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RIVER DISTRICT LIVING MAGAZINE

ISSUE 11

RIVER DISTRICT L I V I N G

OUR COMMUNITY

GUIDE TO LIFE & STYLE IN THE RIVER DISTRICT

PET SITTING & VET CARE

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDES

PIANO & PORTRAITS

INSIDE

Muralist David Camisa Learn about our River District murals

TwoByFour Studio Local River District pet photographers capturing beautiful moments

Shoppers Drug Mart Gift Guide Our Shoppers River District team shares their top holiday picks

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital Providing peace of mind with an Annual Membership Plan

Activity Page Celebrate the Holidays with some fun activities 1

INSIDE

Piano 4 U

Meet local piano tutor Gail Craig

Holiday Guide from Bosley’s Get ready for the Holidays with the Bosley’s River District team

Eddie the Pet Sitter Guidance, tips, & considerations when choosing a pet sitter

Meet our Pet of the Month Meet Lil Chopper, a beautiful Formosan from Taiwan!

Shop our Marketplace Discover small local businesses 2

RIVER DISTRICT LIVING

www.riverdistrictliving.ca riverdistrictliving.ca@gmail.com @riverdistrictliving @riverdistrictlivingmagazine @riverdistrictlivingrealestate

Land Acknowledgement We recognize and acknowledge that River District is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Contributing Photographers / Artists David Camisa Michael Lee Bosley’s River District Romina Ortiz Jun Antonia Hu Gail Craig

Contributing Writers

Shoppers Drug Mart Eddie Michel & Daryl Marina Tang Katherine Hall Fraserview Veterinary Hospital

David Camisa Gina Chang Romina Ortiz Jun Antonia Hu Eddie Michel Marina Tang Gail Craig

Rudi Caballero Kiyana Imani Emma Katherine Hall Dr. Carmen Chan Fraserview Veterinary Hospital

Cover Art

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Advertising Sales

Mural by David Camisa

Katherine Hall

Features KIYANA, RUDI, IMANI & EMMA

DAVID CAMISA

ANTONIA, JUN, ROMINA

Shoppers Drug Mart River District

Artist & Muralist "Entangled"

Bosley’s River District

GINA CHANG & MICHAEL LEE TwoByFour Studio MARINA & LORNE Proud Auntie & Dad of LC, Lil Chopper

EDDIE MICHEL Eddie the Pet Sitter

DR. CARMEN CHAN

GAIL CRAIG

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital

Piano 4 U

Love for River District The River District was an incredibly beautiful place to paint for 10 days - beautiful at any time but particularly during this time when we were in the Covid of it all. It was inspiring to be outside in such a beautiful area, surrounded by people once again and being able to create something that would be shared with the community.

- David , Artist & Muralist LC has been living in RD for 4 years now and loves it. Her dad says the best part about living here is the community of friendly and helpful people, the area is very spacious and gives you the feeling you’re outside the big city. Great selection of local business like Lucky Taco, Bufala and Everything Wine to name a few. There are several parks along the river which makes hanging out with friends who are parents very convenient.

- Lorne & Marina , Dad & Auntie of Lil Chopper River District is not just any other community - the support, kindness and love are what makes it so special for us. Whether it’s the way neighbours come together to help one another, the shared values we uphold, or the collective strength we show during tough times, we take pride in that! From getting to know each dog’s name to their favourite treats – we take great pride in calling Bosley’s their second home. It’s more than just the people we see every day; it’s the feeling of being part of something bigger - a community where everyone’s well-being matters. This sense of unity and care is what makes River District so special, and we are committed to contributing to it in every way. We look forward to more stories being shared and watching as our community grows. See you in the next year!

- Antonia , Jun , & Romina , Bosley’s River District

- Gail , Piano 4 U When we moved from Burnaby a few years ago, we had been searching for a neighbourhood that’s quiet, conveniently located, but most importantly has a place for our dogs to walk and run in. We immediately fell in love with the River District when we saw the beautiful riverside, perfect for walking our dogs everyday. Our dog Layla’s favorite summer activity is swimming at the small beaches near Romer’s. What a lucky dog! We can’t ask for more here.

