Year: 2022

GFL Gives Back

June 22, 2022

By Taylor Huestis

You may know them by their signature bright green garbage trucks and equipment, but GFL Environmental (GFL) is much more than that.

Through the Full Circle Project, GFL aims to give back to the communities it serves by partnering with local charities like us.

“Our team at GFL Dartmouth have pets of our own and are animal lovers,” said Ken Webb, General Manager of GFL’s Dartmouth location. “We know there are animals out there that require medical assistance and craving someone to show them love. The Full Circle Project gives us the opportunity to donate funds to assist in the care that the SPCA provides these animals every day.”

The Full Circle Project is a community-driven charitable giving program that gives GFL customers a say in how a portion of the program’s funds are directed. GFL’s goal is to build relationships with charities that are making a difference in communities where the company operates, and for GFL employees to volunteer their time regularly to extend support beyond monetary donations.

So, when Ken reached out with the happy news that the SPCA was selected as a Full Circle Project charity partner, there were lots of wagging tails. And, when he dropped into our shelter with a big cheque for $10,000, we were blown away!

And that’s not all… their local GFL staff volunteer their time by walking dogs and cuddling cats. Which is perfect timing because it’s the busiest time of the year – kitten season.

While kitten season sounds like it would be a magical time with their tiny toe beans and purrs, SPCA shelters become flooded with kittens who were abandoned, injured, or orphaned.

Kittens just like Onyx.

Onyx had a rough start in life. His mum was hit by a car when he was just a baby. Onyx needed to be bottle-fed and have around-the-clock care to survive.

But thanks to generous donors like GFL, Onyx had a second chance. Onyx had a full glow up. He transformed from a lonely newborn suffering from fleas to a healthy kitten adored by his fur-mama.

“Donating and volunteering is a small way we can give back that will make a positive impact for the community,” continued Ken. “GFL takes pride in giving excellent customer service to our customers in the community and appreciate that they have chosen GFL as their hauler. Communities thrive when everyone works together to make it a better place to live.”

Purrrrfectly put, Ken. And while you and your GFL colleagues may be humble, all our furry friends want to meow and bark a big THANK YOU.

Taylor Huestis

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Bonnie and Boy. She is passionate about raising awareness and funds for local animals in need. Connect with Taylor at thuestis@spcans.ca or 902-222-0378 today.

Look at the Difference Love Makes: Foxy’s Story

June 22, 2022

By Judy Layne

The SPCA makes a life-changing difference for thousands of homeless animals every year, healing hurts and hearts to give them a second chance at happiness. Foxy is one of those animals. This is her story.

In September 2021, SPCA Enforcement Officers brought Foxy to safety at the Dartmouth SPCA.  Approximately six years old, Foxy arrived in terrible condition. Her fur coat was very thin with some large bald patches and her skin was thickened and greasy. She was suffering from a severe flea infestation, dermatitis and required dental work. She began a course of antibiotics and pain medication. Then Foxy was placed in the SPCA’s Foster-to-Adopt Program which would let her recover in a home environment while she underwent treatment.

Corrie and Zack had been checking the SPCA website for a few months, waiting for the right dog to come along that would be a good fit with their family. When Foxy’s profile popped up, Zack contacted the SPCA immediately to see if she would be a good match. The couple was drawn to Foxy from the get-go. Corrie shared “Even though poor Foxy looked a little rough, she was very friendly and had a curious expression that melted our hearts. She also looked similar to our last rescue pup, Daisy, who we had for 14 wonderful years, so that seemed like a good sign.”

Corrie explained, “The great thing about the Foster-to-Adopt Program is that it allowed us to take Foxy home while ensuring that the SPCA would oversee her health care. It provided a good “test-run” to make sure our home would be a good fit for Foxy and that we would be able to handle her needs if she did have ongoing medical issues. The SPCA was very clear about the medical needs Foxy had at the time, as well as the fact that she may need to take some medications long-term, so we knew what her care might entail and felt confident that we would be well-suited to handle it.”

It didn’t take Foxy long to adapt to her new home. Zack chuckled “Foxy walked in and immediately made herself at home. We don’t mind if our pets sleep on the furniture, and that’s definitely a good thing as she hopped up on every soft surface in our house within five minutes of coming through the door! You could tell right from the beginning that she knew this was her new home and that she was happy to be here.”

