Don't have supplies when you need them? Get creative!

I love hearing success stories that stem out of Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid Courses.

Today I received an email from our Ajax, ON Instructor Lynda Kitson. She had found a large lost dog and was not easily able to lure it into her vehicle. Here is her story of innovation and quick thinking:

"I had an interesting situation early last week. I was on my way home from a doctor’s appt and on the last part of my trip, I rounded the blind corner and right next to the railway tracks 100 feet in front of me was a large white dog with no collar. She wasn’t injured, but was in a very dangerous spot. I called my husband and asked him to bring me a collar, leash and tons of treats. I finally got her to come to me and stay with me until my husband arrived. She was very scared and cowered when we tried to put the collar and leash on her. There was no way she was going to go into my car willingly and though she showed no signs of aggression, I knew because she was scared, she could turn on my husband if he tried to lift her in (she weighed 80 lbs). Unfortunately my car first aid kit was sitting at home because I wanted to check its contents before next weeks class, so I had no muzzle. I thought to myself “think Lynda, what else can you use to make a muzzle?” Then I saw it, cloth shopping bags! I have at least 10 of them in my car all the time for when I go shopping. So I grabbed a couple of them, tore off the handles, tied them together, and had my mouth tie! Another story to share at my next class!"

The lovely dog you see here has been cared for by Lynda's Vet clinic for the past week. If she is not claimed by tomorrow she will go up for adoption. One of the possible new homes...Lynda of course!

Share your stories with me by emailing me at lisaw@walksnwags.com

Instructor Profile: Louise Yates of K-Lane Kennels in Regina, SK

Louise Yates is Saskatchewan's first and most-experienced Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid course provider. Since 2002, she has been offering public classes at the Regina Humane Society. She loves teaching because it's a great way to stay on top of the latest thinking in pet care, and meet other animal lovers in her community.

Louise and her husband Dan run K-Lane Kennels in Kronau, Saskatchewan. She loves dogs - she's a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, President of the Regina Humane Society, and regular dog blogger. When people enroll in Louise's classes, they can feel good knowing that they're also helping homeless animals. Louise's registration proceeds go towards the Regina Humane Society in the way of free enrollment for their employees and cash donations.

Louise has also been a great source of support to the continous update of the Walks 'N' Wags program over the years. She is a true gift to the Walks 'N' Wags team of Instructors.

Louise's next course at the Regina Humane Society is November 4 & 5, 2011. You can reach Louise at klanekennels@gmail.com or www.HappyPetBoarding.ca.a>

Walks 'N' Wags stay at Summit Lodge in Whistler, BC

This past weekend staff dog Buddy and I made the beautiful trek from Vancouver to Whistler, BC to offer a Pet First Aid course. The course was kindly hosted by Spoil Your Pet Services and Whistler's Animal Shelter (WAG).

Buddy and I had arranged accomodation at The Summit Lodge & Spa in Whistler, BC. I have to say, they were a pleasure to deal with from the get-go. I easily made my reservation by phone and received a final confirmation shortly before my arrival.

When we got to the hotel we filled out a short and straight-forward dog waiver. Buddy was presented with a dog bowl, treat, and a poop bag to encourage him to clean up after himself. He also received a list of dog friendly places to visit along with some reputable businesses to call if he needed a dog walker or Veterinarian.

We headed up the elevator and picked up a free newspaper on the way to our room. The room was both clean and comfortable. Buddy gave it 2 paws up!

After settling in, we went downstairs to find that Buddy had received a warm welcome on the visiting "dog board" by the front desk. What a thoughtful and unique idea! It was obvious to me that the Summit really does love dogs.

Heading out on foot, we were surprised to find that we could quickly reach both Whistler village and the upper village in just a few minutes. The Summit is in a great location! We found the businesses and locals in Whistler to be very dog-friendly and Buddy thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our trip.

The next day Buddy and I taught our Pet First Aid course at WAG. After a rewarding day at work in class, we had a hot tub at the Summit (well I did, Buddy wasn't allowed in of course). We then spent our last day in Whistler visiting the Farmer's market before heading back home to the city.

Thanks to Whistler, Spoil Your Pet Services, WAG, and Summit Lodge for seeing value in pets and in Pet First Aid and safety. Buddy and I will be back!

