The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen delivered the following member's statement in the legislature on Tuesday: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge two very special Flin Flon area residents: Georgina Peake, a volunteer at the Hapnot Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jade, a Siberian husky owned by Deb Lussier. Both are heroes in their own right, and were honoured recently by the Flin Flon, Creighton and Area Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at their recent annual meeting on April 17. Peake was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the birds and animals that take refuge at the Hapnot Lake Sanctuary. For the past 25 years, she has been protecting ducks, geese, seagulls, pigeons and ravens by feeding and caring for them. It was said of her by SPCA board member Sherry Barnett that Peake is very protective of the wildlife under her care and treats them much like a mother looking after her children. Affectionately known as the 'Duck Lady,' Peake has supported the SPCA through the years by knitting and sewing blankets for homeless cats and dogs. She is well regarded in the Flin Flon area as a dedicated and passionate defender of all animals that come under her care. A hero of the furrier variety was also honoured at the SPCA annual meeting when Jade, a Siberian husky, won the Pet Hero Award. Two summers ago, Jade saved Lussier's son from a stray dog in the family's backyard. The stray had attacked her son, luckily only biting through his pant leg. Jade challenged the other dog and managed to hold it off until Lussier could pull the boy to safety. Mr. Speaker, these two award winners demonstrate how people and our canine friends can rise to the challenge and protect those whom they love and care for. I admire the good work that the SPCA engages in ensuring the well-being of animals of all types, and look forward to their new shelter in Flin Flon. The facility will become the newest animal shelter north of Brandon when it opens this fall. Congratulations to Georgina Peake and Jade for their heroism. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
