Keira-anne.com

On May 19, 2009, I sent an e-mail to BC Ferries. Aside from the Customer Service office, I also sent this e-mail directly to the Captain of Fleet Operations for routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, the Manager of Community Relations and the Liaison Committee contact for the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route. A week passed and I received no response in any manner – not even so much as a confirmation that my concerns were being forwarded to the appropriate persons for review.

I then re-sent the e-mail and asked for a proper response by end-of-business on Friday, May 29, 2009. Friday came and went with not a word. I have just e-mailed all the materials to Chris Olsen of CTV’s Olsen On Your Side. Here’s hoping that he will contact me.

Until then, for your reading and viewing displeasure, here are the photographs and the letter sent to BC Ferries to which I received no response.

BC Ferries Corporation
1112 Fort Street
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 4V2 Canada

To: BC Ferries Customer Service

To: Captain Dale Phipps, Marine Superintendent, Fleet Operations

To: Jason Bowman, Horseshoe Bay/Departure Bay Liaison Committee

To: Sarah Cotton, Manager of Community Relations

Re: Customer Service and Pet Policy on BC Ferries Vessels

I am a member of the public and a lifelong resident of British Columbia. Travel on BC Ferries has always been a part of my life and will continue to be. The service provided is essential to all British Columbians and is an important means of travel for those visiting our Province.

What has always been apparent to me is that exceptional customer service is of penultimate importance to BC Ferries, second only to passenger safety. This is evident in the planning, staffing and expert operation of the corporation and its fleet.

I have long been aware that BC Ferries has upheld a pet policy stating that pets can be transported on the vessels but that they must remain on vehicle decks at all times during the voyage (with the exception of guide dogs). Until recently, I was never a pet owner and was therefore unaffected by this policy. As I travel frequently on BC Ferries – up to several times each month – and now own a pet, I believe that this is something I need to very clearly address to BC Ferries Corporation.

Several weeks ago I was a passenger on the new and beautiful Coastal Renaissance ship and, as expected, stayed in the pet area with my small dog. While the room is bright and enclosed to avoid engine exhaust and cold air, I found it far less than comfortable. Many of the very basic amenities that BC Ferries passengers have come to expect were entirely unavailable to me. There was no washroom for me to use, no water fountain to provide fresh drinking water for my dog or myself (the installation of a vending machine for food might also be thoughtful), no heat or other electric source, wire-mesh chairs that were unbelievably uncomfortable for a near two-hour voyage and – most importantly – I was unable to hear any safety announcements and was therefore completely unaware of what to do or where to go in the event of an emergency. With the new luxury vessels that BC Ferries has recently welcomed into its fleet, the corporation had a great opportunity to ensure that an adequate area for pets and passengers would be installed, but it has failed in this regard.

For the time being after that trip, I had resigned myself to this as being my only option as a passenger, but still found it incredible that I was being charged the exact same fare as the numerous other passengers who were able to enjoy not only the most basic of amenities, but also the abundant passenger services that BC Ferries offers on its vessels. All this while my dog and I were essentially quarantined to a steel-walled room on a vehicle deck.

Over the recent long weekend, I was a passenger once again on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route, this time riding on the Queen of Oak Bay (this was, to the best of my recollection, the ship making the 2:00 p.m. voyage). Upon viewing the pet and passenger area on this ship, it was plain to see that the area contains a vast number of gross inadequacies including, but not limited to, the following:

• A floor that was entirely covered in a flakey layer of rust. I refused to allow my pet to even set foot on this floor. Any animal not properly vaccinated could easily be subjected to illness or disease;
• No part of the area had been sanitized within a recent period of time, if at all;
• One of the safety gates was entirely missing from the 1-foot gap between the wall and the exterior of the ship. Any smaller dog such as a chihuahua or terrier could have easily slipped between the bars and quite literally into the ocean;
• No source of running water for animals to consume;
• No speaker through which to hear safety announcements;
• A confined space not large enough to accommodate more than two or three dogs;
• Exposure to excessive exhaust and toxic pollutants from vehicles; and
• A lack of basic amenities that all passengers should be able to access, including a washroom, drinking water, comfortable air temperature, comfortable seating, et cetera.

