The Pet Friendly Canada Newsletter
For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
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January 2011

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Happy New Year! SEND US YOUR PET PHOTOS and you could see them in a future issue of this newsletter! Have you joined us on Facebook yet? If not, please do!

PET-FRIENDLY PAGES

Join Pet Friendly on Facebook! Fetch! Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Canada (Facebook) Follow Pet Friendly on Twitter Visit our online pet forums Find dog parks and doggy beaches in Canada

PET QUOTES

"Dogs need to sniff the ground; it's how they keep abreast of current events. The ground is a giant dog newspaper, containing all kinds of late-breaking dog news items, which, if they are especially urgent, are often continued in the next yard." (Dave Barry) "I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source." (Doris Day)

Pet Story: OKI, CANINE ANGEL TO FELINES IN NEED Source: Pet Stories from PawFriendly.com

We are three kitties: Narkis, Fanti and Maui. Our canine companion Oki the Terrier changed our lives for good. Oki took Fanti and Maui away from the miserable life as feral cats in an abused colony. Oki's life had not been easy, either. He had been hit by a car and left to die in the middle of a busy avenue. Our Mummy happened to ride past by and stopped immediately when she saw a terrified malnourished canine lying injured on scorching asphalt. Mummy picked him up and took him straight to the vet. He happened to be a blind and deaf senior canine. Oki healed and chose to stay with Mummy for ever. He flourished at home and started to smile. At that time, Narkis was a single kitty at home; Mummy had adopted him because of his deafness. Oki joined Narkis at home and soon they became best of friends despite blindness and deafness! Oki, in turn, rescued the rest of us kitties: Maui and Fanti. During his daily stroll in the park with Mummy, Oki befriended a feral young and shy feline with a sad life. Soon, they started to spend sunny afternoons together in our home garden. One day, Oki's feline friend asked Mummy to enter our house, so he did and stayed with us for ever. He became Maui. Winter came, along with it the rain and the cold. During Oki's daily walk in the park with Mummy, a playful kitten would jump with joy from behind the trees and join Oki strolling among his legs. Even in rainy nights, the kitten would jump up from his dry cover and eagerly join Oki while getting wet through! Oki loved him. The kitten then asked Mummy to come home with Oki, then entered the house and remained with us for ever. He became Fanti. From the very first day at home, we became indoors-only kitties sharing a harmonious life together with sweet Oki. We would cuddle up, play hide-and seek and sleep upon him! Oki also took care of a tiny feral queen who sought shelter and comfort in our porch. Oki would keep a vigilant watch by her side to give her a safe stay. Time came when Oki had to depart this life; he kissed us good-bye and wore feathery wings to Heaven. Oki left us a message of compassion, friendship and conviviality. The seemingly impossible became a true story of love and tender care between a senior canine and his feline companions. We miss you dearly, beloved Oki. - Narkis, Fanti and Maui ___________________ Story sent in by Carmen Mandel-Cesareo and her three kitties.

PHOTOS FROM PROUD PET PARENTS Want to see your pet here? Send us your photos! You can also post your pet photos on our Facebook page!
"These are my two Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Cooper is on the left (almost 5) and Robbie is new to our family (8 months). Haven't traveled with Robbie on a long trip yet but Cooper loves hitting the road and sniffing out a new motel room! We've used your site a few times to find places to stay." - Carolyn B. from Salt Spring Island, BC	"Pam from Bethlehem, PA, says good morning."
"This is our Black Lab, Maynard at the Hoodoos in Drumheller, Alberta." - Corrina C. from Vancouver Island, BC	"'Told ya not to hide my rubber mouse in da moonshine!' This is Puddy ... from Cocagne, New Brunswick, Canada." - Andrea L.

THE BENEFITS OF DOG PARKS Excerpted from: At the Dog Park

Dog parks are where you'll find hordes of happy dogs. Dogs playing with their canine friends, dogs racing through the grass, just happy to have a chance to really stretch their legs, and even dogs taking a swim if they're lucky enough to have a park with water available. Pet owners and their dogs obviously love the dog parks, but they can cause controversy at times. Dog parks are great to have around - if they're used in a responsible manner. THE BENEFITS OF DOG PARKS Dog parks let dogs socialize with other dogs and get some exercise while they're at it. Dogs that are well- socialized tend to show less aggression and are more relaxed. Plus fresh air and exercise are key to keeping your dog healthy. You know the old saying, "A tired dog is a happy dog!". But dog parks don't just benefit the dogs themselves. Pet owners will tell you that it's a great place to meet other "pet people" and to develop friendships and bonds. It also helps people to get outside and encourages them to get some exercise with their dogs. Plus watching the dogs play together is fun! Well- exercised dogs also tend to be better pets and more easily handled since they're more relaxed. Communities also benefit from dog parks. Well-exercised dogs are unlikely to nuisance bark, as some dogs do when they're bored and have no stimulation. Having a designated dog park also helps to encourage pet owners to use it, thus reducing or minimizing conflicts with other recreational park users. Finally, a dog park gives pet owners an opportunity to meet each other over a common interest. Getting to know your neighbors helps to build a sense of community, which in turn encourages pet owners to pick up after their dogs and keep their community clean. DOG PARK ETIQUETTE Dog parks are a privilege. Having one close by can be a great joy for pet owners - but keeping the park means following the rules! Rules for the park are typically posted at the entrance to the parks or in prominent locations. In addition to following the posted rules, remember to follow these etiquette rules.

UPCOMING PET EVENTS

Vancouver, BC - Saturday, February 5, 2011: the BC SPCA's 7th Annual Animal Lovers Gala Dinner & Auction. All proceeds will benefit animals in the care of the Surrey Branch of the BC SPCA. Vancouver, BC - Thursday, February 10, 2011: the BC SPCA's annual Spay-Ghetti and No Balls - a Valentine's evening featuring an Italian vegetarian dinner, live entertainment, live and silent auction, and a cash bar. Proceeds go to support the animals in the care of the BC SPCA. If your non-profit pet organization is holding an event, please send us the details!

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