Issue 12 Oct-Nov/2007

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 Issue 12 October-November/2007

Graphic Design & Story Inquiries

Bob Fielder
publisher@creaturesall.com
Account Information
Linda Fielder
editor@creaturesall.com
Subscription Inquiries
Linda Fielder
subscribe@creaturesall.com In This Issue
The Miracle of Eileen Simpson – the officer spotted
the senior lying in a ditch 8
Printing The Moth Whisperer – this sudden appearance of a
The Prolific Group
Mailing address:
bright white light in the middle of the dark forest 16
creaturesall
P.O. Box 126, A Chestnut Quarter Horse Called Adam–
Langdon, AB T0J 1X0
403-512-9544 the person I thought I was had disintegrated 24
creaturesall is published 6 times per year (February,
April, June, August, October and December) by 1160613 How Hard Could It Be? – this poem stinks 29
ALBERTA LTD. and distributed freely in Alberta the first
week of the publication month. Advertisers and contrib-
utors assume responsibility and liability for the accuracy
of their claims and statements. The opinions and views
Columns
expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect those of
the Publisher or advertisers. creaturesall reserves the Wagging Tales – Dr R Weger - Calgary North Vet Hospital 11
right to refuse any advertising. Written submissions
become the property of creaturesall on publication. By
proferring your photographs or written submission you Creature Feature – the Calgary Zoo 13
grant us permission to reproduce it in creaturesall,
other printed media, on our web site or as a component Taking Down the Fences – A.I.W.C. 15
of an online download. All submissions will receive a
reply if email address is provided.
Writers & Cover Artists may make submissions Spaces and Species – the Nature Conservancy of Canada 21
by email to: publisher@creaturesall.com
Copyright 2005 by 1160613 ALBERTA LTD.
Cross Paths – the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area 23
Cover Artist
Angela Waite The Gardening Bug – the Calgary Horticultural Society 27
Even if I live in the
city, it’s still the allure
of the country that
Obsolete – cari-creatures by Sean Skerry 28
captures my eye
photographically. The Final Word – discarded 30
I grew up on a farm
prior to receiving a
degree in Agriculture,
so I appreciate the
visits back home,
Departments
where I shot this
image of Tasha. Publisher’s Note 5
Most of my images are of nature, horses,
and wildlife and I tend to look for the
uniqueness of a subject. I want my images to
Letters 7
show motion or the mood of a scene, not just
the realistic capture. I have exhibited my
artwork for the last two years at the Calgary
Novel Suggestions – a look at some books 19
Stampede Western Art Showcase and have an
online gallery at www.angelawaite.ca In Passing – celebrating the lives of animal friends 26
page3
 www.cindyrevell.com
Cindy Revell illustrator & fine artist ph:780-662-3088 cindy@cindyrevell.com

Some of the sculptures I have

completed include pheasants, frogs,
dogs, cats, historic buildings, roses,
sunflowers, mushrooms and cat-tails.

All of my pieces are created from the

recycled hoods of cars and trucks. I
rework the heavy gauge metal using an
assortment of tools and techniques
which owe much to the now bygone
age when blacksmithing and hand-
craftsmanship were the only options
available. I do take orders for gift-giving
and keep an inventory of a variety of
sculptures on hand.
COUNTRY CREATIONS
Metal Sculptures
hnhdougan@nucleus.com

Harvey Dougan 403-934-3640

page4

ow! You think you know
W someone and then, BAM! Right
out of left field it smacks you
upside the head like the splintered,
hickory handle of a grave digger’s
shovel.
“No Bob, I’d prefer we didn’t
allow goats in the house.”
Whoa... just a little harsh,
wouldn’t you say? I was only askin’.
I can sense your empathy as you
try to fully appreciate the true depths
of my patient spirit. It’s not as if goats
in the living room have been a big
issue in the past. Aside from an
incontinent dog or two and the
occasional unpredictable in-law, our
home has conformed pretty much to
the norm, hygiene-wise.
Surprised as I was by her
outburst, it does seem that goats have
earned a modern day reputation as
belonging to the out of doors. Seems
the one field where you don’t want to
spot one, is the chesterfield.
But, I get ahead of myself. Allow
me to take a literary step or two
backwards and explain what brought
about my wife’s over-the-top emotional
tirade. (I’d prefer we didn’t allow
goats in the house, indeed.)
Our four acre patch of dirt, dust
and dandelions has been home to
untold cats and dogs over our several
seasons here. Our pastures have been
used for grazing an uncle’s cattle and,
in the absence of those cattle, we’ve
babysat sheep and, in recent years,
some 50 goats for neighbors.
Now, understand that in the
absence of sheep, cattle, or goats
keeping our weeds and wild oats in
check, I have to personally mow all
four of those acres.
Ever the one to spend 2 weeks
and $10 to search out a means to save
Advertiser and Story Submission Deadline
for Next Issue – November 2nd/07
PUBLISHER’S
NOTE
encouraging you to read, then write
Bob & Linda Fielder
ten minutes and a Toonie, I decided
goats were my perfect labor saving
solution. I’d look into the wisdom of
getting some of my own. Now, where
to find them?
I emailed a regular creaturesall
contributor who is herself a goat
breeder. She, in turn, pointed me
towards a breeder with stock for sale.
I subsequently contacted them with
my long list of questions and queries
re: all things cloven and cud chewing.
The lady on the other end of my
emails attentively regarded my in
depth and highly researched
questions, no doubt impressed with
my command of negotiation and
animal husbandry, learning quickly
that I was not the type of person who
moved forward without having all the
facts laid before me.
Her reply caught me not a little
off guard. “These year olds will only
be available until the end of the month
– we are taking a shipment of goats to
the slaughter and that is where they
will end up. Some folks do not believe
in slaughter however – we do – and
have sent a
few in the
past.”
There
is a school
of thought, I’ll
admit, which endorses the theory that
such a response is exactly what one
might expect to hear from a meat goat
producer. Still, I could not seem to
shake the image of a slightly crazed
radical, standing slightly off camera
and pointing some sort of automatic
page5
weapon at the head of an innocent and
Disney-like goat with a copy of today’s
newspaper clenched naively in its jaws.
So, as long as we’re on the subject
of naive, I immediately leapt from
theory to practice in only my first class
of my first day of my first semester at
Goat U. I became a Goatherd.
I swept off to the rescue with the
help of my longsuffering brother-in-law,
himself a farmer in his youth, whom I’m
convinced, saw more humor than
horror in the occasion. Three goats in
hand we transported them to their new
home, just back of mine. Given my lack
of goatherding expertise, I must admit
their future remained only slightly less
tremulous than were I to have left them
to their original fate.
As events would prove, no ordinary
goats these, either. I was now the
proud foster pop of three Tennessee
Fainting Goats. Sufficient to say, “Yes,
they originated in Tennessee.” and,
“Yes, when startled, they appear to
faint.” Although not truly fainting, that
certainly is the impression one is left
with, as they freeze up and fall over;
seemingly paralyzed. The effect is brief,
but no less startling to observe. A
search for ‘Fainting Goats’ on YouTube
will answer all those questions I just
know you’re dying to ask.
Regarding their tendency to freeze
up and fall over when pursued, a
neighbor suggested this might be a nice
evolutionary trait to breed into store
clerks, who seem to do most anything
to avoid being ‘caught’ while shoppers
vainly ‘stalk’ them amongst the aisles
and clothes racks. Once eye contact is
made, a quick freeze and they drop to
their knees; one can hope, now only
too willing to point out the location of
the Masking Tape or Restroom. A
consummation devoutly to be wished,
no doubt.
I ask your indulgence as I close
these words with a conundrum worthy
of your deep contemplation.
“If a goat were to fall in the field and
there was no one there to see it;
would it be herded?”
Please do accept this as an open
invitation to stop by to visit the goats
and linger at our kitchen table for a
cuppa tea. Dress warmly though, as I’m
pretty sure you’re going to have to go
outside to see the goats. ca
Upcoming New Original Artwork to be released at The Avenida Art Gallery
Fall 2007 Show. Watch website for specific date.
Exhibitions Artist will be in attendance www.avenidagalleries.com

limited edition giclèe canvas art prints available at these fine art galleries:
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Calgary
(403) 278-3074/286-9557
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(403) 938-2755

