Don’t They Kick When You Do That? Vol. 2

More Stories of a Prairie Veterinarian

By Dr. Gary Hoium

This second volume of short stories by Dr. Gary Hoium shares more amusing anecdotes about the animals and humans he encountered over his 40 years as a veterinarian in a mixed-animal practice in southeastern Saskatchewan. Dr. Hoium’s wit and sense of humour are apparent as you read about more encounters, experiences, and adventures with animals and their human owners – all from his perspective as an “Animal Doc.” From his childhood days to his 2021 retirement, Dr. Hoium’s love of animals and humans is evident, endearing, and often downright hilarious. With a James Herriot-style of storytelling, Dr. Hoium spins even more tales of his work life while explaining, for example, why it is important to ask questions before buying a “used” rabbit; how a dog’s day is determined by smelly pants; and what a vet has to do when he runs out of dry clothes during a Prairie springtime snowstorm. No two days were ever the same. Whether they weighed ounces or over a tonne, each animal presented unique challenges, risks, and dangers. Some bite, some lick, some fight, and some kick. Heck, some of that is true of his human clients too!

Daryl Sexsmith's passion for wilderness and the canoe as a vehicle to explore that wilderness comes through loud and clear in this memoir of living and travelling on Canadian rivers, and the strong bonds forged between canoeing friends.

The arrival of spring 2020 held nothing but promise for the Jasken family. With plans for camping trips and yard upgrades, life was moving along as usual. But fate had other plans. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, their youngest daughter suddenly collapsed, plunging the family into a tumultuous world of fear and uncertainty—they were devastated to learn that the source of Sierra’s ailment was a failing heart. In the months to come, Sierra was surrounded by doctors and nurses, undergoing countless medical procedures in an unfamiliar city to give her another chance at life. Compelling and poignant, filled with wry humour and raw emotion, My Daughter’s Heart is the true story of a family’s journey through a life-threating crisis.

Life in Boundary Bog is simple…but dangerous! The Quire, a community of gnomes, has lived in the bog for thousands of years, quietly, secretly, hiding from humankind. A society of hunters and gatherers, the long-living gnomes live underground in harmony with nature but at its mercy. With a little bit of magic, and a whole lot of work, the Quire struggles to survive the harsh weather of Northern Saskatchewan, hungry predators—and the ever-present danger of being seen by a human! The Gnomes of Boundary Bog is a magical story, a collection of fairy tales both believable and extravagantly fantastical!

Once there was a little dog. His teeth stuck out on one side of his mouth, and his little black nose did not sit in the middle of his face. Some might say he was not very handsome. And one day, he was left alone in the forest. Based on the real-life adventures of a funny-looking little dog, this charming story of acceptance and found family will capture your heart.

Before the bubble bursts … In each of these twenty-two short stories comes a brief, shining moment—a surreal turning point—in which we are surprised to discover that the reality of our own comfortable little world is balanced on the sharply honed edge of a knife.<br><br>F. E. Eldridge uses a finely tuned literary lens to focus on and magnify the impact of a single moment in time in the lives of her female protagonists, young and old, in these tales of both past and present, in settings that range from Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley to the Canadian Prairies.

Unwind and relax with our Life Is Better At The Lake bookmark. Perfect for all book lovers, this 2.185"w x 5.827"h bookmark is made from 1/8" birch plywood for durability. Enjoy your favorite book while dreaming of the lake.

Wood will have natural knots and markings. These markings create an unique touch on every bookmark. Due to this, the appearance of the bookmarks may differ slightly.

Keep your place in the adventure of life with this quirky bookmark. Made from 1/8" birch plywood, it's sturdy and won't bend. Plus, its compact size of 2.185"w x 5.827"h makes it perfect for taking on all of life's journeys. (Note: manual not included)

Wood will have natural knots and markings. These markings create an unique touch on every bookmark. Due to this, the appearance of the bookmarks may differ slightly.

Hand painted watercolour bookmark featuring donuts with pink icing and sprinkles! The flip side says "Donut Disturb."

Never Leave Your Wingman: Dionne and Graham Warner’s Story of Hope by Deana J. Driver is the inspiring true story of seven-time cancer survivor Dionne Warner, who danced around in costume inside the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan. Dionne and her fun-loving husband Graham have battled cancer head-on with laughter, joy, courage, and hope since Dionne's December 2009 diagnosis of Stage IV cancer of the liver, lung, and bone. When Dionne was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2001 she told Graham, her fiancé at that point, that he did not have to marry her - she would return to her home in Toronto, Ontario. An experienced pilot, Graham quickly said: "You never leave your wingman." This is an unforgettable, inspiring true story and a lesson in love. 

All’s wool that ends wool in this cozy story of a little lamb with a big challenge–making a woolly jumper of her very own!