Keira-anne.com

There are few gathering spots where people from all walks of life converge in Victoria more than Dallas Road. Sweeping vistas over the Juan De Fuca Strait are the perfect spot for long walks, hearty talks and playing around at the dog park.

This past Saturday I spent the afternoon with an old girlfriend, trotting Jordy along the Dallas Road seawall as Sarah and I caught up on the past few years. As we looped back to make our way to a late lunch date, we saw something that one only ever reads about in newspapers or catches on the 6 o’clock news.

Photo: Victoria Daily Photo

In an SUV parked at the side of the road were three small dogs, barking, yelping and climbing over one another. Refusing to ignore what we saw, Sarah and I crossed the street to see if the dogs had water. There was none. The windows were each open about two inches, so I stuck my hand in a rear window to find that the air in the vehicle was much hotter than the air outside, as I expected.

Upon immediately phoning the Victoria-area SPCA Branch, I was instructed to “phone the Victoria Police Department right away.” The VicPD report-taker on the other end sighed after I relayed the story, telling me that this was her second of such calls in as many days. Just the day before, local police broke a window to rescue a German Shepherd from an overheated vehicle.

Sarah and I hung around until the officer arrived, and by then nearly 30 minutes had passed. Another hour later, the officer phoned me to instruct me he still hadn’t been able to locate the vehicle’s owner. Who knows how much longer those dogs would have suffered, being that the owner clearly wasn’t on a five-minute errand.

Double digits equal double trouble! According to the SPCA, brain damage and even death can occur in as little as 10 minutes in a hot car. [source]

Do your beloved pets a favour and leave them at home on hot days. They don’t have the ability to cool themselves properly and it’s simply not worth the risk. If you see an animal in such a situation, phone your local police department immediately. For more information on how to help dogs in hot cars, read the SPCA’s article with quick tips.

Naturally, all of this goes without saying ten-fold when children are involved. The risk is never, ever worth it.

Some people ask my why I keep doing it year after year. Others ask me why I do it in the first place. Does $500 or $1,000 really make a difference? Is it even important at all?

News headlines in 2011 across British Columbia have been rocked to the core with various allegations of animal abuse and neglect. The outrage over the slaughtered sled dogs in Whistler was felt on all four corners of the globe. Protests in Victoria over a beaten pit bull puppy reached a fever pitch.

Photo: Marty Hogan on Flickr [This photo is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent one of the sled dogs killed in Whistler.]

One thing has become abundantly clear: the vast majority of BC residents simply will not tolerate animal abuse in any form. To paraphrase the very wise Mahatma Ghandi:

“The greatness of [British Columbia] and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.“

It is for this handful of reasons – and many more that can’t be counted – that each year I pledge to walk for the animals in the BC-SPCA Paws For A Cause. 2011 marks the fourth time I’ve made this commitment and the third year I’ve done it with Jordy in tow. While I have personally saved only one animal from a neglectful home and given him a love-filled future, walking in the Paws For A Cause each year helps ensure that hundreds more can have that same hope.

With only 2% of its annual operating budget coming from government funding, the BC-SPCA has a crucial need for funds supplied through generous donations. The group cannot investigate animal abuse, care for injured animals or find new homes for the homeless without you and me. And before you ask me “what about humans that are suffering in one way or another?” take a minute and nosh on some food for thought.

My goal for 2011 is to raise $1,500 for the BC-SPCA on September 11, 2011 in an effort to contribute to the $1,000,000 Province-wide goal. Whether you scrounge up the change from your couch cushions, give up your lattes for a week or have a bigger number in mind, any amount will help!

Please click here to donate to my personal pledge campaign today.

Having given birth to a dozen – yep, that’s 12 – puppies, Shiloh is one tired mom. With so many puppies comes so great a need and the people of the Comox Valley generously reached out with donations of food, puppy milk replacement and pet supply gift cards.

Photo: BC-SPCA Comox Valley Branch

The Comox Valley Branch of the BC-SPCA is holding an open house fundraiser to help raise money for Shiloh, her pups and all the other animals at this very busy shelter.

What: BC-SPCA Comox Valley Shelter fundraiser
Where: Whistle Stop Pub, 2355 Mansfield Drive, Courtenay, BC
When: Friday, March 25th from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

The evening features prize games, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction with amazing items including a Krupps grinder, a deluxe espresso machine and a one-month membership to the Comox Valley Boxing Club.

If you can’t make it to this fundraiser, feel free to drop by the Comox Valley shelter at 1668 Ryan Road in Comox – or the shelter in your community – at any time with your donation of food, toys, money or gift cards. Please let Shiloh and her dozen pups be a reminder to have your pets spayed or neutered.

For whatever unspeakable reasons, cruelty and abuse against dogs has taken its place in the news in recent weeks. While it’s unfortunately nothing new, it’s difficult to ignore what is going on.

