The Paris Independent Saturday October 23, 2021

THIS IS ONE DELICIOUSLY CRUMBY BUSINESS See story on Page 7 FLIP TO PAGE 15 FOR OUR FOCUS ON CHARITY & THE LITTLE FREE PANTRY YY oo uu rr CC oo m mm m uu nn ii tt yy N N ee w w ss pp aa pp ee rr

The Paris Independent Saturday, October 23, 2021

THIS WEEK In News

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Murder Mystery Makes Canadian Debut in Paris

By Casandra Turnbull If you enjoy a good murder mystery, you might want to check out the Playful Fox Production’s (PFP) next live performance at the Paris Presbyterian Church.

BACK TO PRESCHOOL Page 2 - 3

In Sports

Coinciding perfectly with Halloween, the production company presents ‘Murder on the Orient Express,’ directed by Malakai Fox and produced by Malakai Fox and Marissa Wilson-Fox.

MINOR HOCKEY Pages 8 - 10

This performance will be the Canadian premiere of Agatha Christie’s popular book, which has been adapted many times since its 1934 written release.

In Travel

POST PANDEMIC TRAVEL BLOG Page 12 - 13

Meghan Chambers as the boisterous Mrs. Helen Hubbard with an uncomfortable Rob Curwain as Michel the Conductor. Photo Credit: Playful Fox Productions.

Continued on page 6

1 WEEK TO MO

County Offices Closed

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October 23, 2021

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No Tears at North Dumfries Preschool Co-Operative Inc.

By Carolina Saenz October 21st was Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day. It is a day to recognize the importance of this profession and a great opportunity to start a conversation on the challenges they face and how the community can support them. As The Paris Independent continues to explore the impact of Covid in local businesses, this week The Independent turns to North Dumfries Preschool Cooperative Inc (NDPCI) to further understand the changes and implications of Covid regulations. After a long shut-down, from early 2020 to summer of 2021, NDPCI has reopened and adapted to the new standards.

Located just a 15-minute drive away from Paris in the quaint town of Ayr, the preschool (for ages 18 months to 5 years old) has served its community for more than 40 years.

NDPCI’s teacher supervisor Ashley Stone’s passion and enthusiasm for the preschool started at a tender age. Having attended the preschool herself, Stone explained the importance of maintaining this small community organization despite the challenges faced due to Covid.

One of the biggest changes at NDPCI has been not being able to continue functioning as a co op. Following suit to regulations, Stone and assistant teacher Kim Newell are the only ones allowed in the building. Since parents cannot enter the classroom as volunteers, as was the practice before

Photo Courtesy of NDPCI

Covid, families no longer qualify for a discount in exchange for their ‘duty days.’ Stone hopes these restrictions are temporary and eventually loosen to allow for the active participation of parents and caregivers in the classrooms again.

Another major challenge has been following the strict regulations to maintain a clean and disinfected space.

“On a day-to-day basis it is very difficult because our priorities are always the children but a lot our time is now spent cleaning and we have to follow guidelines and disinfect everything twice a day”, explained Stone. And on a regular basis, this leaves staff working out of scheduled hours to maximize the quality of care they provide for the children.

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More than just the daily operations of the preschool, there have been major changes to the physical space available. NDPCI has had to cut down from operating in two different classrooms to just one in order to limit the cleaning at the end of the day. Kids are no longer starting their days with activities at the gym because there could be an enhanced risk of close contact, and it also makes it impossible for staff to disinfect such a big area twice daily, said Stone.

Because NDPCI is located within a church, these adjustments have required the cooperation of other members of the community. “We’ve had to really partner with the church. A lot of our space is shared but we have had to request to disinfect the kitchen and a bathroom just for us during preschool time. We have to have an isolation room in case a child is feeling ill in the middle of class”, says Stone.

As for the children, true to their nature they are the most adaptable. Both toddlers and preschoolers are thriving despite regulations. Being born right in the midst of Covid or having spent the first couple of years without access to regular mommyand-me programs and other opportunities to socialize outside of the home, children are simply enjoying this new adventure.

Parents have found it hard to simply drop-

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off their kids at the door, but they are reassured because being a small organization, Stone and Newell are approachable and do their best to keep parents involved and informed.

