September - Uxbridge Town Talk

vol 4 | issue 8 | sept 2012

uxbridge town talk

local products | reader photos | orange treaties | shelter adoption

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Town Talk Tidbits Unsung Hero Kathy Dudley Local Products Show your animal love

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Guest Column Shelter Adoption

Community Calendar Opinion On Saying Goodbye Reader Photos Pet Instagram Contest

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UTT Kitchen Orange Treaties

STaFF Managing Editor: Carly Foster Graphic Designer: Holly Myers Interactive Manager: Ariane Griffiths

CONTaCT US Phone: 905 862 3747 Email: info@uxbridgetowntalk.com www.uxbridgetowntalk.com

CONTRiBUTORS Dave Watt Spring Reilly Mariah Hilton

MaiLiNG aDDReSS PO Box 1035, Uxbridge ON L9P 1N3

COVeR PhOTO Bunch We Lunch With www.bunchwelunchwith.ca facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalk

editorial

contents

Welcome to the new look of Uxbridge Town Talk! On the eve of our third anniversary, we decided to shake things up a bit with a modern, unique size, cleaner look and themed issues each month.

We hope you love it as much as we do.

Between our staff, we have 5 cats, 2 dogs, 2 rats and a talking parrot, and we daily exchange stories this menagerie bring into our lives. So it seemed fitting to kick off our new design with an ode to animals. This pet issue includes shelter adoption, a reader photo contest, animal lover products and tackles the heartbreak of saying goodbye.

Watch the roads as our kids head back to school and enjoy the cooler nights of early fall. Coming up next month: the artists of Uxbridge.

Enjoy!

OFFiCe aDDReSS 24 Toronto St. N., Unit 4 Uxbridge, ON LNP 1E6

twitter.com/uxtowntalk

Pick up copies at: Zehrs, Blue Heron Books, Township ofďŹ ce, Uxbridge & Zephyr libraries, Elemi Organics, NRG4Life and more.

EDITORIAL MESSAGE Unless otherwise stated, all product reviews, articles and other features are chosen by us and are unpaid. If you would like to be featured, please contact us.

Uxbridge Town Talk is a bi-monthly publication by Sweet World Media. The Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for the claims, views, opinions, comments or advertisements herein.

The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Uxbridge Town Talk does not endorse any advertised product, service or event. The Publisher is not responsible for any typographical errors. Advertisers are responsible for any copyright issues. No part of this publication, including advertisements, may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

Copyright Š Sweet World Media 2009 - 2012 www.sweetworldmedia.com

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volume 4 | issue 8 | sept 2012

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photography by Spring Reilly

town talk tidbits

Bird LOL A man goes to a pet shop to buy a parrot. He sees one with a red string tied to its left leg and a green string tied to its right leg. He asks shop keeper what they’re for.

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“Well, this is a highly trained parrot. If you pull the red string he speaks French. If you pull the green string he speaks German,� the owner replies.

Popular Pet Names According to petfinder.com, here are the most popular names for pups and kittens: Dogs: Males • Buddy • Max • Jack

Females • Daisy • Bella • Lucy

Cats: Males • Midnight • Smokey • Tiger

Females • Lucy • Bella • Molly

Fish + Kids = o Fish are great first pets for kids, helping to teach responsibility without much expense, mess and space. They also help foster an interest in biology and science. Platys, guppies and swordtails are great first fish for kids, known as hardy species that won’t grow too large and are entertainingly colourful.

“And what happens if I pull both the strings?� the shopper enquires. “I fall off my perch you fool!� screeches the parrot.

Top 10 Reasons Pets are Great for Seniors 1) Pets lower blood pressure and pulse rate 2) 21% fewer visits to the doctor 3) Less depression 4) Easier to make friends 5) Seniors become more active 6) Pets offer affection and unconditional love 7) Pets ease loss of a loved one 8) Pets fight loneliness 9) Seniors take better care of themselves 10) Sense of security SOURCE: The Pets for the Elderly Foundation www.petsfortheelderly.org

Free Run Doggies Want to show your support for an off-leash dog park in Uxbridge? A group in town is collecting signatures to bring to council and show community need and desire for a place for pups to play. Sign away at Pet Valu (4 Banff Rd.) and the Uxbridge Fall Fair. For more information, visit www.uxbridgedogpark.ca or find the group on Facebook.

