Year: 2023

Turning Something Small into Something Big

July 19, 2023

By Judy Layne

Some of the smallest beings have the biggest impact on our lives. Rusty, an itty-bitty SPCA alumni, is a shining example of this. Here’s his story.

Adorable 2-year-old Rusty was surrendered to the Cape Breton SPCA in October 2022 when his owner could no longer care for him. Sweet but timid, Rusty waited for just the right family to adopt him. Enter Sydney and her two roommates, Allison and Jamie. All three were 3rd-year students at the Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI! Was this Rusty’s perfect match??

Sydney related, “I was looking for a furry companion when I saw Rusty on the SPCA adoption page. It was definitely love at first sight. I just knew I had to have him and that he was meant to be with me, which surprised me because I never had a guinea pig before. I wanted to give the little guy a special home where I could help him slowly become more socialized and comfortable with people and pets.”

On November 5th, Rusty headed off to his fur-ever home. Along with his adoptive mom Sydney, he acquired two loving aunties – Allison and Jamie, feline sister Bella and canine sister Rosie.

It didn’t take long for Rusty to become an integral part of this special family. “He has brought so much fun and joy to my life; I love him with every ounce of my body” exclaimed Sydney. “He adores snuggling and makes happy little chirping sounds when you rub his belly. He has definitely helped reduce stress associated with our studies.”

Allison chuckled “Rusty is a pretty sedentary guy. His main hobbies include cuddling with friends and munching on lettuce. But when Sydney bought him a tent, I saw Rusty sprint for the first time ever! He loves his tent so much, he races to get under it and relax.”

Rusty definitely has an adventurous spirit. Sydney reported “He has been to the beach, Victoria Park and tulip fields – always with proper supervision, of course. He likes car rides and always has access to hay and water when he’s travelling. He only goes outside when the temperature is appropriate and has a tent to block hot sun.”

And while Rusty is obviously a big hit at home, his impact doesn’t stop there. Sydney shared “I’ve been able to spread a lot of positivity about Rusty’s adventures to people he meets and through social media. His Instagram and TikTok posts make everyone smile. Hopefully, they will show people that ‘pocket pets’ benefit from enrichment just as much as dogs and cats; they don’t just have to live in a cage all day. They will also hopefully encourage people to adopt a small animal, since I know there are always deserving small pets at the SPCA that need homes.”

Incredibly, with his fur-mom’s help, Rusty will soon have his own book! Sydney explained “I created a fun rhyming picture book called Rusty Sits, to teach kids new words and learn about small animals. Rusty will be sitting on his mini vegan-leather small-animal couch, selling his book at the Charlottetown outdoor market this summer. We will donate a percentage of proceeds to the SPCA; we want to give back for all the amazing work they do.” To pre-order Rusty Sits, click here.

Some veterinarians-to-be are also indebted to Rusty. He has visited multiple clinical rotations to help spread some sunshine on stressful days at the hospital. “He’s such a happy little guy and loves to be held by everyone in the AVC community,” said Allison.

Rusty couldn’t have asked for a better family. All three roommates have been animal lovers their whole life. Sydney stated, “I got my love of animals from seeing my mom so passionate about helping animals in need.” Allison said “I’ve loved animals ever since I can remember. Getting a puppy on my twelfth birthday was one of the best days of my life.” Jamie shared “In January, my fiancé and I fell in love with and adopted our rescue dog Rosie when she was a patient at AVC.”

Volunteering at local shelters helped to grow the roommates’ desire to be veterinarians. Sydney said, “I love working with people from different backgrounds that were all drawn to this profession because of their common love of animals. Allison related, “I love teamwork and problem-solving. It’s rewarding to find answers that give pet owners clarity and peace. Jamie exclaimed, “Volunteering made me realize I needed to do more. I completely switched my career path, applied to AVC and am now less than a year from being a veterinarian!”

