Three benefits of adopting a cat

Would you like to expand your family by adopting a cat? Here are a few ways a feline companion could benefit your life.

1. Affection. Cats may be on the independent side, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy giving and receiving affection. Whenever you need a bit of love, your cat will be there for pets and scratches and purrs. A win-win for both of you!

How to prepare for your pet’s euthanization

Does your aging pet have a hard time walking, eating or doing his business? Does he whine constantly or no longer react to your voice? Has he become become but a shadow of his former self? If so, you may have started to think about having him put down. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for this trying event.

Vet’s opinion

Always start by having your pet examined by a veterinarian. He or she won’t be able to make the decision for you but will at least be able to provide an accurate assessment of your pet’s health. This will confirm whether any type of treatment (medication, surgery, special diet) might be viable, or if euthanasia is the only option. Getting the opinion of a trained professional is the best way to be at peace with your decision.

A gentle procedure

Veterinarians are meticulous in ensuring the euthanasia procedure is fast and painless. It’s required that the

Palliative care responsibility be carried out in conditions that minimize the animal’s anxiety. Respect and compassion are always top-ofmind for the specialists charged with this delicate task.

If your vet confirms that treatment is no longer an option for your pet but you don’t feel ready to go through with euthanasia, inquire about palliative care services. These can prolong the life of your pet somewhat while minimizing pain and suffering.

Should you be present?

Whether or not you choose to witness the procedure is entirely up to you. That said, many vets report that pets whose owners are present are typically calmer when receiving the injection.

My dog encountered a porcupine!

Did your curious canine cross paths with an unfriendly porcupine and find himself covered with quills? Take the situation seriously: those “needles” could penetrate deeper into your pet’s body, which, in addition to being highly painful, can lead to infection.

Visit a veterinary clinic as soon as possible to have the quills safely removed under general anesthetic.

2. Education. Having a furry friend to take care of will teach your children about responsibility. Depending on their age, your kids could be in charge of feeding, grooming or litter box duties.

3. Happiness. Studies have shown that having a pet cat increases dopamine and serotonin levels in all members of the household. Both of these hormones are associated with — you guessed it! — feelings of happiness and well-being.

Want to help out a feline in need?

Adopt an adult cat from a shelter. They’re much less popular than kittens — and kittens grow up eventually anyway!

Pet grooming: so much more than a bath and a trim

Does your dog have hair that gets in his eyes? Is your long-haired cat always hot? Does giving your dog a bath inevitably turn your bathroom into a battlefield? Is trimming your cat’s claws a dangerous mission? All these problems can be solved with a simple visit to your local pet groomer.

A variety of services

Grooming salons offer a wide selection of treatments and care that all aim to improve the hygiene, appearance and well-being of our furry friends. Here are a few examples of services you might find at your local pet groomer’s:

• Tooth brushing

• Claw trimming

• Hair cutting or trimming

• Knot removal

• Skin and fur inspection for parasites or skin disorders

• Paw pad moisturizing

• Massage therapy

• Eye and ear cleaning

• Fashion accessories

• Special shampoo (dry, organic, anti-infectious, etc.)

• Anal gland emptying

Specialized products

A professional groomer will use superior-quality equipment, tools, accessories and care products to cater to your pet’s every need. This ensures a much lower risk of allergic reaction or injury than DIY grooming at home.

A health-conscious ally

If your groomer notices something unusual about your pet, he or she can recommend that you visit a veterinarian for further testing.

What are you waiting for? Have your pet pampered at a local grooming salon!

Properties were taxed temporarily to raise cash during the war. Today, real estate taxes are one of the government’s most significant revenue sources. There are many tax-saving strategies in real estate; let’s look at a few.

Buy RRSP’s. Many first-time buyers have their downpayment in a saving account or short-term deposit. It’s better to open a self-directed RRSP account. If you were contributing yearly, then you can top it up. If you still need to, you will have room to transfer a large sum which will trigger a tax refund. A first-time buyer can take up to $35,000 (or $70,000 as a couple) from their RRSP. The funds must be in the RRSP account for 90 days. The buyers must withdraw the funds within 30 days before closing the deal.

Build a basement apartment. Income from a basement apartment is taxable. Similarly, the operating expense is deductible. However, having a basement apartment on a principal residence property can change the use and limit your principal residence exemption. CRA has three criteria to determine that the use has not changed:

• The rental use of the property is secondary to the principal residence