Sunday, September 9th, 2 - 5 pm

...

!

Draw to win a 20 class pass (value $250) t 10% discount on fall series registration and class passes Meet the teachers t Ask questions about classes t Door prizes t Refreshments t Demonstrations We are delighted to offer the Uxbridge community a safe, welcoming space to grow through the practice of yoga, meditation and mindfulness. We also provide offerings such as:

12 Douglas Road, Unit 1 Uxbridge, ON

‹ Yoga Foundations - to begin or expand your practice ‹ Prenatal Yoga & Teen Yoga ‹ Partner Yoga & Pilates ‹ Yoga for sports (cyclists, runners, equestrians, hockey / soccer players, etc) ‹ Yoga Warriors for First Responders and those in high stress jobs ‹ Workshops, Thai Yoga Massage & Reiki ‹ Private & semi-private classes

(905) 852-6600

www.radiantjoyyoga.com

other expenses. Last year raised $8,200.

“I was always trying to help [the shelter] before,” she says, by collecting money and buying a skid of kitty litter or something. “Never anything big.”

The calendar is now a very big deal, Leroux says.

“It saves taxpayers dollars, and brings down the prices of adoption so it's much more affordable,” she says.

A self-proclaimed animal lover, Dudley lives in Port Perry with her husband and three rescue dogs; she has adopted five over the years. On top of organizing the calendar, she is also volunteering with efforts to raise $1 million for a new shelter for Uxbridge and Scugog Townships.

“It's a huge job and we are just so thankful that she does it for us,” Leroux adds.

The deadline for submissions into the calendar has been extended to August 31. submitted photo Kathy Dudley with her three rescue pups: Gizmo (Shih Tzu), Joey (Maltese), and Lucky (Shih Tzu-Poodle)

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For more details and to enter online, visit www.yoursuperpetcalendar.com or call 905 985 8771.

Mason House Gardens Fall is for Planting Follow

Extensive selection of bulbs & perennials

us on

Create a beautiful

spring garden now!



  

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unsung hero

With five rescue dogs to her name and more than $66,000 raised for the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Control Centre, there was no one else better suited to be our Unsung Hero this month.

“She's an amazing lady,” says Debbie Leroux, the Township of Uxbridge's clerk. “It's fantastic the work she has done for us.”

Since 2005, Dudley has produced the Your Super Pet calendar, with all funds going toward the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Control Centre's spay and neuter program. Money goes directly into a reserve fund for animals that end up in the shelter, covering fixing and emergency vet bills – anything that needs to be done to get animals ready for adoption.

“Before, if an animal came in injured or sick and the shelter didn't have any money, there was no choice [but to put the animal down],” Dudley says.

“Now, they can get the necessary care” to find forever homes.

For $12, your pet photo is printed in the 12-month calendar, which costs $10. Judges select 13 winners to appear on the cover and each month. Entries have come from as far away as Florida and the United Kingdom. The first year, Dudley cleared $5,000 profit after printing and

by carly foster

www.masonhousegardens.com

OPEN DAILY 10AM - 5PM 1km south of Coppins Corners on Brock Rd. 905-649-3532

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| super lady for super pets |

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| show your animal love |

by Carly Foster

products

Bow Wow Bling With bracelets, sparkly rings, hanging-tail earrings and zipper pulls, there is something fun for every animal lover in your life in the Chelsea Pewter line. From $9.99 at Keith’s Flower Shop & Gifts, 14 Brock St. E.

local

Baby animals! On Stamps! Squee!

The hinterland comes to life with glimpses of baby raccoons, caribou, loons and moose in stunning photographs of four of Canada’s cutest and cuddly wildlife babies.

