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.

Think twice about that health trend ad

Weeks into the new year, many are looking to refine their weight-loss journeys. Resolutions and goals for 2026 have left us ready to peel off the pounds, improve our mental and physical health, and achieve greater overall wellness. Fortunately for us, there is “help” everywhere we turn. Unfortunately for us, many of these purportedly “helpful” programs are scams.

In the wellness world, scams prevail due to high consumer demand to get fit quick. Every company pushes different ideas on diet, workouts and supplements. The secrets and shortcuts they promise are often as elusive as the company themselves. Now the already tricky world of fitness influencing has become that much more deceiving due to AI. Artificial intelligence has helped companies pump out marketing materials that appeal to their target audiences. They may use deep fakes of popular celebrities such as Oprah or Kelly Clarkson. And when fans trust those celebrities, they trust the products they get behind.

One victim recently reported their experience to the BBB ScamTracker: “I purchased gummies that were supposed to help with weight loss. Kelly Clarkson celebrity-endorsed the product and I trusted her; however, they used her AI likeness to scam people. I contacted the company to cancel my account and any transactions. They keep charging my account.”

Such scams range from complete fraud to partial fraud. Some consumers may never receive the products they buy. Others get them, but they don’t work, despite how they’re marketed. The marketing tactics have become sophisticated with little regard for the truth, from fake AI scenes of the company’s owner on reputable shows such as Dragon’s Den to paying popular online influencers to back their products, despite never having used them.

Orpheum Theatre brought future stars to town

Winnipeg’s Orpheum Theatre closed its doors 80 years ago this week. During its time as a vaudeville house, it hosted many acts who would go on to be top stars.

The California-based Orpheum Company owned a chain of theatres in the U.S. and had associate agreements with several U.K. venues. Winnipeg was its first venture into Canada.

Orpheum’s Winnipeg theatre opened on March 13, 1911, on the east side of Fort Street between Portage and Graham avenues. It seated 1,875 patrons and its in-house orchestra was said to be the largest in the city.

Each week, a new travelling show featuring several acts arrived. The fare was typical of vaudeville with a mix of dancers, singers, musicians, acrobats, comedians, and the odd animal show.

Simply looking for loving homes

Meet Houdini, a two-year-old domestic shorthair looking for his forever home. This sweet and sensitive boy is currently feeling overwhelmed in the shelter environment and spends much of his time hiding – but don’t let that fool you. With just a short acclimation period in a home, we know Houdini will truly blossom.

Thanks to his short-term foster mom, we know the real Houdini – a friendly little shadow who happily follows his people from room to room, waiting patiently until they stop long enough for cuddles. Once he feels safe, his affectionate and loyal nature shines through. Houdini would thrive in a calm, quiet home with a family who understands that patience and kindness go a long way.

He’ll come out of his shell at his own pace and when he does, you’ll gain a devoted companion and loving best friend. Could you be the one to give Houdini the peaceful forever home he deserves?

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Winter no wonderland for many pets

Our pets have fur coats. Some have better fur coats than others but, in general, they have some protection from the weather.

Some breeds, such as huskies, malamutes, Great Pyrenees, Bernese mountain dogs and others were built for Winnipeg winters. Properly maintained, their coats will keep them warm and cozy, regardless of the temperatures. I have many clients who own dogs that go outside at 20 below and won’t come back in.

And then there are dogs like Leia, our Frenchie, who races down to the end of the ramp, pees, and runs right back up, even at -5 C. Meanwhile Rey, our Lab, wanders around the backyard, only coming in with the promise of a treat.

When properly outfitted, both can walk for extended periods. Leia needs more than the simple coat we put on Rey. She gets her puffy coat and usually a hat to keep the wind out of her ears. If it is warmer, she wears just her balloon boots but if it’s colder, she gets socks first, then the balloon boots. With that gear in place, she will take her regular walk and get her business done (she doesn’t like to poop in the yard for some reason — I guess she likes to make Mommy carry it around).

How much should you pay for financial advice?

I want to change advisers this year because I think I am paying too much. What should I be paying for a portfolio of about $500,000?

Thanks,

John

Many Canadians worry about the fees they pay their advisers and wonder if they’re paying too much regardless of the amount they have saved. Having been an investment banker for over 30 years, I can tell you that you do get what you pay for. However, fees, inflation, and future market volatility will always eat away at your retirement capital, decreasing your purchasing power, and eventually forcing you to modify your lifestyle as you age.

Jacks would love to meet you

Hi, my name is Jacks and am a very happy boy — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I even wag my tail while I’m drinking out of my water dish or eating out of my food dish.

My favourite times of day are breakfast and dinner, as I love food. Although I’m not a high-energy dog, I really enjoy some exercise but 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. I am good with ­adults and older kids (ages 12 and up). I have a strong prey drive, so it’s best that I am not with smaller pets, and no dogs in my home is best. A fenced yard would be ideal.

While I do enjoy napping, I also love going for walks and do well with a harness.

Embrace the ‘soft life’ in 2026

Dear Money Lady Readers,

The ‘hustle culture’ is something my demographic (ages 50 to 65) and our parents have been used to all our lives — living by the motto that you can’t be successful unless you “work really hard and show up every day ready to overcome any obstacle, with a no-limit attitude.” We quickly passed judgment on anyone who didn’t seem to be working hard, and everything in our lives had to come second to our all-encompassing careers.

Sound familiar? There are tons of books out there printed in the 1980s, ’90s and early 2000s pushing the hustle culture. Suggesting you should create your own vision board; telling you to not limit yourself, and to (this one I love) “never settle for less than what you truly deserve.”

My generation was always told to “suck it up buttercup – stop complaining and get out there, get over it, work harder, and do more.” Well, that’s not the way life is now.

Travel rule No. 1 – pack like you’re on the lam

Growing up in a big family with little money, travel wasn’t part of my life. It seemed to me that seeing the world up close was a great privilege, and I often wondered what that was like. Now, as an avid traveller who has been fortunate to visit many amazing places, my aim is to make the most of every trip. No matter where I’m going, or for how long.

These days, I endeavour to make travel experiences the best they can be. I’ve learned what makes it easier, and most enjoyable.

Here are some tried-and-true tips I picked up along the way that I’d like to share with you. Starting with what to take, and how to get it there:

The first rule of traveling is to pack like you’re on the lam. While it might seem like a great idea to fill your largest piece of luggage with multiple wardrobe choices, several pairs of footwear, and every accessory you could ever want, the reality is that big bags are a burden.