Nicknamed Chuckie by the staff, the dog was apparently found by a Cambridge family last Thursday morning along highway 97, placed inside a metal wire cage all alone by the side of the road. Because the cage was placed near a clump of trees, other cars were unable to spot the dog.

Fortunately for Chuckie, one family eventually found him after catching a glimpse of the crate and what was inside it. This is what they told Tracy Laraway, a Cambridge animal cruelty prevention agent.

Laraway says that the family thought something wasn’t right with the crate, so they made a U turn to check. After rescuing the Terrier, they immediately brought him to the Cambridge shelter.

Upon receiving the dog, the staff remarked that he’s very lucky to have survived at all. The sunburn on his nose suggests that he might’ve been left there for quite some time. Aside from being exposed to the bare elements, Chuckie had no food or water in his cage.

The shelter expects to receive a barrage of requests to adopt Chuckie, but first they want to learn why he was left all alone there in the first place.

The Waterloo Region District School Board is currently producing feasibility studies and other estimates in the hopes of getting grants from the Ontario Ministry of Education for the mounting of solar panels in 5 of the region’s schools.

Cambridge is the location for one of the sites, but according to Ron Dallan, manager of capital projects, the school to receive the panels will be kept a close secret until the district receives official instructions from the Ministry of Education.

But the excitement he and the board feels however, is something they can’t hide. Cambridge’s residents are also very enthusiastic to represent the benefits and advantages of using cleaner and greener sources of energy.

Dallan said that the use of these solar panels would definitely help in reducing energy costs and consumption at the district, but the initiative wouldn’t be considered as a real moneymaker.

Nevertheless, the benefits of harnessing the power of the sun are not to be ignored, and the educational activities that could arise from the installation of the panels will be priceless to students, he added.

The 24^th annual Cambridge Times Rotary Run kicks off on the 23^rd of May, Sunday, at the Dickson Arena, at exactly 9 in the morning. Already, residents and fitness buffs in the City of Cambridge are excited about the event – and the fact that the race is for a good cause doesn’t hurt either.

There are two races this Sunday; the first a 2.5k race that kicks off at 10:30 in the morning, and a 5k race that begins at 11 in the morning. Registration is pegged at $20 for the 2.5k race, and $25 for the 5k race.

All proceeds gathered at the Rotary Run will be donated to the KidsAbillity Foundation, a charity program based in Cambridge that helps children with special needs.

According to Cambridge North Rotary Club chairman Larry Olney, over 400 runners join the run each year. For 2010, he hopes that number will increase and reach at least 500.

And if that’s not interesting enough, Wayne Gretzky is also set to make an appearance at the race.

According to Dr. Kathy Hrinivich, one of the hospital’s in-house vets, helping pets is vital task for the hospital, especially since these animals have no voice of their own.

The Animal Hospital of Cambridge is widely regarded as a safe haven for orphaned pets and recuperating animals. Those that are about to euthanized are also welcome at the hospital; in fact, they receive animals from other humane societies and shelters that no longer have any space to keep them.

This is a far better fate than being put down – animal rights groups estimate that some 160 cats are euthanized each week because no one can look after them.

The population of feral cats is a particular problem for the country, the hospital’s veterinarians pointed out. The hospital is encouraging the public to capture strays if they can, and bring them to the hospital to have them spayed to keep them from reproducing.

The cure, he says, is not some kind of miracle drug developed by pharmaceutical companies. It’s composed of practical steps virtually anyone can use to eat better, be more active, quit smoking, reduce stress, and live a healthier overall lifestyle.

The key is found in a holistic or natural approach to live a better lifestyle accomplished by making small yet sure steps toward eliminating the problems brought about heart disease and diabetes. Dr. Pandey commented that the reason why many people lack the discipline to change their unhealthy lifestyle is because they try to do everything at once right away.

Apparently, it’s the little steps that count the most.

Dr. Pandey’s approach to living a healthier life will be the focus at this year’s annual Healthy Heart Day event, which takes place this Saturday at the St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. The event starts at 8 in the morning and ends at 4 in the afternoon.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Getting to the Heart of Diabetes’, and Dr. Pandey, along with other diabetes and heart experts are scheduled to share what they know with the audience.

