Page 16 - 04-June-2024

PUBLISHER’S NOTE.
DOG DAY AFTERNOONS
I have two dogs. They are considered staff members in the Edify offices. Rory barks at Jesse, an assistant editor, if he enters the staff room while I’m there. It’s a friendly bark — more like yelling “hello!” Fynnley sneaks food from the sides of desks and waits expectantly for our web developer, Chris, to share his carrots. They both check the garbage in the board room — there might be a coffee cup to clean or a bit of muffin to grab.
My dogs teach me things about life and about our city. My oldest dog, Fynnley, prefers the people at the dog park which means that I end up having conversations. Yes, me, the introvert, who would much prefer to just walk around with ear buds and listen to a podcast or audio book. But when my bouncy 11-year-old Labradoodle insists on interacting with people, I have to stop.
I had a marvellous conversation with a woman walking her senior Scottish Terrier. It was a cold day and I admired the woman’s down coat. When my eyes rested on warming contraptions strapped to her legs she explained that she’d had a double organ transplant and had trouble maintaining her body temperature. Ah, yes, the University of Alberta Hospital is known for being a world leader in organ transplantation.
And then there’s the man with the senior Basset Hound. We were circling the park in opposite direc- tions at Lauderdale. The dog approached me each time in slow motion reminiscent of the Tim Conway shuffle (from the Carol Burnett Show) and then leaned against my leg. His owner apologized and said “he misses my wife.” My face must have registered that I thought his wife had passed away and I was about to express sympa- thy when he explained that she’s a registered nurse and, for decades, has gone to Africa for a month each year to do volunteer baby care in impoverished communities. Ah, yes, the generosity of people who live here.
The young rescue puppy I met was hilarious. He hadn’t yet learned how to control his long legs, nor his emotions. He was gleefully jumping on everyone with his big, muddy paws. His young owner told me she’s signed up for puppy classes but had left it a bit late because she
was getting ready to defend her dissertation.
Did I know what Amii is? You mean the Edmonton- based world leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning? Yep. Edmonton is attracting bright minds.
I live in this city. I publish this magazine because I believe in telling local, journalism-based stories. We just closed nominations for the 2024 class of Top 40 and we have a record number of nominees — over 600. Celebrating young leaders in Edmonton is part of supporting the growth, desirability and livability of our city. Be part of the Edify community that chooses to support local, independent media. Our city is worth it.
Trudy Callaghan
Publisher
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16 EDify. JUNE.24