First Light

Canada is a country of pet lovers—over 77% of households in Canada have at least one furry or feathery friend. As the most popular pets, dogs and cats top the list (roughly 16 million in Canada), but birds, fish, frogs, rats, snakes, hamsters, guinea pigs, and turtles are common too. While pets are big business in Canada, worth about $7 billion annually, our relationship with animals is primarily for companionship. Pets enrich our lives, providing emotional support and boosting our empathy, self-confidence, and mental health. Pets can also support our physical health. Dogs have ample experience keeping us active: they've been human companions for 15,000 years. Cat owners will not be surprised to learn that felines can reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. https://firstlight.com/galleries/en/pets-in-canada

What's more Canadian than cottage season? We move mountains to create our perfect country retreat, whether a hidden cabin in the woods or an eco-lodge on one of Canada's many lakes or rivers. It's our secret oasis from the everyday. And then we do whatever it takes to head up to the cottage every weekend for some much needed R&R and, of course, cottage DIY. https://buff.ly/44Q1zFB

Image: Woman's Feet On Outdoors Rattan Furniture With Glass Of Iced Tea, 2324619 © Patrick La Roque / First Light