I visted the Prince George SPCA (Northern Cariboo) today to get Maggie a licence. My heart aches whenever I see an animal without a home....I would do anything for my cats, Pumpkin and Magic, and of course our puppy Maggie.
The office was jam packed as soon as the doors opened. Surprisingly, many people were there to retreive, or confirm whether there dog or cat was picked up overnight and was in the pound section. There was one little old man...unshaven, dirty clothes, hunched over...appeared to have nothing more than the clothes on his back. He was looking for his little terrier...got out while he was napping or something like that. After viewing the kennels, he was successful in finding his beloved pup! However, because he did not have a licence, or a neuter certificate, his fine was almost $300 to retrieve is dog. He was standing almost in tears as he took out his credit card reluctantly to pay his fine and was given his dog and he was on his way.
The next owner was with a friend or family member...nice clothing, makeup, jewellery flashing...they too were looking for their dog that had escaped for what they said was the 3 time. And as much as they appeared to be worried to verify if their dog was there or not, when the clerk said it was...rather than pay the fine to take custody, the lady said "Can I surrender him?:...you could hear the gasps of the other customers waiting in this tiny waiting room...a beautiful husky dog - being "surrendered" all because the owner stated "this is not the first time he's escaped, and he's only gonna do it again, so keep him"!!!
So, who suffers here? Not the owner - who by my standards is a poor "parent" by letting the dog get away numerous times. Not providing shelter and safety of a beautiful helpness animal - but just like that - she gave up her rights. I wonder if she would do the same with children, if she had any? I'm sure from her appearance, that it wasn't a matter of being able to afford the fines, but more not having the patience and time to take training lessons, and spend time with the pet that she brought into her life. I'm sure the dog would choose another home if it had a say.
I know ironicly, I am basing both my thoughts about these people on looks...perhaps the poor little unkept man is a millionaire, and this well dressed healthy looking lady is in debt up to her eyeballs...but I can't imagine just walking out of there without your pet - and I'm sure the dog sensed she was there, and was probably happy to hear her voice, and then disappointed to see her back go out that door.
I can only imagine the stress and emotions with adopting a child...my heart goes out to all those babies looking for homes and praying a family will come take them. Whether a child or pet, they didn't ask to be brought into this world...take the responsibility of their care if you decide to adopt.....xo
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Friday, 6 May 2011
Moving and sickness...not a good pair
Its been a week already since I arrived in Prince George - the Surrey house is no longer my residence - but what a week we had. Victoria had been sick and missed some school. Then Chris got sick, which he never does (only Crohn's took him down!) and of course they had to return to Prince George for work and school on Easter Monday, and left me behind to tie up loose ends. Well, one thing let to another and what could go wrong did. Its now a week later, as I stated at the beginning of this, and I am only having the energy to update this blog. I couldn't even remember how to long on. I don't want to list all the details to relive the nightmare of a week, but a few key points which made it a move to remember:
First of all the colds/flu of all of us!
The cleaning company was to be a group of 3, but one lady became ill and was rushed to hosptial, so the remaining 2 did overtime to make up for it, but still didn't manage to get everything completely clean.
The movers showed up on time, but took things they shouldn't have and left things they should have moved! I am still puzzled over how all this went down so badly, but word of advice to anyone who's reading this, do not go with Allied Van Lines...I assumed, big name, great service....but such a series of events just led me to be so disgusted with it all that I do not want to move again anytime soon.
The painter took a quick look at the house and what was required, and I was quite surprised at the quote - but that was short lived when he returned to see a now almost empty house, and more spots here and there, and that quote instantly doubled! But, from what I understand, he did an awesome job and the tenants are pleased.
The carpet cleaner came - tried to give me a quick course on the ins and outs of carpet cleaning...at his point, I just wanted "Manny" to do his job and leave! He did his best, but I was told red dye from "gummy bears" and such (which Maggie got into and threw up) will remain in the carpet forever unfortunately. Manny felt he did the best he could but felt he could have done more...and then of course when I was trying my best to complete packing the kitched cupboards (which the movers refused to do as i didn't specify in my original requrest), Maggie is whinning and circling around me...and I should have known something was up. There on the freshly cleaned carpet - she threw up her chewy bone...2 spots! I ran to wipe it up, but I guess I was too late...hopefully not too noticiable.
