Vol 1, Issue 5, Holiday Issue by PreciousPets

Precious Pets The ultimate monthly paper for pets and their owners VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

In this First Holiday issue...

Paws & Pray Christ Church, Beaurepaire (Beaconsfield, Quebec)

4 Blessing the pets...

Big Bad Wolf?

PHOTO BY BRAM D. EISENTHAL

WESTMOUNT • HAMPSTEAD • CÔTE ST-LUC

Christmas Spirit

Happy Holidays to animals and their human companions everywhere

‘

Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la…. And welcome to the Holiday Issue of Precious Pets. I am culturally Jewish, so Christmas is not my religious “bag,” but I still appreciate it as a social holiday where we can all share some joy, happy times and help others less fortunate to do the same. And this includes animals, both the ones we host as pets and the ones that we do not. You know, I have always been fascinated with elephants and I recall going to the Shriner’s Circus (the Shriners being, I later learned as an “Entered Apprentice” Freemason, an important part of the Masonic movement) as a child and loving the antics of the elephants on stage. But after watching the documentary An Apology to Elephants, which is airing currently on The Movie Network, I am aghast and horrorstruck by the brutal methods used to train elephants to do very non-elephant things for the benefit of our entertainment. And I am deeply ashamed for the amusement and laughter I permitted myself to experience so many years ago. Never again. I have contacted the PR people for Granby Zoo near Montreal to enquire about their elephant training methods and have been awaiting a reply. None has been forthcoming a month later, so I can only fear the worst. If

Barking Bram with Bram D. Eisenthal Granby Zoo wishes to state for this paper that they do not abuse animals they are training, I’d be happy to help spread the word. Otherwise, no holiday cheer for you, Granby, Quebec and the zoo you host so proudly. So, to our Christian friends, a Merry and Healthy Christmas to you and a Happy New Year to us all, from Precious Pets Media Group Inc. To pets and other animals everywhere, we wish you peace, friendly handlers/ companions and we apologize if we caused you grief, either out of negligence, intentionally-cruel actions or ignorance. Our gift to you all, dear readers, is our cover story about a special Quebec-based church that practices kindness for animals in a very spiritual manner. Last issue we featured our first Holiday Gift Guide and we hope it helped give you some ideas for that special pet in your household. If you

send us your lists of gifts that you gave your pets, we may publish them next issue in January. And it’s not too late to buy something special for that precious pet in your life. As should be the case with humans on Valentine’s Day, there is no reason not to make every day a holiday for our furry little friends.

So long, Brian… we hardly knew ya! We end this issue of holiday cheer on a sad note, particularly if you are a fan of the popular animated series Family Guy. Then again, we wish Brian the dog well in the Afterlife and hope that he finds happiness away from the childish antics of baby Stewie, his buddy at times and nemesis at others. Since they had to make a major change on the show, as a ratings booster, presumably, they chose the pet rather than a human member of the family. Said producer Steve Callaghan, “It seemed

more in the realm of reality that a dog would get hit by a car, than if one of the kids died,” he told E!Online. “As much as we love Brian, and as much as everyone loves their pets, we felt it would be more traumatic to lose one of the kids, rather than the family pet.” I suppose that’s true, but it’s still unfortunate this brainy canine, who had a randy hankering for series mom Lois, had to bite the dust just prior to Christmas. Family Guy has not wasted a second replacing Brian with another dog, in this case Vinny, voiced by Tony Sirico (the Paulie Walnuts charactor) of The Sopranos. Vinny is quite unlike Brian in that he doesn’t “let Stewie get away with any of his crap.” Should be interesting… but rest in peace, Brian, though I hear they are already planning to bring you back somehow.

Mrs. Santa? Finally, in this issue of Precious Pets I decided to reprint an updated story I ran in my old paper, The Local Seeker West End Montreal Edition (later The Local Herald) on Gail Howell, a most special woman who gets into character as Mrs. Claus for the benefit of people in need. Father John Walsh put us in touch when I needed a cover story for the Holiday 2011 issue. Nice to know you are doing well in your new home, Cornwall, Gail and a Merry Christmas to you!

The Partners and Collaborators of Precious Pets wish you and yours

a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

All the best from Bram, Mark, Tina, Janet, Elysya, Allan, Dawn, Reverend Barbara Etcovitch, Father John Walsh,Francois, Dr. Wybranowski, Donna and Pepper, as well as our valued advertisers and, of course, our loyal readers. See you back here in our January 2014 issue and celebrate safely, everyone!

Precious Pets The ultimate monthly paper for pets and their owners

Precious Pets is a publication of Precious Pets Media Group Inc. Copyright 2013. Precious Pets does not accept responsibility for errors, misprints or inaccuracies published within. The opinions and statements of our columnists are not presumed to be the opinions and statements of Precious Pets Group Inc.

