V O LU M E 1 / I S S U E 0 7 • FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Highlighting what your generosity means to our animal friends
Ragetti and his mom Megan
IN THIS ISSUE Page 2 All in the Family Page 4 One of a Kind Facility Cares for Reptiles in Need Page 5 Q & A with the Cat Whisperer Page 5 4 Tips to Keep Animals Safe this Winter
See How Your Support Saved Ragetti’s Life
ontariospca.ca
Community Outreach
All in the Family Have you ever wondered where your dog gets their quirky personality or been curious if they are like their littermates? When Catherine and Kevin adopted Gracie, a Mastiff mix puppy, from the Ontario SPCA last March, they noticed immediately how different she was from their other dog. They knew Gracie had been part of a large rescue, brought in at just five weeks of age along with her mother and six young siblings. So when the couple had the opportunity to reunite Gracie with one of her brothers for a play date, they jumped at the chance. The siblings ran to each other immediately. “Lennon, Gracie’s brother, would not leave her side,” recalls Catherine. “He had to be beside her all the time.”
“We discovered they are exactly the same in so many ways.” Although the dogs have only had one play date so far, their owners stay in close contact. “We exchange pictures all the time,” explains Catherine. “We’d definitely like to get Gracie and Lennon together again and perhaps even meet their other five siblings one day if we can figure it out.” Catherine encourages other adopters to join the Ontario SPCA’s online Adopter Community. “You can connect with other adopters,” says Catherine. “If enough people joined, it would be easier to bring siblings together again.” To join the Ontario SPCA Adopter Community, visit adoptercommunity.ontariospca.ca
“These dogs were together for three months as puppies and to see them together again is just priceless,” says Catherine.
Small Change. Big Difference.
Community Outreach
Introducing a new way to help the Ontario SPCA If you have a BMO MasterCard credit card, now there’s an easy way to make a real difference to animals. BMO’s new ChangeIt® program allows customers to round-up their credit card transactions and give the rounded up amount to the Ontario SPCA on a monthly basis.
Luna
The small change from each transaction carried over a large number of purchases made by BMO MasterCard credit card customers will make a Big Difference in support of animals in need. See ChangeIt.com for further information. PAGE 2
ontariospca.ca
Rescue & Relief ™
Your Gifts Saved Ragetti’s Life When Megan first brought Ragetti home, she assured her Mom the cat wouldn’t be with them long. After all, the 15½-year-old domestic short hair was in rough shape. Missing one eye and completely blind in the other, the elderly cat was rail thin, losing fur and suffering from a fracture in his tail. “I wasn’t even sure if he’d live,” recalls Megan. “I just knew I didn’t want him to die alone in the shelter.” The first time Ragetti found himself in the Ontario SPCA, he had come in as a stray. Staff used his microchip to contact his family who came to pick him up. The next time, Ragetti wasn’t so lucky. The poor cat spent weeks outdoors in the frigid cold and was missing one eye. This time, his owners never came. The abandoned cat was sitting in a cage near a group of kittens when Megan first saw him. “It broke my heart to know that he’d had a home his whole life and now, in his old age and clearly visually impaired he found himself
homeless,” explains Megan. When Megan picked Ragetti up, he started purring like crazy. “I knew right away I needed to take this cat home.” Ragetti settled in quickly to his new life with a little help from Megan’s dog, Lincoln, a rescued Australian shepherd. Lincoln took on the role of Ragetti’s seeing eye dog. “If Ragetti got himself stuck in a corner he would sit still and meow until Lincoln came to lead him.” Now 17, Ragetti is enjoying his retirement years in comfort. Megan explains, “As soon as he hears a recliner chair open, he is there waiting to sit on your lap and he complains if you take too long. He’s such an old man and such a sweetheart!” “I would love to see more people give older pets or pets with an obvious disability a chance,” says Megan. “They appreciate things so much more. Ragetti is so grateful to have a warm house and good food to eat. He is the perfect cat in every way.”
