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RIVER DISTRICT LIVING MAGAZINE

SPECIAL PET ISSUE 01

RIVER DISTRICT

Dear Pet Lovers Pets are a huge part of our lives here in River District and they make our community totally pawsome! So it only made sense to do a special Pet Issue of River District Living magazine to celebrate them! In this issue we learn the history of River District Dogs, and feature several adorable pet friends who call River District home, including a special boy named Finn who is living his best life with his mom here in River District! As his mom Karen says, “Finn and I have lived in LA, Toronto, Surrey and the River District is our favourite place to call home. From the amazing parks, mini beaches and long walking paths to our weekly walks to the town center for a pup cup and a treat at Bosleys. The community events for not just families but dog families too. A dog mom feels the love here.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE River District Dogs A strong, connected dog community

Read about an amazing rescue group helping animals find their forever homes in the lower mainland. Among these wonderful rescue animals is Ita, a special pup who doesn’t let her disability define her. If you are lucky enough to meet Ita, you will see just how vibrant she is! We are asking our community to please help spread the word about this amazing dog to help her foster mom and Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue find her perfect forever home. Fostering is one of the most important ways to help rescue animals find their forever homes, and Ita’s foster mom shares her experience as a foster parent in hopes that it will inspire others to foster, too.

Vancouver Canine Safe, happy adventures for your dog

River District Pet Features Meet Nala and Stella Rose

River District Pet Features Meet Vader, Loki, Odin & Gyzmo

Kids Activity Page Fun puzzles, games, & colouring

Local Maker: Thank Dog We Made It Making My Way Back

We highlight several amazing local independent pet businesses located in (or serving) the River District and surrounding areas. If you’re looking for safe happy adventures for your pup, or have considered making your dog a coat or sweater with your own hands (and a little help from a local River District maker!) then read on!

River District Pet Features Meet Beans and Mookie

River District Pet Features Meet Miko, Hidey & Iron Man

Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue Society

We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

Helping animals find their forever homes

Saving Lives by Fostering

Sincerely,

Providing a temporary safe space for rescues

Meet our Feature Adoptable Pet: Ita

Katherine Hall

Happy, confident, and ready for adventure

Meet our Feature Pet: Finn Making friends & enjoying every moment

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

Shop our Pet Marketplace Discover local pet businesses & events

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RIVER DISTRICT LIVING

We recognize and acknowledge that River District is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Cover Art

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Advertising Sales

Photos sent in by local community members

Katherine Hall

Contributing Photographers / Artists Arnie Chang @so.paw.photos Carli H Joanna & Tony L Sam Sekhri Michelle Lee Karen Nielsen Jill Bartlett

Barbara Borchardt Vancouver Canine Kim Beaucock Jayme Wilmann Heather MacNeil Vancity Pack Pups Antonia Hu Sean Bilan Eric L Paige Collins Katherine Hall Natasha & Raj Nijjar Vanessa Osmak Zeenia Mizan Heart & Soul Foster Community

Connect with us:

Contributing Writers Arnie Chang Vancouver Canine Jayme Wilmann Sean Bilan Paige Collins Natasha Nijjar Zeenia Mizan Karen Nielsen

Jill Bartlett Antonia Hu Eric L Jadyn Andriesse Ashley Jackson Vanessa Osmak Katherine Hall

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WORDS BY ARNIE CHANG PHOTOS BY @SO.PAW.PHOTOS, CARLI H., JOANNA AND TONY L., SAM SEKHRI, ARNIE CHANG, MICHELLE LEE

My name is Arnie Chang, and I've lived in the River District - on the West Fraser Lands - for the past 12 years. I currently own Gus, a five-year-old Labernese, who you can follow @thewonderfulworldofgus on Instagram. I've watched this neighbourhood grow from the ground up, and early on, I knew that Wesgroup's push for pet-friendly homes meant this community would eventually be overrun with dogs. That's exactly what happened, and it's what led me to create the River District Dogs Facebook group and @riverdistrictdogs on Instagram.