From $4.62 at Canada Post, 69 Brock St. W.

Poodle Plush There’s something about puppies in purses – real or otherwise – that make one feel glamorous. Treat your animal-crazy kid to one of these fun toys that come in a variety of breeds and colours, as well as horses. $19.95 at Presents, Presents, Presents, 60 Brock St. W.

our Enter to win

D RWAdR raw PAY IT FO

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ith a $2,500 thanking you w rity donation. r cha project credit o

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invites you to

Celebrate 25 years with us

past photos from the present working with you towards the future stories from the

www.lawsonhomeimprovements.com or call 905-852-7722 for draw entry details

Don’t Mess with evil Cat Developed by the fun folks at Brooks Farms, Evil Stray Cat is smelly (by choice), likes the rain and prefers to live miserably by himself. This feisty kitty can be yours on hoodies, onesies, t-shirts, buttons and more. From $2 at www.barnyardbumpkins.com.

NEWLY LICENSED DRIVERS: What you need to know before you get behind the wheel.

As a G1 driver am I charged a premium from day one? - Drivers are required to be added to a policy as a driver, once they obtain their G2 licence.

How would I calculate my rate? - Rates are based on the year, make, model, coverage, operator age, driving history and experience. For new drivers purchasing an older model of vehicle my provide more coverage options.What is an occasional driver? - An occasional driver is one that operates the vehicle less frequently than the main driver.

Do I have to be listed on my parent's policy? - All drivers in the household are required to be added to a policy, or have one of their own.

How do I know which driver's training courses are certified? - Not all driving schools are Ministry approved. Look for schools that offer "MTO or Ministry-approved beginner driver education courses."

There is a list of approved driving schools available at mto.gov.on.ca.

I am buying a new car for my newly licenced son/daughter. Should I put it on my policy or put in in their name so the insurance is separate? - If the vehicle is on the parent's policy and the son/ daughter is in an at-fault accident, it could potentially follow the parent's policy. Premiums for young, "occasional" drivers are much lower than premiums for young, "principal" drivers.

MYTH: Insuring a red or black car is more expensive that a green or blue car. - FALSE Regardless of the colour, the same vehicle in a different colour will have the same rate. What does affect your rate is the year, make, model, age of the car and the drivers on your policy.

QUESTIONS?

Call your insurance professional.

Ron Noble Insurance Ltd. Dale Hickey, C.A.I.B. President ronnobleinsurance.com 905-852-3309

Please contact me if you would like to review your current policy. Ron Noble Insurance proudly represents...

by dave watt

So you want a new pet! Before you take the big step, make sure it’s right for you and your family and that you can live up to all the responsibility it entails. Then you have to decide what kind of pet is best for you and where you’re going to get it: a shelter, a breeder or a store.

Adopting from a shelter is the only choice for an increasing number of people – and here’s why.

Shelters have a variety of animals at any given time — the number and types available constantly changes. Most shelters have websites with pictures and descriptions of the animals up for adoption (www.petfinder.com is a great place to start), which helps you search for the pet that’s right for you. When you visit in person, interact with your prospective pet and watch how it acts with other animals and people, especially children, if you have any.

Have an in-depth conversation with the shelter staff. They have the knowledge and experience to provide valuable information about the animal’s socialization, eating habits and whether it’s house broken or litter trained etc. And perhaps most important, the shelter screens potential owners to determine if the animal is compatible with their lifestyle and family dynamics.

A major benefit of shelters is that they are costefficient. Breeders charge exorbitant fees and stores’ primary concern is profit, not the animal’s well-being. The cost of a veterinarian’s checkup, first shots and spaying/neutering is usually included in the shelter’s adoption fee. So you’ll have a healthy pet and the overall cost of adoption is significantly lower than the alternatives.

There are other benefits to adopting from a shelter, but to many people, the most important reason is that it gives the satisfaction of not only increasing a lost or abandoned animal’s quality of life (and their own), but in some cases, literally saving that life. And, it helps to thwart illegal and inhumane puppy mill operations.

