Our 2025 Holiday Hours:
Dec 24 (Christmas Eve): 8:30am – 12:00pm
Dec 25 (Christmas Day): Closed
Dec 26 (Boxing Day): Closed
Dec 29: 8:30am – 2:00pm
Dec 30: 8:30am – 2:00pm
Dec 31 (New Year’s Eve): 8:30am – 12:00pm
Jan 1 (New Year’s Day): Closed
It was a classic December evening. Sidewalks half-shoveled, cars coated in road salt, and at least one construction detour making you question every decision that led you to each commute you’ve had this week.
The Cornerstone office was quiet. Phones off. Laptops closed. The snow outside glowed softly, the kind of calm that settles in before the holiday rush begins. But inside the office, the Claims-mas Crew was assembling…
Axel: The Fitness Saboteur and Construction-Site Survivor
Axel slunk in first, stretching across the office workout bench like a furry barricade. He once survived being stuck inside a construction pipe as a kitten, which explains why he now behaves like an unofficial supervisor of all activity. Tonight, he sprawled across the equipment, preventing anyone from attempting to get their reps in. Claims needed attention, the workout can wait.
His advice for the season: Rest whenever possible, but do not ignore winter maintenance around your home. Axel might block your workout, but you should not block your insurance checklist.
Millie: The Cattle Dog Who Chose Comfort Over Career
Next came Millie, the Australian Cattle Dog who was designed to herd cattle across wild terrain but instead prefers couch time, window gazing, and convincing everyone she’s too emotionally fragile for long walks. And she has the cone to prove it. Her triangle wrap around has become a personal fashion statement.
Millie’s reminder for the season: Ice is everywhere. Slips are real. Injuries happen. Review your coverage, salt your walkways and strap on those shoe spikes!
Maisie: The Teddy Moose Loving Desk Assistant
Maisie followed behind Millie. She is a Shih Tzu Poodle mix with the heart of a hummingbird and the bounce of a kangaroo. When Maisie first joined Cornerstone, Millie gifted her a small Teddy Moose, which Maisie treats like a treasured companion.
She can be shy at first, but once someone becomes familiar, she shows her affection with tail-wagging joy. In the office, she sits on her mom’s desk, keeping morale high and occasionally adding helpful keystrokes.
Maisie’s seasonal message: Protect what matters most, whether that’s your home, your people, or your favourite Moose. A monitored security system may even land you a discount!
Sage: The Ball Obsessed Side Eye Specialist
Then came Sage, offering her signature look of intense expectation. Pensively, she saunters in with a ball at her paws and a stare that demands attention. If you take too long to respond, you’ll know it. That disapproving look is impossible to misinterpret.
Her winter reminder: Do not procrastinate. Whether the task is tossing the ball or calling your broker to update your policy, delays only make problems harder to resolve.
Kida: Princess Buttercup of Blanket Protocol
A soft jingle marked the arrival of Kida. She is the smallest by size and the largest by authority. Her nightly routine is strict:
Snack at 8:30
Warm electric blanket prepared in advance
Cuddle ready.
Kida’s winter message: Warm blankets, scented candles and Christmas decorations are nice, but always remember to keep your home safe. Blow out those candles before leaving the house (not that Kida would know what leaving the house is like) and consider flameless candles.
Revy: The Laidback Catch Champion
Revy padded in next, yawning as though he had worked a full shift, despite napping most of the day. A bit of a paradox, he’s a heeler husky mix who prefers to relax unless the back door opens. To Revy, an open door could only mean one thing: A game of catch awaits! Either that or his best friends Harlow and Forest are waiting to get into trouble together.
Revy’s advice for the season: Friends are great to toss the ball around with but if you hire them to do some work and they aren’t an insured contractor, you’re on the hook if something goes wrong.
Shady: The Biscuit Making Ragdoll Prince
Shady entered with the confidence of royalty. He’s a talented biscuit maker, has no shame, and requires a special diet that costs two hundred and fifty dollars a month. No, he doesn’t have a job of his own to help cover these costs. He also tolerates nail trims only when offered treats in a respectful and princely manner.
Shady’s reminder: Budget for surprises. Or at least get somebody to.
Winnie: The Strategic Friendship Evaluator
A German Shepherd mix, with a bark worse than her bite and a gaze that assesses every newcomer closely. She’s sharp, observant, and not easily fooled. Winnie responds to both verbal commands and hand signals, which means she pays attention to details most humans miss.
She does not become friends instantly. You have to earn it. But once you do, you’re part of her inner circle, and she’ll guard that bond with unwavering loyalty.
Winnie’s holiday message: Understanding your insurance shouldn’t require guesswork. If it can’t be explained to you in plain language, hand signals, or both, ask until it makes sense.
Ruthie: The Neighbourhood Watch Captain
Finally, Ruthie hopped onto the office bench to begin her patrol. She’s the self-appointed neighborhood watch of the Cornerstone office.
Her job? Bark at literally everything that moves.
Passing car? Bark.
Dog across the street? Bark.
Leaf blowing by at 3 km/h? Bark-plus-growl.
Her friend Holly? Silent acceptance.
She is slowly learning that not every event requires an alert, but she remains dedicated to her post.
Ruthie’s message: Alertness is great, but not everything is a claim. Know what truly requires action. Your deductible should not be triggered by a snowflake.
A Final Message
Whether you’re navigating construction zones, facing West Edmonton Mall parking, shoveling layers of snow, or trying to wrap gifts with a cat determined to interfere, your brokers, and their pets are always in your corner.
Happy holidays from Axel, Millie, Maisie, Sage, Kida, Revy, Shady, Winnie and Ruthie
And all of us at Cornerstone!