I have attached a number of photographs that I took yesterday to further illustrate the points and conditions outlined above. Were any pet owner to continually maintain such conditions at home for their pet, I have no doubt that said animal would be seized by the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC-SPCA).

After about 30 minutes of cold, rushing air and sea spray entering the pet and passenger area, I moved towards the inside area of the vehicle deck for some respite. A crew member came up to me and my dog soon after and told me I could move to one of the stairwell landings between vehicle decks because, in his words, “at least you’ll be a little bit warmer.” I cannot even begin to imagine how much worse winter trips will be when temperatures dip well below zero degrees.

While the gesture offered by your crew member was incredibly kind, I have one question for you: do you feel these are really and truly accommodations deemed appropriate and sufficient for paying customers of BC Ferries?

Another British Columbia transit authority operating out of the Greater Vancouver area, TransLink, also provides essential transport services for residents and tourists in British Columbia. The pet policy as stated on TransLink’s official website is as follows:

“Travelling with a furry friend? Welcome aboard! Pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits and small fur-bearing or feathered animals are allowed on transit as long as they are in small, hand-held cages. The cage or container must fit on your lap or at your feet.”

I think it is fantastic that TransLink welcomes pets, within reason, on buses, Skytrains and the Seabus. Guide dogs, naturally, are also always welcome. However, that being said, a dog is a dog is a dog. If BC Ferries prohibits pets with the exception of guide dogs on the basis that they are either: 1) allergy-inducing; or 2) a potential for mess through urination or bowel movements, then these grounds are moot. A guide dog can cause the same potential issues as any pet, so the reasons behind the policy would be irrelevant.

Like TransLink, I would encourage BC Ferries to amend their pet policy to allow small, well-behaved, contained animals in some passenger areas (with the exception of food services areas and childrens’ play areas) in the interests of passenger and pet comfort as well as to maintain the top-notch customer service that BC Ferries has become known for.

While a policy amendment would be most ideal and, in my opinion reasonable, what is most crucial in the immediate circumstance is that the alarming and horrific safety and sanitary deficiencies be remedied immediately. I believe that this truly is in the best interest of BC Ferries.

I can’t imagine that I am the only BC Ferries passenger who has ever raised these issues. Having discussed this with a few close friends – including some new residents in British Columbia – I was told “I’ve yet to be on any of the ferries and definitely would not ever consider taking [my dog] on one in the Summer – forget about Winter – after seeing what you have had to put up with.” Should an adequate response from BC Ferries not be received, I am very well prepared to extensively highlight these issues through strong local social media connections, as it has already proven to be a buzzed-about topic on blogs and Twitter. Should the issues require further media awareness, I would not hesitate to do so.

I truly appreciate the attention paid to my letter and my concerns and trust that BC Ferries Corporation will do what is best and in a way that will clearly display the integrity and ethical operating standards expected by the general public from BC Ferries.

Yours truly,

Keira-Anne Mellis
Vancouver, BC

Needless to say, the conditions were so disgusting that I would not let Jordy set-foot on the floor of the pet area. I could not identify a source for the bucket of water, so he wasn’t allowed to drink from that either.

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As Rebecca recently mentioned, this Sunday brings the first annual “Dog Day Afternoon” to the furry residents of Yaletown and their owners.

Between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the Roundhouse Community Centre and Alpha Dog Training Co. are presenting fun times for Fido and Fifi at Cooper’s Park at 1020 Marinaside (underneath the Cambie Bridge). A number of local businesses will be on-hand with information booths, dog demonstrations, games, free prizes and even caricature portraits!

Photo: kandyjaxx on Flickr

I’m personally thrilled about yet another dog-friendly event in Vancouver! Not only is it nice to know that all family members are welcome, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for all dogs to socialize with each other – it’s a crucial part of their emotional well-being.

Original Photo: .Bala on Flickr

Some of the exhibitors and business on hand include Dog Safe Canine First Aid, Art by Jennifer Ettinger, Rex in the City (City of Vancouver), City of Vancouver Emergency Social Services, Wags K-9 Teeth Cleaning, The Rex Hotel and Spa, Alpha Dog Training Company, Caricature Artist Mei Yu (sponsored by CIBC Yaletown), Happy Dog Hydrobath Company and the Vancouver Animal Emergency Clinic – Blood Services.