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION:

ADVERTISING AND CLASSIFIEDS: ............................................... 438 E-MAIL: ..... info@preciouspetscanada.com EDITORIAL: .............. 514

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821-6769 975-7745

MAILING ADDRESS: .................. P.O. Box 66521, Cavendish Mall, Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 3J6 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR: ..................................................... BRAM D. EISENTHAL SALES MANAGER: .................................................................... TINA DI SALVIA CREATIVE DESIGN: ................................................................... MARK LEHBERG PROOF READER / EDITORIAL CONSULTANT: ........................... ELYSYA SCERBO-PASTA ONTARIO DIRECTOR & DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA: ......................... JANET BOIANGIU

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

Toxic treats W e love to spoil our dogs. Of course we do. For a monster, Artie has a very sensitive stomach -- I call him a delicate flower (in a very sarcastic tone) -- and even a little taste of people food is a no-go for him. I’m not going to judge you for giving your pup some table scraps, but please be aware that some people food is toxic to dogs and should absolutely NEVER be given to them, no matter how much their begging puppy eyes melt your heart. Here are some foods that are unsafe for dogs. Many of them are toxic: • Apple seeds (they contain cyanide) • Avocado • Baby food that contains onion powder • Bones (cooked-they can splinter)

• Candy and chewing gum, specifically containing Xylitol • Cat food • Chocolate • Fat trimmings • Grapes and raisins • Milk (most dogs are lactose intolerant) • Onion Be careful, too, about sharing your potato chips and cookies with your dog. The chips could contain onion powder, and the cookies could contain raisins, chocolate, or macadamia nuts (these nuts can do damage to their digestive, nervous and muscle systems). I know, you want to please your pup. You want him to be happy and people food seems to make him hap-

Dogged Pursuits with Dawn Mirsky piest. Maybe it does, but that’s only because he wants to be part of your pack, enjoying what you are enjoying. Think of his safety first, though. It’s probably particularly difficult during the holiday season when you have friends and extended family at your house and they want to befriend your best furry friend. For the safety of your dog, though, just tell them to please refrain from feeding Fido what they’re eating and that

your pup has his own special treat for the occasion. Follow through on that. Get your dog a special holiday treat -- something long-lasting that will keep his eye on his prize and not on everyone else’s. Artie just looked at me funny so I had to remind him about the time that he ate raspberries and had pink runny poop. Now, while I’m eating pizza, he’s off chomping on his bully stick. He’s much smarter than he looks.

Woofing it down at holiday time

t’s holiday time again - full of fun, celebration and overindulgence. And it’s not only the humans who may be feeling the effects of the gluttony, because our four-legged companions will take any opportunity to get into all that extra-appetizing food. Fortunately there are some great homeopathic remedies to put our friends back on their four paws again. The remedies are safe and very effective and work beautifully on animals. Before I let you in on what to give, you need to know how and when to give the remedies. Homeopathic remedies should be given away from meals. If your companion has eaten, wait an hour before administering it. If it has not eaten, you can give food 20 minutes after the remedy. Remedies can be picked-up or ordered from some pharmacies and health food stores. Each remedy will carry a number after it. This is the “potency.” Do not accept any number other than what is suggested here. The remedy will come in the form of pellets. Don’t touch the pills with your hands. Crush about 4-5 pellets between two sheets of clean paper, gather the powder in a plastic spoon and place it on the animal’s tongue. If you have a particularly difficult pet, dissolve the same amount in distilled water and let your pet drink it throughout the day. In this instance, don’t worry about the food. Arsenicum Album 30ch and Nux-Vomica 30ch are two remedies that can rebalance your friend’s digestive system in a few doses given 3-4 hours apart. The former may be sold over-the-counter as Metallicum Album and the latter as Colubrina.

Three to four doses should do the trick. Arsenicum Album is particularly useful if your pet has both vomiting and diarrhoea. The animal may be restless and anxious. There is a desire to drink small sips of water frequently and he or she may be chilly. The remedy is very effective in cases of food poisoning, eating spoiled food and in cases caused by bacteria or viruses. Nux Vomica is a good remedy in cases where the animal has gotten itself into the punch bowl as well and is experiencing a hangover. The indications for Nux Vomica are vomiting and diarrhoea from rich food, lack of thirst and drowsiness. The animal may be very irritable and hypersen-

Bunny Berke

Real Estate Broker

Pet Healer with Barbara Etcovitch sitive. Of course homeopathy does not discriminate, so for all the guardians out there who may misbehave as well, the remedies will be just as effective. Barbara Etcovitch is a Classical Homeopath, Interfaith Minister, freelance writer and lecturer. She has a BA from Sir George Williams Uni-

Invest in your future, Invest in your property

514.347.1928 bunnyberke@yahoo.ca

versity, a MA in Literature from the University of Ottawa and a diploma in Classical Homeopathy from the School of Homeopathy in Devon, England. She was ordained by the All Faiths Seminary International in New York City in 2004. She has been in practice as a Classical Homeopath in Quebec and Ontario for 22 years.

Kimry Gravenor Sales coordinator

514.933.6781

bunnyberke@yahoo.ca

WISHING YOU AN ABUNDANCE OF FRIENDS, HAPPINESS, AND FUN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! - Bunny Berke & Kimry Gravenor

