Rosie, the cuddle monkey of the bunch, is a beautiful Rotti

The Niagara Falls Humane Society had a real strange occurrence… the simultaneous arrival of four different dogs that were all victim to heartworm. Only two being related, it’s very strange that these animals all happened to be affected, especially when you realize what heartworm is and how it’s spread.

Okay, so what is heartworm?

Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm that lives mostly in the lung arteries, but can migrate into the heart as well. Look up some photos if you want to get really squeamish (seriously, ewww).

This disease can only be caused by a mosquito bite. What does that mean? It means that dogs (and other animals) cannot spread this condition to each other. So that’s some good news!

So what does the NFHS do with this motley crew looking for treatment? Well, the fine folks over there treat them of course! Some shelters will just set dogs up for adoption and tell prospective owners that the dogs are sick and you’re going to have to pay to fix them up. Not the Niagara Falls Humane Society! With some creative thinking and help from Merial (the animal health company that manufactures a medical treatment for heartworm), these dogs are now in top shape and looking for new homes.

They’ve had a really long road though. Do you know what a dog goes through during treatment? It’s a tough battle not easily fought.

After receiving medication, the worms begin to die. As they are breaking up in the body (which takes months), the dog MUST be kept isolated, quiet, and calm. Exercise can cause the worm bits to block the pulmonary vessels and kill the dog. It’s a very tough situation and requires a lot of patience to manage a dog going through treatment.

So how are the dogs now? You tell me…

Kramer plays hard and relaxes just as hard

Rosie (left) is mother to Havoc (right). Looks obviously run in the family.

Havoc is finally a happy, healthy girl again!

Residing at the shelter since November, these dogs have almost become family to the staff. Dan and I got to play with three of the dogs (one has already been adopted). It was a glorious day full of dog kisses and belly rubs.

As an incentive for adoption, Merial is generously supplying a stack of Heartgard for heartworm prevention for each of these three newly heartworm-free dogs — Rosie, Havoc, and Kramer.

For the future proud owners, you’ll be happy to know that as fully treated and heartworm-free dogs they will live perfectly normal and full lives. Their condition is healthy and this bump in the road will have no impact on the future.

Kramer, happy to roam finally, is using this free to time explore the great outdoors.

But, and this needs to be emphasized for ALL animal owners, heartworm prevention is necessary. Some vets are recommending year-round treatment (and not just six months). Purchasing prevention medicine is much more affordable, not to mention easier on your pet, than treating heartworm. All it takes is a single mosquito to transfer the disease. Just one. Think about your pet’s life and happiness. And please think about all the doggie kisses and belly rubs.

Belly rubs seem to be Rosie’s favourite. She’s just bursting with tenderness.

Walter Sendzik and Kithio Mwanzia stand in front of a 1lesstrip.ca banner

Anyone who has been reading articles on Embrace Niagara are probably aware that when Katie and I came to Niagara, we really did come here to embrace our new community and do what we could to promote it and create awareness.

So, when the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce approached our company, High Concept Media, to sit on a council and contribute ideas dedicated to helping our retail sector, we immediately said YES.

Community and media came to the Pen Centre for the launch of the campaign

WHAT MOTIVATED THIS?

Last year, when the news in Buffalo was indicating a 6 million dollar state surplus, it was generally attributed to an increase in spending from cross-border shopping, particularly from Niagara and the GTA. This coincided with Niagara retailers closing shop and others approaching the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and reporting their worst year on record. Our region was having an economic crisis because the residents are choosing to spend millions of dollars on the same goods across the border.

This caused Walter Sendzik and Kithio Mwanzia to put out a cry for help.

They immediately decided to reach out to the marketing community hopeful that they could create a strategy and message to help the Niagara community understand the value that the dollar has when choosing to spend it locally.

The group included: Bill Janzen (Future Access), Ignacio Segovia (Social Interaction), Jim Kalogerakos (180 Marketing), Larry Anderson (Trigger Strategies), Luc Courtois (180 Marketing), Tiffany Howes (Electric Jam), and myself, Dan McKinnon (High Concept Media).