“Foxy is the only child (dog or otherwise!) in our home, so she gets all the attention,” said Corrie. “She is very friendly and gentle with children she meets and is a very exuberant greeter of other dogs. We are working on practicing calm greetings as her enthusiasm can be a bit intimidating to other dogs. The SPCA let us know before we brought her home that she wouldn’t be suited for a home with cats or small dogs, so we also knew to be aware of her behaviour around small animals.”

“Foxy received excellent care at the shelter,” Zack explained “They helped her when she needed it most and made sure they gave her the best chance at success. We felt free to contact them with any questions or concerns that arose and are grateful for their continued support. We brought her in for several check-ups during the foster-to-adopt period. Every time we visited the SPCA, Foxy was excited to see her old friends – staff and volunteers. Everyone we spoke with was warm and compassionate. I don’t know what would have happened to Foxy without the SPCA, but I do know her transformation started as soon as she crossed their doorstep.”

Slowly but surely, Foxy’s health improved. Over time, her skin healed, the lesions disappeared, and she wasn’t itchy anymore. She filled out, gaining weight and regrowing her thick beautiful coat. Corrie said “She is much happier now that she no longer needs to take frequent baths with medicated shampoo!  Emotionally, she has grown to trust us much more and looks to us for guidance when something scary happens like a loud motorbike or truck going past when we’re out walking.”

Foxy’s ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos show a big difference. And as much as a picture can show a transformation, Foxy’s transformation is much more than skin deep. You can feel a sense of peace and happiness in her ‘after’ photo that was missing before. Foxy realizes she is home, safe, and loved.

Foxy is definitely living her best life. “She loves going for walks and enjoys all the smells. If another dog has walked down our street in the past half hour or so, Foxy’s nose will be glued to the ground for her entire walk!” laughed Zack. “She also enjoys a good game of fetch and will keep running as long as you keep throwing. She loves saying hello to all our neighbours while we’re out walking (especially those that she knows will have a few doggie treats!) and snoozing in the sun on our front porch while keeping an eye on the squirrels.”

On November 20th, the couple finalized Foxy’s adoption. They shared “Foxy has enriched our life in many ways. She really enjoys life and is making the most out of her second chance, so she reminds us to be in the moment and stay optimistic. Some of our happiest times with Foxy would simply be the end of the day, when she is curled up on the couch between us, with her head in one of our laps and a little smile on her face.”

And the couple’s advice to people about adopting an animal who’s had a rough start in life? “They seem to understand that you’re giving them a second, better life filled with safety, security and love and are grateful to get that chance. They embrace their new life wholeheartedly and the unconditional love you will receive is unmatched.”

Please give other homeless animals like Foxy a chance to live the life they deserve.  Donate today.

 

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

A New Name for a New Life: Goose’s Story

June 22, 2022

By Judy Layne

On September 1st last year, a kind person found a ruggedly handsome cat wandering stray and brought him to safety at the Pictou SPCA. Around eight years old, the poor boy had clearly lived a hard life on the streets. He was malnourished, his fur was matted, and he was extremely scared and shy. The person who rescued him believed that the cat was being picked on by people in the neighborhood, which caused him to mistrust humans. Shelter staff named him Pat.

At the shelter, Pat got the first loving touch he likely had in years. Staff and volunteers showered him with love and attention and worked hard to re-build his trust of people. He was super-sweet and gentle, yet he waited patiently for two months for a loving family to take him home. You see, Pat had tested positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) – a virus that weakens a cat’s immune system and that he likely got by being bitten by an FIV+ cat while stray. FIV+ kitties are often overlooked. Yet, FIV+ cats have potentially the same lifespan as other cats and with a stress-free environment, they can live full, happy, healthy long lives. To prevent spreading the virus, FIV+ cats must be indoors only and be either the only cat in the home or join other FIV+ pets.

Pat’s wait was definitely worth it. On November 2nd, he found the purr-fect family! Deanna and her husband Arko went to the shelter hoping to adopt a young healthy female cat. Deanna chuckled “Instead, we came out with an older male cat with FIV+! It’s definitely proof of Pat’s charm!” She explained. “When I opened his kennel to pet him, Pat was so happy to see me. He immediately started rubbing his head against my hand and there was no way we could leave him there!”

“Being FIV+ didn’t affect our decision to adopt Pat at all,” related Arko. “We had lost our beloved cat Mr. Kitty the year before. He was FIV+ but it never seemed to affect his health. He lived to be almost 18! The last year of his life he began having audiogenic seizures, so we lived a very quiet life for his benefit.” Deanna added “Being someone who’s had many pets over the years and has dealt with FIV, I felt like I was more equipped to deal with Pat than, maybe, a first-time cat parent.”

