Enjoying the pack mentality

Last January, a small kitten called out to Jackie in the middle of the night, from under a neighbour’s deck. Jackie responded by using her power tools to rescue it, and for the next few months we tried to find out where he came from.

We eventually exhausted that effort and realized that he had worked his way into our family unit. Like in a book, we now have a Labrador (Rey), a French bulldog (Leia) and a grey domestic shorthair cat (Moonlight). Two rescues, one from a breeder, and they have come together in a family unit.

They’re not always harmonious, but what family is? We will often find them curled up together, or near each other. And sometimes they scuffle or get up and leave if another tries to scoop some attention.

Feeding is a surprisingly harmonious time, as no one tries to sneak another’s food, which could be because they all eat their entire meals in a minute or two. They all get raw and love it. Moonlight gets a little midnight snack that seems to reduce his nighttime activity (he can be very annoying), which Rey and Leia would love to share, but they have gotten used to it.

SOS offers helping hands

The City of Winnipeg reports that every year Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to more than 10,000 calls related to substance use — an average of 27 calls a day.

Although medical interventions are often necessary, there are a number of community-based support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Winnipeg Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) that help people overcome addictions.

Winnipeg SOS offers a secular approach to sobriety that emphasizes personal responsibility, positivity and rational thought rather than relying on a higher power.

The first SOS meeting was held in North Hollywood 40 years ago. Today, there is a network of autonomous SOS groups across North America.

How criminals are using artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live and work — but it’s also changing how criminals commit fraud. While AI can help businesses detect suspicious activity, scammers are now using the same technology to make their schemes more convincing and harder to spot. For Winnipeg residents, understanding how AI is being used in fraud is the first step toward staying protected.

In the past, scam emails were often easy to recognize because of poor spelling and awkward grammar. Today, AI tools can generate polished, professional-looking messages in seconds. These emails may appear to come from banks, delivery services, or even local organizations. They often create urgency — claiming there’s a problem with your account or a missed package delivery. The goal is to get you to click a link or share personal information. Always verify by contacting the organization directly using the official phone number or website — not the link provided in the message.

One of the most alarming uses of AI is voice cloning. With just a short audio sample from social media or voicemail, scammers can create a realistic imitation of someone’s voice. In some cases, fraudsters call pretending to be a grandchild or family member in distress, urgently asking for money. The voice may sound frighteningly real. If you receive a distress call from a loved one asking for money, pause and verify. Call them back directly or contact another family member before taking action.

AI can also generate fake videos that make it appear as though someone is saying or doing something they never did. While this technology is still evolving, experts warn it may increasingly be used in business fraud or impersonation scams. These AI-generated videos are increasingly being used in romance scams and investment scams, sometimes featuring impersonations of celebrities or public figures.

Visit the hometowns of our Olympians

At the just-completed 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Canada was represented by 207 athletes across 14 disciplines. For those who proudly competed on the world stage, the Olympic journey didn’t start in Italy. It began on frozen rivers and lakes across this land, in cold rinks on the edge of small prairie towns, and on ski runs carved out of rugged granite hills.

Mikaël Kingsbury is a legendary freestyle skier and one of the greatest in the history of his sport. He has won five Olympic medals across his career, including silver in men’s moguls and gold in men’s dual moguls in Italy. Kingsbury was born and raised in Deux-Montagnes, Que., at the southern edge of the Laurentian Mountains. With world-class downhill terrain less than an hour away, Deux-Montagnes is a natural training ground for elite athletes. It’s also a wonderful place to discover aromatic bakeries, bilingual cafes, and postcard-perfect views.

Half an hour’s drive away is Laval, the hometown of speed skater Steven Dubois. He has also earned five Olympic medals in his career, including this year’s gold in men’s 500-metre short track, and silver as part of the mixed 2,000-metre short track relay team. Laval is a vibrant city just north of Montreal which blends urban energy with natural beauty. Here you’ll find outdoor parks, an abundance of walking trails, and family-friendly attractions like the Cosmodome, the space science museum and astronaut training centre.

Four-time Olympic medalist Isabelle Weidemann was born and raised in Ottawa, Ont. She won gold in long track speed skating in Italy as part of the women’s team pursuit. Like many who reside in Ottawa, she may have begun skating on the Rideau Canal, which holds the Guinness record for being the world’s longest naturally frozen skating surface. Equivalent to roughly 90 Olympic-sized hockey rinks, Ottawa’s unique winter attraction enables you skate through the heart of Canada’s capital along a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gentle boy seeks quiet home

Hi, I’m Titus.

I’m a shy and gentle boy who loves quiet spaces, soft beds, and the company of patient humans. When I’m bored, I can be independent and play by myself and keep myself busy with my toys.