The Rose Hip Gallery

Calgary
www.rosehipgallery.com

You can make a difference

abuse
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Before After

Volunteers & donations of any kind mean the continued success of Oops-a-Dazy
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page6

paw prints and pen scratches
I hardly know where to start. I
didn't know I would enjoy reading
about animals so much but reading
creaturesall is truly a pleasant and
unique experience. Not only is the
magazine educational but humor-
ous and entertaining. My favourite
column is Wagging Tails but the
whole magazine is a delight, cover
to cover. Thank You.
Betty Looy
I just picked up your maga-
zine, creaturesall, and thought the
hippo on your Aug-Sept issue was
adorable. I'm an Edmonton
Illustrator and would love to have
you review my work.
Crystal Driedger
I am enclosing a cheque for
five back-issues of creaturesall,
issue 11. I will be giving out these
issues to my father's siblings. My
dad passed away ten years ago and
it would be nice for them to have
the article and photos of his old
truck.
Kate Gilbertson
Regarding Issue 11, Aug-Sept
2007. I believe there has been an
error in the article The Gardening
Bug.
The song referred to, “I Don't
like Spiders or Snakes” was, in
fact, written and recorded by Jim
Stafford. Not Jim Croce.
My family and I enjoy the mag-
azine very much. It is a refreshing
piece of work.
Thank you.
Dave Duncan
Just got the issue a day or so
ago and can't wait to have a
read....
Teryl Hemmelgarn
LETTERS
take a moment to share your thoughts
Thank you for the wonderful
magazine. I sent a subscription to
my dear little friends Leland and
Lecia and every time they receive
your magazine I get a cute home
made thank you card from each of
them. My granddaughters Kristen
and Kayla also enjoy their subscrip-
tion. I also am a subscriber and
read your publication cover to
cover. Thanks for keeping up the
good work.
Doreen Rempel.
I spent Friday afternoon at the
Ronald McDonald House and
learned it was built in order to
accommodate families of children
and babies that live outside of
Calgary up to a 45 kilometer
radius. The house is located across
the street from the children's hospi-
tal so that the families can visit
with their sick child. Depending on
the illness or disease, the children
may be at the hospital for up to a
year. Because of the stress and
worry that these families are going
through, I thought that creaturesall
would be perfect. I left a copy for
their review before going ahead
with the subscriptions and they got
back to me yesterday with the go-
ahead. Please send four subscrip-
tions.
Sarah Taylor
Editor's Note: We know there are
many children reading our maga-
zine and would like to encourage
them to send us a letter telling
about a story they have enjoyed. If
you are a parent or a teacher shar-
ing creaturesall with youngsters,
please encourage them to send us
an email. Including their grade and
school would add interest to the
note. Thank you.
Linda Fielder
Editor
page7
 The Miracle of
Eileen Simpson
hen Audrey Redman difficulty whatsoever in recognizing

W heard about the con-

struction of the new
administration building at the
An amazing 70-year story
book ended by separate
the picture of Dale, which she
already had mounted on the wall of
her room for the past several
Police Dog Service Training Centre years.
in Innisfail, she sifted through her When she saw the picture she
late father’s old papers. She came RCMP police dog rescues said, “There’s my dog.”
across a letter written to her
by Johnnie Bachusky
father, John Cawsey, in 1935 by Red Deer Express Sgt. Cawsey rescues Eileen
R.J. Simpson.
That year, Simpson’s two and a apart, and at her most vulnerable
half-year-old daughter moments - an RCMP police dog
Eileen was had saved her.
found by
Cawsey, a Eileen remembers her friend
sergeant In April, Audrey visited
in the Eileen at a senior’s residence in
R o y a l Calgary. Audrey would also
Canadian meet Pearl and her sister
Mounted Roberta McNees. Before long
P o l i c e Audrey and Eileen’s sisters
(RCMP), reconstructed the facts of
after the child the previous 70 years and
became lost realized there
when wander- indeed had been
ing away from a miracle in the
her home near life of Eileen
Carstairs. The Simpson.
father had writ- The sisters
ten to thank b r o u g h t Shortly after midnight on Aug. 18,
Cawsey. For many Audrey photo- 1935, Sgt. John Cawsey left the
consecutive years graphs. One Calgary RCMP detachment with two
after, the Simpson was of the constables and his canine partner
family sent Cawsey young Eileen. Dale. They had received a call that a
a photograph of Eileen as a token The other was a photo- child by the name of Eileen Simpson
of their everlasting gratitude. graph of Dale, a German Shepherd was missing since 1:30 pm the
Audrey, a Calgary resident, had once owned by John Cawsey, who previous day near Carstairs, and that
always wondered what became of served with the RCMP from 1932 to up to 200 frantic locals were
Eileen, and this spring tracked down 1944. Cawsey previously served with desperately trying to find her.
her sister Pearl Turner. When Audrey the Alberta Provincial Police from Along the way, the Mounties came
telephoned Pearl she heard 1917 until 1932 when the RCMP across a parked car with a single
astonishing news that was nothing absorbed the provincial force. occupant named R.A. Johnson. The
short of a miracle. Eileen’s memory was fading by RCMP officers soon realized Johnson,
“They found her again in last April, and her recollections with and another man subsequently found
Innisfail,” Pearl told Audrey. Twice in family members and friends were in a nearby wheat field by Dale, had
Eileen Simpson’s life – nearly 70 years often disjointed. However, she had no been on a shoplifting spree in Red