The three roommates are now immersed in their rigorous fourth-year clinical rotations. Sydney commented, “It’s going well and it’s a nice change to go from classroom-based learning to hands-on learning working in the hospital with clients and their pets. It can be tough being so passionate about helping animals and clients; it’s easy to get compassion fatigue and burnout, and that’s a big struggle in veterinary medicine following the pandemic. We definitely need more people – veterinarians and vet techs alike – to meet the huge demand.”

All three students agree that jobs in the animal welfare field can definitely be stressful but so rewarding. They said, “There’s something extraordinary about the human-animal bond that people develop with pets, and we get to meet amazing clients whose pets are their children. We get to help sick animals feel better and help owners provide the best care they can for their pets.”

Sydney shared, “Our program is very demanding. I honestly wouldn’t have survived this far without my amazing roommates, their pets, and Rusty! We have such a special bond with our pets and they truly improve our mental well-being with the joy, laughs and unconditional love they bring to our lives.”

And the students’ final thoughts? “We want to encourage people that have a passion for animals to pursue a career in animal welfare. Speaking for those that have no voice is a wonderful gift.”

 

Thinking about adopting a little critter?

Did you know that the SPCA often has adorable small animals that need loving families? From rabbits to rats, bearded dragons to mice, and even roosters – there could be a cute little critter that’s just right for you! These pint-sized pets, like their bigger shelter buddies, came to the SPCA through no fault of their own and are equally deserving of love and happiness.

Small animals should never be thought of as ‘starter pets,’ easy to care for, or inexpensive. Every animal has their own unique requirements.

You need to learn what to feed them, how much exercise and attention they need, what type of enclosure they need, how to live with and care for them. You need to be sure that the animal fits well with your lifestyle and budget and that you can make the long-term commitment that comes with adopting a companion animal – even a very small one! The SPCA can provide you with the information you need to ensure that your pint-sized pet will have a safe, happy, and healthy life.

Click here to check out these little critters available for adoption. Your new companion may be just a click away!

Click here to pre-order Rusty Sits where a portion of the proceeds is donated to the SPCA to help critters just like Rusty.

 

Judy Layne

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

Amazing Neighbours with a Helpful Tip

July 19, 2023

By Creston Rudolph

You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your neighbours. If you’re lucky and have good ones, consider yourself blessed.

The Nova Scotia SPCA was blessed when Don MacKenzie and his wife Angela moved their business headquarters next door to its Dartmouth Shelter. Don and Angela are big animal lovers and have two beautiful dogs named Archie (one and a half years old) and Edie (one year old).  Archie and Edie are popular fixtures in their office and are often referred to as their business mascots.

“Angela talked me into getting a dog,” Don recalls with a smile.

He now looks back on it as one of the best decisions he’s ever made and is glad that she was so persuasive.

“We bring Archie and Edie into work every day. It changes the mood of everyone in our office and makes us feel good. I look forward to seeing them every day when I come in and out of the office,” said Don.

“They’re great company for each other and for us,” Angela added.

Don and Angela relocated their businesses to Scarfe Court during the Spring of 2022 after operating out of an office building on Waverley Rd for many years. Their first business, Eastwing Products Ltd., opened in 2001 and specializes in HVAC systems including heat pumps. It was established by Don’s former business partner Don MacLeod who has since retired.

Over the years, Don and Angela have added to their business ventures. They opened a new company that provides electrical services called Eastwing Electrical and acquired Eastern Plumbing and Heating and Mister Hot Water Heater which provides emergency plumbing services.  All four companies now operate out of their office on Scarfe Court. They have approximately 70 employees.

Before moving into their new digs, Angela reached out to the SPCA to introduce herself and offer their support. To celebrate their move to Scarfe Court, they wanted to do something significant for their new neighbours.  They decided to donate a portion of sales from each heat pump installation in May to the SPCA.

“We wanted to do something special because we love animals and we had heard so many great things about the work the SPCA does,” Don said.

Don and Angela have continued to be tremendous financial supporters of the SPCA through their businesses. They’ve also become trusted neighbours that the SPCA can count on when help is needed. During the recent Nova Scotia wildfires, the SPCA received an influx of pet food donations and ran out of storage space. The SPCA contacted Angela to see if they had any space they could use. Without hesitation, Angela offered the usage of its building.

