Tess Van Straaten

CHEK Media

Pet CHEK: Do you know how to trim your cat's nails? We do a demo with the adorable Appliance Litter kittens

By: Tess Van Straaten

The five-week-old ‘Appliance Litter' kittens are among dozens of felines in care with the Victoria Humane Society as kitten season hits with a vengeance.

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‘He doesn't give up': Young Victoria BMX racer who had life-saving surgery at BC Children's Hospital top Race for Life fundraiser in the province

By: Tess Van Straaten

BMX racer Alex ‘The Hurricane' Hutton spends a lot of time at the track “I've trained a lot and I've gotten up in ranking quite a bit,” says 12-year-old says.

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‘I love the purpose': Victoria Grandmothers for Africa gear up for 20th Anniversary Cycle Tour

By: Tess Van Straaten

Vital People is brought to you in partnership with the Victoria Foundation.

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Pet CHEK: Bonded pair Mike & Molly were rescued after living beside a Prairie highway for more than a year

By: Tess Van Straaten

Six-year-old Mastiff Mike and three-year-old Molly are a sweet bonded pair that survived together along a Saskatchewan highway for more than a year before they were rescued by the Victoria Humane Society.

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‘We build our confidence': Stroke survivors make a splash with Canada's first para dragon boat team

By: Tess Van Straaten

Paddling along the Gorge Waterway in Saanich, a new dragon boat team for stroke survivors is all about inclusion.

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Pet CHEK: Meow! Playful kittens from Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders and a bonus adoptable from ElderDog

By: Tess Van Straaten

It's kitten cuteness and some basket juggling for Tess van Straaten with the rambunctious 14-week-old ‘Pitt' TV Show Litter for adoption from

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On your mark, get set, fundraise! Mustard Seed marathon runner has a very personal reason for giving back

By: Tess Van Straaten

Trevor Premack helps to manage the Mustard Seed's Food Security Distribution Centre

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Pet CHEK: Celebrating our 7th anniversary and the pawsitively awesome milestone of finding homes for close to 1,000 rescue animals

By: Tess Van Straaten

It's Pet CHEK's 7th anniversary and we're having a puppy party with seven little sausages up for adoption from the Victoria Humane Society.

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Pet CHEK: Senior dog Cricket and the growing travel issues pugs are facing

By: Tess Van Straaten

Cricket is a 10-year-old pug that was an owner surrender. She's now up for adoption from the Victoria Humane Society and this little cutie is great

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Pet CHEK: Sweet two-year-old Rocky will need time to feel safe

By: Tess Van Straaten

Little Rocky didn't come from a great situation and he's a bit of a scared cat but he's a very sweet boy who will make a wonderful addition to a patient home.