“River District Dogs is a place where dog owners connect, share advice, and work together to make the neighbourhood better for everyone, two legs and four.” Since launching on March 22, 2022, River District Dogs has grown into one of the most active pet communities in Vancouver - a place where dog owners connect, share advice, and work together to make the neighbourhood better for everyone, two legs and four. Now known as River District Dogs 2.0, the Facebook group and its companion Instagram account were built on a simple mission: create a strong, connected dog community while helping owners understand the rules that keep shared spaces safe and enjoyable for all residents, not just pet owners. 5

Education has always been central to that mission. Many owners don't realize how steep the fines can be for common bylaw infractions:

Not picking up after your dog: $250 Having your dog off leash: $250 Not having a licence for your dog: $250 Tethering your dog outside Save-On-Foods or Starbucks unattended: $250 Beyond education, the group has become a genuine advocacy platform. One of the biggest driving forces behind its creation was the push for a proper enclosed offleash dog park - something this fast-growing neighbourhood has lacked from the start. We've worked directly with the City of Vancouver to press for real improvements: clearer signage, proper waste disposal stations, and, most importantly, a fully enclosed off-leash area with separate sections for large and small breeds, so every dog can play safely. Big thanks go to my fellow Facebook page administrators Katherine, Andrea, and Laura - all fellow River District residents just as invested in this community's future. Together, we also run DOLA (Dog Off Leash Area), a group dedicated to making that safe, enclosed dog park a reality. The move to River District Dogs 2.0 came after the original Facebook group was left without an active administrator - a handful of moderators were keeping things afloat, but none had the ability to manage it properly. Rather than let the momentum fade, we started fresh, carrying forward the same energy and mission under a new name. Today, River District Dogs 2.0 remains both a social hub and a civic voice for dog owners in the neighbourhood whether that's a reminder about leash laws, a call to action ahead of a City Hall meeting, or simply a place to share a photo of your pup enjoying the riverside pathways. It's community advocacy at the grassroots level, driven by residents who care about doing right by their neighbours, their dogs, and their city.

Join our community! Facebook: River District Dogs 2.0 Instagram: @riverdistrictdogs

PRESENTED BY VANCOUVER CANINE

Picture six dogs bounding out of the van at the trailhead, tails wagging, noses down, tongues out, everyone is having a blast! That is a Vancouver Canine group walk, and it looks like chaos until you realize how much thought goes into finding the right fit for every dog, and setting each one up to succeed in their respective groups.

Vancouver Canine is built on thoughtful staff training, a commitment to doing things properly, and a belief that there’s always more to learn. We continually develop our knowledge and skills so your dog can enjoy safe, happy adventures with a team you trust.

Every dog earns their group walk spot through an intake form, a discovery call, and a trial assessment hike, not because the team loves paperwork, but because the priority at Vancouver Canine is setting each and every dog up for success. Group adventure hikes only work when every dog in the group is comfortable, confident, and having a genuinely good time. 7

Private walks are a great option too, built around exactly what that dog needs that day. A high energy walk burns off extra energy. A puppy just learning the ropes gets basic leash manners. A reactive dog working through triggers gets redirection and calm handling. No two private walks look the same, because no two dogs need the same thing. However the walk looks, positive reinforcement is non negotiable. No corrections, no fear, no dominance based handling, just patience, treats, and a whole lot of tail wags, because that is genuinely how dogs learn to trust people, and trust is what makes the fun part possible in the first place. Two decades in, Vancouver Canine is built on thoughtful staff training, a commitment to doing things properly, and a belief that there’s always more to learn. We continually develop our knowledge and skills so your dog can enjoy safe, happy adventures with a team you trust. If that sounds like the kind of walk you want for your dog, Vancouver Canine would love to meet them.

Get in touch! vancouvercanine.com info@vancouvercanine.com (604) 315-7956 Instagram: @vancouver_canine Facebook: Vancouver Canine TikTok: @vancouvercanine

ADVERTORIAL

Meet Nala WORDS & PHOTOS BY SEAN BILAN

Nala has called the River District home since she was just 12 weeks old. Born three-quarters American Shorthair and one-quarter Silver Bengal, she’s grown into a beautiful and unique part of the Rivergrass Drive community. Nala can often be spotted on Rivergrass Drive, peering out the window and soaking up the sunshine. She’ll be turning 5 this December and absolutely loves her life in the River District. She’s amazing with kids and guests and is often the very first to greet visitors at the door. Of course, like any cat, Nala has her days when she prefers a little peace and quiet and likes to keep to herself. So, the next time you’re out for a stroll down Rivergrass Drive, keep your eyes peeled - you just might spot Nala enjoying the view from her favourite window!