So, after packing what I could and having Nicole F over to help, I'd had enough - she'd have to work in the morning and it was already late. So, up early the next morning determined to get it all done, but im running a fever now and can't even see clearly....guess in my vision I thought there wasn't that much left to do...Victoria had been calling missing me - I was missing them...she was sick and scared...I was sick and lonely...so I had to get to Prince George as soon as I could. I stopped what I was doing - my friend would be back to pack up the rest - grabbed a shower and got on the road...Advil Advil and Advil....
Anyway - this story getting way too long and so much more happened...but basicially, the trip was a little longer than I thought...stopping for a dear, then a moose, and a little dog who decided to say hello at dusk...not the best time for clear eyesight. Of course I also dealt with a tailgating yahoo who then cut me off! I was so exhausted when I walked through the door, I started to bawl my eyes out as i hugged Chris and Victoria.
then I wake with more of a flu - but have to take Victoria to the clinic...several hours later we end up in emergency..several hours later we leave without being seen. Great medical care here in PG - NOT! Back to emergency and wait the next morning - after 4 hrs, great doctor sees her and sets up further testing...however, after an evening at home, severe cramps and pain have up back to emergency. I was so annoyed by the number of "visitors" per patient - several who found themselves in and out for a quick smoke break - then come back and interrupt the nurses to allow them into the "locked" access area...it was just so annoying that they were even allowed to be there...and swearing out loud...scary people...
Of course, the worst of it was still to come when the tenants contact saying there's too much stuff left in the house...I then find the cleaning "crew" weren't able to get there, and now I'm not a happy camper. I was so sick and could hardly talk, but I wanted them to know that things would be ok.
thankfully, after about 8 hrs of packing and moving to storage, my Surrey home is now empty - the tenants are happy, and I'm so tired of this week that I need to put it behind me...there is nothing else I can do but forget about it and pray that the week ahead will be better.
Still hardly no voice - still waiting for Victoria's tests, and still waiting for my doctor appointment - but hopefully this week will be smoother...it has to be right?
thanks for listening...and good night.
First of all the colds/flu of all of us!
The cleaning company was to be a group of 3, but one lady became ill and was rushed to hosptial, so the remaining 2 did overtime to make up for it, but still didn't manage to get everything completely clean.
The movers showed up on time, but took things they shouldn't have and left things they should have moved! I am still puzzled over how all this went down so badly, but word of advice to anyone who's reading this, do not go with Allied Van Lines...I assumed, big name, great service....but such a series of events just led me to be so disgusted with it all that I do not want to move again anytime soon.
The painter took a quick look at the house and what was required, and I was quite surprised at the quote - but that was short lived when he returned to see a now almost empty house, and more spots here and there, and that quote instantly doubled! But, from what I understand, he did an awesome job and the tenants are pleased.
The carpet cleaner came - tried to give me a quick course on the ins and outs of carpet cleaning...at his point, I just wanted "Manny" to do his job and leave! He did his best, but I was told red dye from "gummy bears" and such (which Maggie got into and threw up) will remain in the carpet forever unfortunately. Manny felt he did the best he could but felt he could have done more...and then of course when I was trying my best to complete packing the kitched cupboards (which the movers refused to do as i didn't specify in my original requrest), Maggie is whinning and circling around me...and I should have known something was up. There on the freshly cleaned carpet - she threw up her chewy bone...2 spots! I ran to wipe it up, but I guess I was too late...hopefully not too noticiable.
So, after packing what I could and having Nicole F over to help, I'd had enough - she'd have to work in the morning and it was already late. So, up early the next morning determined to get it all done, but im running a fever now and can't even see clearly....guess in my vision I thought there wasn't that much left to do...Victoria had been calling missing me - I was missing them...she was sick and scared...I was sick and lonely...so I had to get to Prince George as soon as I could. I stopped what I was doing - my friend would be back to pack up the rest - grabbed a shower and got on the road...Advil Advil and Advil....
Anyway - this story getting way too long and so much more happened...but basicially, the trip was a little longer than I thought...stopping for a dear, then a moose, and a little dog who decided to say hello at dusk...not the best time for clear eyesight. Of course I also dealt with a tailgating yahoo who then cut me off! I was so exhausted when I walked through the door, I started to bawl my eyes out as i hugged Chris and Victoria.
then I wake with more of a flu - but have to take Victoria to the clinic...several hours later we end up in emergency..several hours later we leave without being seen. Great medical care here in PG - NOT! Back to emergency and wait the next morning - after 4 hrs, great doctor sees her and sets up further testing...however, after an evening at home, severe cramps and pain have up back to emergency. I was so annoyed by the number of "visitors" per patient - several who found themselves in and out for a quick smoke break - then come back and interrupt the nurses to allow them into the "locked" access area...it was just so annoying that they were even allowed to be there...and swearing out loud...scary people...