Here’s hoping these two will join Jordy and I… and here’s hoping to see you out in the sunshine too! Don’t forget the sunscreen!

I’ve been there and done that. I’ve tried a whole gamut of different skin care products and, while I normally end up settling on Clinique, the seven-month itch has hit me again. Clinique is a great line, but I feel after several months’ use, my skin becomes immune to it and craves something new.

Photo: jay.tong on Flickr

In recent years I have, in fact, tried no less than the following:

• Clinique
• Aveeno (Never. Again.)
• Neutrogena
• Kiehl’s
• Ren (Love this but it’s quite pricey…)
• Noxema
• Stella McCartney PURE

I’m sure there are more but I can’t recall. I’m overwhelmed by department stores at the best of time and really don’t know which direction to head in next. While I’m leaning towards trying Aveda, I’m hoping for some input.

The skin care line needs to leave my skin feeling fresh, ideally needs to be under $100 for a cleanser, toner and moisturizer and, most importantly, needs to be a line found on PETA‘s list of companies and products that do not test on animals. (You can check if your brand tests on our furry friends here.)

Okay ladies (and gentlemen)… the floor is yours. Tell me what you use.

That’s what Tania asked after all was said and done.

Blame it on my insatiable desire for season three of Oz. I burned through the remaining episodes of season two last night and asked Tania if she wanted to quickly hit up Future Shop. After a stop there and at IGA for a few groceries, we made our way home.

I have a habit of yanking my keys out of my purse a block or two from home, though always careful to hook the ring around a finger or two. I guard my keys with my life – they’re my only set and a key fob replacement is $100.

Rounding the corner at Richards and Seymour, what I never guessed would happen happened.

Photo: Ctd 2005 on Flickr

It was as slow as slow motion can be. I felt the key ring gently slip off my right index finger and watched as gravity sucked my keys towards the ground and in between the cold steel bars of a storm drain.

“Oh my god – what do I do? What do I do?” was all I could exclaim. It’s fuzzy now but I’m sure some expletives leaked out too. My first instinct was to hunker down, grab the bars and pull. No go – welded shut. The keys were only swimming in a few inches of water about two feet below street level but there was no way to get into the grate.

A few people that passed by suggested flagging a cop or calling the City of Vancouver. Tania tried to reassure me that we could easily have building security give me a new fob, but there was no way I was leaving the access to my whole life on the side of the street.

I thought “no way!” to myself and squatted down again, grabbed the bars and pulled. With some sort of superhuman strength, the grate budged and I gleefully yelled at Tania to help me. We lifted it off, put the grate to the side and I didn’t waste a second laying my body down on the curb to reach down. My fingers searched the murky water, grabbed the keys and hopped up. Thankfully, a young man nearby offered to replace the grate lid for us.

And so, only minutes after I nearly melt right down, we were on our way home once again. Extending them an arms-length in front of me, I asked Tania if she wanted to smell the keys. She didn’t.

Sometimes it’s still strange to see my baby brother with a baby of his own…

“If you listen to the poets, they’ll tell you that a big, bad event in someone’s life changes them.
If you lose the woman you love or your legs,
You suddenly find a kind of beauty inside yourself.
That’s what they say – the poets.
The truth is, you don’t.
After a big, bad event, you only become more of the person you already were.” – Augustus Hill

I firmly believe that the most drastic changes in a person’s life can only be brought about by the kind of catalyst that shakes you to your core. The kind that flips your life upside-down, inside-out, busted into bits and smashed together again. The one that charges into your life like a t-bone car accident, smacking into you from left field and catching you unaware.

When what you thought you knew has been stripped away, all you’re left with is a choice to make.

You can stay down, bleed from your wounds and let infections fester. The only other choice is to stand up – no, jump up – and start limping. Soon the limp turns into a stride, and that stride turns into a jog. The jog becomes a sprint and one day you stop for a moment, turn around and see the remnants as only a microscopic dot on the darkening horizon.