Meet Stella Rose WORDS & PHOTO BY PAIGE COLLINS

Stella Rose is a four year old American Pitbull who has called the River District home for just over a year. After a rough start in life, she was taken in by an incredible rescue in Houston, Texas called Three Little Pitties, and several months later made the thirty-six hour trip to Vancouver to meet her forever person and start her wonderful new life. Stella Rose arrived very afraid of people but thanks to the kindness and patience of her River District family, friends, and neighbours she has blossomed into a very cool, confident girl. Her favourite things include playing with other dogs, walking in Everett Crowley, going to the local Bosleys for treats, or enjoying a pup cup at Starbucks. Despite common misconceptions about her breed, Stella Rose is a sweet, gentle, sometimes mischievous soul… who charms everyone she meets and finds Pixie (the senior cat she lives with) a little bit scary, lol. If you see her out in the neighbourhood, please feel free to say hello!

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WELCOME TO THE CUTE SIDE

Meet Vader WORDS BY NATASHA NIJJAR PHOTO BY NATASHA & RAJ NIJJAR

If you’ve spotted a black mini Goldendoodle wandering around River District with a confident little strut, there’s a good chance you’ve met Vader. He’s our two year old sassy pup who loves an adventure and somehow always manages to get exactly what he wants. As Vader’s big sister, I’ve learned that life with a Goldendoodle comes with a little chaos, a lot of snacks and plenty of sass. A walk with Vader is never a straight line. He’s independent, curious and will stop every few feet to sniff something that apparently cannot wait. He loves exploring Vancouver but River District is home. Between his soulful brown eyes and signature skunk tail, he’s pretty hard to miss. He can be a little shy, but once he warms up he knows exactly when to turn on the charm. He knows he’s cute and has the personality to match. He loves his ball and can balance his favourite Frisbee on his nose like a pro. Vader also keeps me entertained with his antics. Somehow he still lets me dress him up for cute photos on Instagram and is always ready to pose when he knows the camera is out. We love our neighbourhood walks and our stops for boba or Starbucks, although no outing is complete without a treat from Bosleys. Most days, you can find Vader looking for his next adventure or watching for it from the window. If you see him around the neighbourhood, say hi and follow along for whatever adventure he gets into next.

@doodvader

Meet Loki, Odin & Gyzmo

@doodvader

ODIN

WORDS & PHOTOS BY ZEENIA MIZAN

I’ve been a dog mom my whole life. When my beloved Gyzmo crossed the rainbow bridge after 16 years of mischievous adventures, I told myself I would only welcome another dog if I felt the same instant connection I had when I first saw him. Seven months later, a photo of Loki on the SPCA website gave me that feeling. Loki had been surrendered on Christmas Eve, and on New Year’s Day 2024, I adopted him. Just like that, this lifelong dog mom became a first-time cat mom.

LOKI

My Persian boys are complete opposites and, amusingly, seem to have swapped their namesakes’ personalities. Loki, 5, is my wise old man: social, quiet, happiest observing from up high, loves car rides and suddenly discovers his voice at the vet. Odin, 3, is my chaos prince: playful, shy, chatty, a professional burrower, always ready for zoomies, definitely not a fan of car rides and mysteriously silent at the vet. They play-wrestle Mortal Kombat-style, chase each other over furniture and occasionally cuddle after Odin’s persistent efforts. Somehow, I think Gyzmo sent them both my way. He always did prefer cats to dogs.

@loki_and_odin_thegentlefloofs

Then came Odin. After hearing about 83 mixed Persian cats rescued from a hoarding situation in 2025, my little family grew again.

GYZM

Connect the dots. What kind of pet is it?

Find the words:

A E

PET

FISH

FERRET

M S

DOG CAT RABBIT

BIRD REPTILE HAMSTER 13

Create portraits of your favourite pets!

What does each pet need? Draw or write.

