The power of probiotics

Probiotics. Sounds powerful, doesn’t it? Pro and biotic. And yes, they are a powerful part of every diet, for people or pets.

We see ads all the time for yogurts, kefir and fermented products meant to assist your digestion. For pets, things are a little different, and while many have the same base bacteria, it is the delivery method which differs greatly.

To make probiotics more attractive to people, they are usually laced with sugars and flavours. Some of the sweeteners are poisonous to pets, and many pets are sensitive to things such as cow’s milk and lactose that can be a part of human probiotics. So, while sharing your yogurt with your pet may seem good, it can be a problem.

There are many forms of probiotics for pets.

Don’t make the mistake of living in the past

Dear Money Lady Readers,

Today I want to tell you a story about my brother, who has given me permission to share it because he has moved out of province to start over and is doing very well. In fact, he is doing exceptionally well.

He agreed to let me share his story with you because like everything in life, there is a lesson to be learned from it. Of course, some of the details have been changed to keep his identity private.

So, let’s call him George. George worked as a teacher and to make extra money he began a tutoring business for teens and young adults. He had been doing this for a few years when one of his new teenage students sued him for sexual assault.

The demise of the Highland Park subdivision

City street names can disappear for many reasons, including new waves of urban development. That was the case with Old Kildonan’s Highland and Foley avenues. One was swallowed up by a neighbouring suburb and the other by the anticipated Chief Peguis Trail extension.

In 1906, the Michael L. Foley Company began marketing the Highland Park subdivision on Main Street, just north of what is now the North End sewage treatment plant, as a future investment opportunity. At the time, there was no development on the land between Main and McPhillips streets, as these were former river lots, likely of Selkirk Settlers, which had been used for farming or as pasture.

Highland Park looked like a great investment on paper. There was a ferry service to North Kildonan at the river that was expected to be replaced by a bridge one day, a Winnipeg to Selkirk street car service opened along Main Street in 1908, and the City of Winnipeg began buying land for Kildonan Park in 1909.

If Foley’s “advertorials” in local papers were to be believed, hundreds of lots were pre-sold and plans for an extension to the subdivision were in the works. For reasons unknown, Foley was unable to turn the investment deal into reality and mentions of Highland Park disappeared from newspapers after 1907.

Good debts are tools to improve your situation

Dear Money Lady,

I’m in my 30s, not married and in a dead-end job. I’m thinking of going back to school but will have to get a loan to do so. Do you think it is okay to go into debt?

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Scammers prey on emotion, impending danger

What’s the one thing that can make you spring into action faster than anything else? For many of us, it’s an emergency plea from a loved one. Thinking a family member or friend is in danger causes many of us to throw caution to the wind and act immediately.

Scammers know this. They use it to con people out of thousands of dollars before the victims have even had a chance to think.

‘Grandparent scams’ are becoming increasingly common in 2023. Scammers may study their victims, learning from online posts to pull off the trick. They can create a seemingly real scenario to fool people into sending them money.

Imagine your niece, nephew or grandchild is travelling in Europe. You receive a panicked call or email, saying they need your help because they’ve gotten themselves into trouble with the law, are in need of health care, or were robbed and now have no money. The scammer might pose as law enforcement or a nurse, calling to “let the victim know” something bad has happened to a loved one. It could be any scenario, but the hook will always be the same — they need money and they it now.

Reduce your exposure to market volatility

Dear Money Lady,

I am concerned about my financial adviser and the volatility he has had me in for years. I am now 79 and wonder if this should be changed. My investments are mainly in equities: TFSA 83 per cent; RRIF 72 per cent; and US RRIF 99 per cent. I have questioned him before and have done well over the years but now I feel I need another opinion.

Thanks,

Sue

This Rogue will be worth it

Hi, I’m Rogue!

I love car rides, dog parks and anything to do with people or playing with other doggies.

