The Updates column brings readers up to speed on stories we've reported on.
Dog biscuit ban reduces attacks
Then: On May 2, 2009, Canada Post moved to reduce dog-related injuries by banning letter carriers from handing out treats to dogs. Postal officials said problems often arose for relief letter carriers who were unfamiliar with dogs on the routes they took over from regular carriers. The relief postal workers found it difficult to determine if a dog was approaching because it was expecting a treat, or aggressive. In 2008, 554 postal workers were threatened or attacked by dogs.
Now: Incidents of aggressive dogs or dog attacks dropped nine per cent in the year since the ban was enacted, says Canada Post spokeswoman Colleen Frick, who hopes that downward trend will continue.
Sewage mascot flush with victory
Then: On April 1, 2004, People Opposed to Outflow Pollution (POOP) introduced their mascot, Mr. Floatie, to Victoria. The large puppet, portrayed by student James Skwarok and politely described by one reporter as resembling a "giant chocolate bar," soon became an icon of the pro-sewage treatment group and was a fixture at protests and parades.
In 2006, the province ordered the Capital Regional District to study sewage-treatment costs and options and Mr. Floatie retired.
Now: Mr. Floatie remains safely stowed away, but is ready to reappear should the sewage-treatment process derail, said Skwarok, 39, now a schoolteacher.
The mascot is made of an aluminum backpack frame, plastic garden mesh, brown velour, glue and "a gazillion zap straps," said Skwarok. It weighs about 10 kilos and stands seven feet tall -- a durable package that only needed minor repairs after running in the 2005 TC 10K.
