The Chilliwack
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A passion for making beautiful quilts.
Laurie Throness says he’ll try again.
Competition tight in the Mainland division.
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Spike in property crime seen in north Chilliwack Robert Freeman The Progress
A spike in property crimes on Chilliwack’s north side has the RCMP hitting the streets both in uniforms and plains clothes officers. “We recognized that this is an issue right now in our community and it is a big priority for us,” Sgt. Steve McLeod said. There were 82 thefts from vehicles reported on the north side of Chilliwack between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30, police said. The primary target of these crimes appear to be thefts from motor vehicles. But why the surge isn’t clear. RCMP Const. Tracy Wolbeck said part of the reason could be the fine summer weather Chilliwack has been enjoying. “Crime can be seasonal,” she said, and while homeowners are on holidays or out and about, the criminals are taking advantage of their absence. Auxiliary police officers and volunteers from the Citizens On Patrol group will also be gathering intelligence in an attempt to identify the individuals responsible for the crimes, police said. Anyone with information that can help their investigation is asked to call the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. rfreeman@theprogress.com twitter.com/paperboy2
A male dachshund gets his nails trimmed by animal health technologist Jacqui Hall as animal care attendant Kimberly Berry holds him at the Chilliwack SPCA on Tuesday. A total of 18 dachshunds were surrendered to the SPCA by a Chilliwack resident who was breeding them. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS
Homes sought for surrendered dachshunds Jennifer Feinberg The Progress
Chilliwack RCMP map showing areas were crimes have been reported. Police are stepping up patrols following a spate of property crimes in the north end of the city.
Chilliwack SPCA is awash in nervous dachshunds at the moment. The facility on Hopedale Road is housing what remains of a group of 18 standardsize dachshunds surrendered to the SPCA recently by a Chilliwack resident who was breeding them. They’re now looking to foster out the remaining 10 dogs. Foster homes are needed to assist with socializing and teaching them what it is to be a normal pet, said Ivanna Ferris, branch manager of the Chilliwack SPCA. In the long-term, they’re
looking for forever homes. Most of the dogs were female, with many suffering dental problems, a common characteristic of these small dogs. A couple were pregnant and some were underweight. “When they arrived, they were very fearful, and would sometimes snap at people. “But within a matter of days, working closely with our staff and volunteers they’ve changed. Now they’ll come to you without fear. I think they’ve made just a remarkable turn-around in a short time.” They still need to be housetrained and taught how to walk on leash, she said. They’re all under five years old, and
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need to be spayed or neutered before being adopted. “They need to be exposed, in a positive way, to normal experiences in home like children, riding in a car or going out in public,” she said. “All of the normal experiences that a family pet would have are important for these nervous little dogs.” But the best type of home would be one that is fairly quiet, without toddlers, noise or too much activity. It was a call from a concerned member of the public that led to the investigation by SPCA. One dachshund is being fostered in Surrey, while another three of the origi-
nal 18 were transferred to a Maple Ridge facility. Another four were transported to the Vancouver SPCA Tuesday, where some dental work will be performed. Already there’s a long list of appointments made by people interested in coming to see the dogs. On Tuesday, some were getting their nails clipped. “Some of the foster homes might turn into forever homes,” said Ferris. “Our goal now is to get them out of the shelter as quickly as we can.” To meet the dachshunds, call the SPCA at 604-823-6612. jfeinberg@theprogress.com twitter.com/chwkjourno