- Gina & Michael , TwoByFour Studio We’re so happy to be a part of Shoppers Drug Mart River District and to be in the heart of this beautiful community. This area is a hub of outreach and connection, and it’s been a pleasure to greet each and every one of you as you walk into our store. We’re surrounded by so many amazing businesses and are proud to be here to serve you.

- Rudi , Kiyana , Imani , Emma , Shoppers Drug Mart River District Why do I like River District? That is simple. Fraser River itself adds a calming touch to daily life in serene and relaxing ways. The hood offers lots of space for outdoor activities; whether it's taking a dog walk along the river, or enjoying a tea on a park bench. The neighbourhood offers various events and markets. It is easy to connect with neighbours especially if there is a dog involved. I have found it a perfect place to take lots of pictures of pets.

- Eddie , Eddie the Pet Sitter 4

the Ho r o f s lid e a m y o

River District Living Katherine Hall REALTOR®

riverdistrictlivingrealestate@gmail.com

604 655 1230

Katherine Hall lives in River District and is a REALTOR® at Dexter Realty. 560 – 2608 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3V3 This communication is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

Dear Neighbours 2024 is at a close and it is time to reflect on all the positive events of this year, acknowledge the challenges, and look toward the coming year with renewed hope and excitement. Beginning this magazine has brought so many meaningful connections, learning opportunities, and growth. What stands out the most though, is the amazing support of our community and the excitement everyone has shown for River District Living Magazine. I cannot thank you enough for this! Although technically a team of one, I never feel alone in this because of the amazing contributions made by so many people in each issue! There is a quote by Confucius that says: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This sums up how I feel about creating this magazine and helping make our community a fun, connected, and welcoming place to live through River District Living. So, thank you friends – we make a great team! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a joyous 2025 to you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Katherine Hall EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Contact us for info, features, advertising riverdistrictlivingmagazine@gmail.com 6

Mural Artist Spotlight:

ARTIST BIO Hello! My name is David Camisa (He/Him) and I am a British-Canadian Artist, Illustrator, and Muralist who currently resides in Vancouver, BC. I have been working as a professional Artist for the better part of a decade, beginning my career with gallery exhibitions in Canada and abroad, including exhibitions in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Finding my creativity thrives most while maintaining variety in my art practice, I started to incorporate projects as an Illustrator and Muralist in the last 4-5 years. My very first mural was actually "Entangled," created in the River District in 2020 for the Vancouver Mural Festival, so it holds a very special place in my heart as it began a new chapter in my artistic endeavours.

WRITTEN BY DAVID CAMISA ARTWORK BY DAVID CAMISA

Instagram: @davidcamisa davidcamisa@gmail.com www.david-camisa.com 7

Camisa id v a D y b ” d e l g n “Enta

With my work, I like to create a bold and surreal world that still feels strangely familiar. It's a place where reality takes a back seat, and endless possibilities unfold—a temporary escape from everyday life.

MURAL STATEMENT With my work, I like to create a bold and surreal world that still feels strangely familiar. It's a place where reality takes a back seat, and endless possibilities unfold—a temporary escape from everyday life. For my River District mural, the only brief I was given was to create a piece that incorporated the water. Immediately, my mind goes to the mystery of the water and those things that we can't see. The piece has less of a meaning and instead looks to evoke an emotion and curiosity from the onlooker - who is this character? Why are they in the water? What is their relationship with the creatures that live there? Things that I don't look to answer for people but hope that they explore and create a story for themselves. 8

WRITTEN BY GINA CHANG PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL LEE

TwoByFour Studio is an up-and-coming photography studio started by Michael and Gina, specializing in shooting dog portraits and capturing the bond between dogs and their beloved humans. Michael, a professional graphics designer, photographer, and a dog-dad for his entire life, has always wanted to help people make beautiful art prints and keepsakes of their dogs. Our works aim for an artistic, editorial photography style that separates us from the standard goofy dog photos being offered in the current market. We aspire to reveal the beauty and personality that are unique to each dog, which make them the one-and-only dog in this world that’s special to each owner. As much as we wish our dogs could live forever with us, we recognize every day and every moment spent with them is so precious. Watching them leap from puppyhood into feisty adolescence and growing old with greying hair around their mouths is a sweet, beautiful journey of its own. This is our vision of TwoByFour - to capture and keep the best, beautiful moments of our loyal friends forever. 10

In the past year, TwoByFour has hosted a variety of photo sessions for Vancouver dog owners, from Christmas mini sessions to tailored owner+dog fashion shoots. All of our past clients found it a super exciting and unique experience getting a dog photoshoot in the studio. We would say 99% of them were first-timers having professional photos taken together with their dogs, but most of them would not hesitate to do it again, because it’s just way too much fun!

