Placing our animals in loving homes is one of the key objectives here at Big Sky Ranch. We will keep an animal here for as long as is needed, but it is our preference to find homes for as many as we can.

January 2012

Hi there,

Just thought I would drop you your first update on the lab mix puppy "Shadow" that our family adopted on December 13th. I knew the name Shadow would be changed as the children would want a chance to rename him, but it was me who came up with his new name in the end. He has been renamed Tuxedo, or Tux for short and took to his new name immediately.

It has been almost 4 weeks and I really don't remember what it was like not to have him. It has even been a joy to get up with him in the night to let him outside, although we are now able to get a 6 hour break before doing this. We have continued with the cage training although it is common for him to fall asleep with either my husband or I on the bed first. Still after his final bathroom break he goes to the cage willingly and it isn't hard to get him in when we are leaving for a few hours during the day. We have been accident free since just after Christmas (although honestly before that we were only having one or two a day and usually when he was excited playing with the kids. In fact many were actually trailing to the door and back as he just wouldn't stop playing).

He is so incredibly sweet and smart! He has already learned to sit, lay down, get off, shake, stay and come on command (although can be easliy distracted as he is still young). He starts puppy pre-school on Wednesday and we expect him to be top of his class.

As we can't get enough of him there are now dog beds on our two main levels that he moves around himself to be in the same room as us, but usually one of us is on the floor with him either using him as a pillow or letting him climb into our laps (something that is going to have to stop soon!) He was 17 lbs the day we took him home and weighs 29.5 lbs today! I swear that he has doubled in size, and those paws just keep getting wider looking! I am excited to see how big he will get!

When we took him to the vet she said her best guess was that he was lab mixed with a Cane Corso breed but my husband and I are pretty sure that he is half lab and half boxer. Either way we are in for a good sized dog, but with his disposition we are going to have a great one. We get compliments on him everywhere we go!

Today we purchased him a Holt leash (goes around his snout) as he is quite strong and willful on walks. I took him for the first one this afternoon and what a difference. It will take him a while to get used to it though but with the treats he gets for good behaviour, teaching him anything is a breeze.

When people ask us where we got him we are quick to tell them from Big Sky Ranch and suggest people check you and other rescue places out. Thank you so much for fostering him and for letting our family be blessed with his love and affection.

Heather Puncher and Family.
 

December 2011

A fundraiser was held at Kemptville Public School by some of the Grade 6 Girls for Big Sky Ranch. They sold some Christmas crafts and jewelry they have made during a school event on Dec 13, 14 & 15th.  They raised $500 from their sales for Big Sky Ranch! Wow! Thanks girls!
 

November 2011

Hi Big Sky Ranch,

Quick update about Rupert. This cat is the most fantastic cat I've ever had. I never wanted a cat but as soon as I saw Rupert at my store, PJ's Pets Express, it was love at first sight and I knew he was the exception! He's still a little timid with my sons, ages 6 and 2, but he's never hissed, swatted, scratched or bitten either of them. Rupert is a great eater and an even better cuddler (once the kids are gone to bed!) and he's only ever attempted to scratch the furniture once. I quickly bought him a cat post and he scratched it the first day and every day since. I love this cat with all my heart. I'm so happy you were able to showcase him in our store and that I can spread the word about how well you care for your animals and how amazing they are when they are adopted. Thank you!
 
See you this weekend! Can't wait to see who you bring in to the store this time...but I've already promised my husband NO MORE CATS! :)

Randi Curry

October 2011

Hi there,

This is Alisha Serson-Daye, my family and I adopted Charlie on friday. I just wanted to let you know, so far he is doing amazing! He loves our cat Taz and loves our little boy Riley even more! He is such a good dog in the house, outside and in the truck! He has been coming with us everywhere we go! He is definitely part of the family already! We haven't had such a well behaved dog in a long long time. I will be sending you some photos as soon as I get them on my computer and will for sure keep in touch! Thank you so so much for helping us find the missing part of our family!
All the thanks and blessings in the world!
 
Alisha, Adam and Riley :)

March 2011

Hi Andy:

