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Paying it forward, dangers of letting dogs run loose, Barnfield forum

It comes from the heart Re: Spreading Positive Whistler Vibe & Paying it Forward by Jennifer Miller, (July 13th & 20th. issue of The Question) Hmmmmmm.... How can you create a sense of abundance? Pay it forward initiative...

It comes from the heart

Re: Spreading Positive Whistler Vibe & Paying it Forward by Jennifer Miller, (July 13th & 20th. issue of The Question)

Hmmmmmm.... How can you create a sense of abundance? Pay it forward initiative... what a wonderful positive thought.

The only thing of course is that people who truly give to others from their hearts are not looking to show it off. They’re probably not people who want to get some sort of prize or grand prize even though they deserve it. If they are just running around doing this like some sort of scavenger hunt with a business sense, it really isn't the kind of kind act that I would want to receive; it would certainly feel like it had another agenda, wouldn't you think?

People are doing kind acts all the time in Whistler by giving their time, their ideas, sharing who they are inside with their smiles and friendly faces, sharing their knowledge, experience, compassion and their way of life. I don't think there is a lack of kind acts in this community. I think if you are aware, you will see they are coming to you all the time in many different forms. If you are truly aware then you will see, and if your heart is open then you will receive, and if and when you can you will reciprocate at your own ability, because a true act of kindness is given without any return expectations.

As Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Pay It Forward (www.payitforwardmovmement.com) suggested, kind acts come from the heart of who a person truly is; if you should be so lucky as to be able to give or receive such a gift I think the importance is to be humble and grateful.

Having said that, I think the initiative should be more focused on awareness. Let’s start with a grateful card. Look around to see what you can be grateful for. After you have found 10 things to put on your card you can turn it in to your local merchant and tell them, "It’s okay, I don't need the prize because guess what? Something really cool has happened." You may actually start to feel abundance.

I would be happy to help create something beautiful and enduring that helps to bring positive change to existing conditions, new opportunities and a fresh start. Let us make sure though… that we are coming from the right place: the heart. If you would like to help and would like to share some ideas please let me know. I would also like to send you my sincere Thanks because I have always wanted to write more letters to the paper and you have motivated me to do so. So from the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful for this gift.

Caterina Alberti

Whistler

Balance compassion with responsibility

Whistler is filled with generous, supportive individuals that have come to the aid of those in need many times in the 18 years that I’ve lived here. It is important that generous spirit not be misplaced.

I’m certain the story of Tanner, the missing golden retriever warmed the hearts of many. "Stealing" dogs is common practice in Vancouver but I was shocked to hear this might be happening in Whistler. But the lesson to be learned here is that pets are a huge, and often expensive responsibility.

In recent newspaper articles, Tanner’s owner talks about "the latest escape" and that his runaway dog could "always be found within a few hours hanging out at Dusty’s patio, looking for food and company." Isn’t it the owner’s responsibility to provide food and company? It’s quite a distance for a loose dog to go from Bayshores to Dusty’s, isn’t it? Unsupervised, wandering dogs are exposed to all kinds of danger no matter how savvy. They also eat things they shouldn’t, putting them at risk of various bacterial and/or intestinal diseases. In spite of this, the owner claims his dog’s intestinal blockage occurred from the 17 days he was with the other family. This is the family that was walking Tanner on a leash?

Although sympathetic to Tanner’s plight, pet owners need to be responsible in every way. Mr. Shuster is now planning a fundraiser so that our community will cover his vet bills? And he’s disappointed in our criminal system that won’t pursue the "thieves" that took his wandering dog?

Let’s not lose that wonderful Whistler compassion for those in need but be clear about where that support would best be served.

C. Goddard

Whistler

Forum hijacked by Barnfield owners

I'd like to express my thanks to the WHA board for listening to the concerns of their neighbours last Wednesday. Some productive and pointed questions were asked, allowing the board to see the level of confusion and frustration surrounding the changing maximum resale formula and how it affects the owners in Nineteen Mile and Bear Ridge.

As well, several people spoke passionately and at some length about more general topics, such as the decision-making process and direction of the housing authority. Some of these speeches offered a valid opportunity to address these larger issues, while others were emotional diatribes that did not lead to productive points for discussion.

I must specifically express my anger at the amount of time taken up by owners from the Barnfield Farm project. Most people attended the public forum to discuss and perhaps influence change on a policy that has been adopted by council. However, the majority of owners in Barnfield Farm have chosen a different path, taking the municipality to court in order to challenge and perhaps change their covenant.

While the case is before the courts, the WHA board has been advised not to comment publicly. The Barnfield Farm owners would have known this, yet still chose to hijack large chunks of time and further enflame emotions that were already running high. They have chosen their avenue of resolution for their issues; it is a shame that they decided to waste the time available to their fellow Whisterlites to discuss theirs.

Chris Hodkinson

Whistler