Merry Christmas: Ottawa veterinary practices are suffering during the holidays

Hazel and I wish everyone a very Furry Christmas! It's been a busy December for us and it will only get busier if we head into what looks like another inevitable lockdown. We hope we do go into lockdown because we want everyone to be safe. All we want for Christmas is for everyone to get fully vaccinated. 

Listen at your own risk: 5 dark and scary podcasts to get you in the Halloween mood

Ghost stories around the campfire and murder mysteries in the dark! That's what Halloween should be all about; being scared. Especially when you're an adult. There's not much I like more than a truly scary story. I've been reading horror since I was a kid, beginning with In a Dark Dark Room, then graduating to RL Stine's Goosebumps and Fear Street. I still love reading horror, but I don't often have time to indulge my lust for all things frightening. That's where podcasts come in!

I can listen to an episode of a podcast while I'm walking Hazel, house cleaning, taking a shower or snoozing my alarm clock. Podcasts make it easy to enjoy spooky stories- and no better time to enjoy them than spooky season. These are my top five scary podcasts about murder, horror, and things that go bump in the night. Listen if you dare!

Fall Reading List: And Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a tearful and terrifying tale 

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I rarely cry read a book that makes me cry, despite being someone who reads books almost exclusively about murder. I teared up a few times when I was reading And Then She Was Gone. As I read the Epilogue I started bawling, squinting at the last words on the page through watered-down eyes. As difficult as it is to conclusively determine this, I think I can confidently say this is my favourite Lisa Jewell book I've read. 

Commitment to truth and action: Their tiny voices woke the country 

They were the first of our nation. Caretakers of the land. Their voices were buried, but now they are heard. Their history is dark, deep, past, and present. I've been awakened. Indigenous voices. First Nations voices. Inuit voices. Metis voices. I want to hear you. I want to know.
 

The bark is the best: Happy National Dog Day!

Today we have something to bark about! It's National Dog Day! Dogs make everything better! I can't imagine living in a home without a light dusting of Hazel fur. Who am I kidding? It's more like a heavy coating of Hazel fur, sprinkled with goobers. 

Northern art: Artist Robbie Craig visits Ottawa to showcase Canadian inspired art

Canadian artist Robbie Craig is bringing some much-needed northern inspiration to the chill out this Ottawa heatwave! Robbie Craig's Northern Projects will host an art show on Saturday, August 21st from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday, August 22nd from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Craig is based in the Northwest Territories so it's always exciting when his art is showcased in the nation's capital. His wildlife and landscape artwork has a very distinct Canadian style, bringing to life indigenous animals and capturing real locations and natural wonders like the northern lights.

Guest blog: How to design the perfect pet nook for your furry friend

Guest blog by Rocio Espinoza. So excited to welcome her to the Paws For Reaction extended family! This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

It’s no secret that pets are some of our most important family members. From a cat or dog to a beautiful bird, all pet parents want to give their best friends a comfortable space and lots of love. One way you can make your pet’s life better is by providing them with a cozy, convenient pet nook. This designated space will give your animal companion their own little part of the home where they can sleep, eat, and feel comfortable. Read on to discover how to design your very own special pet room to make your pet’s life at home the best it can be.

Thank you for celebrating Wild About Wildlife Month: Wild Wednesday raised awareness about local wildlife conservation

I went a little wild this month. July is Wild About Wildlife Month, so there's no better time to go wild! As always, I'm sad Wild Wednesday is over. I enjoy reconnecting with local wildlife conservationists and learning about all the animals they rescued over the year. They are working night and day to re-wild animals, and I hope by sharing their stories, I can help re-wild some humans. We need to strengthen our connection with wildlife and the natural world if we are going to stand a chance against human-caused climate change and the extreme weather events, species loss, and destruction to biodiversity that comes along with it. Are you ready to get re-wild?

Your pet could be featured: What would your pet's online dating profile say?

Last chance to get in on the flirty fun! What would your pet's dating profile say? Would it be sweet, funny, sassy? What photo would your pet choose to attract a mate? 

