This month I write with a new found spring at my fingertips. I spent a moment last weekend perched at one of my favorite neighbourhood coffee shops, Afson Cafe, on Burrard and Harwood. I lounged in the comfy leather chairs and lapped up whipping cream, laced with maple syrup, floating on top of creamy hot chocolate. I tried to imagine how my favorite Rag doll cat would enjoy this day. I allowed the soothing fountain to ease my mind, and I basked in the warm sun offered by the floor to ceiling windows and gazed out for a time of pet watching. I’m inspired as many a companion is out walking with their best friend on this brightly blue sky day.
MPG photographers met with pet lovers along the seawall for our monthly “Me and My Pet“ photo shoot. They also met with positive feedback, as they invited people to our next Pets and Friends fund raiser, The “St.PETtricks Day” Party (see our invite on pg8) Our last party was a success and we look forward to our continued support of such a great organization. (petsandfriends.org)
There are so many fantastic organizations in this city and its very difficult to choose just one. We care about them all and we’ve had many loyal readers suggest their personal picks for our support. An overwhelming amount of you has helped us decided to choose Pets and Friends.
We also support animal rescues and have chosen to share Nicole Oliver’s rescue story. Thelma and Louise wiggled their way out of a cereal box and played on Nicole’s heartstrings. She tells me that recently, these lovable cats, sat aside her father-in-law in a time of comfort. This is exactly the type of moment that Pets and Friends execute. Comfort is found in the presence of animal companions.
This month issue is dedicated to cats- each and every type of cat. I haven’t enjoyed the company of a cat since I was a child, but I have such fond memories to last a lifetime. Last year MPG was invited to our first cat show. I was pleasantly surprised how I enjoyed the day. Watching proud cat lovers parade their best in the competitors rings, it was no time to lounge. It was surprising how many cats were entered and how far some had traveled to be there. Equally interesting was time spent with the breeders, to learn why they choose a particular breed. To ask them about their lives and the exhaustive time they spend devoted to their cats is inspiring. Everyone had a story to tell and we open to share!
So, I encourage you to check out this months Cat Show hosted by the Cat Fancier’s of BC. You’ll be fascinated by the plethora of breeds and you can meet the people dedicated to breeding their favorite cats.
This month, we’ve featured a story, submitted by a cat named Smoo. He tells us how he, and companion Robert, moved to a new home last year. It was a traumatic time for both of them and for this reason, they’ve shared their experience. Many people plan a spring move and it’s a challenging time. No matter how well you plan ahead or how smooth the actual transition, this is one time certain to stir up “hair ball” moments. We’re happy to hear that both Robert and Smoo were fortunate to have found a new home in a pet-friendly West end apartment complex.
On the contrary, there exists the fate of the “misunderstood, maligned, mistreated” Maverick cat. Who hasn’t seen such a cat in their neighbourhood? Perhaps, after reading this article, the hair, on the back of your neck, will stand up and call you to action- to help one find a new home like that of Orange Bob.
It’s difficult, in this business, to please everyone. Many publications work hard at digging up the best negative angle possible. At MPG, we accentuate the positive, including as many heartwarming stories as we can find. Regarding animals, we don’t mind tipping the scale to the positive. We’d love to advertise every animal product, tell you about all the upcoming events, inform about the healthiest in animal care in order to please everyone. Realistically, that’s not yet possible in 8 pages, we bound in small strides. We may be limited, but we’ve improved our outlook-we’ve gone full color! More importantly, our new paper stock has more recycled content.
We hope you enjoy our new spring forward. Thanks to you who support us through advertising, subscriptions and
join us at our monthly
fund raisers.
See you at the Cat Show,
Kim
Happy Valentines Day
As I write this month's editorial, I'm ecstatic that the fog has lifted. I returned from an afternoon at the Moonlight Ranch, in Aldergrove, with a new skip in my step. No, its not just me ridding my boots of some barnyard gems.
I took a moment during a photo shoot to cuddle with an adorable teacup poodle, named Coco Chanel. Any moments spent around animals are so rewarding and a great stress release. I'm certain I heard the birds chirping "good riddance" to the dullest days seen in 2009.
It's time to dispense with the gloom, both inside and out. Vancouverites are ready for a warming trend. I'm a hopeless romantic, so this month is a particular favorite. It warms my heart simply because, nestled within, is a "sweetheart" of a day. At MPG, we plan to make February 14th a Valentines Day to remember. We've chosen this day to sponsor the inaugural 2009 Valentine Pet Party, and each and every one of you is invited. All the details appear on the backside of this issue. Email us to get your personal invite at metropetgazette@gmail.com and bring your pets to mingle too! Partial proceeds will go to one of our favorite organizations, Pets’n Friends.