“They captured the playful spirit of my pug and me, but with this cool, editorial twist. It was like hanging out with friends who happen to be amazing photographers. They’ve got a skill for making everyday moments look magical.”

- Morgan and Togepi

As residents of the River District, we have been a part of this dog-loving community for a few years now and absolutely adore meeting everyone’s dog in the neighbourhood on our walks. We own a silly labradoodle named Layla (who literally thinks she’s a human and has the urge to say hi to every human in her path) and a serious-looking mini schnauzer named Charlie (who works hard for any size of treat you’re willing to throw to him), whom we enjoy walking along the beautiful riverside. Please come say hi to us if you see us on the street and don’t mind Layla’s wet kisses. Check out our works on Instagram or DM us for more info on booking photo sessions with us. Because life is so much better having four legs by our side.

dy o b e om l? s d i D Pretze say

Get in touch: https://twobyfourstudio.ca Instagram: @twobyfour.studio twobyfour.studio@gmail.com 12

WRITTEN BY KIYANA, RUDI, IMANI & EMMA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHOPPERS DRUG MART

Lancom e

Looking for gift ideas this holiday season? We have something for everyone! The team at Shoppers Drug Mart River District is here to meet all your shopping needs this holiday season.

Gaultier “Le l au

le” Elixir Ma

Jean P

Celebrate the Season with

Looking for the perfect fragrance for him or her?

1 $ l 125m

ie est Belle V La

Kiyana recommends Lancôme La Vie est Belle, a beautiful floral scent with notes of iris, patchouli, and vanilla accord. It’s absolutely stunning. (50ml $150) Rudi’s top pick for a men’s fragrance this holiday season is Jean Paul Gaultier “Le Male” Elixir. It’s a woody aromatic amber fragrance, with tonka bean and lavender. Everyone is after this scent—it’s one of our top sellers for sure! (125ml $185)

50ml 150 $

Imani is loving Burberry Her Elixir since it launched! Who doesn’t want their favorite fragrance in an elixir? This fruity gourmand fragrance, with notes of strawberry, raspberry, black currant, and vanilla, is absolutely delicious! (50ml $153) 13

May up be y frag one o ou alr now rance f our eady stuf need sam awes picke you fer id som plers ome d cov eas? e st and ere o d! We’ cking ve got

Burberry Her xir Eli

Imani is hoping Santa will leave her a Revlon Super Lustrous THE GLOSS ($14.99) in her stocking this year. She thinks it’s one of the best drugstore glosses she’s tried—and she’s tried a lot! It’s not sticky and leaves lips feeling hydrated. Kiyana is hoping for a NYX Epic Ink eyeliner ($15.99) in hers. She loves how easy it is to use, how bold the colour is, and the staying power is impressive!

50 ml $153

NYX Epic Ink eyel iner $15. 99

on Revl

.99 4 1 SS $ O L EG H T rous t s u rL Supe 14

NYX The Brow Glue brow gel $14.49

Brow lamination has been a trend this past year, and I’m sure it’s reached all the way to the North Pole. Kiyana is also hoping for a NYX The Brow Glue brow gel ($14.49). It comes in clear or tinted and sculpts the brows for that perfect laminated look!

Winter brings colder weather, which can stress our skin. We have lots of skincare gift sets for all skin types to help keep your face feeling its best!

say Po ech Ro t las ap Cic e um Ba 0 7.5 $1

Emma loves using the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum (30ml $56) to keep her skin hydrated through the weather change. It’s packed with two types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, replump, and accelerate skin repair. Kiyana’s pick for a great skincare gift is the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume ($17.50). This multipurpose balm is suitable for all skin types and can address multiple skin concerns. It can even be used on babies, children, and adults!

