Category Archives: Uncategorized
Special Report on the Directors Election during the 2020 VAN-PAH Annual General Meeting
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Treasurer Tugger and VAN-PAH member Daddy Mark put forward their names to invigilate the elections process. This motion was unopposed and adopted.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Chair proposed a motion to accept the tallied results for the first six directors. The motion passed unopposed.
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The Chair ordered a recount of the ballots between Roxy and Zan.
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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.
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The Chair proposed a motion to have a second runoff ballot between Zan and Roxy to choose the seventh director. The motion passed unopposed.
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The second ballot was distributed by the Membership Coordinator, again marking off when members received their ballots.
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Six fewer votes were distributed in the second round of voting, for a total of 36 votes.
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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.
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The Chair proposed a motion to accept the results of the tallies be accepted as the seven new directors. The motion passed unopposed.
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The meeting was adjourned, and the Treasurer transferred all 78 ballots to Clever, acting as the Secretary.
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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
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Ballots were transferred from Clever to Mark for a recount to be performed. The transfer was documented to the officers through Telegram.
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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
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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.
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Ballots were transferred from Clever to Tugger for a recount to be performed.
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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
February 2020 Howl
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!
January 2020 Howl
VAN-PAH Puppy-Tails Social
Friday, January 3rd, 8:00pm until late @ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver
DJ starts around 10pm for those that want to dance. Spread the word and lets all have a fun time.
VAN-PAH January Mosh
Join the pups and handlers of VAN-PAH for our regular monthly 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.
*Always remember puppy gear is admired but never required! WAGS!
Walkies to Trampoline
Sunday, January 12th, 3:00pm – 4:30pm @
Extreme Air Park
109 Braid St Building E, New Westminster
January walkies will be at Extreme Air Park in New Westminster. A 6-minute walk from Braid station. Bring your hood and gear and come show off your coolest, fanciest puppy bounces!
VAN-PAH 2020 Annual General Meeting
Sunday, January 19th, 1:00pm @
Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver
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!
January Members Only Mosh
Tuesday, January 21st, 7:00 – 9:00pm @ Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver
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!
VAN-PAH Reminders
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Membership Reminder: It’s that time of year when the Second renewals of VAN-PAH memberships are coming up. Watch your inbox for a reminder email and check out the Membership Perks page to refresh your memory about all the cool stuff you get with VAN-PAH membership!
- 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 Shoe’s 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!
Notice of Annual General Meeting 2020
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!
December Howl
VAN-PAH General Announcement
Thank you for taking the time to read through this months Howl, it contains all the latest and relevant information.
Due to the holiday season during the month of December, VAN-PAH is reducing its events, but don’t despair. There is still plenty to do and we really wish to encourage some Member Driven events, as there is a great deal to be done in and around Vancouver this time of the year.
Provided in this Howl are a few places for our local PAH to check out. Assemble together and enjoy the festive Holiday Season.
Happy Holidays to all of VAN-PAH members, and we will see you at the Holiday Mosh and the New Year!
VAN-PAH Award Nominations
Some of these goals are to help your local community, and once again it is that time of year where we ask for Nominations for Handler of the Year and Puppy of the Year which is a community award for all of those good deeds throughout the year.
Whether it is witnessing a Puppy or Handler being at every Social, Mosh & Event or as little as being a helping Paw in introducing a new Puppy or Handler into the community. It can be for any valid reason.
Simply send your Nominations to vanpah@gmail.com with “VANPAH Nominations” as the subject.
You can nominate as many people as you would like, you just have to include a reason why.
Nominations must be submitted by no later than the 15th of December, anything submitted after this period will not be counted.
Any votes for the VAN-PAH board will also be discounted.
Happy voting and we look forward to announcing the winners.
VAN-PAH Puppy-Tails Social
Friday, December 6th, 8:00pm until late @ Pumpjack
DJ starts around 10pm for those that want to dance. Spread the word and lets all have a fun time.
VAN-PAH December Mosh
Join the Pups and Handlers of VAN-PAH for our Holiday Mosh!
What’s that off in the distance? Could it be the jingling of sleigh bells?
We will have lots of goodies and surprises for everyone, with an extra hour of fun! There will be a raffle of some holiday themed items, plus goodie bags.