page8
Deer the previous day. Cawsey and his
partners arrested the pair and took
them back to Calgary and immediately
resumed their search for young Eileen.
The RCMP officers arrived at the
Simpson farm early in the morning.
Dale was given a scent of Eileen and
shortly before 7 am his tongue was
motioning violently in the middle of a
wheat field. When Cawsey and his
men arrived at the scene they found
Dale licking the face of little Eileen
who had crouched down with her head
to the ground.
The child was taken to the house
and treated. However,
Eileen was just fine.
In fact, officers noted
she was talking
“cheerfully” by the
time they left to go
back to Calgary.
Young Eileen had
just met her best
friend in the world.
RCMP dog program
created
The rescue of
little Eileen Simpson
in 1935 was a major
factor in convincing
RCMP headquarters
in Ottawa to establish
a full-time canine
program within the
force.
In 1933, John
Cawsey first became
interested in the use
of dogs in police
work. As a result of
this interest he
acquired Dale. Two
years later, the force
purchased Dale, and
together with his son
Black Lux and a third
shepherd named Sultan, they became
the first recruits of the newly formed
RCMP Dog Section. Cawsey is credit-
ed with pioneering the use of police
service dogs.
“It was because of him the com-
missioner of the day saw the worth,
based on the (Eileen Simpson) case,”
said RCMP Insp. Lawrence Aimoe,
who now heads the Police Dog Service
Training Centre in Innisfail.
In 1938, Cawsey was put in charge
of the RCMP’s dog training school in
Calgary. He retired from the RCMP in
1944. During Cawsey’s RCMP career
he received two Commissioner’s
Commendations. He passed away on
March 31, 1964 at Calgary.
Today, largely due to Cawsey’s
trailblazing use of canines, the RCMP
have more than 150 dog teams across
the country. Over the past seven
decades, countless criminals have
photo by Chad Hipolito
been arrested and the police dog
program has saved scores and scores It was amazing,” said Hawkes.
of people. The Red Deer city RCMP
detachment has two teams, with a sent shock waves through the senior
third and fourth soon to be added.
City RCMP Cpl. Doug Hawkes has many incredible stories throughout
been a dog handler since 1989. On the years concerning the heroics and
Nov. 23, 2004 Hawkes was having a
page9
training session with his dog Kory
when a call came in about a missing
person in Innisfail.
The second miracle of Eileen
Simpson was unfolding.
Eileen receives second miracle
Hawkes and his partner Cpl.
Mark McIntyre arrived at Innisfail’s
Country Lodge at about 11:20 pm It
was a wet and cold night with the
temperature down to – 5 C. They were
told an elderly woman, suffering from
dementia, had been missing since
6:30 pm.
Hawkes and his
canine partner Kory did
a perimeter search
immediately south of
the building. Kory was
about 10 metres ahead
of Hawkes when the
officer spotted the sen-
ior lying in a ditch near
a grassy area of a field.
“She appeared very,
very cold. She was
clutching her purse. She
was fully clothed,” said
Hawkes. “She had her
arms wrapped up, hold-
ing her purse and trying
to stay warm at the
same time.” A cane was
lying on the ground
nearby, leaving the
RCMP officers to believe
the woman had fallen
but was unable to get
back up.
It was only a few
weeks ago that Hawkes
learned that the woman
was Eileen Simpson,
who had been saved by
Sgt. John Cawsey and
his canine partner Dale
almost 70 years earlier.
“It was quite the astounding story.
The miracle of Eileen Simpson
ranks of the RCMP. There had been
continued page 10 ➤
accomplishments of the national agency’s police dog
program but nothing as amazing as someone being saved by
a canine twice in a lifetime, almost 70 years apart.
“The remarkable thing is that she was saved by police
dogs twice in her life. It demonstrates how valuable these
dogs are, especially for those who are vulnerable,” said
Aimoe. “In both cases I don’t think there is any doubt that
photo by Chad Hipolito
without the team involved Ms. Simpson would have
perished.”
The timing of the entire story could not have been
more appropriate for RCMP dog handlers. The new $2
million administration building at Innisfail’s Police Dog
Service Training Centre was unveiled on June 20 during an
invitation-only ceremony.
The RCMP want the new building to be named after
Sgt. John Cawsey.
The plan to honour Sgt. Cawsey
“I think it is a great idea. He was the first dog handler.
He basically developed our program to what it is today,”
said Cpl. Hawkes. “It is quite amazing to where we have
come over the years.”
However, the final decision on the new building’s name
was in the hands of Michael Fortier, federal minister of the
Department of Public Works and Government Services
Canada. His ministry is responsible for the naming of all
Government of Canada buildings. At the time, Anne Pratt,
Corporate Communications Manager for the ministry,
would only say the RCMP name proposal is still under
consideration and that she wasn’t sure when the decision
would be made.
page10
“We do have a responsibility to make sure the
community is involved,” said Pratt. “And that is why this is
taking time.”
However, Red Deer MP Bob Mills, a long-time
supporter of the Innisfail dog training centre, is promising
to lobby on behalf on the RCMP for the new building to be
named after Cawsey.
“Obviously I will look at the facts but it sounds
reasonable to me,” said Mills, who fought the Liberal
federal government a decade ago to make sure the training
centre was not moved to B.C. “I will do the lobbying for
them in Ottawa.”
Meanwhile, Audrey Redman and 40 other Cawsey
family members were at the Innisfail dog training centre on
June 20. They are honoured there is even a proposal to
have the new administration building named after
John Cawsey.
In the 50s, the Town of Bassano, where Cawsey once
served, erected a statue of the police officer and his dog
Dale. However, the statue was vandalized in the 80s and it
has been sitting derelict in a town storage room for more
than 20 years.
“We are just so thrilled that after all these years he will
be recognized,” said Audrey.
Regardless of what the federal decision is, Audrey’s joy,
pride and faith, as well as that of thousands of others
— especially for Eileen Simpson — will forever be
undiminished by the awareness that miracles do
jbachusky@reddeer.greatwest.ca
indeed happen. ca
chipolito@reddeer.greatwest.ca

he words hung in the air like
T a speech balloon in a
cartoon strip. “Today’s first
appointment is a euthanasia
Dr.Weger.” I solemnly nodded and stood alone, pondering
in the hallway. Although I share many of the same duties
and responsibilities as my non-veterinary medical
counterparts, euthanasia is the one procedure that is
almost unique to the veterinarian. Sometimes animals die
no matter what we do and other times out of compassion
we help them along.
Today was different, today I was to euthanize my family
dog of 16 yrs, Tequila. In order to cope, veterinarians try
to achieve a certain level of detachment when dealing with
euthanasia. We try to be the rock of stability for the
grieving family. However, beneath that thin façade of
strength lies the vulnerability that exists in everyone. The
comfort that we are relieving the suffering of an animal
friend allows us to perform the act that at first glance,
seems contrary to the veterinarian’s creed “do no harm”.
Most people see their veterinarians more often than
their own family doctor. As a result a strong bond forms
between the vet and their patient, as well as the client. Not
only are we losing our animal friend but we are bearing
witness to the sadness being felt by the family and helping
them get through the ordeal.
Today, my professional protective garb will not help
me, for today I will be guiding my own family and my own
beloved pet through the last final act of compassion that I
can give. Random memories of my family pet flooded my
brain.
Tequila was the second family dog for our family. I
remember the first day that my sister brought home this
tiny white fluffy creature that barely fit in her hand. My
mom and dad’s original reaction to this unexpected gift
was one of trepidation. The loss of our first pet had been
hard on the family and they were unsure as to whether
they could go down that road of heart ache again. Once
they looked into this small dog’s eyes my sister and I knew
that they were hooked. Thus began another journey down
the pathway of animal companionship.
page11
WAGGING TALES
stories from a veterinarian’s clinic
by Dr. Richard Weger, B.Sc., DVM
Throughout the years my family and Tequila had
many adventures and good times. Through it all I nursed
my little friend through all her illnesses and felt joy that
I could act not only as Tequila’s doctor but as her friend
as well.
Later in her life, Tequila developed diabetes. We
discussed as a family what was going to be required for
her treatment and it was decided that we would pursue
treatment with my father being the main caregiver. For
many years my father selflessly gave Tequila her insulin
injections and she continued to enjoy life. However, as
time went on, Tequila acquired many additional complica-
tions and after many heart wrenching family meetings it
was decided that it was time to say goodbye.
Today was the day. Finally I reached my destination
and gathering all my emotional strength I opened the door
and saw my loved ones awash in sorrow. I found it difficult
to look my family in the eye for fear of breaking down in
tears myself. It was my job to shepherd my family through
this difficult time. I explained the procedure and with a
single injection proceeded to end my friend’s suffering.
This was my final gift to Tequila.
After everyone had said their goodbyes I gently
carried Tequila in my arms down the hallway. I could feel
my own tears welling up in my eyes. On my way I spotted
a puppy in one of the exam rooms playing with its human
family. Observing that sight, it reminded me that having a
pet is not defined by their final moments but by their
entire lifetime of experiences, none of which I would trade
for a second. ca
Dedicated to “Tequila” – beloved friend and companion.
Dr. Richard Weger is a graduate of the Western College of
Veterinary Medicine. He has committed the majority of his
continuing education to the development of his skills in the
field of exotic veterinary medicine. He is currently owned by
his Senegal parrot, Tiko and his cat, Mendel.
Exotic Veterinary Care and Referral Service
Calgary North Veterinary Hospital (403)277-0135
 Original art available online at
emergecreative.ca and at
Galleria Arts & Crafts
1141 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB 270-3612

UPCOMING SHOWS
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www.heavencanwait.ca

