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. 

 World Veterinary Day: I never believed I had what it takes to work in veterinary medicine

When I was studying print journalism and photography my life consisted of photographing and interviewing indie bands, hanging backstage at Bluesfest, and designing TV guides. If you told me then that I would go from interviewing Ron Jeremy, photographing the Never Ending White Lights, and drinking beers with Slightly Stoopid and Matty Mays, to working in media for the veterinary industry, I would have barked at you. I've loved animals my whole life, but working in a compassion-based industry was something I never wanted. I don't have what it takes. 

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. 

Brown bag goes green: One Tree Planted for every compostable bag of Northern Biscuits to lower your carbon pawprint

Looking for a way to reduce your carbon pawprint that your dog will wag her tail about? Hazel's favourite Canadian dog treat company Northern Biscuit is celebrating Earth Month with a drool-worthy promotion. For every 1.36kg compostable bag of their five top-selling biscuits purchased in April, Northern Biscuits will plant a tree with One Tree Planted, a non-profit global re-forestation organization. The trees planted for this promotion will focus on Canadian regions to help promote cleaner air and support biodiversity. Forests provide habitat to over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, and while this biodiversity doesn't include dogs, our dogs will be happy to explore the forest and snack on Northern Biscuits- all to help the planet.

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. 

Food for thought: What's your carbon foodprint and how can you reduce it?

Here's something for you to chew on. One of the easiest ways to fight climate change is with a diet change. We all have a carbon foodprint. What we put in our mouth leaves a mark on our planet. Deforestation to make space for animal agriculture, energy and water consumption, transporting and storing food, the production process, pesticide use, and waste runoff created by farming, and unsustainable packaging are ways our food can harm the environment. Climate change will threaten our food security, causing an increase in weather-related disasters like floods and droughts. To keep food on our plates we need to take climate change off the menu.

Earth Day children's book list: Picture books about climate change for the next generation of environmental activists
    

Books are one of the most reused items in existence. We buy used books, borrow books from friends, and donate old books we've read already. E-books and audiobooks are sustainable and waste-free. Literature is important, but it can also be eco-friendly- especially when the book you are reading is all about caring for the planet. Getting people engaged with environmental action at a young age is the best way to ensure a sustainable future. Why not engage children during storytime?

Easter fact and fun: Hoppy Easter ideas from your favourite Saint Bernese, Hazel!
  

Disney dog products for your Princess: Everyone is barking about the new Disney Collection at Chewy

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

Enchantment awaits your canine companion! The Disney Collection at Chewy is giving off serious nostalgia vibes, and what is more nostalgic than Disney? I'm a huge fan of Disney and I like to think of Hazel as my honourary Disney Princess. She's lacking in some Disney royalty qualities; she can't sing, she doesn't have a critter companion, and she has yet to find her Prince Charming. She has, however, faced and overcome adversity and learned valuable life lessons along the way- the most important quality in a Disney Princess. 

Water is life: Take action to help end drinking water advisories in First Nation communities 

We dip our toes in it. We listen to it rain down on our rooftops. We use it to brew our coffee, brush our teeth, wash our hands. Up to 60% of our bodies are made of it. Water is life. It's easy to take for granted because access to safe water is a basic human right. Or is it? The truth a little murkier. 61 indigenous communities in Canada are under water-boil advisories. They don't have clean water for drinking or sanitation, even though Canada is one of the most water-rich countries in the world. Some First Nation communities have lived with water advisories for more than a decade and are forced to boil water or use bottled water. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reassured these communities that he would end the water advisories by March 2021, which would be a great way to celebrate World Water Day. Sadly, we won't be celebrating because the Canadian government says that Covid-19 may delay its target deadline. To those First Nation communities, water is a reason to make waves and take action. It's something they long for. It's a need not being fulfilled. Ask yourself this: What does water mean to you?

Guest blog: Regenerative medicine and 3D printing, the future of veterinary medicine

So, what is 3D printing and how is it the future of veterinary medicine? I get asked this question a lot. I'm a licensed veterinary technician (CVT) and research associate at the Louisiana School of Veterinary Medicine. I work for an orthopedic surgeon that created our laboratory of 3D printing and regenerative medicine. Our lab works with existing departments at the vet school and other main campus departments, specifically the engineering department, and we collaborate locally outside of the school. It's a lot of science, all in the name of saving animals! 

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!

Ask a Vet: What you need to know about toxin ingestion, inducing vomiting, and pet insurance coverage for pet poisonings 

There is no other moment in a pet owner’s life that is more fear-inducing than when a pet ingests a toxin. It’s hard not to panic when you catch your cat licking a lily or come home to your dog surrounded by ripped-open candy wrappers, looking up at you with a chocolate-stained smile. Heart racing, you run to the phone to call your veterinarian or jump online to search if the item is toxic. We know we have to act fast when a pet is poisoned and veterinary treatment can be expensive. We also need to do things to prevent possible poisoning. But pet owners have other questions. What do I do if my dog or cat ate something toxic? What are common household toxins for pets? Are pet poisonings covered by pet insurance?

