Archive for the ‘SPCA’ Category
My Life In Point Form
A few years ago, I was in my boss’s office when he asked me what the difference is between a website and a blog. After a brief description of each, he asked if I, in fact, had a blog. He then proceeded to pointedly ask me why anyone would be at all interested in what I have to say about anything. While he meant it mostly in jest, he also made a very good point. Why would anyone be interested in what I have to say? Half the time I’m not interested in what I have to say, so why would someone else?
Over the last eight months, my frequency of blog posting has dwindled faster than my bank account balance at the Clinique counter. While it isn’t that I don’t have anything to say, the narcissistic charm that blogging once held has been slowly fading away. Allowing perfect strangers a view to a thrill during bikini season has lost that loving feeling, while no one really needs (or should care) to know what I made for dinner, which movie I went to see or who I’ve been hanging out with these days.
My mother loves to take photos when we go for walks. This, however, normally translates to stopping every 400 metres to stage a shot. While her enthusiasm is sweet, and there’s always a time and a place for snapping photos, how can two people create memories together if they’re too busy trying to capture them on a digital memory card? I’d rather live and love my life rather than watch it pass me by because I’m too busy letting everyone else know.
Maybe Twitter has led to the demise of it all. I’ve realized that I can share my wit and wisdom in 140 characters or less, rather than dragging each of you through a large volume of mostly superfluous paragraphs just so I can hear myself speak, so to speak. (Though speaking of, doesn’t “superfluous” strike you as a bit ironic because it is, in itself, a superfluous word?)
However, that said, some people still have an insatiable need to know, some people still love to lurk and I still love to mold the English language, bending it to my will. Let me break down these days for you:
Paws For A Cause Was A Huge Success!
After months of planning, preparation, anticipation and tireless fundraising efforts, the BC-SPCA’s Paws For A Cause finally arrived. While these walks were simultaneously taking place in communities all across British Columbia, Jordy, Charley, my mom and I found ourselves at Marina Park in Comox.
The sunshine decided to take a day off, but rain clouds didn’t damper the excitement everyone felt. Dozens and dozens of beautiful, amazing, playful dogs turned out to support their fellow animals.
I’m still waiting to hear the final tallies regarding how much money was raised both Province-wide and in the Comox Valley, but I have no doubt that the goals of $950,000 and $20,000 respectively were reached.
My readers have been completely awesome! Many contributed funds and many more offered supportive words of encouragement – both of which kept giving me the drive to keep up with the efforts I had undertaken to make. I’d like to take a minute to offer a huge thank you to my financial sponsors for their generous donations: Katrina Mellis, Danielle Ciavarro, Marda Mischa-Miller, Tyler Ingram, Tania Morrison, Sixty4Media, Madeline Lagden, Lindsay Davis, Phil Ogynist, Buster the Dog, Jennifer Stoddart, Mikis Manolis, Duane Storey, Tanya Martin, Winnie Sung, Nicole George, Colleen Brown, Blain Sepos, Erin McConnell, Dom Richards, “Jenn,” Sarah Dawson, A.M. Chalupa, Marlee McConnell, Craig Jangula, Eileen Henderson, Sea To Sky Network Solutions and Double S Sales (Courtenay Sears).
Between all of you, $1,590 was donated to help many grateful animals!
One of my favourite things about events like this is not only the socialization they provide for dogs – which is crucial to their well-being – but it’s also a lot of fun to watch the animals play and interact together. Anyone who doesn’t believe that dogs are loving, intelligent and communicative creatures is completely nuts.
A last hearty and huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, encouraged and cheered all of us on around British Columbia. It’s classic cheese to say, but you’re the true heroes for giving of what you have for the betterment of another creature. One friend who donated told me that she did so because “there’s an animal out there that needs food more than I need a new shirt or a couple drinks at a pub!” That’s hitting the nail on the head and then some.
Stay tuned to my Twitter for final totals! (And don’t forget: just because this event is over doesn’t mean the need is gone. If you’d like to support, donate to or volunteer at your local shelter, please visit the BC-SPCA’s website.
LAST DITCH EFFORT
With only six more sleeps until this year’s Province-wide BC-SPCA Paws For A Cause, I’m getting excited to participate in such a great event that helps any and all animals. Most people think of cats and dogs when they think of their local shelter, but as I’ve said in previous posts, even farm animals and wild animals need a little help sometimes.
Photo: Wy@rt on Flickr
As of today, I’ve reached 52% 57% of my goal. I’m hoping to reach $1,000 by Sunday’s walk and this is my last beg, plea and petition to all of you.
…Even if all you can spare is your pocket change, that’ll buy some tins of cat food or a few apples for displaced horses.
