Goodbye, Calypso

Anyone who’s ever visited the RAPS cat sanctuary will probably have been greeted in the parking lot by a friendly little calico kitty. This was Calypso.

Sadly, Calpyso’s adventurous days ended recently, when it was discovered that she had advanced cancer of the stomach. She had remained her usual friendly little self almost right up until the end, so her loss was a great shock to all who knew her.

Goodbye, little greeter. We’ll all miss you. We’ve left your name on the door of your building and we’ll never forget you.

February 'Tails' from the Road

by RAPS ACO, Shane Burnham

The RAPS Animal Control Officers (ACO) have a difficult job and some strange stories to tell about working as an ACO in Richmond. Here are a few of their 'tails'.

FEB 2 -- RCMP requested assistance in restraining a 3-foot-long iguana. The residence was a crime scene and the RCMP needed to search the room the iguana was in. Officer Burnham arrived on scene and was shown the location of where the iguana was housed. Burnham entered the small room, threw a towel over the iguana, picked it up then placed it on the ground holding its neck and tail to the ground to prevent it from escaping. Burnham came very close to being whipped in the eye by the tail of the iguana. The police conducted a quick search and the iguana was released back into the room.

FEB 4 -- Report of a stray Shepherd mix wandering the streets. Officer Burnham arrived on scene and spotted the reported dog in someone's driveway. As Burnham approached, the dog bolted. Burnham pursued in his vehicle, following the dog into an area park. Burnham attempted to apprehend the dog, but it bolted again in the opposite direction. After losing sight of it, Burnham was shown where it was by some kids in the area. The dog was in another yard, so Burnham traced the address with the City and discovered that the dog was now in its own yard. Burnham alerted the resident who had no idea the dog had been out and did not show much concern. Burnham recalled another incident involving the same dog a few months back. The owner was issued a ticket for failing to keep the dog confined.

FEB 8 -- Officer Kilborn received a report of a SharPei running in and out of traffic. Kilborn arrived at the intersection where the dog was reported to be and witnessed the dog running down the road. Kilborn attempted to apprehend the dog, but it ran back into the road through traffic and into a back yard. Kilborn entered the yard to find the dog and was alerted by the residents that the dog belonged to them. Kilborn issued the owner a ticket for failing to keep the dog confined to its yard.

FEB 17 -- RCMP requested assistance in removing a young mastiff pup from a grow-op being dismantled. Officer Burnham arrived on scene and was shown the dog on the back porch. The dog was not aggressive at all just very scared. Burnham removed the dog and took it back to the shelter. The dog is now at the shelter awaiting a new and better home.

Nanimo's Recovery

Nanimo, an 11-year-old, yellow-striped cat, was found on the doorstep of a Richmond home in the cold and snow of last December. He was brought to safety by the home owner, but Nanimo didn't arrive at the RAPS City Shelter until almost a full week later. Nanimo was so starved and ill, that he couldn't even walk. He was taken directly to the veterinarian and received critical care for almost a week. Remarkably, Nanimo survived and was transfered to the RAPS City Shelter for further attention. Over the month of January, Nanimo was given close care, special food and antibiotics while he recuperated. As he grew stronger, the RAPS staff found that Nanimo was an exceptionally loving cat, and his sweet personality began to emerge the more he could interact with people. After nearly a month, Nanimo is now able to stand on his feet, but he is still quite shaky on his back legs. The shelter staff expect him to make a full recovery, and one day he will be ready for a new home. RAPS is so glad that Nanimo was found in the nick of time. A special fund has been set up to help RAPS pay for Nanimo's ongoing special care. If you would like to donate to the Nanimo Recovery Fund, you can donate online or mail donations directly to the RAPS City Shelter, 12071 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC V7A 4E9.