Changes to Bylaws: Request for Feedback

Due to COVID-19, the Board is anticipating that VAN-PAH’s 2021 AGM will be conducted virtually. To ensure there are no issues with this, VAN-PAH’s bylaws will need to be updated.

The current wording in the bylaws does not allow for voting to be conducted in advance to a general meeting. The bylaws are also unclear as to whether online or electronic voting could be used for the election of directors or passing of resolutions. To change this, the Board is suggesting 2 alterations to the wording of the bylaws. These changes will require approval at an EGM held via Zoom, which we hope to hold on December 10.

Please review the changes below, and then follow this link or click the button below if you have any feedback. The feedback form will be open until November 25. 

2021 Board of Directors Nominations

The current VAN-PAH Directors were appointed during 2020 and as such, their term will shortly be coming to an end.

New members are needed to step up to be on the board and help represent the membership while handling the day to day operations of VAN-PAH.

If you would like to be considered to be a Director of VAN-PAH, please send an email to vanpah@gmail.com by the end of day December 15, 2020. Please include your full legal name, why you would like to be a Director, and what skills you can bring to the organization.

All candidates will be vetted by the 2021 Nominations Committee before being presented to the membership prior to the AGM.

Please be aware that all potential nominee’s names will be communicated to the VAN-PAH membership as part of the election process leading up to the AGM in early 2021.

Nominations Committee

We are looking for VAN-PAH members to come join the Nominations Committee for the 2021 AGM.

This committee is responsible for reviewing submissions by members who want to become a Director of VAN-PAH. This committee will make recommendations to the current Directors prior to the 2021 AGM elections.

If you would like to contribute to this important function of our member-funded society, please email vanpah@gmail.com and let us know why you want to join the committee and please highlight what skills you can bring to the team. We encourage anyone interested to email as soon as possible.

VAN-PAH Social

November 28, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

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.

Topic: VAN-PAH’s Virtual Social
Time: Nov 28, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82074946518?pwd=emg4c2wycjBCOWU0SklLRWUyNDFqUT09

Meeting ID: 820 7494 6518
Passcode: VAN-PAH

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

VAN-PAH Puppy and Handler of the Year Nominations

This year has been particularly challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Even though we have not been able to gather in person since March, we have had many opportunities to gather in the virtual world.

It is that time of year where we ask you the membership for your Nominations for Handler of the Year and Puppy of the Year.  We understand the difficulties that this year has provided us, and all though we have indeed found it challenging, there are stories and events to be told that we, the Directors, are unaware of.  If you feel that a VAN-PAH member has gone above and beyond safely, now is your opportunity to help bring this member forward.

To nominate someone:

1. Send your nomination(s) to vanpah@gmail.com with “VAN-PAH Nominations” as the subject.
2. You can nominate as many people as you would like, you just have to include a reason why.
3. Nominations must be submitted by no later than the 15th of December, anything submitted after this period will not be counted.

Please note that the current Directors of VAN-PAH are not eligible for nomination for either of the awards.

Happy nominating and we look forward to announcing the winners at the 2021 AGM!

November Directors’ Meeting

November 26, 7:00 PM

For any members interested in attending, our monthly Directors’ Meeting will be held Thursday, November 26 at 7:00 PM.

The meeting will include an open forum for members to voice their opinions, comments, questions, or suggestions about the current state of VAN-PAH.

Topic: VAN-PAH Monthly Directors’ Meeting
Time: Nov 26, 2020 07:00 PM Vancouver

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87398562078?pwd=VTZEYXZoYkl5Qm5LVjArUzB1MTNPUT09

Meeting ID: 873 9856 2078
Passcode: DM1126

Thank You, Apollo

We are sad to announce that Pup Apollo has chosen to resign as a Director. On behalf of the Board and members of VAN-PAH, thank you for all the hard work, Apollo, and best wishes going forward!

Nominations Committee

We are looking for VAN-PAH members to come join the Nominating Committee for the 2021 AGM.

This committee is responsible for reviewing submissions by members who want to become a Director of VAN-PAH. This committee will make recommendations to the current Directors prior to the 2021 AGM elections.

If you would like to contribute to his important function of our member-funded society, please email vanpah@gmail.com and let us know why you want to join the committee and please highlight what skills you can bring to the team. We encourage anyone interested to email as soon as possible.

VAN-PAH Virtual Mosh

October 3, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Our monthly mosh returns! 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/89990428326?pwd=VC9ocEV2UlI4bmJURUZWUzQ4K3lmZz09
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.

