Calgary Dog Life

USEFUL INFORMATION & DOWNLOADS

Become a City of Calgary Parks Volunteer Ranger

Spend time protecting, preserving, and enjoying Calgary’s parks.
Just four volunteer hours a month. Why not spend them in a park and Act Naturally! We are currently recruiting for the 2007 season.

The Parks Volunteer Ranger Program, introduced in partnership with Animal and Bylaw Services in 2004, has a goal to enhance visitor’s awareness of park and pathway user etiquette and bylaws. Volunteer Rangers create a friendly and helpful presence in some of our most cherished and visited parks including Southland and Bowmont Natural Environment Parks and Bowness Park. While walking through the parks, Volunteer Rangers talk to the public, answer questions, distribute brochures, and observe and record activity. They also promote conservation, help to decrease vandalism and increase community involvement in our parks. In addition to our continuing Ranger positions, this season we also have a new exciting summer opportunity for youth and youth groups!

If you…

enjoy spending time in nature
like to walk, bird-watch or walk your dog
take an interest in park protection and preservation
enjoy talking to the public
are at least 16 years of age

then become a Parks Volunteer Ranger. It is a fun and active way to enjoy and contribute to your community and local parks! To inquire about the program please call 3-1-1. For more information, visit our website at www.calgary.ca/parks or email volunteerrangerprogram@calgary.ca

Lola's Story

October 8, 2005 Lola and her two sisters are born at an anonymous, unregistered breeder. This breeder is regularly inspected and considered responsible by the Calgary pet store they sell their puppies to.

December 30, 2005 Lola is purchased by the store and diagnosed by their veterinarian with genetically abnormal eyes, ears and respiratory system, including ulcerated eyes, collapsed nostrils, and torn ears. She also has an undiagnosed severe genetic bone malformation.

January 8, 2006 Lola is sold to an unsuspecting family by an employee who advises that Lola has “no pre-existing conditions”. Lola’s price: $1223.00

By the time Lola was 13 months old she had endured: Veterinarian visits: 11 Corrective surgeries: 5 Total veterinary expenses to date: $1824.64 Homes since purchase: 2

Lola’s story is sadly not unique or even uncommon. She is one of many examples of the truth that no responsible breeder would ever allow their puppies, kittens or other animals to be sold through pet stores.

For more information about Lola and responsible pet acquisition, see the following PDF document and for the top 10 reasons NOT to buy a puppy at a pet store, please visit www.nopuppymillscanada.ca

Blood Donor Program

Did you know that sick animals often require transfusions and blood products similar to that required in human medicine?

Western Veterinary Specialist Centre has initiated a volunteer-based blood donor program to serve not only the needs of their own patients, but those in surrounding areas as well. Blood collection is safe and is performed in a comfortable and low stress environment. Blood products are stored whole or are separated into individual components for storage and later use.

Do you have a cat or large breed dog? Do you want to help save the lives of pets needing critical transfusions? Consider becoming a blood donor. Call Western Veterinary Specialist Centre at 403-770-1340 and ask for more information about the blood donor program.

In Case of Emergency Sign

Download our In Case Of Emergency Template. You can print it out and paste on a photo of your pet. Or, if you like, you could modify it using a graphics program.

Place this highly visible sign on a front window or door to let the police or fire department know you have a pet in your home. Write your pet's name on it to make it easier for authorities to call out for your pet. This sign might save your pets life!