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum 30ml $56

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum Holiday Kit $56 15

Rudi recommends checking out some of the different sampler sets we have to offer. We carry fragrance samplers for both him and her ($150), which include various samples to try and a voucher for a full-size fragrance. This allows the person you’re gifting to choose the one they like best!

Wha that p t about is a li erson who tt to shople harder for?

Fragrance Discovery Collection for Her $150)

We offer so many different products here at Shoppers Drug Mart River District. Whether you’re looking for the latest trending beauty products, a new fragrance, electronics, gift cards, or self-care items, we can help you find exactly what you need. If there’s something specific you’re hoping to find but don’t see, talk to one of our wonderful Beauty Experts, who can assist you with our online store through BeautyNow!

Fragrance Discovery Collection for Him $150) Shoppers Drug Mart River District 8525 River District Crossing, Vancouver https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/storelocator/store/2130/ Instagram: @shoppers_riverdistrict Phone: 604-258-9667

We’re so happy to be a part of Shoppers Drug Mart River District and to be in the heart of this beautiful community. This area is a hub of outreach and connection, and it’s been a pleasure to greet each and every one of you as you walk into our store. We’re surrounded by so many amazing businesses and are proud to be here to serve you. Thank you, River District, for being such wonderful customers, day in and day out. We hope you all have a fantastic holiday season!

Prices accurate at time of printing, subject to change without warning. 16

Introducing Our Annual Membership Plan: Unlimited In-person Exams BY FRASERVIEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL

As pet owners, we always want the best for our furry friends, but sometimes, the costs of regular vet visits can be daunting. To help ease these concerns and provide peace of mind, we at Fraserview Veterinary Hospital are excited to introduce our brand-new Membership Plan. For a limited time, you can sign up for an annual membership and enjoy unlimited FearFree in-person exams for a whole year. This plan ensures that pets receive the consistent care they need without adding financial stress to their owners.

How does this benefit the standard of care? Dr. Chan: By removing the consultation cost barrier, we can significantly improve the standard of care. For example, many common conditions we see in pets such as skin allergies or recurring ear infections often require multiple follow-up visits. With this membership, pet owners are encouraged to bring their pets in for these necessary follow-ups without the worry of consultation fees, allowing us to closely monitor and adjust treatments as needed, leading to better health outcomes.

We sat down with Dr. Carmen Chan, the owner of Fraserview Veterinary Hospital, to discuss this exciting new offering and its potential benefits for pet owners.

Can you provide examples of how this plan benefits pet care for different stages of a pet’s life?

Dr. Chan, thank you for speaking with us today. What inspired the Membership Plan?

Dr. Chan: Absolutely. For puppies and kittens, the first year is crucial as they require multiple visits for vaccinations and check-ups. With our plan, owners can bring them in for all these essential visits without additional consultation costs, ensuring they get their vaccinations on schedule and any early health issues are addressed promptly. For adult pets, regular checkups are vital for early detection of issues such as dental disease or heart conditions. Our membership encourages these regular visits. And for senior pets, frequent monitoring is often necessary to manage age-related conditions such as arthritis and diabetes. The plan ensures these visits are affordable, allowing us to provide continuous care as their needs change.

Dr. Chan: Absolutely! We’ve noticed that many pet owners are concerned about the cost and availability of vet services, especially in unexpected situations. We wanted to create a plan that makes veterinary care more affordable and removes the stress of worrying about consultation fees. Our goal is to ensure that pets get the consistent care they need and owners can have peace of mind.

How does this plan benefit pets with chronic conditions?

Can you explain how the membership plan helps in emergency situations?

Dr. Chan: Pets with chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease really require much more frequent assessments by veterinarians in order to adjust their treatment plans based on the progression of their disease process. Too often in practice, we see families limited in their ability to return for these visits due to the financial burden of the cost of consultation fees and so this leaves practitioners having to make their medical decisions without a full understanding of what really has been going on with their patients at home. The membership plan allows owners to bring their pets in for frequent check-ups without the burden of consultation fees, ensuring that we can keep a close eye on their progress and make timely adjustments to their care.

