Sartorial elegance at Dog Tales Sanctuary

Photo by Barry Wallace

 Theodore ~ the Beau Brummel of burros

Theodore the burro at Dog Tales Sanctuary has both a distinctive appearance and a warm wardrobe.   Now that the real winter weather has arrived, all the horses, big and small, are wearing their blankets at Dog Tales.   Dog Tales Sanctuary is located at the south-east corner of Dufferin Street and the 19th Sideroad.   It is open to visitors on Sundays, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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Barry Wallace

Flowing and freezing by the Mill Road bridge

                                                                                                          

                         east humber river

               once a grand source of power

               mills thriving by it

                                                                           Photos and haiku by Barry Wallace

Please comment if you wish.

Barry Wallace

Canine distemper ravaging the GTA

 Photos by Barry Wallace

King Township raccoons no exception

The great folks at the Toronto Wildlife Centre tell me that there is a widespread and serious outbreak of canine distemper in the Greater Toronto Area at the present time. They passed on this nugget of info when I visited their facility on the grounds of the old Downsview air force base, near Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue.   Canine distemper is a viral disease that can infect dogs, coyotes, foxes, wolves, ferrets, skunks, raccoons and domestic cats.   The raccoon pictured above was sitting still in the middle of Bathurst Street, just north of Miller Sideroad, on Monday morning.   It looked up as I photographed it but seemed unable or unwilling to stand up or move about.   I made several calls to initiate a rescue, but was unsuccessful in reaching anyone who could or would help.   I finally decided to get the coon into the back of my Jeep and take it to my vet in King City.   It put up no resistance and stayed very still during the ride.   I covered it with my parka in an attempt to keep it quiet and immobile. The veterinarian and staff at Kingsdale Animal Hospital tried to contact several possible places to take in the raccoon but were unsuccessful until they connected me with the Toronto Wildlife Centre.   The people there couldn't have been more welcoming and receptive toward my furry passenger.   They speculated the raccoon had distemper and its prospects were not promising.   They invited me to check back at any time and they would update me.   I was very impressed with the TWC folks.   I would recommend them and their free services to anyone with a situation similar to mine.   My coon adventure meant I was unable to keep a luncheon date with daughter number one, Allison.   Sorry babe...another day soon.    

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Barry Wallace

Warm winter welcome at Pine Farms Orchard

Photo by Barry Wallace

Pretty smile ~ warm cider ~ butter tart

There's finally snow on the ground and the weather forecast is -17C for Monday, but a warm welcome and a yummy treat, in the cafe by the wood stove, at Pine Farms Orchard north of King City is a most welcome way to greet winter's belated onslaught.

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Barry Wallace

     

Grey cat on a grey fence ~ near Laskay

Photo by Barry Wallace

Farm cat named Pierre

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Barry Wallace

Another new tenant

Photos by Barry Wallace

King's Ridge Marketplace is about to welcome a new tenant to its site at the east end of King City.   The new premises will house at pharmacy and medical walk-in clinic.   The village seems to be nearing a plethora of medical and dental practitioners, plus clinics for this and clinics for that.   More reasons for not having to drive out of the village are a good thing methinks.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry Wallace 

Squirrels finally baffled

Photos by Barry Wallace

After years of trying to thwart the squirrels from maurading the bird feeders in the backyard, I believe I have finally succeeded.   I saw some driveway markers with red reflectors at the hardware store.   They seemed to be thin and had great flexibility and strength.   I removed the reflectors and clamped the poles to the existing bird feeder pole and filled the two cup feeders with seed.   The small birds like the sparrows, goldfinches, juncos, nuthatches and chickadees took over immediately.   After a day or two, the cardinals were getting the hang of the swaying motion.   The squirrels however were stymied. they are much to heavy to negotiate the thin, whippy rods.   I have yet to see a blue jay or a grackle try to land on a feeder.   They may be too heavy and awkward to get a footing, like the squirrels.   Hopefully the smaller birds will get more of the seeds to eat and I may not have to spend as much for seed during the remainder of the winter.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry Wallace