I recently saw you on A-Channel and then visited your web-site and think you are doing amazing things!!! I am an animal lover and to see what you do at Big Sky Ranch astounds me. You put your heart and soul into caring, rescuing and loving these animals that, may otherwise have no chance at a normal life.....for that I applaud you!! Andy, you and your family are amazing!!! I know it is a 24-7 job to care for all of the animals but you seem to do it for the love of doing it, and I find that commendable!!! I wish I lived closer so that I could volunteer but unfortunately, I do not. I am on a limited income however, starting at the end of this month I will try to send a small donation with hopes that it may help in some small way. The reason for this e-mail is, this morning on A-Channel they showed a contest sponsored by Mars(bars)Canada which had to do with acts of kindness in communities in Ontario. The prize for the most voted random act of kindness was a $10,000 donation to the winner. Immediately, I thought of you Andy and your wonderful sanctuary. I posted it on my Facebook page and have asked all of my friends to vote for you. I wanted to let you know so that you may get all of your friends, voulunteers and family to vote as well. If they have Facebook pages, get them to post it so that everyone may vote for you. Let's start something here :o) The website is www.marsacts.ca and this is where you place your votes. I hope by passing along this e-mail we can get thousands of votes because I know what a $10,000 donation could mean to you and to the animals you support. So, in closing I wish to say thank-you....thank-you for being selfless and loving and for providing a unique service that is so needed. God bless you and your sanctuary...may the sun shine down on you today and always....
Sincerely, Morah D.

January 2011

Hello, I just wanted to take a moment to say how very impressed I am with the Big Sky Ranch. Sadly, a close firend of mine passed away last week and in her obituary, she has asked that donations be made to this ranch, in lieu of flowers. I wasn't familiar with this ranch so decided to Google it. I have spent hours now looking through the website. I cannot tell you how elated I am to know that there is such a place to give animals a second chance at life and would like to say thank you to everyone at the ranch for devoting their lives to help give these animals love and life.

I am a 'collector' if you will, of stray and abandoned animals... they end up on my doorstep somehow and are given a warn and loving home. Currently, I have 1 dog, Belle who will be turning 20 this year. Charlie, Holly and Kitty, all abandoned cats are well into their senior years as well. They light up my life!!!! I have rescued countless animals over the years and will always continue to do so. I will be sure to make a donation to Big Sky Ranch on behalf of my great friend and will gladly let others know of your organization.

Sincerely Susan B.

Hi Andy:

Wanted to wish you and everyone at The Big Sky Ranch a Happy New Year ! Maggie is an amazing dog and has completed our family-thankyou so much for all you do.
from the Maggie and the Turners.

September 2010

Hi Andy:
I just wanted to let you know that the little calico kitten "Pumpkin" is fantastic.... she is so beautiful friendly and sweet! In fact she is the most amazing kitten! She has no fear, is happy, content, playful, settled, eating, found the litter box! She still hisses at the dog like a big tough thing!! But she is doing that less and poor Dazey just wants to nuzzle her!! She doesnt growl at the dog anymore!

Our visit was a VERY enjoyable experience!! The two sisters were so nice and everyone was so friendly. The farm looks beautiful and made me wish I was an animal that could go live in those fields!!

Just like when we got Dazey - We are all very happy!

Thanks so much!!! Kris.

July 2010

Hi Andy:

I just thought that I would let you know how Tucker, who was previously Scooter, is doing.

Since coming home with me last December, Tucker has made tons of friends in our little neighborhood and has come to love Bartlett Park in Manotick. He loves to chase other dogs and be chased but he makes sure to take time out for a swim to cool off. He also loves it up at the cottage where he gets to explore the whole island and chase all the local wildlife. He hasn't quite realized that the roots of the trees can't be picked up but it is definitely funny to watch him try.

Tucker has become somewhat of a pseudo celebrity too. He was the Ottawa Dog Blog Dog of the Week for the week of July 5th, check it out here. And he's even been in a music video for a local Ottawa band, Hearts in Stereo, click here to watch the video. He's made great friends with the other dogs in the video and has come to think of himself as a much bigger dog than he is - so much so that he now has a t-shirt that says "I'm the BIG dog around here!"

It is impossible to be unhappy when Tucker is around, everyone falls in love with him and his ever-happy attitude. The entire family spoils him and loves to play with him. I think we all spend more time on the floor playing than we do most other things.

I think all families should have a wonderful dog like Tucker. I'm so glad that I came out to see him that cold night in December after work. And I'm even happier that you hadn't yet put his picture on your website otherwise he might not have made it into my life and into my heart. Attached are a couple recent photos of Tucker and his best friend Xena (a pit bull cross).

Tucker is the first shelter dog that I have adopted and would never think of going back to a breeder, the love that rescue dogs share when they come to trust you is totally different than anything else.

You and your family are doing great work on the ranch, keep it up there are so many animals that need your help.

All the best,
Jennifer and Tucker

June 2010

Hi Andy:

I would like to sincerely thank you for adopting out Bruno (previously known as Brutus) to me. He is a wonderful dog, and an absolute joy to have as a member of my family.

You will remember that, the day before I came out to Big Sky Ranch, my german shepherd Sasha & I had said our final good-byes to our beloved 10-year-old labrador Owen. Sasha has separation anxiety, but she had been doing very well thanks to the companionship of her best friend Owen. I had adopted Owen and Sasha together as a bonded pair from a shelter, where they had met and become best friends, a couple of years ago. I was very worried about Sasha, and I had wanted to find her another canine buddy as soon as I could.