Despite the changes that impact the daily operations of the preschool, NDPCI keeps true to its philosophy to foster a love of learning through play. Children are able to socialize and interact in a play-based environment that strives to maintain normalcy. And while enrolment numbers have temporarily dropped, NDPCI continues to successfully provide the kind of care only a small community organization can. There were no tears on the first week, and that is always a great start to a new beginning!

Interested in learning more about NDPCI? Enrollment is still open for the 2021- 2022 year. Check them out at https://www.ndpci.ca/

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October 23, 2021

COMMUNITY CALENDAR **Email theparisindependent@gmail.com with your community calendar suggestion / submission. Help us spread the news! **

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer Web Designer News Reporter News Reporter

Chris Whelan Casandra Turnbull Chris Whelan Michelle Malvaso Levi Myers Carolina Saenz Bailey Zimmer

STATEMENT We are a non profit organization made up of like minded volunteers from our community with the main purpose of providing our community of Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of community news. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of everything we publish, we regret any errors that may occur. We limit our liability to that of printing a retraction upon notification of such errors in the next available publication. Our mail and Email addresses are listed below:

Published Weekly on Saturday

PO BOX 99900 LA 012 395 STN MAIN PARIS, ON, CANADA N3L 0C3 Email: theparisindependent@gmail.com

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October 23, 2021

COMING EVENTS FOR OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2021 OCTOBER 2021 Ghost Encounters! in support of Participation Support Services– October 22 – 30 Brantwood Farms Powerline Road https://brantwoodfarms.com/events/fallfestival/2021-10-23/ All Canadian Events presents Great Canadian Butter Tart Festival in Paris Saturday October 23 (10am to 4pm) and Sunday October 24 (11 am to 4 pm) at the Paris Agricultural Society, 139 Silver St, Paris. Admission $5 at the door, masks required.

CC Alexander's Spooky Cedars is open now to Nov 1. Lights from 6 to 10. Curtis Ave South Paris. Look for the signs and the white ghost!

The Paris Curling Club invites new members to try the sport this Saturday October 24, 1pm to 3:30 pm. Due to limit restrictions in the building, please register below. Please bring clean shoes and proof of vaccination. https://pariscurlingclub.com/eventPage.ph p/pcc-try-curling-oct24

October Arts & Crafts Kit: Pumpkin Doodles. Monday October 11, 18, 25 from 9 am to 8 pm Create some amazing works of art with simple materials. Register at brantlibrary.ca/youtube. Free supplies available on first come first served basis to teens who register to participate.

Trivia Night! Thursday October 28, November 4, 11, 18 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Test your knowledge. Sign up at https://brantlibrary.evanced.info/signup

Murder on the Orient Express. Paris Presbyterian Church October 29, 30 and 31. For more details on show times or to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pfp-presents-agathachristies-murder-on-the-orient-express-tickets168188545467

Hallowe’en Karaoke SATURDAY October 30th TRY NOT TO SING YOUR MASK OFF! At the Grand Bayou 27 Dumfries Street, Paris.

Trunk or Treat at Cedarview Church Sunday October 31st from 6:30pm-8pm

NOVEMBER 2021 St. Paul's United Church Presents its Season Bazaar /Craft Show on Sunday, November 6 from 9 am to 2 pm at 48 Broadway St E. Covid 19 protocols including vaccination passport (including id) and masks will be followed. Hand sanitizer will be provided.

Christmas in Paris November 5, 6 & 7.

Friday 1 – 9 pm; Saturday 9:30 – 5pm; Sunday 11 am- 4 pm. All in one location at the Paris Agricultural Society (139 Silver St Paris). Admission is by donation only with proceeds to support the arts bursaries for high school students in Paris and the County of Brant. Presented

by Kindred Spirits Artisans of Paris.

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PLAY

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October 23, 2021

POPULAR AGATHA CHRISTIE ADAPTATION MAKES CANADIAN DEBUT IN PARIS

Left: Meghan Chambers as the boisterous Mrs. Helen Hubbard with an uncomfortable Rob Curwain as Michel the Conductor. Middle: Karyn Monk (left) as the great Russian Princess Dragomiroff with Anna Carter as her Swedish assistant Greta Olhsson Right: Marissa Kate Wilson as the mysterious Countess Andrenyi

Cont. from cover American playwright Ken Ludwig adapted the book into a play in 2017 but this will be the first Canadian performance - and the group is excited to present the show.

