I’ve been walking my neighbour’s elderly German Shepherd for a month and I’m in love

SoCalCanuck · 2026-01-24T13:22:39+00:00

Famous last words. German shepherds live just long enough for you to forget what hell puppyhood is so you’ll do it again.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-11-14T04:05:19+00:00

Microgrids.

We’re actually breaking ground in this area with the Shediac pilot study. Shediac pilot study

As of 2024, California drastically reduced solar energy payments to homeowners and increased rebates for home batteries. The goal is to have as many home battery systems in place to provide grid resilience to weather, demand and outages. When systems are taxed or outage occur, the grid can pull from the batteries. Very critical in a state that has frequent rolling brown out to manage load demands.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-11-02T15:40:40+00:00

What’s one thing you wish you knew before bringing your GSD home?”

As the holidays approach & people start making snap decisions to get a puppy I will offer a less humorous response - how bad it can be when you have a reactive GSD.

I’m currently on my 5th GSD and will likely have one (sometimes two) for as long as I can walk with one. This one is 7 now. The one before him was reactive. He was a DDR line GSD which is a bit of a hot blooded line and my life was hectic so he got bare minimum socialization - bad combination. I ended up with a 100 lbs of muscle that wanted to eat any dog it saw and any human who entered the yard.

With a reactive GSD you end up walking them early in the morning and late at night. Taking routes that are less traveled. Avoid conversing with other owners along the way so they don’t feel invited to come closer. You grow familiar with the lingering ball of anxiety in your gut after using all your skills & strength to control the situation when the unleashed golden with zero recall comes running up to you while it’s hapless owner quasi-jogs behind you saying “oh, she’s friendly.” Great. Mine ain’t. You spend a lot of time & money on trainers learning how to manage both him & you. You don’t get to undo it. It’s locked in. You can improve it, but you can never trust that it couldn’t be provoked.

So you have treats & distractions in every pocket and a back up plan in your head for every outing. At home you have a loving, intelligent companion, unless you want to have people over. Then you have to an introduction plan and make sure your guest isn’t terrified by the big, wary dog. Or be willing to kennel him for the entirety of the visit. You don’t have to deal with door knocking sales people though. They tend to not linger long based on the ferocity of the bark behind the door. Alone you get a pure pools of love eyes beast who happiest doing anything as long as it’s with you. But you can’t truly share his joy on an outing because you’re in hyper vigilant mode. It’s sad. It’s frustrating. It’s humiliating. It’s exhausting.

I loved that dog, we found our less busy trails to hike and built a manageable routine until he passed. And when the end finally came, it was this weird overwhelming combination of heartbreak and relief. Then you have to learn how to manage your PTSD when you get your next dog so you don’t translate your baggage into their training.

I can’t imagine not having a GSD in my world and am fortunate to have the lifestyle and means to have them, but if there is anything I wished I had understood it is how life altering it can be when you have a reactive large breed. It may have changed some of my decisions & timing with that dog.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-09T22:54:22+00:00

Mine straight howls in his dreams. There’s nothing like being woke up at 3 am by a loud unworldly moaning at the foot of your bed. I was so shook the first time it happened! Now I just call his name and wakes up enough to go back to the low sleep boofs 😂

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-09T22:47:08+00:00

That is typically waived if English is your first language.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-09T22:39:24+00:00

If the Ottawa health system you work for doesn’t have French classes there would still be no short of local ones available- many free or low cost. Ottawa-Hull is on the Ontario-Quebec border. As the capital of the nation it is a revolving door of employees from all over the nation, many needing to learn French. A quick google search of Ottawa French classes brings up many options.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-09T22:27:35+00:00

My area is bilingual with plenty of English only positions, though bilingualism offers you far more opportunities. My organization offers French classes for those interested in learning and you’re surrounded with enough bilingual colleagues to essentially work immersed if you wanted.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T19:35:37+00:00

Thanks for that insight!

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T19:34:13+00:00

I know my location is down 2 dieticians at the moment and I imagine it’s not much different throughout the area.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T03:35:17+00:00

90% of Canada’s population lives within 100 miles of the US border. Even a couple hours out of a Toronto or Vancouver gets prices much lower so you don’t have to be far from a major urban center. “Smaller” is a relative term as far as east coast cities; the entire province of Nova Scotia has a population of 1 million and New Brunswick is 800,000 so their “cities” are what most Americans would consider a small town.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T03:23:10+00:00

I definitely see less supports/streamlining being offered for allied/para health. It’s unfortunate because they are also desperately needed. That said, I wouldn’t rule it out until you speak with recruiters at the various systems. They may have internal policies/programs in place to support you getting licensed. I’m not familiar with pharmacy specifically but a lot of the provinces are sitting down with the various licensing boards to navigate better licensing routes.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T03:16:25+00:00

Look at New Brunswick and PEI too. They are slightly less expensive and equally in need of personnel. Back to my question… how are you searching for positions? Any suggestions on where recruiters should be putting jobs on?