Bring your holiday spirit and baking to our popular treat table – last year many of our community members brought cookies, bars, and other snacks to share. For homemade items, a small sign indicating the possible allergens is greatly appreciated so that everyone can enjoy.
For the first time, we will also be trying out a white elephant gift exchange. It’s fun and easy! If you want to participate, bring a wrapped $20 gift to the mosh and we will handle everything else!
We will also have a visit from Santa Claus and his amazing elf, who have volunteered to take photos with everyone, so wear your gear, grab your friends, and smile for the camera!
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!
Holiday Seasonal Events
Member Driven
Due to the holiday season and how busy it can be, we have retired any further events from VAN-PAH this month. You will find several Holiday events listed below that you can attend on your own or create a Member Driven event to get all your local friends and Pups and Handlers together. Here is but a small selection:
Vancouver Christmas Market @ Jack Poole Plaza, Nov 20th – Dec 24th
Festival of Lights @ VanDusen, Nov 30th – Dec 24th
Santa Claus Parade @ Vancouver Art Gallery, Dec 1st, 12pm
Christmas @ Canada Place, Dec 6th – Jan 1st 2020
Downtown Vancouver Christmas Lights Walk @ JJ Bean, 1188 alberni, Dec 7th 3-5pm
November Howl
VAN-PAH General Announcement
Thank you for taking the time to read through this months Howl, it contains all the latest and relevant information.
Thank you to those who took the time out to fill in the Christmas Survey Mosh, the info you have provided was very interesting.
It will also help shape the Christmas Mosh, so stay tuned for more Holiday information.
Another Survey will be released next week, this will be to help facilitate your voice to be heard at the upcoming AGM. The questions will be related to VANPAH and will be another opportunity to have your say, as your board we can only do so much. These surveys are your opportunity to anonymously give back feedback, just remember to be constructive, no short answers and think about what you want to say.
Walkies to the Ghost Train
October 28th @ 6.30 – 9pm @ Stanley Park Railway, 690 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC
AwoOOoooOOOOooo! *Rattles Leash*
In the dead of night, a rumble along the darkened track can be heard. You are unsure of the sound, as it gets louder.
The abandoned railway has been empty for years, why is there a train? You look down the track and look on in surprise as a Ghost Train full of Pups and Handlers comes rolling into the station much to the bemused look of the other passengers.
That’s right we’re heading to Stanley Park for the all so spooky Alice in Nightmare land.
Don’t forget to bring glowy/shiny things as there will be blacklights, spooky pictures and of course the main attraction a ride along the Ghost Train.
VAN-PAH Puppy-Tails Social
DJ starts around 10pm for those that want to dance. Spread the word and lets all have a fun time.
VAN-PAH November Mosh
Join the pups and Handlers of VAN-PAH for our regular monthly mosh!
Whether you are going to romp, socialize or just explore, come on out and have some fun!
*Always remember puppy gear is admired but never required! WAGS!
Walkies to Bowling
Friday, November 15th at 6:30 PM @ Rev’s Burnaby, 5502 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby
Looking for a way to get your paws on a bunch of balls? (Did someone say BALL?!?!?!)
November walkies will be at Rev’s Bowling in Burnaby on Friday November 15th. Puppies, handlers, friends, and fun! Rev’s is located within a few minutes’ walk of Holdom Skytrain station, and serves both food and alcohol.
Please RSVP to Scooby via Telegram (He is in the BC chat) or VANPAH email: vanpah@gmail.com (Please but VANPAH bowling in the subject) by Friday November 8th so we can be sure to have enough room for everyone and more importantly exact numbers for attendance. As Scooby will be handling the booking for the event.
**THIS IS IMPORTANT** As VANPAH will be paying for you to play, if you do not RSVP you will have to pay for your own game. This also means you will have to be a current/registered Member so you must present your Membership card upon arrival.
Masks and gear are encouraged! Come out and have some fun with us!
VAN-PAH Reminders
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Membership Reminder: It’s that time of year when the Second renewals of VAN-PAH memberships are coming up. Watch your inbox for a reminder email and check out the Membership Perks page to refresh your memory about all the cool stuff you get with VAN-PAH membership!
- 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 Mat’s please remember to wear Shoe’s 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!
October Howl 2019
October Events
We have a lot planned for you this month and in coming months. Don’t forget to checkout/subscribe to the calendar!