RE/MAX ACTION (WESTMOUNT) INC. REAL ESTATE AGENCY

1314 Greene Avenue

514.933.6781

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

West Island church wishes Happy Holidays to you all, pets included Story and photos by Bram D. Eisenthal for Precious Pets

y Jewish upbringing did not preclude my appreciation of services at the houses of worship of alternate faiths. But my Judaism made it highly unlikely I’d be so moved at a church service that I’d be on the verge of tears. When I walked into Christ Church, Beaurepaire in Beaconsfield, part of Montreal’s West Island, I found the building and interior pretty enough. I’ve been to the oldest Catholic church in the Western Hemisphere, located in Mexico, and to arguably the most unique, the igloo-shaped Our Lady of Victory in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. So I assumed that this church experience would not better those visits. But what transpired over the next hour or so, under the inspired direction of Father Michael Johnson, Archdeacon and spiritual leader, truly moved me to the point of tears. For here, the first Sunday of every month, Christ Church hosts Paws&Pray, where congregants may bring their pets to the proceedings. What, you ask? A church service for dogs? I, too, was initially very skeptical, so I spoke to Archdeacon Johnson about this concept. The Archdeacon developed his passion for animals as a child growing up. “From the time I was 5, we had dogs and cats at home,” he told me. “Many different dogs from Spaniels to Shepherds to a Lab/ Newfoundland cross. All have been ‘mutts.’ Many different cats as well – including one that I inherited as a ‘gift’ from the seminarians in residence when we graduated from seminary, which I in turn gifted to my mother! “While I do enjoy the company of cats curling up on couches, I more so have always enjoyed being able to go on long rambling walks with

a dog – especially in places where they could run free. I so remember my last dog, Buster, a small black Lab, and his boundless energy and enthusiasm racing through snowdrifts in fields in winter and ranging away from me, but always coming back to check in, as I walked trails in forests during all seasons. I always felt that we had a special responsibility to care for these dependent creatures that we invited into our homes.” The Church also played a role, however, in his appreciation of animals. “Early in my ordained ministry, some 30-plus years ago, I was introduced to ‘Creation-centered Spirituality,’ a theological orientation I first learned through the progressive theologian Matthew Fox. Within a creation-centered approach, humanity is seen not as ‘having dominion’ over creation, and creation is seen not as being ours for exploitation. Rather, human beings are perceived as the stewards of creation, having responsibility for the care of creation (and as being interconnected to all of creation). This is especially true for all sentient beings, who are seen as kin to humans, rather than as wholly ‘other,’ to be exploited for our benefit. Of course, such an orientation finds resonance in both aboriginal and Eastern spirituality. “Not that I’ve led a blameless nor consistent life in these regards,” he pointed out, “but those are the spiritual roots that I have returned to again and again.” I felt it necessary to ask Father Johnson about his belief regarding whether animals possess souls. This has concerned me greatly and, one time, a rabbi I knew actually scoffed at that notion. Animals with souls? Pshaw, he commented. I stress that this is the belief of one man only and that I personally reject this. Still, I wanted to discuss this openly with another man of the cloth. “I would say that the jury is still out in that regard,” admitted Father Johnson. “Traditional or orthodox Christian theology has generally suggested that animals do not have souls, based in the belief that humans are somehow qualitatively different than (and superior to!) all other animal species. We humans can be pretty arrogant!! “In many respects this traditional understanding and belief is rooted in both the same understanding of creation – that humans have dominion over the rest of creation – and in a very basic sacred/secular dualism. If other creatures have souls, then we might just have to care for them and treat them very differently than we do. It is also rooted in the theologies of fall/redemption, personal salvation, and Heaven/Hell. From a creation-centered point of view, if

we are all ‘animated’ by the same divine Spirit, although we are all (as species) different, the cores of our beings are the same, have the same connection to the ‘ground’ of all being.” As for his church’s special service, the priest elaborated. “It really came about because of my friend and collaborator in Paws&Pray, Johanne Tassé, the founding Director of the caacQ (Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec). Johanne and her husband Craig Clarke, residents of Beaconsfield, are individuals I met early on when I came to the community just over six years ago. One year later, Johanne came to me with an article about a church in the U.S. that was offering worship services to which people could bring their animal companions, often integral and intimate members of their families. Johanne, a dog-lover (she has three) and animal welfare advocate, suggested that our Bishop, Barry Clarke, Bishop of Montreal, should hold such services at the our Christ Church Cathedral downtown. When Johanne and I approached the Bishop about this, he, with what I consider great wisdom, counter-proposed that I might be willing to do so at Christ Church, Beaurepaire – with his blessing and support. And so we planned and did so, deciding early on to limit animal attendance to dogs rather than all animals (although we have had rabbits and chickens and once a dove as well!) and we’ve really never looked back since. While some members of the Parish were perhaps a bit sceptical at first, the Parish as a whole quickly began to see “Paws&Pray” as a valid and

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

valuable ministry we could offer to members of the whole community.” A faithful following has grown, involving some who are members of the Parish, some who are members of other churches, and some who are not members of any church at all. All people are welcome, with or without an animal companion – and some who come do so because they love animals but are unable to have one at home. Depending on the day and season of the year, they host anywhere from 20 to 50 people and their animal companions (and some bring two or three dogs!), who join together to celebrate God’s love shown to us in all of creation. They also offer opportunities for caacQ member-agencies to showcase dogs for adoption at each service, they celebrate adoptions, have held memorial services and offer blessings for all animals present at each service. Father Johnson added “I guess as a concluding statement, I would remind everyone that this Jesus whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, the Anointed Christ who showed us the fullness of God’s love and invites us into the fullness of living, lived and died for all creatures and all creation. May we live into God’s hope for the world, and indeed for the Universe.” The church is also exploring plans to provide bereavement counselling to those who have lost pets. For more information on this and Christ Church, Beaurepaire, contact them at 514-697-2204. You can also e-mail them at christchurch@qc.aibn.com and their website is at http://chiristchurchbeaurepaire.com. Their address is 455 Christ Church St., Beaconsfield, Quebec, H9W 3S6. NOTE: There will be no service next month, but they will begin again starting Sunday, February 2, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. as usual.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Mina Carbone:

Animal nurse and educator rolled into one passionate package by Bram D. Eisenthal

ast month, editor Bram and sales manager Tina visited Montreal Dogs, one of our precious advertisers, and a bond was formed. We learned a lot about a very unique family business and the people behind it. Bram later interviewed Mina Carbone who, along with brother Cesar, operates both the grooming/ boarding side of the business, as well as a very unique organization, a school called the Pawsitive Academy Learning Centre. The latter is Mina’s baby and, while we were impressed with Montreal Dogs, we were delighted with her passion and commitment toward teaching people what it takes to keep pets happy and healthy, particularly pets who are rescues and had horrid lives previously. She has been passionate about animals a long time. “For as long as I can remember, my childhood was marked by my first pet. I begged and begged and begged and begged my dad for a dog from the first day I could say the word d-o-g,” Mina said. “I got her when I was 12-years old, a Dalmatian that stayed with me through all my schooling of animal sciences and my college vet tech program. Lilla was two months shy of her 15th birthday when I decided I had to put her to rest. And it was thanks to Lilla that I learned at an early age the responsibility of caring for a pet.” Mina’s family was not exactly supportive of her penchant for animal welfare. “They just weren’t at all familiar with the concept of having a bond with an animal,” she admitted. “They had grown up with the mentality that animals belonged on a farm, not in a home . They still wonder to this day where I get this passion from. But that was my motivation for deciding to volunteer at the SPCA at

the young age of 15. My first job was at 18, working at a puppy mill pet shop in downtown Montreal. Thankfully they closed down a year later. “I was exposed to the reality of animals being sold sick, then returned for refunds and/or replaced for another, while they were kept in cramped cages waiting to be discarded and usually being denied medical treatment, all because it cut into the business profits. After that job, I continued to study everything there was to know about animals. And I have continuously been rescuing dogs and cats for well over 20 years.” Mina graduated as a certified veterinary nurse at age 22, working in animal hospitals for two years before opening Montreal Dogs with brother Cesar as her partner. And that is where her best schooling took place, allowing her to pass on her knowledge to others and take her rescue activities to the limit. “My first rescue dog was a battered and aggressive Great Dane - I called him Blue. It was the day-to-day with Blue that continued to teach me how even the worse cases of abuse and abandonment can be rehabilitated. Blue was both the worst and best dog I ever had, just 2 when I adopted him and he lived with me for a decade. He had been severely under-socialized and shock-collar-trained by a previous owner that dumped him after he bit a child. The poor dog weighed all of 80 pounds, when his ideal weight was supposed to be 130. His display of constant anxiety was heartbreaking to watch most days, but the bond we had was remarkable.” Five years into the business, Mina “saw a great need for education in this field in this province . Grooming and training were two areas of great interest for

me. I had ample certification to be able to teach, so we decided to combine the theories I had learned with amazing hands-on experience and we opened the Pawsitive Academy Learning Centre. “Every single student who comes into the academy has to have a basic but essential prerequisite ... an undeniable love of animals. Everything else can be taught. The programs involve a major commitment of 300 hours… both theory and hands-on practical, daily handling and caring for dogs and cats. The course is generally of a three- month duration spread out over seven days a week. It is an amazing field to get into. My students feel an immense happiness being able to connect and help res-

cued animals waiting for their forever homes. They groom them, help socialize them and participate in making them well-mannered and well-behaved all while learning a skilled trade. Some of my students are also fosters for my own rescue organization, True Blue Rescue, created in loving memory of my first rescue dog. Dogs and all of its essential services: Boarding, daycare, grooming and training, has been the foundation for the Pawsitive Academy as well as True Blue Rescue. For more information, check out the following web sites: Mtldogs.com Pawsitiveacademy.com Facebook : truebluerescuemtl

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

Let me tell you a little something about a tabooed breed....

y sweet muffin is quite the character. He huffs and he puffs when you call his name because of course he doesn’t want to move, he plays deaf when you call him to come inside, he even pulls off a very convincing limp to make sure that you feel sympathy so that your blindsided by the fact he jumped up on the couch to have a nap. The only time he hears you is when you’re making food. He’ll stand right beside you and make sure you hear him crying under his breath for a piece of whatever you have. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Eleven years I’ve spent with him. I adopted him at five months old and we’ve been inseparable ever since. The years go by so fast. Chuckie is definitely irreplaceable as you must think about your own furry friend. Chuckie is a Pit-Bull. It’s such a bad word today, but not to me. The fact

Mandy’s Meanderings with Amanda Cook

that I had five Pit-Bulls at one time living under the same roof didn’t scare me at all, but that’s another story for another day. I have a Pit-Bull. Not only is he my best friend, but also a member of my family. It disgusts me to have to live with the fact that Pit-Bulls in gener-

al are being taken away from their families because of their breed. Of course this breed is strong and people think that they could potentially be dangerous, but seriously, regular people scare me way more than any animal on this planet. So this BSL, (Breed Selection Legislation) is by far just another way to control. Playing God is not meant to be a job for humans. So please don’t judge: Learn.