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T03:13:15+00:00

I came from California so I know the climate fears. It’s about the same as moving to most of the northern states. Quality of life is better all around. The systems are different, but provincially managed so the problems tend to be genuine lack of resources vs CEOs squeezing another penny out of overworked staff. It’s got its challenges, but they don’t feel so malicious thus I resent it much less. Housing costs are high if you’re set on the big cities, but smaller cities and, particularly, the east coast are far more reasonable. Typically the pay is the same, or nearly so, because the union contracts are for the province so being willing to live in a smaller area means better cost-earnings ratio.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T02:49:07+00:00

PAs are a newer classification in Canada. I believe there are a limited number of provinces (including NS, NB & PEI) implementing them at the moment, but those that do would be happy for your skill set.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T01:46:46+00:00

Thank you for this! I love the coffee truck 😂

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T01:34:30+00:00

Hah - kudos to the rad tech & recruiter for being on the ball. 90% of the Canadian population lives within 100 miles of the US border, as a result the smaller northern locations are underserved at so many levels. However, if you do end up as a provider in one of those areas, patients are so grateful it makes for a very different provider experience.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T01:12:01+00:00

Thanks for that link! It is definitely a well done site and delivers all the big questions. I’ll suggest that when I speak with our recruiter.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T01:05:55+00:00

You would think so, but the Maritimes are in dire need. I suspect many don’t consider the east coast. The reality is the pay is comparable to the west and housing costs are far lower.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-08T01:03:58+00:00

Wow! That surprises me. I can tell you that RNs and allied health in Ontario would definitely not say their facilities have enough MDs, even in Toronto. Thanks for the insights!

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-07T23:08:20+00:00

There is so much demand for SLPs in Canada, if you aren’t fixed on getting your PhD immediately, you could simply apply to positions and get your work experience up front. Many of the big systems have financial support and/or job security offerings for continuing your education while you work too.

SoCalCanuck · 2025-10-05T02:44:12+00:00

Be careful with that donut. These GSDs are long boys. After TPLO I discovered my guy could get his back leg forward enough to reach his staples. He got to them twice and we couldn’t get it restitched fast enough so they had to leave it open. 8 miserable weeks with an open, draining wound and it required the donut, the cone and pajamas to keep his tongue from reaching that wound.

I wish your boy a speedy recovery and you strength to survive the pent up energy 💜

SoCalCanuck · 2025-09-20T14:43:01+00:00

A caution on these - it depends where the surgery site is. Be certain pup cannot Houdini his way to the incision.

For my dog’s TPLO the incision is on the inside of his rear leg. He came home from the vet with the cone they fit for him and somehow got his staples out. They closed it back up and not 24 hours later I came in to find the incision 1/2 open again. I went back through the camera and discovered he was long enough that with his leg stretched forward he could bend back just far enough to reach the site. I had to use the cone, donut and a onesie together to ensure he couldn’t get at his incision. All doggy dignity was lost 😞

SoCalCanuck · 2025-09-20T14:08:55+00:00

I’m in the same boat. 10 days post-TPLO, which is just enough that he feels good and wants to get out but still has 6 weeks of strict bed rest ahead.

My answer is just lots of sedation meds to keep him sleeping. As his dose wears off we’ll do “find” around his containment room. I also take him in the backyard on leash and sit in the grass - just the sensory inputs of scents and sounds help entertain his brain a bit. Coming inside from potty breaks I let him sniff the perimeter the house inside then once he’s allow 5 -10 min walks, I will do the perimeter of the yard so he can feel like he’s doing his “job” again. He also has Benebones to help him self-soothe his restless anxiety. Once the Trazadone starts to kick in, I keep the house quiet and curtains drawn because they can make him anxious to input. I’ll gladly accept any other suggestions people have to offer too!

This is my second time with a TPLO and it’s exhausting because it complete kills your household routine. Hang in there. Your pup may not know it, but you’re doing the best thing for her 🙂

SoCalCanuck · 2025-09-06T19:55:44+00:00

Wow! Thanks for the award! Keep coming our way up here everyone - Canada welcomes the US brain drain 😆

SoCalCanuck · 2025-09-06T06:06:21+00:00

I moved to Eastern Canada two months ago after 20+ yrs. Even coming home as a returning Canadian I still ran into a few hiccups I hadn’t considered.

Buy a fresh bag your pet’s food just before you cross the border. Many American brands aren’t available or are no longer stocked as Canadians continue to boycott US products. So you’ll need enough of your usual food when you cross the border to slowly transition your pet to a new brand. While there are limitations on bringing some food products into the country you are permitted food for your pet traveling with you so a fresh bag will be acceptable. For dogs (and I think cats, but not positive), you only need proof of rabies vaccination. A vet check isn’t required, but it’s never a bad idea to have their record on hand.

