Abby the Tabby Fills the Hole in her Mom’s Heart

February 11, 2022

By Judy Layne

Five-year old Abby arrived at the Kings SPCA in 2018 in poor shape. She was covered in scabs, fleas and dirt and was suffering from an intestinal infection. She was bathed and began a 10-day course of antibiotics. Once Abby was feeling better, the veterinary team did a full check-up and discovered she had arthritis in her hips and an enlarged heart which meant she was subject to potentially fatal blood clots. Due to her medical conditions and need for ongoing care, Abby joined the SPCA’s Palliative Care Program. Then her life changed.

Ellen and her husband Rowland were volunteering at the shelter as ‘cat cuddlers’ on December 14th when they spotted Abby. Ellen recalled “Abby had just had dental surgery that day. When I spoke gently to her, she looked me in the eyes and really listened to what I was saying to her. My heart immediately melted. When we came back in a few days to visit, Abby jumped up onto my lap and was very affectionate.” Despite her health issues and uncertain prognosis, the couple was determined that Abby should live out her days surrounded by love and decided to open their hearts and home to her as fur-ever foster parents.

The couple knew what it was like to love and lose a cherished pet. Ellen shared “In 2005, we adopted our first kitty, Twiggy. I had been diagnosed with OCD in the late 1990’s. My world often seemed to be falling apart and I was lonely and stressed. Once we brought Twiggy home, life took on new meaning. Her unconditional love helped me as much as I helped her. When she looked into my eyes, it was like she was looking into my soul and a forever bond was formed. In 2012, Twiggy had a severe stroke and we made the gut-wrenching decision to let her go. A hole in my heart started that day.”

The couple adopted three kitties over the years following Twiggy’s passing that they love very much – Rustina, Meeka, Luna. But something undefinable was missing for Ellen. She explained “In 2018, I was talking to my OCD doctor and when I told her the story of Twiggy, I broke down. The doctor suggested that I try to find another special connection like the one I had with Twiggy. I have found that with Abby. Our unique bond began the day we picked her up to take her home. I softly sang her a song with her name in it – Abby the tabby, she’s cute as can be. Abby the tabby, she’s mommy’s little baby. I still sing it to her! I think that both of us having special needs allowed us to develop that special connection.”

Abby adapted quickly to her new home and family. “Within a few days, she felt right at home,” said Rowland. “Our other ‘girls’ accepted her quickly. We were amazed to see Abby sleeping in bed with Rustina (the ‘queen’ of our house) in just 3 days! Meeka and Luna approved of their new sibling too. From that first week, they all started to eat, sleep, wash each other and play together. It felt like our family was finally complete.”

Three amazing years have passed and Abby is still thriving! “She loves to play (a game of chase is her favourite), being brushed, snuggling with us and cuddling with her sisters – all 4 in one bed,” related Ellen. “She’s a real chatterbox and a great listener. When I was feeling sad one day, Abby heard me singing (very badly I might add). She immediately chimed in. I started to laugh and realized that we have a similar connection to the one I had with Twiggy. Perhaps Abby’s own health issues let her sense when I am feeling down. She checks in on me multiple times throughout the day and it truly melts my heart.”

Abby is a terrific patient. Rowland shared “We give her liquid meds every day for the pain in her hips and she takes them like a little trooper. We also bring her in for bloodwork and a check-up every 6 months to make sure she continues to thrive.” The couple had a bad scare last year. Abby was having dental surgery and flat-lined, but the SPCA veterinarian was able to bring her back. “When we heard what happened, my heart froze,” said Ellen. “We prayed that she would be alright and gratefully, within a few weeks, she was her old self again. In our hearts, she has always been ‘our little girl’ so Rowland and I kept talking about adopting Abby. In December, he asked me what I wanted for Christmas. All I wanted was to make Abby officially ours and on December 8^th, 2021 my dream came true!”

“The SPCA staff have been incredible from square one, answering our questions and offering guidance,” said the couple. “They are like an extended family and genuinely care about Abby’s well-being. They love seeing photos and videos of her. The Palliative Care Program itself is amazing. The SPCA covers the cost of all her medical care and we provide the love!”

Ellen encourages people to consider opening their hearts and home to a palliative care animal in need. “There may be medicine to give or some extra care that is needed, but the SPCA is with you every step of the way and they cover all medical costs,” she said. “It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. We are so thankful and blessed that the program brought Abby into our lives. She completes our family and my heart is whole again.”

Please give a round of ‘ap-paws’ to the Nova Scotia SPCA Palliative Care Program. Since the program began in 2009, over 109 animals have participated. The program is a proud reflection of the SPCA’s no-kill policy.

Your generous support gives lucky animals like Abby a second chance at a happy life. To learn more about this life-changing program and how you can help, click here.

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Gracie. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Nine-Year-Old Hero Honours a Best Friend

January 21, 2022

By Taylor Huestis

You’re never too small to make a big difference. Just ask nine-year-old Kianna!

Kianna has always had a strong passion for animals. Her pups, Rain and Lily, were more like best friends than they were pets. Kianna called Rain and Lily her brother and sister. They were inseparable.