DASH OF … PEPPER

The 12 days of --- Pepper T he Howlidays are approaching and evry howndie and kitteh needs to be careful at this time of yeer! Won – the ChrispMix tree is KNOT indoor plumming…. The hewmans get very annoyed if you try to releeve your ownself there. Too - althow the howse is problee festooned with nise and aromattik plants - do KNOT eet any. Missle

Toes, and Pointy Settias kin be poysinous to owr delicate stummiks. Thirdlee – try knot to take any ornymints offa the tree or the table. They are yooshually made of glass and kin break real easy even under the gentilest of howndie or kitteh toofers Forf – (for the hewmans) make shoor wen guests arrive that the front door is tightlee closed. It onlee takes

a sekkind for a howndie or a kitteh to escape to the owtside Fith – keep the gifties unner the tree behind a gate or owt of reach. A sertin howndie I no (without menchining any names – Miz Buffy) kin unrap a package faster than yoo kin say SantyPaws. Sicks – speeking of sick – a lot of hewman treets kin be very harmfool for us – things like choklit, onyums,

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

avocado, grapes, raysins, raw potayto skins, fatty foods and sumtheeng called marry wanna (I do KNOT no wot that is…) Sebben – in addishun to foods – sertin drinks are also knot good for us – coffee, tee, hot (or cold) choklit, likker, beer Ate – Be carefool with the tinsil on the ChrispMix tree – a lotta kittehs will try to eet it! (Howndies are much smarter than that ;) ) Nyne – If there is a fireplace blazin brite – don’t get too close to it my brudders and sissers – a teeny spark kin spit owt and burn yoo (expeshilee troo for us of the very short hair perswayshin!) Tenn – For my frends of the Jooish perswayshin the above also goes for the Chanukah Menora – be carefool knot to bump the table Elebben – Make shore your hewmans give you a comfy plase to rest and relacks from all the festibitees (expechilee the liddle kidlets who constantlee want to play with yoo). A R&R place makes for fewer or no insidents with a too strest owt pet Tuwellv – I joost wanna say have a very Happe Howliday and we’ll see you in the Noo Yeer!

JUST CALL ME DR. W

How to “winterize” your pet for the cold (by Dr. Wybranowski, B.SC. DVM CCRT)

inter came early this year and it looks as if it is going to be a cold one. Use these guidelines to make sure he/she stays safe. • Winter wellness - If your pet has not had a preventative care or wellness exam in the last year, now is the time to do it. Disease can lessen your pet’s ability to regulate body temperature, thus making him/her more susceptible to freezing. • Know the limits and stay inside – Tolerance to cold varies greatly between individuals and breeds. Never leave your pet in a parked car. If your pet stays outside for long periods, provide him with a shelter. • Play dress-up – A dry coat will greatly improve your pet’s resistance to cold.

• Check the paws – Wipe the feet after a walk, check the paws for signs of cracking, use a protective cream or, better yet, get him booties. • Pet-proof the house – Your pet will probably spend more time indoors, so make sure he can’t get into trouble and provide him with a few places to rest cosily.

• Collar and chip – The ice and snow covering the ground may prevent your pet from smelling his way home. A good I.D. collar and microchip will lessen the chances of him getting lost. • Recognize problems – If your pet slows down, shivers, seems anxious and whines, it is best to get him in-

doors quickly, as he might be in hypothermia. If problems do not resolve quickly, get him to your vet. A pet fur coat is not a guarantee against freezing or frostbite, so use common sense. If unsure, choose the safest option – keep him inside. You can read the full article on Vet Blog at www.animal911.ca

Dr. Wybranowski and Willow

Coming in the New Year FRIDAY. JANUARY 24 DEADLINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 info@preciouspets.ca

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

Where is the BIG BAD WOLF? by Louise Chenevert - Special to Precious Pets

he BIG BAD WOLF is a mythological creation began in the Middle Ages. Fairy tales such as “Little Red Riding Hood” and “The Three Little Pigs” have perpetuated the myth that wolves are bad and must be feared. Real wolves have been vilified and relentlessly persecuted in Europe to their ultimate extermination. Wolves have been misunderstood and have been portrayed as bloodthirsty mass killers, thus perceived as a threat to humans, livestock and game. Over the past 40 years these shy, elusive creatures have been studied and filmed. The truth is that the real wolf is a very social, caring and compassionate being, which lives within a structured society… much like humans. That is the very reason our ancestors domesticated the wolf to be companions and best friends, now known as dogs. Wolves are not EVIL. They appear so, as they are carnivores and hunt in packs. A pack is simply a family group comprised of parents teaching their young, for their best skill is the use of team strategy. They choose the easiest prey: The weak, sick, injured and elderly. Choosing a young vibrant moose with huge antlers will potentially prove deadly. Their wise choices keep the deer, elk and caribou genetically strong. The role of wolves is just beginning to be understood. The decimation of wolves has led to an over population of hoofed mammals, which in turn have eroded river habitats and defoliated forests and fields - by over browsing for the past three quarters of a century. The reintroduction of wolves keeps these animals moving, making them more vigilant and physically fitter. Habitats are regenerating, allowing many species to flourish. Due to this, wolves are now known as a ‘keystone’ species, for the vital ecological role they play. Even though their benefits far outweigh the resulting losses, they are continually being unjustly persecuted;

boundaries. • 75 of the 400 Mexican Grey wolves are left in the wild. The remainder are in captive breeding programs under the Species Survival Plan. • 10 of the remaining 100 Eastern Red wolves, the rarest North American mammal, were shot in the last year. • 1000 wolves have been shot from aircraft in Alaska. Canadian Facts:

