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