 How you can help #NOMV: Veterinary community and animal lovers raise awareness after three vet med professionals die by suicide 

Please contact The Canada Suicide Prevention Service 24/7 by phone at 1-833-456-4566 or text them at 45645, available from 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM, EST for support. You are never alone.

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. 

Empowering females of the future: The feminist past and female future of Girl Guides 

The name Brownies was officially changed to Embers in 2023.

GUIDER (noun) /gahyder/ Catalyst of girl empowerment. That's what's written on the new shirt I ordered from the Girl Guides of Canada store and I wear it proudly as I write this. Girl Guides is exactly that for me: How I empower the next generation of female leaders. Is there a more fitting topic for International Women's Day? I began my journey as a Brownie and Girl Guide before becoming Guider (unit leader) to an amazing group of Brownies (known as Embers as of 2023). Being a Guider is a big responsibility. The Guiding movement's past is rooted in feminism. Some people don't like the word feminism, but the definition is the belief that women should have equal rights. I can't imagine anyone being fundamentally against that. Girl Guides is the feminist movement all girls should be involved with. On this special day of celebrating women's equality, I want to share with you why your girls should join Girl Guides.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: This just in from Ontario Nature, we need to save wetlands in Pickering
 

Developers are looking to destroy a large Provincially Significant Wetland in Pickering to make room for a warehousing facility. This is unacceptable but if we act fast we may be able to save these wetlands. 

Hanging With Hazel: A successful working (from home) dog's job description 

You all know me- I'm Hazel. The last time I barked at you I told you all about how happy I am that mum and I work from home to stay safe from the rona. I told you all of the things I like about it, but I forgot to tell you about my job. Now that you know I work from home, let me tell you a little about what I do. I wear many collars here at work. My role here is vital to our success. Some days I feel a little micromanaged by mum, but since I love her I tolerate it. These are some of my job duties. I can't wait for you to learn about how pawesome of a worker I am!

Tell a Fairy Tale Day: My childhood favourite spooky and fantasy books for fairy tale lovers

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People connect with stories, the real and the fantastical. Fairy tales submerge us in a fantasy world and teach us about life and morality. I've always been an avid reader. I remember how exciting it was to graduate from picture books to the young adult genre. When I was growing up I was drawn to fantasy stories. I loved books that create a magical world and stories that scare me. Fantasy stories are an exciting escape from reality and for National Tell a Fairy Tale Day I'm going to share a few of my favourite fantasy books I read growing up. Maybe your kids will enjoy these stories as much as I did.

Celebrate Dog Biscuit Day: Peanut butter and jam dog treat recipe 

Hazel is one spoiled little (big) mountain dog. It's hard to resist her puppy dog eyes and crooked nose. For National Dog Biscuit Day I tried my hand at baking Hazel some homemade dog treats. Hazel gave me the idea when she wouldn't stop staring at me as I ate a peanut butter and jam sandwich. Hazel's been a good girl, she deserves her own PB&J.

Love is a four-legged word: Four ways you can show your pets the love they deserve 

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

Love is a four-legged word! When I discovered February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day my first thought was "I don't need a day to remind me to love Hazel!" I show Hazel love every day! But it made me think about how I show Hazel love. The first thing that came to mind is the unlimited snuggles I give her. Affection is the obvious way we show love, however, there is a better way we show unconditional love for our fur-family. 

It's 2021: Time to stop calling women hysterical

I was moderating comments on my blog and discovered a comment left on my article Real talk: Does a veterinary hospital have to see your pet?. It said the article was very "crass" and should have "a rant warning." To be fair, in the first paragraph of the article I state I'm aware I'm going to ruffle some feathers and the article may sound harsh. The male commenter then said the article was "obviously written by a hysterical woman. Yikes." After some consideration, I deleted it.

Your funny Valentine: February pets featured in a Valentine from their pet parents

You know why you love your pet, but why not put it in writing? That's what some of my Paws peeps did for Valentine's Day! I asked my readers to submit a photo of their pet and one sentence explaining why they love their pet. Thank you for submitting your pet to be selected as one of my February Featured Pets. I created custom Valentine's for them from you- the person who loves them most! Just right-click or press and hold on the photo and save it! Then you can share it with your friends and family!

Chocolate is almost as sweet as my dog Hazel. That's right, I said almost. But every now and then I get a chocolate craving I can't ignore. I've always been extra careful not to let my dog have even a crumb of cocoa goodness. But why? We know not to give our dogs chocolate, but what is it about the sweet substance that is so dangerous for dogs? I asked Dr. Carlie Paquette, a veterinarian at Pembroke Animal Hospital, to give me the facts about chocolate toxicity and dogs. 

 Black History Month: 12 books about diversity and inclusivity for children

February is Black History Month. Canada's theme for Black History Month 2021 is The Future is Now. Educating the future generation about the achievements of Black Canadians and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our community is a fundamental part of a child's learning experience. Setting a good example for the youth and teaching them when they are young is the best way to ensure children are more tolerant in the future. Literature can help shape future generations and is a useful tool in achieving this. Check out these 12 inspiring children's books about diversity and inclusivity. If you are interested in purchasing one of these books for your children, just click the links in the post!