You can’t put a price on that.

The Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Centre has served the region well for many years, handling thousands of adoptions. But with limited space and deteriorating facilities, a new shelter is essential to satisfy the demand.

The New Animal Shelter for Uxbridge-Scugog is scheduled to open on Lakeridge Road in early 2016. Volunteers and donations are welcome to help raise the $1,000,000 needed.

Visit www.animal-shelter.ca to see how you can help.

guest column

| shelter adoption |

Dave Watt lives in Sandford with his wife Cheryl Pfister. They and their two adult children are active committee members of the New Animal Shelter for Uxbridge–Scogog.

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Pink or Blue... expecting Uxbridge Community Midwives are accepting new patients

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Wednesday, September 5

Win a Million Win $1,000,000 and more than 70 other prizes in the 9th annual, tiered, regulation golf hole challenge. Sept 5-9.

Time: various Where: Little Sticks Driving Range, 40 Elgin Park Dr. Contact: 905 852 5600 | www.uxbridgerotary.com

Friday, September 7

Fall Fair Tractor and horse pulls, demolition derby, agricultural competitions, homecraft and horticultural exhibits, midway, classic cars, band shell entertainment and much more. In 2012 we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Uxbridge Library with the theme Read All About It. Visit our website for contest, craft entries and more. Until Sept 9.

905· 862· 3535

www.uxbridgecommunitymidwives.com

Time: 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Elgin Park, Main St Contact: 905 852 7745 | www.uxbridgefair.ca

Sunday, September 9

Radiant Joy Yoga Grand Opening Join us for a celebration to officially launch Radiant Joy Yoga. Mayor O’Connor will be cutting the ribbon. Meet the teachers and ask questions about classes. Door prizes, refreshments and demonstrations Time: 2 - 5 p.m. Where: Radiant Joy Yoga, 12 Douglas Rd., Unit 1 Contact: 905 852 6600 | info@radiantjoyyoga.com | www.radiantjoyyoga.com

Durham Folklore Storytellers FREE family shows. A unique and must see show on the performance platform south of the show buildings.

Time: noon – 2 p.m. Where: Elgin Park, Main St Contact: pnoble@uxlib.com | www.uxlib.com

Monday, September 10

Cost of insurance causing “labour” pains? we can DELIVER options!

Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts Community festival with opening ceremonies, juried art show, gala evening, music, studio tour and more. Until Sept 23.

Visit website for details.

Time: various Where: various Contact: www.celebrationofthearts.ca

Wednesday, September 12

Choice Dwarf Trees Join us to learn about using Choice Dwarf Trees in landscape design with speaker Darren Heimbecker. Flower show featuring cosmos, dahlias, and zinnias Time: 7:30 p.m. Where: Senior’s Centre, 75 Marietta St., Uxbridge.

Contact: www.uxbridgehorticultralsociety.com

Saturday, September 15

The Printing Press Learn in the museum’s operating print shop how printing was done in Uxbridge in the past, and how newspapers were produced. Kids will also get to make their own newspaper column and picture stamp. Bring a picnic lunch. Pre-register. Ages 8-12. $10 Time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Historical Centre, 7239 Concession Rd. 6 Contact: 905 852 5854 | www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com

Sunday, September 16

Terry Fox Run Run, walk, or bike 2, 5 or 10 kilometers. Strollers welcome. All donations go directly to cancer research.

Time: 8:30 – 11 a.m. Where: Elgin Park Band Shell, Main St. S. Contact: www.terryfox.org | mferraro@powergate.ca

Time: 7:15 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S. Contact: www.pineridgechorusuxbridge.ca

Wednesday, September 19

RCMP Musical Ride Tickets available at Blue Heron, Presents, Presents, Presents and All About Equine or on-line at www.ticketpro.ca Time: 12:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Where: Elgin Park, Uxbridge

Thursday, September 20

Ballroom Dance Lessons Marta Croly has 25 years of teaching experience and would enjoy showing you just how easy learning the basics of ballroom and Latin dancing can be! Sign up and learn the basics of: Waltz, Rhumba, Fox Trot, Swing and Meringue. Classes will be held every Thursday Sept 20 to Nov 22. $290/couple Time: 7 - 9 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 903 6437 | martamac1@yahoo.ca

Uxbridge Genealogy Group Using old Photos for family history research. Donation of $2.