•

Canadian species are the Rocky Mountain, Timber, Artic and the salmon fishing Coastal wolf. • Wolves are considered “game” or “furbearing” in all Provinces and Territories except in the Maritimes, where they have been extirpated from this region. • Alberta has brought back the bounty which ended in 1955. Close

to a half million dollars of taxpayers’ money has been paid in 2012. $350 to $500 per wolf, over 1200 killed, under the guise of species “management.” - Instead of investing in habitat protection for woodland caribou currently being compromised by the oil industry. • In the past seven years, the use of Strychnine and other poisons have to eliminated the perceived “hated vermin,” also killing many non-target species such as birds of prey in the process. The unfounded fear of myths is the real killer. There has not been a documented case of wolf attacks on humans in North America. Only through education and real life experience with these magnificent beings, as I have recently had the good fortune to experience, will their plight be reversed.

Wolves travel far and often cross political borders. They need protection in their entire range. It is the responsibility of the whole of North America to ensure their survival. Remember: Extinction is Forever! If you love your dog, speak up for the wolves. Show your compassion for these intelligent sentient beings, for the protection of our wildlife policies and our natural heritage and for the wise use of our tax money. Government contacts you could write to are listed in www.Northernlightswildlifewolfcenter.org. To know our Canadian hot spots: (Alberta) www. AlbertaWildernessAssociation.ca, (B.C.) www.Raincoast.org and www. CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca. And please support our neighbours fighting against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s delisting proposal at www.Defenders.org.

U.S. Facts:

•

Less than one percent of mortalities on ranches are due to wolf predation. • 1800 wolves have been shot in the six states where wolves were delisted in the past two years. • Ranchers and hunters are pressuring the U.S. FWS to de-list the Grey Wolf from the Endangered Species Act, subsequently removing all protection in the rest of the lower 48 states. • Numerous protected radio-collared wolves followed in studies have been shot when stepping out of park A Rocky Mountain black wolf, Zephir, shows his appreciation of Louise’s singing at the NY Wolf Conservation Center www.NYWolf.org. Photo Credit, John Reilly, New York.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

In memory of, in honour of and because we love our

Precious Pets Tika

Tika, a Black Bombay kitty, lives with her companion, drum teacher Jeff Tobin, in Vancouver, BC. “She is the warmest, most giving cat and is always purring,” Jeff tells us about his adored 15-year old.

Beans

Beans is a male Chihuahua who turned 1-year old last week. Beans loves to cuddle and curl up in the laps of those he cherishes. He is a sweet-tempered puppy “who gives us so much love.”

Ozzy

Dolores crowed about her 6-year old Schnauzer Ozzy. “He has a beautiful temperament - he’s lovable, affectionate and very playful. He always puts us in a good mood and fills our house with happiness. He was a great addition to our family. Ozzy is our baby and we love him so much.”

Prince Chaplin

Cornwall resident Gail Howell, a.k.a. Mrs. Claus (see the story this issue) is very happy with her 5-year old Lhasa Apso / Poodle mix, Prince Chaplin, who she says “went from being a pauper to a prince” since he moved in with her. He was a rescue from Cornwall and was found by the SPCA tied to a tree on a hot summer’s day. I suppose he could be one of Gail’s ‘reindogs,’ don’t you think? Ho ho ho!

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER:

On-line shopping has never been this much fun or effective by Bram D. Eisenthal

ike so many people today, I love making on-line purchases. I am often up during the wee hours of the morning, so until we start adopting American-like store hours, hinting that we might actually WANT people shopping in our stores rather than on-line, I guess on-line is still the best way to go. Since 1999 or so, eBay has probably been my number one on-line shopping destination, as both a buyer and seller. As neither our provincial or federal government has found a way yet to monitor on-line buying and selling, keeping its greedy paws (no insult to animals intended, I promise) off our wallets in this one arena, at least, eBay is the way to go for a vast number of us. But my second favourite shopping venue on line is the Hammacher Schlemmer catalogue, one of the most entertaining reads out there. Hammecher Schlemmer started in In New York City in 1848, one of America’s first national hardware stores. I think I read their print catalogue for a year or two before I made my first purchase and I have become a regular since then. I have been pleased with my purchases about 80 percent of the time, though I admit HS’s copywriters do a magnificent job spinning a yarn that has you champing at the bit to buy something, anything, after perusing a particular issue. In correspondence I have had with the CEO of Hammacher Schlemmer, I have stressed this point quite abjectly, likening their writers to the crew at the fictional J. Peterman catalogue on the TV series Seinfeld. But it’s the history of

Hammacher Schlemmer that has me particularly fascinated by our mutually-beneficial relationship. You can learn a lot about the company on their website, at www.hammacher. com, but I also e-mailed some questions for this feature and received a rather enlightening reply from Trish Hammond at HS. I was dying to know more about the marketing department and who was responsible for their wonderful catalogues. Was it J. Peterman, after all? “Our Marketing department consists of two copywriters and four artists who not only produce the copy and art for the catalogue, but they also create the content for the website, product videos, emails, press releases and advertisements,” Hammond replied. “The Creative team meets with the Merchandising team to discuss each product’s unique positioning and they develop art and copy that reflect the products ‘POVs,’ while adhering to Hammacher Schlemmer’s unique voice, tone and style.” But how does the company find all the fascinating items sold here? “The process starts with our buyers (seven in all), who search the market for The Best, The Only and The Unexpected (their tag-line) products,” Hammond added. “Once the selected products have undergone a vetting process, the Creative team produces images and copy to help sell the items in the catalogue and on the website, while maintaining strict creative guidelines that support Hammacher Schlemmer’s authoritative, straight-forward style and tone. The Website and Marketing teams ensure our cus-