“We had planned to perform this in March 2021, but it was delayed due to Covid. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our cast, crew, and sponsorship partners, we are finally able to bring ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ to Brant County,” explained Producer Marissa Wilson-Fox.

This will be the second live performance this year for PFP. In late August they presented Disney Broadway musical ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ It was their first live performance since Covid. Uncooperative weather forced the crew to change the venue at the last minute from

outdoors to indoors. “It ended up being a blessing in disguise as moving indoors allowed us to add some extra special effects to the show which the audience loved,” said Wilson-Fox of the relocation to the Paris Presbyterian Church, also known as the For Paris Centre. The historic building is undergoing renovations to better service community theatre, arts, and other events.

Over the course of three shows, Beauty and the Beast cast and crew members welcomed over 500 audience members. “It felt great to be back on stage feeding off the audience’s wonderful reactions, not to mention the cast’s overwhelming emotions when the audience rose to their feet at the end of every show,” Wilson-Fox recalled. Hoping for a similar reaction the second time around, everyone has been busy behind the scenes

rehearsing since midSeptember multiple times a week. It takes a family to put together a show, said WilsonFox. There are 10 cast members on stage with two added voice over roles in the upcoming show. The cast has all pitched in to assist with costumes, props and set pieces.

Vicki Hilborn is Technical Director and Stage Manager.

She’s been very busy with preparations for what WilsonFox described as a very techheavy show. She also credits Rob Curwain and Malakai Fox for assembling the trailer, video interviews and multimedia presentations to be used during the show.

Catch famous detective Hercule Poirot on his most famous case, right here in Paris, Ontario on October 29, 30 and 31. For more details on show times or to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pfp -presents-agatha-christiesmurder-on-the-orient-expresstickets-168188545467 For more information how you can contribute to the Presbyterian Church’s $3 million capital campaign for a local arts/event event centre, please visit https://campaign.forparis.ca/?fbclid=IwA R1eveHkAaa2aFCujCuNqbctxKz1K4zFkE0dOHfMA4NBg8xOsH7T4exv KY

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October 23, 2021

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BUSINESS Entrepreneur shares passion for cake decorating

By Casandra Turnbull When Katherine Dougherty enrolled in a cake class at Mohawk College eight years ago, she never imagined it would ignite a fire that would ultimately lead to a career change and eventually entrepreneurship!

“I was looking for something fun to do and didn’t realize it would turn into such a passion,” explained Dougherty. She is the owner of Cake and Crumb, a custom cake bakery located in the historical Wincey Mills.

After that initial introductory class, Dougherty started making the odd cake for family and friends. Over the next several years, requests were coming in quickly, so she made the decision to rent a kitchen on the weekends to keep up with the orders.

In the summer of 2020, Dougherty and her family moved to Paris. Not long after her move to town, the manager of Wincey Mills reached out to her after seeing her cakes on Instagram. “They asked if I was interested in opening a store! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect,” said Dougherty, whose family had to adapt to new daily routines when her son became ill in early 2020.

Suddenly the overtime and rotating shiftwork as a police officer was not conducive to the type of care he required. So, after a few days of pondering the offer, Dougherty decided to turn a hobby into a flow blown career.

“Being open three days a week at the market helped balance home life with my son. And now that he’s doing muchbetter, I’m grateful to have some extra time for something I’ve always wanted to offer,” she said referring to her newest adventure.

Dougherty is coming full circle back to where it all started by offering cake classes at the Wincey Mills.

On October 17, Cake and Crumb hosted its first cake decorating class. Dougherty reports it was a huge success and everyone had a blast.

Participants ranged in age from young children with their mothers, to high schoolers and even retirees. Everyone walked away with enhanced crumb coating and icing skills as well as some new piping techniques. “The best part was being able to take home their masterpiece,” she added.

The class was so well received Dougherty will be offering additional sessions, including a kids-only class. “And maybe ten years from now one of my participants will follow in my footsteps!”

For more details on upcoming classes, check out Dougherty’s work online at https://www.facebook.com/cakeandcrumbparis

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October 23, 2021

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SPORTS U13 LL TEAM 2 WOLFPACK TEAM SHUTS OUT TILLSONBURG 9-0 The U13 LL Team 2 set out to Tillsonburg for their first away game of the season and The Tornadoes had nothing on our Wolfpack!

David Scherer had a rocket of a shot, just over two minutes into the first period. Followed by goals from Kassidy Maher, Scott Harrison, Owen Watson, then Logan Sinclair - this 5-0 lead was all in the first period!

