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.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Two deserving award recipients _ one on two legs, the other on four _ were honoured at the recent annual meeting of the Flin Flon, Creighton and Area SPCA. Georgina Peake, affectionately known as 'the Duck Lady,' and Jade, a friendly Siberian husky, received kudos from the animal-advocacy organization. Peake was named the 2011 Volunteer of the Year at the meeting, held April 17 at the Anglican Parish of St. Peter and St. James. 'She has spent the past 25 years giving dedicated care to the birds and animals who take sanctuary at Hapnot Lake,' SPCA board member Sherry Barnett read from a statement. 'The ducks, geese, seagulls, pigeons, and ravens are well acquainted with her and upon their spring arrival don't hesitate to approach her closely, knowing she would never harm them and will provide them with a tasty meal.' Barnett called Peake, who lives beside Hapnot Lake, 'very protective of all the wildlife under her care,' treating 'them much like a mother looking after her children.' 'If a bird becomes injured then she knows the best methods to return it to health, and many birds have been saved under her tender care,' she said. 'We are honouring her tonight, not just for the countless hours she puts in at the Hapnot Lake Sanctuary, but for her lifelong passion for animals of all sizes and shapes.' Support Barnett noted that over the years Peake has supported the SPCA by knitting and sewing blankets for homeless cats and dogs. More recently Peake adopted Jerry, an elderly cat who had been in SPCA accommodations for four years. Having lost her dear Velcro to old age a few months ago, Peake decided her home was too empty without a cat. Coincidentally, Jerry was rescued by the late Vic Lysohirka, who received the SPCA Volunteer of the Year award two years ago. Then there is Jade, named the Pet Hero for 2011. She is a beautiful white Siberian husky belonging to Deb Lussier. In an essay read by SPCA president Judy Eagle, Lussier shared the story of a dog she and her family brought home nearly five years ago. 'She was a cheerful pup with a sweet disposition, and she grew into a well behaved dog who loves to cuddle with us and help us out around the house and yard,' wrote Lussier. 'When we had our first son, she had a hard time adjusting to the new stress in her life, but with time she grew accustomed to our growing family and grew to truly love our son and enjoy how much attention she received from him.' Lussier recalled how a couple of summers ago, her son was playing in the back yard with Jade nearby. 'I was inside nursing the newest addition to our family, our two-month-old son,' wrote Lussier. 'While I sat with him, I suddenly became aware of scratching at the door, and then Jade began to whine loudly. This was not like her, and so I rushed to the door to her and that is when I heard my son crying.' A stray dog on the outside of the fence had apparently bit the boy's leg and would not let go. 'Jade growled at the dog while I managed to pull my son out of his grips,' Lussier wrote. 'With great relief I realized that the stray dog hadn't been able to bite his leg at all, but had him by the pant leg.' 'Never forget' Lussier called the episode 'something I will never forget.' She and her family 'are eternally grateful for the protection and companionship of our dog, Jade.' Meanwhile, in her president's report, Eagle noted that less than a year after receiving a permit, the SPCA has erected its new animal shelter off the Perimetre Highway. She said the facility is Manitoba's newest animal shelter north of Brandon. The SPCA is hoping to have a grand opening this fall. Also, the board of directors received a fresh look with two members _ Graham Craig and Marsha McGregor _ vacating their positions. The board now consists of Debbie Hiebert; Judy Eagle; Marg Bragg; Shannon Thompson; Sherry Barnett; Melanie Rodabough; Tony Spooner; Courtney Whitmore; Kailyn Phillips; and Lisa Goodfellow. Another individual is considering coming in to fill the 11th spot. Eagle will be staying on as president in 2012-13.