…Even if you don’t like me, you can donate anonymously if you still want to support the animals!
What you give can and does make a difference!
Photo: studom on Flickr
To those who have already generously given, I offer you a huge heartfelt thanks! There will be many wagging tails, purring kittens and oinking pigs because of what you’ve helped accomplish. Those wishing to donate, please visit my donation page before midnight on September 12, 2009 and check back next week for pictures from the Comox Valley event!
GIRLS’ GETAWAY: ALL YOU NEED IS CHEESE
Finding ourselves with time to kill on Friday morning, I suggested to Rebecca that we visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. Needless to say, she didn’t take much convincing at all – especially when I let her know that wine was also produced on site. Counting on a vino tasting combined with cheese sampling was all we expected, but that was more than enough for us gals.
Somehow I had it in my head that we’d be arriving at a storefront, so you can imagine my surprise as we made our way up the dirt drive and onto an expansive farm overlooking Mount Arrowsmith.
As it turned out, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is situated on an active dairy farm with far more than just cheese and the cows that produce the milk to make it with.
Realizing this, our first stop was the gift shop to get our bearings with a self-guided tour map. Within moments, we were greeted by Little Qualicum Cheeseworks’ Phil Charlebois. He was more than happy to tell us a bit about the farm and the cheese-making process while showing us around.
Adjacent to the sterile environment in which the various cheeses are carefully crafted and made is the farm’s gift shop. If it’s farm or cheese-related, it’s in there!
Perhaps the best part of the gift shop, aside from the copious cheeses for sale, is the ability to sample each and every one of them. The farm produces everything from award-winning brie to curds, fromage frais to feta, and a few creatively inspired varieties of their own – including Monterey “Jill”.
For the grown-ups, right next to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks’ farm, is a collection of berry bushes designated solely to berry-based wines that are produced on site. None of the newly-launched Morningstar Creek wines contain any grapes and instead are fermented with gooseberries, raspberries, cranberries and blackberries among others.
The winery is truly a pride and joy for Phil, but unfortunately, due to a trademark on the name “Morning” in a winery, Morningstar Creek Winery will soon be known as MooBerry Wines. None of these wines are available in restaurants or liquor stores, so you’ll have to pay a visit yourself if you’d like to get your hands on a bottle.
My absolute favourite part of the tour was setting my sights on all the animals that call Little Qualicum Cheeseworks home. And on that note, I should mention that the farm is the only SPCA Certified dairy farm on Vancouver Island. Click here to read more about what that means for the health and welfare of farm animals.
These baby piglets were only four weeks old!
The only ram on the farm, Dodge (get it?) was one friendly boy.
These young calves were happy to receive attention. I think the black and white girl in front may have mistaken me for her mother as she took my entire hand in her mouth and tried to nurse it.
Photo: Miss604 on Flickr
Being an animal-friendly farm, the dairy cows are provided with a fabulous lifestyle and are free to roam the vast acres when not being milked.
The view of Mount Arrowsmith is simply breathtaking…
Cute? Yes. Friendly? Not really.
You can imagine my excitement when I spotted an ice cream stand serving Island Farms ice cream. Also featured were several flavours from The Udder Guy’s Ice Cream Company out of Duncan, BC on the south Island. While I’ve never tried their ice cream, all 24 flavours are made from scratch so it would seem it’d be safe to say that they make for tasty cones!
Tried, tested and true, I stuck with Moose Tracks in a waffle cone.
Photo: Miss604 on Flickr
Be sure to read Rebecca’s re-cap of our visit to the farm here.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Allow for plenty of time on your visit to partake in a self-guided tour, but guided tours and hay rides are available for groups of eight or more. The farm is located at 403 Lowry’s Road between Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
For more information, please visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks’ website or call them toll-free at 1-877-248-4353. The various cheeses are available in most grocery stores on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland, so keep your eyes open for it and grab one variety or four!
A STORY FOR A RAINY DAY
Consider me a delinquent. I’ve been feeling rather ill lately and therefore less inclined to write, but I think I’m back up to 90% or so. Maybe even 95%. Last night I checked out the Sins Of The City tour with a few friends courtesy of the Vancouver Police Museum, so look for tons of very cool (and scandalous) photos later this evening.
The rain is falling, the sky is gray and it’s most likely unanimous that we’d all rather be in bed. Instead, let me share with you a story…
Once upon a time there were six horses who lived on a farm in Langley. Their names were Buddy, Magnum, Misty, Jock, Chewie and Lexie.
One day, 911 received a call reporting a car in the ditch. Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters and RCMP were mortified by what they saw. A team from the BC SPCA and the Langley Animal Protection Society were called in because the crashed couple were forcing Buddy to tow their car out of the ditch. Buddy was too weak, in great pain and could hardly stand; he had to be euthanized at the scene.
