose from the desire to do something fun and entertaining.

Rescuing animals is emotionally draining. We are constantly exposed to sad stories of animal neglect, abuse and abandonment. From the reactions we got both from humans and dogs participating in the event, we can say that our objective was reached. Everybody enjoyed themselves so much that we have been asked to make it an annual event. We have decided to hold it on the first Sunday in December.

Sam enjoying a cranberry Muttini.

Sweetie Pie strutting her stuff at the fashion show.

Please write down in your 2007 appointment book: next year the Christmas Cocktail party for dogs will take place on December 2 from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. You don’t want to miss it.

Humans were also entertained by the MC, Dave Devall, the great music played by Bellamusica Chamber Ensemble and by the dogs. They snacked on delicious appetizers prepared by the Novotel’s chef that were constantly replenished throughout the event. A cash bar was also available. Conversation between the attendees flowed easily, the common denominator being the love for animals.

 

Our deepest thanks to: 

	Holistic Blend® 3600A Laird Road, Unit 11 Mississauga, ON L5L 6A6 1.800.954.1117 ext. 223 info@holisticblend.com Website: www.holisticblend.com
	The Uptown Dog 139 Main Street, #105 Unionville, ON  L3R 2G6 Tel: 905.305.1222 info@theuptowndog.com Website: www.theuptowndog.com
Sutton group - heritage realty inc., brokerage	Claudia Vecchio Sales Representative 6061 Highway #7 East Markham, ON L3P 3B2 Tel: 416.726.5762 cvecchio@trebnet.com
	Serafino Iantorno State Farm Insurance 9565 Weston Rd. Woodbridge, ON  L4H  3A5 Tel: 905.303.4200 serafino.iantorno.qsv2@statefarm.com
	Maria Tedesco HLC Mortgages Tel: 416.939.4060 maria.tedesco@hlcmortgages.ca

for their sponsorship.

A special thank you to Dave Devall of CTV for being a wonderful MC.

We are grateful to:

	Bellamusica Chamber Ensemble Contact person: Michelle Kyle Tel: 416.929.7313 Website: www.bellamusica.ca
for making the rooms resonate with the great festive notes.
We must also mention: Sound engineer, Alex Mine Tel: 416.804.6463 alexmine@rogers.com for providing his expertise as sound service man

	Long & McQuade Website: www.long-mcquade.com Tel: 416.588.7886 bloor@long-mcquade.com
for their support with the sound system.

Corina Grecu, small animal massage therapist, for providing free professional massages to the attending dogs. Melissa Pollari and Kim for offering manicures and nail polish to the more beauty conscious canines.

Chris Rollox of Gemini K9 for providing the agility and obedience demonstration.

	Poop-Patrol Tel: 1.866.734.7667 Website: www.poop-patrol.com
for taking care of the canine bathroom logistics.

Thanks also to Fresh Start, Canine Nanny and Colleen Fitzelle for their support, and to Fresh Start, Sheila Brown, and Arf’ul Good Doggie Treats for donating some of the dogs’ natural treats.

The contributions of Photo Tails, for photographically documenting the event, Steve MacLean, our Santa Claus, Unionville Costume Rental, and Joyce Man, who donated the art work for the silent auction, were all fundamental to the success of our event.

 

Two weeks at the Mississauga PetSmart adoption center
Date: October 23, 2006 to November 05, 2006
Time: During store hours: Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Mississauga, 5950 Rodeo Drive, Mavis and Britannia (see map)
Event Information:

Come to see some of ORA rescued cats and consider giving one of them a loving forever home.

 

ORA will be a guest of Animal House Call, CT-Pulse 24
Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Time: Live show at 5:00 p.m., reruns at 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

Event Information:

Board Member Corinne Thaw will speak about ORA upcoming events and introduce some wonderful puppies ready to be adopted to loving and committed homes.

 

Two weeks at the Mississauga PetSmart adoption center
Date: September 11, 2006 to September 24, 2006

Time: During store hours: Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Mississauga, 5950 Rodeo Drive, Mavis and Britannia (see map)

Event Information:

Come to see some of ORA rescued cats and consider giving one of them a loving forever home.

 

ORA at the CNE
Date: Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27, 2006

Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Canadian National Exhibition - Cat Show, Automotive Building

Event Information:

Visit ORA's booth, help fundraising for the animals by donating or purchasing any of the great items for sale. Have fun with one of the many draws and come view some of the kitties for adoption. Ask for you free cat toy for first 30 visitors.

 

Garage Sale for the animals
Date: Saturday, August 19, 2006

Time: 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Newmarket, 450 Bristol Road - click here for map

Event Information:

Huge fundraising garage sale with lots of used, gently used and new items for sale: antiques, memorabilia, giftware of any kind, books, baked goods, cat and dog toys, pet supplies and more. Come to browse and buy to help the stray, abandoned and abused cats and dogs rescued by ORA – Organization for the Rescue of Animals. For more info please call 416 726 8895.