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tomers receive product emails and new catalogs while searching out perspective clients who are likely to be interested in our unique product assortment.” As HS is a private company, Hammond categorically refused to divulge any financial or staff stats, but she did tell me that they had offices in New York City, Niles, IL, and Fairfield, Ohio. Plus, as mentioned earlier, there is a Canadian rep named Russel A. Farrow in Lasalle, Ontario. He handles Canadian returns and other local business. Products are individually tested (by an independent body called the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute) and I can vouch for the concern that HS staffers exhibit when a customer has a problem with a purchase. They actually have a lifetime guarantee and you can return merchandise (even years after purchase) if you are unhappy with anything…. Just return the products to Farrow and he will pass them on to the US, and they will give you a refund. You must pay for the shipping to Farrow, however…

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

Helpful tips for your dogs this winter season

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in the pack, usually sold in packs of 12. 3) If your dog has long hair on its paws, be sure to cut the hair short or snow and salt will stick to the long hairs and freeze and irritate their feet. 4) Some pet-supply stores sell balms that you can apply to your dogs paws to help with the salt and snow - This is a great alternative for dogs that don’t like anything on their paws. 5) You can also use Vaseline: It definitely helps keep the paws from being burned by salt. 6) When using balms or Vaseline on paws, keep some non-scented baby wipes by your door to wipe away any excess material on their paws. Hope you find this helpful. Keep your precious pets warm this winter season and never leave them outside unattended.

he snow is once again upon us, which also means the city workers are out and about salting the streets and sidewalks. For most dog owners, myself included, we may notice our dogs limping or hopping on three legs: At first I used to think it was because my dog’s paws were cold… but is it really that cold outside (ED. NOTE: Actually, by deadline time, it now is quite frigid)? I quickly realized it’s the salt! Salt will burn our dog’s paws, so here are a few helpful tips for your pup’s paws this winter season: 1) If your dog will wear boots, then by all means use them! 2) Besides winter boots, try the “balloon boots” or Pawz as they are called. They are not expensive and if your dog loses one, there are extras

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

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LINER NOTES

A little music soothes animals, too by Sharon Hyland

y dog doesn’t love to dance. Well, at least not when I want him to dance to Justin Timberlake’s Take Back The Night when it comes on the radio. I know that he likes music though: No choice at our house - the tunes are always going. He also doesn’t like going to the groomer, but his (mostly) Shih Tzu appearance requires appointments every six weeks with bangs and nails every there. Yes, he and I keep a similar agenda for our outer beauty, but he is very much the man of our house and would rather play ball than dance. What we’ve learned over the almost two years that we’ve had Chester is that, like most animals, he reacts to being nervous or uneasy. By the time I arrive to pick him up after his appointment at Adorable Animal, he is very happy to see me and ready to go home. The last few times upon arrival he sits by the door, as if to indicate that he won’t be staying. I know that the ladies that spend time

on him take great care in what they do and how it affects the little, and not so little, beings that are booked for a few hours of grooming. What I learned recently really took it to the next level for me. Julie confirmed the obvious that Chester doesn’t like the process so much. She said that in order to keep him calm when it’s time to cut around his eyes and nose is that she sings to him. She says it works and, if that’s what it takes then, that’s what she’ll do. What a comfort to know that while I’m feeling guilty for leaving him, he’s being treated with kindness, respect and a song. I’ll take that over a dance any day. Sharon Hyland, one of Montreal’s most knowledeable rock deejays, works with legendary classic rock station CHOM-FM. Sharon plans to contribute her unique take on music to Precious Pets every now and then.

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

Puzzles SOLUTIONS FROM LAST MONTH SUDOKU 3

SUDOKU 4

SUDOKU 5

SUDOKU 6

How you feel is how they feel

ello to my furry little friend lovers. This month we will talk about energy and I stress that ‘how you feel is how they feel.’ There is no secret way to communicate with your dog, just as there no magic trick that will make him or her understand what you want - other then to go back to the basics of communication. If you are happy, calm and assertive, you will have a well balanced dog. They actually pick up on your state of mind, just like a 2-year old kid. When mommy is on the phone and wants some “adult time,” the child inherently knows that now is the ideal time to go haywire. But the solution is easy: Take five seconds and re-centre yourself… forget about everything or everyone else around you, what they may think of you or the behaviour of your dog,

and address the situation. If you are calm and assertive, you will be able to gain control over your pet. But if you let your emotions run away like a freight train, we already know how that will turn out. The dog jumps on everyone he wants to meet face-toface, licking, humping, barking or just making sure you feel embarrassed. Once, when I was training as a horseback rider, my coach came to see me. I was having a bad day. My ride was not optimal, was far from pleasant and he asked me “how are you feeling today?” I answered “good, why?” and that answer changed everything for me. He said “Frank, you can lie to me and you can lie to yourself, but one thing is for sure - You can’t lie to your horse.” I was puzzled and responded “What are you talking about?” He continued “Well, your

Pet Behaviourist with François Gauthier horse feels how you feel. If you are having a bad day and do not come clean with what is bothering you, you will vibrate in a way that your horse will not be comfortable with you. She will eventually make you pay for that, so take five minutes, go for a walk, clear your head and we will take it from there.” So I did what he suggested, and when I came back, WOW, I realized how my emotions

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca

had a direct impact on my horse and her behaviour. In summation, when you see your dog is not listening to you, re-centre yourself and think positively. It will make all the difference in the world! ED. NOTE: Good advice for the holiday season, Francois, when people and pets mingle in your home in abundant numbers and tend to get a little rambunctious. Merci!

