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Explore beyond your cabin door

Much of the beauty of cabin life is in exploring the terrain. It’s even better with a furry friend by your side, though you’ll want to take measures to keep you both safe and healthy.

Pick your path

“Almost every trail in Manitoba is dog friendly,” says Jaime Manness, a longtime volunteer at Trails Manitoba and founder of Hike Manitoba. The exception is Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail, due to its fragile ecosystem. A quick online search will tell of advisories and closures, or you can inquire at your local park office.

Train for the trail

Humane Society CEO Embraces Animal Advocacy

For a lifelong animal advocate, it truly is the cat’s meow to work in a profession that helps our furry friends.

Jessica Miller became Winnipeg Humane Society’s chief executive officer last February after serving as a board member for several years. However, she initially embarked on this journey when she was only 13.

“It was then I started to become aware of animal welfare issues and took an interest in doing what I could at that young age: becoming a vegetarian, signing petitions, volunteering and taking my education seriously,” she says.

“From adolescent to adulthood, I climbed the corporate ladder but never forgetting where my true passion originated. Obtaining the CEO position for the WHS was like having your cake and eating it too.”

Prevent winter’s biting effects

Even the most experienced veterinarian can get disturbed when observing the excruciating pain caused by pets that are exposed to the Arctic chill too long.

“I just saw a cat the other day that had frostbite affecting all four paw pads and its ear tips,” says Dr. Jonas Watson of the Grant Park Animal Hospital. It seemed like it was likely a house pet that somehow escaped out the door and got caught in the cold. Someone brought the cat in when they saw it alone in the cold.

“It’s a real heartbreaker to see them trying to walk with their pads raw after peeling off (due to frostbite) and the cat in a lot of discomfort.”

Watson gave the cat antibiotics, pain-control medicine and anti-inflammatories.

Calming COVID cuties

Have you spent a lot of time alone with your so-called COVID puppy or kitten during the strictest parts of the pandemic?

They became your closest companions while you worked from home with limited social interactions.

Now that you are going back to the office and inviting friends over, especially during the holidays, you may have to teach your pets to adjust.

“We are definitely seeing a lot of what we playfully call COVID puppies and kittens,” says Dr. Colleen Fisher of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association, a mobile vet who specializes in animal behaviour services.

The beauty of backyard birding

Meredith Stoesz, assistant manager of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop, said bird feeding had already become one of the fastest-growing hobbies across North America — and then the pandemic boosted its popularity sky high.

“I believe many of us were able to slow down, take a deep breath and really appreciate the world around us during lockdown. It also provided a sense of calm when the rest of the world didn’t feel calm at all,” she said.

“Extra time spent outdoors meant more time connecting with the natural world. The really wonderful thing about bird feeding is it allows us to bring nature home and connect with the wild world right in our own backyard.”

Active Pet Parenting

Dr. Jonas Watson described it as the most horrifying story he’s ever heard about pets in   cottage country.“During a bad season for wolves, some people lost their pet when it escaped on them,” the Grant Park Animal Hospital veterinarian recalled. “They went for a walk six days later and found his yellow tail.“(Owners) must be aware of any wildlife that may bring them harm. Wildlife is not discriminatory when it comes to pets. Don’t leave them unattended.”A cottage owner at West Hawk Lake said two different neighbours lost their pet dogs to wolves in the last year and a half.“One of them saw a wolf take their dog right in front of them,” said Jocelyn Martin, who owns two dogs and has her son’s cat at the cabin. “Things happen in a split second.“That’s why we always have ours on a leash and we basically never have our eyes off them.”Wilson the cat stays indoors, she said, adding she heard that five cats had gone missing since last fall in the West Hawk area.Not many cottagers have fences on their properties in provincial parks, although they can apply to the parks branch to build one.“Fences are typically discouraged in cottage developments within Manitoba provincial parks as they may detract from the natural environment,” a provincial government spokesperson said in an email. “However, there may be situations where fences are deemed appropriate and may be approved.”Dr. Jonas Watson described it as the most horrifying story he’s ever heard about pets in   cottage country.

“During a bad season for wolves, some people lost their pet when it escaped on them,” the Grant Park Animal Hospital veterinarian recalled. “They went for a walk six days later and found his yellow tail.

“(Owners) must be aware of any wildlife that may bring them harm. Wildlife is not discriminatory when it comes to pets. Don’t leave them unattended.”

A cottage owner at West Hawk Lake said two different neighbours lost their pet dogs to wolves in the last year and a half.

Creative Catios

Marissa Lajeunesse, better known as the Winnipeg Cat Carpenter, explains that a catio is simply a patio for your cats.Typically, catios are outdoor structures made from wood, wire and screening to keep cats safe while exercising or lounging outside. This secure outdoor enclosure provides the purrrfect place for kitties to play while enjoying fresh air.Marissa Lajeunesse, better known as the Winnipeg Cat Carpenter, explains that a catio is simply a patio for your cats. Typically, catios are outdoor structures made from wood, wire and screening to keep cats safe while exercising or lounging outside. This secure outdoor enclosure provides the purrrfect place for kitties to play while enjoying fresh air.

A Red Seal carpenter by trade, Lajeunesse discovered a niche when she merged together her woodworking skills with her lifelong affinity for cats. She’s been a residential carpenter for about 10 years, and is now going into her second year as the Winnipeg Cat Carpenter.

“I knew I wanted to build a catio for my own two cats after moving into a place without a balcony about two years ago. My cats could not wait to get into their very own catio as I built it. They watched patiently from the window. I had a feeling I was not the only pet owner that would love to be able to give their cats this sort of experience,” she said.

“So I turned to social media to see what kind of interest there was here in Winnipeg and the response was unbelievable. I had dozens of inquiries within hours of posting it online. With combining my passion in carpentry and love for cats, the Winnipeg Cat Carpenter was born.”