Precious Pets Vol 3, Issue 2 by PreciousPets

Precious Pets www.preciouspets.ca VOLUME 3

ISSUE 2 u SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Bram Eisenthal Photo

NECTAR RECIPE

6 MONTREAL WEST PET SHOW A SUCCESS

11 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS LATER, AFRICAN GREY KIKWIT IS COMING ALONG NICELY, THANKS Story page 4

DON’T FORGET DOG SAFETY

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR

A great lack of pet films and books in the marketplace

Barking Bram with Bram Eisenthal

It always amazes me how popular pets are these days, yet how few books and movies deal with animals. Other than horror films, which may often use animals as plots or subplots (see the productions based on horrormeister Stephen King’s books Cujo, for example, or Pet Semetary if you want two really terrifying films that might do for you on land what Jaws did for you as pertains to water), there are very few pet-related movies I could recommend to you. Not counting animated films, those that come to mind are very, very sad, such as well-worn classic Old Yeller, or the latter-day tearjerker, Marley & Me. No, the latter is not about the life of singer/entertainer Bob Marley, but rather the relationship of a man to his dog as seen through the relentless progression of time. A tad too realistic for those of us who have lost a pet, but a terrific film nonetheless. Then again, you can always rent a nature documentary, such as the excellent March of the Penguins, or any of the films that the National Geographic people do better than just about anyone. Insofar as books go, I can think of very few indeed. One that comes to mind is by the founder of Eckankar, a self-styled religion created by Harold Klemp, also known as an Eck-Master Supreme: Animals Are Soul, too! You may ignore the religious undertones if you wish and it remains an excellent guide to seeing the pets that have come into close contact with us as spiritual beings. I also have a book called Alien Animals that is exactly as

its title suggests and is a pretty terrifying read. Which reminds me: I should see whether well-heeled writers Stuart Nulman or Shlomo Schwartzberg could review a stellar book featuring animals, that they could recommend. If you write in to me by any means, such as mail or e-mail, and offer up some good film or literary suggestions, I will send you a copy of the aforementioned book or the DVD of Marley & Me. Just name your choice of one or the other and send this along with your address and you will be mentioned in a future issue. Thank you! My apologies to the potential next Prime Minister of Canada I know Tom Mulcair somewhat and I certainly know how to spell his surname. So a brain cramp was certainly responsible for my misspelling it Mulcare in our August issue. Sorry, Tom. At present, you and your NDP are looking like the runaway leaders of this next election. I still like the “stick-tohis-guns-at-all-costs” Stephen Harper and I do NOT like the wishy-washy Justin Trudeau, but I totally wish you my luck nonetheless, Tom. Boo to most Mount Royal candidates and their lack of concern for animals So, despite my outreach to the major candidates of Mount Royal riding regarding their views on animal rights issues, only Liberal candidate Anthony Housefather took a minute of his time to get back to me with some comments. He pointed out that it was

Precious Pets The ultimate monthly paper for pets and their companions Precious Pets is a publication of Precious Pets Media Group Inc. Volume 3, Issue 2, September 2015. Copyright 2015. 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 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

HIS council in Cote Saint-Luc, where he has been Mayor, that has hosted an animal welfare element intended to protect cats (so far, though action on dogs is said to be pending), which is true enough. Although, to be fair, I know for a fact that without the dire commitment of his District 2 councillor, Michael J. Cohen, Edu-Chat’s Shelley Schecter, and her hard working volunteers on the CSL Cats Committee, led by Diane LIebling, none of this would be happening. Still, for the other parties to ignore my outreach, which included messages AND e-mails, that’s pretty disgraceful in my books. Could I have tried harder? Sure I could have. But during an election campaign, how could any serious candidate have ignored the opportunity to gain votes? Based on the mindless voting patterns of the Mount Royal electorate the past 75 years or so, Housefather will probably win a seat here, taking over for another legendary Liberal, onetime Justice Minister Irwin Cotler. People have often said, however, that a monkey could run for the Libs and win Mount Royal. And while I certainly mean no disrespect toward you, Anthony (I like YOU a lot, just not your leader, not one bit), I tend to agree. But I also feel the NDP will finish a close second.... AND deservedly win a minority government overall. Based on the campaign to date, I do not feel the PC party deserves more than a third-place showing. Prime Minister Harper, as much as I have always defended you, do you think your party will simply coast to a victory automatically? Ya gotta WORK for it, man! Remember, you read it here first.

