We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Walowina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been artistic and creative since I was a young girl. Since I have retired my creative juices have been able to flow so much easier. I thought when I had more time on my hands I would take up painting again, but the photography which I have always loved to do peaked my interest more. Most of my creativity has been in the form of the photographs I take of my dogs for Instagram and Facebook. I love to experiment with lighting and set designs. I also design and sew many of my dogs gowns, dresses, bandanas and jackets. Love to add retro jewellery as accessories.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I worked for 32 years in our local school district as a Education Assistant for special needs teenagers. In my later years with the district I ran a community based PE program daily. I organized and ran a soup program for 15 schools, once a week shopped for each school to make their own 15 L. pot of soup. I also shopped and distributed healthy food products for the entire school district. This I would do with students who I taught to read prices, give them lists to read and find products in the store. My dog Lexie often came to school with me which the students loved. I loved the organizational and budgeting end of this part of my job as well as the students and staff! I worked at the same high school for 13 years. I learned to let things go and to pick your battles. Always to have a listening ear and always be kind and supportive. I loved my job as jobs go but I also love to be retired!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia so the possibilities are endless for whatever adventure you are looking for. Definitely storm watching on the wild, untamed beaches of the west coast. Long Beach is one of our famous beaches, being over 16 kilometres long. The Butchart Gardens are a must! They have over a million visitors each year! Cathedral Grove is an amazing temperate rainforest of 1rst growth trees, it’s quite humbling to see these giants. You would also have to go whale and bear watching, Fishing on Vancouver Island for salmon and halibut is world class. If you want to hike,the West Coast Trail is 75 Km’s long and is one of the worlds top hiking trails. There are no end of fabulous places to eat, my favourite is a pub right on the ocean with an outside patio!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I will say that the support and love I receive from the insta family and Facebook keep me doing what I do. People telling me that I make their day or that my photographs make them smile is what I like to hear. Since Covid I have not been able to volunteer at dementia wards with one of my dogs, something I do to bring happiness to those less fortunate. So posting pictures has filled that gap for the smiles.

Instagram: @wonderdog_Lexie_

Facebook: Nancy Walowina

Other: Tik Tok @wonderdog_Lexie_

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