Issue 04 February-March/2006

creaturesall
creaturesall
sharing the planet with our fellow creatures
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 Issue 04 February-March/2006

Articles and Inquiries

Bob Fielder
publisher@creaturesall.ca
Editorial
Linda Fielder
editor@creaturesall.ca
Display Ad Inquiries
sales@creaturesall.ca
In This Issue
www.creaturesall.ca The Confused Sloth – He was quick to inform me of a
Graphic Design
Bob Fielder
“Perezoso” nearby 8
publisher@creaturesall.ca
Tracking History – All were prohibited from running
at large 16
Grateful for Greta – Like a rocket, Greta bolted
Printing
grafikom to the sky in hot pursuit 20
Mailing address:
creaturesall Song Sung Blue – Mother immediately ushers him
P.O. Box 126,
Langdon, AB T0J 1X0 to the surface to take his first breath of air 25
403-512-9544
creaturesall is published 6 times per year (February, The Shed in our Yard – he sniffed about the place 28
April, June, August, October and December) by
1160613 ALBERTA LTD. and distributed freely in Cave Dwellings – when they're hungry... they eat us 29
Alberta the first week of the publication month.
Advertisers and contributors assume responsibility
and liability for the accuracy of their claims and
statements. The opinions and views expressed in
articles do not necessarily reflect those of the
Columns
Publisher or advertisers. creaturesall reserves the
right to refuse any advertising. All submissions will
Wagging Tales – stories from a veterinarian’s clinic 11
receive a reply if email address is provided.
Writers & Cover Artists may make submissions Creature Feature – the Calgary Zoo 13
by email to: publisher@creaturesall.ca
Copyright 2005 by 1160613 ALBERTA LTD.
Taking Down the Fences – A.I.W.C. 15
Cover Artist
Virginia Boulay Novel Suggestions – readers contribute book reviews 18
A freelance designer and
illustrator, Virginia works
in both watercolor and
The Wild File – Canadian Parks and Wilderness 23
acrylic and is currently
illustrating two children’s The Gardening Bug – the Calgary Horticultural Society 27
books.
When not working on
commissioned projects, The Final Word – recipe for a peaceful day 30
she devotes her creative
energies to painting.
Reaffirming her belief in
the replenishing capabilities and spiritual potency
of nature, she frequently hikes Alberta’s prairies
Departments
and Rocky Mountains capturing the landscape for
completion in her home studio.
Publisher’s Note 5
Calgary is home to Virginia and her feline
family. The cover watercolor painting is entitled
“Evening Meal” and is available as a Limited
Letters 7
Edition Print. (403) 242-4628
www.vboulayart.com In Passing 19
page3
 ...original paintings
of your pets!

www .gpmartin.com 403.286.7476 toll-free 1.877.286.7470

page4

I’m sensing you picked up this
issue of creaturesall because you were
struck by the wonderful cover image.
Our featured artist is Virginia Boulay.
I was immediately taken by Virginia’s
fine art/illustrative style when she
initially contacted creaturesall. Do
yourself a favor and take a look at her
website. (www.vboulayart.com). It’s a
true wonder to experience.
It is our mandate to showcase
artists from all media whose work
exemplifies our mission to spread the
word of all things fur, feathers, fins,
skins and scales.
If you are such an artist, or know
of a deserving soul, send along the
contact information to us at
publisher@creaturesall.ca
Living where I do, I am fortunate
enough to encounter wildlife regularly.
It has been my practice to take my dogs
on daily walks around our humble four
acres whenever time and weather
permit. On one recent occasion, when
both clock and thermometer were in
sync, I set out with the mutts on our
regular route, which seldom varies.
While approaching the area of our
yard which boasts the kids’ playhouse
(in truth they haven’t been kids and it
hasn’t been a playhouse for 20 years) I
noticed what looked like a very large
housecat sitting in the lower screened
in six foot square sandbox area.
Puzzled, because I could see the
entrance was shut, I approached closer
only to learn that, not a cat but an owl,
was trapped inside. And no ordinary
owl, this. No, this was a very large
Great Horned Owl, I would estimate to
be in the range of 24” tall and very dis-
gusted with his present circumstance.
My dogs, much like yours, have
their own distinctive personalities. The
little girl almost jumped out of her skin
Advertiser and Story Submission Deadline
for Next Issue – March 3rd/06
PUBLISHER’S
NOTE
FERRET RESCUE &
EDUCATION SOCIETY
with excitement; never mind that the
FERRET RESCUE &
owl probably out weighed her by five
EDUCATION SOCIETY
pounds. The big girl, in truth a lady,
Adopt, Foster,
was all business and just gave me a
Surrender or
look which communicated she thought Become a Member
we should best be going because some-
thing just wasn’t right here and we’ll
Call 567-FRES (3737)
riching lives o f f e r re ts"
get in trouble if we get caught messing "en
about where we shouldn’t... “Move www.ferrets.ca
along, there’s nothing to see here!”
Ignoring her and turning my
attention to the owl, I deduced he
must have entered through the open
trap door in the ceiling of the sandbox,
perhaps jumping in to investigate
something he’d found of interest. Once
inside, his wingspread was far too
great to allow him to exit the same way
he had entered. I had no idea if he’d
been there an hour or a week, but I did
know I had to let him out.
Sending my dogs off to the other
side of the yard, one heartbroken, the
other only too pleased to be anywhere
but there, I quietly, and without
ceremony, opened the large, previously
locked entrance, prying it open with a
stick. Next, we three moved to the
front deck to watch the proceedings
from a safe distance.
It didn’t take too long before he
noticed the lack of screening across
what used to be the door, allowing him
to hop up on the edge of the doorway.
From there it was a mere flap, skip
and a jump from door, to swingset, to
firepit enclosure, to tree branch and
finally to the roof of the barn.
I count myself fortunate to share
in the lives of those creatures around
us who seek nothing other than be
allowed to carry on uninhibited, as
they have done for millennia.
encouraging you to read, then write
Bob & Linda Fielder
page5
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paw prints and pen scratches
We picked up the latest crea-
turesall when it came out. Once
again it is just super! You two are
doing such a great job. We hope
that you will get the assistance you
need to keep it going!
Judi and Jack Pearce
A dear family friend mailed
your lovely magazine out to Delta,
British Columbia, as she knew we
would be interested. And we were.
A well-done and interesting read.
Wonderful graphics...
Pat and Don Gowing
I finally had a chance to pick up
the December issue, and it looks
FABULOUS!
You did a great job, I am so
pleased and so proud to hand this
magazine out to everyone I know.
I'll have to snatch a few more copies
from the stores to hand out to
people.
W.P.
Great little publication! I don't
know how I missed picking up the
previous issues but I will be looking
for all future issues.
Wishing you continued success.
Nigel J. Higenbottam
I have read the 2nd edition of
your magazine and speaking as a
true animal lover found it to be
quite good reading, keep up the
good work.
Gerry Rose
We both really enjoyed reading
your new magazine..particularly the
story on “Skokie” the resident griz-
zly at the Calgary Zoo. We told the
people at Fairplay Pet Supplies in
Kensington about your new maga-
zine and they also were interested
in reading it.
Owen Bradley
LETTERS Bow wow
With luck I picked up the last
creaturesall magazine at the
library. I was captivated and could
not put it down.Congratulations
for a fine job and a great idea!
Wilf Schurig
My name is Tracy Buck and
when I am at work I always pick
your magazine off the shelves.
Your “Publisher's Note” in the most
recent issue left me concerned and
WOW!
Here's how you can
curious; is it possible that I can improve your dog's
help you out in some way?
behavior and help
Tracy Buck
them become the
I am emailing to inquire family member you've
whether I may be able to volun- always wanted
teer my time to assist you in some Our innovative, dog friendly
way to maintain creaturesall. It is methods are based on the
a fine publication which serves a way dogs communicate with
great purpose of nurturing and each other. We come to you
fostering a deep appreciation of and work with your dog in
our fellow creatures. Please let me its own home, customizing
know what you need. the solution to your
Judith Pinto Coy situation, your dog's needs
and temperament.
Your talent, passion and your
mission have come alive within Bark Busters provides a
the pages of creaturesall. Written Lifetime Guarantee.
I know that your full intention
is to touch the hearts of many by Visit www.barkbusters.com
what you have surely done. And and try our free behavior
to promote awareness - teaching rating quiz to see how your
the unlearned. dog measures up..
K BUS T
Donna Kusz
We sure enjoyed your maga-
zine and gave copies to our grand-
B AR
ER
children.
Would appreciate if you send
S
me 3 copies of issue 1.
Best wishes and good luck.
We look forward to the next
issue.
Laurie and Gerry Luciani
Letters to the editor should be emailed
to editor@creaturesall.ca. with “Letter
246-1844
to the Editor” as the subject line.
page7
 HE CONFUSED SLOTH written and photographed by Cyril Brass