Dr. Chan: While the membership plan doesn’t cover the cost of emergency treatments, having unlimited consultations ensures that we can see your pet quickly if an urgent issue arises. Our team receives phone calls daily from pet parents wondering if they should bring their pet in for a concern they have. By subscribing to this membership plan, you don’t need to wonder if your concern is worth visiting us, simply just book your pet in with one of our vets and have your questions answered directly! This can be incredibly reassuring in situations where timely medical advice is crucial. By being proactive with regular check-ups, we can also identify and manage potential issues before they become emergencies. What should pet owners know about the limitations of the membership plan?

What other benefits does the membership plan offer? Dr. Chan: Besides the unlimited in-person exams, our membership plan provides peace of mind. Knowing that you can bring your pet in for regular check-ups without worrying about consultation fees encourages proactive care. Additionally, this plan helps build a strong relationship between our veterinary team and your pet, which is crucial for personalized and effective care.

Dr. Chan: It’s important for pet owners to understand that while the membership covers unlimited consultations, it does not include costs for vaccinations, medications, treatments, export exams, or specialty services such as behavioral, orthopedic, ophthalmology, sonography, and radiology. Additionally, the membership is valid only at the location of purchase and is non-transferable between pets or owners. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for pet owners. How can they sign up? Dr. Chan: Signing up is easy! Pet owners can visit our clinic or call us to enroll in the membership plan. We’re excited to offer this new service and look forward to providing exceptional care for our community’s pets.

ADVERTORIAL

Fraserview Veterinary Hospital 6637 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5P 3X9 Phone: 604-265-6715 Email: info@fraserviewvet.ca Website: www.fraserviewvet.ca Instagram: @fraserview_vet Facebook: Fraserview Veterinary Hospital

Draw your own holiday or winter scene in the snow globe! Connect the dots! What is it? Answer:

Help Santa find the stockings.

Spot the differences between the two pictures. How many differences can you find? Answer:

Meet Gail Craig Piano Tutor Piano 4 U

WRITTEN BY GAIL CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHS BY GAIL CRAIG

Gail Craig is a musician born in Vancouver. She grew up in South East Vancouver attending Killarney High School. She started playing piano at 4 years old and has won numerous scholarships. She is a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music, The Victoria Conservatory of Music and holds credentials from The London College of Music, Trinity College and the Western Board of Music in Performing, Teaching and Accompanying. She has an Early Childhood Education Certificate and ECE License with the province of B.C. She has been teaching piano since the age of 14 and maintains a busy teaching schedule in the River District and Fairview areas. Gail has been a specialist in music with private schools for 25 years. She is the Music Director at a Church and is a choir member of the Roots ‘N’ Wings woman’s choir under the direction of award winning local singer and composer, Dawn Pemberton. Gail has also adjudicated for a number of festivals including the Chancellor, Bowen Island, Sechelt, Abbotsford, North Shore, South Fraser, Coquitlam, Courtney and Greater Victoria Music Festivals. Did you know that Gail has also had a number of piano students perform in New York City at CARNEGIE HALL? And how do you get to Carnegie Hall? PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! 22

Gail originally lived in the River District in the mid 1990’s for a number of years when it was a very new community. After having to move away due to family constraints, she missed the area so much that she decided to return and has lived here for the past 8 years. What she had missed was the ability to step outside her door and go for a walk along the river with her dog, and meeting people in the community. The River District has slowly built up to being a hidden gem in the city with young families, new amenities, great connections and lots of dogs! In 2021 during the Pandemic, she adopted a rescue dog from Qatar named Fergus! He is a white bearded Jack Russell with a big personality. He loves attention from people and listening to piano music that usually causes him to fall asleep. You can see Fergus and Gail frequently walking the footpaths adjacent to the Fraser River. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Gail is a big spectator of sports and is especially fond of Vancouver Giants Hockey, Canucks Hockey and of course B.C. Lions Football where in a previous lifetime, you may have seen her on the sidelines as a cheerleader. If you have been thinking about beginning, improving, or perfecting your piano skills and live in the River District or Fairview neighbourhoods, please get in touch! Gail provides one-on-one and online tutorials to pianists of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