page12

A
s a mother myself, the
thought of a twenty-two
month gestation period is
pretty daunting. However, that’s just
what Rani, the elephant at the
Calgary Zoo, did in waiting almost
two years for her calf to arrive. Like
human mothers, the bigger Rani got
the more uncomfortable she
became. The amount and quality of
pre-natal care she received, however,
made her pregnancy quite unlike the
experience of most human mothers.
Two months prior to the birth, a
twenty-four hour watch was
established to monitor Maharani;
her keepers took care of her during
the day and volunteers, instructed
on what to watch for, kept watch
over her by night. Now you might
think that a night watch would be
pretty easy, after all how hard can it
be to watch an elephant sleep.
Surprisingly, however, sometimes
watching a pregnant elephant can be
extremely busy.
Notes were taken indicating
what time Rani laid down to sleep,
which side did she lie on, how long
did she sleep. Was she restless or
quiet, what time did she wake up,
when did she eat her hay, urinate or
defecate.
Can you imagine a human
mother-to-be getting that kind of
attention? Sometimes the notes on
Rani were two or three pages long.
During the night Rani was also video
taped so that if a volunteer noted a
particular concern, the next morning
the keepers could run the tape back
to the approximate time that it was
noted and review the tape.
In the last three weeks of Rani’s
pregnancy, the elephant keepers
began taking turns sleeping in the
elephant building so that if labour
started, the volunteer on duty could
quickly notify the keeper on site.
Elephants are known to sometimes
CREATURE FEATURE
the birth of a baby elephant
deliver calves unexpectedly. Imagine
my delight when I started my night
shift at 1:00 am on the morning of
August 7 and noticed that Rani was
showing signs of impending labour.
She could not get comfortable; she
laid down for a few minutes then got
up. She walked backwards and
forwards; picking up her hay and
putting it down without eating. She
squatted; she stretched and leaned
forward onto her front legs.
After watching this and keeping
notes for almost two hours I made
the decision to wake up the keeper.
Dave answered the phone almost
immediately and we talked while
observing Rani. At first we thought
she may be just constipated, however
it soon became obvious that
something else was bothering her. By
the time my shift ended at 6:30 am,
it had been confirmed by veterinari-
ans that the labour process had
started. There was still a long wait
ahead before she delivered. As
labour progressed, the veterinarian
and all the elephant keepers slept
overnight in the elephant building,
while volunteers kept watch.
Every one of the volunteers had,
of course, hoped they would be the
one on duty when Rani gave birth.
On August
by Kathleen Hewitt
8th, I was called by the keepers and
told that Rani was expected to give
birth soon. As the keepers and
veterinarian were with Rani all night,
the volunteer watch was cancelled. I
went home at 1:00 am to await the
call letting me know the baby had
been born. At 4:00 am the call came
saying that Rani had given birth to a
female calf weighing in at 308 lbs at
3:20 am - August 9th.
I then had the delightful job of
calling the Zoo’s senior managers,
Zoo Security, curators and the ele-
phant watch volunteers to let them
know the good news.
Since the birth of the baby the
keepers have taken care of Rani and
her baby, Malti, twenty-fours hours a
day, every day; making sure their
environment is quiet, comfortable
and warm. The post-partum period
is critical for many mammals as this
is the time when mother and baby
imprint on one another.
With some coaching and lots of
positive reinforcement from the
elephant care team, Rani is getting
used to having her baby nurse.
Sometimes even mother elephants
need help and encouragement.
The first year of life for an
elephant is fragile as even in the wild
the mortality rate is more than 50
percent. Malti is now one
month old, but has a long
way to go before
everyone taking
care of her
will relax.
ca
ph
o
to
c
our
te
sy: K
athle
en Hew
tt i
 Proud to support
creaturesall
in sharing enriching
stories with
Alberta readers,
young and old!
Mr. Len Webber , MLA Proudly representing the Calgary communities of:
Member of the Legislative Assembly Citadel • Edgemont • Hamptons
Calgary-Foothills Constituency Hidden Valley • Kincora • Sherwood
403•288•4453 in the Alberta Legislature

page14
 TAKING DOWN THE FENCES
getting to know your weapons of mass destruction, Pt 1
by Janna Mariano-Groza, B.Sc. (Zool), M.E.Des. (EnvSci) (c)

B
ugs. It’s easy to say that they are amazing creatures
when they are minding their own business.
However, when the swarms rise up from the depths
and fan out across the nations in a full-out onslaught, is
this not an act of war? To arm ourselves, we can use
chemicals, but why risk cancer and environmental
damage with second-rate synthetics when Nature itself
has perfected its own armory of assault weapons? Let
this two-part list be your introductory guide to Alberta’s
stockpile of weapons of mass (bug) destruction.

ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONS out to crash on the ground far congregate so it is no wonder that the
Designed to barrage and destroy below), and careless humans. Let’s Chinese consider bats to be bearers
enemy aircraft; capable of performing turn this around to keep our swallows of good fortune, health, luck and
rapid, three-dimensional maneuvers: flying high! longevity.
Kingbirds and Kinglets: All hail the Native Sparrows: Chipping, clay- Nighthawks: Perpetually donning
Royal Air Force! With kinglets and coloured, white-throated, swamp, cryptic camouflage gear, nighthawks
kingbirds in command, victory grasshopper, Nelson’s sharp-tailed, earned the name “mosquito hawks”
against advancing enemy swarms is savannah, Brewer’s and vesper spar- due to their tremendous efforts in the
ensured. rows are among Alberta’s finest who field against mosquitoes, flying ants,
Blackbirds: Bright do their part in the war against bugs moths and grasshoppers. Stomach
armor ablaze, by eating both aerial and ground content analyses discovered one
these valiant war- invertebrates of all shapes and sizes. nighthawk with over 500 mosquitoes
riors throw the Flycatchers: Enough said! from one feed, while another had
enemy into chaos Mountain Bluebirds: One hundred consumed 2175 ants!
once deployed. years ago, bluebirds were spiraling
Units are ever vigi- towards extinction due to habitat loss SHOCK TROOPS
lant, standing and exotic inva- Troops chosen to lead an attack;
guard in fields and sive species (e.g. expected to inflict very high casualties:
on shore, seizing house sparrows Shrikes: Grasshoppers, crickets,
every chance to and starlings). mice and voles: beware the butcher
damage insect How tragic it birds! Not only will shrikes take
troop numbers. would be if out volumes of crop-destroying
Swallows: These North America critters, but the male will impale
acrobats of the sky lost its stunning his gruesome bounty on the thorns
are considered to sapphire battal- of dead shrubs to impress all nearby
be symbols of eternal happiness, ion! Luckily, forward-thinking natu- females. ca
good luck and safe homecoming, but ralists and farmers rallied in the …The showcase of Alberta’s weapons of
not for bugs. Swallows live almost 1920s to begin the birdbox program mass (bug) destruction will be continued in
entirely on and our bluebirds are proudly defend- the next issue of creaturesall…
winged insects, ing our skies once more.
including mos- Bats: Engaging in For Immediate Disclosure: Whenever
quitoes. They stealth opera- they are in need of assistance, the
are currently tions, bats eat 50- Alberta Institute for Wildlife
threatened by 100% of their Conservation rescues, rehabilitates
exotic invasive body weight in and releases any brave animal soldiers
species (e.g. insects every who keep the Canadian food chain
house sparrows night! Midges, in balance, such as the ones listed
will build their moths, beetles above. For more information, or to
own nests on and mayflies are learn more about how to support our
top of mother among those who efforts, visit our website at
swallows incubating their eggs, or fall into the jaws of these magnificent http://www.aiwc.ca or phone the
push unsupervised swallow nestlings hunters. Few bugs thrive where bats wildlife center at (403) 946-2361.

page15
 the
MOTH
by Amanda Roe

— As we set up camp, we had no idea what was in store for us that evening —
’m not afraid! seems fills the night with its glow. Fellow campers can become

I I’ve got my light bulb, big nets by my side . . . I’m goin’

on a moth hunt. Yup, it’s true. I get paid to collect bugs.
More accurately, I get paid to collect moths.
Now most people cringe at the thought of all those
things buzzing around their porch lights, but have you ever
gotten up close to those furry, fluttery things? Well, they
are absolutely amazing! I know that this may sound a little
strange, but you wouldn’t believe the incredible things you
can find fluttering around out in the dark. It’s a whole other
quite disturbed by this sudden appearance of a bright white
light in the middle of the dark forest. Thoughts of UFOs and
the Blaire Witch Project spring to mind; make sure you are
prepared to calm nervous neighbors, or at least convince
them that you are not up to something illegal.
Step five: sit back in your camp chair with a cold
bubbly beverage to await the coming of the creatures of
the night.
So, I am sure the question flying around in your mind