Another round of boos to Bell Media My disgust with Montreal’s English radio atmosphere has never been so thorough as it has since Bell took over the airwaves from Astral with their obnoxious monopoly of CHOM, CJFM, The Team 690 and CJAD. I wrote program director Chris Bury and sent a copy to the head of Bell Media here in Montreal, outlining my well-founded concerns, and they have ignored me. This is far from the first time I have communicated with Bury over the shocking lack of professionalism on his stations, especially in recent years, and he and I seem to differ on this subject. And it shall remain my opinion that Montreal English radio continues to sink into a slime pit of its own creation. This includes agreeing to run ads from Montreal jeweler Maidor, whose chauvinistic old-school boys’ club commercials end with a woman’s voice squawking obnoxiously “she wants jewelry, not a toaster.” As if that is all you can get for today’s sophisticated, modern woman: A shiny, expensive, brainless bauble or a kitchen implement! If I told you about the inappropriate ads we are pitched here, but that we reject, your head would spin. In my opinion, it is the job of any media outlet worth a damn to advise their clients before accepting an ad, even if they end up losing money as a result. Maidor, you are the last place on Earth I would ever spend MY gift money. Your commercial is crass and insulting to women at best. And as for

BRAM

Continues Page 13

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

BIRD IS THE WORD

Yummy Hummingbird nectar recipe and tips As promised last month in my bird column, where I shared with you many fun facts about Hummingbirds, here is my delicious (for the birds, that is) nectar recipe. Making your own nectar is easy and inexpensive. Everyone can do it! It is a fun way to keep your little Hummingbirds happy and coming into your yard for more. Try to stay away, however, from the store-bought, red-coloured nectar. Hummingbirds have tiny little bodies and organs and are very sensitive. If you decide to feed them nectar, it is important for their health that you do it properly. To help you, here are a few tips NOTE: Follow this recipe exactly (not following the recipe or using substitutions could potentially harm the birds): HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR

RECIPE

t In a large pot bring some water to a boil

After the water has boiled, poor 4 cups of boiling water into a large bowl t

Add 1 cup of white granulated sugar t

Please keep the following tips in mind if you want to keep your Hummingbirds healthy: u The addition of red food colouring or dye into the nectar is a big NO-NO. It is absolutely not necessary and has no nutritional value whatsoever for the Hummingbirds. It can even cause kidney damage. u Do not put hot nectar into a feeder, as the feeder might break and the mixture can also burn the tongue of a poor, unsuspecting Hummingbird. u Do NOT use brown sugar, powdered sugar, maple syrup, Kool-Aid, Splenda, Equal or any other sweeteners or sugar substitutes. These are not good for the birds and can even cause illnesses or even death. Once again, use ONLY the white granulated sugar. u Change your nectar every few days or sooner if you see that your nectar looks cloudy or simply not quite right. u Clean your feeder regularly with mild soap and water and make sure the feeder is free of mold and/or debris.

Birds of a Feather with Chantal Gargano

Photo - morguefile.com

Now that you are aware of all the tips and tricks, you can safely hang your feeders outside in a quiet location and enjoy watching the Hummingbirds having a nectar party… right in your own yard!