isit after visit, I have been (which actually turned out to be 7 nights) I told him partly in

V fortunate to see
photograph them. Sometimes
and

hanging high on the treetops. Other

English and partly in Spanish of my previous visits to Costa
Rica and Manuel Antonio; that I was a wildlife and adventure
photographer looking to get some good shots of monkeys,
times at eye level clinging to a coatimundi, iguanas, anteaters and sloth.
branch. He was quick to inform me of a “Perezoso”
nearby, not knowing the English translation. I knew
exactly what he was talking about. He pointed me
in the direction of the sloth sighting. Wow, a
wildlife encounter already!
The creature is I quickly ran back to my room to grab my
the 3-toed sloth camera gear, in hope the sloth would still be
and the place is there. How far could he have gone considering
Costa Rica. This he travels at such a leisurely pace? I felt I had
small Central an excellent chance to get a few snapshots.
American country Pablo was correct and I was in luck. A
does an excellent small group of tourists had gathered standing
job of protecting its along the main road. But something
wildlife and eco-sys- appeared odd as I approached the growing crowd.
tems through nation- No one was looking into the trees where you would expect
al parks and private reserves, still to see a sloth. Instead everyone had their eyes focused on
allowing wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to enjoy a road sign. There
their visit. The sloth is one of the main wildlife attractions he was.
in Costa Rica. This confused
Situated on the Pacific coastline, Manuel Antonio sloth had climbed
National Park is one of the smaller parks in Costa Rica and up a road sign
one of the most visited by tourists. On several previous trips instead of a tree.
this tropical region has provided me with excellent What was he
encounters to view and photograph the 3-toed sloth in their thinking? Strange
natural habitat. It is always rewarding to capture images thing about this
of the characteristics and behaviors of wildlife in their was, the sign and
own backyard. post were both
The sloth is the slowest mammal on Earth and one of its made of metal.
strangest creatures. This tree living mammal can be found in Not strange
tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Its entire that he could
life is spent living in trees and hanging upside down in trees climb the post,
with only brief moments spent on the ground. as his power-
However, my journey to this tropical paradise in July ful arms and
2005 provided me with a very different sloth experience. I legs with
arrived late in the evening in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. long sharp
It was difficult to sleep knowing my adventure would begin c l a w s
in a few hours at first light. Travelling on an early morning curved like
bus ride to the Pacific coast village of Manuel Antonio, it was m e a t
time for some sun, sand, adventures and wildlife. h o o k s
With so many accommodations to choose from in the c o u l d
area, my choice was a small cabina. My room was securely
surrounded by a lush green garden not more than fifty grasp onto anything,
meters from the white sandy beach and warm Pacific water. but strange that he didn’t figure out what
While Pablo, the office attendant of the cabinas, he was about to climb, which would not feel like any other
processed the payment for my stay for the next 3 nights tree he had climbed previously. But this particular sloth

page8
decided to venture up the
road sign anyway.
Closely, the
group watched the
unusual looking crea-
ture. How awesome
was this to see a sloth
up so close? He turned
his head, ever so slowly,
watching the human
species surrounding him.
The sloth lives in the
trees almost its entire life. It
eats, sleeps and mates in the
trees. The only time it comes
to the ground is to go to the
bathroom, usually once a
week. With its body size and
lack of muscle mass, this
enables it to store large quanti-
ties of food and yet be light
enough to move about in trees
without breaking the branches it
travels on.
One boy carefully touched the
motionless body. Then another. They
seemed unaware that wasn’t the
safest thing for them to do, considering
the possibility of transferring animal
and human diseases. The thick coat of
the sloth is unlike that of almost all
other mammals. Because it spends
most of its life upside down, the hair
grows from its belly down to its back
allowing the rain to run off the body
easier. A dog’s coat on the other hand
grows from its back down to its belly.
Living in tropical rainforests means
lots of rain with high humidity. This
continuously moist environment allows
for tiny one-celled algae and mold to
grow in the thick coats of the sloth
making the hair look greenish instead
of its natural grayish brown. This
greenish tone actually creates better
camouflage for the animal in its natural
habitat and more protection against its
predators such as the jaguar and eagle.
It also makes it more challenging for
humans to spot one, as it can appear
more like a clump of moss growing on
a tree branch than an animal.
I was able to come within inches of
this helpless sloth. No need for my tele-
photo lens on this encounter. What a
fellow’s attempt to transfer the
sloth was successful. The sloth
eventually grabbed hold of the
branch releasing his viselike
grip on the signpost. Some of
the crowd stopped the
passing traffic as the fellow
carried the rescued creature
carefully across the road to
the edge of the rainforest.
He set the sloth down next
to the base of a real tree.
Methodically the sloth
started his climb,
gripping his claws into
the tree, extending
one arm at a time,
until he was safe at
last, high in the
branches.
great
feeling it was to be
that close and to get some great
shots.
Several of the onlookers spoke
about what, if anything, should be
done about the sloth. Whether to
leave him on the signpost or move
him to a tree, was the issue.
There was no place to go but
down to the ground for this crea-
ture, a very risky place for a
sloth. If you were ever to see a
sloth on the ground, he would
be crawling, pulling himself
forward with his arms, as he is
unable to walk upright, due to
weak back muscles and
paradoxically strong shoulder, neck,
hip and arm muscles. Sometimes, it seems, Nature
Any attempt by this sloth to cross needs a helping hand or, in this case, a
the busy road would most likely end in helping branch. ca
his death. One gentleman walked
across the road into the forest to Cyril Brass is a Wildlife and Sports
retrieve a large branch to carry the Photographer living in Calgary.
sloth to safety. With a little poking and brassphotography@shaw.ca
prodding with the long thick stick, the 403-999-1908
page9
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page10