Fun Times at Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid

What a fun weekend it was at Walks 'N' Wags. We had Instructors teaching in Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa. I was here teaching in Vancouver this weekend.

On Saturday I had the pleasure of completing a course with all of the owners of the three Bow Wow Haus locations (West End, Kitsilano, and West Broadway) in Vancouver along with their colleagues from Confident Canine Obedience and AKA-K9. Many thanks to Toby and Patrick for hosting and to Suji for organizing! Check out Bow Wow Haus for your quality pet care and pet supply needs at www.bowwowhaus.ca. On Sunday I had a great public class, also in Vancouver.

The class was filled with keen pet care professionals including Happy Dogs Grooming, Fido Frontier Dog training, Tisol Pet Supplies, and Urban Dog Ranch. It was a lively weekend and I'm so pleased to have so many more participants trained in Pet First Aid across the country. If you are interested in attending a Pet First Aid course, or organizing a private course, please check out our web site at www.walksnwags.com

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid Expansion

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid is Canada's longest standing Pet First Aid program. We have offered our program for almost 2 decades and strongly feel that it stands above the rest.

In the past year, we have expanded, offering our program to persons in across Canada, part of the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other International destinations. Our program is also offered as part of the curriculum in many pet-related educational institutions.

We would like to train Instructors to bring our program to a number of other Canadian and International desinations. If you are passionate about animal health and live in the following areas (or any other area for that matter), please contact us for information:

The Maritimes, Canada
All parts of Northern Canada
Manitoba, Canada
Quebec, Canada (program only available in English)
Any part of the U.S.A. or any other International Destination

In order to become an Instructor, one first needs to complete the Pet First Aid program; this can be done in person in many Vancouver, BC locations or completed via Distance Learning. A mark of 84% is required to apply for the Instructor course. Persons who may wish to apply include: dog walkers, cat sitters, pet shop owners, shelter staff, groomers, nurses, fire fighters, human first aid instructors, and anyone else from the pet or health industry.

The Instructor course is being held in Vancouver, BC May 7/8, 2011 and also September 24/25, 2011 in Calgary, AB Canada. Enrollment is currently under way for the Instructor Courses and is limited to 6 persons per class.

Why choose Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid?

1. Our program is current, and extremely comprehensive (10 hours!). Our 2011 Pet First Aid manual edition is full of recent updates after a 2010 review by our Veterinarian panel
2. We teach to both dog and cat owners
3. Our classes involve practice with pre-screened live wiggly dogs for a more realistic experience
4. Our program is Internationally recognized. Participants will receive contining education credits if they are a CCPDT or IAABC member.
5. We are not a franchise, meaning there is not a significant startup cost to become an Instructor
6. Last but not least, our courses are informative, fun, and not-at-all intimidating!

If you would like to learn more about Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid, please visit our web site at www.walksnwags.com

We look forward to hearing from you and moving ahead with our expansion.

Sincerely,
Lisa Wagner
Operations Director
Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid
1-800-298-1152

Walks 'N' Wags teams up with Pawsitively Pets for Kids Camp

Last summer, Walks 'N' Wags had the pleasure of working together with Pawsitively Pets for Kids Camp (PPKC) in Toronto, Ontario.

PPKC offers a unique daycamp experience for pet-loving kids.

During summer camps, kids from ages 5 to 16 learn everything from the basics of how to handle and care for a pets, to taking tours of shelters and Veterinary clinics. These learning experiences are combined with fun pet-related arts and craft. The older kids also earn a Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid Certificate as part of their camp experience.

In the winter, and during March break, PPKC offers other unique programs such as Safari Zoo Camp and even Dog Sledding!

PPKC has planned expansion into Ottawa, Ontario and Vancouver, BC for summer 2011. Check them out at: www.pawsitivelypetskidscamp.com if you are looking for some educational summer fun for your kids.

Walks 'N' Wags upcoming Pet First Aid course dates: Vancouver area

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid's next Vancouver area Pet First Aid courses will be:

January 9, 2011: Pitt Meadows
January 16, 2011: Vancouver
January 22/23, 2011: Victoria
...February 6, 2011: Surrey
February 19, 2011: Richmond
February 27, 2011: North Burnaby

We also have many upcoming dates available in other Canadian cities. Contact us at www.walksnwags.com or 604-809-9247 for more info.