Original Photo: tj.blackwell on Flickr

I have found a kind of beauty inside myself, but it’s a beauty that was always there. That beauty lies in unearthing more of the person I already was and finding a sense of tranquility in it all. When you are confronted with the reality that your life will no longer be what you thought it would be, you can start to imagine what else it can be… what else it should be.

Sometimes I feel as though I would resent anyone that would try to run awry with what I have going for me right now. To realize that about myself and my wants feels so incredible – like busting through chains that seem to enslave even the best of us.

Sure, some changes will kick you when you’re down. But if you can find it in yourself to kick back, you just might meet who you really are.

Now that is what the poets should say.

Port Alberni is one of those Island towns that’s often the target of misconception, usually by those who have yet to discover its charm. I must admit that, for me, Port Alberni has always only ever been a pit stop en route to the west coast of the Island. However, I’ve always said that it’s somewhere I could easily see myself living someday.

Photo: mkischuk on Flickr

Located at the heart of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, what makes Port Alberni so interesting from a geographical standpoint is that it’s essentially on the water despite a mid-Island location. With rich First Nations roots, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth tribe – formerly known as the Nootka – were the original inhabitants of the area. In the late 1700s, the area was discovered by Spanish explorers with Port Alberni eventually named after Captain Don Pedro de Alberni.

With its location being the half-way point between the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island and being on an accessible waterway, Port Alberni is naturally a port town that once thrived on Vancouver Island’s abundant logging industry. While fishing and mining also had their place in Port Alberni’s economic history, the area is now not only a service and supply gateway for communities such as Ucluelet and Tofino, but is also drawing people with its fantastic tourism and eco-tourism opportunities.

Photo: tay-ha on Flickr

Residents and visitors alike are known to partake in hiking, kayaking, mountain-biking and both freshwater and marine fishing.

Original Photo: Logantech on Flickr

With a population hovering around the 30,000 mark, Port Alberni is a melting pot for what is new and what it historical. The town is still home to many First Nations reserves as well as unique neighbourhoods of decades-old homes and newer developments that are living proof that Port Alberni is still a town that’s thriving.

Photo: gak on Flickr

There is something almost equally ethereal and isolating about Port Alberni, being nestled into a valley and surrounded by majestic mountains. The chances of experiencing Mother Nature at her finest are at every turn with an abundance of nearly undiscovered hiking trails and as many lakes as there are raindrops. Spotting a bear or cougar in your travels would not be unexpected.

Photo: Jennoit on Flickr

While each spot on Vancouver Island has its own essence, I believe that Port Alberni defines the essence of the entire Island and its people in so many ways, each begging to be discovered. Next time you’re on your way to the far side of the Island, take some time to stop and explore what the city of “bear tracks and lumberjacks” has to offer to you.

Photo: Kaimmakam on Flickr

For more information on Port Alberni and the Alberni Valley, please visit some of the links below:

• Alberni Valley Tourism
• City of Port Alberni
• Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Port Alberni Online

Yesterday I woke up to a blue sky and shining sun and was eagerly anticipating the BCSPCA Open House at the Vancouver shelter. After hopping on the Skytrain, Rebecca, John and I found ourselves amongst shiny balloons, flipping pancakes, live music, barking dogs, purring cats and so much more.

Through generosity, the BCSPCA was donated a Smart Car to help raise awareness at various community events!

Both Bully Buddies and HugABull were on hand to educate and advocate for those dogs that normally get a “bum rap.” This little guy is only a year and a half old and a totally affectionate sweetheart, but was severely neglected, so he looks much older than he really is.

Any day that I get to see my good friend Angela is a day that’s a little brighter than others. This woman has, in my opinion, the best job in the world – she’s a Special Provincial Constable with the BCSPCA and is out there tirelessly doing everything she can for neglected, abused and abandoned animals.

Photo: Angela Mead

This sign says it all…

…but with these faces, no words are needed.

Not just cats and dogs were on hand… the SPCA were also caring for chinchillas, rabbits and birds.

My companions for the day, John and Rebecca.

My friend for the long haul, Rebecca and me.