Mix the sugar and the water together until all the sugar has dissolved t

Put the mixture in the fridge to cool completely (preferably overnight) t

Once the mixture has completely cooled off, it is ready to pour into your feeders t

Photo - morguefile.com

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

COVER STORY

Twenty-five years later, African Grey Kikwit is coming along nicely, thanks Story by Bram Eisenthal u Exclusive to Precious Pets

Photo - Bram Eisenthal

This has to be one of the more unique feature articles I have ever written and, believe me, I have written a lot of them. About 25 years ago, I visited then-bank-teller Monica Holtgreve at her NDG home and interviewed her about her very young African Grey parrot Kikwit (for a story that was published in The Gazette here in Montreal), named for the area of Africa where his family roots are. I learned many things about these fascinating avians that afternoon, but what I recall the most was his taking my finger in his beak and applying about 20-pounds-persquare inch worth of pressure, to the point where I was sure my digit would burst like a ripe grape. It did not... yet the memory lingers in a most unpleasant manner. The rest of the memory reminds me how fascinating the experience was, though... Some time has certainly passed and while Kikwit is no longer a toddler, that is not the only change in Holtgreve’s life. She is Mom to two grown daughters and a veritable menagerie of animals, four dogs and two cats hence added to the Kikwit Zoo... and besides a full-time paid job,

she is a volunteer with Hot Dog Rescue, which saves animals from deadly places like sweltering hot cars. So, how has Kikwit adapted to this life since we first met, I was dying to find out? I wanted to explore how Kikwit has changed over the years. “When I first got him, he was such a cute little bird,” Monica told me. “But now I’m not too sure (that ‘cute’ is how she would describe him). Kikwit is now a very clever 24-year old African Grey.... which means anything is possible!” What were the circumstances around the bird’s arrival again, I asked? “I got Kikwit on my birthday back in 1991. He was born in February at a breeder’s out West, a breeder I was familiar with…someone named Kirby. I knew about Greys when i first got him and that they are quite something, But I now have almost three decades of stories i can tell you about and I’m sure they will make you smile. Kikkers has certainly met my expectations - Oh yes, that he has, and more! - Every day he learns something new and with him around there is never a dull moment.

What has being his companion taught you about life, Monica? “I have definitely learned patience with this bird because a Grey will always get his way,” she waxed poetic. “You just have to learn to outsmart him! He has taught me, like an experience with every animal does, that you have to live in the now and enjoy what’s around you.” Because her parrot has been a handful... and a long-living one at that (they often outlive their human hosts), I was wondering if Monica would do this all over again if she had a chance. “Kikwit has definitely been a handful: He can quickly destroy anything he can get his little beak on if you don’t watch him - he’s my personal little wrecking crew. Would i do it again? In a heartbeat! Kikwit has been with me since he was just a kid starting out in the world and we have been through so much together. He has been through every major event in my life and has been my best bud, always seeming to say the right thing, except when we fight over hockey (someone evil taught him to cheer like a Leafs fan, she told me).” Yikes! Parrots are VERY good mimics... for instance, you may hear your doorbell or cell phone ring and it will be your parrot doing the ringing. Has Kikwit acquired any new verbal skills... besides a vocabulary that now numbers around 1,000 words, that is? Kikwit is now 24 yrs old. When we first met to discuss him, he was young and even at that point I had some pretty funny stories to share with you. But Kikwit never ceases to amaze me each day. He can pretty much now mimic any sound you can think of. His vocabulary has grown quite immensely, too, and he talks so much, I don’t even realize it any more. He knows all the names to

KIKWIT

Continues Page 11

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

Our third annual Halloween special, Pernicious Pests, featuring lots of fun, sometimes spooky material for the whole family to enjoy. NEXT ISSUE

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

We Were There

Stories and photos from events for pets!

First Westminster Pet Show a huge success Story and Photos by Bram Eisenthal u Exclusive to Precious Pets The people of Montreal’s West End were the fortunate beneficiaries of the hard work of organizers Marian Scully and her associates/ volunteers from the Recreation and Cultural Services Department of the quaint, quiet, historic town of Montreal West., as an event that ran in the 1990s was brought back on July 16, 2015. And as I can attest, lots of animal lovers turned out with their dogs to enjoy the inaugural Westminster Pet Show, entertainment provided by the appropriate and talented band, Salty Dogs. Held on a balmy, beautiful evening, the event brought people from all over together through their dogs of all species. The outdoor soirée was also completely family friendly, as many young children and baby carriages were very much in evidence. Ms. Scully thanked sponsors Little Bear and Formule Raw pet food, for providing prizes. You could also buy tasty burgers, hot dogs, drinks and various snacks. She revealed that next summer’s version will take place on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. More information can be obtained by contacting Marian Scully at 514-484-1610 or by email: mscully@montreal-west.ca

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

We Were There

Stories and photos from events for pets!

