ly goes sailing she tikes to leap off the back of the boat and join them for a swim. She also once surprised her owner . iby eating all of her Purdy's Favourite activities: Tucker ‘chocolates — tinfoil and all! Human's name: Meghan, 12. Pet’s name and age: Tucker, a Lab-cross, is four years old. WELL, since we are all reading this, the carth obviously didn’t blow up on New Year’s because of any Y2K bug. Parties and celebrations went on as per every other year gone past. This year had a little something extra to cel- ebrate as we rang in, depend- ing on how you looked at it, the end of this millennium or the beginning of the next. The last century in partic- ular has seen some of the greatest advancements made by mankind, and the human- canine relationship has also seen great leaps. Dogs have gone from the barn © the bedroom ... so to speak. A hundred years ago the majority of dog owners would have scoffed at how dogs are cared for and the amount of money spent on dog care today. The last five years has seen the largest increase in canine ownership and entrepreneur- ship. It is not only cool to have a dog but the dog you own can, apparently, boost your social status. Dogs which a hundred years ago herded cattle and sheep while sloshing about in their waste are now pampered, overfed _and lazily walked down the street beside proud owners looking for attention or an ego boost. Fido’s chow time has never been better with an increase in better quality dry food and companies specializ- ing in home-made natural dog foods. At one time the most popular dog treat was a milk bone, there ave now canine connection bakeries just for dogs. Canine health care has also improved. Veterinarians are more like family practi- tioners offering heip in pre- ventive care. Some specialize as orthopedic surgeons, chi- ropractors and dentists. There has also been an alarming increase in puppy mills and puppy brokers. Both breed dogs indiscrimi- nately and sell the puppies, regardless of health. They would cease to exist if people did some research into the background of the seller and stopped purchasing puppies on a whim. We have heard and seen some absolutely horrific crimes of animals abuse. Dogs whose behaviour was misunderstood were dragged behind cars, beaten with golf clubs, had their throats slashed — all by the most putrid, ignorant, pathetic excuses for human beings. But, finally, animal rights have been recognized with the introduction of stiffer fines and penalties to protect animals from these loathsome people. At times some of us suffer Japses in responsible dog, ownership, and others need to have these rules tattooed to the inside of their eyelids. But there are those dog own- ers whom I admire. I see them nor only picking up after their dog but after oth- ers as well. They have done a great job teaching their dogs how to behave and do not make excuses when Fido becomes an unexpected spaz. Vf this canine whirlwind continues who knows where it will take us. Hopefully to places where the SPCA and animal shelters will soon be out of business. I don’t say this maliciously but in the hopes that the careless breed- ing and abuse of dogs and cats wiil be put to an end and we will no longer have a need - for their service. Maybe people will realize that you do not have to use pain to teach a dog, and devices such as electric col- lars, prong and choke collars will become passé; books which advocate hitting, chok- ing and hanging dogs to cor- rect them will be considered abusive; people would contin- ue to see the benefits of hav- © ing dogs in our lives and allow renters to keep them. Am I dreaming? I hope not. Many of us celebrated New Year’s Eve making reso-° lutions not only for the year ahead but for the century. Mine was to continue educating people about dogs . and remind them of what wonderful creatures cogs are and how lucky we are as humans to have them share their lives with us. — Joan is the awner 0 Sierra K9.training academy © on the North Shore. For teach- ing tips and advice, e-mail her at . Comments in the form of let- ters to the editor are welcome. Winterizing your pets | antifreeze tastes good to pets but can be fatal’ even in tiny doses. When adding antifreeze to ~ your vehicle, mop up all spills, and check to make sure that your vehicle is not leaking fluid. ‘ Thankfully, a much less toxic alternative exists.” Propylene glycol-based antifreeze is now avail- able. Chemicals and salts used to melt snow and ice on roads and sidewalks can irritate pets’ — paws. Wash or wipe their paws with a damp: cloth after an outing. ; Cats often crawl up under cars seeking -: warmth, risking serious injury when the engine is started. Thump the hood to frighten awa any cats before you start your vehicle. ; " loves to go for a run along the Capilano River, and fetch sticks from the water. if you would like to appear with your pet in Pet Pause, please write to Terry Peters c/o the North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale Ave., Noith Vancouver, 8.C.,.V7M 2H4, Or send e-mail to . DURING the winter season nature pro- vides outdoor animals with natural insula- tion in the form of a denser haircoat and an added layer cf far just under the skin to help retain body heat. This adaptation does not mean, however, that animals are immune to cold and other hazards associated with winter. If your dog sleeps outside check to make sure the dog house is dry and comfortable. A flap over the doorway will keep drafts out. Be sure to insulate the dog house — including the floor. Check the bedding often to be sure it is ry. Remember that ethylene glycol-based Favourite treat: Mondays! {It's garbage day.) Pet tala: When Tucker's fami- CANADIAN POWER & SAIL SQUADRONS Get ready for SUMMER with a CPS Soating Course We offer a relaxed, social atmosphere in classes designed to help increase your boating knowledge and enjoyment. API JADRON: Boating & Piloting start Jan. 11th, VHF Radio Feb. 7th. Classes held at West Vancouver Secondary School. Boating starts at 7:15pm all others at 7:00pm, for information call 921-BOAT. . NORVAN SQUADRON: Registration Night Jan. 11th, at Pacific Marine Training Campus, starting at 7:00pm. Boating Jan. 17th/18th, Piloting Jan. 17th, Seamanship Power Jan. 19th, VHF Radio Mar. 2nd, Instructional Tech- ~ TBA. For information call Eric Worthy @ 904-6730. SEYMOUR SQUADRON: Boating & Piloting start Feb. 9th, VHF Radio Mar. i. 1st held at Windsor Secondary School at 7:00pm, for information cali Nigel! Booth @ 929-3231 or Clive Sands @ 987-0160. 8 CPS Boat Pro One day workshops Mar. 11th, Apri} 15th and May 27th at Capilano Mall Suite #77, cal! Doug ARon @ 986-3017 for details. Tiain-7pm | free with-adult “a ustomer) HIBITION SEUM)