Our Humanz

...because people are precious too

Special lady transforms personal grief into true Christmas spirit Story by Bram D. Eisenthal, photo by Father John Walsh

hen I was a kid, I had an Italian neighbour, Dominic Chicconi, living across the street. At Christmas time, his parents would invite me over and I remember their decorated, authentic fir tree, which I admired as I ate some Italian holiday cuisine (always involving chicken hearts and/or livers, for some reason, I think) and dreamt of sugar plum faeries. While our Festival of Lights, Chanukah, often falls around the same time of year, we Jews don’t really “get into” the Christmas spirit. That is why we do things like see The Nutcracker and enviously spy on other kids perched upon Santa’s lap. But I have still had my own Santa experiences over the years, including playing Santa as an extra in the 1989 film Mindfield , starring Christopher Plummer, Michael Ironside and Lisa Langlois and being part of the assembled throng welcoming Sinterklaas to Amsterdam while there in the late 1990s on a travel writer’s junket. I also saw this really well-done foreign-produced Santa horror film at the Fantasia film fest two summers ago, but that’s another story. I asked our Spiritual Seedlings columnist, Father John Walsh, whether he could recommend anyone for a Christmas feature in this year’s Holiday Issue and he happily obliged. Gail Howell is not your run-of-themill Christmas Santa. In fact, she gets into character as his better half, Mrs. Claus, appearing that way at various Montreal institutions for over a decade now. For the native of Longueil, Quebec, till recently a Greenfield Park resident, she drew on a loving childhood for her inspiration. “I had a great childhood, filled with the love given me and my brothers by our parents,” Gail, whose maiden name is Hamer, told me as she prepared for one of her final seasons as Santa’s spouse. Yup, Mrs. Claus may be retiring soon, likely to tend to the many elves hanging around Santa HQ. “I’ve had such a great time and my heart has been filled with such gladness… but it’s time,” she told me. Time: It has passed far too quickly, and on occasion far too slowly, since the late 1990s… a period where Gail felt more grief than anything else.

A parking attendant at Champlain College late afternoons and early evenings, the infamous Ice Storm of January 1998 was hardly a time to hold dear. “My husband, George, died then and both of my parents followed within three months. It was a terrible time.” During her most stressful days and seeking some respite, Gail found out about a particular Christmas event. “At the church on Ste. Catherine and Bishop, St. Paul’s, I believe, they were holding a “Face to Face” holiday buffet and I asked them if they wanted a Mrs. Claus in attendance.” Gail was no stranger to this unique role, having portrayed Santa’s lady love previously. “George and I had been volunteering for Meals on Wheels and they learned I still had my Mrs. Claus costume from my days working for CP Rail… so they asked me to do my Christmas deliveries in character, which I gladly did. “After the church buffet, I started appearing as Mrs. Claus at Ogilvy’s Toy Tea, Father John’s senior’s luncheon at Bonsecour Market, the Old Brewery Mission… all voluntary jobs except the one at the Labelle Province restaurant on Taschereau Blvd. in Greenfield Park, which pays me because it is a business event.” Why does she do it? “Well, it has always helped me experience some joy since the days when I knew only sadness,” Gail admitted. “But I also enjoy the reaction of people who see me, especially the children. And they ask me the most precious things. I had some kids ask me ‘are you as old as Jesus?’ and I replied ‘why, do I look it,’ she related with a laugh. And some Jewish kids asked me if I could come to their house and I told them ‘only if I make special arrangements with your parents.’ “My only problem is that my French isn’t very good, so when I speak it badly, I always cover up by telling the children that it is because I need to speak ‘elvish’ as much as possible.” Then the conversation heads back to her late George Howell, but a loving reminiscence, not a eulogy. “George and I were married for 21 years, even though he was 16 years older than I, but were together 31

years. He was so talented and distinguished looking – extremely handsome in fact – that he did a lot of film extra work. You can see him in movies like Mother Night, opposite Nick Nolte… and they got along just great. George had this very approachable look to him and whenever he worked, the actors were actually quite drawn to him, so much so that they would congregate around him.” Gail tells me there is a picture of her and a very ill George in Gazette reporter Marc Abley’s book Stories of the Ice Storm. “Someone in the film business found out about us and a movie featuring Ice Storm-related stories was planned, that was due to

include ours, but it was never filmed. No matter what her future holds, Gail will always hold her “working” costume dear. “It’s very glamorous, with lots of glitter that attracts kids who think I may be the real deal. Seeing the light in their eyes is all the reward I need.” Gail now resides in Cornwall, Ontario, where she still brings the engaging Mrs. Claus to the masses during the season of Christmas cheer. If you need a unique personality at your event, she is surely available for other festivities in her region only, so feel free to contact her at 613-9354592.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 • www.preciouspets.ca