Monday, August 30, 2010

The Royal Canadian Legion

There are some popular misconceptions regarding the Royal Canadian Legion. One of the most popular is that you had to have been a member of the military to be able to join. This is not true.

Another misconception is that you need to be a member to come to any of our very popular and enjoyable social events. This also is not true.

Another huge misconception is that we are strictly a drinking establishment. This is also not true. Many of the members of any of the Legions do not drink. In addition to serving alcohol we also serve coffee, pop, juice and water.

Another point that many get wrong is that we are a seniors club. This is very wrong. We have events for the young and old alike. Most of the branches offer a big screen TV to watch any of the many sports events that are being aired, while you sit and enjoy the company of others.

Many of the branches offer billiard tables, dart boards and shuffleboards. There are meat draws, many special and seasonal events such as teen dances and open mike nights, barbecue's and weekend dances, card games and local entertainers who preform for your enjoyment.

We also offer our buildings to be used for weddings, graduations, school dances and other local gatherings. Often we provide the food as well as the building.

Legions need new members, both young and old in order to be able to continue with the commitment we make to our veterans. As we did in the past for our troops who served, we want to be able to be here for those returning from their efforts today, and also for their families.

Each year Legions donate thousands of dollars to worthwhile charities and to community events. Join us and be part of our community.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

SO YOU WANT TO GET A DOG

Dogs come in many sizes, shapes, personalities as well as abilities. The different breeds of dogs can have many different characteristics depending on what they are bred for. Before you decide to buy a dog there are many things to consider.

One important issue is to think about how much time you you will be able to spend with the dog. Remember that most dogs are very social animals and they won't be real happy if you put them in the yard and just leave them there all day. They will want your company and will want the attention they are given when they are walked.

You should also consider the size of your home. Just because you are thinking about getting a small dog does not mean that it will do well in a small apartment and will never need attention. Some small breeds need to have lots of exercise while there are some large dogs who are quite happy to spend all day sleeping on the couch while you are at work. Check the needs of the dog before you make that final decision.

Also consider how much money you are going to be able to spend to purchase a dog. There are going to be check ups at the vets, the cost of food and needles and of course the cost of equipment such as a bed and toys. Remember, if your dog has a medical emergency you should have a few dollars put away for that rainy day.

A big consideration is whether you have enough time to spend with the dog. If you are not able to devote a considerable amount of time then you should consider getting a smaller breed that will not need longer walks. But, be careful. Check the breed for its requirements and make an informed decision.

One very important thing to consider is dog training. A well trained dog will make your life and his run smoother. Consider how much time you are going to be able to spend training your dog so that it can go to different places with you and can easily fit into your lifestyle.

Remember that all dogs need to be groomed. Some short haired dogs shed quite a lot while there are some long haired dogs that shed very little. Decide whether you want to put up with having dog hair in your home and whether you can afford to spend money for hair cuts and nail trims. Unless you can do these things yourself, the cost can add up.

Maybe one of the first things to consider is whether you want a male or a female dog and what are some of the traits you want to see in your dog. Some breeds are bred to be protectors while others are bred to be more laid back. Some dogs can be very independent while others want to be on your lap all the time. Some dogs are very outgoing and friendly while others are more shy and reserved. Consider what you want in a personality and then check out all the varieties that are available.

Consider also that getting a little puppy is wonderful but then they grow up. Just like humans they go through different stages in their life and each stage may take years to grow out of. You have a responsibility as a dog owner to make sure that your dog is healthy, is well behaved around others, and is safe to be around. It is your responsibility to be as informed as you can be about your dogs breed. Make sure you are well prepared before bringing a pet into your home.

When you have sufficiently done your homework and have asked all the questions you can think of and searched everywhere you can for answers to the questions you should have, then, good luck and enjoy the new addition to your home if you decide to get a dog.

The Baby Story: In The Begining

First of all I want to say that we have two dogs, both Chihuahuas. One male and one female. I had only wanted one but in the end we decided on the two so that they would not be lonely. Or that was the reason I was given. Should have listened to my own head and not someone elses. If I had my time back I may have insisted on only one but too late now!

As they started to grow we thought it might be nice and also profitable to breed them. OK, that was when we should have been taken outback and had our heads examined. Looking at the little darlings made our minds turn to mush and now we are in the state we find ourselves in today. But, one day at a time as they say in AA.

I never realized just how aggressive a young male dog can be when there is a female around who is in heat. A dog i mean!!! He never left her alone. Everywhere she went, he followed. I am surprised that he does not have a permanent disfigurement caused by his head rubbing on the ground as he followed behind her. For a while i thought it would never get off the ground and that we were going to have a hugh chiropractic bill to pay!!

Finally the big day came and she was in heat. Well, that's when the real trouble began. Every time she moved he wanted to mount her! He was continually in a state of readiness if you know what I mean. I was afraid that at one time or another he was going to trip over himself and cause some permanent harm. For such a little dog he had large assets!!

She was not going to have anything to to with him till she was ready! All of his coaxing was not working. She was the boss and she was going to take her time and make him wait! He cried and whined and jumped around and showed her his best acrobatics but nothing was working. We tried our best to tell him that the trap door was shut tight till Mother Nature decided to help him out but he would not listen. He was completely focused on the task at hand and was going to give it his best till he finally won the battle.

Then one day when I thought I might be driven insane and was seriously thinking of getting him a new girlfriend, the little vixen decided that maybe, just maybe, she would give him a little peak. Just a little one mind you. Enough to torment him and cause him to complain loudly enough that it drove me crazy. The poor little guy was crying and barking and whining all at the same time. Finally, a few days later he got his just rewards. Then he spent a little more than a week in wedded bliss and got what he had been wanting!! Twelve times I think. I lost count.

Well, what ever the count was it worked. But like all good things it came to an end and eventually she decided she had enough of him and would not allow him to come near her anymore. I guess the honeymoon was over. Ah well, that's how it works pal!! First the come on and then the brush off. Within a week of their final encounter we started to notice the signs of her being pregnant and we knew that we now had proof that our little boy was finally a man!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010