Time: 7 – 8:45 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 6973 | info@uxgen.net

Beef Dinner Complete beef dinner including beverage and dessert for $15.

Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m. Where: Goodwood Community Centre, Hwys. 47& 21

Saturday, September 22

Street pARTy Art Happening! Musical, creative, visual, literary, theatre, culinary, fashion arts celebrated downtown Brock Street showcasing Uxbridge’s artistic flair. Handson activities for the whole family.

Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: Brock St Contact: www.celebrationofthearts.ca

4th annual Health Show Over 30 vendors and practioners, tons of samples. Main speaker is BRAD KING Nutritional researcher, subject: achieve energy, sleep, improve mood, reduce stress. 20 baskets. Adults tickets $10. Mention this ad and get $2 off your ticket Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock Street West Contact: 905 862 3270 todaysnaturalsolutions@rogers.com www.uxbridge.com/healthandwellness/healthstore.html

Regular Events

Meditation Experience a variety of guided Meditations. No experience necessary. 2nd & 4th Wednesday evenings of each month.

Drop in or register for all 6 classes for discount. Try a class by donation. Sept 26 to Dec 12 Time: 7-8 p.m. Where: Pathways to Peace Yoga & Healing, 58 Brock St. W., suite 204 Contact: 416 571 0447 www.pathwaystopeaceyoga.com

Japa/Nyana Yoga Play with Mantras and still the mind with sound and music. Explore Yogic philosophy, teachings and wisdom as they apply to your own individual life. Drop in or register for all 7 classes for discount. Sept 19 to Oct 31 Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Where: Pathways to Peace Yoga and Healing, 58 Brock St. W., suite 204 Contact: 416 571 0447 www.pathwaystopeaceyoga.com

Lunchtime Meditation Explore the stillness of the mind through a variety of guided meditations. No experience necessary. 7 week session. Sept 17 to Nov 5 Time: 12-12:45 p.m. Where: Pathways to Peace Yoga and Healing, 58 Brock St. W., suite 204 Contact: 416 571 0447 www.pathwaystopeaceyoga.com

Saturday, September 29

Zumba Classes Burn calories, get fit and have fun? Sound impossible? For class schedule and locations, please contact Wendy

Time: 1:30 – 4 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Historical Centre, 7239 Concession Road 6 Contact: 905 852 5854 www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com

Real Circuit A fun, challenging and everchanging variety of exercises for that total body workout that will keep you motivated for more. Classes start the second week in September

Free Culture Days Event Help us identify “mystery” photographs from the museum’s archival collection in this interactive Culture Days event.

Time: please contact Where: Uxbridge Contact: 647 234 7478 | wenszumba@yahoo.ca.

Class Times: Tuesday 1:30 p.m., Wednesday 6:30 p.m. or Saturday 8:30 a.m. Please call to register.

Where: 282 Main St. N. Suite 100 Contact: 905 862 3881 | www.realbodiesfitness.com

Real Spin A high energy, low impact indoor cycling class on the best bikes set to fabulous tunes. Starting in September Class Times: Pre-registration for Wednesday 8:30 p.m., Thursday 6:30 p.m. Drop in Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m. and Monday & Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Call to register.

Where: 282 Main St. N. Suite 100 Contact: 905 862 3881 | www.realbodiesfitness.com

Real Yoga Fun and suitable for everyone even if you don’t feel very flexible. Body and mind will respond with increased strength and calmness. Every participant will find a level of challenge just right for them Class Times: Monday & Thursday 7:45 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.