ntering
E t h e
exam
room, I always
recognized Muffin’s characteristic
crackly, “Me-ow, Meee-ooow, Me-ow!”
Her loud, confident call echoed
throughout the hospital. Muffin was
one of the first patients I met
when I began working as a vet-
erinarian in Calgary, in April
of 2002. She was a svelte gray
tabby cat, already 16 years old
back then.
I instantly fell in love with
this spirited little cat. I remem-
ber collecting a blood and
urine sample from her during
one of her senior wellness
exams. During one exam she
accidentally stretched out her
paw and it caught my hand!
“Ouch!” I gasped! But I imme-
diately knew Muffin did not do it on
purpose. She was trying to reach out
to play with the stethoscope I had
around my neck. I chuckled as I left
the room to put a bandage over my
scratch.
Muffin was definitely a common
visitor to my hospital. Once she
developed a 1cm fluid-filled cyst
above her eye. After encouragement
and lots of discussion, the owners
finally trusted me to do surgery to
remove the cyst. Muffin did very well
during the procedure–it didn’t seem
to phase her in the least! She almost
seemed happy and thankful after the
heavy cyst was removed.
A few years later Muffin began to
urinate more often and drink more
often. Some days she did not have a
very good appetite. More blood and
urine analyses, as well as a kidney
ultrasound, revealed that she had
kidney disease, which is common in
older cats. Fortunately, because her
owners knew Muffin well, they were
able to bring her in at the first sign of
stories from a veterinarian’s clinic
illness. This allowed me to diagnose
and start treatment quickly.
The treatments for kidney disease
are very important. They often include
monitoring her diet and starting
her on a prescription food that is easy
for the kidneys to tolerate. I also
started Muffin on kidney protective
medications and supplements that
had to be given in pill form. As her
kidney function slowly deteriorated, I
began fluid therapy. Her dedicated
owners gave her special fluids under
her skin that helped keep Muffin
hydrated and helped flush the waste
products from her system. These
treatments were rigorous, but they
definitely helped Muffin feel better.
Over time, I felt she understood that
they were helping her.
Muffin needed frequent trips to
my hospital for exams, blood and
urine monitoring and weigh-ins.
Through it all she did not put up a
fuss and graciously let us collect all
the samples we needed to collect. She
never scratched me again.
Sometimes, when Muffin took a
turn for the worse and would not eat
very much, she required hospitaliza-
tion with intravenous fluids. Soon
after, she was back to her normal
self, playing, purring and eating up a
storm. Eventually however, her
kidney function started to decline
page11
WAGGING TALES
by Dr. Julie Schell BSc(Hons), DVM
even more. Her owners and I knew
that Muffin did not have much time
left. They rejoiced in every extra day
they had with her and kept her as
comfortable as possible.
One very sad day, I received a
call from Muffin’s owners. They
informed me Muffin had passed away
in her sleep. They explained
how the day before she was
her usual, affectionate, playful
self. It was like she did not
want them to over exert
themselves for her benefit. She
had spared her owners from
having to make the painful
decision of when to euthanize.
Throughout her whole life,
Muffin’s spirit was so strong,
but her weak body could no
longer cope with her multitude
of illnesses. Her owners
brought Muffin to my hospital
for private cremation and I was so
thankful they did that. I was able to
say good bye to my dear friend. It was
wonderful to hug her little body one
last time.
Every time I diagnose another cat
with kidney disease, I think of Muffin
and all the great care and love her
owners gave her. Each time I notice
the scar on my right hand I fondly
remember Muffin’s courageous spirit
and will to survive despite all odds.
She truly had nine lives and used
each one to its full potential.
Muffin is also a source of inspira-
tion to many of my other clients. She
proved that age is not a disease, and
that with dedicated treatment and
love, even an old cat with multiple
diseases can do very well and live
many more years of quality life. Her
story also reminds me of the close
bond that pet owners and pets share,
and encourages me even more to
dedicate my life to lengthening this
bond and keeping it as strong and
healthy as possible. ca
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page12
 CREATURE FEATURE
Khasam–continuing the legacy
by Kathleen Hewitt

he front cover of issue #03 of River Khasami, near Lazo according to pool. Khasam, who had seemed posi-

T creaturesall featured a painting

by Wendy Palmer of one of the
Calgary Zoo’s most popular animals.
the Director of the Moscow Zoo,
Vladimir Spitsin.
On May 17, 1991 when Shirkan,
tively dozy to that moment, sprang to
life and was at the water in a flash.
The duck quickly flew off to the west
Khasam, a the male cub was end of the enclosure; however, it did
wild-born two years old, he not have enough height to go over the
Siberian arrived at the fence, so it turned in mid-air. Khasam
tiger, was Calgary Zoo and launched himself upwards, and landed
rescued was renamed back on all four feet with the duck in
from the Khasam after the his mouth. I don’t think the duck even
wild and area in which he knew what had hit it. Khasam very
brought to was found as a proudly carried his extra breakfast to
Calgary six-month-old the viewing window where he
with the cub. proceeded to pluck it before eating it.
coopera- Khasam With only 334 – 417 Siberian
tion of the resided at the tigers remaining in the wild today,
Moscow Calgary Zoo and Khasam’s genes were very precious.
Zoo. became a much His bloodline has been carried on to
H i s loved animal that numerous progeny including his son,
story began people made an Fedor-Eh, who still resides at the
on May 1, 1989, give or take 30 days, effort to visit, right up until his death Calgary Zoo. One of his daughters,
when he and his sister were born on January 20, 2004 from in-operable Tsamara, was transferred to a Zoo in
somewhere in Siberia. He was obvi- cancer. the Czech Republic where a mate was
ously looked after well by his mother Khasam lived a very active life at awaiting her arrival. She has since
until sometime in November of the the Zoo and loved to catch ducks and produced two adorable cubs that
same year. It was at six months of age, geese that made the mistake of trying are now approaching one year
when both cubs were observed wan- to use the swimming pool in the tiger old. Hopefully one day Fedor-Eh
dering about together without their habitat. will father more cubs at the Calgary
mother. As tiger cubs usually stay with I remember one very cold, Zoo and Khasam’s wild bloodline
their mother until they reach approxi- foggy November morn- will continue to help preserve Siberian
mately two years of age, it was obvious ing when I came down tigers long
that some disaster had befallen her. to visit the Zoo, know- into the
The cubs were kept under observation ing that the animals future. ca
and it was noted that they were unable are often more
to feed themselves and were eating active in the cold
animals that had been killed and fed winter months.
on by other predators. On December Khasam was
20, 1989 it was decided that the tiger walking around
cubs should be captured in order to the perimeter
save their lives as they were in danger of his large
of either being killed by other habitat when a
predators or dying from hunger. duck flew into
The two cubs were captured two the enclosure
days later on December 22, 1989 and and landed
were transported to the Moscow Zoo. in the
The cubs were extremely aggressive
after their capture in the basin of the