Deanna shared “When Pat first arrived at his forever home, he definitely looked worn out. His eyes were tired, he wasn’t cleaning himself well, and his fur wasn’t full or fluffy. As soon as we got him home, I sat with him on the couch and we had a cuddle. He rubbed his face against me like he’d never had a mom before!”

The couple felt that Pat should have a new name for his new start in life. “It took us a while to pick the purr-fect name for our boy,” said Deanna. “He’s so special and intelligent, but he’s also sooooo silly! I found myself calling him a silly goose way too often and Goose just stuck! He’s also called Goosie, Goosie-Goo, Goose on the Loose and Loosey Goose!”

“The year before we adopted Goose was tough – Mr. Kitty passed away and so did my father-in-law,” shared Deanna. “Goose was full of unconditional love and exactly what we needed at exactly the right time.” Arko added “We knew we had to be patient in terms of him adjusting to being in a home environment and in trusting us. So, we let him be where he wanted to be. He hid for a while in cupboards and closets, but slowly came around. We gave him his space and made sure he always felt safe. Now he stays in whatever room we’re in – he never wants to be alone!”

Goose is definitely living his best life. Arko shared “He enjoys cuddling, sleeping across your face, playing with his toy mice, watching tv, listening to music, chirping at us and giving kisses. He constantly makes us laugh. We keep a full-size suitcase laying down because it’s his favorite bed! And if you walk away from him and he’s not finished playing, he’ll tap your legs and chase you! Goose’s health is good. He gets the odd mild cold, but he doesn’t even seem to notice. One of his eyes waters occasionally and we simply keep it wiped for him. We don’t see FIV affecting him in any other way.”

Goose’s transformation has been remarkable. Deanna exclaimed “He’s not only grown a glorious mane but he went from fearful, shy cat to a cuddly boy who always wants to be with us. His eyes are always full of love. We’re so proud of our Goosie, how far he has come, and how well he fits into our family. This is Goose’s house as much as it’s ours!”

The couple are grateful to the SPCA for giving Goose a second chance at happiness. “In addition to the excellent care he received at the shelter, we could tell that the staff genuinely loved him. On Goose’s adoption day, everyone came to say goodbye to him before we left. Thank you for bringing Goose into our lives; he’s an amazing kitty who’s going to retire as the happiest cat ever! You guys are AWESOME and we’re grateful for what you do every single day.”

Thanks to you, Goose is living his happily-ever after.  Please help other homeless animals like Goose by donating today.

 

 

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Powerhouse Committee Raising Funds in Cape Breton

June 22, 2022

By Ryan Toomey

Dedicated, compassionate and influential. Those are the words that come to mind when I think of this group of women. Linda Crockett, Barb Mercer, Joanne Pyke, Bev Kennedy and Laura Syms have quickly turned into a fundraising powerhouse for Cape Breton’s hurt and homeless pets.

Laura, inspired by the companionship her own furry friends have provided her throughout her life sought to inspire others. She rallied her golf buddies together with the idea of creating a life-saving tournament to support the local shelter. Through Laura’s inspiration, a committee of animal welfare advocates emerged! The dream team quickly came together and began sharing their mutual passion for pets in need.

“I’ve been fortunate to have always shared my life with a cat or dog. Sometimes both! They’ve been great companions, loved me unconditionally, and “got me.” I support the SPCA for it gives animals shelter and care while they wait to share their lives.” – Laura

“Several years ago the SPCA helped out in a rescue of a large group of Corgis from a horrible puppy mill breeder and because of that I was so grateful and fortunate to have been able to adopt one of these older dogs who we got to love and give a good life to for 6 years. That’s where it all began for me!” – Barb

“Cleo was adopted into our family from the SPCA, Sydney.  She repaid us back with so much love.  Our smiles show how much we enjoyed each other’s company” – Joanne

“Roxy is the reason I volunteer; she has brought such joy into our lives.  Her adoption thru the Cape Breton SPCA was easy… They’re the best!” – Linda

 

They’ve become a true testament to the physical and emotional benefits companion animals provide to their families and decided to give back in a big way. They organized the first-ever Putt Fore Pets Golf Tournament which raised over $23,000 for Cape Breton’s shelter pets!