Where: 282 Main St. N. Suite 100 Contact: 905 862 3881 | www.realbodiesfitness.com

community calendar

Free Sing Pineridge Chorus/Sweet Adelines invites women who like to sing to a guest evening and four free singing lessons

Saturday, October 13

Hatha Yoga Begin the week by joining us to stretch, strengthen and become more flexible. Yoga will leave you feeling better, calmer and happier. Classes include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. All are welcome. Runs Sept 24 to Dec 17 Time: 9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Where: Creekside Wellness, Tin Mill, 53 Toronto St.N., Uxbridge Contact: 905-649-8596 | heathermunn@gmail.com www.YogaWithHeatherMunn.com

Concerts in the Park Join local musicians each Sunday in the Rotary Club Bandshell in Elgin Park. Free, but donations appreciated for the food bank.

Time: 7 p.m. Where: Elgin Park (entrance on Main Street S) Contact: 905 852 5600 | www.uxbridgerotary.com Print calendar listings are $25/each and free for current month’s advertisers. Submit your event for free to our online calendar at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com. Listings for the print calendar are due the 15th of the month.

We are not responsible for errors and omissions, and reserve the right to edit for space.

Keep up to date with our This Week in Uxbridge email newsletter! Sign up at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com/e-newsletter

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Monday, September 17

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aJax • brock • clarington • oshawa • pickering • scugog • uxbridge • whitby

I CULTURE Celebrate the Creativity of Durham region!

Residents of Durham Region have the opportunity to recognize the importance of arts and culture, innovation, and creative leaders who are making a difference in the community. Nominations are now open for the second annual Durham Art of Transition Creative Awards (DATCA).

Artists, organizations and community groups in Durham Region are hosting free, participatory arts and culture activities during the Culture Days weekend, and you’re invited!

Visit culturedays.ca to find out what’s happening in Durham Region.

September 12 to 23, 2012

Call for nominations:

Open until noon, Sept. 27, 2012

Awards ceremony:

Nov. 9, 2012 The Robert McLaughlin Gallery 72 Queen St., Oshawa Please visit www.artoftranstion.ca for more information on the awards program, eligibility criteria, nominations and the judging process.

CREATE, PARTICIPATE

& CELEBRATE Experience the taste of fresh local food at participating restaurants in Durham Region.

Make your reservations early!

www.DurhamSavourtheSeason.ca 1-800-413-0017 Connect with us on enter online for a chance to win a weekend getaway for two! PROMO CODE: TOWNTALK

Enjoy the season’s variety of activities and events. You’ll find region-wide fun for everyone!

For more information, visit www.durhamtourism.ca or call 1-800-413-0017.

a

ALK

My parents found this beautiful, strapping Jack Russell Terrier at a shelter, and it was love at first sight. He was skinny - found wandering the streets eating garbage - but sturdy, with muscular legs and a brown mask that dipped down his snout.

Spencer Dog came home with us on December 27, 2001, and officially nestled his way into our life.

He left it, heartbreakingly, on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at 6:19 p.m.

He died peacefully in our arms, lying on a soft fleece pillowcase bearing his name, at the Uxbridge Veterinary Hospital. We cupped his furry head and kissed the soft spot between his eyes as he took his last breath. He was relaxed and calm and surrounded by love.

To some, he was just a dog. To some, us pet people are crazies.

But Spencer was our Practice Baby, a member of our family for 10.5 years. He has a story as much as we all do, and he shaped my family’s life in unimaginable ways.

He was feisty. The day I brought him home, he literally took three steps and peed on our chair, declaring his space. He was cocky like that.

He loved to destroy stuffies. For a few days he’d lovingly carry them around; eventually he’d rip them apart with glee until he got his prize - the squeaker.

He loved to chew bones, wandering until he found a hiding place.

He played rope and ball and absolutely loved going for walks. He tried to hump dogs of all sizes, female and male.

