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Every month, I have the privilege in my First Word column to share with our readers a few words, thoughts, and ideas that are either on my mind or related to current events or stories in the issue. It might surprise you, but it’s not always easy! Every day I keep a journal of my

by Dr. Shelley Breadner, Breadner Veterinary Services – We are all faced with worrisome situations involving our pets at one time or another. They become core members of our family and help us through many of life’s ups and downs. The last thing we want to contend with is making a decision for their health

by Shauna Dorko, Sidney SeniorCare – When it comes to unconditional love and affection, our pets trump anyone and everyone. Whether dogs, cats or birds of a feather, pets are a joyful addition to any household, offering companionship, comfort, and security – both emotional and potentially physical as well. It is a well-known medical fact

by Tina Kelly – Good intentions of well-meaning pet owners can sometimes backfire for the animal and the environment. Whether you’ve grown tired of pet ownership or have a desire to give your pet freedom, releasing a non-native animal into the environment spells bad news. Adaptations of certain exotic pets means they won’t survive in

by Valerie Green – May 1 (May Day) ushers in the fifth month on our modern-day calendar. Various May Day festivities were once a highlight in every village throughout the United Kingdom. Today we tend to connect just two special holiday celebrations with the month of May: Victoria Day and Mothers’ Day. Victoria Day was

reviewed by Virginia Watson-Rouslin – If you’ve ever travelled west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada to Banff, you’ll remember the stunning presence of the Three Sisters mountains on your left, a certain sign that you’ve reached our magnificent Canadian Rockies. Those triple peaks give Katherine Govier’s latest novel a fitting title for a work that

by Max – This is my Christmas story. I am an American cocker spaniel and a “rescue dog.” There are lots just like me looking for homes and new friends. I was four-and-a-half years old when I was left at the Victoria SPCA about five years ago because of “allergies,” they said. My coat was

by Jo Barnes – “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things” 1 Employers often look for staff with strong leadership skills – but how do you get leadership skills if you don’t have job experience? The leadership training programs at Panorama Recreation provide youth with skills that will help them towards

by Lara Gladych – SEASONAL Tea Time Opening in Rockland in May is Rudi’s Tea Room, at the Cary Castle Mews, part of the Government House estate. The Tea Room offers a chance for visitors to enjoy lunch, tea, pastries and other refreshments, all prepared by the Executive Chef at Government House. The Mews will

by Dr. Maureen Sweeney, Live Young Medical – May is skin cancer awareness month. How many cancers do you know of that can be prevented? Skin cancer in its various forms is the most common cancer and can largely be prevented. Ultra violet radiation from sunlight is the number one cause of skin cancer. You