Actual size
world out there. is, “So, just how on
photo courtesy: Jason Dombroskie
For those who earth does someone
have never been on become a moth
a mothing trip, you whisperer?” For me
are in for a treat. it all started when
Step one: obtain one I was a kid; little
large white bed more than knee-high
sheet and some to a grasshopper.
rope. Best not to let Growing up on the
Mom catch you family farm in south-
sneaking a sheet out ern Alberta, I much
of the linen closet preferred to be
because she most outside grubbing in
likely will not let you the dirt than inside
out of the house. playing house. I
Step two: find a reveled in running
good, ‘mothy’ spot. wild and dirty around
This is harder than my family farm. I
you may think, but watched birds,
usually involves find- played with worms,
ing lots of native collected all sorts of
plants (as there are things, from rocks
not too many moths and feathers to bugs
in wheat fields) and two large trees to support your sheet. and snakes. I was very lucky that my parents not only
It is very important not to be too close to other people, for tolerated this love of nature, but enthusiastically
reasons that will become immediately apparent. encouraged my blossoming fascination, except perhaps for
After you have your spot chosen and bed sheet hung the escaped snake in the kitchen. I think I found my Mom’s
comes Step three: hang a very bright spotlight in front of breaking point with a loose reptile slithering around in the
the sheet. Think of your porch light on steroids. house, later found sunning itself in her kitchen.
Step four: flip the switch. Instantly the darkness is I spent a number of years as an avid bird watcher until
blown away as the brightest, whitest light bulb imaginable I left home to attend university. Near the end of my time as

page16
an undergraduate at the University of on a two-week collecting trip. Our first the middle of this massive swarm of
Alberta, I had the opportunity to take night in California was spent high in giant moths gives you a real appreciation
a course requiring me to acquire an the Sierra Nevada mountains, near the for the sheer number of creatures that
insect collection. The first time I got to Nevada border. We were camped in call the forest home.
go out with a bed sheet and a light the middle of a beautiful ponderosa The most surprising thing about
bulb, I was hooked. pine forest. Picture open woodland, these moths is that they were really
As a budding moth whisperer, I with a carpet of springy pine needles, bad fliers. Even though they were
was incredibly fortunate to become and huge trees with deep red bark and aiming for the light, they were running
involved with the Alberta long green needles. Just beautiful. into us, falling in our drinks, and
Lepidopterist’s Guild (ALG). Yes, As we set up camp, we had no getting into our coats. You can’t help
there is an entire group dedicated to idea what was in store for us that but laugh at a fellow moth hunter as
moth whispering. Basically it is a evening. Dusk slowly fell as we settled they desperately try to get at a moth
group for anyone with a passion for down into our chairs and flipped on that has flown down their shirt.
moths and butterflies, which are of the light. Almost instantly moths start- As the evening wore on, although
course ed flying in; but the moths showed no signs of slowing
just moths these were no down, we were starting to fade. We
that are ordinary moths. flipped off the light and headed to
afraid of These were the bed. As we lay in our sleeping bags, we
the dark. size of your hand, could still hear the moths flying into
During more like small our tent, sounding like large rain
the year, birds than moths, drops falling from the sky. In the
A L G and there were morning, we woke up and were
members HUNDREDS of surprised to see our sheet still covered
host meet- them. I had never in these big moths. The really cool
ings to seen anything like thing was that the males and females
discuss all it before. They had found each other. Many were
t hings were flying in sitting in their mating pose, tail-to-tail,
mothy. In from all direc- waiting to be warmed up by the
the winter tions, looking like sunlight.
we look at ghosts as they We spent another week collecting
all the in California, but never saw a single
amazing Pandora moth after that night. We, of
finds of course, saw many more amazing
the past specimens during that trip, but
summer nothing could compare to that night
with the among the pine trees, surrounded
hope of by Pandoras.
putting So next time you flip on your
names to the little beasties. In the f lapped porch light on a hot summer night,
summer, collecting trips are organized into the take a look at what is buzzing around
and moth nights are hosted, all light. your light. You never know what
focussed on catching an elusive As it amazing creatures you may find
specimen or to introduce the general turned lurking out in the dark. ca
public to the joys of mothing. out, we had managed to be in the right
The amazing thing about collecting place at the right time to see an emer- Amanda Roe attended the University of
moths is that you never know what you gence of the Pandora Pinemoth, or Alberta, finishing her PhD on the
are going to get. For me, it is like Coloradia pandora for the more evolution of a group of forest moths. She
waiting to open presents on Christmas scientifically inclined. This is a is currently working in the Department
morning. Every moth is a surprise, beautiful moth, with soft brown of Entomology/University of Minnesota.
and sometimes those surprises are forewings and rosy pink hindwings, email: amandaroe5@gmail.com.
pretty amazing. One particularly and bright yellow antennae. The
incredible moth hunt happened on a caterpillars feed on pine needles, and Information on mothing in Alberta visit:
trip to California this summer. In the can be numerous enough to be used as www.biology.ualberta.ca/old_site/uasm/alg
heat of July, myself and six other a food source by Native Americans, or for information about North America,
intrepid moth collectors headed south who called them piuga. To be sitting in visit www.lepsoc.org

page17
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page18

Endangered: Wildlife on the
Brink of Extinction
George C. McGavin
Firefly Books
Price $35.00
Hardcover
192 pages
ISBN: : 1-55407-183-6
Over the past 25 years, the number of endangered
species in the United States has increased dramatically,
and that is only a fraction of the threatened species
worldwide. This is a book dedicated to stemming the tide
by increasing both education and awareness.
Combining straight-ahead science and thoughtful
journalism, and featuring more than 400 photographs,
Endangered explains how these various creatures live,
why each is threatened, and what can be done about it.
Among the book’s important observations is the fact that
it is often impossible to know when an endangered
species is a “ keystone” species, the survival of which is
critical to the ecosystem in which it lives.
McGavin presents many ways to help preserve
species in their natural habitats and notes the 25 hotspots
identified by conservationists. He examines the pros and
cons of preserving species in zoos and aquaria, describes
international rescue efforts, and finally, advocates
changes individuals can make in their everyday lives to
help preserve the environment.
New Encyclopedia of the
Saltwater Aquarium
Greg Jennings
Firefly Books
Price: $49.95
Hardcover
304 pages
ISBN-10: 1-55407-182-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-55407-182-1
Don’t let the word “ encyclopedia” fool you. Yes, New
Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium is amazingly
comprehensive. Yes, it is absolutely encyclopedic in its
scope; in fact, there is nothing else like it. It will tell you
everything you need to know about setting up and
maintaining a marine aquarium. Even if you have never
considered keeping saltwater fish, you will find this book
fascinating reading. If you are a long time aquarium buff,
there’s something new to learn on every page.
page19
NOVEL SUGGESTIONS
a look at some books
send your review to publisher@creaturesall.com
With the help of more than 300 stunning photographs,
plus illustrations and diagrams, New Encyclopedia of the
Saltwater Aquarium simplifies the complexities of
establishing and maintaining a marine aquarium. Jennings
provides advice that is easy to understand and offers a
layout that makes specific topics easy to find. One of the
book’s attractions is that the author has chosen to arrange
the text in chapters and paragraphs rather than in the
traditional, alphabetical order typical of encyclopedias.
The book begins with a thorough and lavishly illustrated
discussion of marine life. It describes the world of the coral
reef and the ways in which marine life adapts to its
environment, It also details the specific characteristics of
marine invertebrates and fish, and covers important
differences between tropical and freshwater fish.
Vulture: Nature's Ghastly
Gourmet
Wayne Grady
Greystone Books
Price $22.50
Hardcover
110 pages
ISBN: 1-55054-545-0
This extremely readable and graphically bold book is a
real gem. Science writer and editor Wayne Grady has written
a natural-history book minus the scientific jargon. His sources
include works and interviews with vulture and condor
scientists, journals from New World explorers, and early-
American and contemporary naturalists. Beautiful photos of
the world's various vultures provide stunning illustrations to
the personality of this special species
The book focuses most of its attention on the vulture
species itself, describing the history of its maligned reputa-
tion, its evolution as a species, and its adaptation in the wake
of habitat destruction.
Grady clearly loves these avian underdogs, and while dis-
cussing their “ utility” in nature and place on the food chain,
he makes the claim that we humans should remember the vul-
tures not because they are “ useful or beneficial” to us or
other species, but simply because “ [the vulture] exists.”
Some parts of Vulture do require a strong stomach, such
as the descriptions of feeding habits and the photos that illus-
trate them, but the gross-out is part of the fun of this unique
book. It is gorgeously designed and presented with humor
and candor, all making for an enjoyable and compelling read
and reference for bird and nature lovers alike. ca
 WHERE TO Winter Conservation Education Programs
for adults and families at:
FIND US The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area

Winter topics include:

Sustainable Living
Nature Exploration and Appreciation
Issue-based programs
For details, please visit www.crossconservation.org
Available for FREE pick-up or call: 403.931-2042

at select
grocery outlets
Edmonton l Red Deer
Airdrie l Calgary
Strathmore l Okotoks
High River l Cochrane l
Canmore l Lethbridge
or subscribe
www.creaturesall.com

page20

ave you ever looked up into
H the prairie sky to see a hawk
soaring effortlessly overhead?
The Ferruginous Hawk is one of three
‘soaring hawks’ or Buteos that nest in
Alberta’s grasslands. It is a hawk of
the open country, preferring grassland
habitat to woodland. The Ferruginous
Hawk is the largest hawk in North
America, about 25 inches tall and
ur
co
has a wingspan up to two meters.
to
o
ph
The Ferruginous Hawk is
special on the Canadian
prairies, being one of about 70
fish and wildlife species con-
sidered species at risk. This
hawk is an endangered
species in Alberta and a
species of special concern
Canada wide as classified by the
Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada
(COSEWIC). There are likely only 600
pairs of these hawks left in Alberta.
Ferruginous Hawks are raptors, a
family of birds of prey that includes
woodland hawks, heavy-bodied hawks,
eagles, and northern harriers. All of
these birds of prey are large with
broad wings enabling them to soar in
the air for long periods of time. Their
keen eyesight allows them to hunt
large areas from great heights, swoop-
ing down on prey in open areas.
Hawks and eagles kill and carry their
prey with their large feet and talons.
These efficient hunters are at the
top of the food chain, and prey mostly
on burrowing animals such as ground
squirrels (gophers), as well as some
birds, amphibians and reptiles, and
insects. Ranchers and farmers, who
sometimes view ground squirrels as
pests, have come to consider this
hawk as their ally. A pair of hawks and
its young can consume up to 480
ground squirrels in one season!
Migrating north every spring,
Ferruginous Hawks spend their sum-
SPACES and SPECIES
by Dana Blouin, Conservation Representative, NCC
mers nesting and breeding in Alberta,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well
as some of the Northern United
States. They fly south every fall, to
spend their winters as far south as
southern Mexico. As a species at risk,
Ferr uginous
H ull H a w k s
ry n
th require
Ka
sy
te
suitable
habitat in
Canada, the United States and Mexico
to ensure their long-term survival.
These hawks have traditionally
nested on the ground or in cliffs. As
settlers moved onto the prairies and
planted shelterbelts around
farmyards, Ferruginous Hawks would
often opt to nest in trees. Their stick
nests are quite large, being at least
three feet across and two feet high.
Before the elimination of bison in the
West, nests of the Ferruginous Hawk
were often partially constructed of
bison bones and wool. The nests can
be used year after year, and hawk
pairs will add new sticks every year.
Some nests have been recorded as
much as 15 feet high! A hawk pair will
raise three to four young a year.
Most easily identified while
soaring, these hawks are rust-colored
on the back and shoulders, and mostly
white under the wings. The rust-
colored legs contrast with the white
body and look like a dark “V” when
page21
The Ferruginous Hawk
the bird is flying overhead. It gets its
name, Ferruginous (fer-OO-jin-us)
from its red coloration, like rusty iron
(ferrous).
Ferruginous Hawks are extremely
sensitive to human contact and distur-
bance, and will even abandon their
nest if bothered. Disturbance such as
construction, oil and gas development,
and direct contact with humans cause
the hawks great stress. The primary
reason for their decline is the dramatic
disappearance of native short grass
prairie which they require for hunting.
If you appreciate these beautiful
birds of prey, there are a few small
things you can do to help the
Ferruginous Hawk. Please don’t
approach a hawk nest, or cause
destruction of any kind to one. Any
construction or development should
be discouraged within 400 meters of a
hawk nest. Help to maintain large
trees for nesting, however take care
not to plant trees where they are not
growing naturally in the grasslands.
This can destabilize the delicate
balance that has been established
between the habitat and the wildlife
that use it. Allow healthy populations
of ground squirrels, birds, amphibians
and insects as prey species for the
hawks. Maintain healthy native
prairie; Ferruginous Hawks require
extensive areas of undisturbed prairie
grassland.
Please remember to respect and
enjoy this special grassland raptor the
next time you see a Ferruginous Hawk
soaring above! ca
The Nature Conservancy of Canada
(NCC) is dedicated to conserving habitat
for wildlife species like the Ferruginous
Hawk. It is our hope that one day,
species like the Ferruginous Hawk will
no longer be at risk. 1-877-262-1253 or
alberta@natureconservancy.ca to help
conserve habitat for wildlife.
 15”High x 37”Long x 15”Deep

A very limited edition bronze of 20. Priced at $14,000.00

for the first 1/3 of the edition.
Feel free to drop in at the gallery if you are out for a drive.
I have many other bronzes on display.

Tymarc Art Studio • Box 44 Cremona Ab

403-637-2274 • www.dianeandersontymarc.com

Paintbrush Garden Design

403-652-1633
and Consulting 112 Center Street SE
High River, AB custom
Elaine Rude T1V 1P6
MASTER GARDENER gift baskets
and candy kabobs
403.241.3688 www.Luv2Garden.ca elaine@Luv2Garden.ca
according to customer desires

Eagle Feather Riding

A TOTAL EQUINE EXPERIENCE

Bareback Lessons • Camps • Birthdays

Trail Rides • Adventures • Group Functions

Just North of Bragg Creek on Hwy 22

403-686-0120 eaglefeatherriding.ab.ca

page22

orking at a Conservation
W Area certainly has its
perks. Not only do I have a
great view out my office window, but I
am lucky enough to see wildlife on a
daily basis. Large species such as deer,
bear and cougar require expansive
ranges of land to survive and their
presence here symbolizes a healthy
ecosystem and sufficient habitat.
However, there is evidence that
not all of these animals have set up
shop to stay on the Conservation Area
for the long haul. As part of our
ongoing research on wildlife
movement in the Foothills, motion
sensor cameras set up along the
perimeter of the land have captured
hundreds of animals moving in and out
of the Area. The Cross Conservation
Area is part of a larger system of
habitat and connecting corridors, or
barrier-free passage ways for wildlife.
Throughout the year, many animals
move from higher elevations to lower
areas in the Foothills in search of food
and viable mates. The Cross
Conservation Area provides space, a
food supply, shelter and a safe
Foothills wildlife ‘highway’ to get to
their next stop.
Between the housing develop-
ments that fragment the Foothills and
Calgary area, wildlife need belts that
connect the Conservation Area to
other pockets of habitat. Without
these corridors, the Conservation
Area could become an island. Private
land owners involved in our research
efforts have shown a great deal of
excitement and positive response to
having cameras on their property.
Their support and understanding of
how vital and important habitat and
corridors are to the future of many
species will be critical.
To the North, the next large
refuge of land is the Tsuu T’ina Nation
which then connects directly to the
west end of Fish Creek Provincial
Park. This seems to be where a few
problems have occurred. As valuable
and necessary as wildlife corridors
are, they can be dangerous when they
lead to a place where there is a
potential for conflict with people.
Recently, the city of Calgary has
experienced a number of reports of
city-bound wildlife. Beginning in late
July, a cougar in Fish Creek Provincial
Park was cause for alarm to local
residents. After reading newspaper
reports, I learned that the cougar had
entered the park through the green
belt under 37th Street SW which
borders the Tsuu T’ina Nation. The
articles outlined that the cougar’s
needs were met and it didn’t want to
leave the area, making residents very
nervous. Again, in late August three
bears were spotted in Fish Creek
Provincial Park. In that same week,
more bears foraged in the Weaselhead
area and the SW community of
Evergreen.
It appears that the line between
our living space and wildlife habitat is
overlapping and becoming increasingly
fuzzy. According to the Parks Canada
Agency, Fish Creek Provincial Park is
the only regional wildlife corridor left in
the Calgary area. Unfortunately, this
park has essentially become a green
island among a sea of development.
Animals are likely to venture out of this
space where attractants like crabapple
trees on front lawns and garbage left on
driveways for pick up
(the next day) exist.
CROSS PATHS
nature’s highways
by Catriona Laird
As nerve racking as it may be to
wonder if there is a cougar around as
you hike through Fish Creek Provincial
Park, the scenario would be a lot more
frightening if there were no corridors
at all.
Obviously, wildlife is not going to
disappear out of our communities any
time soon. After all, wasn’t the point
of green space in our city to enjoy
nature? What it comes down to is
finding ways to coexist and there have
already been many positive efforts to
accomplish this. After talking to a staff
member of Fish Creek Provincial Park,
I learned that previous to the bridge
that now exists on 37th Street SW,
there was a road that wildlife was
forced to cross to get into Fish Creek.
The new bridge now provides a wide
belt underneath for animals, birds and
fish to travel safely.
Closer to the Cross Conservation
Area, clever planning of a development
bordering the land has made a
significant contribution to the
protection of wildlife corridors. A
corridor has been left for the animals
to travel through, without tripping on
someone’s garden gnome! ca
Join us on Tuesday, November 13th from
7:00-9:00 pm for our “Wildlife Corridors”
program and discover what you can do to
help protect nature’s highways. Visit
www.crossconservation.org or call
931-2042 for more information.
 A CHESTNUT
QUARTER
HORSE
CALLED ADAM by Vicki Chatham

He was of medium height and medium build and waited patiently as I approached him. His large

brown eyes held an expression of friendly interest. His winter coat hung loosely on his neck,

shoulders and back. His name was Adam and this twenty five-year-old quarter horse was to be my

partner in a totally new learning experience. His owner handed me a brush and I began to groom

him. With each pass of the brush chestnut hairs came free and drifted away on the spring breeze

and, as we both began to relax with each other, I reflected on the events that had brought me here.