Halloween Social

October 31, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Celebrate Halloween with VAN-PAH! Come on out for a spooky social evening online with everyone from our puppy and pet community. Wear your leather, rubber, fuzzy, scary, slimy, spider-webby, 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/81534480354?pwd=N2xLdjRMQ1hPODh5S3lpWmFvQklLdz09
Password: VAN-PAH

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

October Director’s Meeting

October 22, 7:00 PM

For any members interested in attending, our monthly Director’s meeting will be held Thursday, October 22 at 7:00 PM.

The meeting will include an open forum for members to voice their opinions, comments, questions, or suggestions about the current state of VAN-PAH.

Topic: VAN-PAH Monthly Directors’ Meeting
Time: Oct 22, 2020 07:00 PM Vancouver

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86294393636?pwd=ZWx0b3BMMVB3Q25ybzJ6eGkyczRDZz09

Meeting ID: 862 9439 3636
Passcode: DM1022

Privacy Policy

We now have a privacy policy!

The Board has recently adopted a new privacy policy which codifies how we use and protect the personal information you provide to VAN-PAH. The policy can be viewed here, and we encourage all members to read it. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.

Nominations Committee

We are looking for VAN-PAH members to come join the Nominating Committee for the 2021 AGM.

This committee is responsible for reviewing submissions by members who want to become a Director of VAN-PAH. This committee will make recommendations to the current Directors prior to the 2021 AGM elections.

If you would like to contribute to his important function of our member-funded society, please email vanpah@gmail.com and let us know why you want to join the committee and please highlight what skills you can bring to the team. We encourage anyone interested to email as soon as possible.

PackPuppy Turns Three!

September 2nd, 7:00 PM

Come and celebrate PackPuppy’s 3rd pup birthday! He has created a VR mosh pit for all Puppies, Canines, Kitties, Felines, Handlers, et al. throughout the community to come play in!

If you have access to a PC with moderate game graphic capabilities and would like to join:

• Log in to vrchat.com with your VR Chat account
• Friend “PackPuppy” by searching him in the upper search bar
• Log in to the actual game by using your VR Chat account (NOT Steam or Oculus accounts)
• Send a request to join PackPuppy

No VR equipment is actually required (although Windows SteamVR compatible gear is nice to have)! There shall be virtual hugs!

September Director’s Meeting

For any members interested in attending, our monthly Director’s meeting will be held Thursday, September 24 at 7:00 PM.

The meeting will include an open forum for members to voice their opinions, comments, questions, or suggestions about the current state of VAN-PAH.

Topic: VAN-PAH Monthly Directors’ Meeting
Time: Sep 24, 2020 07:00 PM Vancouver

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5770060351?pwd=S2k3QUlMeERrajFsNTVzaVluTmcrdz09

Meeting ID: 577 006 0351
Passcode: DM924

Mosh and Social on Hiatus

Our monthly mosh and social are on hiatus for the time being. Stay tuned for news on future events.

Privacy Policy

We now have a privacy policy!

The Board has recently adopted a new privacy policy which codifies how we use and protect the personal information you provide to VAN-PAH. The policy can be viewed here, and we encourage all members to read it. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.

Hello all,

Vancouver Coastal Health has put out a general advisory that the PumpJack has had a COVID-19 exposure event this past BC Day long weekend.

If you were at PumpJack Pub between the hours of 12:00 AM July 31 to 2:00 AM August 1, Vancouver Coastal Health is advising that you monitor your health for the next 14 days.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you are encouraged to call 8-1-1 to speak to heath officials.

Vancouver Pride 2020

Pride Parade: Aug 2, 1:00 PM (other events all weekend)

“Pride is more than a parade or a festival–it is a feeling, not a physical space–which is why Pride can not be canceled, only re-imagined.”
-VPS, 2020.

Vancouver Pride Week is online this year, and the full lineup of events and shows is already in full swing (you can check out the schedule here).

VAN-PAH is still proud to be taking part in Vancouver Pride no matter the shape or form, and we will be participating in the Virtual Pride Parade on Sunday, Aug. 2! The event starts at 1:00 PM and is being streamed on Facebook, Twitch, and Youtube.

You can watch the parade and all the other events here!

NWPAH Presents: Paw & Pounce Weekend: In The Aether

August 28th to August 30th

 Join Pets, Handlers and Allies from around the Pacific Northwest as we gather together for three days of Panels, Roundtables, Games and Events! The excitement runs August 28th through 30th so keep your eyes and ears open for more information.

More details to come at: https://www.nwpah.org/ppw-schedule

No mosh this month 😦 

As is normal for August, there won’t be a social or mosh this month. See you in September!

Member-Driven Events

Organizing an event you’d like puppies to know about? Let us know! With most gatherings this summer canceled, we want to promote member-driven events to take the boredom out of this pandemic.