It wasn’t quite as simple as it sounds though. Throughout 2021, the volunteer committee was on the ground meeting with dozens of local businesses to ask them to show their support in hopes they could turn Putt Fore Pets into an annual fundraiser that will support the local shelter for years to come. They secured a presenting sponsorship from Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty, 18-hole sponsors, and over 100 players. On September 24th, 2021, their hard work paid off. People came from across the CBRM came in droves to show their support. Players described the event as “a day to remember” and we can’t help but agree.

The committee has no plans to slow down. Planning for the 2022 Putt Fore Pets Tournament is well underway, and volunteers have committed to making an even bigger impact. Registrations are open now. Click here.

Linda, Barb, Joanne and Laura all have one thing in common; a love of pets and the companionship they provide to their owners. Because SPCA shelters do not receive any government funding, fundraisers like this allow the SPCA to continue to be there for pets and families in need.

Please join me in giving a big round of o-paws for these fabulous volunteers who are saving lives! And don’t forget to check out their 2022 plans right here.

Ryan Toomey

Ryan is a Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-papa to Jake and Sam. He is determined to ensure homeless pets get the help they deserve.

Gussie the Comfort Cat

May 18, 2022

By Taylor Huestis

When Blair was only four years old, she was diagnosed with two rare autoimmune diseases: Kawasaki Disease and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Because of this, Blair endured six months of constant visits to the hospital.

Now that Blair is eight, she still needs to go for infusions at the Regional every few weeks and to the IWK every couple of months.

“Blair is in her third year of infusions and physically she is doing great… but it is the mental part that she’s having a hard time with,” Blair’s mum, Annie, shared.

After being poked thousands of times, Blair developed a fear of needles. “Blair has bad PTSD and very bad anxiety,” Annie explained. “She told me she would love a big chubby cat to help her sleep at night and snuggle up with when she’s scared.”

Fate stepped in. Blair spotted Gussie up for adoption at the Cape Breton SPCA.

“Blair first saw Gussie on her daily SPCA kitty check,” Annie smiled. “We had been looking for several weeks to find that special kitty. Once she saw Gussie’s photo, she knew he was the one.”

Confident that Gussie was the perfect comfort cat, Blair and Annie dropped by the store to stock up on pet supplies. “She bought him everything he could ever dream of,” Annie giggled. “Then when we walked in, and she saw him… it was game over. She fell instantly in love with him. His little tongue was sticking out and she thought he was the cutest guy ever and never wanted to leave him.”

Before adopting Gussie, Blair was terrified to sleep in her own room. “We noticed Blair would always feel much safer with Odin, our pup, in the bed with her,” Annie explained. “But unfortunately, Odin would never stay the night. Blair would end up having bad panic attacks and end up in mommy’s bed.”

But everything changed with Gussie.

“The first night Gussie spent at our house I was expecting Blair to be up in her room crying or come out and tell me how she was still scared to sleep alone,” Annie guessed. “But I walked into her room, and she was laying upside down in her bed and Gussie was laying right beside her head. She had one hand over him. Blair slept in her own bed the entire night for the first time in almost three years by herself. Such a proud mommy moment.”

Just like that, they set all of Gussie’s goodies up in Blair’s room. “He would never leave her room and he was always on Blair’s bed,” Annie remarked. “After a month, we noticed him becoming a little more curious every day. Fast forward two months and you’ll find Gussie and Odin snuggling on Blair’s bed together. They like to play and chase each other and are becoming the best of friends.”

Patience with adopted pets is key. “Don’t give up on your adopted animals,” Annie exclaimed. “It takes time and patience for them to feel comfortable enough to show their true colours. It might take a week or more but eventually they will come out of their shell and show you all of the love they have to give. Time means everything.”

“Adoption is so important because these animals are just looking for love like us,” Annie continued. “I always feel adopted animals are the most grateful. Gussie is 5-6 years old and all he wants is pets, snuggles, and attention. Adopting gives you such a warm heart knowing you are able to provide them with another chance at a happy life.”

And in return, they’ll give you all the emotional support and love you need.

“Gussie plays his part,” Annie grinned. “Gussie makes Blair feel calm and relaxed when he’s asleep beside her in bed. Knowing he’s in there with her makes her nights much easier on her.”

 

 

Taylor Huestis

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Bonnie and Boy. She is passionate about raising awareness and funds for local animals in need. Connect with Taylor at thuestis@spcans.ca or 902-222-0378 today.

The SPCA Veterinary Hospital: Helping Your Pet Live Their Best Life

May 18, 2022

By Judy Layne

Imagine that you just bought a new car.  Would you wait until the engine light comes on before ever taking it to a mechanic? Never! You want your car to last for a long time and you know how important it is to do routine maintenance to keep it safe and operating at peak performance. It’s no different for pets. If you want your pet to lead a long, healthy, and happy life, it’s important to visit a veterinarian regularly not just when they are sick or acting differently.  And the great news is that the SPCA Veterinary Hospital is there to help you do just that! 

