Through the years we’ve all seen many changes within the City of Penticton.
Mayor and council changes. City staff changes. Bylaw changes. Business changes. Some great. Some not so great.
After 28 years, the time for change with the dog control contractor has come. Some will celebrate and say, “good riddance” and some will be unhappy. Either way, I know that the new contractor, Elizabeth, will work hard, do a great job, and make quick friends of her own. Enemies, too — as that goes with the job.
As I retire from the position, there are a few people I would like to take the opportunity to mention and say thank-you to; Sheila, who was a Godsend when she came to work for me. She was an excellent employee and a huge reason for the success of our team; Lindsey Vet Hospital, who went beyond expectation, enabling us to provide prompt vet care to impounds, when necessary. And, because they were willing to work together with us, we were able to fully vaccinate, deworm and spay or neuter all our adoption dogs before adoption, keeping cost at minimum which allowed us, in most cases, to recover at the time of adoption. The vets and staff were always excellent to deal with; Pet Pantry, who provided excellent quality food for our impounded dogs, also in-depth knowledge of those foods for some special needs and great place to put posters of dogs we had available for adoption; Julie and Nigel Blagborne, who for many years, during Christmas season would bring several bags of quality dog kibble and a couple boxes of treats for the pound dogs; and the SPCA – many, many changes over the years.
The changes in our local shelter have been positive and the present staff and management have been excellent to deal with. Great people with a definite heart for the animals.
Rescues who have assisted us over the years by taking in some of our unclaimed strays: Okanagan Collie Rescue; Small Dog Rescue; Critteraid; Bully Buddies; Hug a Bull Rescue; Sit Pretty Pit; Woofers Rescue; Papillion Rescue; Greyhound Rescue; Golden Retriever Rescue; Beagle Rescue; SPCA’s all over the province; Cochrane Humane Society, to name a few.
City hall staff in both Penticton and Summerland.
This letter cannot be complete without mentioning the management and staff of our favourite Penticton restaurant, White Spot. Thank you to Al, Pam, and the others — too numerous to list — who gave excellent food and service every time we went.
Rose Gingras
Penticton