Of course, the worst of it was still to come when the tenants contact saying there's too much stuff left in the house...I then find the cleaning "crew" weren't able to get there, and now I'm not a happy camper. I was so sick and could hardly talk, but I wanted them to know that things would be ok.
thankfully, after about 8 hrs of packing and moving to storage, my Surrey home is now empty - the tenants are happy, and I'm so tired of this week that I need to put it behind me...there is nothing else I can do but forget about it and pray that the week ahead will be better.
Still hardly no voice - still waiting for Victoria's tests, and still waiting for my doctor appointment - but hopefully this week will be smoother...it has to be right?
thanks for listening...and good night.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Day 1 - here goes nothing
So, its Monday April 18, 2011, and I thought rather than sitting and talking to myself, or my thoughts rambling in my head, I figured I may as well start this blog business thing. I have always enjoyed writing, and even one day thought I'd be an author, but.....anyway....a journal is a very personal keepsake of thoughts, so this won't be my heart outpouring to those willing to read, but just a thought for the day - or about things that I feel strongly about that bother me.
My first post therefore will be about "Paying it Forward". We have all had difficult financial times I am sure, and now, through my husband's hard work and dedication, I feel we are very fortunate to be more financially stable than I would have imagined even 5 years ago. He is very committed to doing the best he can to provide for me and our daughter - I appreciate that, but I also appreciate his time with family more than any money could buy. Hence, the reason we are now living in Prince George - to be a family - and support the career that is his life.
Prince George is a great small city - however, I've noticed there are many less fortunate/low income families - and especially the children....dirty clothes, unkept hair, sad faces. It makes me very sad. It makes you appreciate what you have even more, but then it also makes me want to give more than I ever have before. We have our regular charities we give to, United Way, Crohn's and Colitis, Heart and Stroke, Cancer Society, SPCA...and yet what we saw yesterday, just wanted me to "pay it forward"
After making a quick trip to WalMart, a young family infront of us had a buggy full of items that seemed to take forever to ring through. We waited patiently...I admired the little girl, about 6 yrs old, with a brand new bike - smiling from ear-to-ear. She was obviously getting the gift for becoming a big sister, for in the mother's arm, was a new born baby girl - Elizabeth was her name...one week old! Precious and sleeping - brought tears to me eyes. But that's nothing new for me...since we were blessed with one child, I often felt the urge to have another baby, but was not meant to be...we are proud of Victoria, but its still tears at me when I see a new baby. As the their transaction completed, unfortunately, the debit card was declined...the father then tried another card, but also declined. The father, only about 28 yrs old, looked so sad and embarassed...bringing his young family into the store and unable to pay for their purchases. Of course, some of you may think, well, if they can't afford neccessaties, perhaps they shouldn't have had another baby. But all I could think of was the joy that baby was giving them - the joy on the big sisters face to be riding out her new bike. So, as they put the sale on suspend, the family moved aside to sort out the items which we needed and perhaps put back what wasn't necessary at that time. It was breaking my heart at the father tried numerous times at the ATM, but nothing...just a receipt saying "declined".
As our order was processing, Chris looked at me and he knows me too well...he gathered our bags as we asked the Cashier how much their purchase total was...$349 she said...Chris walked away...I teared up...and as I walked past, I could hear them discussing what they were gonna do...Chris turned around, looked at me, and said "I know you're gonna do it"......He left for our vehicle and I walked back with my open wallet to the family. The father had tears in his eyes, and the little girl with the bike was not just holding it to the side, thinking of course, her gift may be the first thing to come off the list. And for me, having one child, or those that do, you know they always comes first...you never want to have them go without - not spoil them, but let them feel fortunate to get treats now and again. Victoria has been very blessed with that rule - unfortunately, leading into the teenage years, its becoming a bit of an issue - one we are slowly working on calming. So, I look at the father - tears in his eyes - his scruffy unshaved face, dirty baseball cap hiding the unkept hair...I just held the Mom's hand and said, "I would like to pay for your purchases" They were speechless, but as easy as it would have been for them to accept, she politely said "I think we just went over our daily limit - there's no money"...I said not to worry and that I wanted the girl to have her big and ride with pride for being a big sister....but the father, being proud, would not accept my offer, but blessed me.....