I have figured out this whole house-training business, but I just need to work on being more obvious with how I ask to go outside. I’m not an apartment dog, so I’m best suited to a home with a fence where I can stretch my legs. I am fully crate-trained and can hold it throughout the night. My crate is my safe space when I am feeling overwhelmed. I do miss my foster family when they leave, so I do have a bit of separation anxiety but I am working on being alone in my kennel.

I live with my foster sister Nia, and we play great together. She is teaching me and lets me know if I am being too pushy or when it’s time to stop playing. I might look like an adult in size, but I’m really still a pup. I don’t like overly energetic or pushy dogs, because they can be overwhelming for me.

Death, taxes and scams

It’s tax season again. The Canada Revenue Agency has opened for filings and set the deadline for April 30, as always. While taxes are oft-referred to as one of the certainties of life, getting help and filing electronically can quickly become an uncertainty for unsuspecting taxpayers.

While caught up in the hurry of the everyday hustle and bustle, it’s easy to click on a link “to get your tax return” – especially expecting and needing the money back. It’s also easy to send all your tax information to the lowest-bidding tax preparer who appeares very professional and responsive. It’s easy to use a free tax-submission form to send your returns in yourself. However, just one misstep in doing any or all of these things can send you in a very wrong direction – just one moment of distraction or tiredness.

They’re all normal parts of tax season: securing a professional to prepare your return, or finding an online platform to file your own, and possibly receive funds at the end of the process. But scammers have become more sophisticated and yes, they have infiltrated all these normal activities to take your money and, potentially, your identity.

Be sure to verify your tax preparer by following recommendations of family and friends. You can look up the person or a company’s name on bbb.org and ask for their credentials. Be sure to get a copy of all fees in writing ahead of time – and trust your gut if anything feels off.

Live in peace and harmony with your pet

We get a lot of inquiries about pets with anxiety. Most of these concern separation anxiety, but there are some pets with reactive issues and others with trust issues.

The one sure way to quell these issues is medication, but this is not a good idea or a long-term solution.

A lot of these issues come from early life traumas. Many rescue dogs, and most of those that are returned to shelters owing to these issues, come from unknown backgrounds, which may include bad breeding, or issues in the first few months of their lives. Dogs coming from abusive or neglectful homes can end up with many different forms of anxiety.

If they were abused and/or beaten, they can have trust issues and may fear-bite. Pets such as these should never be in a home where that could lead to injury of a child or a compromised adult. In the hands of a patient, trained handler, these issues can sometimes be overcome, and with proper nutrition and supplementation using calming herbs, the pet can even become adoptable. But they can still be triggered, so knowing the history of the pet is very important.

The secret shores of Dublin

Dublin is the kind of place that reveals itself slowly and mysteriously. On the surface, it is Ireland’s largest city, with rivers running through it, and a major seaport on its coast. Dive a little deeper and you’ll discover fascinating places along the shores – and beneath the streets.

Dublin dates back to 841 AD, when Vikings established a settlement here – although archeological evidence confirms humans have inhabited the area for at least 6,000 years. It became recognized as a city around 1171 and has functioned under a city charter for more than 850 years.

The name comes from the Irish Gaelic term ‘Dubh Linn’ meaning ‘black pool’ – named for the junction of the River Poddle and the River Liffe, where a large pond ebbed and flowed with the tides. Historically, the Poddle was a tributary that played a key role in medieval development, including powering mills and supplying water to the city. Over the years, though, it became culverted and diverted below roads and buildings.

While the river still flows today, it’s only visible in small stretches of parkland and open spaces. The rest remains underground, hidden beneath Dublin – yet still quietly emptying into the River Liffey from a culvert near Winetavern Street in the city centre.

Cut through the façade

Have you ever been fooled by a close friend? Someone you trusted and grew to know over the course of many years? It’s often no fault of your own. People rarely show their true colours early in relationships, from friendships to romantic connections. We’ve learned how to put on a front, to act in line with societal norms or even to use people’s emotions against them. We’re not always the person we pretend to be.

The same phenomenon happens in the marketplace. Companies try to build their reputations without regard for how their internal practices align. They may have friendly customer-service representatives, but they ghost you when a problem arises. They may deny any connection to the issue or even gaslight their customers.

That’s why it’s so important to do a deep dive on companies before doing business with them. You can’t form an educated decision based on initial interactions. Just like people, businesses can be crafty and leave their customers heartbroken. A recent report from a consumer on ScamTracker claims one business in Winnipeg told them to put down a $500 deposit to secure lower pricing before rates went up in the new year. The customer did, recalling promises the business made to refund the deposit if the customer decided not to use their services. But the claim goes on to say the customer couldn’t get hold of the company after that, only to later find out it had closed without warning.