My plans for 2007 included attending a writer’s
conference in Dallas, a writer’s retreat in Saskatchewan
plus, a sheer self-indulgence, a spa weekend or two. All that
changed on January 4th when a lump I had detected was
confirmed to be breast cancer. From that point on
everything dissolved into a welter of doctor and hospital
appointments. Surgery in late January was followed by
chemotherapy that began in March. I was told that, with
my particular combination of drugs, I would lose my hair
two to three weeks after my first treatment.
I decided I was going to be bald and beautiful. As soon
as my hair started coming out, I would have my head
shaved. A walk with my dogs on a damp, chilly evening
changed all that. On our return home I swept off my hat -
and most of my hair came with it. I was in total shock when
I looked at my reflection in the mirror, not recognizing the
woman I saw there. During the following days I tried to
come to terms with these new and totally unexpected
feelings of vulnerability, as if the person I thought I was had
disintegrated along with my hair. With my self-confidence
stripped away it was as if I no longer had control of my life.
I could have talked to a counselor or other cancer patients
and survivors, but I didn’t want to talk, I wanted to do
something, anything that would restore that feeling of being
whole and in control.
An advert for personal coaching in a magazine had
caught my eye. In fact, every time I went to dispose of it
along with other magazines, something made me put it back
in the rack and I kept it for more than a year. I pulled out
that magazine, found the advert and Leslie. She told me that
she had been working in health care as an occupational
therapist and mental health therapist for years, but part of
the work she was now doing with her Inspiring Vision
practice was to use her horses in personal coaching.

page24
 I had some experience through
working with a group of mentally and
physically challenged riders of how
therapeutic horses could be. Was this
something that would help me?
Animals have an amazing relationship
with people. Cats know they are far
superior to humans, dogs love you
anyway but a horse is very different.
Their size and strength set them apart
and controlling that package comes
out of building a relationship built on
respect and trust. If a horse could
show me respect, if I could gain his
trust enough to control his strength,
then maybe I could regain my self-
respect, with or without hair.
We began our coaching sessions in
early May. A strong breeze blustered
off the foothills as I drove out of town.
No comfortable couch here, just a
round-pen, the soft green of new
spring grass and the occasional flash
of blue as mountain bluebirds took
wing. In that quiet afternoon Leslie
first had me look at Adam in two
different ways. The first way was as a
person assessing a horse. The second
way was assessing that horse from an
alpha horse’s perspective. An alpha
horse is the top horse in the herd
hierarchy. The difference between the
two was instantly apparent in Adam’s
reaction. In the first instance he took
no notice of me at all. In the second,
he dropped his head, yawned and
licked his lips. He had accepted me as
someone to be respected. I felt an
inner shift, I was that alpha horse. I
stood straighter, lifted my head and
knew this was going to work.
Our sessions continued into the
summer. I gave myself the time to
really listen to the questions asked of
me. There was no right or wrong
answer here, only a willingness to
listen to myself and trust that I would
arrive at the right solution for me.
Between Leslie’s questing words and
Adam’s gentle actions, I learned that I
was far stronger than I had ever
imagined. The more I worked with
Adam, the more I appreciated the
rapport that was building between us.
Using very little pressure with my
fingertips, hardly more than an inten-
tion on his nose and shoulder, I was
able to turn him in a circle, first on
one side and then the other. A finger
pointed at his hip had him swinging his
hindquarters away from me until he
had completed another circle.
Wagging my finger at him had him
stepping backward and then, when he
reached the end of the halter rope,
come back to me. Freed from the
halter rope he paid attention to eye
contact and followed me around the
pen, first to the left and then the right.
We turned between the two barrels in
the centre of the pen, me leading,
Adam following.
When Leslie took me through a
guided meditation exercise, he came
and stood beside me at the very
moment I was picturing horses in my
mind. Once that thought had gone, I
was aware of a tearing sound as he
grazed on the grass beside me before
wandering away again. In his own way
he would tell me when I had had
enough. Still far from fit, he would
sense that my energy level was
page25
dropping and would turn away from
me, our lesson for that day definitely
at an end.
I have always had a passion for
horses. As a child, spending long
summer holidays in Cornwall, I got to
know and ride every pony on the
beach. Later I spent as much time as I
could at local riding stables, handling
some of the most bloody minded
ponies imaginable, unaware at the
time of the valuable lessons they were
teaching me. In my teens my family
moved into an urban landscape devoid
of horses but, as soon as I could, I left
home to work as a groom.
In the warmth of a stable, sweet
with scent of hay, I have put my arms
around a horse’s neck and shared
good news and bad, laughed and cried
and told secrets to those willing ears. I
have experienced pleasure and pain in
my relationship with horses, have
enjoyed just being with them as much
as riding them. I have felt like a queen
in mastering a particular dressage
movement, a pauper at a fallen fence.
I have felt a truly spiritual connection
to their strength, beauty and grace
and never more so than when,
standing bald headed under a big
Alberta sky, a chestnut quarter horse
called Adam chose to trust me. ca
editor’s note: Vicki writes that she has
now completed radiation therapy, “my
hair is growing again and I'm well on
my way to recovery.”
For more information about Leslie,
Adam and Inspiring Vision, visit her
website www.inspiringvision.com or
e-mail her at leslie@inspiringvision.com.

Small
He was born lucky, was our Small,
first born, and the only one of three to
survive. He was a feisty, scrappy little
cat and lost his tail in a fight with a rac-
coon at eight months of age. He was a
good, loyal and constant friend, never
judging, always ready to forgive and
accept. He would never allow you to
pick him up and put him on your shoulder to hug him, but
must be on his back in your arms, like a baby. He lived for
almost eighteen years, dying July 9, 1998 at 17 years, 9
months and 7 days at 6:30am.
As he lay dying in the crook of my arm, he kept his
paw curled around my finger, until he had to let go, and
Stripe lay on the other side pressed close and purring.
Coco lay beside our heads, purring. I don’t know if he
understood, but I hope that Small felt the love that was
wrapped around him. I wish I had not been so poor that I
could not afford to take him to the vet, but I would not
have wanted him to die alone in a vet clinic cage. A few
days before, I held him in my lap and cried over him, and
remembered to him all the days of his life, what a great
hunter he was, and the great battle at eight months of age
that lost him his tail. Small died with his family around him
and I buried him in the woods, in a special place. He was
a good friend, he had a long and happy life, and though we
miss him, we can’t be sad. He lived his life well, and went
out of it with his family around him. No one could ask for
better than that.
How I love thee little cat
My oldest staunchest friend
Rolling, silly! On the mat
Like any baby kittycat
Playing with a string.
I go upstairs…
You’re in the window nodding
I go downstairs…
I hear your old feet plodding
Across the floor and down the step
Meow, you say, what are you doing?
Are you eating, can I have some?
Come on I say, come here with me
You may sit upon my knee
And I will pat you, stroke your fur
All you have to do is purr.
Passed Away on: 07/09/98
page26
IN PASSING
celebrating the lives of animal friends
Chester
There will never be another dog
like Chester. By the time he was six
months old he had made it clear to
everyone who met him that he was the
boss. Chester was last to leave his moth-
er taking with him all the bad behav-
iours spoiled indulged children can
sometimes have. He was adopted out to
a family on a small farm and shared
house and yard with a large male rottweiler who he quick-
ly drove crazy. Visiting the farm one day, I fell in love with
his beauty. As soon as I expressed my admiration I was
pounced upon to adopt him. He was a hand full for the
next fifteen years. Chester had the classic Jack Russell
spotted markings on a sixty-pound frame mixed in with
Coonhound floppy ears, gooey lips and doe like eyes. He
was red, white and spirited.
He was beautiful to the end of his life, with gooey kiss-
es doled out sparingly. Chester was all attitude, always
challenging and requiring great patience. When asked to
do something his eyes would inevitably reply back, “What’s
in it for me??” He was not prone to listening, cooperation,
sharing, was fussy with food and preferred to be hand fed
(Thank you very much).
There was a charm in his “snotty” disposition but he
always managed to be everyone’s favourite. After watch-
ing him decline mentally and with progressive deafness it
became clear that Chester had very few real happy
moments anymore. He had stopped sleeping at night for
two nights. I believe he had something bigger going on
inside him. We didn’t want our memories of Chester to be
of suffering and so we made the painful decision to give
him back to the universe and it broke our hearts. I never
thought I’d miss the chaos he caused or the noise he made
with all his outbursts but for now at least, the silence is
deafening. We are trying to deal with the grief and the
guilt and it is very sad still. I asked Chester in his fading
moments to come back to me each spring as an orange but-
terfly so I could smile and remember him. My mother
likened him more to a piranha, but nonetheless I know
when I see the butterfly I will think of him moving on and
it will represent new life and freedom from pain and hope.
We loved his sweet soul and we miss him very much.
Passed away 08/04/07
Send your tributes to publisher@creaturesall.com All material
subject to editing for space. Include ‘Passed Away on: date’
and a 300 dpi photo in jpg or tif.
 THE GARDENING BUG
resistance is futile
by Elaine Rude

