Wishing you hopeful holidays: We may not all suffer the same this season, but we can heal together
This Christmas I feel something I haven't felt in the past few years; calm. The past few years have been transitional for me. Moving away and starting anew. Again. Sometimes my life feels like it's in a perpetual state of starting over. Losing Keira was devastating. Isolation from the pandemic was beginning to drag me down. The veterinary industry has been in a crisis and empathy is not always a renewable resource. Healing the fault lines on my surface was something I knew needed more attention. When you compare last Christmas, featuring another COVID catastrophe and a looming clown convoy, to this year, it's like going from a panic attack to finally taking a deep breath. Switching from heavy metal to folk music. Folk music is the sound I want to live with.
Remembrance Day: Honouring military members and their loved ones on this day of reflection
Today is Remembrance Day and Paws For Reaction extends sincere thanks to each and every person (and animal!) who fought, died, sacrificed, and continues to sacrifice for the freedom of this great nation. Freedom is a word that has been appropriated differently in the past few years. Rights and privileges have been confused and interchanged. Our freedom is a privilege given to us and protected by members of the Canadian military. Blood, sweat, tears, and lives secured this privilege. It is important that we don't allow politics and conspiracy theories to devalue this and detract from those who are true freedom fighters.
Keira's legacy: Remembering Keira on her home day
The day I brought Keira home was one of the happiest days of my life. This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Paws For Reaction. It breaks my heart that I made it to this milestone without her head resting on my knee and her droopy eyes looking up at me as I type this.
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.
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.
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.
Happy Earth Day: Environmental stories for dog owners, animal lovers, and climate activists
It's the greenest day of the year- Earth Day! This is the second Earth Day, April 22nd, we've celebrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It saddens me that a year later Ontario is in worse shape. I hope you find a safe way to do something positive for the planet today. Interested in learning more about living sustainably and fighting climate change? Check out the green headlines on Paws For Reaction! These are the best posts about climate change, pollution, wildlife, the outdoors, and environmental action.
Covid-19 and climate change: Pandemic's positive impacts on pollution were temporary, but damaging effects will be lasting
Climate change took a backseat in the media as the planet's greatest threat when the Covid-19 pandemic swept the globe in 2020. It's been more than a year since the first Covid-positive case was reported and we are entering another lockdown in Ontario. Looking back, I remember how optimistic I was the first time we entered a lockdown. Not just optimistic about the health and safety of our nation, but optimistic for the health of the planet. During that lockdown, we saw wildlife emerge from the wilderness and take their rightful place in our urban areas that were one their home. We saw marine life break the surface of the water in places it had not been seen before. The planet took a deep, cleansing breath.
Cleaning the Capital: Campaign on hold but litter collection doesn't have to be
I was excited to register for the Cleaning the Capital spring campaign and participate in city-wide trash collection during Earth Month. The pandemic delivered me another disappointment when the City of Ottawa announced the Cleaning the Capital Spring campaign would be placed on hold due to the current Ontario COVID-19 lockdown. My intention when I registered was to do trash collection on my own, so I could stay safe and physically distance from others. We are encouraged to only leave the home when it's essential, but I consider picking up litter in my neighborhood to be essential.
Pandemic Paddy's Day: Wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day!
Hazel and I wish you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day! We urge you all to be mindful of Covid-19 restrictions. I know how much we all want to get out and dance a jig and drink green beer, but we are a community and we need to keep each other safe. This hasn't been a very lucky year, but we are hoping there is a pot of gold at the end of this pandemic rainbow. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
How you can help #NOMV: Veterinary community and animal lovers raise awareness after three vet med professionals die by suicide
If you follow animal or veterinary groups on social media or are friends with someone working in veterinary medicine, you may have seen profile pictures change to support #NOMV. This stands for Not One More Vet, and it's trending for the worst reason. In the past two weeks, three veterinarians (Josh Smith) and one veterinary technician died by suicide. I extend my most sincere sympathies to their family, friends, and colleagues. Sadly, it's a story we in the veterinary profession have heard before. According to the most recent data available in the United States, depending on gender, veterinarians are 1.6 to 2.4 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population and veterinary technicians are 2.3 to 5 times more likely. The veterinary profession has the highest rate of deaths by suicide of any profession.
