There is no denying it; we are a pet-owning nation! A recent poll by Ipsos stated that 35 per cent of Canadian households have a dog and another 38 per cent have a cat. I suspect the statistics here in Brandon are similar, so we are fortunate to have plenty of pet-friendly options when it comes to rental property in the city. If you are thinking of renting an apartment or purchasing a condominium, homeowners and renters should research the rules and regulations set out by the landlord, property owner or manager regarding pets, emotional support and service animals before signing a purchase or rental agreement. The Human Right Commission of Manitoba states that a service animal is an animal that is specifically trained to perform work or tasks directly related to a person’s physical or mental disability.  When determining if an animal is a service animal, landlords may ask for proof that the animal has had the training to support the disability. Those who own a service animal may have a certificate that will have the animals name on it, the type of training that was completed, as well as the organization that provided the training. Service animals have been specifically trained and have a serious job to do and therefore they are treated differently than a pet. Animals that provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support, but are not trained to assist with a person’s disability, are not service animals. They are considered a pet. If your four-legged, furry friend does not qualify as a service animal, there is good news. There are literally hundreds of pet-friendly apartments in Brandon and most allow cats or small dogs, plus other animals as well. All you have to do is meet the criteria for the pets as set by the property management company. If your animal meets the criteria, most properties ask for a pet deposit (normally an extra half month of rent to a maximum of a full month of rent) and you can live happily ever after with your fur baby. Keep in mind that some property management companies, as well as some of the condominium complexes within the city, do have restrictions on the size of the dogs. This is usually done to protect other tenants (those who do not own a pet) who may be frightened by large dogs when using the common areas of the complex.  The weight and size of dogs (mostly in terms of their claws) are often a factor to consider when it comes to wear and tear on the flooring. As laminate and vinyl plank flooring is so popular in a lot of new construction, property owners want to protect their investment from deep scratches of large dogs. If you are a pet owner like myself, it is important to be respectful, courteous and conscientious of the wear and tear and cleanliness of the property when it comes to care and maintenance of your pets. And, for goodness sake, always, always clean up after them!

The 2nd annual MADD Brandon & Area Strides For Change Colour Run will be held at the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre on Saturday, June 1. The cost is only $30 which includes the run, a t-shirt, and 1 dye packet. Children under 12 years old are free and additional packets and t-shirts (including children's) are also available for purchase. Other activities planned for the evening include kids activities, a BBQ and a yoga warm-up. Live music will be provided by Along for the Ride. For additional information, or to register, please visit their Facebook event page.

Occasionally we here at bdnmb.ca reference "Bearded Trevor" on some of our Facebook posts, as he has been known to lend us a hand or two when required. Quite often we are then asked "who is Bearded Trevor?".  Therefore, today we wanted to take the time to introduce you to Trevor Jahns.  Trevor is employed as a Business Development Representative at Westman Communications Group. He lives in Rivers with his lovely wife Jemma. Trevor was also the awesome host of the first ever Food Truck Warz video. First job: Shop helper at Redfern’s Farm Services in Rivers. Axe throwing or escape room: I haven’t been to either, but I would have to say escape room since I would rather do something where I have to think instead of physically doing something. Who was your childhood celebrity crush: Elisha Cuthbert What’s something you don’t know, but want to learn: I would like to learn how to DJ. Like actual DJing where you mix and scratch and not the new kind of DJing where you press a button on a laptop and fist pump to The Chainsmokers. What could you give a 30-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation: The Frustration and Heartbreak of Being a Die Hard Minnesota Vikings Fan. What’s your go-to meal when cooking: My only cooking skill is BBQing, so it would have to be something on the BBQ. Either burgers, ribs or steak. You've got friends visiting Brandon for the first time, where are you taking them: Load them into a vehicle and drive 20 minutes north to Tempo Place Emporium in Rivers for some wings. Which of the following TV shows do you believe you have the best odds of winning: Survivor, Big Brother, The Voice, Guys Grocery Games, American Ninja Warrior, Project Runway, or Alone:  None of them, but I guess I had to pick one, it would be Big Brother because there is some sitting on the couch in a house just playing mind games with people. I would take that over any of those other ones. If you had a personal flag, what would be on it: Wow that’s a tough one. I would probably say it would be a Viking standing in a wrestling ring. The Viking would be wearing Jordan Retro 3 Cements. Then on the side of the ring would be the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy Batman Logo. That’s probably too specific, but oh well that’s my flag. Three apps you cannot live without: Twitter, Apple Music and eBrandon. A film you’d watch again tonight: There are a few, but the main one that I can watch again and again and not get tired of is the Social Network You are a big wrestling fan. Name a coworker at Westman who would make the most convincing pro wrestler: It’s tough to say if anyone here has all the skills to be a good pro wrestler, but I think I would have to say Scott. Brandon's best lunch buffet: Shawarma Queen A place you’ve never been that you would like to visit: My honeymoon was supposed to be in New York City and we never got there, so it would have to there. How excited were you when you found you that DQ was opening a Grill & Chill in Brandon: On a scale of 1-10, it would have to be 11. What movie title best describes your life: Life is Beautiful What fictional place would you most like to go: Wakanda Your dream golfing foursome includes yourself and these three people: The Rock, Justin Timberlake and my Dad, because the thought of him golfing makes me laugh. Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to: It usually depends on my mood, but an album that I can throw on and listen to anytime and enjoy is My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West You have the opportunity to interview Brandon mayor Rick Crest, what is the first question you would ask him: I know this guy Darryl who keeps saying how much he wants a Costco in Brandon, so on behalf of him, is there something you can do to bring a Costco to Brandon?

The 53rd annual Brandon Home and Leisure Show returns to Brandon this weekend at the Keystone Centre. The event is the perfect opportunity to get some great advice, design ideas and view the wide array of products/services from the nearly 200 exhibitors expected to be on-hand. These exhibitors will be showcasing the many services they offer from home building, contracting, home furnishings, design, kitchen & bath, outdoor leisure products, renovations, landscaping, equipment rentals and more! Various food vendors will be onsite offering meals, snacks and other refreshments. The 2019 show is certain to offer a wonderful experience for its many thousands of visitors. General admission is $10 per person, $8 for seniors, and children under 12 are free (when accompanied by an adult). Show Hours  April 5 - 7, 2019: Friday – 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm Saturday - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Sunday – 12 Noon to 5:00 pm Brandon Home & Leisure Web Site

A one day only pop up Bridal Sale (Opportunity Bridal) selling only new wedding dresses and accessories (veils, belts, sashes, tiaras etc) for the bride is scheduled to take place at the Victoria Inn on Sunday, April 28. Hundreds of wedding dresses, from some of the best international designers, will be on sale with prices ranging from $199-$999. Dresses (500+) are stocked in a wide array of sizes (from 2-28) and will be available on a first come, first served basis. The sale travels with change rooms and lots of mirrors. The Brandon sale runs from 9am - 4pm with last admittance at 2:30pm. A link to the Facebook event page can be found here.