Some of Don and Angela’s employees are also active SPCA volunteers.  Several years ago, Mark Alberts and his wife Tara joined the SPCA’s foster program.  They regularly provide temporary care to shelter cats who need to live in a home environment prior to adoption.

In addition, last December, Cindy Adams and her 12-year-old daughter Sonny began volunteering at the shelter on a weekly basis – walking dogs and cuddling cats and bunnies.

“We started volunteering because we love animals and helping our community. It’s a good feeling when a community comes together to make things better.  It’s also a wonderful way for a child to learn the importance of caring for an animal and giving back to their community.

To anyone considering volunteering, I strongly recommend it. Our experience has been great from our first visit.  It’s very apparent that the staff really care for the animals,” Cindy said.

The incredibly high standard of care that the SPCA provides to hurt or homeless animals is something that has impressed Don and Angela the most since moving in next door. They’ve gained a strong appreciation and respect for the SPCA’s staff and the tough job they’re faced with every day.

“It’s amazing how many cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals the SPCA provides care for,” said Angela.

“The SPCA’s staff are very committed to what they’re doing. We see so many people coming and going during the run of a day. They carry a big load and do a lot of good work for the community,” Don added.

The SPCA shares a similar appreciation and respect for its “newish” but no longer new neighbours. The iconic Fred Rogers aka Mr. Rogers might have summed it up best in his famous “Won’t You Be My Neighbour” song lyrics…

“Neighbours are people who are close to us
And friends are people who are close to our hearts
I like to think of you as my neighbor and my friend.”

To Don, Angela, Archie, Edie, and staff – Thanks for your incredible support. We look forward to being neighbours and friends for many years to come!

Attention all Heat Pump Owners

With temperatures hitting record highs this summer, Don and Angela would like to remind all heat pump owners with or without pets to check their filters regularly. Their business Eastwing Products Ltd. specializes in heat pump installation and repairs in residential and commercial buildings.

Their customers have installed heat pumps not only to save money but to ensure a comfortable home temperature during the cold winter months and hot summer months for themselves and their pets.

“If you have animals that shed, you should clean or replace your filters monthly. Some are washable and some must be replaced. If they don’t shed, you can usually get two to three months out of a filter before it needs to be cleaned or replaced,” Angela said.

Your heat pump runs best when it is free of dirt and debris. Pet hair not only reduces efficiency, it can also harm the air quality inside your home for you and your pets and reduce the lifespan of your system.

Creston Rudolph

Creston is a Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. He and his partner Terri are proud parents to a cat named Tony (Colchester SPCA alum) and two Shiba Inu dogs named Charlie and Kuma. He loves connecting with SPCA donors to thank them and to let them know how big of an impact their gifts are making.

Generational Giving in North Nova

July 7, 2023

By Sarah Lyon

What are the things you pass down in your family? Typically, families might have their grandmother’s recipe for a favorite dish. Or a piece of jewelry, or another heirloom to treasure. In North Nova, there is a family who intergenerationally has passed down a passion and a calling to give back.

It starts with Norma Barker, who loved animals and constantly supported her local SPCA. She didn’t want gifts for her birthdays and Christmas; instead, she asked people to donate to the SPCA.

Norma passed down her value of philanthropy to her daughter, Marsha. She also turned out to be an animal lover, often helping animals needing extra special attention, like squirrels she found and housed in her garage. Marsha’s giving back goes further than just her community; from music, to health, to animals, she has helped countless organizations.

And like her mother before her, Marsha handed down the idea of helping others to her daughter, Emma. Emma has been volunteering on the fundraising committee for the past year to bring the new SPCA in Stellarton, to life.

“Pets play an important role in our lives,” says Emma. “The SPCA is essential to a community. Not only does it help with emergency and cruelty situations, but adoptions create families and decreases isolation in seniors.”

Emma is a mom to six. Her three children, and her three dogs, Cooper, Max, and Mocha. She grew up having a pet – usually a dog – and has so many fond memories that as an adult, bringing a pet into her home was an easy decision.