page13
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page14

hey say
T patience is a virtue, but for one
little owl, it is a life saver.
Wild birds of every size and
description come through our doors at
AIWC. Their injuries range from mild
trauma to month-old burns and
fractures accompanied by dehydration,
infection, and starvation. For staff and
volunteers alike, it is essential to
set aside the emotional distress of
working with these suffering animals
and remain focused on providing
compassionate care.
There are always those special
cases when we are humbled by the
tenacity and courage of a particular
individual that has beaten the odds. It is
one thing for an injured bird to survive
its injuries but sometimes that is not
enough. Regaining full flight is essential
to surviving in the wild. For a bird of
prey, it must be able to hunt, migrate,
defend a territory, and escape
predators. To be released, a bird’s
naturally incredible athleticism must
not be compromised.
In early September, an adult male
Short Eared Owl was removed from a
barbed wire fence where he had likely
struggled through the night. This is not
an uncommon occurrence for raptors,
particularly owls, which may not see
TAKING DOWN THE FENCES
the wire in the dark. In
fact, hawks and falcons
that hunt in full daylight,
can be so focused on
their prey they are not
aware of the danger.
Once caught, the ensuing
struggle to free them-
selves only causes further
entanglement as the
feathers become tightly
wound. Lacerations,
bleeding, and torn skin
soon follow
as the
s h a r p
b a r b s
puncture
living tissue. What’s more, a bird will
continue to struggle for hours at a time,
adding dehydration, myopathy,
and exhaustion to its already life-
threatening condition.
Upon admission to AIWC, this
Short Eared Owl was so limp, we
thought he had expired sometime
between rescue and delivery to the
center. He was unconscious, had an
extremely slow heart rate, low body
temperature, and was completely
unresponsive. Punctures and shredded
skin riddled his abdomen, legs, and
wings. To make matters worse, one of
his internal air sacs was ruptured and
he had obviously lost a lot of blood.
His prognosis was very poor indeed.
We doubted he would make it through
the night.
Following intensive treatment, the
owl was moved to a specially designed
incubator. If he survived the first forty-
eight hours, the next question would be
whether the soft tissue damage was so
severe he would never fly again.
From one hour to the next, this
determined little fighter refused to give
up. Imagine our joy when, one week
later, he was stable enough to come out
of the incubator! From that day
forward, every little increment of
page15
flight interrupted
by Robyn Roper
progress was cause for celebration.
First, there was his ability to stand by
himself. Then there was the day he took
food willingly from tweezers. Another
huge step was the day he ate a mouse
on his own, completely unaided!
However, one nagging problem had
us all worried. The wing that had
suffered the worst damage hung feebly
from his shoulder and we wondered if
he would ever use it again. He was
unable to lift it into a normal position
across his back and as a result, it hung
half under his body so that he frequently
stepped on it. Sometimes we would find
him lying on his side with his talons
tangled among his flight feathers,
helpless to right himself.
There were several possible causes
for this, including damaged nerves, ten-
dons, and ligaments, none of which
bode well for a full recovery. Our hope
was that physiotherapy and time would
improve the situation. On more than
one occasion, we seriously considered
euthanizing him, fearing we were
simply refusing to accept the inevitable,
only making him more miserable with
all the associated stresses of handling.
However, Short Eared owls are a
threatened species so we continued to
be patient and watched closely for each
little sign of improvement.
Today that owl is flying.
By Christmas time, exercise and
patience had paid off in a big way. He
could do laps, change direction in mid-
air, and land gracefully. By New Year’s
Day, approximately 75 percent of his
original flying skill was restored and he
continues to get better each week. The
final step will be to make sure he can
catch live mice easily. Come Spring, we
will return him to his home turf where
we hope his mate will be waiting.
Needless to say, this special little owl
captivated our hearts and our
imagination by reinforcing the values of
perseverance and determination, traits
to live by every day at AIWC. ca
 circa 1900
lthough no animals have
A actually been encountered
residing at Corporate Records,
Archives, they have left their tracks in
The City of Calgary’s historical
records. In fact, their first appearance
in the records is in 1885, shortly after
Calgary’s incorporation as a town.
What was life like in the Town of
Calgary? Incorporated in 1884, less
than 600 people lived within the town limits. The
boundaries, in terms of Calgary today, were 15th Street SE
to 14th Street SW from east to west, and the Bow River to
17th Avenue SW from north to south. Livestock was
commonplace; integral to town life.
Given the prevalence of domestic animals and
Calgary’s gradual growth from a settlement into a town, it
should come as no surprise that many of them were
running at large. The first Town Council was asked to
resolve this issue. To this end they passed Bylaw No. 16 on
February 7, 1885, which established the Town Pound and
defined the duties of the Pound Keeper. People could no
longer allow their animals to roam around town. To do so
would result in impoundment, a fine for the owner, or
both.
From this bylaw it can be inferred that a large variety
of domestic stock lived in Calgary, since it lists all the
animals that would be impounded if found running at large:
“stallions, mares, geldings, colts and fillies, bulls, sheep,
goats, swine of any kind or sex, mules of either sex, oxen
and geese”. Dogs were added to this list just before the
bylaw was passed.
The Pound Keeper was instructed to
impound any stock or geese if they were found
running at large or if they were caught
trespassing in any enclosed yard, garden or
land within the Town of Calgary. This bylaw
presents a picture of town life that seems
circa 1912
somewhat rural. It
is understandable
that the large num-
ber and variety of
animals roaming
around would be
seen as a nuisance
by many of the
town’s inhabitants.
This problem still existed after Calgary’s incorporation
as a city in 1894. Council passed Bylaw No. 350 on May 3,
1898 to establish a City Pound for Calgary and to redefine
the duties of the Pound Keeper. Except for dogs, which
came under a separate bylaw in 1889, the new bylaw
reiterated the list in the previous pound bylaw, but went
beyond geese to include “hens, turkeys, ducks or other
kinds of fowl”. All were prohibited from running at large or
trespassing in the city.
Why were there so many domestic animals and fowl
living in Calgary? They were kept for food and work.
Having hens or cows in the back yard was an affordable
and convenient food source for many citizens. On October
4, 1900, Chief of Police Thomas English reported that there
were about 220 cows being kept in Calgary and a further
100 cows, mostly kept in the west side of the city (Section
16) for the purpose of selling milk.
In fact, citizens were encouraged to keep livestock in
the city, especially during times of food shortages such as
in 1918 when food production and food conservation were
national issues. This is illustrated in Mr. U. L. Macgregor’s
letter of May 7, 1918 to Alderman MacTaggert. “Being a
breeder of purebred Jerseys, and desiring to bring one of
my cows in from my farm for use at my City
residence, I am
 confronted with the serious problem of her well-being on
account of the number of dogs which are being allowed to
run at large in this locality.” He outlines the problems of
dogs running at large and praises The City’s
encouragement of citizens to purchase cows at this time.
He justifies his lengthy letter by stating that his “desire to
protect “man’s best friend” the dairy cow in our City, may
be sufficient excuse” and asks Alderman MacTaggert to
bring the issue of dogs running at large before Council.
This was also the year when the High Cost of Living
Committee, comprised of four aldermen, recommended
that The City of Calgary purchase cows and goats in order
to sell them to citizens as a means of reducing the cost of
living. The committee proposed selling the cows on
instalment to those who could provide a sufficient down
payment. On April 29, 1918 Council voted against the
purchase of cows for resale to citizens, but supported
further investigation into the sale of goats.
In addition to those used for food production, working
animals also lived in Calgary. The City of Calgary employed
a large number of horses in various departments, including
the Fire Department, which had 21 horses in 1912. The
total cost of their upkeep during that year was $234.80 as
seen in the itemized list shown here.
These horses lived at the fire halls along with the
firemen and often a “fire dog”. Fire Department
Chief “Cappy” Smart wrote to his
friend Andy Good in 1911 to thank
him for sending a dog from Crow’s
Nest, BC. “We have him installed at
Headquarters chained securely and
[he] is beginning to get acquainted
with the Boys. He Sits up and
wonders what in H—l is Happening
when the Alarm sounds and when he
sees the Horses run out.”
Horses working for other City departments lived at the
City Stables. Their City-assigned number was recorded, as
was their weight, age, colour, monetary value and even
their names, for example Bob, Jack, General, Jim, Tom,
Charlie, Carbon, Moody and Prince.
Like their human counterparts, horses could also be
“laid off” as was seen when the City went through a
retrenchment in 1915. On March 15 Council adopted
Clause #3 of the Board of City Commissioners report:
Sale of Horses, etc. Owing to the considerable
curtailment in the City’s expenditures, the Commissioners
recommend that about 60 of the City’s horses, together
with a quantity of harness, wagons and carts… be disposed
of by public auction on or about April 1st.
The sale of these horses would reduce the amount of
hay and oats required, as well as fees for pasturing ($1.50
per horse per month) and veterinary services.
As Calgary grew and life became more mechanized,
the role of animals in city life changed. Motor vehicles
replaced horses and eventually citizens were prohibited
from keeping livestock in the city. However, just like
people, the animals have left their mark on Calgary’s
history. They can be found if we just make the effort to look
for them. ca

by Carol Stokes
Archivist circa 1910–1920
Corporate Records, Archives
City Clerk’s Office
The City of Calgary

