Radon Environmental launched The Bark Side of Radon this summer. It’s a radon awareness campaign with a twist: promoting radon testing through pet wellness. It started in a Simon Fraser University health sciences class led by
Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol. Students were assigned to come up with a health promotion marketing idea around radon. One of the ideas stood out, and Radon Environmental brought the student on board to help develop it. Here we are today with a full-blown awareness movement building momentum.
The Holmes Family wanted to support
the campaign as they have furry loved ones of their own. Mike Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes produced videos that you can find on the Bark Side website at barksideofradon.com.
The Bark Side team recognizes the need for trusted campaign ambassadors to carry the message in their communities
to prevent radon-induced cancers for every member of the family. Janet Whitehead, a long-time passionate
voice for radon testing through the
Janet’s Story videos, was invited to be
a Bark Ambassador. Today we talk with Janet about her motivation behind
joining the Bark Side campaign.
Alana McFarlane: Thank you for talking with us today, Janet.
Janet Whitehead: My pleasure.
A: Alan (Alan Whitehead, Janet’s husband and president of Radon Environmental) told us you welcomed a new family member a few years ago. Could you tell us about him?
J: His name is Hudson and he is a Havanese. He is four years old now.
A: I’ve heard Havanese are sometimes called the “Velcro dog” because they stick so closely to their owner’s side.
J: They do. They are very loyal and super friendly. He hasn’t met a human he doesn’t like, and he loves kids.
A: When we filmed the first Janet’s Story video back in 2016, I remember another furry friend on set.
J: Yes, that was Harvey. He also was a Havanese – a wonderful dog. Notas social as Hudson but a great companion. Sadly, he died from stomach cancer just over four years ago.
A: I’m sorry to hear that. It must have been difficult for you.
J: It was. He was a very sweet dog.
A: In Janet’s Story, we talked about the Ontario residence where you raised your family that tested high for radon. Did Harvey live with you there?
J: No, Harvey only lived with us in Vancouver.
A: What other pets have you had?
J: Over the years we have had three Old English Sheepdogs (Ozzie, Sophie and Pendle) – not all at the same time, I hasten to add! – an English Setter (Guinness), a Springer Spaniel (another Sophie), and a black cat (Morris),who we inherited from our son!
A: It sounds like Morris was fortunate to find a second home of animal lovers. We really love our pets like family. That was the inspiration behind The Bark Side of Radon. Why wouldn’t we want to protect their health too.
J: They are furry children to a lot of people. Owners should only want the best for their pets. We live in the city again now, and the number of young people who have dogs is amazing.They take them everywhere with them. They really are their children.
A: It makes me hopeful to learn that researchers today are investigating the link between radon exposure andcancer in domestic animals – even if the work is at a very early stage.
J: I would really like to see the veterinary profession consider the link between cancer in pets and exposure to radon gas in the home. We are seeing an increase in lung cancer in women who have never smoked; it stands to reason if adults and children are exposed and at risk that their pets are equally at risk. Testing is the only way to know your home is safe.
A: Such an important message, Janet. And I think you speak with a certain amount of authority on this subject.
J: As a radon-induced lung cancer survivor, this is personal.
A: Do you think Hudson has canine dreams of being internet-famous one day?
J: Well, he certainly loves the camera and is always ready to pose.
A: I can see that in his Bark Gallery photo. You know what I’m going to ask next, right?
J: Yes…
A: We’d love to see you in a video with him!
J: I am sure he would consider that.
A: That’s great, keep us posted on what he decides. In the meantime, thank you for talking with us today, Janet. And thank you for carrying the message as a Bark Ambassador.
J: It’s my pleasure and honour to be a Bark Ambassador!
Readers, send your pet photos to [email protected] and tell us why you’re testing for radon this fall. We’ll feature your pet in theBark Gallery.
Watch the videos:
Mike Holmes Jr. and his dog Caicos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2w_WZkoYcE&feature=youtu.be
Sherry Holmes and her cat Loki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg4mLmG6-8s&feature=youtu.be
Visit the website:
barksideofradon.com
Share on social media:
@barksideofradon @radoncorp #barkradon
Janet Joins The Bark Side
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