Taking place on April 17 is the Cambridge Community Clean Up, a drive that’ll clean up the areas surrounding Preston High School, Galt Arena Gardens, and Tim Hortons on Holiday Inn Drive.

Also happening on the 17th is the Green Living and Technology Fair, which takes place at St. Jacob’s Arena. Join the fair and learn simple yet effective methods on how to save energy and water.

Yet another event taking place on April 17 is Pitch-In Preston High. Students from Preston High School will be cleaning up the community for Earth Day, and everyone is invited to pitch in. Supplies and light refreshments will be provided to participants.

Happening on the Big Day itself, April 22, is the Earth Birthday Party, a celebration of the earth to be held at Victoria Park. Picnics, games, and clean ups sponsored by Tim Hortons are just some of the things to look forward to at the event.

Mark your calendars and join the effort to keep our planet clean and green!

Whether it’s day care with other kids or even just swimming lessons, every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy these activities that some of us sadly take for granted.  Little volunteers from YMCA’s child centers are currently doing chores for some spare change, collecting what they get in piggy banks and donating all of them to this year’s YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

The goal this year? To raise $235,000, a significantly higher amount than the $200,000 they raised last year.

According to Alice Michaud, YMCA’s director for financial development, the need for children’s services in Windsor has risen over the past year, prompting them to increase the fundraiser’s goal for 2010. With the recession’s effects still felt today, she thinks the need for these services will rise even more over the next few months.

You and your family can also do your part. Read more about the YMCA of Cambridge’s Strong Kids Campaign by logging on to ymcastrongkids.ca.

Students are encouraged by the event’s organizers to share their experiences of peace and violence, expressing them through the form of short film using technology and art in a constructive way.

After successfully launching in 2009, the Imagyn Film Festival has announced this year’s theme to be “Anti Violence: Engagement and Resistance.”

The 3-day festival will showcase short films and videos submitted by students from all across Canada, including those living here in the City of Cambridge. Youth panel discussions will be done here in the city, and in other regions from around the country. The festival will also hold workshops on youth related activities, headed by youth leaders from their respective communities.

If you’re a student, then now’s the time to let your voice be heard and help our society change for the better. Admission to all events having to do with the Imagyn Film Festival is free, and practically anybody can join. For details and information, logon to www.imagyn.ca.

First off, the city’s Catholic schools as well as others in the Waterloo region were able to collect over $120,000 from their respective fundraising activities. Each student chipped in $5. Donations will be given to the survivors of the earthquake that struck Haiti last January, taking over 150,000 lives and destroying billions worth of property.

Meanwhile, the Cambridge Fury hockey team announced this week that they’ll be hosting a get-together for their fans. They’re having a sponsor night this evening at the Preston Auditorium, right before their game at 8 in the evening. If you’re a fan of the team, that’s something you definitely should not miss.

Residents in a Galt neighborhood can start to breathe a sigh of relief, as council finally received a report outlining the options to be taken in eradicating the mosquitoes pestering residents near the Portuguese Swamp in North Galt.

And finally, we featured some business that recently opened in Cambridge yesterday. If anything, these new stores and services are a clear sign that things are looking good for the city this year.

Owned by Kane Rouse, Alpha Motorcycle Service And Sales Inc., is a store owned by Kane Rouse and his family. The store is open from 10 in the morning to 8 in the evening on weekdays, and 10 in the morning from 4 in the afternoon on Saturdays. The store has a new showroom displaying high-quality used motorcycles and parts.

Xpressions Beauty Supplies Inc., located on 366 Hespeler Road, is a supplier of beauty products and accessories to everyone in the public. The business also has great selections for professionals. Xpressions opened in November of last year.

Owned by Fred Hempstead, TNT Fitness specializes in both in-home and studio training. Hempstead and his team of trainers will do their best to help you lose weight with a specific type of exercise regiment. Live an active life in the comforts of your own home, without the crowds, noise, and pesky membership fees. TNT Fitness opened in January this year.