Contact Gail: gailcraig8.wixsite.com/music 778-688-1776 gailcraig@shaw.ca Facebook: Gail Craig or Piano4U Instagram: @gail_craig88 24

Get ready with us this winter holiday! WRITTEN BY ANTONIA, JUN, ROMINA PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIA, JUN, ROMINA

The holiday season is finally here, and Bosley’s at River District is ready to make your gift-giving extra special! Whether you’re looking for a cozy fluffy bed, a fun new toy, or paw-some stocking stuffers – consider it done. There is no better way to spread love and joy than pampering your furry friends! Our shelves are stocked with your favourite festive goodies, delicious treats, and stylish accessories to help you find the purr-fect gift your pets deserve! Let’s spread the happy howlidays cheer, one wag and meow at a time!

Romina’ s picks for Rabbits! Hop into the holiday spirit with your rabbit’s favorite things. Choose Selective Naturals’ bunnyapproved ingredient treats this Christmas and it will make your rabbit’s season merry and bright. (Selective Naturals bunny treats, $8.49) Surprise your bunny with the Living World Greens Natural Chew Toy this holiday. Crafted from 100% natural Napier grass, this chew will not only satisfy your bunny’s chewing instincts but also promote healthy teeth. (Living World Greens Natural Chew Toy, $6.49) Spice up your bunny’s diet with Oxbow’s Orchard Hay! Packed with sweet, aromatic scent, this premium hay will improve your rabbit’s digestive health. (Oxbow Orchard Hay, $8.99) 25

ow y Oxb rd Ha ha 9 Orc $8.9

L Gre iving Che ens N World rab w T atur bits oy al $6 for .49

Na Se Tre tura lect ats ls ive $8 Bun .4 ny 9

PR Be IC an EL ES S 26

Jun’s picks for Cats!

Alongside wet treats, dried treats are essential. Pure Bites, in any flavour, will delight your cats at any time. If you have both a dog and a cat as your companions, Pure Bites is the perfect treat for your household because both can enjoy this single ingredient treat. (Pure Bites, $9.99)

Jun's top choice is always Churu Chicken flavour. This tasty, creamy, lickable treat is the best option for all cats. It makes a thoughtful gift for your own cats or a friend's cat. With Christmas around the corner, why not opt for a variety pack? Double the flavour means double the love from your furry friend. (Churu Variety Pack, $22.99)

The Feeding Spoon is a fantastic gift for you and your fur baby, making life much easier when feeding lickable treats to your cat. No more smelly treats stuck to your fingers as you try to squeeze them out. (The Feeding Spoon, $8.99)

Chur Trea u Lickab t Pack s Variet le $22 y .99

ites B e Pur treats d drie 9.99 $

T Sp he F oon ee $8 ding .99

Antonia’s picks for Dogs! Here at Bosley’s, we have a wide range of your favourite toy brands like Bailey and Bella, Kong and many more! You can find the perfect toy for your spoiled pups! Who doesn’t want a new squeaky toy for Christmas?! (ranges from $12.99$33.99) Winter wonderland is coming! Make sure we keep those paws nice and cozy! Even works for those who got short legs like me! Don’t fret, we will never lose these boots in the snow, they’re suspender ones! So pawfect! (starting at $69.99)

och og o a P er D 99 d na d 9. Ca spen $6 up Su oots nd B a

Whether you are naughty or nice, we still love you all the same! Treats from Crumps’ and Spunky pup, they have chicken, beef and peanut butter! All the fun for everyone! (From $10.99-16.99)

NatuCrumps’ rals $16 Nibble s .99

toys y k a e Squ -$33.99 9 $12.9

Pup & y k n Spu Butter 9 ut Pean ob $10.9 Car 8515 River District Crossing, Vancouver BC, V5S 0C8 604-431-8778 Bof7071@bosleys.com Instagram: @bosleysriverdistrict Facebook: Bosley’s River District Crossing https://store.petvalu.ca/location/7071/

Prices accurate at time of printing, subject to change without warning.

