(pictured) Andy Parent and Nira. Nira was blinded when a member of his owner's family stabbed his eyes with pencils. This gentle horse is 31 years old, and now enjoys his peaceful life at the Big Sky Animal Sanctuary.


You could put all of the philosophers of the world together in one place and not one of them would be able to answer this question: why would a man like Andy Parent be stricken with an incurable form of leukemia? Andy is the owner of the Big Sky Animal Sanctuary in Kemptville. I first met this big burly man in the spring of 2006. He had called to ask my help promoting an event that he was planning for the summer, at his Big Sky Ranch. I had never heard of the Big Sky Ranch, but I was curious. As Andy explained, he had basically turned his own farm into a sanctuary for animals that no one wanted anymore. The mis-fits. The aged, the weak, the animals that were victims of abuse. Andy called them all 'God's creatures', and he felt they all deserved a second chance. One after one, they began to arrive. Horses, dogs, cats, pigs, llamas...not one animal was ever turned away. All were given names, loving care, and dignity to live out their lives. After chatting with Andy on the phone, one Sunday afternoon my husband and I, and my young neice Kelly drove out to see what the Big Sky Ranch was all about. It was picture perfect. Once-abused dogs, with every reason to be angry, but instead loving and happy. Horses that were once starved, now healthy and content. Pigs, goats, sheep, each had arrived with a story...but each sad story became just a memory under the watchful eye of the man with the big heart, Andy Parent.
BOB FM was glad to help out the ranch for the first ever 'Animalfest' in 2006, and to continue the support to this day. Steve Gregory and I have since become good friends with Andy. We both feel priviledged to know the man. The man who has given his entire life to helping others, visiting schools and seniors centres to spread the joy that is : the unmistakable bond between humans and animals and the respect that we all deserve.
A few weeks ago, Andy Parent was diagnosed with incurable leukemia. For his wife Cathy, and sons Andrew and Curtis (who is autistic), there is no sadder news. And for the rest of us who love Andy, we will do what we can to cheer him on and be there for him, to offer our support and try to step in and help out with Big Sky Animal Sanctuary, a dream come true for the man with the world's biggest heart.
Steve Gregory produced a video for Big Sky, please check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb3dlw1mi5Y
If you can offer a donation, please do. www.bigskyranch.ca
And if you have any ideas, offers of support, fundraising possibilities, anything at all, please email me at ssharkey@939bobfm.com
thank you.
We love you, Andy!!!!!!!!!

Caught on Hidden Camera

I caught these thieves stealing my bird seed today. A third one drove the get-away car. If anyone has any information about these robbers, please let me know. No questions asked.

Just add Water

This Christmas tree belongs to our producer Hammer and his wife Danielle and kids Carter and Mackenzie. Hammer is beaming with pride because he says its the best tree ever, perfect in every way. One of the reasons it is so healthy and green, is because Hammer gives it water. JR hasn't given his tree water yet, but what's the rush?

Fleetwood Mac in Ottawa!

Fleetwood Mac is FINALLY coming to Ottawa!! March 23rd at Scotiabank Place!! This is one of those HUGE concert announcements (I think!) I'm predicting a very fast sell-out for two reasons...# 1..Fleetwood Mac has NEVER played this city, and # 2... Who didn't own Fleetwood Mac's quintessential album 'Rumours'? In 1977 when Fleetwood Mac released 'Rumours', it was such a huge album that it became a bit of a soundtrack for the lives of all my friends and class-mates....hanging out at friends' places, 'Rumours' was always on the turntable. I must've spun that album on my own bedroom stereo a thousand times. Its one of those rare albums that is 100 percent gems. In my humble opinion, there is not one 'dud' song. 'Rumours' has sold over 30 million copies and on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, 'Rumours' takes the #25 position. I think it should be higher, but thats just my opinion.
So now we all get a chance to see those songs performed LIVE!!!!! I can't wait. When the drums kick in at the beginning of 'Go Your Own Way', I may just implode with excitement.
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A few listeners have sent me this link to a very funny clip on Youtube. A woman has taken everything that a 'Mom' would tell her kids in a 24-hour period, and condensed it into just under 3 minutes, to the tune of the 'William Tell Overture'. You gotta check it out! Especially if you're a Mom!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM

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I just received an urgent request from Sharon McKeil, who operates the Bytowne Association of Rescued Kanines...aka 'BARK'. A puppy mill has been busted outside Montreal, and the Montreal SPCA has asked BARK to help them find homes for several small dogs. These dogs are between 8 and 10 pounds and in desperate need of a home. If you can foster one of these rescued dogs, or provide a permanent home, please contact Sharon at www.bark-ottawa.com

Let it Snow Let it Snow, I'm a Dog, Let it Snow!

Love this photo!

Bill Baitinger sent this picture along of his springer spaniel Teddy, who clearly knows how to make the most of the 32 cm of snow we got this wee!

B-r-r-r-reaking News!

Just received confirmation from 'Speedo Steve', that the Ottawa Polar Bear Dip returns this New Year's Day!

And, none other than BOB FM's own John Rodenburg has 100 PERCENT agreed to be one of the 'dippers'!
Better wear a good hat, JR. The water's going to be cold!!! ha ha ha

Everyone is invited to join the Polar Bear Dippers and help raise money for President's Choice Childrens Charities.
Pledge sheets, etc available now. Check the news release here for more information:

Press Release
For Immediate Release

Ottawa Polar Bear Dip
MAKING DIFFICULT LIFES A LITTLE EASIER

December 4, 2009, Ottawa, Ontario: Imagine changing a life in a matter of minutes. On January 1, 2009 a group of intrepid swimmers will brave the cold waters of Britannia Beach in Ottawa and raise funds for the President’s Choice Children’s Charity.

“It is an amazing thing to be able to help a child and their family who really need and really deserve it. We are so proud to be able to help and to be a part of a wonderful organization like the President’s Choice Children’s Charity, which helps kids right in our communities” states Steve Stewart, organizer of the dip.

President’s Choice Children’s Charity is dedicated to making difficult lives a little easier by helping children who are physically or developmentally challenged. Their focus is to remove some of the obstacles that make everyday living extremely difficult and to provide these young people with a renewed sense of dignity, independence and freedom by providing funding for adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, therapy and more. The charity ensures that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to helping children. It has awarded over $30,000,000 helping over 5,500 families across Canada.

Anyone interested in participating, by donating funds, volunteering their time on the 1st or plunging into “the Bay” should contact Steve Stewart at mailto:speedosteve2000@yahooo.ca.



For More Information
Contact Peggy Hornell
Director
President’s Choice Children’s Charity
(905) 459-2500 x3626
www.pc.ca/charity

Tale of Two Neils

Neil Diamond

not to be confused with Neil Young

Keep on Rockin' in the Free World

Neil Diamond, Scotiabank Place, Sunday night. Neil Young, Scotiabank Place, Tuesday night. I went to both shows, and there were remarkably few similiarities between these 2 concerts. lol.

One thing I know for sure, my husband was not embarrassed to be at the Neil Young show, but I can't say the same about the Neil Diamond show. Especially after I threw a pair of underwear on the stage , which landed right at Neil Diamond's feet. I thought this would un-leash the throngs of thongs that women were no doubt going to start tossing at Neil Diamond...but, to my horror, no one else threw a single under-garment. It has since been pointed out to me that you don't throw underwear at Neil Diamond. You throw underwear at Tom Jones or Engelbert Humperdinck. Ooops. The entire cringe-worthy moment was captured on the Jumbo-tron, along with my husband's red face.

Two nights later, Neil Young rocked the 'Bank' like only Neil can. It was a great show!! And no one tossed any underwear.