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

morguefile.com photo

Welcome to the world From time to time, we will run a notice for a special pet companion’s adoption to a new household. Regardless of its age or species, every pet deserves special attention. Here are two recent pet additions to the households that comprise our readership base... and good luck to you all! If YOU have a special animal to bring to our attention, please let us know... Simba This utterly precocious and sweet male Golden Doodle puppy was given to Precious Pets partner and Sales Manager Tina as a gift by her family. “After my darling Rocco passed away over a year ago, I never thought I’d want another dog,” Tina admitted. “But I have so much love to give a pet companion and I know Rocco approves, watching me from afar, as I go through the paces of raising a mischievous and adorable male puppy. I have three grown children, two of them married, so let’s just say that I now have a fourth. And as much as I love him, he is certainly a handful.” Good luck, Tina and family, is our wish. Duke Debbie, a dog person as far back as she can remember, had to put down her beloved Buster this summer. But her kids chipped in and brought home Duke, a three-month old brindle-coloured Mini-Boxer. “He’s the boss,” Debbie admitted with a shrug.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

ASK THE DOCTOR

They Call Me Dr. W

Seasonal Allergies (Part Two) (by Dr. Wybranowski, B.SC. DVM CCRT)

Last month we discussed allergies in pets and focused on food allergies. In pets, 90 percent of all allergies are seasonal. Let us briefly review how allergies develop. In an allergic patient, the immune system has by mistake started to recognize harmless substances as dangerous and has begun producing high levels of antibodies against these substances. As the antibodies encounter the antigens, they bind to each other and release a whole cascade of chemical reactions of which Histamine is a major player. Histamine is a very irritating chemical and it produces inflammation. In people, the Histamine is released in the airways: In pets it is released through the skin. An allergic pet will scratch and chew at his skin, often until he bleeds. Secondary infections via bacteria and fungus are very common. Unlike people, an important route for allergens to get into a pet’s body is by contact with the skin. Tests to identify the allergens, followed by desensitization throughout the life of the pet, are the only hope of a cure. However, there are things we can do to decrease the symptoms of allergies in scratching pets, such as:

tion in the skin u Essential oils applied weekly to the skin will greatly increase its protective barrier, to prevent penetration by allergens u As a last resort, immunosuppressive agents can be used to control the immune response. Corticosteroids are very effective but potentially

harmful, but newer drugs like Atopica have fewer side effects. At this time of year, I see a lot of very itchy pets and many of them suffer considerable discomfort. Their quality of life at present is not great. Treatment consisting of giving your pet just a few pills when he is itchy

is not an ideal approach - A more systematic treatment, as described above, is warranted in many cases and always remember: Prevention of escalation is the key to success. There are things we can do right now, but there are many things we can do to better prepare your pet… before the next allergy season begins.

Decrease exposure to allergens by avoidance. u If your pet is scratching during warm weather, don’t walk them on the grass, but keep to the sidewalk u Keep your backyard grass cut short so it does not have a chance to bloom u After coming back from the outdoors, wipe your pet down with a wet cloth, especially its feet u Bathe your pet frequently. Medicated shampoos that will soothe the itch can be used almost daily Decrease the symptoms of allergy u Antihistamines help to decrease the itchiness. Their effectiveness varies from dog-to-dog. Your dog may need to try various ones to see which works better u If there are any crusts, wounds or damaged skin surfaces on your pet, they need to have a microscopic skin exam to see if there are any bacteria or fungi. These absolutely need to be treated, as they will make the itch much worse u Omega Fatty Acid supplements will decrease the inflammatory reac-

