Some people write love stories. Judy lives one.
It’s a love story filled with wagging tails and gentle purrs, beautiful songs and chirps, and quiet moments shared between rescuer and rescuee. It’s a story of devotion, compassion, and hope – one that Judy has been writing most of her life, not with ink, but with heart.
Ten years ago, Judy began volunteering at the Nova Scotia SPCA, and since then, she’s served on the SPCA Board of Directors for six years, written countless stories on animal welfare (including the Paw Print), and actively sought and collected donations for the SPCA Thrift Store. Her commitment is fueled by a simple yet powerful drive: to give a voice to vulnerable animals who can’t speak for themselves.
She would humbly call herself just a dedicated supporter. But to us, she’s so much more.
Judy is always the first to step up, and the last to accept any credit. She’s the quiet force in the background, giving without expecting anything in return.
“I have always been passionate about all animals,” Judy shares. “But I have gravitated towards those animals struggling to find a home, those recovering from abuse, neglect, and illness, and those who need to experience what kindness and love are for the first time.”
Judy has a unique gift for seeing beauty in many things, and it shines most brightly in the journey of every animal. Throughout her life, she has shared her home with 11 pets, most of whom were adopted, and most with their own unique story – stories of struggle and solitude. In her care, they found not only healing and happiness, but the unconditional love they had always deserved.
It’s important to talk about her pets because of the impact they had on Judy. From the cheerful songs of her childhood budgies, Tiny and Dickie, to the brave, resilient spirits of her adopted cats and dogs – Katie, Harley, Maddie, Gracie, Linc, Angus, Tarko, Murphy, and Meggie – every one of them left a pawprint on her heart.
Though her pets have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, their memory lives on in the stories Judy tells and the love she continues to share.
Each pet had their own unique personality: Tiny dove head-first into her dad’s pocket for a toothpick. Dickie padded across the carpet like he owned it. Angus splashed in a Smurf-themed kiddie pool. Tarko walked far despite having no hip joint. Murphy detected McDonald’s drive-thrus like a four-legged GPS. Meggie bolted sideways at bunnies. Katie lounged on her patio throne. Harley snuggled under the covers with his own MagicBag. Maddie was her tiny nurse. Gracie claimed half the bed. Linc showed courage after cruelty. These weren’t just pets. They were family, companions, and teachers.
“All my pets gave me a lifetime of love and loyalty,” she said. “They taught me about the importance of unconditional love and kindness, loyalty and trust, patience and resilience. They also taught me to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and the joy of living in the moment.”
As Judy reflects on her journey with animals, she knows her commitment to the SPCA doesn’t end with her volunteer work, donations, or even the stories she writes. Her legacy is being built in a way that will outlast her lifetime.
She is leaving a gift in her will, ensuring she continues to support vulnerable animals long into the future.
“Leaving a gift to the SPCA in my will allows me not only to honour my pets but to create a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to protect animals for years to come,” Judy shares. “It’s also important to me to give back to a cause I feel strongly about. The SPCA does amazing work, and I’m happy to support them.”
For Judy, this isn’t just about financial support. It’s about honouring the love and loyalty she’s received from the animals who’ve shared her life.
When talking about her decision to leave a legacy gift, Judy emphasizes the importance of being proactive. 
“If I want to help animals after I’m gone, I need to take the time now to prepare a will that ensures my wishes are honoured,” she admits.
And just in time for Leave a Legacy Month, Judy’s message is one of love, hope, and action. She wants to inspire others to think about the legacy they can leave behind.
“Leaving a gift in my will is my way of ensuring that future animals will receive the care they need,” she says. “If you’ve experienced a pet’s unconditional love, please consider honouring them by leaving a gift to the SPCA in your will. Every gift is important, no matter how big or small. Together, we can make the world a better place for animals.”
And right now, there’s another way to make your impact go even further.
Thanks to Judy, all gifts – including those made in honour of a beloved pet – will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. That means your $50 becomes $100, and your $100 becomes $200. It’s a rare and special opportunity to double the love for animals who need it most.
Judy knows there are animals at the Nova Scotia SPCA right now who are waiting – waiting for kindness, warmth, and a second chance. Your donation today, no matter the amount, helps provide that. And with the matching campaign, the love you share multiplies.
You see, Judy’s connection to the SPCA is more than just a history of donations and volunteering. It’s a deeply personal commitment that reflects her lifetime of love for animals. Her work has touched hundreds of lives – not just for animals, but adopters, donors, and fellow volunteers alike. She inspires those around her with her empathy and sincerity, reminding us all of why we do what we do.
Her legacy will continue to provide for the many animals who walk through the doors of the SPCA, offering them a chance at a life filled with love, care, and second chances.
“I know first-hand the love, care and compassion that staff and volunteers at the SPCA showed not only to my adopted pets, but to all the animals entrusted to them. I wanted to pay that forward.”
Because of Judy and her love of animals, thousands of other furry tails – and the perfect fairy tales – will continue to have happy endings.