Wild Wednesday: The pandemic won't stop Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary from rewilding animals 

When I was on the phone with Linda Laurus, Executive Director for Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, she asked me to hold for a moment. I could hear the concern in her voice when she told me she had to check on a squirrel. She could see the squirrel in his cage and was afraid he was injured. After a few moments she came back on the phone and told me everything is alright, he just had some nuts in his mouth. From where she was standing it looked like he was swollen. I couldn't help but laugh, certain I'd just experienced a glimmer of the ups and downs of working with wildlife. 

Flutter into a fantasy: Alchemy Wild Glass hangs whimsy in the window

Photos via Alchemy Wild Glass. This post contains affiliate links.

Sometimes we're fortunate to witness whimsical things while gazing out the window, but imagine if you could capture whimsies and trap them inside the glass so we can enjoy them forever? That's exactly what the latest Chasing Whimsies featured Etsy shop Alchemy Wild Glass does. These mystical glass creations are sure to transport you through the looking glass and into another world.

Wild Wednesday: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is keeping wildlife wild and bears beary happy

Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is going big things with big wildlife! Since we featured the Sanctuary last year on Wild Wednesday, the team has built new enclosures for some of their furry permanent residents, including three adorable bears named Clyde, Paddington, and Honey Pot. I dusted my paws off and caught up with Linda Glimps, Executive Director at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to learn more about their appropriately named bears and other recent achievements since the last Wild About Wildlife Month.

Whimsy in bloom: Flower art by Oxeye Floral Co. blossoms with life and colour

Photos via Oxeye Floral Co. This post contains affiliate links.

Whimsy blooms brightly in the Oxeye Floral Co. pressed flower art. Inspired by nature and created using nature's gifts, these unique prints take an old-school art technique and update it with a modern twist. This Chasing Whimsies featured artist brings wildlife and scenery to life one bud, petal, and vine at a time. These prints ensure the flowers never wilt or die; they are perfectly preserved with their vibrant colours intact and showcased for the world to enjoy. Are you ready to see some irresistible Canadian art?

 Wild Wednesday: Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre is spreading its wings and flying to a new location

We wake to their song and watch their beauty paint the sky. Birds are a part of our everyday life. We may go months without seeing other wildlife, but not a day does by that we don't see several different species of birds. Injured and orphaned birds require very specific care, and when a bird is in need the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre (OVWBCC) swoops in and takes it under its wing. 

Remembering an unforgettable dog: It's been a year since we said goodbye to Keira 

I read a quote recently that resonated with me. It said, "Grief does not shrink, we expand to accommodate it." The hole that Keira left in my life (and in Hazel's life) is as large as it was a year ago, but Hazel and I have grown to accept that it will always be there. On July 13, 2020, I made the difficult decision to euthanize my sweet, beloved Keira. Even though it was the right thing to do because she was suffering from an unknown illness (possibly gastric cancer) I had a hard time letting her go. I remember being in total disbelief. It's hard to believe a year has gone by already. 

Your pet's online dating profile: What would your pet say to try to find a mate?

Hazel's been single for far too long. She's looking for someone (beside's me) to share her life with. Okay, I'm just kidding, but wouldn't it be funny if our pets were on a dating app? I helped Hazel design a profile to find her perfect mate- scroll down to read it. Would your dog be a match?

What would your pet's dating profile say? Would it be sweet, funny, sassy? What photo would your pet choose to attract a mate? 

Email pawsforreaction@live.ca with your pet's dating profile pic and tell us what your pet's dating profile would say (see example below). Your pet will be featured in a post in August and we'll try to find the perfect match! 

Whimsy in the wild: Modern Flower Child connects nature and fashion  

Photos via Modern Flower Child. This post contains affiliate links.

I wear my love for nature like I wear my heart; on my sleeve. When I discovered Modern Flower Child jewelry, I had the opportunity to literally wear nature on my sleeve. I purchased a beautiful bracelet filled with real flowers, frozen in time and resin. It's one of my most cherished pieces. Modern Flower Child is my go-to shop for gift giving. A few years ago I even hosted a Modern Flower Child bracelet giveaway! Chasing Whimsies wouldn't be complete without featuring my favourite nature-loving maker. Are you ready for something magical?