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

Having a pet is a “chill” experience for a child Boyhood Buddy with Jovan Rohac

Since the beginning of the domestication of dogs, children and dogs have had an incredible bond. Children provide fun and play to the dogs and dogs provide companionship and safety to the children. All my life I have been exposed to dogs. The longest time that I have not had a dog in my household was a month. I have two dogs, my sister has a dog and my grandparents have a dog. Around a year before I was born, my parents got an Airedale Terrier named Cleo. When I was little, I loved playing with her. When my brother was born, she had two (human) friends to Manon Flynn, DVM Amanda Cockburn, DVM Isabelle Foisy, DVM 450-458-5382

450-458-4391

www.hudsonvet .ca 5412 Harwood Vaudreuil-Dorion (QC) J7V 0K2

play with, instead of just me. Then she was diagnosed with cancer. In April 2013 we had to let Cleo go over the Rainbow Bridge. It was hard on everyone. We all missed having a dog. That summer, however, we got a little Yorkie named Jake. My Dad wanted a large dog and he complained that Jake was too small and that he missed having a larger dog to run with. So in September, we received Oscar, a Giant Schnauzer. Having a dog as a child is a fun and amusing experience. With your dog you can do different activities, playing games like Flyball, as well as teaching them skills like agility, herding and catching mice. I actually do tests of agility with Oscar. You can also teach your dog to do tricks like roll over, sit, stay and come (ED. NOTE: And don’t forget fetch, Jovan, which is my

personal favourite man-dog activity). Another great activity is going on long walks with your dog. All these activities and tricks will help create an incredible bond between companions When you achieve that incredible bond, your pet will be able to trust you and will be more playful and tuned into how you think. To be honest, I didn’t really have a bond with our first dog, Cleo... by the time I understood the concept of “bond,” Cleo was too old. Another thing that comes to mind: When your dog is nagging you, it’s probably because he or she wants to play. A bond between you and your dog is as important for your dog as it is for you. As far as I am concerned, having a dog is one of the most incredible things in the world! Jovan is 11 years old and attends AMP (Académie Michèle Provost), where he is in Grade 6. He loves reading and writing, speed skating and, of course, his animals. He also resembles Harry Potter, in our opinion, so can magic be lurking around a corner? More on Jovan’s adventures with pets in coming issues. Good first column, Jovan... congrats!

Editorial Board The Editorial Board of Precious Pets is comprised of individuals connected to the pet field in some manner,

who are ready to ad-

vise the partners and/ or staff when asked for their opinions. They are:

Michael J. Cohen, Councilor, City of Cote Saint-Luc (Quebec) and founder of its Cats Committee Averil Robinson, owner of Pet Friends (Vaudreuil, Quebec) Gerdy Gouron, owner of Gerdy’s Rescues and Adoptions (Quebec) Dr. Wojciech Wybranowski – Veterinarian (Montreal’s West Island) Gaby Dufresne-St. Cyr – Owner of Dogueshop (Montreal) Suzanne Villeneuve – President: Suzanne Villeneuve Associates Inc. & SVbiz Inc.

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PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

acedogtrainingmontreal.com

Dog and child safety Doggie Doggie DoDo

Photo - morguefile.com

with Meira Frankl

with Meira Frankl With super hot weather recently upon us, there is a good chance that our children will have been interacting with many dogs, be they our dogs, our neighbour’s or a friend’s dog, a dog off leash in a park, or even a stray dog. Not every child knows how to be safe around dogs and many think that dogs love getting hugs and kisses or will enjoy rough-housing. Many dog owners believe that our dogs should tolerate our children’s antics, even if the dog isn’t enjoying them. Sadly, dogs don’t enjoy all of our attention... but sometimes they put up with it... until they’ve had enough. To create a safe environment for our children and our dogs, we need to teach our children the dos and dont’s when it comes to playing with dogs.