We tried taking Spencer to dog parks, but like many terriers, Spencer thought he was 20 times bigger than he actually was. After a few attempts that ended with him trying to take down bigger dogs by the neck, we were so embarrassed we never went back.

Spencer’s terrier blood made him chase anything furry, and he was stupidly fearless, resulting in two showdowns with skunks one of which nailed him right between the eyes and stunk up our house for an entire year.

Snuggling was a way of life. Although he slept in a kennel, I would often bring him into our bed in the morning, where he would headbutt his way under the covers and press himself along my torso with his head under my chin.

He didn’t like his toes or nails touched. He refused to let you brush his teeth and gave you death stares while being bathed. His favourite rubbing spots were under the chin and chest, his ears and the soft ridge between his eyes down to the end of his nose. Every single day of his life I kissed and nuzzled him here.

We called him Spenceronie, Snarfer, Ronies, Jackass if he was in trouble.

I actually always thought Spencer would die from eating something stupid, given how many stupid things he ate in his life.

Chewed up gum stuck to the pavement was a favourite, and he once ate an ENTIRE chicken carcass. One time he ate a pound of raw rancid bacon after escaping the yard on compost day - two stomach pumps and several doses of drugs later, he became legend at the vet office.

This past year has been hard on us, with Spencer’s eyesight and hearing rapidly declining. He was no longer the friendly guard dog at the front door, but would cower in the corner or between our legs, scared and unsure. He was increasingly disoriented in the backyard, finding it hard to make his way back to the door. He was excited for his walks, but they would turn into painfully slow meanders. Every single day he was making a mess in the house. We’d been carrying him up and down the stairs for ages, and he couldn’t climb up on the couch or bed anymore.

He still loved to eat and snuggle.

But when we really started to look at his quality of life, it was devastatingly apparent that the time had come.

We didn’t want to wait until a serious illness struck; after all he had given us over the years, he deserved some dignity.

Spencer’s last meal was cooked ground turkey and vanilla ice cream. I let him sit on the front seat on the way to the vets, basking in the sun and breeze as we drove with the windows down. A small piece of comfort through sorrow.

Making the decision to end my Spencer Dog’s life was absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done. But I knew in my heart, deep inside, that it was time to give him this gift. It was time to look past our heartbreak and want to keep him with us, and do what was right for him.

And so we cried and murmured ‘I love you’ in his ear and were with him every single second. And he wasn’t scared, and he died happy.

My spencer Dog. our boy. we love you, always and forever.

Read the full story and see more photos at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com

opinion

by Carly Foster

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at n.

| on saying goodbye |

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w w w. u x b r i d g e t o w n t a l k . c o m | s e p t 2 0 1 2

readers photos

| pet instagram contest |

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by carly foster

Rosco, a St. Bernard owned

by Lindsay and Anthony Golden of Uxbridge, won our reader pet contest after much debate – look at all the entries! But this big boy’s endearing eyes and playful snow-covered nose won our hearts. The family won a $75 gift basket generously donated by Zehrs Uxbridge, as well this little look into a gentle giant’s life by his mom Lindsay.

1st place

Details: 175lbs and 3.5’ tall. Will be 3 in November Nickname: Beans Daily: Rosco is a very good listener but can be extremely lazy. He sleeps A LOT and snores loudly!

Love: his temperament; he is so gentle and he just loves to be loved Pros: loyal, smart, obedient, protective Cons: Drool! Even the ceiling!

Favourites: first snow fall, walks in the forest, swimming in the creek with buddy Tucker, meeting new people and getting attention, peanut butter and carrots, visiting my mother-in-law’s farm to play with her two bull dogs

You'll love our dry food formulation for all the things it DOESN'T have.

