Happy Pride Month!

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person events remain postponed. Despite the pandemic, we have virtual events planned to allow you to show your pride while remaining physically distant!

As always when out-and-about, keep your distance from others and paws clean so that we can all remain healthy and get back to normal soon!

VAN-PAH Virtual Social

Come on out for a social evening online with everyone from our puppy and pet community. Wear your leather, rubber, fuzzy, or whatever other gear you want. Of course gear is admired but never required. Having fun is the only requirement.

Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83111635665
Password: VAN-PAH

Conference Call Etiquette Applies. Please mute your mic when not speaking or to lessen background noise!

VAN-PAH Virtual Mosh

Put on your gear and wag your tail for the webcam! We’re hosting a virtual mosh to close the social distances during these hard times.

Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83712074419?pwd=aU03V2hPckJNVUZMbWRKeVpHaUJzdz0
Password: VAN-PAH

Conference call etiquette applies. Gear is allowed, but no nudity like a public mosh. Please mute your mic when not speaking or to lessen background noise. Some functions may require the raise hand feature to participate.

Shadow Falls Camping Postponed

Unfortunately the annual Shadow Falls camping trip is postponed until further notice. Despite this, we are encouraging small, member driven camping trips to fill the void. For more information on the campground, see the website here: Shadow Falls.

Vancouver Pride 2020

For the safety of all, the Vancouver Pride Society has decided to transition this year’s Pride celebrations to a virtual event. We have not yet received any details on what events are planned or how we can participate, but we hope to still have a wagging good time showing off our Pride in our community! We’ll keep you posted.

Welcome New Directors!

The board would like to welcome its newest Directors: Pup Helm, Pup CoxSux’R, Pup TeeKay, and Pup Frio!

In addition we have board positions to announce. Pup Roxy is President, Pup Apollo is Vice-President, Daddy Rodney is Secretary, and Pup CoxSux’R is the new Treasurer.

We’ve got lots to do and we want your feedback. We’ll be assembling committees in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more info.

EGM Minutes

As many of you are aware, an EGM was held on May 21. Thank you to all who attended and participated.

Although the minutes cannot be finalized until the next AGM, a draft version can be found here.

VAN-PAH Official Barkroom

VAN-PAH Official Barkroom is now live!

This group is for members of the community to socialize, communicate with the Board, and find information on upcoming events.

Join here: t.me/VanpahBarkroom

COVID-19 Special Statement 

Due to concern over the COVID-19 pandemic, VAN-PAH is postponing in-person events until further notice.

We are closely following guidance and advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, BC Centre for Disease Control, City of Vancouver, and other health agencies.

To protect yourself and others, we encourage our members to practice social distancing and good hygiene, so that together we can ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone once we kick back in gear.

VAN-PAH Virtual Mosh

2020 Vancouver Pride Parade

As many of you are already aware, the Vancouver Pride Society has decided to transition this year’s Pride celebrations to a virtual event. We have not yet received any details on what events are planned or how we can participate, but we hope to still have a wagging good time showing off our Pride in our community! Watch our official communications channels for more information as we receive it.

VAN-PAH Official Barkroom

ASL Interpreter Outreach

VAN-PAH Reminders

• Please do not consume outside food or drink in the Pumpjack. We have been told that some of our members have been bringing in outside food and drink, as empty packaging has been found. Our host venue works hard not just for us, but also its other patrons.
• When on the mats, please only wear clean, soft-sole shoes if you decide to keep your shoes on. The mats are delicate and expensive, and we hope that members are able to mosh on mats that are in the best shape possible.
• When not on the mats please remember to wear shoes on your feet, this not only protects your paws from broken glass, various individuals from stepping on toes and of course from getting hurt. This is also a bar requirement and not something we can chose to ignore.
• Gear is admired, but not required to attend any and all of VAN-PAH’s events.
• Consent is not only sexy, it’s mandatory.
• And remember, wash your paws!

