Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 3rd February 2026
Autumn BM
Hello community!
For those who don’t know me, I’m Autumn. Animals are a huge part of my life—I am Pet First Aid Certified, am a Community Herbalist. I work closely with animals through my hobby farm and volunteer work with Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS), and I’m constantly learning from them!
With the upcoming ferry shutdown in mind, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can better support our animals in emergencies. For the past three years, I’ve been training in Animal First Aid, and I am currently focusing my herbal training in Animal Herbalism. All of this on-going training has been with the goal of offering animal emergency support and herbal support to the community through a service called Autumn’s Aid.
While I’m not a veterinarian nor a medical professional, I do have training and experience in emergency response—such as stabilizing an injured animal, cleaning and bandaging wounds, and recognizing warning signs. My goal is to help people feel more confident handling an emergency until professional medical care is available.
Prevention is always the first step, followed by having a solid first aid kit. Below, I’ve shared practical tips to help you prepare for the shutdown and reduce the risk of emergencies. And when life happens—as it inevitably does—I’d be honoured to support you.
I’ll also be offering curated Animal First Aid Kits (in multiple sizes) to help you feel prepared. A few tools, some basic knowledge, and a calm approach can make a real difference. Limited quantities.
A simple website is coming soon with more details about my services and how to use some of the kit items. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with questions at autumnsaidpm.me, and keep an eye out for the upcoming announcement.
With furry & feathered love,
Autumn
~~~~
Ferry Shutdown Prep: Keeping Your Animals Safe & Supported
When access is limited, preparation becomes your best emergency plan. If you have animals in your care, now is the time to get ahead of it!
Before the Shutdown:
Call your vet ASAP
Let them know the shutdown dates and ask:
• How to prepare specific to your animal
• Ask what support options are available during that time
Book any in-person vet visits this week
Don’t wait until travel options are limited
Stock up early
• All medications they need (plus extra if possible)
• Tick & flea prevention
• Prescription & regular food
• Supplements and preventatives
Restock your Animal First Aid Kit
I’ll be selling stocked Animal First Aid Kits and supplies at the February 13th Manson’s Market. *limited quantities*
Save emergency contacts
• Your primary vet
• After-hours emergency clinics *I have created a comprehensive list of local clinics*
• Pet Poison Control https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
• Tele-vet and phone consult services https://www.tele-vet.ca/
* Tele-vet appointments are always a solid backup when travel isn’t an option
Prevention Is the First Step of First Aid
Small habits = big protection.
Here are some helpful tips and reminders ~
Regular head-to-toe checks
• Get to know your animal's body well so you can observe when something is different. If they are excessively licking, itching, limping, etc., let it be a sign for you to have a look!
Avoid exercise with dogs at least 1 hour after eating
Helps prevent bloat/GDV - a fatal yet, preventable condition for dogs, ruminants, etc.
• Consider free-choice baking soda for ruminants
Be cautious with:
• Stick play
• Swimming & water play
• Remove toys if they are chewed up
• Raw or Pressure-cooked Bone-chewing is best supervised. Cooked bones can be dangerous due to splintering
Keep up with:
• Nail/hoof trims (nail health = spine health!)
• Baths & gentle massages
• Tooth brushing
• Body Brushing
• Dry dust-bathing areas accessible for chickens to reduce mite infestations
Regular walks around your property and pasture
• Look for possible toxic plants and/or potential hazards. Take care of whatever hazards you notice as soon as possible
• Regular monitoring of fence lines to keep your animals in and predators out
Isolate sick/injured birds/animals
Helps reduce risk of spread of disease or further injury
• Have a separate, safe, quiet and comfortable space with food and water for birds that need space to recover. Ensure it is easy for you to access for your on-going care & regular check-ups
• Research Avian Flu symptoms
Clean up after your pets
Reduces risk of spreading parasites or disease to other animals who might get into their feces
Avoid bringing dogs into known Wolf corridors
(especially unleashed during wolf pup season!) such as:
• Hank's Beach
• Carrington/Children's Forest,
• Whaletown Commons
• South Point Beach, etc.
Incorporate & Implement Wildlife-Coexistence strategies into your life!
• Visit www.friendsofcortesisland.org for Wildlife Co-existence strategies. Secure your attractants!
• Protect your flock/herd from predators
• Look out for injured/ill wildlife. Call MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre at (250) 337-2021 if a wild animal needs support!
Secure all toxic items:
Do a check around your house and place... Secure all toxic items and dispose of responsibly; including but not limited to:
• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Cannabis, nicotine products, etc.
• Medications, recreational drugs & cleaners
• Poisonous plants (in-home & in pastures)
• Fertilizers
• Etc.
Emergency Support Available
I’m trained in Animal First Aid and will be available to offer Animal Emergency Support during this time. Fees associated.
+ Visit me at the February 13th Manson’s Hall Market
+ Learn more about Autumn's Aid
+ Buy an Animal First Aid Kit & Supplies (limited quantities!)
+ Ask questions specific to your animal
Because when access is limited, being prepared can make all the difference!
