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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday February 17, 2007 - 9 Aussies make great mates for active families E very dog breed comes with it's own size, colour, behaviour and temperament. If you have an active family looking for an equally active pet than an Australian Shepherd may be a great mate to bring into your family. Smart potential dog owners understand the value of research and identifying the unique traits of a breed. Advance planning can save hours of frustration training and help to match a breed with your lifestyle. In the case of the Australian Shepherd common behaviour characteristics typify the breed. Although its name would suggest a history that began south of the equator, the actual origin of the Australian Shepherd is not definitely known. It is believed that the Basque shepherds introduced the breed to Australia and when they migrated took their dogs with them. They arrived in North America in the early 1900s and their popularity has grown ever since. True to its history, the Australian Shepherd is a working dog with a strong herding and guarding instinct. It is an intelligent, medium sized breed that is loyal to the family and wants to be with you at all times. In the right home it is an ideal companion. Boredom is this breed's worst enemy and a sure recipe for trouble in your household. If you do not provide ways to entertain an Australian Shepherd, then chewing, digging, barking, herding you and rearranging your landscaping may provide just what a bored "Aussie" needs to fill its time. Focusing this positive energy and brainpower is the best route to success with the breed. Training is imperative as tendencies to herd moving objects ­ children, bikes, cars, and skateboards ­ can become a major problem. Redirecting and focusing these skills should start at an early age to avoid your pet per- PET OF THE WEEK: Ozzie and Harriet are a pair of adult budgies looking for a new home. Birds can be very entertaining pets. For more information on pets available for adoption visit www.oakvillehumane.ca. ceiving their role as protector of the household. Train with positive rewards. The Aussie does not respond well to harsh reprimands. Exercise will help the Australian Shepherd to settle when indoors. They are ideally suited to dog sports, including obedience, fly ball, agility and herding. Don't underestimate the value of a good brush out after their sport, to keep shedding hair to the minimum indoors. Like all breeds there are common medical problems and behaviour issues associated with the Australian Shepherd. Hip dysplasia and PRA (a problem that affects the eyes causing blindness) are common medical problems associated with the breed. When selecting a dog from a breeder make sure to ask if the parents have been checked for PRA, their hips have been x-rayed and request documentation. If you are getting an adult Australian Shepherd have the hips x-rayed and the eyes checked by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Chronic barking, shyness, hyperactivity, aggression toward other animals and people, and car chasing are also common in inexperienced households. The breed is not ideally suited to urban living unless you lead an active lifestyle that includes your pet. Research is the recommended way to find the right breed for your family. In the case of the Australian Shepherd, sometimes an adult with an established temperament and personality, in a rescue program may be a preferred option over a puppy where personality is unknown. Breeders are a great resource for finding out if the Australian Shepherd is a good match for your lifestyle. Take time to learn all you can about the breed before you invite this intelligent pet into your life. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society. King's Christian Collegiate viewing Get Out of That Pit author's simulcast On Feb. 24 renowned author and Bible teacher Beth Moore will speak to tens of thousands of women across North America in a live satellite simulcast based on her new book Get Out of That Pit. King's Christian Collegiate and Chartwell Baptist Church (Clarkson location) are hosting this live international simulcast event, including an all day seminar, buffet lunch, afternoon tea with warm scones. In a special message titled Straight Talk About God's Deliverance, Moore will discuss the fact that deliverance is for everyone -- no matter how you got stuck, no matter how long you've been down, whether you think you deserve it or not. From her own personal experience, Moore will share a message of hope. Presented by Church Communication Network (CCN) and Integrity Publishers, the event will be broadcast live via satellite to hundreds of churches in the U.S. and Canada. For additional information or tickets contact King's Christian Collegiate at 905-257-5464, ext. 508 or Chartwell at Clarkson at 905-855-5001, ext 21. SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Grades 9 to 12 Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School Board Recruitment Oakville Senior Citizens Residence (OSCR) invites applicants to participate on its Board of Directors. Our mission: To serve seniors in an affordable safe community by actively promoting wellness, individual choices and opportunities. HALTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ESL SATURDAY PROGRAM OSCR seeks volunteer Board members who will be committed to our mission: willing to deal with values, vision, change and the future; having an ability to participate assertively in deliberations. OSCR Board operates under a Carver Policy Governance model. The Board meets the second Thursday of the month. Kindly submit your resume to: The Nominating Committee Oakville Senior Citizens Residence 2220-2222 Lakeshore Road West Oakville ON L6L 5G5 email: oscr@oakvilleseniors.com Applications will be accepted until Friday March 2nd 2007. FREE! The program will give Secondary students the opportunity to practice and improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills once a week for 3 hours. 9:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M. Continuous student intake THIS IS NOT A CREDIT COURSE OAKVILLE ADULT LEARNING CENTRE 171 Speers Road, Oakville (905)849-7555 Ex 223 & Make Your Home Comfort More Affordable LENNOX SALE CENTRAL AIR & FURNACE ® Up to $ 1000 * Instant Rebate *10 Yea rs Parts & Labour Warranty NO PAYMENT! Financing Available *Call for Details NO INTEREST! As Low As $ 3995 /month FOR 6 MONTHS AND O.A.C. *OAC NO DUCTS · NO PROBLEM Save $350 on ductless air conditioners W E S T 7 locations to serve you better! 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 To learn more about Rotary in Oakville and beyond visit our website: www.oakvillerotary.org