COVID-19 Special Statement 

Due to concern over the COVID-19 pandemic, VAN-PAH is postponing in-person events until further notice.

We are closely following guidance and advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, BC Centre for Disease Control, City of Vancouver, and other health agencies.

To protect yourself and others, we encourage our members to practice social distancing and good hygiene, so that together we can ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone once we kick back in gear.

VAN-PAH Virtual Mosh

VAN-PAH Official Barkroom

New VAN-PAH Directors

ASL Interpreter Outreach

VAN-PAH Reminders

• Please do not consume outside food or drink in the Pumpjack. We have been told that some of our members have been bringing in outside food and drink, as empty packaging has been found. Our host venue works hard not just for us, but also its other patrons.
• When on the mats, please only wear clean, soft-sole shoes if you decide to keep your shoes on. The mats are delicate and expensive, and we hope that members are able to mosh on mats that are in the best shape possible.
• When not on the mats please remember to wear shoes on your feet, this not only protects your paws from broken glass, various individuals from stepping on toes and of course from getting hurt. This is also a bar requirement and not something we can chose to ignore.
• Gear is admired, but not required to attend any and all of VAN-PAH’s events.
• Consent is not just mandatory, it is also sexy!

Due to concern over the COVID-19 pandemic, VAN-PAH is postponing the following events until further notice:

Munch on March 19th,
Walkies to laser tag on March 22nd,
Members’ only mosh on March 24th,
April social on April 3rd,
April public mosh on April 4th.

We’re closely following the guidance and advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and other provincial health agencies.

To protect yourself and others, we ask that anyone who is feeling unwell refrain from going out unless necessary so that together we can ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone once we kick back in gear.

Barks and woofs,
Your VAN-PAH board.

Events

We have a lot planned for you this month. Don’t forget to checkout/subscribe to the calendar!

VAN-PAH Puppy-Tails Social

VAN-PAH March Mosh

Saturday, March 7th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
@ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver

Whether you want to romp, socialize, or just explore, come on out and have some fun!

A mosh is an opportunity for pups and handlers to get together and socialize. You’ll find pups romping around, playing with toys, and having an all around blast while handlers socialize and play with the puppies.

*Always remember puppy gear is admired but never required! WAGS!

VAN-PAH: Mosh at VancouFur

Saturday, March 7th, 10:30pm – 12:30am
@ Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel,
15269 104 Ave, Surrey

Missed the VAN-PAH mosh? Haven’t had enough moshing? Come to VancouFur for a late night mosh!

VAN-PAH and VancouFur have worked together to host a mosh during the convention! Similar to our private moshes, simply present your current VAN-PAH membership at the door and mosh away with your new furry friends!

In addition, VAN-PAH members who donate a minimum of $10 will receive a dance pass to attend VancouFur’s Saturday night dance featuring furry talent both locally and from around the world.

This is a 19+ event.

The mosh will be held at the Fraser Room.           

VAN-PAH: Munch!

VAN-PAH Walkies: Laser Tag

VAN-PAH March Members Only Mosh

Tuesday, March 24th, 7:00pm – 9:00am
@ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver

We will have our regular mosh area closed off to make it our own private space. Wear what makes your tail wag. Normal safety rules are in effect with regard to spikes, hard soled shoes, etc. on the mats.

Nudity is allowed at this event but only on the mosh mats. When off the mat area underwear/jocks and shoes must be worn. Please keep in mind that sexual play is not permitted as we still need to follow bar rules in that regard.

Don’t have a membership yet? You will be able to get one at the event so come on down and join us!