To me, Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers. Originally, it is true, it was a day to honor Saint Valentine and to express love to our sweethearts. But these days, February 14th has also come to be a celebration time for families and this includes our animal companions. The modern celebrations of the day sees people treating their family members with gifts that include popular gifts like flowers, sweets and cards. Nothing is better than the unconditional love that our pets give us. So, this is another time to lavish those around us with special appreciation. But never forget, chocolates are off the list of goodies to share with our dogs!
These days, many eyes are focused south of the border. Therefore, I would be remiss not to mention that politically speaking, it is an exceptional time in history. We have witnessed an historical election and there is contagious warmth emanating from the United States. The inauguration of the US President Barack Obama, the first African American President saw over a million people line the streets and every other country stopping in its tracks to watch. How does this relate to MPG, you ask? Well, did you know that US President Obama and his family plan to adopt their first dog from an animal shelter? This alone is enough to win my vote and warm the hearts of many North Americans. Let's have some fun with this hot topic. Email us with your guess on the breed of the next presidential pooch and we'll reward the winner!
Closer to home, this month marks the one year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympics hosted by our great city. In anticipation of the upcoming games we've interviewed the world's first Olympic Gold Medalist in snowboard racing, BC's own Ross Rebagliati. This man's historic ride to glory came to an abrupt halt when he was stripped of his gold medal. Today, a decade later, he opens his heart and speaks candidly about what happened and what matters to him the most. His sweetheart wife, Alexandra, pregnant with their son, and his three companions, Emma, Logan and Nadie are at his side. What plans are Ross & Alexandra carving out for their future? Check out our centerfold.
Valentine's Day calls us to appreciate the unconditional love of the animals that warm our hearts. They know not the state of our affairs. But our companions are intuitive to our moods. They sense our needs as we attend to theirs. From the most distinguished leaders to the stay at home dad, from the Olympian to the ski lift operator, we all enjoy the recognition we get from Fido as he greets us at the door. Our pets are crazy for attention and we lap it up. The truth is we love it and we love them. Let this Valentines Day be a reminder to continue to celebrate each of them every day in every way. Join us for our Pet Party on Feb 14th & have a Happy Valentines Day!
I took a moment during a photo shoot to cuddle with an adorable teacup poodle, named Coco Chanel. Any moments spent around animals are so rewarding and a great stress release. I'm certain I heard the birds chirping "good riddance" to the dullest days seen in 2009.
It's time to dispense with the gloom, both inside and out. Vancouverites are ready for a warming trend. I'm a hopeless romantic, so this month is a particular favorite. It warms my heart simply because, nestled within, is a "sweetheart" of a day. At MPG, we plan to make February 14th a Valentines Day to remember. We've chosen this day to sponsor the inaugural 2009 Valentine Pet Party, and each and every one of you is invited. All the details appear on the backside of this issue. Email us to get your personal invite at metropetgazette@gmail.com and bring your pets to mingle too! Partial proceeds will go to one of our favorite organizations, Pets’n Friends.
To me, Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers. Originally, it is true, it was a day to honor Saint Valentine and to express love to our sweethearts. But these days, February 14th has also come to be a celebration time for families and this includes our animal companions. The modern celebrations of the day sees people treating their family members with gifts that include popular gifts like flowers, sweets and cards. Nothing is better than the unconditional love that our pets give us. So, this is another time to lavish those around us with special appreciation. But never forget, chocolates are off the list of goodies to share with our dogs!
These days, many eyes are focused south of the border. Therefore, I would be remiss not to mention that politically speaking, it is an exceptional time in history. We have witnessed an historical election and there is contagious warmth emanating from the United States. The inauguration of the US President Barack Obama, the first African American President saw over a million people line the streets and every other country stopping in its tracks to watch. How does this relate to MPG, you ask? Well, did you know that US President Obama and his family plan to adopt their first dog from an animal shelter? This alone is enough to win my vote and warm the hearts of many North Americans. Let's have some fun with this hot topic. Email us with your guess on the breed of the next presidential pooch and we'll reward the winner!
Closer to home, this month marks the one year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympics hosted by our great city. In anticipation of the upcoming games we've interviewed the world's first Olympic Gold Medalist in snowboard racing, BC's own Ross Rebagliati. This man's historic ride to glory came to an abrupt halt when he was stripped of his gold medal. Today, a decade later, he opens his heart and speaks candidly about what happened and what matters to him the most. His sweetheart wife, Alexandra, pregnant with their son, and his three companions, Emma, Logan and Nadie are at his side. What plans are Ross & Alexandra carving out for their future? Check out our centerfold.
Valentine's Day calls us to appreciate the unconditional love of the animals that warm our hearts. They know not the state of our affairs. But our companions are intuitive to our moods. They sense our needs as we attend to theirs. From the most distinguished leaders to the stay at home dad, from the Olympian to the ski lift operator, we all enjoy the recognition we get from Fido as he greets us at the door. Our pets are crazy for attention and we lap it up. The truth is we love it and we love them. Let this Valentines Day be a reminder to continue to celebrate each of them every day in every way. Join us for our Pet Party on Feb 14th & have a Happy Valentines Day!