Rescue & Relief ™
Ragetti
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The Ontario SPCA has many senior pets in need of a good home. Consider fostering or adopting today. Visit ontariospca.ca PAGE 3
ontariospca.ca
Humane Education/Community Engagement
One of a Kind Facility Cares for Reptiles in Need Imagine trying to care for 235 reptiles in a small wartime bungalow. This was the predicament facing John Greer, Executive Director at the Welland SPCA, and Mike London, reptile expert and educator from Reptile Kingdom, when they were called in to help with a massive relocation of exotic animals in the Niagara region. The owner passed away suddenly, leaving behind a private reptile collection that included a 14-foot American alligator, many rare species of snakes and two critically endangered Orinoco crocodiles. With nowhere appropriate to take the reptiles, the team provided in-home care for over six months. “Our mandate at the Ontario SPCA is to care for all animals -- we can’t forget about them just because they aren’t cuddly or furry,” says John.
Humane Education/Community Engagement
“This case was one of many that highlighted the real need for a safe house for reptiles.”
Thanks to donor support, the new Provincial Investigations Reptile Housing Facility in Thorold is now open. The first of its kind in Ontario, the Centre is a unique partnership between the Ontario SPCA and Welland SPCA and is equipped to house surrendered or seized reptiles. It also provides animal investigation officers and shelter managers with crucial training in reptile identification and safe handling. The team also offers a vital reptile identification service to first responders across Ontario. “Our goal is to keep the reptiles healthy and happy and keep people safe,” says Mike. Asked to name his favourite reptile, John doesn’t hesitate: “The Orinoco crocodile is absolutely beautiful but they have been driven to the brink of extinction,” he explains. “It was very rewarding to know we had a hand in helping two of these magnificent creatures find a safe and suitable new home.” For the first time in 25 years, the breeding pair have enough room to be housed together and are getting sunshine on a regular basis. “They are living the good life,” says John.
We have a winner! Every year the Ontario SPCA is proud to honour one promising student at the Ontario Veterinary College, a world leader in veterinary health care. We are thrilled to announce the 2015 Ontario SPCA Veterinary Student Award winner is Kayla Beetham. Kayla has demonstrated excellent proficiency and interest in animal welfare and shelter medicine. Kayla recently had the opportunity to tour the Ontario SPCA Provincial Education & Animal Centre, participate in a roundtable discussion for OVC veterinary students and spend a week with us on a shelter medicine elective as part of her fourth year curriculum. She has since applied for an internship in shelter medicine for fall 2015. Congratulations Kayla!
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ontariospca.ca
Updates & Events
Q +A
with the author of Cat Whisperer, Mieshelle Nagelschneider
Q: What is the most common cat behaviour problem you encounter?
Litter box issues and spray marking are the biggest behavioural issues that get cats sent to shelters.
Q: Do you have any advice for people dealing with litter box issues?
Mieshelle Nagelschneider
Q: How do you explain cat kneading behavior? Kneading behavior or “milk treading” is a behavior from cat’s teats. If kittens are abruptly weaned or orphaned from their mother, they are much more likely to perform this kneading behavior for the rest of their lives; but any adult cat can knead on their owner when they are feeling relaxed and content.
First, make sure the problem is not related to the cat’s health. A lot of times it’s a urinary health issue which can be tricky to diagnose. Secondly, if you have multiple cats, don’t put all your litter boxes in one area. One of the ways cats structure their social hierarchy is they will locations. A land-o-plenty environment is critical when it comes to keeping the peace in a multi-cat household so keep litter boxes throughout the house.
4 Tips to Keep Animals Safe this Winter 1 2 3 4
Updates & Events
Have your pets wear booties or rinse their feet when they come in from outside.
Knock on your car hood before starting your car. Cats have been known to climb under car hoods to keep warm on frigidly cold days.
Store anti-freeze away from prying paws. Most anti-freeze contains ethylene glycol which is toxic to animals. Store your anti-freeze carefully and check your car for leaks. Secure space heaters. It takes just a moment for your pet to tip over a space heater and
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ontariospca.ca
Happy Tails (and Whiskers Too) We’re glad to be able to share these special stories with you.