I still need some work on my leash, as sometimes when I see something exciting, like a bird or squirrel, I pull. I know how to wait for my food and best of all I’m a really big girl who knows not to jump on new people.

I love all kinds of food – banana, cucumber, cantaloupe, honeydew, carrots — and I really like plain Timbits. I am very smart and food-motivated and, with a bit more training, I think I’d be a pretty amazing best friend.

The pros and cons of reverse mortgages

Dear Money Lady,

What do you think about reverse mortgages? I own my home but only have a widow’s pension and old-age security to live on. Now that everything is a little more expensive, I am finding it really difficult to live and pay my bills.

Verna

Dear Verna,

Preparing for spring and summer dangers

Each spring we see a changing in the flora and fauna around us. As local wildlife comes back into circulation and ventures into our yards, they bring danger in several forms.

First, many of these animals are predators and can be a risk to our pets, especially small dogs, cats, pet rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles or other pets we may take outside “to get some sun”. We must ensure that these animals are secure from attack by foxes or coyotes but there are predator birds, such as owls and hawks, that can also pose a threat. Cages for small animals, ‘catios’ for cats, and roofed dog runs give your pets secure outdoor activity areas.

Parasites are another threat. Ticks and fleas can accompany wild animals as they scout our yards and can then be transferred to our animals. Limiting wild animal access to our yards, or using deterrents, such as scents or noise, can limit this potential transfer. This also applies to parks and areas where we share the space with wildlife while we exercise our pets. Tick and flea control products, as well as thorough inspections after frequenting areas of concern can limit this issue.

It is not often encountered, but possibly the biggest concern is rabies. Rabid animals pose a threat to our entire families — pets and humans alike. Pets don’t realize the dangers and may rush to protect us if we’re approached by a rabid fox, for example, and they can be bitten in the process. Keeping your pets’ rabies shots up to date is important. For those that don’t want to over-vaccinate, there are titre tests, which can show if an animal retains immunity from a previous vaccination. These tests can cost as much or more than the actual shot, but if you’re concerned about vaccines, they are an option.

The legacy of The Prince’s Trust

The coronation of King Charles III is generating a new generation of interest in the British Royal Family. I recently did a dive to discover more about its charitable activities, and learned about an innovative enterprise started by Charles that is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth.

In 1976, after completing his duty in the Royal Navy, the Prince of Wales – which was his title prior to becoming King – came up with an idea. At that time, the U.K. was struggling with record levels of unemployment and inflation, and young people, in particular, were suffering. Charles used his Navy severance pay to fund 21 youth-focused community initiatives around the country. These early pilot projects became the foundation for a new charity.

The Prince’s Trust is built on the mandate that every young person should have the chance to succeed, regardless of their backgrounds or the challenges they face. The aim is to help those from disadvantaged communities by helping them develop the confidence and skills to live, learn, and earn.

The Prince’s Trust offers a range of free programs designed for those aged 11 to 30 to develop essential life skills, prepare for work, and access job opportunities that can lead to a more stable and fulfilling life. Also available on its website – www.princes-trust.org.uk – is a selection of useful resources like business plan templates, networking tips, budget planners, and more. These tools are free for anyone to access.

Take a chance on cute and cuddly Merry

Hi, my name is Merry, and I’m a silly girl who loves to cuddle and play.

I am fully house-trained and working on being crate-trained, but I am so close.

I really love playing with my doggie foster-brothers, and with the right introduction, I would really love to have forever siblings. I struggle with barrier frustration and react around dogs that aren’t my friends yet, but only because I want to play with them so badly. Ideally, I would love a home with a fenced yard.

I have done really well with cats and other small animals, too. I haven’t met any kids yet, but I can’t wait. I love going for walks but I could use some practise with the leash.

A primer on spring pet preparation

It didn’t seem like it wanted to for a while, but spring has finally returned, and with that, a new ‘leash’ on life. So many changes happen in spring and, while so many of them are good, the change of season also brings on some concerns for our pets.