“Dogs are great company and I love seeing ours interact with our children. They seem to know to be gentle with them. By coincidence though, all three of them are labs,” laughs Emma. A favourite activity with the dogs is seeing them at the beach playing in the ocean, a perk of living in Pictou County. So, when Emma was asked to join the fundraising committee to bring the community a new SPCA, she says it was an immediate yes.

“I didn’t need to think about it. I am passionate about animals and I know that a new SPCA is very much needed, especially since it will house a veterinary animal hospital.” Emma joined a growing fundraising committee led by Marsha Sobey and Antigonish’s Steve Smith.

Emma did more than join the committee, she jumped in with both feet by hosting a fundraising event. Paws for the Cause was a concert held at the Shoebox Cantina in New Glasgow. The local restaurant donated both the space and the food for the event.

“It was wonderful,” smiles Emma thinking about the event. “I’ve hosted fundraisers before, but not one of this size. This one was very special for me, and I am proud of the way our community came together to make it a success.”

The event was a sell-out. Over the course of the night, bands Kitchen Criminals and Not Like Yesterday, had everyone dancing, while Robyn Alcorn Martin hosted a live auction. Emma is proud to say that a good portion of the money raised, came from the auction, from local businesses.

“Items from the Keltic Quay in Cape Breton, Highland Ford, Chelsea Laine Salon & Colour Bar, D Barker Farms, the SPCA, and more… everyone was eager to help,” says Emma who also donated items from her own business Neezies Inc.

Nova Scotia SPCA representative Creston Rudolph was on hand to speak about the build project and help with on-the-spot donations. In total, over $7,000 was raised.

“I think the event was inspiring for all who connected emotionally to why we were having the event and what the North Nova SPCA will mean for pet owners in our community,” says Emma who already has started planning another event. “The next event will be a comedy night fundraiser, so stay tuned!”

Beyond being an entrepreneur and volunteer fundraiser, Emma has begun to inspire the next generation of her family to continue the tradition of giving back. “I believe that children should learn about and participate in acts of giving. My kids overheard me talking about the new SPCA, and this committee that I am on to raise money, so they started to raise money.”

Emma’s three children have a love of animals themselves and they know that the Nova Scotia SPCA helps pets. Aged nine, seven, and five, with their shared love and desire to help animals, they have started fundraising for the North Nova SPCA.

Years may go by, and trends may come and go, but for this family, generosity and giving, has never gone out of style.

 

Sarah Lyon

Sarah is the Director of Marketing and Communications with the Nova Scotia SPCA. At home, she parents rescue dog Mz. Roxy Roller and son Lochlan. Telling the stories of adopters, donors, and volunteers is what makes her tail wag. Connect with Sarah at slyon@spcans.ca or 902-229-8620 today.

Hope and Helpers

June 21, 2023

By Taylor Huestis

The wildfires in Nova Scotia left our communities devastated. Thousands shared the nightmare of fleeing for safety. They expected the worst. Sadly, for many loving families, they were right.

There has been loss, trauma, and heartbreak.

But in difficult times like these, it is important to hold onto hope.

Mr. Rogers once said “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

It’s not just a good quote from Mr. Rogers. It’s true. Helpers give hope. And during the wildfires, it was inspiring to see all the helpers offering their support.

Here at the SPCA, it was a full team effort throughout the province. Enforcement officers were on the ground rescuing pets, shelter staff and college students provided comfort and care, and the development and communications team worked with donors and connected with families.

But the community of helpers stretched even further.

There was a real outpour of love. People dropped off much-needed supplies, generously volunteered their time and talents, raised and donated funds, and opened up their hearts and homes.

During the wildfires, the SPCA Paws & Support Program was expanded to help families who lost their homes or were displaced. This free program normally helps pet owners who face hospitalization, homelessness, or need safety. Pets live with trained temporary foster families and are reunited once their owner is in a healthy, safe space.

More than 200 pets were cared for in the SPCA Paws & Support Program. Pets just like Willy.