aving outgrown our garden in they are covered in velvet, they then There are a number of ways people

H town we purchased a small

country property where I could
indulge my gardening obsession without
become itchy. Nothing like some nice
expensive ornamental trees and bushes
to use for a good scratch. It doesn’t
swear by to deter deer such as: a variety
of sprays, soap hung in trees, bags of
human hair or human urine (even with
fear of running out of space. For nearly seem to occur to them to use the much encouragement my husband flatly
a decade we have attacked our small abundant native trees. The best case refuses to mark our territory but our
piece of prairie with boundless scenario after a scratch is some broken two young boys and their friends are
enthusiasm, plowing and planting. branches, the worst is all the bark quite enthusiastic). However, the only
Unbeknownst to us we have been removed from a tree trunk resulting in fool proof deterrent is a very tall fence
watched with great interest. its death. This is not an and even that only sometimes works.
A battle has been brewing with the event likely to endear This year we have a deer who has
ante being upped every year. these creatures to one’s learned to jump our 6’ fence and is
Occasionally we think we are winning heart! creating havoc amongst the
but then reality rudely returns. It is, of Graceful creatures, raspberries. As the Borg from Star
course, the battle for supremacy over deer epitomize the Trek: The Next Generation are
nature. For those of you who live close beauty of the natural fond of saying, “Resistance
to natural areas, acreages or farms you world. Though por- is futile!”
will know of what I speak. The enemy trayed as innocents, we So, gauntlets on
often sneaks in under cover of have since learned what and flags raised, we
darkness. A little sniff here, a masters of deception continue our bat-
bite there. Once the quality of your they are. Deer are tle to outwit one
offerings has been tested, they sneak beguiling to watch and of Mother Nature’s
back, often inviting friends; four-legged for the first few years wiliest. This will
friends—deer! we would rush to the not be a battle
In spring, does will leave their windows to watch to the death
fawns hidden while they go out to feed. them. However, in the (though I think about it at
For the first few weeks fawns do not last few years, when a times) but hopefully a truce of
have a scent making it more difficult for deer is seen, I rush to some kind will be found. ca
them to be found by predators. When the window, not to
the fawns are old enough to follow their admire them but to see
moms this is when their culinary what they are planning
training begins. The does lead their to eat.
fawns throughout their territory and We designed our
introduce them to what they consider property so that the
gourmet fodder. Like people, deer seem back two acres
to have different tastes so what one remained wild, leaving
population considers disgusting another an uninterrupted
might find delicious. As you might corridor for creatures to
imagine such regionality of tastes makes wander through. A
it challenging for the gardener. reasonable and charita-
The worst times of year for deer ble gesture you might
damage seem to be in the early spring say. The deer are not in
and towards the end of summer/early the least grateful. This
fall when food is scarce. In the early is where the battle
parts of the season damage is mostly comes into it. Deer are
limited to browsing, but come fall not reasonable nor
damage can lead to severe disfigure- easily discouraged!
ment or even death of your woody They quickly attune to
plants. The bucks have been growing our feeble efforts to
their new antlers over the summer. As send them on their way.

page27
 vb
Virginia Boulay
fine artist and illustrator

(403) 242-4628
www.vboulayart.com

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qgmYaf½laf\Y[dmZ;]e½k\Yjmd]k—

page28
 ©
How Hard Could It Be? by Trebor Redleif

so, I think I’ll write a poem then I’d hafta look for more words
a sonnet, a lyrical rhyme that all sounded mostly the same
there can’t be a whole lot to it to explain the canine’s problem
some folks do it all of the time and why he was out in the rain

first off I’ll need a subject and frankly I don’t really care
an attention grabbing device about this soggy ol’ cur
that’ll make folks say, “Way cool” this poem stinks just as much
and make ‘em stop and think twice as the aroma of his wet fur

I need to come out swinging goodness... this is much harder

can’t dawdle or hesitate than I was led to believe
then work towards the middle when I thought I could pull this off
in the end, finish up great I was only being naïve

let’s see now... how shall I begin it how ‘bout a cat and a gnat
gotta keep my head clear this time don’t think I can go wrong
gotta dazzle with my word skills wait... poems ‘bout flea infested cats
gotta think of some words that rhyme aren’t really the stuff of song

dog and log and fog and jog gaaagggh! I’ve about had it
seem right to end the verses this rhyming stuff’s too hard
the rhymin’ part is easy it’s left me broken and beaten
but then things just get worses and literarily scarred

‘cause folks are bound to ask me my fingers are numb from typing
why would Rover the dog got words bouncin’ round in my head
be caught out in bad weather don’t think I’ll write poetry
and run in the mist over logs think I’ll just read it instead

page29
 THE FINAL WORD
discarded
by Susan Sweetman

At last! The farm has sold. Her brother, bolder, stronger, gone
And all excited, scared yet bold Into the woods to hunt alone
Their things all packed, goodbyes all told No icy death on cold grey stone
The old ones moved to town. For him.
The farm sits silent. It waits for spring. But razor claws and dagger teeth
The flowers wither, soon no birds sing and tearing crushing jaws
Left behind, some broken things Victim becomes the victor
And two small cats. And life triumphs!
The earth moves. The earth moves
Grinding hard and heavy like millstones Light as a butterfly and gentle as thought
The earth moves and winter settles in. The earth moves and spring returns
The food is scarce, then gone Sun and rain caress the earth.
No succulent squeakers beneath the straw Life is abundant
No scraps from the pig trough Mice chasing and squeaking beneath the straw.
No warm rich milk in the summer morning
Into the driveshed, a powerful tomcat stalks
All gone.
Sniffing, disdainfully marking territory as he walks
At first they watched at the barnyard gate He stops at the flattened skeleton in the doorway
Sure they only had to wait Touches it gently with a velvet paw.
Never dreaming of their fate Dried fur breaks off and blows away in the breeze
When the snows moved in.
Two cats cried at the kitchen door
For people who wouldn’t come any more
For her step upon the kitchen floor
Not heard again.
Snow swirls around doors never opened
Piles high in drifts
They watch from a safer distance now
Huddled in the driveshed.
Afraid to move into the deep recesses of the barn
What if someone comes?
No one will come for them again.
They should not have trusted
Those tall ones who gave so much
Then took it all away.
Nodding in the driveshed door
April’s sun has come once more.
She shifts a hide o’er spindly bones
And lays her head on cobbled stones
And … softly… dies.

page30
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