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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, August 12, 2016 | 22 John Bkila Sub-Editor jbkila@oakvillebeaver.com Author's debut book on pet adoption to benefit OMHS Ray is a `very special dog': Colin Chappell by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Artscene "Connected to your Community" T he love between one Oakville man and his canine friend has inspired a charitable book detailing the emotional roller coaster, but rewarding experience, of pet adoption. Colin Chappell adopted Ray, a 75-pound German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix, in March 2013 -- it was his first dog and a decision he didn't make lightly, considering his lack of experience with canines and having been bit by a German Shepherd as a teenager. His debut book, Who Said I was Up For Adoption? A story about one calculating dog... and one unsuspecting human, details the adoption of a stray dog, what it entailed in bringing him home and the emotions and friendship that evolved as a result. "I love this `guy' (Ray) and thought that he deserved some recognition," Chappell told the Oakville Beaver of his decision to write the book. "(My partner) Carol and I both put a lot of work into helping him adjust, but, without his co-operation, it would have been a waste of time. He is a very special dog." All net profits from the sale of the book will be donated to the Oakville and Milton Humane Society (OMHS), the place where Chappell found Ray -- a dog that wasn't exactly stable, well-socialized or even friendly at first. The rescue dog's exact age is difficult to determine, said Chappell, since he was a stray when he was picked up by the OMHS in November 2012. Based on Ray's teeth, it was estimated he was two years old when he was rescued. The book, produced by FriesenPress, is intended to show what pet adoption involves and is all about, according to Chappell. "The book is intended to show a Oakville native Sydney Delong performs with her band at The Cameron House in Toronto in April. The indie artist is coming back home next Thursday (Aug. 18) for a special show at The Moonshine Café, where she got her start. | supplied photo by Cheryl Ferguson Sydney Delong comes back home by John Bkila Oakville author Colin Chappell has penned his debut book on adopting his German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix, Ray, from the Oakville and Milton Humane Society (OMHS). Net profits from the book sales will be donated to OMHS. | supplied photo by Carol Murray Oakville Beaver Staff balanced, yet realistic, view of adopting a dog, any dog, into your life," he said. "Dogs, like children, are a lot of work and must be considered a long-term commitment, and the rewards can be priceless." Narrative alternates between points of view of author and Ray The narrative alternates between the points of view of Chappell and Ray. "Ray's highs, lows and training methods are all included, so the book does offer a significant insight into living with a dog," said Chappell. Many people are ill-prepared to adopt a dog, yet, they still do, the book's author noted. According to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS), Canadian animal shelters took in 38,000 dogs in 2014. While 45 per cent of them were strays, 29 per cent were surrendered by their owners or the people who were taking care of them. That's why Chappell said he hopes his book will help readers make the decision whether or not pet adoption is for them and the adoptee. "I would like to think that after reading the book, prospective dog adopters will go on with the knowledge they may not otherwise have had, and then make a more responsible decision, rather than letting their emotions take over," he added. Who Said I Was Up For Adoption? is available from most major online book retailers, such as FriesenPress Bookstore and Amazon. The eBook is available for Amazon Kindle, iTunes Bookstore, Chapters/Indigo Kobo, Barnes and Noble's Nook and GooglePlay. Oakville-born indie artist Sydney Delong is coming back home for a special show for local friends and fans at The Moonshine Café Thursday (Aug. 18). The Iroquois Ridge High School alum is bringing her full band to the 137 Kerr St. café for the first time since graduating for an intimate evening of blues, rock and folk. "Everyone at The Moonshine (Café) was incredibly supportive of me when I was just learning to sing and perform in public," said Delong, who now lives in Toronto, studying Psychology at Ryerson University and focusing on making her mark on the local music club scene. "The Sunday night folk club featured artists with decades of writing and performing experience, exposing me to all kinds of great music styles and instruments," she added. "It was an invaluable experience." At 20 years old, Delong has been nominated twice for best song writing by the Toronto Independent Music Awards. She has performed at iconic Toronto clubs, such as the Horseshoe Tavern, The Rivoli, Dakota and The Cameron House, and has been selected to play at well-known festivals, such as NXNE, the Folk Alliance in Kansas City and Canadian Music Week. Music reviewers have said Delong has the "vocal range of an opera singer, the stage presence of a rock star, and the skill of artists twice her age." When the Oakville native was in Grade 11, Delong said she found it near impossible to get live performing experience because she wasn't aged 19plus. That's when Moonshine Café owner John Marlatt suggested she join the shop's monthly Sunday evening folk music open mic event. Delong said she credits the experience she acquired at Moonshine's folk nights with helping her become Ontario's only nominee for Best Young Performer from the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2013. She also won a performing spot at the prestigious Summerfolk Festival in Owen Sound that same year. In 2011, Delong was named an "indie rock hopeful" after becoming a finalist on YTV's reality talent-search TV show, The Next Star. Since then, she has released two EPs of original music, and her single, Cruel Adore, was on rotation on SiriusXM Radio's Sonica channel. Delong's music has evolved from folk to a blues and rock sound with a bit of hip-hop pacing and old-world chanteuse artistry , stated a media release. She will be joined at Moonshine by fellow Oakville indie artist and White Oaks Secondary School alum Ivy James, who will open at 8:30 p.m. Delong and her band will take the stage at 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit Sydneydelong.com.