We met 5 times between September and November. Our goal became clear pretty early on:

• Create a campaign to help increase awareness about the ramifications of taking our local shopping dollars outside the region
• Create a voluntary pledge for people who want to make a commitment to help their neighbours and local businesses
• Attach no stigma or guilt, just proving reasons this might matter to you to keep more of your spending here
• As local retailers become partners, start adding rewards in the form of real incentives and savings to those that make the pledge

1 LESS TRIP

We decided to build the campaign around taking one less trip across the border. We were determined to make this a commitment that anyone who wanted to could easily make.

The other major components of the 1 Less Trip campaign are that is the beginning of a long-term initiative focused on education (such as the infographic) and the incorporation of social media encourages additional conversation on the topic of cross-border shopping.

All of the initial marketing components were built around a 1lesstrip.com logo (concepts by Electric Jam and developed by 180 Marketing), marketing assets by 180 Marketing and High Concept Media; video, banners and print ads (180 Marketing) and the infographic and website (High Concept Media).

The first phase launched in April and has been greeted with enthusiasm by retail partners, media and local groups and politicians. The work has just started as a comprehensive Reward Program is developed, more retail partners are coming on board every day and more information will be shared with the public.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE PLEDGE?

So, what do I think?

I think we have made some crucial first steps. In watching and listening to the initial comments and conversation, I have heard lots of good things, but there have been some naysayers too.

First off, I think it is absolutely worth emphasizing that this campaign in NOT about giving up shopping and visiting the States. Most of us in a border community have personal connections (friends, family, memories) associated with going to the USA. We have enjoyed a peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbours (neighbors) to the south for over two centuries. We love to go on visits, purchase goods exclusive to their country and partake in unique destinations and cultural experiences. We should keep doing that!

Secondly, this pledge is meant to be voluntary, and we realize that during these tough economic times, there are people that have to do whatever they can to save a few dollars just to make it to the next paycheque. Those are not the people we anticipated taking the pledge.

The point is, there are plenty of times people make the trip across the border and if they took a few minutes to search locally they may very well find the product they are looking for that is competitive to an American price. Once you take into account the cost of gas for the trip and the time it will take, it may actually cost more than purchasing it locally.

UNDERSTANDING THE COST OF BUYING IN CANADA

I am not an economics scholar. However, I have lived in border communities for the bulk of my lifetime. I also have a unique perspective that comes from having lived 17 years of my adult life in the US.

One of the major things I have heard from a vocal minority is that they buy in the States because the Canadian retailers are gouging them.

There are some things you need to understand about that comment.

We have less that 1/10th the population of the US, as a result, American manufacturers and distributors enjoy a cost savings associated with that scale.

We don’t make some of your favourite products here in Canada, so there is often another middle man, perhaps customs brokers, potential duties and tariffs, and additional transportation costs associated with bringing many of these products into our retailer’s shelves. In other words, in many cases a higher Canadian price doesn’t offer the same profit margin their American competitor would enjoy with the lower cost.

The Canadian government does take a bigger piece of the pie, in many cases to help subsidize our dairy farmers or an industry that we don’t want to fade away and leave us with no recourse but to depend on imports to feed ourselves in the future.

THE SOCIAL COST OF INVESTING IN CANADA

No matter what your politics are, in Canada we have different priorities. Free medical immediately comes to mind. Twelve years ago while living in Arizona, I took a hard crash on my mountain bike that resulted in an horrendous injury to my left shoulder — bone, muscle, tendon and tissue damage — that resulted in 2 major surgeries. My portion of the cost for that injury was over $26,000. How many people in Canada have heart attacks, give birth, fight cancer or break a bone? You would have to pay that extra dollar on milk thousands of times just to pay for one of those hospital visits. And that is only one of our social programs.

There is also the question of the jobs you and your neighbours have. When I heard a teacher making the comments about why they shop across the border, I have to be honest, I couldn’t relate to them. As a school teacher, their entire career and benefits and those of their colleagues are paid for by the tax dollars of their neighbours. The kids they are paid to teach have parents running businesses locally and working locally — I would think that would be some social incentive to buy groceries locally even if it costs a few dollars more.

We have a great community and if we want to have a variety of food, goods and services to remain in Niagara we should really try to find a way to support our neighbours every chance we can. If you can relate to this, I really urge you to take the pledge and then find a way to a make a decision to take one less trip because it can mean so much if enough of us decide to make the commitment.

