Bringing home a puppy is like adding a new chapter to your life – one filled with wiggly greetings, endless belly rubs, and a little mischief along the way. With every wag of her tail, Java brought a little more energy into her humans’ lives, like the perfect espresso shot to start the day.
But as any puppy parent knows, there’s a blend of challenges too – like those sleepless nights or those early-morning “refills” of patience.
When Josephine De Leebeeck and her partner, Jan, began their search for a dog, they weren’t in any rush. They took their time researching different breeds, considering their lifestyle, and dreaming up what life with a puppy could be.
“It slowly started moving from a fantasy to a reality,” Josephine recalled.
Their patience paid off in early 2024, when they met Java at the Nova Scotia SPCA.
Among a litter of adorable Siberian Husky-Mastiff mix puppies, one stood out – the calmest of the bunch, and with strikingly different-coloured eyes, one blue and one brown. Jan felt an instant connection. They spent 45 minutes with the puppies, taking their time, and in the end, the choice was clear. Java was the one – the perfect blend of sweetness and adventure.
Now, a year later, Java is a confident, adventurous member of their family, keeping life exciting. “She’s not afraid to ask for what she wants,” Josephine said, laughing.
Java loves walks, sniffing every new scent, and is completely obsessed with water. 
“Whenever we are near a lake or a creek, she beelines it for the water,” she said. “She loves playing in the water.”
But Java’s journey started long before she found her loving home. She was part of the Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies (PUP) program at the Nova Scotia SPCA. The program is designed to prevent accidental litters by offering free spay surgeries for mother dogs and cats, while also ensuring their puppies and kittens receive veterinary care and new loving homes.
National Prevent a Litter Month serves as an important reminder of why programs like PUP matter. Every year, shelters across the country see an influx of unplanned litters – puppies and kittens who need homes, medical care, and a second chance. Spaying and neutering pets not only reduces overpopulation but also provides health benefits and prevents behavioural issues.
For Josephine and Jan, adopting Java marked the beginning of a rewarding – though challenging – journey.
“Training from a puppy has its challenges,” she admitted. “I knew raising puppies was a lot of work, but she was very easy to train, thankfully. She was eager to please.”
Still, there were sleepless nights, constant supervision, and moments of doubt.
“You develop an instinct over time,” she said. “And eventually, you trust you’re doing it right and she’ll turn out to be a good dog. But it takes time.”
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. Puppies need time, patience, and consistent training to grow into well-mannered adult dogs.
It’s a long-term commitment, one that requires effort, unconditional love, and a bit of humour to get through the tough moments. But the reward? It’s worth every challenge.
For Josephine, it was worth it. “You get to watch your pup grow from that wild stage to an amazing companion,” she said.
Her biggest advice for new puppy parents? Be patient. 
“It’s harder than you think,” she said. “The first few months, they aren’t really ‘yours.’ You’re just taking care of this little furry friend, and you’ll question yourself – ‘Am I doing this right?’ But you develop that instinct, and eventually, you trust yourself.”
Java’s story reminds us that every puppy deserves a loving home – and every pet parent deserves the resources to help them succeed. Thanks to the Nova Scotia SPCA, shelters, Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital, and many initiatives like the PUP program, more animals like Java are finding their perfect match.
“I love coming home to someone who’s so excited to see me,” Josephine said.
“You can get bogged down with life, but their only thought is fun and being with the people they love. I love that.”