Eddie the Pet Sitter

Guidance, tips, & considerations when choosing a pet sitter WRITTEN BY EDDIE MICHEL PHOTOS BY EDDIE MICHEL & DARYL

With special credit to PSI International: “How To Choose A Pet Sitter” https://www.petsit.com/owners I am delighted to share a bit about myself to the neighbours in the River District and areas close by. Why do I like River District? That is simple. Fraser River itself adds a calming touch to daily life in serene and relaxing ways. The hood offers lots of space for outdoor activities; whether it's taking a dog walk along the river, or enjoying a tea on a park bench. The neighbourhood offers various events and markets. It is easy to connect with neighbours especially if there is a dog involved. I have found it a perfect place to take lots of pictures of pets. As for myself, I have been providing pet care in Vancouver since 2005. I offer comprehensive cat sitting and personalized one-on-one dog walking services concentrating on small to midsize dogs. I cater to your pets' unique needs, ensuring their well-being and happiness. It is all about them. I have graduated as a Certified Professional Dogwalker from Langara College. The program is taught by an industry professional Ms. Jill Tagger who has a PhD in Behavioural Psychology, is a Master of Science - Animal Behaviour, and a practicing Clinical Animal Behaviourist. 30

Continuing education is vital in ensuring I stay updated with the latest practices in pet care. I regularly attend workshops and seminars, including courses on advanced pet first aid, holistic & traditional health care, animal behaviour, and emergency preparedness. Just to name a few: Fear Free Happy Homes, prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in pets, behaviour, environment Various Courses from Ian Dunbar and Dr. Sophia Yin, Susan Garrett, Patricia McConnell, Karen Pryor, Victoria Stilwell, Dr. Peter Dobias, Dr. Karen Becker, Dr. Marty Becker, Rodney Habib Pet Summits attended: The Senior Dog Care hosted by Dr. Ava Frick, Dog Anxiety hosted by Dr. Edward Bassingthwaighte, Dog Gut Health hosted by Dr. Katie Woodley, Holistic Dog Care hosted by Dr. Dee Blanco, Pet Pain Relief hosted by Dr. Ava Frick

Throughout my career, I had volunteered as a volunteer dog walker at the SPCA in Vancouver. I had walked shelter dogs when no other volunteer was around walking dogs. I remember the shelter staff telling me: “Take what ever dog for a walk you like…. You know what you are doing.” So, I had started with one and was finished when last one had been exercised. I have a business license through the City of Vancouver. My pet services are fully insured and bonded using Aviva Canada, an international insurance provider. This coverage ensures my clients have peace of mind that their pets are in safe and capable hands. I am a professional member of Pet Sitters International (PSI) and hold First Aid certification in both canine and feline first aid (provided through Walks “N” Wags Pet First Aid). I also have a certificate of achievement issued by FEMA in Emergency Management for Animals in Disasters which further underscores my dedication to your pets' safety in any situation. 31

Why should you only use a professional pet sitter? As the pet-care industry grows, it is important that pet owners are more prudent than ever when selecting a pet sitter. As more online pet sitter directories become available, it is important to research sites you are considering using to find a pet sitter and pay attention to the service providers listed. News stories of tragedies caused by pet lovers looking to earn extra cash and calling themselves “pet sitters” have become more common as the number of pet-care directory sites has grown and articles have touted pet sitting as an easy side job. While these pet lovers are well-intentioned, they sometimes lack the experience, education and insurance coverage needed should a pet emergency or other unfortunate situation occur.

Consider these questions when searching for a pet sitter:

Just because someone is a pet lover and has a profile on an online directory—or even on a nationally-publicized site—doesn’t ensure he/she is a qualified pet sitter operating a legitimate business. In today’s sharing economy anyone can offer their services online. It’s important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring not just a pet lover, but a pet lover who is also a true pet-care professional.

Does the site have requirements for listing? Are the service providers listed professional businesses or does the site accept listings from kids, college students and other nonprofessional sitters?

So, who can a pet owner trust? Pet Sitters International has a very excellent description of a pet sitter:

Does the site differentiate between professional and non-professional sitters?