For dog owners, one of the most disappointing moments of spring is the first time we look out in the thawing back yard to see all the fecal bombs that we missed over the winter. The ‘easter egg hunt’ happens in back yards everywhere, as well as in dog parks, most of which will organize a clean-up day.

Some dogs with allergies suffer the same fate as people during spring, with everything from molds to pollen causing issues. Many people will turn to allergy medications, but some will supplement with natural products that seem to help many dogs.

Wet yards, puddles and mud also make walking in spring more challenging — especially when we arrive at home. Having a towel at the door is the minimum, but there are other products that can help make cleanup easier. There are microfibre gloves that grab on to water and mud, and you can also buy paw washers that you fill halfway with water and use to rinse off the mud.

Set yourself up for success this spring

For the first time in a long time, Manitobans have gotten a glimpse of life. Finally revealed from under the winter’s heavy snowfall, the grass is reawakening, reminding us there’s a beautiful season ahead. There’s only one thing we need to do first — spring cleaning.

For many of us, that involves taking stock of some of the bigger projects winter’s blanket forced us to postpone. And one, in particular, is often overlooked.

The roof over our heads, the very thing that keeps us sheltered from those cold days and nights, needs more upkeep than many realize. Some homeowners leave broken-down shingles and sealing for far too long, then face the consequences when a Manitoba summer storm hits.

If your roof needs attention, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has some advice for you. First and foremost, search potential service-providers on bbb.org. That tool will be your best friend in finding unbiased and reliable reviews and/or complaints. Since the BBB is in the business of marketplace trust, it takes great pride in ensuring its database towers among its peers to help prevent you from being fooled by untrustworthy contractors.

Calendrier communautaire 233-ALLÔ

26 avril • Just(e) Slam • Patio 340

27 avril • Open Mic Hahaha • Patio 340

28 avril • Projection – Au-delà des mots • Club Éclipse

28 avril • Finale de la Ligue d’improvisation du Manitoba • CCFM

U.K. prepares for coronation of King Charles III

On Saturday, May 6, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will officially crown King Charles III — almost70 years to the day that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II was anointed on June 2, 1953. Thanks to the evolution of broadcasting and the invention of the internet since audiences from around the world will be able to experience the complete coronation in real-time.

Janus seeks soft, warm place to call home

Hi, my name is Janus.

Never too late to start a business

Dear Money Lady,

I am 57 and I want to start a small business and give up my nine-to-five day job. Do you think I am too old?

Liz

Dear Liz,

When Orr and Gretzky graced the ice together

Bobby Orr’s pro hockey career ended early in the 1978-79 NHL season after he played six games for the Chicago Black Hawks. Wayne Gretzky’s pro career began that same season when he played eight games in the WHA for the Indianapolis Racers. Arguably the greatest defenceman and the greatest centre to ever play the game, the pair only played together once – in a game on April 25, 1980 at the Winnipeg Arena.

An ‘adoption day’ tradition

If you’ve been reading my column the last few years, you will have seen numerous references to Leia, our rescue French bulldog. It is coming up on her adoption day, which is what I like to celebrate, since we have no idea of her actual birth date. For us, April 24, 2020, was Leia’s first day in our home.

Make way for the millennial generation

Dear Money Lady,

Change your habits, change yourself

Dear Money Lady Readers,

Reserve your Manitoba camping spots now

I’ve written previous columns about some of our 92 provincial parks here in Manitoba. This year, the province is introducing a new, staggered online booking system that is intended to make the reservation process easier. At the same time, it’s also a little more complicated — because when you can book depends on where you want to go.

The four-stage financial plan

Dear Money Lady Readers,

Solutions to social problems lie within us all

Feeding our families. Moving up the ladder. Planning our next outings or social get-togethers. All these are top of mind for many of us while social issues grow more and more complex. And while adults have little time to pay attention, children and youth bear the consequences.