Remember Maddison, the sweet yellow lab who was struggling to feed herself and her seven puppies the day the Ontario SPCA rescued her? Well, take a look at her beautiful, for making great rescues like Maddison’s possible. MADDISON
Dixie was one of 27 dogs rescued from a hoarding situation. The dachshund now spends her days enjoying her new family and delighting residents at a local nursing Dixie a forever home.
DIXIE
Want to hear more great life changing adoption stories? Visit www.iAdopt.ca
How Your Gifts Help Animals The Ontario S Compassionate and generous supporters like you are the reason we are able to keep our shelters open to abused, abandoned and neglected animals. PHOTO CREDITS: Photographs provided by Ontario SPCA volunteers and
FOLLOW US:
adoptercommunity.ontariospca.ca
YOUR PRIVACY MATTERS: The Ontario SPCA is committed to protecting your privacy, and information. We are happy to provide a copy of our complete privacy policy upon request. Unless otherwise noted, all the animals featured in this newsletter were cared for and/or adopted through one of the Ontario SPCA shelters across Ontario.
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GTA & SOUTH WEST ONTARIO REGION
visit us at ontariospca.ca OUR ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT TO FRIENDS OF THE ONTARIO SPCA
t
Fall/Winter 2015
Your support is making a difference in your community. Q Ontario SPCA Huron
County Branch
Cuddling and enrichment volunteers help cats thrive
Q Ontario SPCA
Orangeville & District Branch
From the Kitchen to the Table fundraiser benefits animals Orangeville’s From The Kitchen to the Table shop on Broadway held their semi-annual knife-sharpening fundraiser on November 1st, 2014. For a suggested donation of $5 per knife, a Zwilling J.A. Henckels Canada knife representative sharpened customer knives, raising a total of $645. This amount was generously matched by the store, resulting in an incredible $1,290 to help Orangeville animals in need. Thank you to everyone for their generous support!
When Jessica Banks first started volunteering for the branch in late 2013, her duties were limited to cleaning. “Previously, cleaning was the only role available for shelter volunteers,” explains Tamara Minns, Branch Coordinator. “After many changes within the shelter, we moved the volunteers over to an enrichment role. The benefits for both the cats and the volunteers have been wonderful.” Jessica couldn’t agree more. “I look forward to coming in to see the cats more now that I can hang out with them,” she says. “The cats get love and that helps them thrive.” The new arrangement works for everyone. “I get what I want -- play, groom, confidence building and cuddle time with the cats and they get all of this plus the sense of security and love that helps build their individual personalities and get them into their new homes,” says Jessica. “I see the transformation from scared or shy kitty to the confident, sit-in-your-lap-withouthesitation cat. Coming in to see who’s been adopted is the greatest reward of all.”
GTA & SOUTH WEST ONTARIO REGION
PAGE 1
The Shelter’s Most Wanted Ontario SPCA shelters are always in need of supplies. Below is our wish list of most needed items:
For Cats: t 3PZBM $BOJO $BU 'PPE t #BMMT t 4NBMM DBU UPZT t ,JUUZ -JUUFS SFHVMBS DMBZ OPU DMVNQJOH t $PMMBST
For Dogs t 5SBJOJOH USFBUT UIJT JUFN JT VSHFOUMZ OFFEFE t 3PZBM $BOJO %PH 'PPE t %VSBCMF UPZT MJLF Kongs and rope toys t 3BXIJEF DIFXT t i)BMUJw IFBE IBMUFST t $PMMBST CVDLMF UZQF
Ontario SPCA Kent County Branch Portia and her puppies benefit from regional network of Ontario SPCAs When Portia was removed during an investigations case, she was found to be severely emaciated and nursing eight puppies. Although four of her puppies were nursing well, Portia did not have enough milk to feed them all. Branch staff had to hand-feed four of her puppies. Once nursed back to health, the Ontario SPCA’s successful animal transfer program sprung into action. A Kent County Branch staff member adopted one of the puppies, while Portia and three of her puppies went to our Orangeville branch. The remaining four puppies were transferred to the Provincial Education and Animal Centre (PEAC) in Newmarket. All the puppies were immediately adopted. Portia was found to be suffering from ear infections, entropian eyelids, two broken teeth and a heart murmur, so an Orangeville Branch staff member fostered her while her health improved in preparation for a spay surgery. Soon after, Portia found her new forever home. Thank you for making the rescue and care of animals like Portia and puppies possible!
