Retired Guelph man becomes a doctor for garden gnomes
A man from Guelph is bringing garden gnomes back to life.
Ken McGowan has become “The Gnome Doctor” ever since he retired six years ago.
It started after he inherited several gnomes from his parents and took on the task of touching them up. He enjoyed it so much he started asking people if he could fix up their gnomes and other lawn decor for free.
The first gnome he ever repaired, however, didn’t leave his home.
“I brought him home, fixed him all up, and now he sits at my front door,” said McGowan. “I call him Ralph after my late father.”
The doctor has been busy during the pandemic, like other medical professionals, and even had one customer with seven different gnomes.
McGowan only has one rule when it comes to patching up his patients.
“Don’t rush me,” he said. “When it’s done I’ll call you.”
David Jennison had his gnomes fixed after his mother moved out of her home and says, thanks to the doctor, they’re still very much part of the family.
“They were faded to pretty much white at that point,” he said. “Last weekend, my one-year-old grandson was in the backyard trying to give him a hug.”
McGowan says it’s those special moments that keep his practice open.
“As long as I can do it I’ll just keep going,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.