SPRING RENEWAL
It's Springtime, and that means there is new life all around us, including many adorable babies. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always make people happy, especially those who live in urban areas. There are many people who do not yet accept that we share our living areas with other species, such as squirrels, raccoons, birds, and skunks.
We receive a lot of calls from people saying, “help! There’s a raccoon living in my yard! What do I do?” Our answer: “leave them alone.” Then we explain that at this time of year it is likely that the raccoon or squirrel is a parent with newborn babies nearby. If you remove the parent, or block up the entrance to the den they have created, you are most likely leaving those babies to die of starvation. Even the most callous of hearts doesn’t want to see that happen.
Creating an unwelcome environment that will make them move themselves is also a bad idea. That stress can put all of their lives at risk as well. It is best to leave them be, and when the babies are grown enough to move, the family will move on their own anyway.
All of us, including squirrels, raccoons, birds, and skunks, deserve to live in a safe home. We need to shift our mindset to see that experience as a gift rather than a burden. Enjoy all the renewal that Spring brings!
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Animal Voices Film Festival
June 3 and 4, 2006
Held at the H R Macmillan Space Center "Planetarium" 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC
Two days of thought provoking films, celebrating the glory of the animal kingdom and exploring the world of animals in our culture.
Featuring:
The Emotional world of Farm Animals a delightful documentary for viewers of all ages about the thinking and feeling side of farm animals.
The Canadian premier of Mad Cowboy based on Howard Lyman's book linking contemporary farming practices with the current threat of mad cow disease.
A rare appearance and book signing by author and renowned activist Howard Lyman to promote his new book No More Bull
Musical appearance by Dana Lyons, singer of the worldwide smash hit Cows with Guns
The second annual Animal Voices Film Festival includes two fun-filled days of movies, speakers, presentations, musical entertainment, food, prizes, and the opportunity to socialise and speak with representatives from sponsoring organizations. Day passes are a nominal $6.00 and $5.00 for members of sponsoring organizations.
For the film line up, sponsoring and other details see www.animalvoices.org/filmfest or phone 604 924 4966
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Animal Sanctuary Event in Maple Ridge, BC
June 18, 2006 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mark your calendar's, its time to get ready for the 2nd Hearts on Noses work party happening on Sunday June 18th from 10am until 4pm.
Come and lend a hand at this incredible animal sanctuary in Maple Ridge. Experience the peaceful co-existence of 23 pot-bellied pigs, one 9 month old funny farm pig, two gentle horses, two sweet dogs, and one cat. These animals were all rescued from terrible situations and are now living out their lives at the sanctuary in comfort, surrounded by love thanks to an amazing woman named Janice.
Our hard work will be followed by a vegan BBQ and prizes! No need to bring food this time, just a $5 bill and that will cover the cost of the food. Proceeds would will go back to the sanctuary. BYOB
Our first work party in March was a tremendous success, we had an incredible crew and we got so much work done. We want to make this one even bigger. There are many things to be done and jobs to suit everyone including building, shoveling, cutting, trimming, cleaning, and popping popcorn for the pigs.
Some of the work that needs to be done:
Charlotte's house needs a new sub-floor built.
We need to build two more large pig homes (like big dog houses 4 feet by 4 feet).
We need to move some manure away from the field.
We need to pull the 'pig weeds' from the horse paddock, these plants are toxic to pigs and are home to biting flies that bother the horses.
Gutters need to be repaired on some pig houses.
Bamboo needs to be removed from the new pasture so the grass will sweeten for the pigs.
Bark mulch needs to be added to each pig yard.
We need someone to stay in the house and pop garbage bags full of popcorn (the pigs love it)
Norm has a terrific new house sitting in the driveway right now that needs to be moved and a fence built around it so he feels secure.
Plus 100 other things
-If you have a wheelbarrow and you can bring for the day that would be helpful.
-Extra building materials like wood, nails, etc. are always needed and appreciated
-If you would like to bring the pigs some treats they love fresh produce especially the sweet stuff like potatoes, sweet potatoes,
apples, carrots, and peanuts in the shell.
Sanctuary Location:
13287 232nd St Maple Ridge
Directions:
Lougheed Hwy East toward Maple Ridge. Turn left (north) on 224th. Follow 224th to Dewdney Trunk Road and turn right (east). Follow Dewdney Trunk Road to 232nd and turn left (north). Go over two small bridges. The sanctuary is the property on the left after the second small bridge.
Please RSVP so we are sure to have enough food for everyone and please forward this email to anyone you think may want to help. THANK YOU!
Questions? Please don't hesitate to email Deb Gleason at debg@shaw.ca
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