Colin Vanderpols’ hard work paid off and he

started out the second period scoring a goal.

Logan and Scott didn’t stop there, both earning themselves a second goal in the second period, bringing the Wolfpack to an 8-0 lead after two.

Logan Sinclair ended the game with the team's first hat trick of the year! Callum Dailey was in goal, and happy to have his first shut out of the year! Way to go U13 LL Team 2 Wolfpack in a 9-0 win!

Hockey Meets Figure Skating: A lesson in Technique

Byron & Alex Sheldrick, certified Skate Canada coaches, were on hand last Saturday morning assisting the Under 7 hockey players develop better skating skills. Paris Minor Hockey Association called on Skate Canada to help the young players develop better posture and balance, more effective strides, backward skating as well as crossovers. Developing the fundamentals will ultimately lead to stronger hockey players. This was a first-time initiative by the hockey club. Pictured is Byron with Jace, Lucy and Emerson. In the other photo, Bryon helps Cohen practice his backwards skating.

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October 23, 2021

VOLUNTEER COACH SHARES LOVE OF THE GAME

By Casandra Turnbull Hard as it might be to imagine, there was a time when Karen Drinkle did not like hockey.

Growing up in Oshawa, Ontario, Drinkle loved to play soccer. While she still enjoys that sport today, most of her spare time is found on the ice. Thanks to her husband Glen, she was introduced to Canada’s favourite pastime when she was 16 years old and started going to his games to cheer him on. Fast forward a few years and Glen and Karen found themselves in an ice rink together watching their three children develop a love for the sport that bonded them.

“When we had kids and they started playing I started to enjoy the sport more and more.

Now I play and I can’t stop playing! It’s a part of me,” explained Drinkle.

Ten years ago, she saw a sign advertising a women’s hockey league. She strapped on some skates, her husband’s goalie pads, and the rest is history. Soon she was purchasing her own pads and playing in a beginner’s league in Ayr. With a bit of coaching and lots of practice, Drinkle started playing three nights a week, including one night in Paris.

Winter months turned to summer months, so she took her newfound passion from the ice to the courts and joined a ball hockey league in Brantford.

Playing was fun, but she still felt she should share her newfound expertise. Seven years ago, Drinkle decided to share her love of the sport with the youth in Paris. She started volunteering with the PMHA as an on-ice goalie coach, which lead to further volunteer opportunities. This year she is coaching her daughter Taylor and the U-15 Team#2 in the local league. Her oldest son Joshua is a goal tender in the U18 league, and her youngest

son Dylan plays defense in the U13 division.

“There’s nothing like seeing the look on a player’s face when they get a goal, the look they get when they win a face-off - it’s priceless,” said Drinkle. “Hockey is such a fun sport to play. Whether you’re between the pipes eating biscuits or skating your heart out, this is a great sport, one I love. So why not help foster this love of hockey in our youth?”

When Drinkle isn’t on the ice, she occupies her time as an artist – drawing, painting, and listening to music. “Hours just fly by when I am so engrossed in my work.”

Karen decided to combine both her passions – hockey and art- by creating an appreciation award given to a different goalie each year.

The painting is a portrait of the goalie in their mask. So far, she’s donated five paintings to five inspiring goalies.

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October 23, 2021

Karen’s artwork – The painting is a portrait of the goalies with their masks. So far, she’s donated five paintings to five inspiring goalies. photos provided by Karen Drinkle

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October 23, 2021

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1948 REO Speedwagon Model LA made in Canada. Lifelong Paris resident Murray Pelton purchased this beauty 7 years ago and has spent countless hours restoring it.

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October 23, 2021

POST PANDEMIC TRAVEL BLOG Column Submitted by Karon Sinning Some background on me: back a while ago, I guess almost a lifetime now, I used to write for the Paris Star. When I saw the new Paris Independent it brought back fond memories. I worked with wonderful people at the Star and I’m still close friends with a couple of them. I suggested an article on travelling postpandemic to Chris and he agreed.

Travelling…finally

I suppose I am not much different from most people, needing to get away. But I'm still a little nervous as well.

Step back to March 2019, and I just retired.

Planning trips to visit my cousin in North Carolina: they close the border. Trip planned to Mexico: they cancel all flights and issue vouchers. For the first time since his family immigrated to Canada when my husband was 13, we have planned to spend Christmas with his family in England. Flight cancelled and credit issued. All of these were supposed to happen that year.