For Small Animals t 5JNPUIZ )BZ t $BSFGSFTI 4NBMM "OJNBM #FEEJOH t .BSUJO -JUUMF Friend Rabbit Food t 'SFTI 7FHHJFT GPS TPNF GVO WBSJFUZ UP EJFU t 3BCCJU UPZT
General Shelter Supplies t (JGU DBSET GSPN 54$ (MPCBM Pet Foods, Pet Valu, PetSmart, Dollarama, Home Hardware, WalMart, Canadian Tire and all local grocery stores. t -BSHF MBVOESZ CBTLFUT t 1FU DSBUFT either plastic or metal, for dogs and cat carriers
Ontario SPCA PEAC
Winter Warmth Open House On November 29th, 2014, the Provincial Education and Animal Centre held its Winter Warmth Open House. The well-attended community event gave families the opportunity to tour the adoption centre, meet shelter staff and make their own cat toys. Volunteers helped make feral cat homes to provide shelter and warmth to cats that are homeless this winter and collected donations of food, treats and litter for the Ontario SPCA’s Free Feral Food Bank. Thank you to everyone for your support!
t (BT HJGU DFSUJĂśDBUFT o UIF DSVFMUZ investigations cover a large territory and the truck takes animals to veterinary clinics every day. t 5PJMFU QBQFS GBDJBM UJTTVF QBQFS towels
Follow us on facebook and watch for future PEAC events. facebook.com/OSPCAPEAC GTA & SOUTH WEST ONTARIO REGION 6823AR3
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EASTERN ONTARIO REGION t FALL/WINTER 2015
visit us at ontariospca.ca OUR ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT TO FRIENDS OF THE ONTARIO SPCA
Your support is making a difference in your community.
Q Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Branch
The Power of Rapid Your gifts will help unfortunate, abandoned animals find wonderful homes. Rapid the kitten is just one recent example of the power of your gifts to transform lives. One day last fall, two good Samaritans were out hiking by the Petawawa River near a popular rapids location when they heard an animal crying for help. If you know the area, you know how dangerous the steady flowing rapids can be, especially for a poor little kitten. Following the sounds of the cry, one of the hikers found a soaking wet kitten near the water’s edge huddled against a piece of wood. He called to another nearby hiker for help. Fortunately, that hiker was local real estate agent Patricia, who is an avid supporter of our shelter.
Patricia brought the kitten to the shelter where volunteers lovingly named the nine-month-old male kitten “Rapid” to mark his much-needed rescue. Rapid was soaked to the bone, cold and afraid but enjoyed a warm place to sleep and gobbled up his food and water. He soon made his way to the adoption floor. Without caring animal supporters by our side, Rapid would have been left outside in the cold, afraid and alone. With your continued support we can save the lives of more animals like Rapid. Visit us at renfrewcounty.ontariospca.ca
Q Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Branch
Meet a dog so lucky they named her Vegas Can you imagine a helpless animal being tossed out like trash on the side of the road? That’s what happened to one unfortunate beagle when she was thrown from a moving vehicle, struck by a cube van and left to die. Fortunately, an employee from an Ottawa family business called Euro Tile & Stone, witnessed the tragedy and pulled over to help. After calling police, the good Samaritan wrapped the injured dog in a blanket and brought her to the Ontario SPCA’s Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Branch for emergency treatment. When the dog’s rescuer recounted her story to her employers, they were horrified and instantly offered to adopt the poor dog. They took her in to recover as soon as her treatments were over, and have never looked back. They named the now three-legged Beagle (she lost one leg as a result of her ordeal) Vegas because she was lucky to get a second chance at life. The owners at Euro Tile & Stone were so grateful to the Ontario SPCA for their care and support of animals like Vegas that they decided to hold a fundraising BBQ last summer. They raised an incredible $7,000 and hope to raise at least $10,000 next June at what they hope will become an annual event. “Our beloved Vegas would not be here today if not for their facility, staff and services,” they said.