But sadly, last year the family had a lifechanging and devastating experience.

Lily started to develop a lump. At first, they thought she must have bumped into something. It was very small, and Lily could be very goofy. But then nerves and fears began to sink in. What if something was wrong with their sweet Lily?

Kianna’s mum, Heather, was terrified. She reached out to their veterinarian to have the lump checked. The diagnosis broke her heart. “I was a single-mom, and I couldn’t afford the surgery that Lily needed,” Heather shared. “I didn’t look for help until it was too late. I have crazy guilt and PTSD about it.”

The family mourned Lily’s passing. To honour Lily, they were searching for a way to give back. After all, that’s what Lily would have wanted.

Fate stepped in.

Heather was on Facebook and saw a post from her friend about the Sunshine Fund. “I had never heard about it until that moment,” Heather grieved. “I got really emotional and moved by it. It made me think, if I can help others by raising awareness and donating then we can make a difference for someone else.”

The Sunshine Fund at the SPCA Veterinary Hospital was designed to help families in crisis with urgent medical care. Donations give dignity to loving owners and hope for hurt pets.

“My mom was telling me about it one night,” Kianna explained. “Mommy said she was going to donate to the Sunshine Fund. I asked her what it was, so she told me. So, I asked if I could give them some of my money and she said yes!”

“I was thinking about our dogs,” Kianna continued. “They couldn’t make it, but I want other people and their animals to be able to make it. I saved up money throughout the years from birthdays and holidays and kept it until I wanted to donate it.”

Kianna made a generous donation to help someone else’s best friend. She understands many families are embarrassed or unaware of what resources exist to help. So, Kianna wants to help families feel comfortable asking for support.

“If anyone is embarrassed, they should reach out for help,” Kianna encouraged. “It will help your dog or any type of animal you have.” Her mum added, “Our fur babies are just like our family members. If you can get to that place before something bad happens and remember you wouldn’t be embarrassed to ask for help for your child, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help for your pets.”

Kianna also hopes to inspire more people to donate and give what they can to the Sunshine Fund. Many families have been hit hard with the pandemic and can’t afford treatment or emergency care for their furry friend.

“I want to tell my story because people should help other people and their pets that need it,” Kianna smiled. “Help them have more time with their pets.”

You can grow our ability to help more loving families in need. Contribute to the Sunshine Fund today by clicking here.

If you need help, please contact the SPCA Veterinary Hospital at vet@spcans.ca or 902-706-4155 to discuss a solution that works for you and your pet. We’re here to help!

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 Pet Pantry – It’s Here to Help!

January 17, 2022

By Judy Layne

Have you ever thought about what you would do if you couldn’t afford to buy food for your pet? It’s a heartbreaking thought. But for many people, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a reality they have to face. Pet food is a major cost for many families and it can add up fast. No family should have to make the painful decision to surrender a beloved pet because they can’t afford to feed them temporarily. Thankfully, there’s help out there!

The Nova Scotia SPCA Pet Pantry is designed to keep bellies full, tails wagging and families together. Thanks to a generous grant from our friends at PetSmart Charities® of Canada, the Pet Pantry is a pet food and litter bank to help families in financial crisis. If you are unable to afford pet food or litter and need temporary assistance until you get back on your feet, the SPCA will arrange for a FREE contactless pick-up at the SPCA shelter closest to you. All you need to do is fill out a short form here.

Amanda is one of many Nova Scotians who has been helped by the Pet Pantry. She shared “I’m on disability and sometimes it’s hard to afford food for my pets. I worried about how I would provide food for them during these difficult times.” She continued “I didn’t know about the Pet Pantry until my sister called me and told me about it. As an animal lover, I’m so thankful for the Pet Pantry – it’s helped me in a big, big way.”

While the Pet Pantry provides free food and litter, the greatest gift it offers is help preventing desperate pet parents from having to surrender their sweet fur-babies. Please spread the word about the Pet Pantry – it’s a great way to ensure pet parents in need know there’s help out there. And if you find yourself in an overwhelming situation, please reach out for assistance. The SPCA is always here to help – especially in a time of crisis.

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Gracie. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Volunteers Make Magic Possible

January 17, 2022

By Judy Layne

Do you have a favorite movie? Have you ever thought about the hundreds of people working hard behind-the-scenes to make the movie magic you see on the screen possible? It’s the same for the Nova Scotia SPCA. They depend on hundreds of dedicated volunteers across the province to help make the magic of saving lives and creating families possible. These volunteers come from all walks of life, from different backgrounds, experiences and ages to be the voice and hands of compassion and hope for homeless animals. They may often be working behind-the-scenes, but to the animals and SPCA staff, they are superstars.

I caught up with Carolyn McNally, a loyal SPCA volunteer for over 12 years! In May 2009, Carolyn’s beloved dog Cagney passed away. She wasn’t ready to get another dog, but loved dogs and wanted to be around them, so she started volunteering in the Dartmouth Shelter. Working alongside staff, Carolyn fulfills a weekly shift that focuses on animal care – washing blankets, bowls and kennels; walking dogs and spending time socializing them.