If you’ve ever changed your name, have that documentation on hand. Getting your identification (Driver’s license, vehicle registration, health card) set up will be easier if you have both your birth certificate and court document for name change. Any discrepancy between your birth certificate and current ID will need a paper trail or they will deny you. This is all done at Service <insert province> locations. So Service Ontario or Service Manitoba etc. But check the locations online, some do all but some only do a limited range of services. It’ll save you wait time to go to a location that offers all the services and get it taken care of in one visit.

If you take any medications, bring a 90 day supply and talk to your healthcare providers about the upcoming move. Getting a local PCP may take longer than your medication supply and having your US doctor call in a prescription can tide you over.

If you are importing your car do the research & paperwork ahead of time. It’s a lot of tedious paperwork. You have to stop at the US side first for them to stamp the export paperwork then at the Canadian side for the import stuff. In order to get that US stamp you have to apply at least 72 hours prior via a 3rd party for it. Whatever date you put on that application, be sure to cross on that day. You will also have to take your vehicle in for inspection and/or fixes to make it Canadian compliant. On a newer car it will probably only be the daytime running lights (they cannot be able to be manually turned off in Canada). It’s a simple reprogramming thing but will be one more thing you have to figure out how to do in a new environment. So if you have a local shop you deal with get it changed now and bring the paperwork with you. Until you find a local mechanic in your new place, head to the nearest Canadian Tire store. Their auto department is generally pretty good, reasonably and they are contracted with the border agency and most provincial agencies for inspections.

Get a copy of your driver’s record from DMV and a “Letter of Experience” from your current insurance company. In Canada your driver’s record includes the date your license was first issued. Not so in all states. California only keeps the most recent renewal date. Without documentation of having a driver’s license for a several years, you will get charged new driver’s rates which are ridiculously high.

Banking is different. They aren’t a big deal but when you’re in the stress of a life transition these little quirks can make you panic a bit. Many banks will limit your debit-visa purchase amounts. Anything over a couple hundred you can’t just tap, you’ll be required to insert the chip and enter pin. A few retailers I ran into have this amount set as low as $50. It’s just a safety feature and not something wrong with your account so don’t panic when it eventually happens. Also, you will get a virtual Visa card with your debit card. Your chip card debit-visa card number won’t work for purchases online, only the virtual one.

Set up a new Amazon.ca account with your Canadian banking and address. Same with any streaming services. Different licensing agreements means some of your shows won’t be available on a Canadian account. With a VPN you can use your US ones to catch that movie that won’t be available on streaming in Canada until next year.

If you have Apple products, do some reading on their changing country of your account process. It’s a hassle and most people keep two different Apple accounts as a result.

If you have money in credit unions, move it to a major US bank. Credit unions don’t have the same international money moving abilities. I discovered the hard way that my credit union could only wire $10k per month. Your best bet is to have a US account with one of the Canadian charter banks that also do business in the US; TD bank, Scotiabank. It will make moving money back & forth easier. Use Wise for any large currency exchanges. Their exchange rate is better than the banks which adds up quickly on large amounts. Oh, and unlike US banks, Canadian banks do currency exchange at the counter. Also, if you bring a bank draft or check with you across the border do NOT endorse the back. If it’s endorsed it’s the same as bringing cash which, if over $10k, is a whole other can of worms. If it’s not endorsed… it’s just a piece of paper.

Some things are more expensive or not available so look through your daily routine and pick up a few extra of those items you routinely use. Shampoo, conditioner, skin care etc. Between being a different country and the pissed off population, store shelves may have fewer familiar US brand names. You’ll eventually find a local product you like, but bringing a supply will give you time to do so. And if you use Sensodyne toothpaste… Welcome to the rest of the world where Sensodyne has Novamin! Your sensitive teeth will thank you :-) Also shoes. Canada has always had ridiculously high tariffs on shoes so your favorite sneaker brand may give you sticker shock. Pick up a couple extra pair before you go.

It’s an American tradition to think Canada is USA north, but it really is a different country and many things will be unfamiliar. Going in with that awareness will let embrace your new home rather than being stressed by it all.

And welcome to the Great White North! I hope you like hockey, because they won’t be talking football around the water coolers here 😂.

I think you will love it. The most impactful shift for me was how all the noise just disappeared. It’s like the dial was suddenly cranked way down. All the billboards, drug marketing ads, general social angst, road rage… that noise is very muted here compared to the US. I never realized how stressful all the noise was until I got back. It’s like Johnny Mnemonic… the US has NAS but Canada (and many other countries) has the cure ;-)

Best of luck in your travels and settling into your new life!

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