Thanks to grants from PetSmart Charities® of Canada, the SPCA Veterinary Hospital has state-of-the-art equipment and can provide medical, surgical, and preventative health care to keep your pet in top shape. Here are some of the valuable services offered: spaying/neutering, vaccines and parasite protection, microchipping, medical and surgical treatment, dental cleanings and procedures, and x-rays. With more than 45 years of combined veterinary knowledge and a passion for animals, your pet will receive high-quality care. Located at 7 Scarfe Court in Dartmouth, the SPCA Veterinary Hospital is designed to make your pet’s visits comfortable and stress-free.

Here are a few reasons why it’s so important to visit a vet regularly.

  • Since pets—especially cats—are excellent at hiding signs of illness, a thorough physical exam with routine screening tests is crucial to detect illness in its early stages. Early detection and treatment can extend your pet’s life, giving you many more years of quality time together.
  • Vaccinations protect your pet against fatal diseases and help keep other animals in your house safe.
  • Preventative treatments like dental cleanings can help your pet avoid pain, tooth loss, gum disease and even organ damage.

And don’t forget other important reasons to visit the vet:

  • Spaying/neutering your pet helps prevent unwanted litters. Spaying also eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer in your pet, while neutering reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
  • Microchipping your pet (permanent ID) can mean the difference between hope and heartbreak, between a lost pet coming home or not.

I caught up with Camille Lindstrom, who’s a firm believer in the importance of regular veterinary care. Camille and her two big fluffy 3-month-old boys – Hank and Odin – have been clients of the SPCA Veterinary Hospital since February. Camille said “We read about the new SPCA Hospital on Facebook. It was an easy decision for us to come here.”

“Hank’s and Odin’s health and happiness are important to us because they are our fur-children,” explained Camille. “Our beloved Husky Thor, who had epilepsy and other health issues, passed away at a young age so making sure our boys are in the best shape they can be is important to us. They make us laugh and comfort us when we are sad so we want to keep them healthy just like we would with the human members of our family.”

Camille related “My daughter Amy and I took Hank and Odin to the SPCA Hospital to get their three rounds of puppy vaccinations and make sure they’re protected against things that can make them seriously ill. Being extra large breed dogs (Great Pyrenees/Newfoundland cross), they are also prone to different health issues, and we want to make sure they’re progressing well without any problems.”

“Our three visits to the Hospital have been comfortable and stress-free for all of us; the puppies love going here!” shared Camille. The staff are friendly, kind and helpful and they thoroughly answer all the questions we have. They are amazing with Hank and Odin and made them very comfortable even when they’re in uncomfortable situations like getting a needle. Nothing is too much trouble for them, even when they’re busy. It’s clear that staff enjoy their jobs and are invested in pets and their families. And the Hospital itself is very clean and welcoming. We always make our next appointment when we leave.”

Amy chuckled at a favorite memory of visiting the SPCA Veterinary Hospital. “One time, Odin refused to go in and one of the staff carried him in, despite him being such a big boy! When we returned for another appointment, the staff person remembered us and asked if we needed help bringing him in.”

I asked Camille what advice she’d give to other pet parents? “Try to bring your pet in annually for a checkup and mention anything out of the ordinary, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. These checkups can help you catch things early and treat them. Build a good relationship with the vet and other Hospital staff. If you can afford it, pet insurance is also very important as you never know what’s going to happen. Insurance can help you cover the costs for medical procedures and medications that your pet may need.” You can learn more about SPCA Pet Health Insurance here:  www.spcanspetinsurance.ca.

By choosing the SPCA Veterinary Hospital as your vet, you’re not only helping your pet but the community as well. Profits from the hospital are used to care for pets whose families need help, so that we can keep more pets together with the families that love them. Camille said “Hanks’ and Odin’s visits not only help them to stay healthy; we also think it’s great that the SPCA can provide care for low-income families. It’s definitely a win-win.”

So, if you need a veterinarian for your furry family member, trust your pet’s care to the leader in animal welfare in Atlantic Canada. Book your appointment by contacting the SPCA Veterinary Hospital by email: vet@spcans.ca or by phone: 902-706-4155. The SPCA looks forward to providing your pet with the care they need to be a healthy and happy part of your family!

 

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.