“We didn’t know where we were going to go at first… Emotions were high,” Willy’s fur-dad, Kevin, recalled. They quickly evacuated and checked into a pet-friendly hotel. With Kevin’s experience being a volunteer firefighter in Hammonds Plains, he knew it would be a while before they could return to their neighbourhood.

Kevin reached out to the SPCA and Willy, his nine-month-old pup, joined the SPCA Paws & Support Program while his two Frenchies stayed with Bide Awhile. “It was more of a bittersweet moment,” Kevin shared. “Having a place they were looked after and the care that they needed was more comforting than anything.”

Paige, Willy’s foster, was honoured to be his temporary home. “My heart was heavy for all the people evacuated from their homes as a result of the NS wildfires,” Paige explained. “I was looking for a meaningful way to help out those who were impacted when I saw that the SPCA was looking for foster homes. I was also displaced from my home last year as a result of a house fire and it felt like the right way to pay it forward.”

After ten days apart, it was hard to hold back tears when they were reunited.

There were similar feelings for the residents and staff at Bay Side Home, a long-term care facility.  While the NSCC Yarmouth campus turned a classroom floor into bedrooms for Shelburne wildfire evacuees, four fluffy residents also needed a place to go.

Megan, Bay Side Home’s Recreation Director, called for help.

In less than thirty minutes, Special Constable Sarah Young from the SPCA Enforcement team showed up, reassuring them that the pets would be well taken care of.

Winnie, Candy Cane, Snowflake, and Roger the rabbit found shelter, safety, and love in the SPCA Paws & Support Program. One week later, when the 62 residents were able to return, so did their beloved cats and bunny.

Their full family was back home.

For the families who were impacted, we hope there will be a restored sense of safety for you. We hope that you feel the love coming from your community. And we hope you know we are always here for you.

With hope and helpers, we will get through this together.

 

Taylor Huestis

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-parent to two cats named Bonnie and Boy (yep - that is his real name) and one palliative pup named Hazel. Connect with Taylor at thuestis@spcans.ca or 902-222-0378 today.

A Gift of Appreciation

May 17, 2023

By Creston Rudolph

Tim Hubley feels a deep sense of gratitude toward the Nova Scotia SPCA.

When he and his wife Annette fell on hard times, the Nova Scotia SPCA was there for them.  Their dog Kahlua required urgent medical care to treat her epilepsy in January 2021 and came to the SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital located in Dartmouth.

Thanks to generous donor support, the SPCA could help with the cost of Kahlua’s medical care.  As a result, Kahlua received the treatment she needed and was able to stay together with her loving family. Tim and Annette were ecstatic and so thankful for the SPCA’s help.

A Big and Sudden Loss

Sadly, Annette passed away unexpectedly a few months later.  The sudden loss of his life-partner hit Tim extremely hard.  To make matters worse, soon after, Kahlua ran out of her epilepsy pills.

“I didn’t have the money needed to buy more.  I called the SPCA Veterinary Hospital, and they told me to come over and they would give me the pills until I had the money to pay for them.”

The SPCA was there again for Tim when he needed help.  This is something that Tim is forever grateful for as his pups mean so much to him.

“I don’t know what I would’ve done the first couple of months when Annette passed away had I not had my dogs.”

Love of Dogs

Tim’s fondness of dogs started at a young age growing up in Spryfield.

“There were always dogs around. I lived in a neighborhood where the houses were close together therefore a lot of animals close together.”

Tim’s family has included several dogs during his lifetime.  His family adopted his first dog at the age of 12, a female fox terrier chihuahua mix named Tiny.  After Tiny, there was Bruce, Toby and now Kahlua, Gizmo and Precious.

His love of dogs grew even more when he met Annette who was an animal enthusiast too.  Their passion for dogs helped them create a special bond.  Tim fondly remembers how Annette convinced him to adopt Kahlua.

“If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have Kahlua.  She saw her up for adoption on a website and immediately fell in love with her.  She made the phone call and did what was necessary to get her.  And that’s how we ended up with Kahlua.”

Tim is incredibly happy that Annette’s persuasion skills worked on him in this case.