Merchandise Survey

Committee Volunteers

ASL Interpreter Outreach

Rubbout 2020

VAN-PAH Reminders

• Please do not consume outside food or drink in the Pumpjack. We have been told that some of our members have been bringing in outside food and drink, as empty packaging has been found. Our host venue works hard not just for us, but also its other patrons.
• When on the mats, please only wear clean, soft-sole shoes if you decide to keep your shoes on. The mats are delicate and expensive, and we hope that members are able to mosh on mats that are in the best shape possible.
• When not on the mats please remember to wear shoes on your feet, this not only protects your paws from broken glass, various individuals from stepping on toes and of course from getting hurt. This is also a bar requirement and not something we can chose to ignore.
• Gear is admired, but not required to attend any and all of VAN-PAH’s events.
• Consent is not just mandatory, it is also sexy!

Looking to help serve the community? Now’s your chance to be a service pup and a helping handler!
VAN-PAH is recruiting volunteers to participate, help set up events, update the bylaw, and more!

If a tree falls in the forest, and there is no one around to hear it fall… does it make a sound?

Well you can find out by joining the Shadow Falls Camp Committee, where together we can build on our successful camping excursion from last year.

We would like to put together a committee to help grow the event, come up with new ways to get involved and have fun whether it’s a group fire pit, a larger selection of games, or maybe organizing an excursion off the site to have a fun hike somewhere in the woods.

Chaired by TeeKay, you will help decide how the event shapes up. VAN-PAH would like 4 to 5 members to be on the committee.

All you need do is email vanpah@gmail.com with the title “Shadow Falls Camp Committee” and state your name with any ideas or suggestions to be made.

Due to the overwhelming response of wanting a better and stronger presence at Vancouver Pride, the VAN-PAH Board will be putting together a committee to meet away from the regular moshes and board meetings, to decorate the float. Come up with a system that will allow our members rotate with carrying our banner, or Guard Dog duty for our moving vehicle. As a basic idea, with many other things to discuss,

Chaired by TeeKay, VAN-PAH would like to invite 4 to 5 members from the membership to be on the committee.

All you need do, is send an email to vanpah@gmail.com with the title VAN-PAH Pride Committee, with your name and what you would like to see for this year’s Pride.

It’s that simple.

We look forward to what comes next and can’t wait to start planning.

Chaired by Clever with board members: Scooby, Werel, and Zan.

Work closely with the Board to help shape upcoming policy and bylaws for your organization!

The VAN-PAH Board are looking for volunteers for the Bylaw Review Committee.

Volunteers must be members in good standing and have a keen eye for policy and legalese. Due to the complex nature of the bylaw review process, volunteers will need to provide 3 or 4 working meeting commitments, plus an additional 15-20 hours of online work through Google Suite and Telegram.

Please send a short email to vanpah@gmail.com with the title Bylaw Review Committee if interested and list any relevant experience or knowledge. Scheduling for working meeting will be used to choose suitable community candidates.

VAN-PAH is officially launching a Telegram group chat to help members of the community to socialize, communicate with the Board, and find information on upcoming events, and we need you to help the board moderating the group chat.

Administered by Yu-Kai, if you would like to help moderate the group, please send a short email to vanpah@gmail.com with the title “VAN-PAH Official Barkroom Moderators” if interested.

During the 2020 VAN-PAH AGM, an incorrect tally of ballots was obtained during the election. Upon recounting these ballots, it was discovered that the electoral result was different than the one announced. To honour the democratic intentions of our members, the board will accept the recount and will declare the seven directors who won the most votes.

19 January 2020

• Membership Coordinator Scooby checked each member in and assigned every member in good standing a single ballot. As members were checked in, a tally mark was made to indicate their ballot was received.

• Chairperson Clever called the meeting to order and noted 38 members in good standing were present. The meeting then proceeded according to the approved agenda. Prior to the election, four additional members arrived and were assigned ballots. The total number of ballots distributed was 42.

• The Chair proposed that the board would take the seven highest vote totals as the newly elected directors based on the tally results from the invigilators.

• Treasurer Tugger and VAN-PAH member Daddy Mark put forward their names to invigilate the elections process. This motion was unopposed and adopted.

• The Chair instructed members to make between one and seven marks on each ballot, then place the ballots in a container at the invigilators’ table.