Even though this little adventure resulted in a job well done it seems that the level of danger just went off the chart!!

To learn more about the Wumpyre visit Wumpipedia, the  free encyclopedia for mystical fruit bats.

You can also follow Wumpyre (@Wumpyre) when he occasionally has something to say on Twitter and even ask him some questions if you like.

This online strip is created by Dan & Katie McKinnon and produced by High Concept Media right here in Niagara. Come back every Tuesday for the next exciting adventure.

Artists information and additional content available at www.wumpyre.com

Jake is is peppy and very happy to be out exploring all the trees.

by Cathy Fugler, 
Communications Director of Niagara Falls Humane Society

I need lots of warm and fuzzy in my life, doesn’t everyone?

Working with the Niagara Falls Humane Society I’m fortunate to be exposed to all kinds of warm and fuzzy – well, warm and furry – all the time. I see examples of human kindness daily.  I am surrounded by volunteers; amazing, giving people who truly understand the value in kindness. Their compassion enriches lives daily, human and animal. These people give their time for many reasons. Some of them want to make a difference in their community, or in the lives of the animals. Some want to learn new things, some want to have fun, some have a need to give back. Volunteers see a need and step right up to fill it. Some are all about learning new skills, stretching new muscles. Some are passionate about their beliefs and want to share that passion with others, or put that passion to work. Many volunteers talk about how much their work provides personal growth and how it helps them to be a better, more compassionate and understanding person.

Theodore has the most beautiful blue eyes and is very affectionate.

Volunteers often experience a sense of emotional involvement, a deep sense of commitment and accomplishment knowing they are making a difference in their little corner of the world. Volunteers at NFHS become advocates for the animals and they spread compassion and understanding  throughout our community. They are wonderful teachers and coaches, sharing their belief in kindness and respect for others, including the animals.

Macie is a friendly and lovable girl that needs to be in a home without other feline friends.

Kindness is all about doing something for others in a selfless way. It is a mighty virtue indeed. I am blessed to come from a loving and helping family. You know, the family where everyone shows up on moving day and doesn’t leave until you are all settled in. The family that all shows up at the hospital. The family where disagreements are few, and where everyone is treated with respect and gentleness.  I wish everyone could grow up that way.  My parents have always spread kindness in our community by volunteering and by simple generosity of spirit.

The animals who find their way to the NFHS often have a tragic or unknown past.  What I notice, though, is that a little kindness offered with sensitivity brings a quick response.  First there is a little bit of suspicion – that “really?” response, the disbelief at receiving  gentle, respectful treatment. Then an opening up,  a slow and steady build of comfort, and finally a bestowing of affection, the ultimate expression of trust.

Keeper is a smart, loving dog who is eager to please.

A 2 for 1 adoption fee applies for these sweet snuggle sisters – Winnie and Pooh Bear.

I see that people react much the same. It seems many people are surprised to find themselves at the receiving end of kindness.  Like the animals, I notice that people sometimes react with surprise or suspicion before leaning into the good feelings that compassion and respect can foster. It’s so often the little things. The awareness of the other creatures in our community. The smile you give your clients, the door you hold, the cookies you bake to share. My daughter has found that she can help her customers have a better day with a smile and a bit of conversation. My husband  has discovered in his volunteer work that simple things like offering a patient something to drink or giving them a little company can bring a heartfelt thank you. My father is a person that hears about a need and quietly finds a solution every time. They’ve all learned how people respond to a little kindness in a busy world.

Animals are dependent upon the kindness of strangers. Aren’t people too? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if  we all could stop being surprised by the kindness of our fellow creatures and learn to count on it instead? Pause for a moment to consider others.

Kindness feels good.

Spend some time with an animal. Let them teach you a thing or two.

Hazel is a lovable girl patiently waiting for a family to giver her the love she deserves.

Niagara technology companies were able to strut their stuff at the expo

Anyone who knows me at all is aware of my love affair with all things tech.

Since my first science kit from Radio Shack in grade 6, to my first exposure to writing programs for a Commodore PET back in 1979, I have been enamoured by LEDs, blinking lights, and today’s modern day magic.

But that really wasn’t what the Niagara Technology Summit was about.

Don’t get me wrong, there was a ton of fascinating technology on display and some of the best Niagara experts in the business.

