Conflicted on Canada Day: Being patriotic means owning ALL of our nation's history

Yesterday I visited parks & landmarks in Ottawa with significance to Indigenous communities; Pindigen Park, Chaudière Falls and Pangishimo Park, to collect trash and pay my respects. I planned to do this on Canada Day, however due to probable rain I decided to do it a day early. As I've learned more about the unsettling colonial history of Canada and the truth about the genocide and forced assimilation of Indigenous people these past few years I find Canada Day to be a conflicting holiday.

Storm safety prep for you and your pets: What do I do during a tornado?

Ottawa is facing another severe thunderstorm today, Thursday, June 16, 2022, and meteorologists report that the storm will have all the ingredients for a "likely tornado." I want to share some quick storm prep tips for folks in the area- and their pets. It's important to prepare for the thunderstorm and a possible power outage or worst-case scenario- a tornado 

This post contains affiliate links for the books featured and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of my links

Reading with Pride: I'm unapologetically proud of this LGBTQ+ inclusive children's book list

Let's talk equality! Having LGBTQ+ conversations as adults can be fairly easy. But how do you approach conversations about gender equality with your children? Firstly, if you are asking that question, you're doing something right! Good parenting means teaching about equity, tolerance and love- and leading by example, even if you grew up influenced by biases or have a lack of understanding of the current gender spectrum. It's important that you remember that discussing sexuality is not discussing sex. Additionally, discussing gender identity and same-sex attraction will not change your child's identity. We are born this way! Guess what else won't change your child's identity? READING about gender identity and same-sex attraction! 

Paws For Reaction: The blog, the dog, and so much more!

Graphic by DeliveryRank

It's always nice to be appreciated! It has been such an exciting year for Hazel and me. We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Paws For Reaction. To make us feel extra special, the folks at DeliveryRank interviewed me about Paws For Reaction: the past, present and future of my Ottawa dog blog. 

Guest blog by Adeline Ee. So excited to welcome her to the Paws For Reaction extended family!

Are you preparing for the arrival of your new puppy? If so, congratulations! We are excited for you and hope you have many happy years with your new family member. If you’ve owned dogs before, you know they love getting into trouble. Every dog parent knows the feeling of returning home to discover a mess.

Paws for a cause: We stand with the people and pets of Ukraine- and so can you!

Watching the tragedy in Ukraine unfold has been gutwrenching, and it is impossible to ignore. The people of Ukraine are suffering from an unjust attack. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has launched an illegal assault on the people of Ukraine, and his war has gone on far too long. It's day 70 of the war in Ukraine. People- and their pets- are suffering daily and many Canadians desperately want to help. I'm feeling hopeful today because I can share an inspiring initiative with all of my animal-loving readers that will help Ukraine's pets in need and support the veterinarians who are working hard to keep those pets safe and healthy. 

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.

How to keep pets safe during the Ottawa Occupation: Pets are suffering from anxiety due to excessive noise pollution

This post contains affiliate links to products I've recommended to help keep your pet calm, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

No rational person can call it anything else- the city of Ottawa is being held hostage by an illegal occupation. Since January 29th, non-stop noise pollution from honking horns, yelling, harassment, and fireworks has created an unbearable environment for residents. For dogs and cats in downtown Ottawa, this environment is terrifying. 

Adorable dog and cat online dating profiles seeking the perfect 'mate' for a Valentine's date

This post contains affiliate links to pawsitively adorable dog products, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Love is in the air and I'm on the hunt for the most romantic pet gifts all the dogs are barking about! We love our dogs more than we love most people, so why not spoil our dogs for Valentine's Day? I spent days searching and uncovering the most unique, quirky, fun-loving, and of course, romantic Valentine's Day gifts for dogs that Etsy has to offer. When you shop Etsy, you support small businesses, artists, and makers, a pretty lovable thing to do. I featured Etsy shops located in North America with 5-star ratings (at the time of post). No need to sniff anywhere else to find a Valentine for your pup because this is the ultimate Valentine's Day gift guide for your dog.

Seven years a senior: Happy 7th birthday to Hazel the Saint Bernese

There's nothing I love more than seeing joy spark across Hazel's overly expressive face. Today, Hazel's birthday is one of her most joyful days of the year, and therefore, one of her most expressive. This year I'm isolating, so we couldn't go on one of our birthday adventures. I still spoiled her with many gifts, which is her favourite part anyway. This year she has earned the title of being my 'old lady dog' like Keira did before her.

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.