Kim's Kennel - Spring in my step (March issue 2009)

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