Kim’s Kennel - Happy New Year!
January 2009. This is the time of year we reflect and respond to the year ahead. These first six months have proven to be both challenging and triumphant. I’m thrilled with the responses to our cover story requests- no one refuses. Some personalities have gone so far as to offer a pose with their friends’ pets in order to be on our cover. We are honored. The truth is, for those who can’t have a pet for different reasons, they know people who have pets and many of those folks long to be a guardian to a favorite animal. Did you know that renting a pet is becoming a desired option for many Vancouverites?
Locally, we have a huge population of pet lovers and some of them, living among us, are famous. I hope that you enjoy reading about the ways in which our cover personalities share that common ground – pets enrich our lives.
It is amazing to hear of the hard work and the success stories from our local rescue societies. This year you’ll see us align ourselves with many of them, to pass on some great tales, positive outcomes and Metro Pet Gazette fund raising. Many times I’ve heard “I don’t read newspapers, because there is too much negative content.” In response to this unbalanced negativity in tabloid “news”, the MPG mandate, admittedly to a fault, will continue to lean to the positive side. This means that we seek to build up our community organizations that are working hard to better our lives. We support those who unceremoniously care for creatures that need us to care for them. It is time to reexamine the dominion that has been entrusted to each of us.
To this end, this cover is graced by an exceptionally talented, classy young woman. Michelle Morgan is a Chilean-Canadian whose rescue story pleases and inspires. Her companion Davis, is an integral part of her family and a travel partner as her successful acting career flourishes. We are impressed and encouraged by her community service, her many skills and passions and her overflowing beauty, stemming from the inside out. The love of her life, Davis, while friendly, seems happy to lounge in the wings, out of the spot light. As our cover “star”, Davis allowed us to capture only a glimpse of time in his loving guardian’s arms.
Also, this issue welcomes a new feature column, compliments of Gentle Puppy Training. This month Monique Charbonnier introduces us to her time-tested method of puppy training. Monique’s talents in canine education, speaks to brand new, responsible, animal guardianship. Please take a moment to send an email to welcome her to the MPG team of experts. Monique is looking forward to your feedback. We know that this column will prove to be successful. Every time you visit our publication and read advice from our seasoned professionals, you are supporting MPG.
Thank you to each of you who chose to give MPG as Christmas gifts to your friends and family. We hope to find MPG on your coffee table monthly, or curl us up and let us stoke your fire throughout this glorious, yet cool season. On behalf of our pet loving team, we wish you and your pet an exceptionally safe and Happy New Year,
Kim
Locally, we have a huge population of pet lovers and some of them, living among us, are famous. I hope that you enjoy reading about the ways in which our cover personalities share that common ground – pets enrich our lives.
It is amazing to hear of the hard work and the success stories from our local rescue societies. This year you’ll see us align ourselves with many of them, to pass on some great tales, positive outcomes and Metro Pet Gazette fund raising. Many times I’ve heard “I don’t read newspapers, because there is too much negative content.” In response to this unbalanced negativity in tabloid “news”, the MPG mandate, admittedly to a fault, will continue to lean to the positive side. This means that we seek to build up our community organizations that are working hard to better our lives. We support those who unceremoniously care for creatures that need us to care for them. It is time to reexamine the dominion that has been entrusted to each of us.
To this end, this cover is graced by an exceptionally talented, classy young woman. Michelle Morgan is a Chilean-Canadian whose rescue story pleases and inspires. Her companion Davis, is an integral part of her family and a travel partner as her successful acting career flourishes. We are impressed and encouraged by her community service, her many skills and passions and her overflowing beauty, stemming from the inside out. The love of her life, Davis, while friendly, seems happy to lounge in the wings, out of the spot light. As our cover “star”, Davis allowed us to capture only a glimpse of time in his loving guardian’s arms.
Also, this issue welcomes a new feature column, compliments of Gentle Puppy Training. This month Monique Charbonnier introduces us to her time-tested method of puppy training. Monique’s talents in canine education, speaks to brand new, responsible, animal guardianship. Please take a moment to send an email to welcome her to the MPG team of experts. Monique is looking forward to your feedback. We know that this column will prove to be successful. Every time you visit our publication and read advice from our seasoned professionals, you are supporting MPG.
Thank you to each of you who chose to give MPG as Christmas gifts to your friends and family. We hope to find MPG on your coffee table monthly, or curl us up and let us stoke your fire throughout this glorious, yet cool season. On behalf of our pet loving team, we wish you and your pet an exceptionally safe and Happy New Year,
Kim
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