Magnum, Misty, Jock, Chewie and Lexie were found at the couple’s home in even worse condition. All five were emaciated, hypothermic and suffering from internal parasites and rain scald. Though the SPCA immediately brought them into special care and did everything they could, Magnum died a few days later.
The good news is that through continued love and medical attention, Misty, Jock, Chewie and Lexie’s hearts and wounds have healed!
Now in foster care (and awaiting their forever homes), the support given to these four beauties has made a 180-degree difference in their worlds.
In 2008, the BC SPCA conducted nearly 5,000 cruelty investigations and removed more than 1,200 animals from dangerous home situations and neglectful owners. Each of these investigations costs an average of $10,000 from beginning to end (prosecution in Court).
If you haven’t already done so, please consider sponsoring myself, Jordy and Charley as we pound the pavement (er, grass) in the 2009 Paws For A Cause to raise funds for animals just like Misty, Jock, Chewie and Lexie and countless others. Our goal for this year is $1,500 and through generous donations we’ve already reached 31% of that goal. Every little bit will help – whether you can give $3 or $30. Every penny goes to helping the animals!
HOT DOG!
In case you haven’t heard, it’s hot in British Columbia. It’s not just those warm, late-spring days we’re experiencing either. It’s humid, sticky, sweaty, still-air hot!
Last weekend I hauled my summer clothes out of storage and discovered shorts, a skirt or two and some pretty little sun tops. What became apparent to me is my severe lack of breezy, flowy summer dresses. I’m particularly fond of maxi dresses (and especially the one Carrie Bradshaw donned as she downed margaritas in Mexico). This weekend’s mission: grab a Slurpee before finding and purchasing the perfect summer dress. A new pair of sunglasses and sandals wouldn’t hurt either…
With the summer months headed our way at warp speed, it should go without saying that we humans aren’t he only ones who suffer in the heat. Can you imagine enduring this heat all the while also wearing a fur coat? Though don’t even get me started on the idiocy of fur coats…
Yesterday a Saanich woman was outed to animal control by a passer-by after having left her small dog locked in her vehicle. The entire episode was caught by an A-Channel news camera. Upon returning to her car, the lady wildly waved a water bottle at the crew and said “see, I do have water here.”
To this, the animal control officer replied, “Ma’am, dogs don’t know how to open and drink from water bottles.”
Here are some personal thoughts and ideas on how you can keep your “fur baby” cool during the summer months:
- First, leave your dog at home! If you’re out running errands, the last place your dog wants to be is in your hot, smelly car. Canines can sustain brain damage in as little as 20 minutes of intense heat. It is not worth the risk!
- Many dogs and cats tend to shed around this time of year, but consider a trip to the groomer to help thin-out the thick undercoat.
- Fans! Dogs enjoy sticking their heads out of the windows of moving cars while their tongues flop to the side. Let your pup do this in a safe manner with a home fan or two.
- Even though shade can get warm on some of the hottest days, a patch of cool grass in the shade can be a welcome respite for your animal.
- Lots of fresh water, water, water… need I say more?
- While your pet doesn’t need to be cleansed more often than is necessary (their skin can dry out easily), a quick rinse in the tub will cool their body temperature from ears to paws.
- Consider a cooling humidifier for air quality. Hot days equal dry air and smaller animals (Jordy included) can be susceptible to dry and irritated throats. As an alternative, keep your animal in the bathroom with you for the few minutes you shower – the moist air can work wonders!
UPDATE – Cesar Millan recently Tweeted this: “Dogs sweat thru the pads of their feet, but their primary way to keep cool is panting. Overheated dogs drool excessively.”
Have any other ideas? Share them in the comments! And while you’re at it, wish a big happy birthday to Danielle’s other half!
PAWS FOR A CAUSE 2009
Last summer, I was honoured to take part in the BC-SPCA’s annual Paws For A Cause fundraiser. With the help of some furry friends, my fundraising efforts contributed to numerous people making incredibly generous donations. When all was said and done, thousands of dollars went directly into local animal shelters!
Contrary to what some might believe, the BC-SPCA helps any and all animals that require help. This includes domestic animals, farm animals and even our critters of the wild, both large and small. A little bit of funding can go an incredibly long way…
- $75 neuters one cat;
- $80 feeds a litter of puppies for eight weeks;
- $100 neuters one dog;
- $110 spays one cat;
- $120 covers emergency response for animal rescue for one night;
- $200 pays for emergency and first aid equipment for our constables;
- $1,000 provides 20 beds for dogs;
- $10,000 pays for the investigation and prosecution of one animal cruelty case
More statistics and facts can be found here.
