PAGE 16A. WH1TY MRE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 3,1989 S... .'.. .---.< ... _________________________ Pet refunds rare, DO NOT START A SMALLI BUSINESS'.UNLESS YOU A T TEND. THIS FREE SEMINA R TOPICS INCLUDE: *A ccessing Government Financial Programs *Financing your business *Government regulations, lilcenses and permits *How to do proper market research and advertising *Should you incorporate *How to save on taxes *Simple accounting and bookkeeping methods *What type of business is best for you A Allyou need to know about starting up AT: Scarborough Co'llege, University of Toronto 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, Room H-214 WHEN: Saturday June 3, 10 A.M. ta 6 P.M. COST: Free REGISTER: 289-1672 SmaII Business CIiniC mnc. Scarborough, Ont. Purebred pets fetch high prices today and buyers are being warned that refunds are rarely offered even if an animai dies shortly after purchase. "Although there are a few sellers who provide Iimited guarantees or certificates of health, most pet buyers are on their owun, " says Marilyn Gurevsky of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commerciai Relations. "There are no specific. laws requmrng pet warranties or refunds. Exotic amimals and even doge can cost more than a thousand dollars, so the financia] lasses can be steep." In some exceptional cases, you may be able ta successfully sue the seller if you have proof he knew the animal was siclç, Gurevsky says. Consumers can take steps te eut the risks of losing money or facing the emotional anguish involved in the death of a pet, the consumer advisor notes. Assuming the specific type of pet has already been chosen, the first thing ta do is find a reputable seller. Possible sources include everything from the local Humane Society shelter ta private breeders. The Ontario Humane Society has a policy of 'ivng refunds if an animal gets sick within two weeks of adoption, says public relations director Christine Advertising Feaure 0 0 0 "Not Just Another Kitclien Boutique" Having a difficult time selecting a special gift for Mother's Day? Looking for a unique gift for a birthday, shower, wed- ding, or anniversary cele- bration? Here's a new solution to the aid problem of what to give someone who has everything. Apricot Alley opened Saturday March 25 in Pickering Village, Ajax. 'Apricot Alley's not just another kitchen store", says owner - manager Janice Stone, "although it certainly is a gift boutique with a diff- erence". The différence is some- thing that youll have ta experience. You can ex- pect a wide selection of speciality items that will add a decorator's touch ta any room. Co-ordinated fabrie accessories includ- ing placemats, chair pads, table linens, aprons, aven mitts, tea cozies and pot holders can provide plenty of gift and decorating ideas for the kitchen and custom orders are welcamed. Whenever possible, Janice suggests that the customer bring along paint and/or wallpaper samples to ensure a perfect colour match. Hand-crafted pottery tableware join useful kitchen utensils, glass- ware, baskets, wreaths and wallhangings, can- dies, potpourri and floral arrangements ready ta provide a perfect answer to the most difficuit decorating or gift purhase. "As a consumer, I personally believe that SERVICE is the prime reason for returning to a particular retail establish- ment. I also feel that I can provide that personal SERVICE to my cust- amers that they so often find lacking in today's marketplace," states Janice. Whether just browsing or buying, enjoy the ex- perience at APRICOT ALLEY located north of Kingston Road and Linton Street at 78 OLD KING- STON ROAD in Pickering Villa'ge. For further information, cali Janice Stone at 686-8606. 78 Old Kingston Road, Ajax, Ontario (416) 686-8606 Pickering Village Hours: Monday 12:30 to 4:30, Tues. ta Thurs. 10:30 ta 4:30, Friday 10:30 ta 5:30, Saturday 10.00 ta 6:00. 20.i ~ i . i . ,î t 4 i . . Mason. Other shelters or humane groupe around the province may follow similar practices. Ail are good sources of pets, even purebred animais. "Just because it's a purebred, it doesn't mean it won't end up with us'," Mason says. l"On any given day you can walk in here and fida purebred dog or cat." if planning ta, deal with a pet store or breeder, get recornmendatIons from friends, Gurevsky suggests. Find animals you like at pet shows and asIc their owners ta reconunend shelters. Shop around as much as possible, looking for clean preinises and. helpful salespeople, as well as~ good prces.Te animals themselves soudhave bright eyes cdean coats, and alert, playfuldispositions, Mason says. As an animaFé health is a difficuit thing ta ensur, sellers often refuse ta provide, any guarantees. Some even insist that waivers be signed, relieving them of responsibility for any filnes once the animal is sold, * SEE PAGE 17 WHITBy VETERINARtIAN Dr. Clayton MacKay celebrated the openin f his new vetermnarian office over the weeken with mother Beatrice and father Dr. Cam MacKay. Vnc hpecoF OPreus photo LANGS UE4 OFFICE AND COMPUTER FURNITUR 975 BROCK RD. S., PICKERING ONTARIO L1W 3A4 ORDER DESK 831-8469 SHOWROOM OPEN: MON. - FRI.9AM-5PM SATURDAV 9AM-4PM LEACOM CONSULTING Information Systemns Acommon sense approach ta computer systems design Cali us today to discuss your data processiflg needs APRICOT ALLEY 1 à . 'it