Back to FERRY SHUTDOWN main page
For those who don’t know me, I’m Autumn. Animals are a huge part of my life—I am Pet First Aid Certified, am a Community Herbalist. I work closely with animals through my hobby farm and volunteer work with Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS), and I’m constantly learning from them!
With the upcoming ferry shutdown in mind, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can better support our animals in emergencies. For the past three years, I’ve been training in Animal First Aid, and I am currently focusing my herbal training in Animal Herbalism. All of this on-going training has been with the goal of offering animal emergency support and herbal support to the community through a service called Autumn’s Aid.
While I’m not a veterinarian nor a medical professional, I do have training and experience in emergency response—such as stabilizing an injured animal, cleaning and bandaging wounds, and recognizing warning signs. My goal is to help people feel more confident handling an emergency until professional medical care is available.
Prevention is always the first step, followed by having a solid first aid kit. Below, I’ve shared practical tips to help you prepare for the shutdown and reduce the risk of emergencies. And when life happens—as it inevitably does—I’d be honoured to support you.
I’ll also be offering curated Animal First Aid Kits (in multiple sizes) to help you feel prepared. A few tools, some basic knowledge, and a calm approach can make a real difference. Limited quantities.
A simple website is coming soon with more details about my services and how to use some of the kit items. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with questions at autumnsaidpm.me, and keep an eye out for the upcoming announcement.
With furry & feathered love,
Autumn
~~~~
Ferry Shutdown Prep: Keeping Your Animals Safe & Supported
When access is limited, preparation becomes your best emergency plan. If you have animals in your care, now is the time to get ahead of it!
Before the Shutdown:
Call your vet ASAP
Let them know the shutdown dates and ask:
• How to prepare specific to your animal
• Ask what support options are available during that time
Book any in-person vet visits this week
Don’t wait until travel options are limited
Stock up early
• All medications they need (plus extra if possible)
• Tick & flea prevention
• Prescription & regular food
• Supplements and preventatives
Restock your Animal First Aid Kit
I’ll be selling stocked Animal First Aid Kits and supplies at the February 13th Manson’s Market. *limited quantities*
Save emergency contacts
• Your primary vet
• After-hours emergency clinics *I have created a comprehensive list of local clinics*
• Pet Poison Control https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
• Tele-vet and phone consult services https://www.tele-vet.ca/
* Tele-vet appointments are always a solid backup when travel isn’t an option
Prevention Is the First Step of First Aid
Small habits = big protection.
Here are some helpful tips and reminders ~
Regular head-to-toe checks
• Get to know your animal's body well so you can observe when something is different. If they are excessively licking, itching, limping, etc., let it be a sign for you to have a look!
Avoid exercise with dogs at least 1 hour after eating
Helps prevent bloat/GDV - a fatal yet, preventable condition for dogs, ruminants, etc.
• Consider free-choice baking soda for ruminants
Be cautious with:
• Stick play
• Swimming & water play
• Remove toys if they are chewed up
• Raw or Pressure-cooked Bone-chewing is best supervised. Cooked bones can be dangerous due to splintering
Keep up with:
• Nail/hoof trims (nail health = spine health!)
• Baths & gentle massages
• Tooth brushing
• Body Brushing
• Dry dust-bathing areas accessible for chickens to reduce mite infestations
Regular walks around your property and pasture
• Look for possible toxic plants and/or potential hazards. Take care of whatever hazards you notice as soon as possible
• Regular monitoring of fence lines to keep your animals in and predators out
Isolate sick/injured birds/animals
Helps reduce risk of spread of disease or further injury
• Have a separate, safe, quiet and comfortable space with food and water for birds that need space to recover. Ensure it is easy for you to access for your on-going care & regular check-ups
• Research Avian Flu symptoms
Clean up after your pets
Reduces risk of spreading parasites or disease to other animals who might get into their feces
Avoid bringing dogs into known Wolf corridors
(especially unleashed during wolf pup season!) such as:
• Hank's Beach
• Carrington/Children's Forest,
• Whaletown Commons
• South Point Beach, etc.
Incorporate & Implement Wildlife-Coexistence strategies into your life!
• Visit www.friendsofcortesisland.org for Wildlife Co-existence strategies. Secure your attractants!
• Protect your flock/herd from predators
• Look out for injured/ill wildlife. Call MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre at (250) 337-2021 if a wild animal needs support!
Secure all toxic items:
Do a check around your house and place... Secure all toxic items and dispose of responsibly; including but not limited to:
• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Cannabis, nicotine products, etc.
• Medications, recreational drugs & cleaners
• Poisonous plants (in-home & in pastures)
• Fertilizers
• Etc.
Emergency Support Available
I’m trained in Animal First Aid and will be available to offer Animal Emergency Support during this time. Fees associated.
+ Visit me at the February 13th Manson’s Hall Market
+ Learn more about Autumn's Aid
+ Buy an Animal First Aid Kit & Supplies (limited quantities!)
+ Ask questions specific to your animal
Because when access is limited, being prepared can make all the difference!
Back to FERRY SHUTDOWN main page