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Transcript:

[Parks Canada beaver logo]
[title: parkscanada.gc.ca]

[Owner opens car door and takes out dog, on-leash. Dogs on-leash sign shown. Walk down trail and on beach]
Narrator: The relationship between dogs and humans dates back centuries. First domesticated for the purposes of work, dogs have since become beloved companions and vital members of our families.

[Close-up of owner taking off leash, red filter over shot. Shot of shorebird. Dog runs and barks.]
N: And while it is true that dogs may indeed be human’s best friend, a dog off leash on any of Parks Canada’s beaches is a shorebird’s... WORST ENEMY.
[Video is re-wound quickly]
N: Okay, that might be a bit over-dramatic.

[various shots of shorebirds feeding and preening]
N: The fact is, is that Parks Canada’s beautiful beaches represent a vitally important feeding and resting habitat for long-travelling migratory shorebirds.
[dog runs up to shorebirds and they take flight]
N: And our canine friends – though well-intentioned and having fun - can do a lot off-leash to prevent these birds from feeding.

[‘Dream noise’ bells sound. Owner, now dressed in marathon gear, awakens on log. She stretches and starts running]
N: Think of it from the bird’s perspective: For them, it is like every single day you wake up and run a marathon.

[Marathoner sits down, exhausted, starts to eat]
N: Once you’ve finished, you’re tired and hungry, settling in to eat, in order to give you the necessary fuel for the next day’s journey.

[Man appears behind driftwood log and starts barking. Marathoner gets up and runs. Barking man chases after her]
N: But just then, someone comes in and starts BARKING IN YOUR FACE, chasing you away from your peaceful, well-deserved meal.

[Marathoner slows down, exhausted. Barking man leaves]

N: This continues, and eventually, you give up, you don’t eat, you don’t rest. And the next day’s marathon still looms.

[Marathoner collapses on the ground. Dramatic music]

N: But now, exhausted, and starving you might not have the energy to complete your journey.

[Dog, on-leash, walked by owner, dressed normally. Shot of shorebird]
N: So, please. Next time you’re on one of Parks Canada’s beaches, think of the shorebirds - the hungry little marathoners of the Pacific Northwest - and leash up your dog.

[title: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/gulf www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pacrim]
[title: Parks Canada/Parcs Canada government logo]
[title: Copyright - Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by Parks Canada, 2011]
[title: Government of Canada logo]
[end]