The Magical Horses
by Beate Epp
illustrated by Beate Epp
Blue Cat Publishing
ISBN 0-9738625-0-5
soft cover
McNally Robinson Bookstores
Poldy didn’t know exactly what the Magical Horses
were able to do, but she had a strong feeling their magic
would work for the good of all creatures.
With The Magical Horses, Beate Epp has written a
heartwarming fairy tale for both the young and the young
at heart. Detailed descriptions unfold in front of our eyes,
as we are invited in to be part of this mystic world.
Follow the lovable nine-year-old mouse twins, Leo and
Poldy, as they journey through the deep forest to the other
side, where the Mother of All Mice resides in the old hol-
low oak tree. Share their hopes and experience their fears
as they search out answers and try to unlock the secrets of
the Magical Horses and the wondrous and peaceful times
when the horses were still around.
Walk with these two little mice as they face challenges
and threats and meet new friends along the way. Open your
heart to the dream of the world of Magical Horses. Meet
their friends Maximilian and Albert as they learn about the
Land behind the Rainbow.
Beate Epp, award-winning Canadian artist, lives with
her husband, Paul, on their farm in Saskatchewan. Both
author and artist, her skills using colour and media to tell
her stories give her paintings a special and inviting appeal.
Her ability to draw the reader in shines throughout her
storytelling as the characters she touches are brought to life.
www.beate-epp.com
The Healthy Dog Book
by Alexandra Bastedo and
Jeannie Kemnitzer
Robson Books
237 pp., ISBN 1-86105-267-7
soft cover.
reviewed by Grady Lorens
Part recipe book, part encyclopedia, The Healthy Dog
Book is a veritable, well... encyclopedia, absolutely bursting
with information and recipes, all geared toward raising
page18
NOVEL SUGGESTIONS
readers contribute their book reviews
send your review to editor@creaturesall.ca
happier and healthier dogs. Beyond meal preparation,
specific maladies are tackled through herbal remedies and
homeopathic tips and hints.
Alexandra Bastedo runs an animal rescue centre with
over 170 animals. The practices she outlines in The Healthy
Dog Book are tried and true results from her many years
keeping her vet bills to a minimum.
Jeannie Kemnitzer is a creative cook who will both
surprise and please you with her innovative and healthful
recipes. The cumulative result is a book that will more than
pay for itself in savings at the grocer’s as well as the vet.
Bees in America:
How the Honey Bee Shaped a Nation
by Tammy Horn
University Press of Kentucky
320 pp., ISBN 0-8131-2350-X
Hard cover.
reviewed by Gladys Anderson
America owes its liberty to the honeybee, or so say's
author, Tammy Horn. Her opinion is shared by none other
than George Washington. That story is merely one recounting
of bee folklore, science, and history in this entertaining
chronicle of anecdotes and facts.
Americans have always loved the honey bee, not only
for the honey and the wax, but because the hive is a symbol
of a perfectly run society. Paradoxically, the beehive is at
opposites with the society we have set up for ourselves.
Ours is based on every man (or woman) for themselves.
Bees; little robots with regimented roles, seem to make it
work, but definitely do not parallel human culture, at least
human democratic culture.
Their work ethic has spawned the phrase, “as busy as
a bee”. We are often guilty of expressing that if someone
finds themselves poor or unemployed, they would do well to
take a lesson from the honey bee.
Horn examines such topics as the rehabilitation of
returning shell-shocked war vets through beekeeping, the
use of bee (and birds) by sex educators, the military use of
bees to detect chemicals and explosives, and bees in
American literature and movies.
In an up-to-date discussion of current bee problems, Horn
reflects that the American beekeeping community is decreas-
ing and bees are dying in record numbers. She concludes
that, by trying to control bees, we have learned that bees, and
nature itself, will never be completely controlled. ca

