Feature TheReview Wednesday, December 19, 1990 B8 SPCA program helps volunteers and pets alike by Mare Davis The Review Next to a new home, the thing abandoned dogs at Victoria’s SPCA shelter most look forward to is a chance to take a daily walk. _Peninsula residents can make a dogs’ wishes-come true by taking part in the Volunteer Day Walk-A- Dog program, an SPCA spokes- man said last week. SPCA executive director Lynn West said the half-hour walks benefit both the volunteers and dogs. “From the animals’ point of view, it helps them deal with the stress of being in kennels and away from humans. They miss the com- panionship,” she said. “But it also benefits the dog walkers, too, who often don’t have pets and enjoy caring for the dogs.” Since it started three years ago, the program has become very popular among adults and with the Junior SPCA Club members, she said. Up to 50 people each week take the very appreciative dogs for strolls in the neighborhood between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Daily exercises routines, com- bined with some kind words and affection, offer the dogs a sembl- ance of “a normal life,” West said. Up to a dozen dogs are always anxiously awaiting a chance to make new friends and to get some relief from the boredom of being kept in the kennels, she said. And there’s also an exercise yard where people can play with REFLEKTOR ANXIOUSLY ANTICIPATING a walk is a spaniel at the Victoria SPCA ‘s facility on Napier Lane while a cute kitty cat (inset is shown by an animal shelter worker. Volunteers who like animals but cant care for them are taking advantage of a Walk-a-dog program. puppies and kittens, too. Volunteers can only exercise one animal at a time and must be back within 30 minutes in case a pro- spective adopter shows up. But there’s no limit to the num- Continued from Page B2 school program. Youngsters join in with small percussion instruments, are invited on stage and encour- aged to believe that each one is special. One skit, Who is the most important member of the band, dramatizes the theme that all are equally important. “It’s a really fun program with kid’s music. I really get amazed at how perceptive the little ones are.” The group is now working on songs for a program dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. Hill joined Reflektor in October 1989, following an audition with group founder Hans Tokle. Hill had played drums for 11 years but said he only became serious about music three years ago. Before joining Reflektor, Hill’s only other performing experience was with the Robron Senior Secondary School band in Camp- bell River. He and his parents, Dave and Geri Hill, moved to Sidney three years ago. Hill graduated from Parkland Secondary. He hopes to stay with Reflektor for at least another year. Reflektor is financed by school fees, donations and corporate sponsorship. Performers are not paid although their living and travelling expenses are covered. The eight-member group travels in a cube van and mini-van and are billeted by local churches. In addi- tion to their school programs, they also perform gospel rock music for church groups. To date the group has toured Northern B.C. and Alberta. The spring tour will take Reflektor as far east as Montreal. Hill also hopes the group will perform at Parkland Secondary in February. If you're NEW IN TOWN and don't know which way to turn, ‘call the | Wetome ig, You'll be glad you aid. hostesses at: (Sidney & North Saanich) Theresa Thom 656-7746 Claudia Parfitt 656-7898 (Brentwood & Central Saanich) Frances Suddaby 652-7767 Vicky Jackson 652-5689 (Baby Welcome) Fern Gifford 656-8932 Welcome Wagon Answering Service 479-3385 ber of dogs a volunteer can take for walks, and the shelter provides both leashes and “dog treats,” she said. A $5 annual membership fee is charged for volunteers for the pro- Y “€ ey IL-4 wi gram, while seniors need only pay $2. And the expense is merely aimed at paying insurance costs for the volunteers, West said. oe SE ae a WwW ee fae See oe Merry ss Christmas © to our valued %& Customers € from Cindi & SS = Staff fl | Porch e-Nat 3 Florists and Gift See € ~ 2 oe bs oy =) a es . Fes. 652-9149 EE) ) 'S IEE DA »)= eel VERY £ NICH PENIN ULA HOSPITAL #5-7816 E,SAANICH RD. NEXT TO OAKREST FOOD of SAANICHTON FRE tht oR SE <] To All Our Advertisers With the holiday season quickly approaching, please be advised of @ the following Christmas deadlines: Display Advertising — Dec. 19 - 4 pm Classified Advertising — Dec. 21 - 3 pm Display Advertising — Dec. 21 -4pm Classified Advertising — Dec. 27 - 3 pm Please Note: Effective Jan. 1 Our New Address Will Be: 9726 - 1st St. (Next to the Carrington Wyatt) The Review