Did you know there are eagles, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey live in and around Vancouver? In the city, it's sometimes easy to forget we are surrounded by wildlife. And sometimes the city and wildlife clashes and organizations like O.W.L step in to help. O.W.L (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society) is a non-profit organization, located in Delta, that focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds of prey.


Last weekend, April 25 & 26, 2015, O.W.L. held its annual Spring open house. Attendees were invited to tour the facilities and go behind the scenes to talk to the people who work there. Each day, there was a rehabilitated bird released. I didn't arrive in time to witness it though but I'm sure it would have been a sight to see!









There was this adorable little owl on the desk inside one of the buildings. It's tiny! Snoopy is a Northern saw-whet owl.


Sarah is a beautiful barn owl. Barn owls are losing their habitats here in BC and also at risk of being poisoned by rodents that were killed by rat poison.

This O.W.L. worker is holding a Barred Owl. They are very pretty birds. Did you know that there are two of them living in VanDusen Botanical Garden?


 Lots of people showed up to the open house.


Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory was also there selling these cute white chocolate caramel apples.

Up above, I could see birds of prey circling.

If you were at Coopers Park, Yaletown last Sunday, you would have noticed there were a lot more dogs around than usual. Pet-A-Palooza West saw hundreds of playful pups and their owners having fun and visiting the many exhibitors at the event. There were many different types of dogs in attendance but I've never seen as many French and English bulldogs in one place at once. Many of which were participating in the hilarious "Racing of the Bulls" - a hilarious 20ft bull dog race. Those pups were so adorable! 

The annual wiener dog races took place at Hastings Racecourse is past weekend and I went on Sunday with K and M to watch the cute little dogs! It was crazy busy, way busier than two years ago when I last went. I was surprised Joey the reigning champion didn't win! A newcomer named Rocket took the prize of top dog. 

 Aww a lot of the dogs were pooped.


Call them, wave their favourite toy, do what ever it takes to get your dog to the finish line!

It's a feat just to finish! Many dogs veer off course. lol







 

Of course, besides the dogs, there were the regular horse races. It's very exciting to watch! I always enjoy a trip to the track!