If you are worried about the health of your pet during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone.

I’ve been on several hiking and camping trips with dogs over the years and they have never detracted from those experiences, only added to them. Dogs notice things in a way that humans can’t. I find that by merely watching them and noticing what draws their interest another layer is added to my experience in wild places. They hear sounds that I can’t and respond to scents that are too weak for my nose to detect. A hike with a dog can be a reminder to listen to our other senses and not focus too much on only what our eyes can see, but also on what we can smell, hear and touch. Which is why I can completely understand the upset caused by the recent dog ban at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. A decision I imagine was not made lightly but was made to keep the interests of the majority of visitors and wildlife that calls this location home at the forefront.

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, which means many may be planning their festivities for Monday night. However, celebrations like New Year’s Eve can be stressful for pets, so the BC SPCA has several tips for helping to keep your furry companion safe and happy.