• Mark and the Treasurer independently tallied ballots and compared their results. They each took a ballot in turn and initialed them, then tallied the votes separately.

• Mark and the Treasurer notified the Chair that their tallies disagreed for three nominees, one of which would affect the selection of the seventh position. Both tallies gave 25 votes to Pup Roxy, one tally gave 25 votes to Wolf Zan, and one tally gave 26 votes to Wolf Zan.

• The Chair proposed a motion to accept the tallied results for the first six directors. The motion passed unopposed.

• The Chair ordered a recount of the ballots between Roxy and Zan.

• Mark and the Treasurer jointly recounted the ballots and informed the Chair that the results indicated a tie, with both Roxy and Zan receiving 25 votes.

• The Chair proposed a motion to have a second runoff ballot between Zan and Roxy to choose the seventh director. The motion passed unopposed.

• The second ballot was distributed by the Membership Coordinator, again marking off when members received their ballots.

• Six fewer votes were distributed in the second round of voting, for a total of 36 votes.

• The second round ballots were collected and tallied by the Treasurer and Mark. The tally indicated that Roxy had won the second round of balloting.

• The Chair proposed a motion to accept the results of the tallies be accepted as the seven new directors. The motion passed unopposed.

• The meeting was adjourned, and the Treasurer transferred all 78 ballots to Clever, acting as the Secretary.

• The newly elected directors held a short board meeting to elect board positions.

• Clever had concerns over the accuracy of the reported count and examined the ballots. He notified the board of a potential discrepancy and asked for an official recount.

20 January 2020

• Ballots were transferred from Clever to Mark for a recount to be performed. The transfer was documented to the officers through Telegram.

• Mark performed a recount of the first round ballots and checked each ballot for his initials to verify the original ballots. All 42 originally cast ballots were re-tabulated. During the recount, Mark serialized the ballots to guard against double counting.

• Mark’s new tabulation indicated Zan won the first round of balloting with 26 votes to Roxy’s 25 votes.

21 January 2020

• Ballots were transferred from Mark to Clever.

• Director’s meeting was held at Pumpjack Pub. All 2020 directors were present except Pup Roxy.
• A motion was introduced for the board to accept Mark’s recount and to ask Tugger to recount the ballots. The motion passed.
• Scooby made a motion to hold a new election. The directors voted 5/1 against the motion and it was defeated.

• Ballots were transferred from Clever to Tugger for a recount to be performed.

• Tugger performed a recount of the first round ballots and checked each ballot for his initials to verify the original ballots. All 42 originally cast ballots were re-tabulated.

• Tugger’s new tabulation indicated Zan won the first round of balloting with 26 votes to Roxy’s 25 votes.

POSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It is our unanimously held belief that our members’ votes are of critical importance. All other things being equal, it is the will of our membership that should be followed.

It is the board’s belief that ignoring the outcome of the first round of balloting is inappropriate.

During the AGM, Tugger and Mark were appointed as invigilators, and this was unopposed by the assembly. As such, Tugger and Mark became de facto members of a committee whose responsibility was to tally the votes and report on the seven highest vote totals. The assembly passed motions to accept the reports from those committees, not to confirm the directors themselves. The verbal report from the invigilators for the top seven where as follows; Werel 36, Pack Puppy 36, Yu-Kai 34, Scooby 30, Teekay 29, Clever 26, Roxy and Zan 25.

After the AGM, Clever notified the board of a potential discrepancy and asked for an immediate official recount. Clever transferred the votes to Mark, who provided a revised count of the ballots. The board then met and formally approved Mark’s revised count, and formally requested Tugger to also perform a recount. The board passed a motion to update the AGM minutes with information about the inaccuracy and update the published electoral results to the correct ones.

It is the board’s belief that the second round of balloting is invalidated by the outcome of the first round.

Ballots were signed out by Scooby, initialed by Mark and Tugger, and after the election, were in the possession of a director or invigilator at all times. The board has confidence in the recount as provided by Tugger and Mark.