This is only a small example of how your contribution – no matter the size – can help. In fact, in 2008 the BC-SPCA rescued over 36,000 injured, homeless, neglected and abused animals!
This year, the campaign is trying to raise $950,000 Province-wide, and I’ve set a personal goal of at least $1,500. On Sunday, September 13, 2009 Jordy, Charley and I will be joining countless others in participating in one of many local walks across British Columbia. Last year I took part in the Vancouver walk and will instead be participating in the event in the Comox Valley this year.
Please consider if sponsoring the three of us is something you can do – even donating a dollar and foregoing your daily coffee helps! To donate, please visit my personal campaign page here.
Show your support and lend a “paw” to help animals in need!
FUN AT THE SPCA VANCOUVER OPEN HOUSE
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!
VANCOUVER SPCA OPEN HOUSE
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.
YOU CAN’T IGNORE THE TRUTH
When I started my search for a dog, in my mind there were only two options: SPCA or the classified ads. While in my mind I was a huge supporter of the SPCA, I seemed to have it in my head that only a new puppy would suffice. After viewing ad after ad in the classifieds for various young puppies of all breeds and varieties that were supposedly “happy, health, often prize winners and humanely bred,” no dog seemed to be the right fit. I didn’t respond to a single ad, and instead opened my browser to Google and searched for “puppies vancouver bc“. What I found was, in a word, shocking.
Instead of page after page of adorable, clumsy puppies looking for homes, I found page after page of beautiful, wonderful, amazing dogs that all needed to go to loving homes. There were dogs of all ages, breeds and temperaments and all were either living in shelters or in foster care around British Columbia. There were quite literally thousands of dogs with nowhere to live.
My mind was made up on the spot that I could not ignore what I just learned. I couldn’t justify bringing home a “new” puppy when so many others needed a home. I was hellbent on adopting.
It wasn’t long before I found a rescue organization based on Vancouver Island that specialized in small dogs. It was there that I found Jordy’s profile, fell madly in love and a month and a half later, have his long, furry body stretched out on the floor beside me as I type this.
I wouldn’t have it any other way, but it was hard leaving Jordy’s foster home yesterday afternoon, knowing that he was leaving many of his foster brothers and sisters behind who didn’t have homes. As I’ve been going through the rigorous adoption process (the hoop-jumps are well worth it), I’ve been doing a lot of reading and educating myself. While I had no idea that so many rescue groups were operating around the Province, I certainly had no idea how much of a pet overpopulation problem we as a society must deal with head-on and adequately.
As I spoke with the director of Jordy’s rescue foundation during my home visit a couple weeks ago, I was horrified by some of what she’s seen. The irresponsibility of people astounds me, from excessive and inter-breeding to euthanizing a beloved family pet because two weeks on the beach in Cabo is too long to pay a petsitter.
Pet ownership is not a right; it is a revocable privilege.
Photo: miss604 on Flickr
Much has to change in British Columbia before countless other animals end up in shelters for the rest of their lives. Most will die before they get the chance to live in a true and loving home.
1. Neuter or spay your pet! It is the responsible thing to do. Overpopulation is at a crisis level in British Columbia. A pet is not a cash machine and you have no way of ensuring that your pet’s offspring will go to a proper home, rather than tied to a heavy chain in someone’s overgrown backyard. It happens all the time.
2. If you are considering bringing a pet into your home, please adopt from either the SPCA or a rescue group. There are thousands of amazing dogs all around the Province waiting for a forever home – Jordy was just one of many. Rescued dogs are often far more appreciative and affectionate than other dogs.
3. Do your research. Can you afford to take adequate care of an animal and do you have the time, patience and effort to devote to the newest member of your family? Cats and dogs need love, affection, emotional stability, exercise, nutrition and healthcare just as we do.
4. Petition for change! They say there’s a sucker born every minute, and pet stores are banking on the hope that you will be the next sucker through their door. They $1,000-$3,000 to the cash register every time a dog goes to a home without even so much as a background check on the person purchasing. Boycott your local pet stores and the puppy mills that supply them. All pet stores will tell you what you want to hear in that your dog has come from a loving breeder, but that just isn’t the truth. The few responsible breeders that exist in this Province should, in my opinion, be required to register with the Province and those found breeding their dogs without having registered should be subject to substantial fines.
Please sign the petition I have created in this regard. Every voice counts.
For more information on how you can educate yourself on adopting a pet in British Columbia and put an end to animal neglect, here are a few sites worth visiting:
Petfinder
BC-SPCA
British Columbia Rescue Organizations and Shelters (Canada’s Guide To Dogs)
City of Vancouver Adoption Program
No Puppy Mills Canada
PeTA ABC (Animal Birth Control)