 

Two weeks at the Mississauga PetSmart Adoption Center
Date: July 31, 2006 to August 13, 2006

Time: During store hours: Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Mississauga, 5950 Rodeo Drive, Mavis and Britannia

Event Information:

Come to see some of ORA rescued cats and consider giving one of them a loving forever home.

 

Two weeks at the Mississauga PetSmart adoption center
Date: June 19, 2006 to July 2, 2006

Time: During store hours: Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Mississauga, 5950 Rodeo Drive, Mavis and Britannia

Event Information:

Come to see some of ORA rescued cats and consider giving one of them a loving forever home.

 

ORA on Daytime Mississauga, Cable 10
Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m, reruns at 5:00 p.m.and 11:00 p.m.

Location: Rogers Television, Mississauga, cable 10

Event Information:

Interview with ORA's Volunteer Fundraiser, Corinne Thaw. Corinne will be accompanied by one of ORA's kitties.

 

ORA will be a guest of Animal House Call, CT-Pulse 24
Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2006

Time: Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Event Information:

Board Member Corinne Thaw and Eddie, two year old Pomeranian, will be on the show. Corinne will talk about ORA's "Sterilize don"t Euthanize" campaign.

 

ORA at Woofstock!
Date: Saturday, June 10, 2006 and Sunday, June 11, 2006

Time: 10.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Location: Toronto, St. Lawrence Market & adjacent area - map/details here

Event Information:

Come to visit ORA’s booth, donate and purchase ORA’s merchandise. A 50/50 draw will also take place. Come with your dog and enjoy a day filled with fun. Ask for ORA booth at the information desk. ORA will be in the “rescue” section.

 

Adoption Day at Paws & Claws in Brampton
Date: Saturday, June 3, 2006

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Brampton, 17 Worthington Avenue, Creditview and Hwy 7 West

Event Information:

Come to meet some of ORA rescued cats for adoption and to support ORA rescue work. Great fundraising items for sale! For more info please call: Corinne @ 416 726 8895.

 

Garage Sale for the animals
Date: Saturday, May 20, 2006

Time: 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Brampton, 213 Mill St. South - click here for map

Event Information:

Huge fundraising garage sale with lots of used, gently used and new items for sale: antiques, furniture, memorabilia, giftware of any kind, books, baked goods, cat and dog toys, pet supplies and more. Come to browse and buy to help the stray, abandoned and abused cats and dogs rescued by ORA – Organization for the Rescue of Animals. For more info please call 416 726 8895.

 

Two weeks at the Mississauga PetSmart adoption center
Date: May 8, 2006 to May 21, 2006

Time: During store hours: Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Mississauga, 5950 Rodeo Drive, Mavis and Britannia

Event Information:

Come to see some of ORA rescued cats and consider giving one of them a loving forever home.

 

Adoption
Date: May 5 2006 to May 7, 2006

Time: During store hours: Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Mississauga, 5950 Rodeo Drive, Mavis and Britannia

Event Information:

Special adoption week-end organized by Petsmart. ORA will bring some of the cats who more urgently need a forever home.

 

Adoption Day at Paws & Claws in Brampton
Date: Saturday, April 8, 2006

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Brampton, 17 Worthington Avenue, Creditview and Hwy 7 West

Event Information:

Come to meet some of ORA rescued cats for adoption and to support ORA rescue work. Great fundraising items for sale! For more info please call: Corinne @ 416 726 5762.

 

Spring Fundraising Bazaar
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2006

Time: From 10:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Withrow Park - Clubhouse (located on the North side of Withrow Park, off Logan Ave, South of Danforth - click here for map)

Event Information:

Large selection of fine items for sale, cat and dogs toys, household items, books, collector items, etc. Come to browse and buy to support ORA' s rescue work.

Three weeks at the Mississauga Petsmart adoption center
Date: From February 13, 2006 to March 5, 2006

Time: During store hours: Monday - Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm

Location: Mississauga, 5950 Rodeo Drive, Mavis and Britannia

Event Information:

Come to see some of ORA rescued cats and consider giving one of them a loving forever home.

 

Adoption Day at Paws & Claws in Brampton

Date: Saturday, February 4, 2006 from

Time: 11:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m.

Event Information:

Come to meet some of ORA rescued cats for adoption and to support ORA rescue work. Great fundraising items for sale! For more info please call: Corinne @ 416 726 5762.

 

ORA will be a guest of Animal House Call, CT-Pulse 24
Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Time: 5:00 to 6:00 p.m, reruns at 11:35 p.m and 1:05 a.m.

Event Information:

Board Members Claudia Vecchio & Corinne Thaw will be accompanied by two ORA's pets for adoption.