A group that banded together and calls themselves Justice For Bandit – honouring the pit bull puppy who was recently murdered in Victoria – has organized a Dog Walk this coming weekend in the capital region.

Photo: Marty Hogan on Flickr

The Dog Walk will also honour the memory of the 100 dogs in the Whistler region who were senselessly executed last April.

Where: Start at the Dallas Road Dog Park at Cook Street and finish at the Ross Bay Cemetery on St. Charles Street.

When: Saturday, February 5th at 11:00 a.m.

Who: Anyone that cares for the lives of these dogs and wants to show support.

How Much: It’s free to attend and participate in the walk, but donations will be graciously accepted on behalf of the SPCA.

In order to investigate, bring about charges and prosecute anyone guilty of animal abuse and cruelty, the SPCA needs funds to do so as they are the only resource in our Province that can – and will – do so. Only 2% of their annual operating budget is funded by the government, so if we as a society want to see change and justice, it’s really up to us.

If you’d like to donate to the SPCA, you can do so here. For more information on this weekend’s Dog Walk, visit the Facebook page.

UPDATE: Media maven Catherine Barr has organized a similar event for those on the Lower Mainland wishing to offer their support. Meet at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver on Sunday, February 6th between noon and 2:00 p.m. Find out more about the Barking Mad rally online.

While it’s no secret that British Columbia regularly faces a pet overpopulation problem – one that faces crisis levels – the problem has become even more severe in the United States, particularly California. With a plummeting economy, more and more beloved family pets are being dumped on shelter doorsteps. Most have mere days to be re-adopted or face euthanasia. In fact, more than 3,000 animals are euthanized in the City of Los Angeles every single month.

One such little guy was fortunate enough to escape being euthanized and brought to British Columbia and into a new home. Meet appropriately-named Lucky.

Photo has been privately provided by Lucky’s rescuers.

Born with a birth deformity, Lucky’s life has always been a struggle. Lucky requires a front-wheel dog cart (such as these) to get around. Fortunately for Lucky, he’s been brought into a Vancouver-area foster home and is finally getting the love, care and medical attention he has always needed.

However, there’s expense involved in transporting Lucky and other small dogs up from California, so Bow Wow Haus is holding a fundraising evening to benefit Lucky. On Thursday, February 10, head to BWH between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. for a silent auction, a ticketed draw for 20-40% merchandise discounts, Lucky-tinis, delicious treats and a trainer’s corner where your doggie can learn a new trick and more! BWH is located at 1340 Davie Street in Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood.

Photo has been privately provided by Lucky’s rescuers.

If enough funds are raised at this event, the sweet little girl Pixxie, pictured above, will also be brought to British Columbia to be placed in a new home. Please consider stopping in at BWH on February 10th to show your support. You can find more information on A Night For Lucky! on Facebook.

Why does this particular rescue group support dogs rescued from California rather than focus on dogs in BC? “Few small breed dogs come into rescue in Canada and the interest in adopting small dogs is high. When small dogs are brought to Vancouver, many of the little ones find loving homes fairly quickly. The availability of small dogs for adoption also decreases the demand for puppy mill pups – so we think it’s a win-win situation!”

After the holidays last year, my family decided that we would not be buying each other Christmas gifts this year. We’re all adults and the exchanging of copious amounts of gifts only causes us to lose the true meaning of the Christmas season. I’d rather lay around in my pajamas, stuff my face with food and spend genuine quality time with the people that I love more than anything else.

Photo: Mandy_Jansen on Flickr

That said, I do understand that gift giving is a huge component of the holiday season. Because she’s still a toddler and has many years ahead of her before the Santa illusion fades, my niece will definitely be getting spoiled! One thing she won’t be getting is a puppy. It isn’t because she rips around the house like hell on wheels, chasing Jordy and trying to grab at his fur. It’s because I don’t want any puppy to end up like Wesley.

Last year Wesley was purchased as a gift for the holidays before being surrendered at the BC-SPCA only days later. Thankfully Wesley was adopted out in a short period of time, but there are countless other animals that weren’t as fortunate. Owning a pet – any pet – takes a great deal of time, dedication, patience and even money. Jordy costs me between $50-100 every single month.

On November 9, 2010, city council in Richmond, BC became the first jurisdiction in all of Canada to ban the sale of puppies in pet stores. This decision should be applauded and was made after city council received numerous complaints about the link between backyard breeders and pet stores. The Canadian Kennel Club prohibits registered dog breeders from selling to pet stores, so that cute little puppy you spotted in the window came from none other than a puppy mill. [source]

The Oprah Winfrey Show – Exposing Puppy Mills

This Christmas season, I urge you not to gift animals as gifts in the first place. If you and your family have decided together to bring an animal into your home to improve its quality of life, please choose the SPCA or another reputable rescue group to adopt from.