Frosted festivities: How to celebrate National Cupcake Day during the pandemic?
How sweet it is to save animals! Heather Jobe, the Community Development Coordinator at the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, wants you to "sprinkle the love for animals in need by participating in National Cupcake Day!" This year's frosted fundraiser culminates on February 22, 2021. Like everything else in the world, the celebration has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But that's alright- Heather has some advice about how you can think outside the muffin tin to celebrate the sweetest day of the year.
The end is coming: A New Year's message of overcoming 2020
The world is letting out a collective sigh of relief as 2020 comes to a close. We have some small glimmers of hope lighting up the horizon. Several vaccines have been created- thank you, scientists! There are fewer unknowns about the virus and how it spreads. We are better prepared to deal with lockdowns, second waves, and changes to protocols. There is awareness being raised about being kind, shopping local, and supporting the needy. The pandemic that separated and isolated us could end up bringing us closer than ever. The end of the year doesn't flip a switch but it may bring forth enough change to get the lights back on.
Bark the halls: Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Hazel
This holiday season we were gifted with further Covid-19 lockdowns in Ontario. I know for folks in assisted living facilities, small business owners, non-essential workers, and single people who live alone, this news is a tough turkey to swallow. For the next 28 days, some of us will be separated from the people we love the most. It will be difficult, but we will get through this together.
Paw it forward: OSPCA Howliday campaigns helping pets and people in the Renfrew County community
There are many creatures stirring this holiday season, and some of those creatures need your help. Do you remember the amazing holiday campaigns the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre launched that I featured on Paws For Reaction? I reconnected with Heather Jobe, the Community Development Coordinator, to get an update on how their holiday season is going.
The 12 ways of Christmas: 12 ways you can support animals, wildlife, and children in need
On the first day of Christmas, my community gave to me a helping hand and a second chance. I've decided to kick the 12 days of Christmas to the curb and replace it with the 12 ways of Christmas. Don't worry, I still included some birds! This year has been a struggle and the community needs your support and generosity. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ontario Government has supported people's financial struggles. But what about support for those who rarely voice their needs: pets, wildlife, nature, and children? Paws For Reaction is a voice for the voiceless, and that's what the 12 ways of Christmas are all about.
Two for Tuesday: I'm asking you to do these two things on Giving Tuesday to support local wildlife
Giving won't be easy for some people this year. Many Ontario citizens have suffered financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-profits, charities, and organizations that support nature and wildlife have also been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Today is Giving Tuesday, a day when people make donations to support charities that mean a lot to them. I want to go two for Tuesday. I present to you two ways you can support nature and wildlife right here in Ontario that I've donated to for Giving Tuesday. I'm asking my readers who are considering which initiative to support today to consider one (or both) of these Ontario campaigns that need your help.
Paws to Support Local: How you can give back to local businesses and animals in need at the same time
Are you able to lend a helping paw to a pet in need? Or give a local small business a bone? Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, located in Pembroke, Ontario, has found a way to give back to animals in need and local businesses this holiday season. Paws to Support Local is the purrr-fect way to get in the spirit of giving.
iAdopt for the Holidays: 'Tis the season to find a forever home
It's that time of year again- the season of giving, and I have an excellent way to give. It's a win-win! iAdopt for the Holidays is sponsored by Petplan pet insurance. This holiday adoption campaign runs now until December 31, 2020, at participating SPCAs, humane societies, and rescue groups across Canada. Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, located in Pembroke, Ontario, services the Renfrew County community where my family is from. Their goal for this holiday campaign is to find loving forever homes for as many animals as possible.
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