Carolyn explained “My initial reason for volunteering was my love of dogs and to help them out, but I soon realized how dogs at the shelter gave me so much love in return. There’s nothing better when you’re having a bad day and you can get cuddles and snuggles from a shelter pup!” She continued “The staff are amazing and the animals are given the best care, but the shelter can be a scary place for the animals to adjust. So, I enjoy spending time with the dogs and giving them as much lovin’ as I can when I’m there. I now sneak in snuggles with the cats too when there is time!”

Carolyn’s love of dogs soon led her to becoming a ‘fur-ever foster’ in the SPCA’s Palliative Care Program, that allows senior pets with manageable health concerns to live out the rest of their lives in a loving foster home. Carolyn shared “The palliative care experience was incredible. I fostered three amazing dogs – Bubbles, China and Martha. It was a privilege to see them settle in and watch their personalities blossom as they realized that they had a safe and fur-ever home. The fact that they were leaving this world knowing they were loved was huge.”

Carolyn’s role as a foster fur-mama didn’t end there. She has also fostered kittens over the years. “It was hard to say good-bye to the kittens, but I was glad to give them a good start in life and knew they’d be adopted into wonderful homes, she said.” Through her experience fostering, Carolyn became a cat person too and ended up adopting two cats – Greyson and Rochester! “I quickly realized that sewing and knitting would be more challenging when you have cats than when you have a dog. The thread and yarn proved very enticing to the boys!” chuckled Carolyn.

In addition to donating supplies to the shelter whenever there was a call for help, Carolyn has also shared her time, skills and passion at various SPCA fund-raising events each year including manning booths and crafting items for sale. In short, she does it all!

Ask any volunteer and they’ll tell you how rewarding the experience is. Carolyn is no exception. “The companionship, love and laughter that my foster and palliative care fur-babies have brought me is immeasurable, and I have received much love from all the animals I’ve had the privilege to interact with. I’ve also made great friends with staff and other volunteers. There are so many different ways to help – both inside and outside the shelter – and with each act of kindness, no matter how big or small, you’ll know you are making a difference in the lives of deserving homeless animals.”

The SPCA always needs volunteers to join the team. Are you ready to put your paw up to help, but not sure how to start or what opportunities are available? The purr-fect opportunity is waiting for you right here.

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Gracie. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

REALTOR® to the Rescue: Boardwalk Realty

January 4, 2022

By Ryan Toomey

2021 was a very special year for shelter pets because of… REALTORS®? I know what you’re thinking – what does real estate have to do with animals? You may be surprised to learn that some REALTORS® have found a clever way to incorporate helping shelter pets into buying or selling your home!

Pictured left to right: Betty Carmichael – REALTOR®, Leanne Marthelur – Broker/REALTOR®, Ryan Toomey – SPCA Staff, Brandon MacNeil – REALTOR®, Peter MacGregor – REALTOR®

Early last year, we partnered with Coldwell Banker – Boardwalk Realty in Cape Breton to launch REALTOR® to the Rescue, a campaign to raise funds for hurt and homeless pets in their community. Over a dozen real estate professionals stepped up and pledged to make a gift to pets in need when they successfully helped a client buy or sell real estate. In the first year, they presented us with a gift of over $6,000!

I talked to REALTOR® to the Rescue, Betty Carmichael, to figure out why exactly she made the pledge. This is what she had to say.

“I believe our pets are so important to us for so many reasons, especially during the difficult times that we have experienced in the last two years. So many people have been isolated from their families, friends, and co-workers because of the pandemic; this can cause emotional distress. The comfort of a precious furry friend can be very important to help us make it through an incredibly difficult time.”

Pictured: Betty Carmichael’s dog, Quincy

“On a personal level, several years ago my husband and I were raising our three young boys when we found ourselves with two of them suffering from serious health issues. They were not able to attend school for an extended period of time. To say that our pet shih tzu, Quincy, helped us all through this difficult time is an understatement. He stayed by our boys’ side when they needed it most.”

If you’re reading this, I think it’s safe to say you have had a “Quincy” in your life too. The emotional and physical aspect of pet ownership is something we can all benefit from. That’s what drove Betty to take the pledge to help shelter pets have a second chance and a furever home!

Betty didn’t do this alone! It’s been a collective effort by Betty Carmichael, Brandon McNeil, Stephen MacSween, Peter MacGregor, Joe McDonald, John MacNeil, Kim Nagy and Leanne Martheleur. Already, the agents at Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty have inspired other brokerages to take the pledge too. Together they are making a significant impact on Cape Breton’s hurt and homeless pets.

Please, give these folks a round of a-paws! Check out their pages below and send them a note thanking them for being a REALTOR® to the Rescue.

Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty

Betty Carmichael – REALTOR®

Stephen MacSween – REALTOR®

Peter MacGregor – REALTOR®

Joe McDonald – Broker/Owner REALTOR®

Leanne Martheleur – Broker/Owner REALTOR®

John MacNeil – REALTOR®

Kim Nagy – REALTOR®

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.

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