Polly
Our dear little Polly passed suddenly.
She was our cuddly confidant, night-
time foot warmer, greeter, watchdog,
bare-skin kisser and much loved
member of our immediate and
extended household. She shared her life
with us for 12 1/2 of her 13 years and had
a special relationship with each of us.
She played foot soccer with Jason
and stole french fries from him whenever she could. Chris
never came through the door without her welcoming
conversation and she loved to smother him with kisses.
The grandkids were always special to her and she loved all
five with a special affection. She loved to cuddle with
“Mom” and lay on the foot rest of her Lazyboy couch. She
was always in the middle of any activity and loved to be
where the action was and would start a “conversation”
with anyone who was interested. She never liked anyone
to leave and would protest their departure.
Her special talent was raising her poodle ears so high
that she looked like she could fly. Her previous kitty
friends taught her to wash her face just like a cat and this
brought us many laughs. We miss her so much and our
home is very empty without her presence.
Passed Away on: 12/06/05
Mr Biggs
What can I say about Mr Biggs?
Beyond that he is gone. It’s hard to accept;
hard to believe. He was perhaps, the
smartest Labrador retriever ever put on
this planet. It seemed that his entire sense
of well being centred around his wanting
to please us. If only he knew that all he
really needed to do was just to be there.
But he is there no longer. He tragi-
cally lost his life, far too soon, to cancer. In just a matter of
weeks he went from exuberance to exhaustion. His eyes were
so full of expression, even in his final days, when the drugs
could no longer keep the pain at bay. It seemed like he was
apologizing, that he just wanted to get up and go for a run
with us. I know he surely would have if only he could have.
With the assistance of his vet, and with the three of us
at his side, we said good bye to one good dog. I miss the
sound that his nails used to make as he trotted down the
hardwood hallway to greet me each night when I returned
home. Now Biggsy has gone home.
Passed Away on: 03/13/05
page19
IN PASSING
celebrating the lives of animal friends
Tweety
This is to remember Tweety. He
was just two years old when he died.
Passed Away on: 08/16/05
Tom
I've always loved cats. I always thought that a person
should really have two cats, so one wouldn't be lonely. I did
have two cats, brothers named Tom and Jerry. Now I just
have Jerry. Tom was killed by a stupid dog. He got bitten
so bad he just never got better.
My mom told me that Tom had been attacked but that
he had run under a parked car. I went down the street and
sure enough, there was Tom hiding under someone’s car. I
thought that he would be OK. Except he wasn't.
My brother helped me get him out as he was sort of
all scrunched up and a little afraid I guess to move. Anyway
we got him out and took him to the vet. The vet said that
there was a tear in his muscle. I still thought he was going
to be OK but the vet said he looked too sick for that to be
the only problem. We left him at the vets that night and
the next morning my mom told me that Tom hadn't made
it through the night.
I think I might like to get another friend for Jerry, but
I’m not sure if that would be a good idea.
07/12/05
Samantha
We got Samantha when she was just a puppy and she
was the light of our lives for 14 years. She died just before
Christmas and, although that was a hard time to lose her,
we are so thankful she had no pain and seemed to just drift
off to sleep. She was a mutt we got from the SPCA and she
wasn't particularly smart but she sure did love to play. Even
when she got older she always seemed to have the energy to
run after her frisbee.
Although she's gone, it's going to take a while for us to
accept she's not here any longer. Rest in peace, girl. You
deserve it.
12/12/05
Send your tributes to editor@creaturesall.ca All material is
subject to editing. Include ‘Passed Away on: date’. and a 300
dpi photo should you choose to include one.
F ifty years ago, half a world away in Germany, my
five friends and I frequently roamed the country-
side in search of adventure in nature, an experience
replayed by young boys the world over. Most of us were still
harboring a playful outlook on life.
George, the oldest of us, was
the only one seriously
engaged in the pur-
suit of wildlife pho-
tography, while
some of us just
aspired to it. On
one of his solo
camera outings in a
pasture near his home
he stumbled upon a snipe-
like bird, brooding her clutch of
eggs in a hollow on the ground. She stubbornly stayed on
her nest, while he watched her.
George could not keep this latest secret long from his
brother Karl. Before the sun had set that day we all knew
about it. At first, George wanted nothing more
than to spend the whole day alone with his
star performer. Reluctantly he agreed to
show us her nest in the early morning.
As we marched through the dew-laden
grass, climbing over fences and
jumping over ditches en route, the
bird, a Black-tailed Godwit, flew off the
nest. She sounded agitated, “greta, greta,
greta”. Disappointed that she fled from us and
very much doubting the story George had told us the night
before, we crouched down in a half circle around her nest.
The nest contained four large speckled olive-green eggs.
Fifteen minutes passed and almost out of nowhere the
Godwit landed a short distance from us in the tall grass.
She was still sounding her German name softly. She was a
beautiful sight and full of poise. Her body was a deep red
brown. She had a very long bill and dark trusting eyes.
From that moment on she became Greta to
us. With large determined strides she
came closer and closer. Our six pairs
of eyes were focused on her every
move, each of us holding our
breath. No one dared to make the
slightest sound. To our utter
amazement she gently stepped
over her eggs and settled down.
Totally ignoring our presence, she
resumed brooding. We were speechless.
Here were six boys huddled around a nesting
wild bird in an open meadow devoid of any cover or
other means of concealment. The bird refused to fly
away. George had a smirk on his face as if to say, “See I told
you so”.
page20
Most teenage boys have short attention spans and we
were no exception. When Karl suggested feeding her with
the dew worms he had brought along in a tin can, we were
all enthusiastic for this newly found entertainment. With
her long beak Greta eagerly took hold of a worm and with
swift sucking action swallowed worm after worm. We
were jubilant with the success and missed seeing a
scavenging crow, which flew over Greta’s nest.
Like a rocket, Greta bolted to the sky in hot
pursuit, defiantly calling her name. We looked
at each other, wondering who had made a
wrong move that startled the bird.
While Greta was chasing the intruder away
in the air, we were plotting a bold new plan for
when she returned. Karl, having won Greta’s
utmost trust by feeding her, would have first chance.
He crouched down in the grass, stretched out his arms and
cupped his hands. Then he slid them under the clutch of
the bird’s four warm eggs. The tension mounted. Would
Greta tolerate such drastic intrusion into her private
domain? During the minutes that followed no Hollywood
thriller could have provided more suspense.
Greta came purposefully strutting
through the grass. She probed the soft
ground here and there and seemed
totally unaware that Karl had her
most cherished possession in his
hands. Finally, without the slightest
sign of anxiety she stepped onto Karl’s
hands, folded her long legs and settled
down on the still warm eggs. Inside each of
our young minds was ecstasy. We were afraid to shout for
joy lest Greta would get scared and depart. We sat quietly
around her nest, watching in awe.
Half an hour of uneventful incubation passed. Karl’s
face looked like something was deeply troubling him. “I
cannot stretch my arms out any longer, they have become
numb”, was his painful utterance. We all looked at each
other, helpless as to what he should do next. We did
not want the bird to fly away. Would Karl,
with his single-minded devotion and
patience, be able to outwait Greta
who seemed to have conquered
her fear of man through love
for her brood?
Scientists dismiss this
concept of “love” among birds,
as anthropomorphism. They
maintain birds, indeed all of
nature excluding man, can not love,
that what we interpret as love is merely an
instinct, which is unusually highly developed for brooding.
Regardless, to us it had become an unprecedented dilem-
ma. Very gently at first Karl raised the brooding Godwit up
above the ground. Greta seemed to enjoy the lift and
 and animal life, have become a
drained and overly fertilized monocul-
ture, almost totally devoid of wildlife.
In the decades since our initial
encounter with Greta, Godwits along
with a dozen of other wetland species,
do not nest there any longer, victims
of progress.
We must be vigilant to guard
against such results. Our young
generation deserves first hand
experiences with nature in a healthy,
natural environment, rather than an
occasional story on grandpa’s lap ca
showed no adverse reaction. Karl,
eager to rid himself of his by now Wilf Schurig has been photographing
troubling cargo, rocked Greta several nature from his early youth. He lives
times. She reluctantly stood up from with his wife Ria just outside of Calgary
her clutch and finally, after a few
more gentle bumps, jumped to the
ground. Karl was relieved as he
“Boy, where they enjoy both hiking and the
wildlife. www.wilfschurig.com
e-mail: schurigm@telus.net
lowered the eggs to their nest and
whispered, “Boy, incubating is sure
hard work!”
Before we realized it the day was
incubating
drawing to an end and George noticed
that two of Greta’s eggs were ready
for hatching. After we had put the
eggs back into her nest, Greta once
is sure
again, snuggled up and continued
incubating. Karl fed her the remaining
dew worms as a late night snack. As
we departed with heavy hearts, we
hard work!”
each wished secretly that this day
would never have to end.
The next morning, to our delight,
four fluffy chicks were lying in the
nest. They were dry and ready to be
lured by Greta into the moist
meadows. Between the grasses and
herbs they could find a great variety of
insects, their important early food,
before they could probe for worms on
their own.
For us, young naturalists, this
encounter with Greta had no equal in
the ensuing 50 years of our lives. Our
circle of friends continues to get
smaller, and on the rare occasions we
meet, we unfailingly reminisce about
the few glorious days we spent in the
company of Greta. The marshland
unfortunately has been totally
transformed. What formerly were wet
meadows, with a great variety of plant