Dave Shaw of Advanced Office Solutions discusses technology as a business solution

When the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce organized their partners, speakers and sponsors it was with a more important mandate than selling the sizzle of new electronic devices. Rather, the Niagara Technology Summit was about creating solutions for business.

I have spent a large portion of my professional career providing technology-based solutions to businesses as small as a single entrepreneur and as large as the Canadian federal government and Disney. I can personally attest to the fact that the average business owner, president or CEO rarely cares about how a technology works and what algorithm differentiates your product from your competition.

The point of the Niagara Technology Summit was to focus on business solutions.

Hugh Johnson of Telus takes the stage to talk about their people and culture

So, when Hugh Johnson, VP Small Medium Business for Telus steps on the stage to speak to the hundreds of businesses in attendance, he doesn’t start talking about their various rate plans, or the specific models of mobile technology that they offer, instead he focuses on his people. He recognized that the businesses in attendance all recognize the value of great employees and an excellent commitment to customer service.

Hugh Johnson discusses the value his staff and customers have to him, it resonates as loyalty and commitment to the people and businesses that he values. There are other companies that compete with Telus that offer a similar lineup of products and services — but customer service, loyalty, commitment — these values are the reasons we choose to do business with a company. Hugh Johnson chose to make these values his competitive advantage and regardless how tech-savvy the members of the audience are, they can relate to this universal message.

Hard not to get caught up with razzle-dazzle like 3D printing!

It is common when talking about technology to get caught up in the razzle-dazzle and let a passionate salesperson drone on about all the features that he or she loves, but this isn’t the conversation most business people want to have. This is the main reason many business people don’t want to discuss technology.

Vendors had a great time showing how they can help business

The theme of the breakouts and most of the conversations with vendors was about how businesses are using technology to solve common business problems. Typically, technology is used to address core issues related to saving money, increasing productivity, adding capabilities or making up for shortages in resources (time, staffing). In short, technology can reduce the common pains associated with running a business.

Educational and Business partners showcased their tech

The event had an expo featuring a large number of great Niagara technology businesses displaying their wares and an opportunity for people to discuss some of the different technologies with the experts in attendance.

I believe the real value to those in attendance was the diversity of breakouts focused on demystifying some of today’s technology to better equip them to make the first steps in adopting these processes into their own businesses.

Great crowd takes in Social Media discussion by local experts

The nine 45 minute seminars included:

1. The Social Customer: Engaging with Your Customers is No Longer an Option – presented by arnoldi:mcpherson, Hughes & Co. and Trigger Strategies
2. Build a Winning Internet Strategy – presented by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
3. 3D Printing and Design – presented and by Javelin Technologies Inc.
4. There’s an APP for that – presented by Joe Jones, Symetric Productions
5. Customer Relationship Management – presented by Renus Bailey/BlackBerry
6. IT Infrastructure for your Business – presented by Skycomp Solutions and GateProtect
7. Finding the true business value in technology – presented by Piero Fusco, Kevin McCabe and Rob Auld
8. Managed Services – presented by Ben Bowen, Better Business Group
9. Technology Issues Facing Small Businesses Today – presented by Randy Biggs, Value Added Computer Services

As if this wasn’t enough, the day wrapped up with a Keynote Address by celebrity technology expert and evangelist, Marc Saltzman.

Even though the technology is helps business, it is about relationships

Similar to the standard set with last year, when the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce hosted their Economic Summit, this was another tremendous event. The Scotiabank Convention Centre is a state-of-the-art facility and the professionalism of their staff is unsurpassed.

Those in attendance enjoyed the opportunity to network and browse the expo

An event like this isn’t going to turn Niagara into Silicone Valley overnight, but the opportunity to expose hundreds of Niagara businesses to these new technologies and the businesses that offer them should initiate crucial conversations.

Adopting business technology is as much about the people

This is a global economy and our local businesses are no longer competing with one another, they are competing with the world. Technology played a huge role in shrinking the world and can help level the playing field for the businesses here in Niagara.

As budgets are cut, staff is reduced and margins decline, our business community needs to accept that technological advances are often the most cost-effective way to survive and thrive as they move forward. Fortunately, the Niagara Technology Summit showcased a number of local technology companies that can assist in the process of adopting new technology and offer proven strategies that address business issues.