The pandemic and then a health crisis for me, both of which now seem under control and I am chomping at the bit to get on a plane. But as my dear friend says, “only you Karon, only you!”

First off is heading to Mexico. I had more than enough credit on my voucher from our cancelled flights, and so did my husband.

Another couple is joining us, so it should be more fun! As I’m retired, I will stay longer than the rest of my group.

I have a girlfriend who has retired to Ajijic,

Mexico. Ajijic (Ah hee hee) is not a resort town. It is a small, quaint town closer to the size of Paris, nestled in the mountains outside of Guadalajara, central Mexico. The hotel where we’ll stay is the La Nuevo Posada, a small boutique hotel with 19 rooms. So authentic Mexican, I just love it. Not a major resort in sight. Which given life with the virus, I am very ok with. I much prefer smaller venues without thousands of guests from all over the world.

Residents in Ajijic claim the climate is rated second best in the world by National Geographic. It certainly was very temperate during my first visit in 2018. High 20s during the day and down to mid-teens by evening. No AC required. But the pool was certainly necessary (and enjoyed) during the day.

This has been a trip I have been anticipating for 2 years, was thrilled to have booked and was certainly shocked when the airline informed me my ticket (no one else in our party, just me) was cancelled. I was incredulous! This discovery was made when I contacted their customer service to request updated tickets; there had been a time change since booking. Also, to find out what their Covid protocol was when arriving.

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POST PANDEMIC TRAVEL Cont…

Here is where things go awry. It was the day after booking our flights and I thought what the heck I knew I had funds still available, I should just use up the whole thing. Having a place to stay with my friend, I sent the airline customer service a two-sentence email. “Can you please send me a voucher for the balance of my credit? I would like to use it for a flight next winter.” There were days of back and forth before they sent me these two sentences, highlighted bright yellow, to prove I had cancelled my ticket. I’m guessing something was lost in translation. I did not ask them to cancel. I did not give them my reservation number for the cancellation (they had to look it up).

There was no email from them confirming they had cancelled my flight or had issued me a voucher for the value of said ticket. But at least I’m not showing up at Toronto airport for a 1:00 am flight to discover I don’t have a ticket! Small mercies, I guess.

As the time for our flight drew nearer, I thought if I don’t do something I’m not going to be there when the rest of my party is. So, I bit the bullet, and booked another ticket, using the voucher plus! I will now arrive 5 days before the others, but at least I’ll be there for their whole trip.

Despite these bumps in the road or flight, I am still very excited to travel again. My flight is very early next Monday morning. As for the Covid protocol, all the airline we are flying requires for arriving in Guadalajara is a completed health form available from their website. I have made sure to have good quality masks and loads of hand sanitizer! (In the small airline approved size!) So let the adventures begin!

Karon Sinning

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DRIVE-IN MOVIES 684471 Road 68, Woodstock, ON

DUNE (2021) AND BEETLEJUICE (1988) OCTOBER 22, 23, 2021 @ 8:00 PM $30.00 GATES OPEN AT 7 PM FOOD TRUCK OPEN Washrooms open.

You may sit outside vehicles.

LAST OXFORD DRIVE-IN SHOWS OF THE 2021 SEASON GHOSTBUSTERS (1984) AND HALLOWEEN KILLS (2021) OCTOBER 29, 30, 31, 2021 @ 8:00 PM $30.00 GATES OPEN AT 7 PM FOOD TRUCK OPEN Washrooms open.

You may sit outside vehicles.

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October 23, 2021

FOCUS ON CHARITY

Friends of the Little Free Pantry keep shelves stocked

By Casandra Turnbull What started as a resident-driven initiative quickly exploded into a full-fledged community project that not only benefits families in need, but also spotlights a new level of kindness and volunteerism in Paris.

The Little Pantry Free started in 2019, by resident Kari Raymer Bishop. She felt there was a need for this type of service in Paris, so she took the steps necessary to get the project off the ground. At that time, she had no idea how quickly this idea would transform into a community-supported initiative.

The Little Free Pantry offers food and supplies to people in need, without judgement. People are invited to take what they need or donate what they can, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It was never intended to replace any existing food bank or outreach services currently in Paris, but rather enhance what’s already here.