page21
page22

map of Canada’s national and
A provincial parks
promising enough. One might
think that each dot and block of
looks
green on the landscape represents an
unmitigated success, a lease on life
for the wildlife it contains. In that
small parks—big problems
light, CPAWS’ work towards much
larger conservation areas seems to
be merely icing on the conservation
cake. Unfortunately, many of our
parks fall far short of properly
protecting wildlife. A park that fails
to protect enough ecosystems,
enough space, and enough biodiver-
sity to support large mammal
populations is not safeguard against
extinction. Large parks and wildlife
corridors are absolutely necessary
to keep large mammal populations
alive.
What makes a park too small?
It’s not just acreage, though a park
that accommodates the home ranges
THE WILD FILE
by Sue Novotny
of multiple large species is certainly
preferable. The small park lacks
wildlife corridors to other parks,
effectively isolating its inhabitants. It
also fails to include a wide range of
ecosystems, or the food and habitat
required to support a healthy, viable
population of each species. With a
large, healthy population comes an
often overlooked, but supremely
important hallmark of biodiversity:
genetic diversity.
Back to Biology 101: each
organism has a unique mix of gene
forms, or alleles. Some alleles may
confer advantages such a disease
resistance, stronger antlers,
protection against dental wear, and
so on. Individuals with more
advantageous alleles live longer, are
more successful breeders, and are
more attractive to potential mates.
They tend to produce more offspring,
so advantageous alleles accumulate.
Consider a small population of
moose in a small, isolated park. This
population has a low diversity of
alleles, and with few mates available,
the moose are quickly reduced to
inbreeding. Within a few generations,
we see an accumulation of deleterious
mutations, reduced genetic resistance
to disease and infection, and lower
birth rates. Our small population
begins a downward spiral to
extinction – all despite inhabiting a
protected area!
Without corridors to other parks
and enough space to support viable
wildlife populations, small parks are
simply a stopgap measure. The small
green blocks on our map of Canada
are successes, but they are also
islands, and their inhabitants’
castaways. CPAWS’ work is
designed to maintain the bridges
between these wilderness
islands, and make small
parks true reserves for
wildlife. ca
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 he mother blue whale last
T gave birth five years ago.
After waiting eighteen long
months for her new calf to arrive,
Polu enters the salty waters tail
first. Mother immediately ushers
him to the surface to take his first
breath of air through the blowhole
on top of his head. After a few min-
utes, this newborn calf is gently guid-
ed to find a feast of rich milk on his
mother’s underside. For now, he is
nurtured and protected. Hold on to
your scuba gear, observe closely
what threats are lurking, and discov-
er how you can be a beacon of hope.
Baby Polu and his mother
remain in the warm tropical waters
as long as possible before making
the spring migration to the polar
feeding grounds. He stays close to
his mother’s side, nursing often, for
two years, while gaining two hun-
dred pounds a day on milk that con-
tains fifty percent fat. Mother
guards against their toothy cousin,
the orca (or killer whale), while Polu
spy hops (sticks his head out of the
water), lobtails (slaps the surface of
the water with his tail fluke), and
breaches (propels himself out of the
water). These playful activities help
him communicate and become a
strong swimmer.
Before diving deep, Polu surfaces
three times to fill his lungs
with air.
Songs
Sung Blue
As he dives, his heartbeat slows and
stretches his supply of oxygen. After
about thirty minutes, he returns to
the surface to blast out the stale air,
or blow; expelling the air at 300
miles per hour. He has seen other
cetaceans (see-TAY-shins), including
dolphins and porpoises, drown due
to injury, illness, or becoming
tangled in nets and lines.
At three years of age, Polu is a
juvenile whale and feeds on fish and
krill, a kind of tiny shrimp, from the
icy polar waters. His dense fringe of
blade-shaped plates, called baleen,
acts as a strainer when he scoops up
seventy tons of water, keeping the
catch in his mouth. Since he is at the
top of the food chain, he also takes
in huge concentrations of chemical
pollutants and other harmful wastes.
By autumn, Polu has gained a
twenty-ton layer of blubber under his
skin. His social group, or pod, is
ready to make the two-month
journey back to the warmer waters
to rest, give birth, and mate.
He keeps track of his group by
singing songs. When he squeezes
pouches of air near his blowhole,
vibrations occur inside his enormous
head cavity. The group hears the
repetitive moans hundreds of miles
away. Polu’s sensitive hearing also
allows him to echolocate for hunting
and navigation. In other words, he
“sees” with his ears when his sounds
hit underwater objects and
by Lynn Lederhos
echo back. Strange or loud sounds in
the water, such as the navy LFAS
(Low Frequency Active Sonar) and
sounds used to explore for oil and
study temperature changes in the
ocean, can damage his inner ear.
If so, he is at risk of becoming
confused and stranded on shore.
Polu is now eight years old and
has begun to mate. Although not yet
full-grown, his four-chambered
heart is the size of a Volkswagen. He
hurls his massive body, the length of
three buses (100 feet), the weight of
twenty-five elephants (150 tons),
and the height of a two-story
building (20 feet), out of the sea in a
masculine display of dominance. His
species, the largest to have ever
graced the earth, is a rare sight.
The whaling industry wiped out
millions of whales for meat, oil,
and baleen before hunting was
banned in 1986.
Despite the ongoing threat of
controlled whaling in Japan,
Norway, Russia, and Iceland, the
newer threats of chemical and noise
pollution, and a slow reproduction
process, whales are rebuilding their
population. You can help by
supporting environmental groups,
learning about conservation
projects, and sharing how every
species is essential to the balance of
our ecosystem. Polu will return in
the winter, once again to find his
offspring breaching the warm
tropical waters – with even more
hope in sight for the future
of whales. ca
 . the very best
in care for you
and your pets.

Debra Howe is an Animal Health Technologist with

several years experience in clinical pet care. She is a graduate
of both the Animal Health Technology and Fish & Wildlife Programs.

Phone: (403)569-9474 • Cellular: (403)807-3702 • Fax: (403)204-7593

Email: owner@dhpetcare.com www.dhpetcare.com

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www.incrediblepuppy.ca

page26

ringing a new puppy home!? If
B you thought the hard part was
over once they were house
trained – think again. Having a new
little dog frolic around your garden
can wreak havoc on your lawn, flower
beds and, of course, your major
investment—trees. Yes, your entire
back yard can quickly become an
open air outhouse.
Your first line of defense is to
consistently pick up after your pet.
Though we may all realize this, it’s
often easier said than done. Train
yourself, just like you trained your
dog, and be consistent. When
walking your dog off your property,
pick up after them immediately.
Failure to do so risks fines, disturbed
neighbours and spreading of disease.
Designate an area in your garden
as the doggy “toilet”. Try to have it a
minimum of 5 feet by 5 feet. Cover
this area in at least two inches
of crushed gravel and train
your dog to go
there
THE GARDENING BUG
for all their business. It makes life so
much easier for you to clean up and
less stressful for your dog. Be
especially diligent in the winter
months and spring thaw. There are
few things worse than a garden area
that smells of frozen yellow snow and
poop-sicles.
Having a pet play constantly in
your yard turns it into a high traffic
area. To keep a nice green lawn,
spread an inch of compost yearly and
rake it out evenly or, if you must, use
chemical fertilizers. Make sure you aer-
ate and power rake as needed, usually
yearly, and keep your grass trimmed to
three inches. If your grass is shorter
than 3 inches you risk damaging the
roots. Water regularly, usually 1 inch
per week unless we get rain. Never –
ever use lime as it will make your soil
excessively alkaline, and in Calgary our
soil is already alkaline.
If you have a male dog, give him
and yourself a present of a “pee post”
or large rock. You do not want him
urinating on your trees and
shrubs, as it can kill them. If you
have a female dog – reread
paragraph 3 above! If you
already have the yellow
dead spots, you will
have to dig out the
dead roots and
put in fresh com-
post and grass
seed. There is a
product available at
gardening centers
which has seed,
compost and mulch
already mixed
for you.
page27
pet projects
by Judi Schofield
Cats, of course, do not cause
these problems because, according to
the new Calgary By-laws, all cats are
housebound...Wrong!
When in your own back yard, put
cats on their leash or harness and
connect them to a clothesline so they
stay put. Roaming cats are still an
issue. They make their own “litter
boxes” in flower beds. If you don’t
have the heart to approach their own-
ers, or get a humane trap, there are
alternatives. Spray the cats with your
hose when you catch them in the act.
This deters them after a couple of
waterings. Cat owners – if your cats
come home wet, know that they were
turning a neighbour’s flower bed into
a litter box. Alternatively, I use prick-
ly trimmings from roses and raspber-
ries scattered in flower beds. The
cats don’t like having to pick through
these to scratch in the soil so they
wander to my neighbours looking for
another likely spot. And, in defense
of this method, cats are far too smart
to pounce without checking and risk
hurting their delicate little feet.
Another big concern regarding
pets in your yard, pertains to what we
may have planted there. Don’t allow
Fido or Fluffy to eat anything out
there. Put up little wire fences and
supervise them until they have
learned not to chew. You would be
surprised at the number of poisonous
plants commonly found in yards. As a
few examples, daffodils, larkspur, lily
of the valley, delphiniums, monks-
hood, iris, foxglove, rhubarb leaves
and bleeding hearts are all poison-
ous! If your pet eats something that
makes them sick, take them and the
plant to the vet immediately.
So, as you can see, with a little
bit of forewarning, planning and
training we can all enjoy our outdoor
time together with our four legged
friends. ca
 ©
The Shed in Our Yard by: Carol Burnside

