These are her first pictures in her new place. She's a little nervous but she will come around soon. She is a rescued dog from the SPCA, her former life was just to breed puppies in a puppy mill. Now she's spayed and about to find out what life is really all about. She is 4 years old and it doesn't look like the word walk is something that she is familiar with. That will change soon...
Recently we had a debate regarding climate change and it's existence.
There is a foundation called "The Heartland Institute" that has published an article claiming that scientists have proven that there is no climate change problem. It is a 233 page report of quotes from 650 scientists saying that global warming is a farce. After some fact checking from various internet sources I came across a website called "DeSmog Blog" (thanks to David Suzuki for the link). This page is a blog site that seeks the credibility of climate change reports. I am not so shocked to learn that most articles that seek to discredit climate change are being secretly funded by big oil (Exxon), tobacco, etc... Most of the Heartland Institute receives it's funding from Exxon and other big oil companies (though it tries to present as otherwise). Naturally big oil does not want people to think that buring oil and fuel can contribute to global warming.
It doesn't work for everyone, but it seems about half of the names on the list are entwined in some way with the giant network of groups like the Heartland Institute that receive funding from ExxonMobil and their ilk to downplay the dangers of climate change.
Now why would the oil industry do that?
Start the video at 40seconds...(unless you want to learn about squirrel meat)
For about a year Tam and I have been pondering adopting a dog into our lives. And recently we became more interested in actually getting one. Especially after seeing a friends 6 year old Havanese - Lhasa Apso mix. He seemed like the perfect dog for us. Hypo-allergenic (non-shedding), small, playful, intelligent, quiet and fun.
Today I was looking on-line and found a 3 year old Havenese - Lhasa Apso on the Island that is looking for a new home. She is 3 years old and was found on the street with her puppies. All of her puppies have found a home except for her. She is currently with a foster home that is looking after her. It's important to us that we not get a dog from a pet store but rather one that needs a home.
So while we are waiting to hear back about the adoption process we took a stroll through Oak Bay Village in the snow. Seemingly out of nowhere a Bichon/Havenese dog came strolling by (off leash) and we were enjoying her company for a few blocks. She kept on making sure that we were watching her and trotted along. The dog was attentive to us and only crossed the streets when we started too. She was just loving the fresh snowfall and was bounding up and down the sidewalk. I even joked and hoped to Tammy that I think we've just adopted a dog.
We assumed that her owner was walking just behind us, however the "owner" never called the dog to return and the "owner" turned around at an intersection. When this happened we both knew that the dog was loose and wandering the streets. We took a look at the dogs collar and found some phone numbers to call and another pedestrian with a cell phone came over to help call the owners. It turned out she lived nearby, in fact as soon as a passing couple heard her name was Zoe they realized that this dog was their close neighbour. They volunteered to take Zoe to her owners (The owners were an older couple that hadn't yet realized that Zoe was loose).
Anyways it was a strange coincidence that this all happened today. We are waiting to hear back about the dog that we found online today. Maybe this is a good omen? I think we were adopted today? Trial run?
If you have 23 minutes, I'd suggest watching this video. I have signed up for David Suzuki's Nature Challenge and have read the monthly newsletter (you have to sign up to view it). I was amazed that the production of red meat produces 150% more Greenhouse Gases than fish or chicken.
Today's bike ride has left me totally completely shattered. I can't even think straight yet and it's been 3 hours since the end of the ride. My legs feel like they are made of spaghetti.
