GIVING PAWS FOR THOUGHT: DOGS IN CANADA

According to Statistics Canada, approximately one-quarter of Canadian households have a four-legged family member—namely the family dog. From its 2001 census, Statistics Canada estimates that there are over 3.5 million dogs in this country.

We Canadians love our pets. We spend over $1 billion each year on pet food—approximately $300 per year to provide food and care for our four-legged companions. Over 75 percent of pet owners buy their furry friends birthday and/or Christmas gifts. It is estimated that close to 40 percent of Canadian dog owners let their canine companions sleep with them. Read more…

I am Ellen B., stay-at-home mother of two and ICS Canada student. Less than a year ago I found myself stuck in the same pattern. I enjoyed being able to stay at home and care for my two small children, but I felt somewhat trapped and alone. I wanted to better my skills by returning to school, but child care was an issue. Being a single-income family left little room for extracurricular activities, for the kids or me. I needed a break. I began volunteering one day a week at our local SPCA, a wonderful outlet and breakaway for a stressed-out mother. I found a profound joy being among the animals and contributing in a positive way. I was broke, but I was making a difference. This was my calling. It would be my dream job! My husband suggested that I find an online school that offered courses in the animal field. An online school was the answer to my situation. Not only does it meet our demands of family life, I am able to study at my own pace, when and where I want. I am bettering myself for a career that I am passionate about. Thankfully, the tuition fit our budget and the monthly payment plan is a dream come true. Thanks to ICS Canada I am now self-employed and setting my own hours. I am Ellen B., Mother, Wife, and Dog Trainer—changing the world one dog at a time.

This thank you goes out to the ICS Canada graduates who volunteered to participate in the production of ICS Canada television commercials. In October, these graduates traveled to a television studio in Toronto to record their experiences as students and their success as graduates. You can watch the commercials on YouTube or on various stations throughout Canada.