What does a pet sitter do?

Pet Sitters International (PSI) provides pet owners with access to the largest online directory of professional pet sitters free-ofcharge. (www.petsit.com)

“Pet sitting” is defined as “the act of caring for a pet in its own home while the owner is away”. Dog walking is also a form of pet sitting since it involves coming to the pet’s home to provide exercise and companionship. 32

Professional Pet Sitter vs. Hobby Sitter When you want the best care for your pets, who should you choose? Professional Pet Sitter has a proper business license for your city where they offer their services: Vancouver for Vancouver, Burnaby for Burnaby, North Van for North Van etc. It means they might have to have 3 licenses issued by the applicable cities has their own business insurance & bonding asks clients to complete a service contract / business forms has pet-care training and/or designation: is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter and has participated in other pet-care training, such as pet first aid, CPR is a member of a professional and educational association offers pet sitting or dog walking as a primary business—your pets are their priority, and career! provides client references

Hobby Sitter is not an actual business - usually simply posts on a “pet sitters” website or app may not have any insurance coverage, or has limited coverage under a listing service asks pet owners to email quick details about pets only may love pets, but has not pursued ongoing education or certifications related to pet care offers pet care as a side gig or way to earn extra money and is not pursuing a career in pet sitting 33

Pro Tip: As a further assurance, always ask what kind of insurance the sitter carries. Does the policy for example cover off leash walking, do they have enough coverage for negligence or non-negligence incidentals? Does pet sitter offer dog training; do they actually carry specific coverage for training? It is all about liabilities.

How to Choose a Professional Dog Trainer or Behaviour Consultant Should you need additional dog training make sure they have the correct credentials that go with dog training for example: (CPDT-KA®, CPDT-KSA®, CBCC-KA®.) Certification Council for Professional dog trainers has a register for board certified trainers and has a great resource section (https://www.ccpdt.org)

Get in touch: www.eddiethepetsitter.com Instagram: @eddiethepetsitter Facebook: Eddie The Pet Sitter and Dog Walker

Resources: Pet sitting resources: www.petsit.com How to choose a pet sitter: www.petsit.com/owners Pet first aid: www.walksnwags.com Dog training resources: www.ccpdt.org 34

Henlo duck!

Pet of the Month WRITTEN BY MARINA TANG PHOTOS BY MARINA TANG

LC, aka Lil Chopper is a beautiful Formosan from Taiwan. She was first seen in 2020 by a volunteer of a local rescue shelter, huddled in the corner of a building to escape the rain. They called her “Penny” and estimated her to be around 5 years old. LC is the name her dad, Lorne, gave her when she was adopted, greatly in part of her tail wagging like a chopper as well as after a favourite foster he looked after. Prior to LC, he had already fostered several dogs and found them wonderful homes so decided to bring LC to Vancouver in hopes to do the same for her. Little did they know, as of October 13th, 2020, she was already in her furever home! In the beginning, LC was very shy. Reserved towards people and very guarded towards other dogs, especially larger ones. This gradually changed as she began to trust Lorne and he introduced her to friends at RD. Slowly, LC’s personality started to show. She is very curious, alert and food motivated. She is now very friendly towards people and very vocal for attention from her favourites. She is sometimes interested in other dogs, but most of the times more focused on sniffing her surroundings. Be warned though, if she sees ducks, rabbits, squirrels, cats, racoons or coyotes, her instincts will immediately kick in and you’ll either need to chase after her if she’s off leash or hold her back!

Follow LC:

Quack Quack LC!

Instagram: @lc_fmd 36

LC has been living in RD for 4 years now and loves it. Her dad says the best part about living here is the community of friendly and helpful people, the area is very spacious and gives you the feeling you’re outside the big city. Great selection of local business like Lucky Taco, Bufala and Everything Wine to name a few. There are several parks along the river which makes hanging out with friends who are parents very convenient. As the “fun auntie” who created LC’s Instagram account to post all the adventures when we're together, I am so grateful to Lorne who trusts LC in the care of me and my husband (aka LC’s uber - she recognizes the white sedan and will demand a car ride). I love LC as if she were mine, she has brought me so much joy the past years.

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