WORDS & DESIGNS BY JILL BARTLETT PHOTOS BY JILL BARTLETT, BARBARA BORCHARDT, KIM BEAUCOCK & HEATHER MACNEIL

Making My Way Back Scout has no idea she changed the course of my life. If you’ve lived in the River District for a while, you may have seen us walking the neighbourhood, Scout sporting a sweater I knit or a coat I sewed for her. Scout, in case you’re wondering, is my rescue dog, and the inspiration for the path that took me from corporate burnout to a life filled with creativity. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me back up. For years, I worked in graphic design, animation and online training, eventually co-owning an eLearning company. After years behind a computer, managing employees and clients, I was completely burned out. I needed a change. One thing was very clear: I wanted to work with my hands. Two passions were grabbing my attention: jewellery and crochet. Most people would keep those as separate interests. But I’ve always loved to experiment, so naturally I had to combine them. I started crocheting jewellery. With silver. I discovered how satisfying it was to take something in my hands and turn it into something that hadn’t existed before. I didn’t realize it then, but that instinct to experiment, to ask “what if?” and try it, would eventually lead me somewhere completely different. 15

Meanwhile, I was making clothes for Scout: knitted sweaters, waterproof jackets, harnesses. Whatever inspired me. And people were noticing. I started getting stopped in the neighbourhood by people asking where I got her clothes. When I told them I’d made them, they wanted something made for their dog too. That was the beginning of Scouter Wear. What followed were years of designing and selling custom-fit clothing for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Every dog, fitting and mistake taught me something new. I wanted to understand why something worked, why it didn’t, and what I could change to make it better. I learned about dog anatomy, measuring, patterns and fit. I found inspiration in fashion and film, while constantly experimenting with ways to make dog wear fit and work better for the dog. Somewhere along the way, I discovered something else. I loved teaching others what I’d learned. Today, I’ve brought teaching and making together in Thank Dog We Made It, where I help people learn to sew, knit and crochet for the dogs they love.

Explore our patterns, tutorials & workshops

But following a pattern is only the beginning. I want people to understand what they’re making well enough to ask: How could I make this work for my dog? What could I change? How could I design something of my own or even make money selling it? Because that’s where it gets exciting. If that has you wondering what you could make for your dog, come explore Thank Dog We Made It. You’ll find patterns, tutorials and workshops to help you make, experiment and see where your ideas might take you. You never know where creativity might lead you. I certainly didn’t. Sometimes the best way to find your way is to make it.

Join our community! Website: www.thankdogwemadeit.com YouTube: Thank Dog We Made It Instagram: @scouterwear Facebook: ScouterWear

Visit us at Tugboat Landing Artisan Market December 5 & 6

Meet Beans WORDS & PHOTO BY ANTONIA HU

Beans is a sweet, loving bunny who was rescued at just three months old. Today, she happily resides at Bosleys River District, where she has become a beloved member of the community - and a favourite among customers. With her adorable personality and curious nature, Beans has a special way of making friends. Although she may sometimes be tucked away in her cozy hiding spot, she never stays hidden for long when she hears visitors arrive. Beans will happily come out to say hello, greet everyone, and ask for some well-deserved pets. She loves the attention! Beans enjoys fresh carrots and cilantro, but her favourite treats are the crunchy carrot sticks from Vitakraft and Snack Loops from Selective Naturals. And with her favourite time of year just around the corner, Beans is getting ready for some serious holiday spoiling. Christmas is extra special for this little bunny because her wonderful customers love helping to fulfill all her Christmas wishes. Whether she’s greeting a familiar face, enjoying a tasty snack, or simply being her adorable self, Beans brings plenty of joy to the River District community. Keep an eye out for Beans at Bosleys - you never know when this little sweetheart might hop out to say hello! @bosleysriverdistrict

MUFFIN

CO O KIE

Meet Mookie WORDS & PHOTO BY ERIC L

Meet Mookie, a seven-year-old doodle living his best life in the River District. After being rehomed a couple of times during the height of Covid, his dads found him through a Kijiji ad, and he’s been with them ever since. While Mookie can be a little anxious, he is incredibly friendly and loves human attention - nothing beats good belly rubs and ear scratchies. To say Mookie is food-motivated is an understatement. He loves sniffing out random "street snacks" on his walks, which unfortunately often leads to an upset tummy. When he’s not foraging for treats, he enjoys chasing balls and sticks. He is excellent at fetch, though he hasn't quite figured out how to catch things in midair just yet. If you happen to have a treat, Mookie will happily show off his signature pose: a paw wave. Mookie is also quite the adventurer: whether he is hiking up Burnaby Mountain exploring SFU, or riding the Q to Q Ferry in New Westminster, he’s down for it all! If you see Mookie around the neighbourhood, he would love to say hi! Just a quick heads-up though: he gets so excited to meet people that his greetings sometimes turn into enthusiastic barks. He appreciates your understanding! @mookie.the.doodle and @lemonxiv

Meet Miko, Hidey, & Iron Man

Miko

WORDS & PHOTOS BY KATHERINE HALL

Meet Miko, Hidey and Iron Man, three adorable cats I adopted while living in Korea! If you’ve heard of The Cat Distribution System, these little guys are the purrfect example. Miko is 20 and has been with me since she was 4 months old. In her youth she loved playing fetch, fantasy bird hunting through the window, and being a pretty princess! In her golden years, she has become a certified cuddle-bug and meows to get hand fed (still a princess!).