Since neither the Societies Act, nor our bylaws state anything beyond that directors must win their election, it is to the board to determine the details of that process. The board believes that the unambiguous outcome of the first round of balloting is relevant, and cannot simply be discarded because of a lack of detail around recounts or tabulation.

OUTCOMES

In the course of this election, the board has noted several areas that bylaws and procedures will need to be improved. Our bylaws do not contain any specific language around the way elections operate. It does not state what to do in the event of a tie, how to score ballots, or how to conduct runoffs. There is no language to indicate how a recount can be requested, or for how long following an election one can be called for. Absent any specific guidance, the Act requires that the board act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the society. We believe that honouring the original democratic intent of our electors is how to best do this.

After the tabulation process, the invigilators raised several concerns with the board. These included the random ordering of candidates on ballots, a noisy and poorly lit area for tabulating, time pressure on the invigilators, and a lack of clarity around what to do with discordant results.

Unfortunately, this puts the board in a difficult position. Due to challenges around the tabulation process, our invigilators mistakenly indicated that a tie had occurred. We now know that was incorrect. In debating how to handle this anomaly, the board has repeatedly stressed the importance of following the democratic intent of its members. While changes need to be made around how elections are performed in the future, the board needed to make a decision about this event without that guidance.

The board is aware that no solution we choose will make everyone happy. This was a mistake that occurred at a sensitive moment and led to the incorrect announcement being made. While there are those who would have preferred the board simply move on and ignore the error, it is the position of the board that this would be fundamentally antidemocratic.

We cannot expect that elections or tabulations will be perfect, but we can provide a framework in the future for what to do when these errors occur again.

The board regrets the emotional distress this outcome may have caused, both to the candidates standing for election, our invigilators, and our members. We will work to provide clarity going forward on the proposed changes to our bylaws so that members are aware of how elections will work in the future.

Yours In service,

The Directors, Vancouver Pups and Handlers

Events

We have a lot planned for you this month. Don’t forget to checkout/subscribe to the calendar!

It’s that time of year again! NW PAH is super excited to present the 2020 NW-PAH Tour!
All three PAH groups in the Northwest Region have lots planned, so make a friend, carpool, share a hotel room, and have lots of fun as we make our way throughout the region.

VAN-PAH Puppy-Tails Social

Friday, January 31st, 8:00pm until late
@ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver

Come on out for a social evening with everyone from our puppy and pet community. We’ll be meeting in the back area, that is our space for the evening. Wear your leather, rubber, fuzzy, or whatever other gear you want. Of course gear is admired but never required. Having fun is the only requirement.

DJ starts around 10pm for those that want to dance. Spread the word and lets all have a fun time!

PAH Tour – Saturday Brunch

Saturday, February 1st, 10:00am – 2:00pm
@ The Capital, 1178 Davie St, Vancouver

Get ready for a day of moshing and friends with brunch at The Capital on Davie Street!

PAH Tour – Handler Round Table 2020
Presented by Sir J, NW Handler 2020

Saturday, February 1st, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
@ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver

Identity: What is it to you to be a handler and how do you show it?

Come join Werel Wolf and Sir J in a round table conversation as we explore different topics on what it is to each of us to be a handler and how we can build stronger bonds with each other, our pup/pet companions, and the wider communities we are a part of.

VAN-PAH January Mosh

Saturday, February 1st, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
@ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver

Join the pups and handlers of VAN-PAH for our special PAH Tour mosh!

Whether you are going to romp, socialize, or just explore, come on out and have some fun!

A mosh is an opportunity for pups and handlers to get together and socialize. You’ll find pups romping around, playing with toys, and having an all around blast while handlers socialize and play with the puppies.

We will have a special handler roundtable before the mosh, and Sir J will be raffling off a chainmail harness in VAN-PAH colours as a fundraiser. Don’t miss this extra special mosh!

*Always remember puppy gear is admired but never required! WAGS!