EASTERN ONTARIO REGION
PAGE 1
The Shelter’s Most Wanted Ontario SPCA shelters are always in need of supplies. Below is our wish list of most needed items:
For Cats: t 3PZBM $BOJO $BU 'PPE t #BMMT t 4NBMM DBU UPZT t ,JUUZ -JUUFS SFHVMBS DMBZ OPU DMVNQJOH t $PMMBST
For Dogs t 5SBJOJOH USFBUT UIJT JUFN JT VSHFOUMZ OFFEFE t 3PZBM $BOJO %PH 'PPE t %VSBCMF UPZT MJLF ,POHT BOE SPQF UPZT t 3BXIJEF DIFXT t i)BMUJw IFBE IBMUFST t $PMMBST CVDLMF UZQF
Q Ontario SPCA Leeds &
Grenville Branch
Donors make Fundraising Events a Success It was a busy end to 2014 for the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Branch. Our 6th Annual Around the World in 80 Spays Food Tasting and Auction was again a sold-out event. Participants enjoyed food dishes from around the world while bidding on unique items in our Silent Auction. This year, we raised enough money for 78 cat spay surgeries. Mark your calendar for November 5, 2015 – you don’t want to miss the next one. Our branch also co-hosted an online version of our annual Telethon. Together, the two events raised nearly $20,000. Thanks to all the volunteers and donors who made these events a success.
Sienna reunited with her mom When life circumstances change for families, pets can get caught in the middle. That’s what happened to Sienna the dog when she was surrendered by one side of the family after a break-up. As luck would have it, Sienna’s previous mom, Jamie, was looking online at our website for a dog to possibly adopt. She hadn’t been with Sienna for over a year and couldn’t believe her luck when she saw her up for adoption. “There were tears of happiness all around when Sienna was recently reunited with and adopted by Jamie,� says Marianne Carlyle, Branch Manager.
For Small Animals t 5JNPUIZ )BZ t $BSFGSFTI 4NBMM "OJNBM #FEEJOH t .BSUJO -JUUMF Friend Rabbit Food t 'SFTI 7FHHJFT GPS TPNF GVO WBSJFUZ UP EJFU t 3BCCJU UPZT
General Shelter Supplies t (JGU DBSET GSPN 54$ (MPCBM Pet Foods, Pet Valu, PetSmart, Dollarama, Home Hardware, WalMart, Canadian Tire and all local grocery stores. t -BSHF MBVOESZ CBTLFUT t 1FU DSBUFT either plastic or metal, for dogs and cat carriers t (BT HJGU DFSUJĂśDBUFT o UIF DSVFMUZ investigations cover a large territory and the truck takes animals to veterinary clinics every day. t 5PJMFU QBQFS GBDJBM UJTTVF QBQFS towels
6823AR1
Q Ontario SPCA Lennox &
Addington Branch
Pet of the month finds perfect new home Bella the hound spent over a month at two Ontario SPCA branches in search of her forever home. Surrendered by previous owners who could no longer afford to care for her, the incredible hound finally got her second chance at happiness when she was featured as Pet of the Month in a Napanee newspaper. The Hearns, an older couple who had lost their previous dog a year earlier, saw Bella’s picture and knew immediately she was the dog for them. They bonded instantly upon meeting and Bella, now renamed Shelby, spends her days enjoying her new family and her very own armchair in the living room.
EASTERN ONTARIO REGION
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CENTRAL AND NORTHERN ONTARIO t FALL/WINTER 2015
visit us at ontariospca.ca OUR ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT TO FRIENDS OF THE ONTARIO SPCA
Q Ontario SPCA
Sudbury & District Branch
Your support is making a difference in your community. Q Ontario SPCA Midland & District Branch
Cat left for garbage finds a new home thanks to you Clooney the cat may have been named after the Hollywood actor but his story is far from glamorous. Rescued from the Christian Island dump, the good Samaritans who found Clooney were afraid he might not survive the night. Fortunately, your support made a difference.