It’s unfortunate that they get such a bum rap because in my experience, I’ve never met a pit bull-type of dog that I didn’t like. Interestingly enough, did you know that there is no one such breed that can be defined as a “pit bull”?

“Pit bull” is a broad term, simply a label slapped on many of the dogs belonging to the molosser group of dogs [source], largely identified by a solid build, heavy bones, a short muzzle and pendant ears. Molosser dogs – or “pit bulls” if you will – include rottweilers, mastiffs, certain terrier breeds and American Staffordshire terriers like my cookie-loving, sweet buddy Jake, pictured below.

Because of the general associations made with pit bulls, campaigning and championing for these dogs often comes with much adversity and challenge. One such pit bull, a smiley and gentle giant named Floyd, needs your help. Floyd was found malnourished and in severe pain due to a crooked muzzle, dislocated jaw and confinement in a small space. Thanks to the amazing people at HugABull, Floyd was given a second chance after some costly veterinarian bills and is now convalescing in a warm foster home.

Comox Valley pet photographer, Kim Rose, felt a heart connection to Floyd after adopting her own pit bull from HugABull and is holding a fundraiser this Saturday, October 23 to generate cash to pay for Floyd’s veterinary expenses. Pets and their owners can visit the Van Isle Veterinary Hospital at 1111 Braidwood Road in Courtenay and have their pets’ photos taken by Kim by donation. All proceeds will benefit Floyd’s recovery, with any and all funds raised above that amount to be donated to HugABull to help other pit bulls who just need a break.

Should you wish to visit Van Isle Veterinary Hospital and have your pet’s photo taken, Kim Rose requests that all animals be leashed and under control of its owner. While the photography is by donation, a donation of $20 is suggested.

…and if there was ever any question as to just how cuddly and affectionate these dogs can be, look no further.

Those of us that love our dogs really love our dogs. British Columbia is an active and lively place to live and, for most of us, that means that wherever we go, our canine companions come with us.

Despite his adventurous attitude, I can’t deny that sometimes Jordy ends up a little on spoiled side. More often than not, that involves new toys and tasty treats. When it’s time for either, we always end up at Bow Wow Haus.

Photo: iwona_kellie on Flickr

Initially opening its doors in Gastown, BWH has quickly become a staple of Vancouver’s West End (but I definitely see a market for their boutique in Victoria or Nanaimo). Think of it as a candy store for dogs, offering some of the finest and healthiest snacks and treats, puzzle toys, squeakers, sweaters and so much more than you can imagine.

The team at BWH is offering one lucky Keira-Anne.com reader the chance to take home some of their fantastic swag. I’m giving away a gift basket including a gift card, a training toy, bio-friendly poop bags, treats and a few other fun surprises. You have two chances to enter:

I’ll announce the winner on the morning of Tuesday, October 12th and will ship the gift basket anywhere on Vancouver Island or within Greater Vancouver. Good luck!

You can find Bow Wow Haus online and on Twitter.

There’s a party coming to Qualicum Beach and you’re all invited…

Had it not been for the amazingly selfless people at Furever After Small Dog Rescue and their tireless work, I can’t imagine what life would be like for many of Vancouver Island’s homeless canines. When Jordy went into foster care with Furever After, he had a list of issues and anxiety problems a mile long. Through love and rehabilitation, he was finally ready to come home with me, so it’s a cause that’s close to my heart. Jordy was just one of dozens of dogs Furever After helps out on a yearly basis.

Jordy before, in foster care (January 2009):

Jordy after (September 2010):

To say that the right care has made a world of difference would be understating it. Furever After is based out of the Qualicum Beach area and utilizes foster homes at various locations across Vancouver Island. The organization is entirely volunteer-run and the majority of expenses (including hefty dental and veterinary fees) end up coming out-of-pocket for the volunteers.

Each year Furever After holds their Fall Fiesta in an attempt to generate some much-needed funds to keep the organization running. A large part of this comes from the silent auction, and as such, Furever After needs your help. If you have any of the following to donate for the silent auction, your generosity is hugely appreciated:

• Gift certificates from Vancouver Island-based businesses
• Original artwork/photography
• Handmade goods such as knitted scarves, mittens or tea cozies
• Vouchers for services from Vancouver Island-based businesses
• Bottles of wine
• Gift baskets
• New children’s toys
• Unused dog items such as leashes, dishes, toys and harnesses

If you can help out, please send an e-mail to Furever After or contact me and I’ll make sure your donations get to the right people.

If you wish to attend the Furever After Fall Fiesta, this year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 6th at Eaglecrest Golf Club in Qualicum Beach. Aside from the silent auction, the evening includes a fabulous buffet dinner, games and tons of prizes. Tickets are $35 with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the dogs. You can purchase yours at Qualicum Wine Making at 135 West First Avenue in Qualicum Beach.

… Jordy has finally learned how to play fetch.