Falling victim to unethical business practices doesn’t just happen online or when dealing with foreign companies. It happens in our own communities, too. We like to support local and most local businesses are invested in their neighbours and towns, but some are less interested in honesty and integrity. That’s why it’s important to take several steps before spending a large sum of money with one particular business.

Jacks would love to meet you

Hi! My name is Jacks and I’m a very happy boy, 24/7.

I even wag my tail while I’m drinking out of my water dish or eating out of my food dish. My favourite time of the day is breakfast and dinner as I

love food. Although I’m not a high-energy dog, I really enjoy some exercise but I like spending most of my day taking long naps, and you will often find me wherever all the humans are hanging out – especially snuggling on the couch. I would consider this one of my top hobbies.

I am fully house-trained and fully crate-trained.

Tuna seeks a second chance

Meet Bodie. He is a seven-month-old, large-breed cross who is one of the smartest pups you’ll meet! Housebroken, excellent on the leash, and already a master at sit, lay down, stay, wait, and come, he will surely thrive in a home with a patient family or person who will continue to challenge him both mentally and physically. Full of energy, he’s always down to play, especially if some couch cuddles come after. As Bodie is still a pup, he does still need reminders with boundaries. A consistent routine in a calm environment where manners are maintained will be essential for this curious and excitable guy. Bodie can be anxious in new situations, including with new people and animals. Slow, positive introductions will help him feel confident, and he would like to find a family without children or too much unpredictability. If you can be Bodie’s dream match, please give us a call at 204-832-7387 to arrange a meet and greet, as he is currently in foster care. He looks forward to seeing you!

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Tuna is a two-and-a-half-year-old domestic short-hair who needs a second chance. This sweet boy is looking for love. He’s a sweet, charming guy, who wants to make new friends despite being a little unsure of the world around him. He loves to lean in for full-body pats, and would surely love a warm lap to snuggle up in. If Tuna could be right for you, stop by the shelter for a visit.

Keep your pets’ teeth in tip-top shape

February is pet dental month. We all see the promotions in the pet stores and reminders from the vet’s office. Dental health is not a one-month concern, it’s a year-round issue – but in February we are reminded just what our pets’ teeth mean to the state of their health.

Good dental health is a cornerstone of overall health. A clean mouth can mean that the pets microbiome is in good balance, which is a great thing. It also can mean that we are feeding our pet right.

Brushing is our main way of maintaining our dental health, but many pets don’t enjoy or allow us to brush their teeth, and they don’t have the thumbs to grip their own toothbrushes to do it themselves. But that doesn’t mean they can’t brush their own teeth.

There are many dental toys available, and they are much better than most dental treats. Any consumable dental item can contain chemicals, preservative and starches – some of which aren’t great for the digestion.

Make fewer plans, slow down… enjoy

One of the most underrated tips for travel is to learn as much as you can about a destination before you get there.

Take, for example, my recent trip to Ireland. I didn’t know much about Ireland’s history, but my nephew downloaded a documentary for us to watch during the overseas flight, and it provided insight into the religious, political, and territorial divisions which ultimately separated the country into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This gave me a better understanding of the landscape, the people, and the different opinions I would hear depending on where I was. It made me aware of the divide that is prominent in Ireland today.

One of my personal favourite tips is to travel with intent, instead of a checklist. Pick one or two anchors each day for the ‘must-see landmarks’ – and then go with the flow when it comes to everything else. Take a wrong turn on purpose. Sit in a café longer than planned. Stroll though a nearby park. Pop into the gallery you’ve walked past three times. When sprinting from landmark to landmark, you’re missing out on all the other little unexpected adventures. The best stories don’t come from monuments. They come from the moments you didn’t anticipate.

When it comes to another language, a little effort goes a long way. While you don’t need to be fluent, learn how to say a few simple phrases such as “hello,” “have a good day,” “please,” “thank you,” and “pardon me.” Knowing how to say “Do you speak English?” can also be helpful. Knowing a few words of a country’s language can help break the ice, encourage friendliness and improve your overall experience. You stop being ‘just another tourist’ and start being seen as an international guest who has respect for learning about the language and culture.

Meet easygoing Groopert

Hi, I’m Groopert.

I’m an easygoing boy who loves chewing bones and going for walks.

I am fully house-trained and I am very good at letting my foster mom know when I need to go outside. I am crate-trained and I go in the crate when my foster mom is not home, but I don’t love it in there yet. I complain when I first go in, but I will settle into a nap after a few minutes.

I am good with other dogs. In fact, I quite like seeing other dogs on walks and meeting them for playdates. But my foster mom doesn’t know how I will be with cats. She says that I don’t seem to have a high prey drive, but I am a pretty curious puppy and I might annoy some cats.