Your support helped Ashes make a phoenix-like recovery When Ashes arrived at the Sudbury & District Branch last fall, he was seriously injured. Hit by a car, Ashes needed extensive treatment to repair his broken body. His long list of injuries included a collapsed lung, badly fractured pelvis, pulmonary contusions and a painful road rash covering most of his body. Unable to cover the costs of Ashes’ surgery, his heartbroken owner surrendered the dog to our care. We are so grateful to all of our donors and to the Give me a Bone Foundation and veterinarian Dr. P.J. Rochleau for not giving up on Ashes. Ashes is now in foster care and recovering nicely. Thank you for giving this pup a new chance at life!
Understandably for a cat that had been through so much, Clooney was extremely scared and refused to come out of his Cat Cabin box the first week at the shelter. Hoping other cats might provide comfort, staff moved Clooney to the front adoption room. Soon after, he came out of his shell, became affectionate with the staff and volunteers and even took on the role of “chief babysitter” to all the kittens! We’re happy to report that Clooney has now been adopted and is adjusting to his new forever home. Thank you for helping cats like Clooney find their happy ending.
Christmas festival raises over $10,000! The Ontario SPCA Midland & District Branch raised over $10,000 at our Christmas festival on November 15th. Thank you to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make the event a success!
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN ONTARIO
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Q Ontario SPCA Muskoka
Q Ontario SPCA Orillia Branch
Dogs like Baby Lou are grateful for champs like you
We want to give a Great Dane of Thanks to everyone who sponsored our event, donated items or purchased tickets to support our ‘For a Great Paws’ Charity Dinner and Auction Gala 2014. We had such an overwhelming amount of donations given to our silent auction this year, we had to add four more tables! This helped raise even more money to help the animals at the Orillia Branch. Thank you for helping so many homeless, injured, sick and neglected animals.
Animal Centre
When Baby Lou arrived at the Muskoka Animal Centre, the beagle was just three months old. Poor little Lou had been found wandering the streets of Parry Sound with a broken elbow and was in desperate need of our help. A veterinarian examination discovered her injuries were at least a week old. Unfortunately, the severity of her injuries, coupled with the amount of time that had passed, meant her leg had to be amputated. “Lou came through her surgery with flying colors,” says Jane McCamus, Muskoka Animal Centre Manager. “She’s now back in our care to complete the recovery process and is enjoying her time with her foster family. Lou has a wonderful personality with endless love to give. We know that she will make a wonderful addition to any family and we’re excited that she now has a bright future ahead of her.” Sadly, every day animals like Lou enter our shelters. It is only through your continued support that Lou and others like her will receive the special care they so desperately need. Every time you make a donation, attend one of our special events, volunteer or share a post from our social media site… you are making a difference in the life of an animal like Lou. Thank you!
Applause For A Great Paws
When Duke met Tyhme Duke is a very loyal, friendly and affectionate dog who loves being around people. So when he was given up by his second family, we weren’t surprised he began to show signs of depression. Each time he was placed back in his kennel he would get very quiet and lethargic. Fortunately, he soon found his match. When Tyhme visited the branch to see what dogs were available, she instantly bonded with Duke. A quick walk outside to ensure Duke would be accepting of her wheelchair, and the pair were good to go! The trial walk was a huge success and the two are truly meant to be. Every day we see matches like this, made possible through your generous support. On behalf of the many animals you have helped …Thank You! Q
Ontario SPCA Barrie Branch
A wish list and heartfelt thanks for your continued support The Ontario SPCA Barrie Branch wants to thank all its supporters, donors and friends for their continued support throughout the year. “It’s heartwarming to know our community support is always there when we need it,” says Branch Manager, Melissa Bainbridge. In response to the frequently asked question “What do you need?”, staff and volunteers have put together this short list of most needed items:
FOR DOGS: Toys, 6 foot well-made leashes, Martingale Collars FOR CATS: Wet Paté cat food, toys with or without catnip FOR THE SHELTER: Extra large, strong garbage bags, towels, sheets and blankets, Canadian Tire money and gift cards (used to buy shelter supplies), grocery and TSC store gift cards (for fresh food) and Lowes gift cards (for shelter repair supplies). 6823AR2
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN ONTARIO
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