Children should be taught to never approach a strange dog. They should ask an owner if they can pet their dog, but if so, to wait until the dog approaches them, not to approach the dog. When they do pet the dog, they should pet the dog under the chin, on the chest, or on their shoulder. Dogs often don’t like being petted on the head, so it’s best to pet from collar-to- tail. Children shouldn’t touch a dog that is sleeping, eating or playing with a toy. They shouldn’t approach a dog in a car, or one that is behind a fence, or attached to a leash. When playing with dogs, using a toy is safer than using hands. A game of fetch, or hideand-seek, can be a lot of fun. Children should also be taught to keep their faces away from

the dog’s face. Most dogs do not enjoy getting kisses or hugs. Not allowing them to become too excited is important as well. Fast movements can overexcite a dog, so playing calmly is important, as is keeping one’s voice down. If children want to give treats to a dog, it’s best to either offer it out of the palm of the hand, or to simply drop it on the floor. If a dog does get too excited, then it’s best for the child to act “Like A Tree,” a simulation where the child stops moving, keeps si-

KIKWIT

lent, folds their arms inward and looks to the ground. The dog would then likely lose interest, calm down, or move away. Children and dogs are adorable together, but we should always remember the old triedand-true adage: Play it safe. Meira Frankl is a dog trainer who specializes in canine behaviour problems, basic obedience and puppy training. She also writes for other publications and can be reached at 514209-0271.

Photo - Bram Eisenthal

Continued from Page 4 i

the other animals in the house and will snitch on any of them if it means a treat for him. And, again, on the verge of another Habs season: “Over the years he has been subjected to a lot of hockey nights and he has become accustomed to yelling at the TV with me, but unfortunately he was influenced by a friend of mine who is a Leafs fan and seems to like to say ‘Go Leafs go’ a lot. I think he did it (her friend) just to get me mad!” What about the other pets? “They all know that Kikwit rules the house, as they have encountered his cleverness! Even though

Kikwit is the smallest of the pack (the dogs are all small), he doesn’t let that stop him (NOTE: He’s got Napoleonic stature and I saw the respect the other animals had for him, with my own eyes). He quickly learns to take control of the situation and even chooses his words wisely. Monica added one final detail: Kikwit is in love with Lucky the cat. “While I think it is more to give him a bite, Kikkers will walk from roomto-room looking for Lucky, all the while calling out for him ‘Lucky, where are you?’ He searches the rooms quite thoroughly, too, looking under the dining room table

to see if Lucky is sleeping in one of the chairs, or sticking his head in the closest. He hasn’t caught him yet, though!” I think Kikwit is living proof that that the word “birdbrain” should have a new meaning altogether.

ED. NOTE: Anyone thinking of acquiring a long-living African Grey parrot, or any animal companion, should research them thoroughly first. The responsibility is HUGE! Just ask Monica.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

We Were There

Stories and photos from events for pets!

Pet birthday parties – why not? Story and Photos by Bram Eisenthal u Exclusive to Precious Pets My old and great buddy Cherif Farag loves his Bichon Fluffy and anyone familiar with their bond knows they rely on one another tremendously. So, when white-assnow Fluffy was poised to turn 13, celebrating his Bar Mitzvah, I suppose, it was no shock whatsoever to hear from Cherif that he was planning a birthday party for his “son” at none other than Le Doggy Café located in Montreal, on Papineau St. Tina and I turned out, bearing gifts, of course, and the two bilingual young ladies who own

the place made a fit-for-bothhuman-and-doggy-consumption cake, with candles that Fluffy even attempted to eat... errrr.... I mean, blow out.... A good time was had by all and I must admit from experience that the human food (and coffee) served here is meatless and very, very good. Felicitations once again, Cherif and Fluffy! Le Doggy Cafe is located at 4493 Papineau (corner Mount-Royal), Tel: 514 4195855

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

We Were There

Stories and photos from events for pets!