Angela crafted her animal cruelty awareness booth to look like a giant cake, but took the liberty of teasing me into thinking there was actually cake on hand.

She means business.

I was also fortunate enough to meet Karen of the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association – a no-kill, non-profit, organization committed to finding foster care and ultimately forever homes for orphaned kittens. She brought along two one-week-old kittens with her and both were unbelievably sweet!

Needless to say, the open house was a huge success and I’m very happy to tell you that many animals found their forever homes! A lot of essential services provided by the SPCA all around BC have been cut or eliminated lately due to the economic crunch, so I’m excited to register for the Paws For A Cause fundraiser on June 1. Stay tuned for more information on how you can help me help the animals!

I’ve long been a supporter of the British Columbia Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC-SPCA) and the heroic work they do on behalf of all animals in British Columbia. There’s a misconception out there that the BC-SPCA only deals in cats and dogs, but everything from gerbils, horses, birds, farm animals and wild animals benefit from the BC-SPCA.

Unfortunately, when the economy takes a hit and families are affected, it’s usually household pets that are the first to suffer.

To celebrate ‘Be Kind To Animals’ month, the Vancouver branch of the SPCA is holding an Open House this Saturday, May 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This event features face painting, a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, activities for children and an opportunity to meet the animals available for adoption.

Aside from the fun festivities, the Open House is also a great chance for the community to learn more about the shelter and the incredible effort the staff and volunteers put out on a daily basis.

Right now, the need for foster homes for sick cats and kittens is at a critical level at the Vancouver shelter. Please come down this Saturday and consider whether or not this is something you can do to help. Also, donations of food, toys, supplies and money is also graciously accepted.

Keep in mind that annual government funding is little more than a fistful of dollars, so the animals really depend on you and me to give them a helping hand. If you aren’t able to make it into this weekend’s Open House, please click here for other ways in which you can help.

I’ll see you there!

The Vancouver branch of the BC-SPCA is located at 1205 East 7th Avenue (just off Clark near the Clark-VCC Skytrain station) and is easily accessible by transit. A map of the shelter’s location can be found by clicking here.

It’s becoming an annual tradition for my mom and I to make our way to the Art & Bloom Festival each May long weekend at Woodland Gardens in Merville, just minutes north of Courtenay. The festival features original works by local artists, potters, sculptors, glass blowers, original stained glass designers, garden art and other unique crafts.

Though I’ve always enjoyed the Filberg Festival each August, I am starting to really prefer the simple beauty at Woodland Gardens. The Art & Bloom Festival feels free of pretension in a setting that is “a feast for the senses … nature’s healing powers contained in this serene beauty bring a calmness and tranquility to the soul.”

I promise that I don’t carry Jordy around everywhere with me. All the people milling around had him a little bit overwhelmed at times.

I spent a lot of time admiring the various pieces for sale by carver Courtney Powell. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I settled on a wicked pair of crescent-shaped douglas fir earrings. I’m still somewhat regretting that I didn’t snag the burled red cedar pair also – they smelled heavenly.

See… overwhelmed. Well, either that or he’s just so much of a cuddlebug that loves his mommy too much to be apart from her.

Darrel Hancock had far too much that was far too beautiful, but since I couldn’t scoop it all up, I settled on one piece. I’m looking forward to visiting his Qualicum Beach studio (located just off the Alberni Highway) this summer to bring a butter dish and serving platter home with me.

The Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society was on hand with a live hawk, demonstrating the fruits of the hard work the society does in rescuing ill, injured, orphaned or oiled wildlife. Without this society, many of Vancouver Island’s wild birds wouldn’t otherwise have a chance for survival.

Aside from the Art & Bloom Festival, Woodland Gardens features many other events over the year – especially at Christmas with twinkling lights and nightly visits from Santa Claus in the barn. Be sure to visit Woodland Gardens’ website for more information and history on how the gardens were created.

Woodland Gardens are located at 6183 Whittaker Road, Courtenay, BC, Phone: (250) 338-6901. Admission is $8 for adults, $2 for children 5-12 and free for those under 5. The gardens are open each day from 9:00 a.m. until dusk.