Hidey

ron a M

Iron Man was adopted out as a tiny, adorable kitten after a short stay at a foster home. He was returned for being “too kitteny”. After taking him in, I discovered he was in fact VERY kitteny, and always getting into mischief - think Nermal from Garfield - and he’s still an adorable cheeky affectionate guy 15 years later and I wouldn’t change him for the world!

Hidey was returned to a vet when she “outgrew the cute kitten phase”. I asked if I could foster her and, after taking her home, I couldn’t find her anywhere! She was hiding inside the Christmas tree (which was inside it’s box!) so I named her Hidey. Ironically, she became super social and settled in so well I kept her. She now lives with my mom, and her favourite thing is being brushed daily. And she remains cute to this day!

WORDS BY JADYN ANDRIESSE & ASHLEY JACKSON PHOTOS BY THE HEART & SOUL FOSTER COMMUNITY

Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue Society was founded in 2015, when two small rescues came together to help unwanted and neglected dogs and cats in the lower mainland. We are determined to put our hearts and souls into the care and adoptions for every one of these precious beings, to ensure they each find their perfect forever home. All the animals in the rescue go into foster homes, who are volunteers that have opened their homes to welcome animals in need. They are showered with love and receive any and all vet care needed, the costs of which are covered by the rescue. They are flea treated, dewormed, spayed/neutered if old enough, vaccinated and microchipped. The foster families get to know the animals first hand, and are crucial in readying the animals for adoption and writing their adoption biographies. All adoptable animals can be found on our website and Facebook page, where we also promote any adoption events we have planned. Heart and Soul has many programs in place to support our local communities. We have a “Last Litter” program, to help with the growing population of unfixed animals. We help find homes for the babies when they are old enough and we have moms spayed, vaccinated and returned to their owners. We also assist with colony management for feral, barn and stray cats with Trap/Neuter/Return and barn cat programs. Heart and Soul has a Surrender Program that assists owners who are no longer able to keep their pets for a variety of reasons or who have been found as strays. They are brought into our foster homes, given any vet care needed and then off to their forever homes. We also work with partner rescues in rural areas of other provinces, by bringing the animals to the lower mainland to find their forever homes.

Heart and Soul is a no kill rescue, meaning any animals that have not been adopted will stay in foster care as long as needed, but we will never stop fighting for them and trying to find that perfect home. Some animals may take longer to be adopted but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth it, we just have to wait for the right family to come along.

“We are determined to put our hearts and souls into the care and adoptions for every one of these precious beings, to ensure they each find their perfect forever home.” Heart and Soul is made possible by our volunteers and is entirely donation funded. All of the animals are in foster homes and all supplies and vet care costs come from donations by our generous communities. We hold fundraisers throughout the year and have an annual pub night in the spring. All fundraising efforts are advertised on our Facebook page and we have an Amazon wishlist linked on our website. We cannot thank everyone enough for the aid and support over the years and for the years to come. It takes a village and we are grateful for our community. Thank you! Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue Society

Find out how to donate, foster, or volunteer!

Follow along! www.heartandsoulrescue.ca Instagram: @heartandsouldogandcatrescue Facebook: Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue Society TikTok: @heartandsoulrescue Sign up to foster today!

Saving Lives by Fostering WORDS & PHOTOS BY VANESSA OSMAK

Fostering for Heart & Soul Dog and Cat Rescue has been a truly rewarding experience. I began with fostering puppies, which quickly grew into caring for pregnant cats, bottlefeeding babies, and taking on special needs animals. I have always felt the support of the rescue and its fosters when we need it. Whether you’re an experienced pet owner or new to fostering, there is a place for you. One of the biggest fears people have is saying goodbye. I was that person in the beginning. I talked myself out of fostering constantly because I didn’t think I could let them go. While it is always emotional, knowing that you helped an animal heal, feel safe, and prepare for a loving forever home makes that goodbye incredibly meaningful. And when you open your home again, you are able to help another animal.