Well let me tell you, it is impossible to be unhappy with Bruno around! He is one of the most gregarious souls I have ever known, with a disposition that can best be described as bombproof! Everyone he meets is his friend. He even likes the birds; he is always aware of them flying overhead on our walks or in the backyard. He is a very silly and entertaining boy who loves to play fetch and wrestle with Sasha. They are now best buddies. Sasha has a friend to help with her anxiety, and Bruno – Mr Congeniality – has a full-time companion which suits him very well, given his very sociable nature. It is a great combination for both, a real win-win situation.

Thank you so much for the love and care that you provide to all the wonderful animals at Big Sky Ranch, and for providing a happy environment for them to stay until lucky people like me can adopt them.

I encourage everyone who would like to add a four-legged family member to seriously consider adopting shelter animals in general, and from Big Sky in particular. Bruno is the fifth shelter dog I have adopted in my lifetime, and every single one has been a gem.

May the sun shine upon you, Andy, and Big Sky Ranch for many years to come.

All the best, Dawn, Sasha & Bruno

Febuary 2010

Thanks

Hi Everyone Thank you for taking me on as a volunteer over the last nine months. My experiences at Big Sky Ranch have been everything from heart melting to awe inspiring and all very valuable to me. I thank you for welcoming me onto your team and teaching and sharing your knowledge and experiences. Andy, I was moved by your story of praying for some girls to come groom your horses and then... poof! There we were. Also I cannot thank you enough for helping me become a first time dog owner to the most precious and lovely dog I have ever met. (No offense Vicky). Don't be surprised to see me visiting and introducing others to the wonders of Big Sky Ranch. Until then you're in my prayers.

Love, Sara Miall

January 2010

New Family Member

Jacqueline and I are delighted to announce the adoption of a wee one – Miss Sally. She has come a long way in a short period of time. Thank you to Kim, Meghan and Amber for their love and help with socialization. Sampson gives Miss Sally a “two paws up”. Miss Sally was adopted from the Big Sky Ranch near Hexton, Ontario. They are a refuge for both big and small animals. See their website at; www.bigskyranch.ca. Our sincere gratitude to them for the work they do. Miss Sally has a forever home – we love her.

Joanne Shaver

September 2009

Hi Andy
Hope you are doing well. We haven't seen you for a while. Brutus is making great progress. He has made some new canine friends (mostly small dogs and puppies) in and around my apartment building. He loves to greet everyone he meets on our walks and has become the love of the neighbourhood with all the kids. He also now has a new mission: I have started taking him into St. Vincent's Hospital on Sundays to visit my sister (she has cancer of the lymph nodes, as well as other problems). Last Sunday, we ended up staying over 4 hours because so many people (staff, patients and relatives) wanted to meet him and were surprised to learn his story. They thought he was a certified therapy dog (I am working on that). A lot of people wanted to know if he was coming back again and I said we would be there every week. He loves situations like that - he is calm, doesn't bark or lick anyone and sits beside wheelchairs or bedsides or just greets people he meets in the family rooms, etc. I am so proud of him. I truly believe you saved an angel the day you decided to save Brutus. He just has a knack for helping people. Anyway, I just wanted to see how you were doing, give you an update on the big guy. Talk to you soon. Gaylinne and Brutus

August 2009

Robertson House raises funds for abused animals

July 2009

Hi Andy
My husband, son and I went to your recent fundraiser at Canadian Tire. We had the great pleasure of talking to the gentleman that was in charge of Sam. I also had the pleasure of holding Sam's lead while the gentleman got the wagon ready. I just want to say that Sam is an absolutely wonderful horse and it was one of the hightlights of my day getting to know such a wonderful animal. You are a wonderful man to do what you do. Too bad there aren't more like you around. Hope Sam lives out the rest of his life on your ranch. Any animal that ends up in your care is very lucky indeed.
We will be out to visit the ranch soon and hope we get to meet you in person. We will continue to support Big Sky Ranch and the work that you and your volunteers do.
Get well soon.
Pam McPherson

Hello,

I wanted to send you an email to say how impressed and happy I am that your animal sanctuary exists.  I am a huge animal lover and a friend of mine told me about your place and that her sister took her dog Clancy there in the hopes she got adopted, and from visiting your website, I see that she has.  I am incredibly impressed with the amount of adoptions, and that the older dogs are being adopted as well.

Thank you for doing what you do and I'll be sure to spread the word and make donations to your worthy cause.