Giving Back to the SPCA

Later that year and two days before Christmas, the storage shed at the SPCA’s Dartmouth Shelter was broken into and a significant amount of pet food, treats and beds were stolen.  As soon as Tim heard the news, he jumped into action and drove down to the Dartmouth Shelter to help by making a generous financial donation.  Tim was in a much better financial situation then and felt compelled to give back out of appreciation for when the SPCA helped him and Annette during their time of need.

Soon after, Tim made the decision to name the SPCA in his will.

“Visiting the shelter made me realize that naming the SPCA in my will was the right thing to do.”

Tim encourages others to consider leaving a gift in their will to the SPCA.

“I don’t think there’s any better place to leave a gift.   The number of animals that they help every day is incredible.  I know how much this gift is appreciated by the SPCA.”

The Nova Scotia SPCA is very fortunate to receive the incredible support that it does from the general community.  This support allows it to assist approximately 15,000 animals in need annually.  To the surprise of many, the SPCA doesn’t receive any government funding for animal care or facility operations.

For nearly 150 years, the Nova Scotia SPCA has been funded by compassionate animal lovers, just like Tim.  Tim’s estate gift will assist in ensuring that hurt pets receive needed medical attention and abandoned animals receive care — what an incredible legacy.

Tim feels particularly good about his decision to name the SPCA in his will and has no doubts that Annette would feel the same.

“She’s smiling down on me.  There’s no question about it.”

 

To learn more about leaving a gift in your will to the SPCA, please contact Christa Jensen at cjensen@spcans.ca or 902-536-3143.

 

Creston Rudolph

Creston is a Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. He and his partner Terri are proud parents to a cat named Tony (Colchester SPCA alum) and two Shiba Inu dogs named Charlie and Kuma. He loves connecting with SPCA donors to thank them and to let them know how big of an impact their gifts are making. Connect with Creston at crudolph@spcans.ca to learn more about leaving a gift to the SPCA in your will.

A Special Needs Kitty Finds a Special Family

May 17, 2023

By Judy Layne

There are special people in this world. People with big hearts willing to step up to give homeless animals with special needs a loving home and a second chance at the happiness they deserve. Caroline and her parents Raymond and Christine are three such people. And Gibson, a 6-year old kitty with Cerebella Hypoplasia (CH), is the latest lucky recipient of their love and kindness.

Gibson was found stray in Yarmouth in March last year. SPCA shelter staff noticed immediately that his head bobbled back and forth, so he was transported to Dartmouth for further veterinary examination. The poor boy had chipped and missing teeth, matted fur, a grade 2/6 heart murmur, and was also diagnosed with CH.

CH is a neurological condition in animals where the cerebellum of the brain doesn’t develop properly. It ranges in severity from a minor wobble in an animal’s walk to extreme difficulty moving around. Cats with CH require special families to adopt them who will be patient and understanding of their physical challenges. It was decided to place Gibson in foster care to assess his quality of life and what his ongoing needs would be. Some folks may not be up for this, but Caroline was.

Caroline explained “I received an email to foster Gibson, a cat with CH. I had already researched the condition and knew that CH kitties need their environment to be adapted to their abilities. I was confident I could give him the love and support he needed, and I had the time to take proper care of him. I worked for 9 years with disabled people as a student job, in the summer in a day camp with kids, and then in adult facilities. I’m not scared of the differences. SPCA staff thoroughly explained Gibson’s challenges and made sure I understood what would be involved in fostering him. When I met Gibson, it was ‘game over!’ I thought he was very handsome, with beautiful eyes and an innocent look. He was also surprisingly trusting, given the hard life he had been living. I knew I wanted to protect and care for this sweet boy.”

In fact, Caroline had previously adopted two special needs kitties. She related “Seven-year old Gregoire had severe asthma and I had to give him medication with an inhaler every day. Eleven-year old Scotia, who I fostered then adopted, suffered from arthritis and needed 2 different medications twice daily for life. Tragically, both of them died in the Halifax cat boarding facility fire in December 2021. My heart is still broken today.”