Member-Driven Event:
BARK IN THE DARK!
Official Launch Party!
Presented by Daddy Lix & Art and Leisure

Saturday, February 1st, 8:00pm – 1:00am
@ Central Studios, 856 Seymour St, Vancouver

BARK IN THE DARK is a place for Pups And Handlers to just be themselves and enjoy a space that is curated for them.

Our goal is to grow and nurture a happy Pacific Northwest Puppy And Handler community.

Bark In The Dark parties presents an opportunity for PAH + lovers, electronic music party lovers, kink party lovers and the LGBTQ+ communities to get creative, intermingle, socialize and dance in a safe, consent-based environment with sensual vibes and dirty basslines (WOOF!!!). Dress up or come casual, all are welcome to come out and play!

Bark In The Dark is a new event at Vancouver’s new downtown queer / alternative / kink-positive arts cabaret, Central Studios.

More details and tickets can be purchased here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bark-in-the-dark-nwpah-tour-addition-tickets-88294275555

Walkies: PAHs on Ice

Sunday, February 23, 1:00pm – 3:15pm
@ Starbucks, 1752 Commercial Dr, Vancouver

Come join us for hot cocoa or your beverage of choice at Starbucks on the Drive around 1:00 where we can sit back and enjoy each others company before our short walk up to the Britannia Rink where we can skate our little hearts out and hopefully not damage ourselves or others too much in the process.

Public skating begins at 1:45pm and goes until 3:15pm. Admission is $6.53, and skate rental is $3.30.

Annual General Meeting Results

Thank you to everyone who came out to the annual general meeting, to Pumpjack Pub for the hosting space, and to Vancouver Men in Leather for the delicious noms.

We welcome the four of our previous board directors who will continue to serve on the new board: Clever, Scooby, TeeKay, and Yu-Kai. In addition, let us welcome our three new board directors: PackPuppy, Werel, and Zan.

The minutes of this year’s AGM can be found here.

For further information about this year’s election at the AGM, please watch our official channels for a report from the board.

Last but not least, congratulations to the recipients of Puppy of the Year and Handler of the Year: Pup Roxy and Daddy Dave!

VAN-PAH Reminders

To continue to be Good Animals and Handlers, we do have to make just a few additional reminders:

• Please no outside food or drinks be brought into Pumpjack. We have been told that some of our members have been bringing in outside food/drinks into PJ’s, as empty packaging has been found. We are sorry to mention this, but our host venue work’s hard not just for us, but also it’s other patrons and we need to look after our venue.
• When not on the mats please remember to wear shoes on your feet, this not only protects your paws from broken glass, various individuals from stepping on toes and of course from getting hurt. This is also a bar requirement and not something we can chose to ignore.
• Gear is admired, but not required to attend any and all of VAN-PAH’s events.
• Consent is not just mandatory, it is also sexy!

VAN-PAH Puppy-Tails Social

Friday, January 3rd, 8:00pm until late @ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver

VAN-PAH January Mosh

Join the pups and handlers of VAN-PAH for our regular monthly mosh!

Saturday, January 4th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm @ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver

Whether you are going to romp, socialize, or just explore, come on out and have some fun!
A mosh is an opportunity for pups and handlers to get together and socialize. You’ll find pups romping around, playing with toys, and having an all around blast while handlers socialize and play with the puppies.

*Always remember puppy gear is admired but never required! WAGS!

The Annual General Meeting of the Vancouver Pups and Handlers Society (BC:S0069557) will be held:

Sunday, January 19th 2020, 1:00PM

At Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC.

Please join us to review the status of the society, elect our new directors, ask questions of the board, and help us celebrate the recipients of the Puppy and Handler of the Year awards.

Our bylaws do not permit proxy or electronic voting. We will continue to process new and renewal memberships until the AGM. Your membership must be current in order to vote.

Candidate biographies are included in this notice. Our bylaws and constitution are available upon request. We hope to see all of you there!

Download candidate biographies here

View the current bylaws here