Main picture: Cathy Lee Gifford, looking for an adoptive family at the Niagara Falls Humane Society now. For more information on here click the link here.
Here at the Niagara Falls Humane Society, we value connection to you, the local community that surrounds us. Every day we are out in the streets, in the homes and in the lives of everyone in this city. We are creating connections, telling stories and finding Forever Homes for the animals that pass through the shelter.
On June 9 and 10, the Pet Expo came to the Scotiabank Center. There were thousands of animals that came through, over 100 vendors on site and more than a few special shows and demonstrations for our attendees. I had the chance of meeting all of the animals coming through the front doors. There were so many beautiful dogs that I had the chance of meeting and assessing prior to their entry into the Pet Expo. There were even more stories that came with each pet; and the owners were very proud to tell their stories and show off their pets. This was a very exciting event for the first time in the Niagara Region. If you weren’t able to make it out, stay tuned for upcoming events.
One demonstration at the Pet Expo that particularly stood out for me was the demonstrations that Dave McMahon had with his dogs. Animal Control Officer, Cameron Brooks did a phenomenal job wearing the protection sleeve against personal protection canine, Burklee. If there’s one man who really knows how to train your canine, it’s Dave McMahan! Dave is host of the Dog Talk Radio Show, is a dog trainer, people coach and owns the Dave McMahan Dog Training Academy. Videos of his demonstration from the Pet Expo are on his Facebook page. Be sure to check it out, and check out some of the other events he is doing right in our community – such as a recent intermediate and advanced obedience class on Clifton Hill.
Johnny (pictured above) will require a fully fenced in yard at least 6 feet tall. Johnny is a happy guy who loves to run around and be active and throw his toys around, his floppy tongue and puppy like personality adds to his charm. Find out more about Johnny on this link.
In life there are simple rules that are universal; one of those being – you can’t do life alone. It’s just impossible. That simple. This is why cultures across history are deeply rooted in family, friends and the community. Niagara is no different. This is why we go to great lengths to run these incredible events for you – to create connection, spread awareness and share a piece of our lives with others.
Taking that first step is always the hardest. Leaving the house to volunteer. Making that first call to a friend we haven’t seen in some time – maybe we feel guilty for neglecting the friendship. Ending that toxic relationship with a friend – or a spouse. Speaking up about that hidden struggle we’ve managed to keep hidden for so long. Closing the chapter on something that has been a real struggle for us to do. Knowing that it should happen, but it’s so hard to do.
“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings” – Lao Tzu. Isn’t that the truth! When we stop to reflect, to step out and see the bigger picture, we always can see the beauty of every situation. Every. Single. One. It’s not easy to lay to rest our emotions and perceptions of an event, but when we can, we absolutely can see that life is beautiful in every moment. When we are able to do this, we have achieved a state of being healed and of wholeness. That is what makes life worth living.
A special adoption fee of $60 applies for Edgar pictured above. He will need to be the only animal in his forever home (no dogs or cats). He loves catnip and you can win him over easily with some chin rubs. This lovable ol’ man is looking forward to finding a permanent place to rest his paws after being found as a stray a couple of months ago and no one coming to find him, he has quickly learned that he is safe and loved he is such a handsome boy with so much to offer! If you think Edgar would be a good fit for you, stop by for a visit! Edgar is available at Pet Valu on Portage Rd. For more information about him click the link here.
Life is unpredictable. Five year plans don’t work. Ever. We are in a constant state of change. Unpredictable change. Perhaps this explains why the divorce rate is what it is. People change, they grow or they recede. Sometimes people grow together, and other times they grow apart. Sometimes people fall together, and other times they fall apart. The one constant is change; and this is another universal truth. The summer last year is much different from the summer this year, and the summer before last was even more different. The same applies to all of us. Take a look at yourself one year ago. What have you accomplished? Was it everything you hoped for? How about two years ago? Dare we think about three?
Think about all of the change that has occurred. We’ve met new friends. We’ve gotten rid of a few. We have maybe had children, which changed the entire family dynamic. Or furry children! Think about what could happen tomorrow, or the day after that – or next year for that matter. We have no idea what tomorrow brings, so it’s so important that we learn to embrace the unknown, the fear, and live every moment as if we were reliving it for the second time; free of doubts and free of regret. Life is unpredictable; make the best out of the moment right now while you can. The only moment we live in is right now.
Dumbo loves squeaky toys (pictured above) and knows how to sit and shake a paw. He would like a home with no young kids. He loves to explore and can’t wait to meet you! For more information on Dumbo, click the link here.
Cathy Lee Gifford weighs 37 lbs (main picture). She is best suited in a home with no other dogs. She is very friendly and has so much love to give. She can’t wait to become a part of your family. Cathy loves to zip around and is quick to sit for a treat, this smart girl has a fun-loving demeanor and loves to go for walks. For more information about Cathy click the link here.
To build yourself up you also should consider what you can bring to the table in your immediate family, your inner circle of friends, and ultimately the community that surrounds you. For us, this means the Niagara Region, and more specifically Niagara Falls because this is where we live. These are the streets we drive and the parks we play in. I understand that the society we live in is over dependent on technology, which has created a disconnect with our neighbours.
This week, I want to challenge you. What are you going to do to make an impact in the three areas I mentioned; 1) your immediate family, 2) your inner circle of friends, 3) the City of Niagara Falls? These are the people that matter most – the ones we surround ourselves with. What are you prepared to do to show these people that they matter, and that you care about them?
Also, make sure to like and share us on social media. We have been posting new material all week about the recent events across the city, including the Pet Expo. Again, if you missed this event, be sure to look at all of the pictures.
Connect with us. Help us to find Forever Homes for the animals at the shelter. They are counting on you.
Website for Niagara Falls Humane Society: www.nfhs.ca
This week’s column written by Christopher Dalton
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