VAN-PAH General Announcement
Hey VAN-PAH,
Thank you for taking the time to read through this months Howl, it contains all the latest and relevant information.
SEPTEMBER PUPDATE
If you have not completed the Survey yet, there is still plenty of time to make it happen:
Northwest Puppy & Handler Contest Winners
Congratulations to our newest North West Title holders Sir J from Seattle and Pup Rufio from Portland. We wish you a year full of love and success for the beginning of your title year.
Walkies to the Night Market
September 28th @ 6.30 – 9pm 8351 River Rd, Richmond, BC
Awoo! Are you a hungry puppy? Do you like shopping for stuff? Join VAN-PAH as we go to the Richmond Night Market. Bring your gear and brave the crowds with us on Saturday September 28th at 6.30 pm. Richmond Night Market is easily accessible by car or a short walk from Bridgeport station, and has hundreds of food stalls, vendors, and other attractions.
Meet near the main entrance and we’ll go in as a group. Admission will be paid once everyone is assembled, (BRING CASH FOR VENDORS) Dress for the weather since this is an outdoor event. Food, shopping, and puppy shenanigans!
WALKIES PUPDATE
VANPAH will pay for your ticket into the Night Market, however you must be on time and arrive promptly at 6.30pm if you are late you may have to buy your own ticket.
VAN-PAH Puppy-Tails Social
Friday, October 4th, 8:00pm until late @ Pumpjack
Come on out for a social evening with everyone from our puppy and pet community. We’ll be meeting in the back area, that for our birthday weekend 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.
VAN-PAH September Mosh
Join the pups and Handlers of VAN-PAH for our regular monthly 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.
*Always remember puppy gear is admired but never required! WAGS!
Walkies to the Ghost Train
October 28th @ 6.30 – 9pm @ Stanley Park Railway, 690 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC
AwoOOoooOOOOooo! *Rattles Leash*
In the dead of night, a rumble along the darkened track can be heard. You are unsure of the sound, as it gets louder.
The abandoned railway has been empty for years, why is there a train? You look down the track and look on in surprise as a Ghost Train full of Pups and Handlers comes rolling into the station much to the bemused look of the other passengers.
That’s right we’re heading to Stanley Park for the all so spooky Alice in Nightmare land.
Don’t forget to bring glowy/shiny things as there will be blacklights, spooky pictures and of course the main attraction a ride along the Ghost Train.
VAN-PAH Reminders
-
Membership Reminder: It’s that time of year when the first renewals of VAN-PAH memberships are coming up. Watch your inbox for a reminder email and check out the Membership Perks page to refresh your memory about all the cool stuff you get with VAN-PAH membership!
- 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 Mat’s please remember to wear Shoe’s 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 VANP-PAH’s events.
- Consent is not just mandatory, it is also sexy!
September Howl 2019
VAN-PAH General Announcement
Wow! What a whirlwind of a Summer it has been. We have had so much fun, but it’s not quite over yet.
Normal VAN-PAH activities will resume, the Social, Mosh and walkies. We also have one final hurrah for the Summer as we’re heading back to the Richmond Night Market.
Thank you for the exciting Summer and all though the nights are drawing in and The Fall is almost upon us, there will be lots of entertainment and exciting events to keep your tails wagging.
VAN-PAH Puppy-Tails Social
Friday, September 6th, 8:00pm until late @ Pumpjack
Come on out for a social evening with everyone from our puppy and pet community. We’ll be meeting in the back area, that for our birthday weekend 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.
VAN-PAH September Mosh
Join the pups and Handlers of VAN-PAH for our regular monthly 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.
*Always remember puppy gear is admired but never required! WAGS!
September Members Only Mosh
Join us for our Members Only Mosh!
Tuesday, September 10th, 7:00-9:00pm @ PumpJack, 1167 Davie St, Vancouver
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!
Northwest Puppy & Handler Contest
September 13-15th 2019 in Seattle, Washington (Venue TBA)
Join the pups and Handlers of the Northwest to celebrate a successful year for Pup Koda and Handler Werel and find out who will be the next Northwest Puppy & Handler.
