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Howdy, folks.
NHL free agency may not begin until Canada Day, but the McIntyre household has already made a prized new addition.
Meet Ruby, a very curious and extremely charming five-month-old girl with a big heart and even bigger ears.
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Welcome home to our new puppy, Ruby. (Mike McIntyre / Free Press)
She officially moved in 10 days ago after a few weeks of getting to know her through visits with her foster. Naturally, we wanted to make sure she was the right fit for our family — and that we were the right fit for her — particularly when it comes to our other two precious pups.
The good news is five-year-old Piper and 12-year-old Bodie immediately took to her, and her to them, and quickly became BFFs. Piper, especially, loves having a new pal who can match her energy. And Bodie, no doubt, appreciates being able to take it a bit slower in his golden years.
Bodie, Piper and Ruby are now BFFs. (Mike McIntyre / Free Press)
Thanks to the caring folks over at Winnipeg Boxer Rescue for facilitating this. They do amazing work. Follow them on social media and support them any way you can.
It’s been a looooong time since we actually had a puppy — Piper and Bodie both came to us through their rescues when they were about a year old — so we’re definitely being kept on our toes.
Case in point: As I’m writing this from my downstairs office, I can hear a bit of a thumping sound coming from our living room, along with the pitter-patter of many paws. Naturally, I go to investigate — and find Ruby playing with a bottle of barbecue sauce, which was fortunately still sealed, that she had pulled out of the pantry.
This, despite the fact she has about a dozen plush toys nearby which I guess aren’t nearly as fun.
Ruby has been a breath of fresh air and yet another in a long list of reminders of how amazing dogs are.
We truly don’t deserve them.
Ruby has a big heart and even bigger ears. (Mike McIntyre / Free Press)
There are so many other animals just like Ruby out there waiting to find their forever home. I honestly wish we could take more than three. If it’s something you’re considering, trust me when I say now is the perfect time to adopt. With the nicer summer weather, there’s plenty of opportunity for outside play and exercise and get to know your new addition. And, given that Ruby is now the fifth rescue we’ve had in our lives, I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the process.
Still on the topic of dogs, we are fast approaching the Mutt & Masters Golf Classic, put on by my friends at the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. The fourth annual event will be held July 9 at Wildwood and is always a highlight of summer for me. If you (and possibly your canine companion) would like to join us, grab tickets here. You can also make a donation to this wonderful charity even if you can’t attend. They truly are doing incredible, life-saving work. You can also support them — and try your luck — with their online 50/50 raffle, which is open to all 18+ residents. Check it out here.
Now back to sports, and a bit of a programming note.
We may officially be in summer, but the next week or so is going to be hockey-crazed around here. A quick look at what’s to come:
Friday: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will speak with media at 9:30 a.m. I’ll have it covered, along with colleague Ken Wiebe. No doubt the trade rumblings around star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will be a hot topic. Then, at 6 p.m., the first round of the NHL draft begins.
Kenny will have the full story on what the Jets do — they currently hold the No. 8 pick — while I’m focusing on where Carson Carels, the pride of Cypress River, ends up. I’ll have a very special look at draft day from his perspective.
Saturday: Rounds 2-7 of the NHL draft. I’ll have complete coverage on what Winnipeg does with its picks, and how many other Manitobans hear their name called.
Monday through Friday: Jets rookie development camp is held at the Hockey For All Centre. The fresh-faced teens who join the organization this week will be on display, along with plenty of other recent picks and prospects. On-ice sessions begin Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. daily and are open to the public. Kenny and I will have daily stories for you.
Wednesday (Canada Day): NHL free agency begins. And the Jets could be busy trying to fill some holes on a club that finished well out of the playoffs this past season. Sprinkle in the potential for some trades and there could be plenty of fireworks. Kenny and I, of course, will have it all covered.
Thanks, as always, for reading. Enjoy the next week. It should be a fun (and busy) one.
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