Bay Harbour: November 22, 2023

Bay Harbour News Wednesday November 22 2023
18
NEWS
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Blind runner completes NYC marathon
• By Daniel Alvey
A BLIND runner has completed
the world’s biggest marathon.
Blair McConnell was born
with retinitis pigmentosa, a
genetic eye disease that causes
cells in the retina to break down
slowly over time, resulting in
progressive vision loss.
But the 58-year-old didn’t let
that stop him
completing the
42km New York
City Marathon
in 5hr 52min
1sec.
“It was an
absolutely
Blair
McConnell
incredible
experience,”
McConnell said.
“When you are running with
51,000 people and supporters
(spectators) up to 2.5 million . . .
it still gives me shivers.”
He travelled to the Big Apple
as one of seven athletes with
Achilles International New
Zealand.
Achilles aims to provide people
with disabilities the opportunity
to participate in mainstream
athletics, and matches them with
volunteer guides.
McConnell started his running
journey about five years ago and
had planned to do the marathon
in 2020, but it was cancelled due
to the pandemic.
The New York City Marathon
is the first full marathon he has
completed, having done a number
of half-marathons.
McConnell said the emotion
did not set in straight after he
crossed the finish line.
“It took a little while before the
emotion of it actually feeling like
I’ve achieved what I set out to do
to kick in.
“I’m just really happy to finish
something I started many
years ago.”
The Prebbleton resident ran
with two guides, Anton McLean
from Christchurch and Mike
Lane-Holbert from Florida. His
other regular guide Noel
Whiteside was unable to make
the trip.
The course traverses the city
starting in Staten Island, heading
through Brooklyn, Queens, and
the Bronx, finishing in Central
Park.
McConnell said the crowd
was overwhelming, with quiet
sections as he would cross the
bridges between islands.
“You’d get over the crest of a
bridge and here a roar in front of
ON YOUR MARKS: Blair McConnell (middle) ran with two
guides – Anton McLean (left) from Christchurch and Mike
Lane-Holbert from Florida. Above – McConnell with fellow
vision-impaired runner Mike Asmussen, from Christchurch.
you, and you’d realise it’s
the crowd.
“It was like running into a
stadium at several points of the
marathon.
“It was overwhelming.”
BIG CROWDS:
More than
51,000 people
ran in the
New York City
marathon.
Preparing for a Happy Holiday Season at Kōwhai Vet
The holiday season is fast approaching, and
as we prepare to celebrate with our loved
ones, it’s essential not to forget our furry family
members. At Kōwhai Vet Clinic, we want to
ensure that your pets are in the best possible
health and spirits during the upcoming
festivities. Here are a few key things to keep
in mind as we head into the holiday season.
Check your pet’s vaccination records
Before you embark on your holiday travels and
your pets check into the boarding kennels or
cattery, be sure to check their vaccinations are
up to date. This not only ensures the safety
and well-being of your furry friends during
their stay, but also eliminates the last-minute
stress of being turned away from the kennels
because their vaccinations are overdue. Our
experienced veterinarians are here to guide
you on the specific vaccinations your pet may
need based on their individual requirements.
Preparing for a comfortable journey
If your holiday plans involve travel, it’s
essential to prepare your pets for the journey.
Consider bringing their travel cage into your
living space a week or so before departure,
creating a cosy bed inside and leaving
some treats to entice them. This gradual
introduction allows your pets to become
accustomed to the carrier in a familiar and
safe environment. For those taking to the
skies, ensure that your pet’s carrier meets
the correct size and specifications for plane
travel. Planning ahead and familiarising your
pets with their travel arrangements minimises
stress for both you and your furry companions.
Anxiety-Free Travel
If your pet tends to get anxious when on
the move there are a number of options for
reducing their anxiety to make the trip go more
smoothly for them. Using a pheromone spray
such as Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs, can
make them feel more settled in their carrier, or
on their bed in the car. While we cannot sedate
animals for travel, we can provide medications
to help reduce stress and anxiety, keeping
them much calmer for the journey. Like us,
some pets can also experience travel-sickness,
so medications to reduce nausea can also
be of benefit. Consult with our veterinarians
to discuss the best options for your pet’s
individual needs.
Health Check
If you’ve had any concerns about your pet’s
health, consider having them checked out
before heading away for the holidays so
that a minor issue doesn’t progress to a
bigger problem. If your pet is on long term
prescription medications, you may want to
ensure that you have enough medication on
hand to last you through the holidays and
your time away. If your pet has not seen a vet
recently they may require a health check prior
to dispensing more medication, so ensure you
leave plenty of time to fit this into your busy
schedule.
Microchip Details
Ensure all your contact details registered to
your pets microchip are up to date. If they go
missing whilst you’re away, you want to make
sure they can be returned to you as quickly as
possible.
A Special Treat for Your Furry Friends
The holiday season is a time of joy, but it can
also be a time of stress for pets. Changes in
routine, visitors, and new surroundings can
sometimes be overwhelming for them.
Creating a safe space where they can escape
the festive chaos can give them a sense of
security, and providing enrichment toys can
help ease their anxiety and provide muchneeded
mental stimulation.
At Kōwhai Vet Clinic, we have a delightful
selection of enrichment toys and treats in
stock to make your pets feel cherished during
the festive season.
From interactive toys to scrumptious treats,
we have everything you need to put a smile on
your pet’s face and keep them engaged and
happy throughout the holiday season.
Don’t wait until the last minute! Schedule
your pet’s vaccinations and health check
today to guarantee a stress-free and joyful
holiday season.
And don’t forget to drop by our clinic to
explore our selection of fantastic enrichment
toys and treats for your pets. After all, they
deserve a special Christmas gift too!
Consultations • Surgery & Diagnostics • Locally Owned & Operated
122 Opawa Road, Opawa, Christchurch. Ph: 03 337 5445
Visit our website: www.kowhaivet.co.nz
WE ARE OPEN:
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:30pm,
Saturday, 9:00am - 12:00pm