Multitudes Suffering That is the horrible reality of MS, or Multiple Sclerosis. While cancers and other diseases are indeed plentiful and frightening, there is no doubt that MS is a going concern. Someone you know likely endures the terrible progression of this disease, watching their body... and their very life... ebbing away over time. This is why your donations, whatever you can afford, are so important to help find a cure for MS. Of the total raised:

17.2 % helps with symptom management and quality of life. 22.6 percent helps determine causes and risk factors and another equal percentage helps with nerve damage and repair. 37.6 percent helps battle the progression of the disease and to find related therapies.

BRAM

Continued from Page 2 i

CJAD, your listening audience is obviously not important to you whatsoever if you can run those horrid infomercials from the Purity Products vitamin company every Saturday and Sunday morning from 3 – 5 a.m. I guess it’s JUST about the almighty buck for you, isn’t it, Bell? Time for MS to get its due Yes, I am fully aware that lots of diseases are worth researching. But since I know three sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis very well, one of them a neighbour in my building and an-

other one of my oldest and closest friends, I decided to help the Ms Society of Canada in Toronto get the word out about their current fundraising campaign. Breast cancer is terrible, as are colorectal and lung cancer and heart disease, but they are not alone. Lots of diseases exist that we should help eliminate when we can. I am sure most of you know someone with MS. If you can, please help them. Start by reading the ad here. And donate. If you do, it’s a matter of time until a cure is found.

We need you to not only donate essential funds, but also to stay and remain in touch and become involved. Through your actions, you will discover inspirational stories, gain valuable advice on living with MS, learn about becoming a caregiver to someone with MS, gain updates on the latest research, uncover the many ways to join advocacy efforts and much more. Become part of our communal efforts. You never know who you may be helping someday.

Find us on:

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 250 Dundas St. West, Suite 500 Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2Z5 Toll free: 800-361-2985

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

CRUNCH TIME

A crunchy, flavourful taste test As publishers of Precious Pets, a paper we strive to keep always unique and compelling, Tina and I are acutely aware that we occasionally need to make certain sacrifices for our readers. Take, for instance, the new chip flavours that the FritoLay company has given us for the second summer in a row, flavours that will soon disappear. if you are a potato chip aficionado, as we both are, and you do not try them soon, you will have only yourselves to blame. So, arms twisted firmly behind our backs, Tina and I sampled the new flavour in order to report back to you, The results were both enlightening and fattening... but immensely pleasurable. Based on the suggestions of devotees Canada-wide, and using their finest group of scientists, no doubt, FritoLay went to no end to create

flavours that represent the desires of Canadians from coast-to-coast. These new flavours, and our ensuing comments, are: u Quebec Finalist: Montreal Smoked Meat

RESULTS Montreal Smoked Meat Tina tasted the mustard first, while for Bram the smoked meat shone through. Tina felt that after a few tastes, the smoked meat flavour disappeared. But for Bram the flavour lasted. Bram’s favourite flavour and Tina’s fave till she got to the end. Butter Chicken Bram did not taste any butter chicken flavour at all. For Tina, a taste of

u Ontario Finalist: Butter Chicken u Atlantic Canada Finalist: PEI Scalloped Potatoes u Western Canada Finalist: Cowboy Barbecue Beans

curry, which was in fact the included turmeric, stayed with her for a while. Drinking water helped her wash it down. PEI Scalloped Potatoes At first taste, Tina grimaced and waved off an offer of more. Bram felt that a few moments were needed for the flavour to sink in and that additional tastings helped. But this was by far our least winning flavour. Wavy / Cowboy Barbecue Beans Ultimately Tina’s favourite flavour

Puzzles

Solution

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca

As we are all requested to do by the Chip Masters at Frito Lay Canada, we voted for our favourites at Lays.ca. Consider yourself challenged! and Bram’s second best. She felt that the others were too salty, but not this one. But she also did not taste a strong bean flavour, while he did. Tina was surprised, “as normally I do not enjoy baked beans that much.” Overall, the consensus was that last summer’s original flavours (especially the cinnamon) were far superior to this year’s crop. That may explain why they are so hard to find in stores this year. FritoLay, what say you?

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 • www.preciouspets.ca