The OSPCA in Renfrew County would like to make a special tribute to two of our dedicated volunteers we are blessed to have aboard our team.

Brian and Norma Miner (and family) have taken the act of volunteering beyond what most would define the duty as. They have far exceeded a volunteer's responsibility and continue to give and give and give. Active with the Renfrew Branch Board and as a shelter volunteer, Brian, has initiated fundraisers, developed working projects, as well as remaining the main source to keep programs running such as our Bingo that runs in two different locations on the weekend in our local community. On top of all of these duties and responsibilities, he also comes to the shelter every weekend to take pictures of the shelter animals so that they may be viewed on our website. AND still finds time to help build and budget for our new "Kitty Kingdom" that allows our shelter feline friends to enjoy the outdoors as well and room to stretch their legs and socialize.

Many of these projects would not have happened without Brian Miner's dedication and loyalty to his furry friends in need. His wife, Norma, also helps at the shelter level walking dogs and taking pictures for the website. Outside of the shelter, Norma is a reliable foster home for big and small critters alike.

Most little guys that go to Norma's home usually do not come out of it due to her big heart and love for all things with fur and feathers. We are truly blessed to have the Miner's in the Renfrew County SPCA family and cherish the many hard, long hours that they have donated while being such dedicated volunteers.

"Brian and I have been married for 17 years. We have 2 daughters, Jessica 16, and Lauren 14. We were posted to Petawawa in l994 and began volunteering at the shelter around 1998. The initial reason for volunteering was that our dog, Shelby, who we walked every day, was getting too old to enjoy long walks. It was difficult at first, seeing so many nice animals in need of a home, but we overcame the sad feelings and began to feel that we were making a difference to the quality of life of the shelter animals. Since then, Brian joined the BAC Committee (2002) and has been an active volunteer, assisting with Bingo, Dances, Building Maintenance, and any other tasks necessary. We have also been doing pictures and write-ups for the web-site. We fostered 2 lovebirds and a budgie this year.

Our Pets:

• 1 dog: Kira (border collie/ spaniel X)
• 4 cats: Spike, Fluffy, Jake, Milly
• 2 guinea pigs, 1 dwarf rabbit, 3 budgies, 2 gerbils, 2 degus, 5 zebra finches, 1 cockatiel, tropical fish.
• Milly, the degus, the dwarf rabbit, and one of the budgies came from the shelter." (Renfrew County OSPCA)

  (The Miner Family's Cats enjoying outdoors in a safe environment created for them at the Miner family home)