“Fostering gives animals the chance to experience something a shelter or kennel can’t provide: a home. Your care helps them build confidence, learn routines, and show their true personalities.” Fostering also gives animals the chance to experience something a shelter or kennel can’t provide: a home. Your care helps them build confidence, learn routines, and show their true personalities. For an animal who has known fear, uncertainty, or abandonment, you can be their safe place and their second chance. I have been honoured to foster with Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue these past four years, and be the voice for so many animals who don’t have one.

Find out how to become a foster 21

Feature Adoptable: Meet Ita WORDS & PHOTOS BY VANESSA OSMAK

Ita is a special girl who reminds you that her disability doesn't define her - it simply means she needs someone willing to see the world a little differently with her. After being hit by a vehicle and left without medical care, Ita arrived paralyzed, underweight, and with very little muscle. Fast forward to today, and the result is nothing short of amazing. Ita is happy, confident, and ready for adventure. Put her in her wheelchair and she is off! She insists on long walks and has no idea she is 'different'. What Ita does need is a very special home willing to embrace the extra care that comes with her disability. She will always need her wheelchair for walks, ongoing rehabilitation and exercises to maintain her mobility, assistance with toileting, and an accessible space to move around at home.

“Ita doesn’t want sympathy - she wants a family. She wants adventures, a dog friend, a soft place to sleep, and people who will celebrate everything she can do.” Most importantly, Ita needs another dog in her forever home. She thrives with canine companionship and looks to her dog friends for confidence and stimulation. She is happiest when she has another dog beside her, big or small. Ita is affectionate, social, and incredibly loving. She enjoys exploring and being involved in whatever is happening around her. At the end of the day, she wants nothing more than to be tucked beside you with her head in your lap. She has done well with cats, kittens, and loves children too. Ita doesn’t want sympathy - she wants a family. She wants adventures, a dog friend, a soft place to sleep, and people who will celebrate everything she can do. Her wheelchair may be part of her story, but it is certainly not her whole story. Ita is a little dog with an enormous spirit and extra sass, and the right family is going to discover just how extraordinary she truly is.

See Ita’s full Bio & Adoption Application

h me Watc play! nd run a

PHOTO BY MICHELLE LEE

Meet our Feature Pet WRITTEN BY KAREN NIELSEN PHOTOS BY KAREN NIELSEN & MICHELLE LEE

In 2011, I was living in LA and had just lost my beloved border collie, Spencer. I was heartbroken and alone in a new city. A one-year-old dog had just been picked up off the literal streets of Compton. He needed surgery for hip dysplasia and had been used as target practice with 3 metal BB gun pellets left in his abdomen. He had the tough confidence of surviving the streets but also an infectious joy of being around people. I was drawn to his regal confidence, which lifted my lonely heart. The shelter named him Dash, which must have been from his prey instinct to chase everything. Squirrel! I thought Finn would be a more distinguished name. Finn had a blast doing agility training, giving those Super Dogs a run for their money. My confident social butterfly of a dog had me meeting new friends that we still have today. He helped me build a life in LA and in turn I did what most LA people did and put Finn in my short film ‘Grace’ making him an international star. Finn is an incredible road trip buddy, having moved back to Vancouver with me and then diverting to Toronto for a year as well. Finn has incredible patience and love for my nieces and nephews as they pull his tail and ears. When the kids reward him with dropping food, all is forgiven. His calm strength wins over the shiest of dogs and people. In April 2024, I was given the heartbreaking news that Finn’s gallbladder had burst and he only had a few days to live. I gave him a celebration of life party and prepared for the end but Finn was not interested in that. Finn was back to his normal self of mooching treats off of all his friends in the River District, chasing the taunting cats in the neighbourhood, and sitting with his back to me, ensuring my safety while I chatted with friends. Finn has taught me so much about life: not feeling sorry for yourself, getting outside as it will always make you feel better; friends are always just around the corner if you keep looking up; and you don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so be present and enjoy what we have right now if that could include a big meaty bone, all the better.

Follow Finn: Instagram: @bluephin

River District Living

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Happy Halloween River District Dogs! Sunday, Oct 25 1pm-3:30pm River Front Park THANK YOU SOUTH VANCOUVER NEIGHBOURHOOD SMALL GRANTS