July is Wild About Wildlife Month: Wild Wednesday celebrates local wildlife conservation

Are you feeling wild? You should be! Wednesday is Wild About Wildlife Month! Paws For Reaction is showing some love for local wildlife rescue workers! Veterinary professionals, scientists, nature conservationists, and volunteers in the Ottawa region are working hard to save and support wildlife in need. They are launching stewardship programs, repopulating endangered species, fighting for protected lands, and rehabilitating wildlife at sanctuaries. Their hard work and dedication is vital to the survival of local wildlife. 

Wonderland whimsy: Talking Flowers are the perfect home decor to create a floral fantasy 

Photos via SutherlandDollArt on Etsy This post contains affiliate links.

Guest blog: Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month With These Dog Accessories

Another LGBTQ+ Pride Month is upon us, and we are so excited to celebrate safely amongst our friends, family, and allies. Pet parents love to include their dogs and cats in their daily activities. Pride month is no exception! We’ve curated this list of LGBTQ+ pet apparel and accessories that will let your furry companion join the fun. You will find something for every pet and every pet parent’s budget. Now your dog and cat can look adorable while celebrating LGBTQ+ pride this month or year-round!

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Children of residential schools were silenced and we need to speak up

The summer solstice arrived today with the rising sun. The sun also brought us National Indigenous Peoples Day, a holiday to recognize the contribution and celebrate the history, heritage, and culture of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. June is National Indigenous History Month but First Nations peoples have been on our minds since the sad discovery last month. The 215 children discovered buried at the Indian residential school (IRS) in Kamloops opened a wound for Canadians that has never healed for First Nations peoples; it's been festering. The history of the colonization of Canadian Indigenous people is a dark one, and there is no doubt new tragedies will be unearthed in the near future. I visited the memorial that has been created at Parliament in Ottawa to pay my respects to the lives lost in the IRS system. 

Guest blog: Black-owned pet businesses to support on Juneteenth and every day

She was a once in a lifetime dog: Remembering Keira on Pet Memorial Day

They say grief doesn't shrink, we just grow to accommodate it. I still haven't grown enough to make space for the immense grief I feel after losing my sweet Keira. I never expected to own a pet who would leave paw prints on so many hearts. Keira had a spirit that lingered; it lingers still. All the feelings are still raw and close to the surface, not enough layers of life and time to bury the pain. But as we approach a year since I lost my best friend, I've noticed like most things in my life, I'm slowly learning how to manage the emptiness. The hollow. I've found a few ways to fill it, even if only temporarily. 

Pet perspectives: Why a canine parvovirus outbreak made me want to get my COVID-19 vaccine

I’ve been thinking a lot about today. My mind returns to when I worked through a canine parvovirus outbreak. It was the most difficult time of my career. In veterinary medicine, we administer more vaccines than some human general practitioners do in their whole careers. We are educated about vaccines and their value, safety, and efficacy. That being said, I don’t often think “I’m glad I don’t have polio.” This moment in my career made me consciously think “Vaccines are so important to survival.” Most patients who contract parvo are puppies, but we see older patients suffering from this highly contagious infectious disease- that can be vaccinated against. I remember our team desperately trying to save a litter of puppies. One by one they died and one by one we grieved them. We did everything we could, at our clinic’s expense (average cost $1000-$2000 per pup to treat), sometimes on our own time. Because you're in full PPE, we couldn’t hold them against our warm skin. We couldn’t kiss their noses or pet their fur. We gave love through paper and plastic. 

60 ways to support small businesses during the pandemic: What to do to support local stores during Covid-19, and what not to do

There's a lot of things about the pandemic and lockdown we can't seem to agree on, except that we're ready for this to be over. Another thing everyone seems to agree on is that small businesses need support. Every time a small business makes a sale, the employees do a happy dance! That's because your purchase directly impacts their family and livelihood. Our community needs support. Please remember this important fact: Most small businesses are not closed, they just aren't letting folks in. Curbside service and online shopping and delivery are available for many small businesses and many offer debit or e-transfer options for those without credit cards. There are many ways to support small businesses. I tried to create the ULTIMATE list of ways to support small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, taking into account businesses of all types and different ways we can offer help. There are many ways you can support small businesses without spending money too, which I included because I know many are struggling financially but still want to support their community. I've also included what not to do to try to support a small business.