More information including schedule, applications, bios, and more can be found at http://nwpuppy.squarespace.com/
Walkies to the Night Market
September 28th @ 6.30 – 9pm 8351 River Rd, Richmond, BC
Awoo! Are you a hungry puppy? Do you like shopping for stuff? Join VAN-PAH as we go to the Richmond Night Market. Bring your gear and brave the crowds with us on Friday September 28th at 6.30 pm. Richmond Night Market is easily accessible by car or a short walk from Bridgeport station, and has hundreds of food stalls, vendors, and other attractions.
Meet near the main entrance and we’ll go in as a group. Admission will be paid once everyone is assembled, (BRING CASH) Dress for the weather since this is an outdoor event. Food, shopping, and puppy shenanigans!
VAN-PAH Reminders
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Membership Reminder: It’s that time of year when the first renewals of VAN-PAH memberships are coming up. Watch your inbox for a reminder email and check out the Membership Perks page to refresh your memory about all the cool stuff you get with VAN-PAH membership!
- 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 Mat’s please remember to wear Shoe’s 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 VANP-PAH’s events.
- Consent is not just mandatory, it is also sexy!
August Howl 2019
VAN-PAH Pride March
Thank you for attending the PRIDE March and the all so amazing Fireworks, we had a blast and hope you did too. We are only as good as our members and every one of you was so well behaved for PRIDE weekend. That we’re giving you all free belly rubs and scritches, all because you have been Good Puppies & Handlers. Yes you have!
To find your way to The Oasis, it’s as simple as riding Transit Bus 14 out to UBC, from Vancouver City Centre. A short 15-20 Minute walk to Trail 7, going down the trail (stairs) turn right, and finish off with a small 10 minute walk along to The Oasis.
Pup Vogue will be there for an early setup, so if you are struggling to find the location contact Vogue through Telegram and they will be able to give you at location help.
Don’t forget to bring Food, Snacks, Drinks and Sun Screen as it’s going to be a long day.
It’s with great pleasure that we get to announce that we have 20 free tickets to attend two screenings across two wonderful evenings at the International Village, Cineplex.
This is a Member Driven event from Pack Puppy & his husband Jim and open to all to attend.The Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF) is a vibrant space for queer arts, culture, and community. It showcases dynamic and thought-provoking films from British Columbian filmmakers as well as other Canadian and international directors and storytellers.
As Western Canada’s largest queer arts event, the Festival curates films which contextualize and celebrate queer lives and experiences and prioritize foregrounding diverse identities in our communities, including narratives from trans people, queer people of colour, and Indigenous people.
“The theme this year is See for yourself. It is an invitation, an enticement, a provocation, and a flirtation to give yourself over to the beauty and complexity of queer film.
We hope you can attend and enjoy Have We Met Before & Mr Leather.
Contact Pack Puppy Telegram @PackPuppy if you are interested in attending.
VQFF, August 20th 9.30pm @ International Village, W Pender St. V6B 6N9
Longing, loneliness, serendipity, missed connections and parallel lives are the themes explored throughout this charming short film program. Have We Met Before? documents the history of queer men’s hook-up culture, from bathrooms, cruising and the hanky code to internet chat rooms and dating apps. Spectrum follows a diverse cast of characters through a single night in Manchester’s gay village; for some it’s their first night out of the closet and in the village, for others it’s a familiar haunt with old friends. Finally, In The Dark is a peek into the sexy basement of a Berlin cruise bar, where lovers find their desires piqued and their curiosities stimulated.
Have We Met Before? | Oliver Mason | United Kingdom | 2019 | 12 min | English
Spectrum | Abigail Henry, Christopher Bowles, Kieron Moore | United Kingdom | 2018 | 37 min | English
In The Dark | Rory Midhani | Germany | 2018 | 5 min | No dialogue
Total runtime: 54 min
VQFF, August 21st 9.30pm @ International Village, W Pender St. V6B 6N9
In 2018, the second edition of the Mr. Leather Brazil competition is underway. The title is being fought over by Dom PC, Kake, Deh Leather, and Maoriguy. The winner will receive the ribbon from the hands of Dom Barbudo, the first Mr. Leather in the country, and has the task to promote the culture of leather during the next year. The contest stirs the passions of the gay fetish community of São Paulo.