The shed in our yard, is now a house,
thanks to a mouse, you see,
who was looking for a cozy place,
where he could live rent free.
The first thing he set out to do,
was to check the shed’s décor.
So he sharpened all his little teeth,
then chewed up through the floor.
Once inside, he searched the shed.
He scampered all around.
Scurried past bikes and coiled hose
and pots scattered ‘bout the ground
With snout and whiskers twitching,
he sniffed about the place,
checking every inch of shed,
all throughout the space.
When upon the top shelf he saw,
a bag of opened seed.
He knew that he was in mouse heaven,
and climbed up for a feed.
Then on the floor, he found to use
a bag of potting soil,
in which to make a soft black bed,
to rest in from his toil.
Now that’s the way he spends his days,
warm and dry and fed,
in his comfy, cozy,
bachelor pad,
that we
used
to call
our shed.

Gift certificate for a

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every transaction.
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t Lovers Re of hearing envious friends and relatives say,
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Check out our web site www.creaturesall.ca

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th e F publisher@creaturesall.ca
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Fx: 403•284•1461
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403•270•2020

page28
the addled brained beast sat they're not able to resolve they use us for research
alone in his cave niggling questions that plague they leave us penned all day
a look of befuddlement all the thick headed beasts with raised only to fill tummies
both solemn and grave tiny brains slow and vague we're forced to work for hay

for as big as his skull was there are questions still left that they desecrate our spaces
his gray matter was little afflict brains with the bends our homes are left no more
leaving room in his head for mainly concerning how man our land is left resembling
conundrums and riddles treats his animal friends the aftermath of war

the small mysteries of life when they're hungry... they eat us the question left unanswered
defied a solution when they're cold... we get skinned the last to come to mind
they seemed puzzling and cryptic it's us who are the victims when why when man can seem so mean
beyond resolution it's not us who have sinned is he still called man-kind

things like how far is up

what color is shade
when fish are in schools
what is their grade

do cows really give milk

or must it be taken
do butterflies fly or is
it margarine fakin’

why does a mirror flip you

from your left to your right
but not head to foot
as some folks think it just might

and how is it they get

twelve tomatoes in one
small bottle of ketchup for
your McBurger and bun

who passed the Laws of Gravity

what fine to disobey
if we fail to follow them
will we just float away

and how does a snake eat a

hippopotamus whole
with tummies no fatter than
a basketball pole

when a tree in the forest

falls smack-dab to the ground
would someone not there hear
a non smack-dab sound

all these questions and riddles

bounced 'round in his head
left unanswered in spite of
the books that he’d read CAVE ©
for though some books can confirm
the huge size of the moon
and that May and July act as
bookends for June
DWELLINGS by Trebor Redleif

page29

book, St. Francis and the Christmas Donkey, tells
A of an old legend, that in the barn on Christmas Eve
at midnight, animals can talk—especially donkeys.
This legend, and how the donkey became a special, and
holy animal, was told to me by my mother, Rose, when I
was a little girl. Living in the city of Winnipeg, I was never
able to go to a barn to listen to the animals. When we
moved to the farm and got donkeys I was determined to
explore this legend’s truth. Out to the barn I go at midnight
on Christmas Eve to unwind with my donkeys and to listen
to the stories they tell. It is true that if you listen closely
every living creature has a story to tell regarding the
splendour of God and the beauty of our world!
hen taking care of my donkeys’ morning feeding and
W watering, I take the time to pat and greet as many
as I can. At night, after my evening walk, I go into my front
pasture and find my donkey Eeyore, who usually just walks
right up to me when I call his name. I give him a big night-
time hug.
Hugging or petting Eeyore daily and especially nightly
has been an act of mine since I bought him in October 1996
from a wonderful friend, Sharon Cooke. Eeyore was my
very first donkey and I initially bought him because of my
life long addiction to nativity sets and to Bible stories with
donkeys in them. I owe my friend Sharon a great deal.
Owning Eeyore and his subsequent companions has
given me great relaxation, peace and fun. Also it has
allowed me to meet many wonderful people. Petting and
hugging a donkey is a great way to bracket a day, beginning
and ending each day on a wonderfully positive note.
I like to remember that the donkey is an animal that
is symbolic of Peace and the that word donkey appears in
the Bible 77 times. God chose this animal to help bring
peace to our world by carrying Mary into Bethlehem and
by carrying Jesus into
Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Also Jesus’ body after being
removed from the Cross was
transferred via donkey to the
tomb. ‘When Christ came
into the world, Songs of
Peace were sung; and
when He left this
world in body, Peace
was bequested.’
page30
THE FINAL WORD
recipe for a peaceful day
by Johnnie DesRochers
I have only one objection to what I hear people say
about their work with donkeys. That is the word, ‘chores’.
Chores, to me at least, refer to a task, an every day
responsibility and is work associated. With my donkeys
none of this applies.
It is never a chore to work with the donkeys. I look for-
ward to it. I shared a recipe once about how to cure a
sleepless night, and that was to go out to your barn and
hug your favourite donkey. With that in mind, I share the
following:
Recipe for a Peaceful Day
As a primary school teacher, I often took my donkeys
to school on outdoor Activity Day and set them up in a spot
for the children to pet, observe, ask questions about and
enjoy. The year I took Star Wars, he was a great hit! The
anatomy lessons he gave the boys is another story.
The school has many special needs students. One
special child, ‘Adam,’ has Down Syndrome and had to
work especially hard to develop his language and social
skills. Adam does not usually do well in new situations and
is, most often, very cautious. However, in this instance, as
he approached Star Wars, he ran towards him with -
outstretched arms yelling, “Shrek!”. He was all over Star
Wars, petting him and calling him “Shrek!”. Instead of
pulling away, Star Wars immediately moved towards the
child and gently nuzzled him.
After some time I picked Adam up and gently put him
on the donkey’s back. He was delighted and his face
beamed. He laid forward and stroked his mane constantly
saying ‘Shrek’ and ‘Adam loves donkey’. He lay backwards
with his head toward the rump and stared at the clouds for
a long time. He never moved or spoke but his eyes told a
wonderful story, though at first they filled with tears.
All this time Star Wars barely shifted his weight,
seeming to know the gentle soul he had aboard. Adam -
visited him on and off for most of the day, and much to my
surprise, Star Wars appeared to look for him as the day
wore on. It was wonderful. The verbal connections, and
cognitive awareness Adam demonstrated with Star Wars as
well as his calm behavior were remarkable in their
happening all at once. I truly believe that
Adam and Star Wars made a spiritual con-
nection that gave peace to both of them
and that the two of them spoke to one
another because the two of them listened
to one another. ca
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Jan Frost

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Wendy Palmer

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