I left with tears filling my eyes and I couldn't turn to look at them as I know I would have lost it. Although they never accepted, I feel very blessed that my heart wanted to help and that I would see the family benefitting from the donation personally.
I know there are plenty of unfortunate people around the world, devastation in Japan recently for instance. But there are so many below poverty families right here in our own country, our own cities...they just need a little pick me up to help them see the world isn't such a bad place.
I don't have a lot to give, but I feel such joy in knowing I could.
Thank you for reading today.
Paula
My first post therefore will be about "Paying it Forward". We have all had difficult financial times I am sure, and now, through my husband's hard work and dedication, I feel we are very fortunate to be more financially stable than I would have imagined even 5 years ago. He is very committed to doing the best he can to provide for me and our daughter - I appreciate that, but I also appreciate his time with family more than any money could buy. Hence, the reason we are now living in Prince George - to be a family - and support the career that is his life.
Prince George is a great small city - however, I've noticed there are many less fortunate/low income families - and especially the children....dirty clothes, unkept hair, sad faces. It makes me very sad. It makes you appreciate what you have even more, but then it also makes me want to give more than I ever have before. We have our regular charities we give to, United Way, Crohn's and Colitis, Heart and Stroke, Cancer Society, SPCA...and yet what we saw yesterday, just wanted me to "pay it forward"
After making a quick trip to WalMart, a young family infront of us had a buggy full of items that seemed to take forever to ring through. We waited patiently...I admired the little girl, about 6 yrs old, with a brand new bike - smiling from ear-to-ear. She was obviously getting the gift for becoming a big sister, for in the mother's arm, was a new born baby girl - Elizabeth was her name...one week old! Precious and sleeping - brought tears to me eyes. But that's nothing new for me...since we were blessed with one child, I often felt the urge to have another baby, but was not meant to be...we are proud of Victoria, but its still tears at me when I see a new baby. As the their transaction completed, unfortunately, the debit card was declined...the father then tried another card, but also declined. The father, only about 28 yrs old, looked so sad and embarassed...bringing his young family into the store and unable to pay for their purchases. Of course, some of you may think, well, if they can't afford neccessaties, perhaps they shouldn't have had another baby. But all I could think of was the joy that baby was giving them - the joy on the big sisters face to be riding out her new bike. So, as they put the sale on suspend, the family moved aside to sort out the items which we needed and perhaps put back what wasn't necessary at that time. It was breaking my heart at the father tried numerous times at the ATM, but nothing...just a receipt saying "declined".
As our order was processing, Chris looked at me and he knows me too well...he gathered our bags as we asked the Cashier how much their purchase total was...$349 she said...Chris walked away...I teared up...and as I walked past, I could hear them discussing what they were gonna do...Chris turned around, looked at me, and said "I know you're gonna do it"......He left for our vehicle and I walked back with my open wallet to the family. The father had tears in his eyes, and the little girl with the bike was not just holding it to the side, thinking of course, her gift may be the first thing to come off the list. And for me, having one child, or those that do, you know they always comes first...you never want to have them go without - not spoil them, but let them feel fortunate to get treats now and again. Victoria has been very blessed with that rule - unfortunately, leading into the teenage years, its becoming a bit of an issue - one we are slowly working on calming. So, I look at the father - tears in his eyes - his scruffy unshaved face, dirty baseball cap hiding the unkept hair...I just held the Mom's hand and said, "I would like to pay for your purchases" They were speechless, but as easy as it would have been for them to accept, she politely said "I think we just went over our daily limit - there's no money"...I said not to worry and that I wanted the girl to have her big and ride with pride for being a big sister....but the father, being proud, would not accept my offer, but blessed me.....
I left with tears filling my eyes and I couldn't turn to look at them as I know I would have lost it. Although they never accepted, I feel very blessed that my heart wanted to help and that I would see the family benefitting from the donation personally.
I know there are plenty of unfortunate people around the world, devastation in Japan recently for instance. But there are so many below poverty families right here in our own country, our own cities...they just need a little pick me up to help them see the world isn't such a bad place.
I don't have a lot to give, but I feel such joy in knowing I could.
Thank you for reading today.
Paula
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