Amidst the bundles of donations arriving every minute was the signing of an adoption of a dog named “Jersey.”. A man had come in and decided that this was the dog for him, with paperwork and leash in hand he left as a new pet  parent. Jersey had half a look of uncertainty and half a look of happiness with a wagging tail. Let’s hope their partnership is a loving and long one.

Meanwhile, a little Chihuahua who had been found was being cuddled by the front desk clerk. Too scared and shivery to be left in the kennel he was nestled in the jacket of the staff member. This temporary home was just right until they find his parent which might come sooner than later as a missing dog report possibly matches his description.

When I checked the dog kennels, which were too loud for my Mum to go into, it was hard to see them there. They were distressed, sad and in a cold environment that well-meaning people try to keep to standard of cleanliness. However, nothing can replace the need for a real home and connection with family. It is helpful to remember that during this season of giving this is one charity that could use our help but it is also the time when people may decide to buy a dog, cat or other companion.

As always lets all try to be realistic before adopting or buying.

* They need a forever home – if you aren’t in it for the long haul than don’t buy.

* Always spay and neuter your pet. If you don’t believe that it is important then go down to your city pound and stare into the eyes of hundreds of abandoned or abused animals. We don’t need anymore casualties of human stupidity.

* Just like there are special needs children there are also special needs pets. If you can’t afford hypo-allergenic food, should allergies arise, or specialized treatment for injury or disease then don’t buy or adopt a pet. These things do come up and as a former pet parent of a dog with allergies I was willing to set aside my dollars for her care.

* Pets need training and some need more than others. If your time will not be allocated to basic socialization and training then say “No” to pet ownership. What makes a happy family and pet is the ability to instill rules and training that make sense. Spoiling or yelling at your pet is not a long term solution to behaviour problems. Be responsible.

* If you are a family on the go and are not there most of the day – perhaps a dog is not for you. They are pack oriented and leaving them alone for hours is not in their best interest. They must have stimulation, fun, attention and they can’t get that if you leave them in your backyard, a crate or house all day.You come home beat from your day and they are a bundle of energy waiting to play. Not the best situation. However, if  you can afford a dog walker, sitter or daycare then maybe this is workable but that is dependent on your pet’s personality.

* If you have children assess their maturity to handle a new pet and make them responsible too. I once worked in a clinic in which a poor puppy came in twice for broken legs because the boy was too rough with the dog. Finally, matters had to be taken into hand in order to protect the puppy. This is not an ideal situation.

* Medication costs! In that same clinic I witnessed people talking on cell phones outside while smoking a cigarette after complaining about the cost of medication they were prescribed for their dog. Priority needs to be set with this new life that is in your care. If you can afford to smoke and find other pleasurable activities then it should be said you can afford to help out a living, breathing soul dependent on your kindness and compassion.

Right now there are thousands of dogs, cats and other animals needing homes. When will it be that people can fully see the value of finding these ones homes before breeding new ones? It doesn’t matter what breed you may want somebody has a rescue shelter somewhere that can help you be matched up with your companion. Please consider donating to your local rescue society, giving of your time or adopting responsibly.

This site was originally conceived with a very special agenda to feature women of influence, charities and foundations along with my own life reflections. Today, I honor one woman, Betty Fox, who led a life of service to not only her family, her community but indeed our country. She did this to carry on the legacy of her son Terry who courageously battled cancer and ran over 5000 km to raise money for cancer research. When he lost his life at the age of 22, Canada mourned but like a phoenix rising from the ashes Betty and the Fox family found a way to turn that loss into hope.

I was a teenager when Terry left us but he was a legend in many a kids eye. Growing up in Coquitlam BC it was cool to see Terry Fox Secondary become part of our school district. It was due to the tireless efforts of Terry’s mum and family that an entire foundation was formed and year after year people ran, served and donated in Terry’s honor.

It was not of her choosing that Betty Fox became a participant in all of this, as having her child alive and well would have been her first wish. However, the plans for both her son’s life and hers changed. Sometimes we don’t know what our full potential is until we are forced to find it. To dig deep and spread the seeds of our humanity, compassion, wisdom and service to others as she did so mightily. This my friends was a life lived – another great woman of influence – who through her love for her son continued the journey he could not.

Thank you Betty for your service to us all. For demonstrating what love of family, friends and community is all about. For leaving behind a foundation that will continue where you left off and know that we are eternally grateful for the time you had to spend with us. Sending heart-felt condolences to the family.

Please go to my charities page for a link to the Terry Fox Foundation.

Featuring Canuck Place Children’s Hospice which does such amazing work to support children with life threatening illness and their families. Also featuring Diane Swonk a woman who has not let her disability stop her from achieving monumental goals in the financial world as an Economist.

Go to the tabs above and follow the links to learn more.

INDONESIA: Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas of  Orangutan Foundation International has studied and focused her efforts on saving the endangered orangutans in Borneo while educating the world about their lives and habitat. This was a unique experience to see the characteristics and the needs of these little apes and receive an inside look at the daily rituals of those who protect and raise them.

KENYA: In honor of her late husband Dame Daphne Sheldrick began her life long quest to help orphaned baby elephants. As some of you know I am a supporter of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and an admirer of this woman who is featured in this movie. Her passion and dedication is contagious and as such she has a tireless team of people who work around the clock to support both elephants and rhinos; preparing them for their eventual release back into the wild.

One of my greatest highlights was interviewing Wendie Wendt who became the Vice-President of the US Friends of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. That two part interview gave me a true understanding of how passion leads to purpose. For the Love of a Baby Elephant Part 1 and For the Love of a Baby Elephant Part 2 may be an article you would like to read for further insight into their great adventure. I received multiple emails from people wanting to know more and support the organization. It was and remains my pleasure to pass along the information.

Go to this movie!! BORN TO WILD 3D directed by David Lickley and narrated by Morgan Freeman, it is so worth the admission. Whether playing soccer with the elephants, watching the antics of orangutans, scaling up the tall rain forest or flying over Kenya’s landscape you will be captivated and educated by it all. The primary goals are to protect the habitat, support the orphans and release both orangutans and elephants into the environments they were born to roam. Truly noble causes. These two women and all of those who assist deserve their time in the spotlights along with the adorable creatures that share, or shall I say take over the screen.

For more information on how you can give to these projects and adopt an elephant or orangutan go to the links provided or check out my charities page.

Kids from 5 – 20 years of age can get assistance; support through counsel, information and referrals to appropriate social services agencies in their community.  They also offer public education programs to address issues that are important in the lives and protection of our children. From the programs and calls received Kids Help Phone produces research reports that are helpful to parents and youth alike. Discussing topics such as Online Relationships and Internet Safety, Bullying and the growing threat to kids, Cyber-Bullying; all relevant topics to explore.

The mental health of our children  is so important and the reality is they need a place to go without fear of judgement or reprisal for speaking their truth; sharing their feelings with complete anonoymity. Suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety are real issues that some young people face and Kids Help Phone is one service that may save a life. Trying to get access to counselling can be difficult, even adults have trouble finding someone to see right away which can often leave them feeling helpless. Thankfully, if your child needed to reach out and did not feel comfortable to talk with you, there is hope. Wouldn’t you want a professional to step in and help?

On May 1st people across Canada will walk in support of Kids Help Phone. Break the silence of Mental Health – Walk So Kids Can Talk and show you care. Donate, walk or volunteer and be part of helping kids know that somebody will always listen.