Whitby Heritage Days

Last weekend we scurried to downtown Whitby for Heritage Day celebrations. Before I tell you about it, check out that poor dude in the photo to the left. Man was he stuffed! He didn't really have a lot to say and he smelled like the stuff thrown about a country vegetable garden. Becky was going to nibble on his pants. I told her to leave him be, he had enough worries. It was apparent his owners had tied him to a post and LEFT him!

The streets looked like an old fashioned farmers market. Mouth watering stuff folks; fresh baked goods, veggies, fruits, kettle popcorn, and honey. Becky and I love kids and today they were a pretty excited bunch while they explored the wagon tours, pony rides, railway trains, and crafts.
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But what really caught my eye was the streets crawling with us pooches; big ones, barking ones, cute ones, snarly ones - it was a doggy sniffing event!

 

Now this pup has the right doghouse to view all the activities! He was hanging out a second story apartment building taking in the festivities below!

Then we saw IT!... No, this is so wrong! Mom was sad. Read what the CBC had to say in it's report on "How much do you know about that puppy in the window".

Mom smiled when she saw the second store with their furry puppies in the window.

Suddenly I smelt a herd of unusual creatures and when I turned the corner they were everywhere! Llamas, chickens, rabbits and many exotic animals I have never seen before. Mom talked to a few people and found out it was Nova's Ark. This is a special gathering place; a sanctuary where people of all ages learn understanding through interaction with various animals. 

Nova's Ark began as a dream by former special education facilitator and current elementary school principal Mary-Ann Nova. Nova's Ark is a registered charity providing stimulating experiences for people of all ages and abilities involving a wide range of exotic, gentle animals. The volunteer peer mentors are a key factor in the successful integration of our visitors with the animals, allowing for unique and positive memorable experiences.

Nova's Ark is committed to building acceptance of people of all ages and abilities by providing opportunities for understanding. The wide range of activities and programs involving unique and gentle animals will:

• create individualized experiences to stimulate communication and social interactions to meet the specific requirements of individuals with special needs;
• build character through respect for all life;
• teach character values and life lessons with examples from animals;
• develop youth leadership experiences that promote awareness, acceptance and friendship.

~ Keep Sniffing, Love Kodee

Go Fetch: Information on the animals in our Nova's Ark snapshot above

Sheep
American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit
Lemur
Prehensile-tailed Porcupine

Fennec Fox