NO CORN NO WHEAT NO SOY NO BY-PRODUCTS NO ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES ADDED NO ADDED COLOUR NO FILLERS NO ADDED SUGAR Complete and balanced nutrition for

your cats and dogs

905 852 1212 323 Toronto St. S, Uxbridge

Congratulations to Rosco and his proud parents Lindsay and Anthony Golden, for winning Uxbridge Town Talk’s Instagram pet contest! The family is shown here with Assistant Store Manager Stuart Mulcahy and a $75 gift basket of PC pet products, including treats and a new collar.

other furry entries

1. zoe 2. abby 3. swamp dog 4. not submitted 5. gimli 6. dave 7. bella 8. patches 9. baron

10. ryker 11. brownie 12. tank & dozer 13. mac 14. bullet 15. lucy 16. brie 17. cooper 18. not submitted

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6

1

13

3

10 14

7

2nd place

17

4

5

16

8

15

11

18

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3rd place You're leaving the nest for new adventures.

Got your stuff covered?

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Talk to us to make sure.

w w w. j a m e s c a m p b e l l i n s u r a n c e . c o m

905-852-9191 • 33 Toronto St. N. Uxbridge • 1-888-354-6444

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*fall.fa

| orange treaties |

by Carly Foster | Adapted from Suite 101

utt kitchen

We often make homemade dog treats for our dogs, and this is a favourite. It’s super simple, made from ingredients you have at home, and is loved by both dogs and cats! It’s also gluten-free, as many animals have an intolerance just as we humans do.

Ingredients 1 pound of cooked ground meat (beef, chicken, fish, lamb) 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed 1 large egg ½ cup water or other liquid such as water from tuna or meat drippings Directions Preheat oven to 350.

Combine egg, sweet potato and water in large bowl. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.

Add meat and mix well.

Drop by teaspoon fulls onto a lightly oiled or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten with the back of a fork or spoon.

Bake for 30 minutes, flip over, then bake for another 20 minutes. Cooking times vary depending on treat thickness, so keep an eye on them.

Serve when cool, and store in the fridge. They freeze great, too!

come for the flowers...leave with a gift... w w w. u x b r i d g e t o w n t a l k . c o m | s e p t 2 0 1 2

more than a flower store!

Hours:

Monday to Wednesday 9am-5pm Thursday to Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm (905) 852-3029

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www.keithsflowershop.com

*fall.fair.poster.8.5x8.5:Layout 1 20/08/12 5:50 PM Page 1

presents

Entertainment Horticulture Homecrafts Contests

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 7, 8, 9 Elgin Park, Uxbridge

e!

Fair Opens ................................................5:00 pm Tractor Pull...............................................7:00 pm Youth Entertainment at Bandshell ............7:00 pm Buildings Close .........................................10:00 pm

General Admission $10.00 Children Grade 8 & Under FREE Weekend Pass $25.00 Parking FREE Offsite (shuttle) FREE The Uxbridge Fall Fair gratefully acknowledges the financial support of:

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Buildings and Midway Open .......................10:00 am Barnyard Rodeo ........................................10:00 am Sheep Show, Goat Show & 4H Rabbit Show .....................................11:00 am Open Dairy Show.......................................Noon Durham West 4H and Open Lawn Tractor Pulling Club .........................1:00 pm Demolition Derby......................................7:00 pm (smoke free bleachers) Buildings Close .........................................10:00 pm

Heavy Horse Show ....................................9:00 am Buildings and Midway Open .......................10:00 am (Midway Special – Kids $1, Others $2) Canine Equine Challenge ...........................10:00 am Cruise-in Car Show, Baby Show, Poultry Show, Turn ‘n Burn........................11:00 am Beef Show.................................................Noon Horse Pull .................................................2:30 pm Fair Closes ................................................5:00 pm Evening Schedule for Midway 1. Kiddies Rides will close at 10:00pm 2. Ticket booths will close at 10:30pm 3. All rides or attractions will shutdown promptly by 11:00pm Conditions of Entry to The Fair 1. No skateboards 2. No Bicycles 3. Wristbands must be worn 4. No Alcohol 5. Backpacks and bags will be subject to search

www.uxbridgefair.ca General admission provides free admission to all events. Parking and seating not guaranteed.

Give us a call

速

1-877-857-2333

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