We have all caught ourselves saying these words. Maybe we see some garbage on the sidewalk. Or are thinking there should be more family-friendly things to do on weekends. But if we really think about, there is always something we can do to help the situation. We can take a moment to pick up the loose garbage and toss it in a bin. We can organize a picnic in the park or a simple playdate with a couple neighbourhood families.

Taking action gives us power. We don鈥檛 have to wait for government to provide more funding for more sanitation workers, or RCMP officers to hand out tickets for littering, or the municipality to hire a recreation director. And, this sort of action is contagious! When our children see us taking positive action, they will be inspired by example.

When enough people get involved, the community starts to see itself in a different way: we aren鈥檛 a messy community, but a community where everyone pitches in to keep it nice and clean. We aren鈥檛 a boring community; we are a community with a fun vibe with lots of family friendly things to do.

The mountain bike trails, regular musical and arts events at the Coffeehouse and courtesy of the Lakes District Arts Council, there are so many examples of how the work of individuals has grown into great things! This is how things develop from the 鈥済rassroots鈥�.

On Facebook lately, many of you will have seen how one local family has taken on helping abandoned dogs that have been wandering and getting into traffic, causing risk to the public and themselves. Many have complained about this situation, but one family decided to take action. Others have been inspired to help with the costs and care for these dogs as they make their journey to a loving forever home. That is a fine example of 鈥渂eing that somebody鈥�.

Even at the community level, waiting for someone else to magically come and fix your problems can mean a solution will never come. The nearby Yekooche Nation recognized this, and they made it a priority to assist their families with animal care in a positive way. They hired Vet to Pet Mobile for spaying and neutering and other vet services. This mobile clinic is the same group that has worked in 亚洲天堂 Lake, and continues to make themselves available for hire to northern communities. Now the Yekooche animals are healthier and happier, and so are the families and community.

If it is important to you, don鈥檛 wait to make a difference. Today is the best day to start!

NOTE: In a previous piece I indicated that the cost of an impounded / surrendered animal was likely about $1500. My error, I have been informed that in 亚洲天堂 Lake, with no local dog shelters 鈥� the total cost for a dog from intake to adoption is closer to $5000. Considering that one dog can have two litters of six puppies per year 鈥� can we afford to NOT find better community solutions? There鈥檚 something to think about as you plan to attend the upcoming Village Town Hall on Animal Issues.

Alistair Schroff,

Increased ACCESS, (formerly Lakes Animal Friendship Society)