Email us at vanpah@gmail.com to tell us what you’re doing

VAN-PAH Discord

 VAN-PAH now has an official Discord server! There was a bit of a mixup with the link sent out last month. Here’s a link that (hopefully) won’t expire: https://discord.gg/jS85b7X

VAN-PAH’s Virtual Birthday Weekend!

6pm – Food – Spaghetti Bolognese
7pm – Movie – Bolt Run time 1 hour 37 minutes
10pm – Short Bedtime Story with Sir J.
(Titled: Street Dog by Shawn Kobb)

8th VAN-PAH Birthday

For those not in the know, VAN-PAH first started 8 years ago on the 12th of July 2012, the process that led to the founding of our PAH community here in Vancouver.

It all started over an Italian meal, a movie, and then home.

To celebrate this year we’ll be doing the same thing (albeit virtually). First, we’ll cook dinner together: Spaghetti Bolognese. The recipe we’ll be following is below.

The Movie that helped start it all was the Disney movie Bolt. This seems a fitting choice for our PAH on this very special weekend, as we repeat the original beginnings by our founding Puppies & Handlers.

Finally, Sir J will read a bedtime story to end the night.

Due to COVID-19, we are unable to spend it together, so having a very special movie night on our sofas is a very fitting way in which to come together as a family and enjoy the evening the best way we can.

Dinner, Movie, and a Bedtime story.

VAN-PAH is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: VAN-PAH’s 8th Birthday Event

Time: Jul 11, 2020 06:00 PM Vancouver

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87473786463?pwd=RSt3UWJvd1g1QUJvd0lXc1luemNWdz09

Meeting ID: 874 7378 6463

Password: VAN-PAH

VAN-PAH Virtual Birthday Social

VAN-PAH Virtual Birthday Mosh

Vancouver Virtual Pride

Paw and Pounce

Member-Driven Events

Organizing an event you’d like puppies to know about? Let us know! With most gatherings this summer canceled, we want to promote member-driven events to take the boredom out of this pandemic.

Email us at vanpah@gmail.com to tell us what you’re doing.

VAN-PAH Discord

VAN-PAH now has an official Discord server!

Join other members to hang out and chat at: https://discord.gg/jS85b7X

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

1. Boil 1 ½ litres of Slightly Salted Water
2. When coming to a rolling boil, place Spaghetti in water and cook for 5-6 minutes until desired tenderness.
3. In a large saucepan, brown beef, mushroom, onions and garlic over medium heat, then drain off excess fat.
4. Add celery, spices and a can of chopped tomatoes. Bring sauce to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 mins.
5. Serve over hot spaghetti and Enjoy!

1. Boil 1 ½ litres of Slightly Salted Water
2. When coming to a rolling boil, place Spaghetti in water and cook for 5-6 minutes until desired tenderness.
3. In a large saucepan, saute carrots celery, onions, and garlic over medium heat until slightly translucent
4. Add Mushroom, Bell peppers, can of chopped tomatoes and spices. Bring sauce to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15mins.
5. Serve over hot spaghetti and Enjoy!

You’re invited to PAH Pride 2020!

To our Members,

We are writing this message on behalf of the assembled PAH boards from the Northwest region. In no particular order:

NW-PAH – Northwest Pups and Handlers
SEA-PAH – Seattle Pups and Handlers
PDX PAH – Portland Pets and Handlers
IN-PAH – Inland Northwest Pups and Handlers
SOR-PAH – Southern Oregon Region Pups and Handlers
VAN-PAH – Vancouver Pups and Handlers
MVR-PAH – Mid-Willamette Valley Pups and Handlers

As a united group across ALL borders, we are aware of the shift in social activities due to COVID-19. Most if not all Pride events have been cancelled due to the global pandemic.

Although we understand the necessary action and precautions taken, we as a region still want to give back to the larger community and celebrate Pride any way we can.

As a result, we have come together to present PAH Pride 2020!

We are organizing 3 educational classes (with guest speakers), a Virtual Mosh, social hour, and live DJs in collaboration with FetchNW to take us into the evening. All of this will be free of charge and accessible via Zoom!

Join the Telegram group below to stay up-to-date with announcements, ask questions, and more!

https://t.me/PAHPride

Don’t forget to save the date, Saturday June 27th, 12 PM to 12 AM PDT for a full day of PAH Pride!

Yours in Service,
PAHs of the Northwest Region

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.

Joint us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83111635665?pwd=NHphNTdUUXEyRWR3eG8rVGF0YkU4dz09

Meeting ID: 831 1163 5665

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

Meeting ID: 837 1207 4419

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!