Amy Malin

September 2008

Hello All, I just wanted to send you a pic of our dog that we got from you in March 08. He is now just 10 months old, and he is 102 pounds. Yikes. He was with a litter of 7, Burnesse mountain, lab and rotweiller. Not sure you remember us, my name is Liz and my boyfriend is Marshall. I saw you on the A Channel the other morning, and I thought I would send you a quick note to tell what a great dog he is. We want to Thank You, all of you, that work tirelessly to help the animals. They are definitely a very important part of everyday life. I am also sending a Picture of Bear, so you can see how well he is doing. Ok. Take Care, Liz Brunton, Marshall James and all our kids.

Hi Andy - When I came to the ranch I wasn't sure if I should have adopted Mia but I realized that I couldn't let this beautiful girl go. The time that I have had her has been a blast - she is the best dog I have ever owned and I have to thank everyone at the ranch for that. All of you put your hearts into all the animals that are there and they make sure they go to the right homes. Mia has made my home a better place than ever. I am so lucky that there is a place like Big Sky Ranch.
Thanks, Cara

I would like to thank you for all you do at the farm and the opportunities you give to the animals that might not have a chance. I would also like to thank you for introducing me to my now best friend Primus. I have to admitt I went looking for a specific type of dog but your persistance with knowing they all need homes payed off and I ended up being the lucky one. Although he was not the breed or type I was looking for ,he seemed to be a great boy and well rounded. I realized I was looking for a loyal friend not a certain breed. He was a tough looking character who had hair missing from the top of his nose blackened by scraping the cage. He would stare at me with his intimidating eyes ,not to intimidate as I soon learned, but awaiting a command. He was well trained in his previous life and will soon be bringing him to a higher level of obedience classes, maybe to compete. He enjoys a chalenge and follows direction to a tee. he is so fun to be with as the other dogs at the dog park with contest to. He loves to go in the car as he accompanies me to work every day and will ly at my feet as I work grooming other dogs. He just loves to be around you. He has greatly relaxed in the weeks we have had him . He even liked going to the vet office. His hair on his nose has grown back and a good bath has made him an even more beautiful boy. I look forward to the years ahead with him and the fun we will have. As for the boyfriend who wanted nothing to do with a dog or even like them, has also found a great friend.I think the dog is getting more love and attention then myself lol. Im glad he got to see what love a dog can give. and what a dog to show him. Thank you for all you have done and hope everyone else will see them for what they can give you , not what they are.... Looks can be decieving and you may be passing up a good friend . Primus Thanks all of you for the chance you gave him and he tells me he is very happy now. Kris.

October 5, 2007

To The Wonderfull Staff at Big Sky

In April of 2007, we purchased a beautiful German Shephard/Lab mix puppy, wanting to do what was right for her we hired personal trainner.It was during these session's when we discovered that our cute little puppy had some issue's with seperation.After a period of time we decided that it maybe we should start thinking of getting a new big brother for her. She was already well socialiezed and the cats didn't want her in the club! So, like many others we looked in the paper's and cruised the internet.We finally packed the kids up In September 2007 got our donations ready and headed of to Big Sky, (without telling the kids we were also on a mission.'Find a new forever friend")

My family and I have had the great pleasure of visitng the ranch since it opened in 2002 and always enjoyed the firendly atmostphere,the animals never fail to put on an entertaining show! During our visit to the barn we saw a beautiful Lab Mix. I swear that dog was smiling at us as he wagged his tail looking for some love! His name was Spot.. I stayed with him until my family was ready to leave without me. We left the ranch that day without Spot but he stayed in my head for days.

A few weeks later a dear friend of mine was walking by our home with her new puppy. She had gone the ranch and decided to adopt 2 dogs.Chance a 6 month gentle puppy and TANGO and 2 year old Lab Mix!..although her family loved both dogs she felt the having the 2 would be too much and wasn't sure if she was going to keep the 2 year old. I then told her about Spot, the dog that was in my head for days! My Girlfriend then suggested that we come over and have a look at the dog and see what we thought of him. Myself and my 2 kids all in or our Pj's went trucking around the corner to see this dog ,,as we walked through the gate my eyes fixed on him...It was SPOT! ... Tango was the name they had given him they didnt know what his name. Immedialty we brought him over to see how the 2 dogs would get along,,, leave to say they have been together since.

Tango is an amazing addition to our family of two cats, two young kids and a playfull puppy!He is a very well adjusted trained and socialzed dog. He just adore's the kids, dosent bother the cats and keeps April in line! Tango is a healthy ,strong and robust genltman! Our transition was easy. We feel as though our adoption was ment to be and would recommed a Big Sky to everyone! Not only is the quality of care amazing, but the staff is remarable and are truely passionate about there misssion!

I would like to take this oppurtunity to thank all of you for all your hard work and dedication at Big Sky Animal Sancutary.

Cheers
The Vauotur Family
Winchester, Ont