Caroline fell head-over-paws in love with Gibson while fostering him. He was so sweet and loving and so resilient,” she said. “But unfortunately, while my one-bedroom apartment was fine for a short time while fostering, it is too small for two active cats (I already had my cat Khiva). I wasn’t the only one who fell in love with Gibson though. I sent my parents in Quebec tons of photos and videos while I was fostering Gibson and they just knew in their hearts that they had to adopt him. They did so on May 22nd. I was thrilled that Gibson would stay in the family.”

Raymond and Christine have the biggest hearts when it comes to cats. “They already had two rescue cats – Rino and Bébé,” explained Caroline. Previously, they had a kitty with thyroid problems and needed to give him medication every day. They also feed 7-8 semi-feral cats outside in their backyard twice a day and have done so for several years. With the help of a neighbour, they built them huts to shelter the cats in the cold winters and even paid to get them all spayed and neutered!”

Christine shared “We made sure that Gibson would be safe and comfortable in his new home. Because of the CH, Gibson has less coordination than a normal cat and we adapted our house to his condition: small stools to look out the window, a small staircase to climb on the bed for his afternoon naps, and the addition of a large carpet in the living room for him so he can have more stability. We got big plates so he could grab his food easier even though his head wobbles. He has a litter box with sides that are not too high for him to step into. We also bought scratching pads that we put on the floor because he can’t scratch his claws on a vertical pad. There are several cat beds on the floor for him and his two fur-siblings that we put in different rooms.”

“Gibson has no fine motor skills, but he isn’t an extreme case of CH,” Raymond explained.  “He walks slowly without falling but will fall if he tries to run. He is kind of shaky in the litter box but he has figured out his own technique! CH kitties are a bit clumsy when it comes to spilling food and litter on the floor, but we don’t mind at all cleaning up after him.”

Caroline and her parents were impressed with how quickly Gibson adapted to his new environment. “Interestingly, he was scared of my dad at first (we don’t know anything about men in his history),” reported Caroline. “But after a few days, Gibson knew he was safe with him and since then, my dad has become his favorite human! He follows my dad everywhere in the house and whenever my dad sits on the couch, Gibson paws him so my dad can hold him in his arms.”

Gibson is definitely living his best life. Christine shared “He enjoys napping with his two fur siblings and giving them grooming sessions. They now follow Gibson wherever he goes; he’s become the leader of ‘the three amigos’! He also has fun bird watching at our cottage in the woods. He looooooooves the cottage! He celebrated his first Christmas with us and we are looking forward to many more Christmases with him.”

Caroline summed up “Gibson is thriving and continues to fill the family’s hearts with love and joy. The three of us are so proud of him and how independent he is despite his condition. I see him several times during the year and he always remembers me and is happy to see me. It makes me feel good that I was able to play a role in Gibson’s happily-ever-after.”

The family encourages everyone to consider fostering or adopting a special needs pet. “They may need some extra time and patience, but they deserve a chance to show you how amazing they are. You’ll be rewarded by unconditional love and gratitude.”

 

Understanding the commitment involved in adopting a special needs pet is crucial to a happy healthy relationship. There are important things to consider before adopting a pet with special needs.

  • Think about any long-term dietary requirements, special medications or treatments your pet will need. Pets with behavioral issues may need special training; those with mobility challenges may need therapy or surgery.  Ensure you can fit these costs into your family’s budget. 
  • Your pet may need medications/injections at specific times of day. Ensure you’re available to do this.
  • Talk with your family about the challenges that come with adopting a special needs pet and ensure everyone’s onboard.
  • Your pet may need more frequent vet visits. Pets with an injury or physical disability may need assistance with standing or walking. Some may need you to physically accompany them outside for bathroom breaks, as opposed to simply being let out. 

 The Nova Scotia SPCA makes every effort to place special needs pets with their perfect human match.  Before deciding to adopt, speak to shelter staff since they’re familiar with the animal and consult with your vet to get a good understanding of the pet’s ongoing requirements.  Whatever the pet’s special needs, the SPCA will be there before and after adopting to support you by providing information and advice.

 

Judy Layne

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