This artful and intimate documentary tells the history of the Brazilian Mr. Leather competition, a thrilling opportunity for the emerging leather and kink community in the city of São Paulo. Featuring a sardonic but loving narrator who takes great pleasure in the drama of recounting the love and resentments within the community, this sexy documentary takes a mischievous, intimate view into leather culture, probing personal histories, gender politics, and queer visibility in the increasingly politically conservative Brazilian nation. The film also never lets the interviewees get away with contradictions when it comes to issues of gender and inclusion, offering a more radical approach to how a leather community can work. The stylized, artistic approach to documentary makes Mr. Leather a unique, sincere journey into a culture that is often misunderstood and misrepresented.
Mr. Leather | Daniel Nolasco | Brazil |2019 | 85 min | Portuguese with English Subtitles.
Vancouver Pride 2019
Welcome to Vancouver Pride 2019!
The biggest walkies of the year is almost upon us, with less than two weeks to go until the big day. We are so happy to be marching and sharing our pride together with you.
Below you will find important information and rules, we ask that you please spare but a few minutes to read the website. The following information and rules are not just for your safety but also the safety of those around you, we can’t be in all aspects of the Parade and need your Handler & Puppy eyes to look out for each other.
This year we are introducing a Trailer for the Parade and it requires a little extra work, to make sure that no one is hurt.
Please take the time to read this information.
Your VANPAH Board.
Walkies: Fireworks
Want to come see the loud sky shineys? Let’s go for walkies.
Saturday August 3rd be @ Pumpjack by 8.00pm
As an additional bonus, the Davie Street party has returned and there will be many Pups running around, sniffing at strangers and barking at all the wonderful visitors.
So plan ahead, enjoy the street party but remember to be at Pumpjack for no later than 8pm.
The Important Stuff
Parade Info
- This year our entry number is BS1.
- Our staging area is on the East side of Robson Street between Thurlow and Burrard. (Enter West onto Robson St. from Burrard street)
- Marchers must arrive by 11.30 am.
- The route proceeds down Robson to Denman to Beach and ends at Sunset beach.
The Rules
- All participants are subject to all municipal, provincial and federal laws and/or bylaws. Alcohol and Drugs are strictly prohibited.
- No throwing things into the crowd. We aren’t handing anything out but it’s still important to state.
- No confetti. Again, this shouldn’t be an issue but remembering to pack everything out that you pack in is important.
- Keep moving. Parade entries must keep moving forward to prevent gaps in the parade. The folks holding the VAN-PAH banner will keep a good distance from the entry in front of us so just hang out having fun behind the banner and you’ll be all set.
- If parade staff ask you to do something etc please listen and be polite.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY. Have fun!
Vehicle & Trailer Rules
New for VANPAH this year we have a Vehicle and Trailer, this requires additional safety information. As a group we also need Guard Dogs to be present at all 6 wheels of the Vehicle & Trailer.
If you leave any belongings in the Trailer while on the Parade, you must remember to retrieve your items before the end of the Parade. This can only be done safely while the Vehicle is no longer in motion, the Vehicle & Trailer will be departing at the end of the Parade and anything left behind is not the responsibility of VANPAH.
Signup for Riding the Trailer is first come first serve, as there are limited spaces. Due to limited spaces, those who are unable to walk the parade WILL get first call to ride the Trailer. VANPAH does reserve the right to ask any Handler or Pups to dismount from the Trailer in favor of another who can not walk the route on the day.
Guard Dog Duty is an important role and the more volunteers we have the easier it will be to rotate between Handlers or Pups so we can all enjoy the parade.
SIGNUP FOR RIDING THE TRAILER & Guard Dog Duty!
Signup for the Trailer must be completed by Friday August, 2nd, 2019.
Due to limited space on the Trailer, we can not allow all signups on the Trailer and VANPAH will make the final decision on the day.
- No Boarding or Unboarding of the Vehicle or Trailer, while it is moving.
- Do not climb or move in front of the Vehicle while its in motion.
- Please stay seated at all times while riding the Trailer, this is for your safety should the Vehicle need to break sharply.
- If on Guard Dog Duty, you must stay near the wheels while its in motion.
- Volunteers maybe drafted while on route for Guard Dog Duty.
- Please take directions from Parade Staff & the VANPAH Board members.
Things to Consider
- Plan on carrying whatever you bring with you.
- It’s going to be hot. Bring water (CamelBaks etc are useful). VAN-PAH will have some water as well but bringing water is a good idea when being really active.
- Make sure you have sunscreen. Again, it’s usually hot and sunny on the parade route.
- We try and gather at the end for a group photo so keep an eye out.
