Helping hands for furry friends

SUPPLIED PHOTO Enlarge Image

Abby sports a plaid Kenora dinner jacket from Black Baron Kingdom apparel.

When I'm approached by companies or services that want to share an upbeat story or good news with readers, I'm happy to pass them along.

This column will be divided between a call to Manitobans to help the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association with a vital Christmas-season program. The second section describes a unique Winnipeg company that likes to give back.

-- -- --

Snowy weather starts us thinking about the holiday season. We consider how we'll decorate our houses and what we'll buy for loved ones. Even when we think about those in need, most of us overlook the furry ones.

While I'd never describe myself as rich, or even close to it, I've never known real poverty. Hopefully this will always be the case. But I've learned that families can suffer financial setbacks when they least expect it. While our government tries to step in where it can, people fall through the cracks. When this occurs, we happily donate toys to children and used coats to the homeless. We forget, however, that those who face hard times may also have a pet.

The number of families who live paycheque to paycheque is on the rise. Many have to make a decision between paying bills or buying food. According to a recent Free Press article, food bank use has increased by nine per cent since last year.

For many in this province the holidays are particularly difficult. As the MVMA notes, this time of year is expensive. This is one of the reasons why the MVMA is endorsing its second annual "This Season is FUR Everyone" campaign. Participating veterinary clinics are taking donations of cat or dog food. The food will then be donated to the Winnipeg Cheer Board.

The Brandon-Weston Cheer Registry is also participating. Brandon citizens have had difficult times this year, too. The cost of accommodation has risen and taken a toll on citizens' pocketbooks.

Last year, the MVMA campaign took in 1,057 kilograms (2,332 pounds) of food for dogs and cats. For most of us that's just a number, but for those who face hard times that bag of pet foot is important.

The MVMA says that families that don't have access to help are more likely to abandon their pets. It's difficult enough for families to face money troubles. Losing a pet would no doubt add to the heartbreak. The stress on families often gets offloaded onto local shelters.

Until Dec. 10, participating veterinary clinics will happily take your donations of dog and cat food. To find out where to donate, go onto www.mvma.ca

-- -- --

Clothing can make the man or woman and, later, the dog, too.

The Black Baron Kingdom apparel company uses human clothes to create dog fashion. The clothes are hand cut and fashioned into one-of-a-kind outfits. It's the ultimate in reduce, reuse and recycle.

Owners of dogs as small as three pounds to those as large as 130 pounds can find great fashion options with this innovative product line. Prices start as low as $22.

Not only does Black Baron Kingdom offer eco-friendly clothing options, it also has an interesting way of giving back to the community. Online voters can choose between nine Manitoba and one American animal-welfare charity and on Jan. 1 and July 1, the winning rescue or shelter will receive 11 per cent of the company's overall profits.

Black Baron Kingdom's line is available locally at Hip Pooch, 807 Corydon Ave.

This company's unique products and approach have attracted the attention of Martha Stewart. The company will be highlighted on Dec. 3 on U.S. cable's Hallmark Channel, which is unfortunately unavailable in Canada. If you don't get a chance to pop by Hip Pooch or see the fashions on The Martha Stewart Show, you can always go online to see the stylish options this company provides (www.blackbaronkingdom.com).

char.adam@mts.net twitter.com/charspetpage

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 30, 2010 D5