Mason realizes a good leader tries to motivate his troops, reassure them and fill them with confidence. Even when not every member of the team pulls his own weight (talking to YOU, Wumpyre).

You can also follow Wumpyre (@Wumpyre) when he occasionally has something to say on Twitter and even ask him some questions if you like.

This online strip is created by Dan & Katie McKinnon and produced by High Concept Media right here in Niagara. Come back every Tuesday for the next exciting adventure.

You can navigate the entire Wumpyre comic strip archive HERE.

Artists information and additional content available at www.wumpyre.com

Musicians bring students’ compositions to life

I know that in my case, my confidence and creativity to write and draw comics professionally was impacted by a number of things. My joy of absorbing the work of professionals, encouragement from friends and family and those extra pats on the back from my teachers all the way from elementary to high school.

It is often more difficult living in a small town to get access to the published works I was looking for — whether for inspiration or to learn from. Living away from a major urban centre also restricted my access to professional writers and artists who could answer my questions, steer me in the right direction and show me how it was done.

The composers take a bow after their original piece is played

Apparently, our local professional musicians recognize the importance of this. Recently, Katie and I had an opportunity to attend the Composer in the Classroom series here in Niagara.

Composer in the Classroom is a fantastic program offered by the Niagara Symphony Orchestra (in conjunction with the support of the host school and the sponsorship of Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation, District School Board of Niagara and Niagara Catholic School Board).

The Niagara Symphony Orchestra started this program in 2001 and since that time more than 12,000 students have participated.

NSO musicians perform with clarinet, violin, viola and cello

Through the Composer in the Classroom program, grade 6 and 7 Port Colborne students were exposed to the language of music. Through 5 half-day sessions, the students worked with NSO conductor Laura Thomas to compose their own original piece of music.

After weeks of working together, their hard work was on display for classmates and family as four members of the NSO were in attendance to perform eight unique compositions developed by the Port Colborne students. The instruments incorporated included flute, piccolo, clarinet, violin, viola and cello and each had a chance to shine.

Laura was quick to point out that, at a time when arts budgets and music programs are vanishing, Composer in the Classroom is integral to the vibrancy of the future of music as a part of our community. In some cases, this may be the only opportunity for some of these students to speak about the nuances involved in making music, interact with the instruments, musicians and understand the literacy required to write music.

Niagara Symphony Orchestra Associate Conductor Laura Thomas

The Composer in the Classroom program allows kids to test the boundaries and learn the structure involved in making music. They are able to witness as their decisions and creativity result in the composition of a piece of music that is played live by professional musicians in their own school.

I know Katie and I enjoyed our late morning concert and are hopeful that this brief exposure to professional music will inspire these children to better understand and enjoy the music they listen to and maybe one or two will be encouraged to go on to learn how to play or write their own music someday.

Our group of adventurers have reached their destination (relatively) safely! Can they stay that way?!

You can also follow Wumpyre (@Wumpyre) when he occasionally has something to say on Twitter and even ask him some questions if you like.

This online strip is created by Dan & Katie McKinnon and produced by High Concept Media right here in Niagara. Come back every Tuesday for the next exciting adventure.

You can navigate the entire Wumpyre comic strip archive HERE.

Artists information and additional content available at www.wumpyre.com

Embrace Niagara May 2013 Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

As Spring is taking a firm hold here in Niagara it’s becoming harder to ignore. One of my most favourite Springtime delights is watching the bird activity. As we are on a major bird migration path, our yard and the area is treated to some truly beautiful birds.

When Dan and I visited the Harriet Tubman Memorial last week I noticed this little Sparrow hopping around us. I snapped the picture and the rest was history! I hope you enjoy this month’s wallpaper. This summer should bring us some lake wallpapers and more landscape-varieties.

As with all of our free downloads, please visit our Extras page to access this wallpaper in a variety of sizes.

Really, should either of these two crazy numskulls be at the reins of this winter speedster?!

You can also follow Wumpyre (@Wumpyre) when he occasionally has something to say on Twitter and even ask him some questions if you like.

This online strip is created by Dan & Katie McKinnon and produced by High Concept Media right here in Niagara. Come back every Tuesday for the next exciting adventure.

You can navigate the entire Wumpyre comic strip archive HERE.

Artists information and additional content available at www.wumpyre.com