“What’s so special is this literally started with one family’s idea,” said Allison Langille, who is now an administrator on the Pantry’s social media Facebook page: Friends of the Little Free Pantry.

So, when Raymer Bishop moved away from downtown, she arranged for the pantry to relocate to its present home at the Optimist Club. “And that is when things really started to take on its own life in a communitygrassroots way,” said Langille.

The Facebook page started in late 2019 with 10 members, including its administrators Langille and Julia Baldwin. Fellow volunteer Tamara Clark’s persistence and commitment to manage the Facebook page helped it grow to the 450 members it has today. The page provides an excellent platform for volunteers to let people know when the shelves are bare, to thank donors who anonymously bring food to the cupboard,

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Continued from page 15 or even to share good news, which happened to be the case this week. Volunteer Susan Bailey shared some exciting news. Friends of the Little Free Pantry was selected by random draw as one of the top three organizations presented by 100 People Who Care Brant County. Langille said “Bailey always looks for unique ways to help the pantry expand.”

As the Facebook page grew, so did the need for more space to accommodate the outpouring of support from residents who wanted to make a difference. One local woman, Jeana Quesnal, took on a pantry renovation project in late 2020. She coordinated donations and volunteer labour to construct a new, more spacious cupboard, said Langille. It sits alongside the original black metal cupboard and plans are in the works to have another cupboard ready before December. They are currently testing ways to keep the food weather safe.

Langille added there’s a lot of champions and vocal donors but also a lot of quiet people who make donations behind the scenes to ensure the shelves are stocked. This extra space will help ensure there is room for all donations.

Extra donations were especially useful when Covid hit. The need for assistance intensified and families, some who never had to use the service before, found themselves reaching out to the Little Free Pantry for help. “100% we saw an increase during the pandemic, which led us to getting more members and led to the second cupboard,” she explained.

“But many local businesses really stepped up during this time too,” Langille acknowledged.

Pantry. Brantford Period PopUps, community group with no formal joined forces with the pantry to essential sanitary products. Bailey navigate that partnership.

another funding, provide helped

Now, with an outpouring of support, the volunteers hope to form a steering committee to find ways to maintain the informal structure of the group, and better respond to opportunities that come its way, said Langille.

“There are no assigned roles in this community organization. Everyone pitches in where they can to ensure the shelves are stocked and cleaned,” added Langille. Laura Brown, Laura Haney, Jeana Quesnel, Ruby Jones, Grete Knowles, Peggy Lillian, Susan Bailey, Jennifer Church and Rachel George all take turns ensuring the cupboard is always clean.

“The folks here have the biggest heart and care about their neighbours, that’s why it is a special place to live,” said Langille.

The Little Free Pantry is located at 2 Elm Street behind the Optimist Club building.

Pictured is the pantry and the thank-you notes left inside the pantry by Some businesses donated products, some grateful families gracious farms donated fresh produce and some and donors businesses joined forces with the Little Free

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October 23, 2021

Pandemic pet help: Answers to top questions

By News Canada The past year and a half has been challenging, and many of us have turned to pets for joy, comfort and companionship. In fact, according to a recent survey, over 3.7 million Canadians adopted, purchased or fostered a cat or a dog throughout the pandemic.

With the surge in pet ownership and changing routines, pet parents both new and seasoned had tons of questions. To help answer some of the most popular questions, Purina Beyond brought a panel of pet experts together. Below are answers to three that people ask the most.

What is the best way to prepare for a new pet?

For optimal results, it’s important to be consistent with a training method that is suitable for the whole family. You can choose from a variety of options, but it’s important to stay the course.

Another good tip, especially if you’re adopting a new pet, is to communicate with the shelter or rescue agency to understand your pet’s individual needs and prepare accordingly.

My cat is very picky with food. How do I choose a good food that he will like?

Having difficulties figuring out your pet’s eating habits is normal. Over half of Canadian pet parents have questions about eating habits and routine, according to the study. Wet food is a great option to add to your cat's diet because it provides different flavours and textures your furry friend will love.

How often should I bring my animal to the vet?

It typically depends on the pet’s age and their health condition. In general, it's recommended to take your puppy or kitten to the vet once a month to make sure they are growing properly and to get all your questions answered. When they're young adults it's a good habit to get them checked once a year. As they grow older, twice a year would be ideal.

Find more information at purina.ca/beyond

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Future Space of This Week In Real Estate