Love has a way of finding its way home. For Angela Fader, that love arrived in the form of a tiny French Bulldog named Luna. This month, as we celebrate family, new and old, their story shows how a little extra love and care can form a forever bond.
When Luna first arrived at the Dartmouth SPCA shelter on October 16, 2024, the seven-year-old Frenchie was facing significant health challenges. She had skin issues that needed extensive treatment, she was unable to produce her own tears, and even a small change in her diet could trigger painful flare-ups.
But despite all her struggles, she charmed everyone at the shelter with her sweet personality. In her adoption bio, staff even wrote, ‘This little French fry is adored by everyone. She loves to be cradled like a baby and snores like an old man.’ They cared for her deeply and worked hard to get her well enough to be cleared for adoption.
Because she needed ongoing monitoring and a strict routine, Luna was placed as a foster-to-adopt once she was stable enough to go home.
Meeting Luna
After losing her beloved Boxer, Addie, Angela wasn’t sure her heart was ready for another dog. But as the months passed, the quiet in her home pushed her to start browsing the SPCA website. She began to tell herself, “I really do need a dog in my life.”
She didn’t want a puppy and even met another dog at the shelter, but it wasn’t the right match. Feeling discouraged, she took one last look online on New Year’s Eve and saw Luna for the first time.
“As soon as I saw her face, I knew she was the one and that she needed me, but little did I know I needed her more,” says Angela. That same day, she got off work early and rushed over to meet Luna. “Before the end of the day, she was my sweet darling.”
When she learned more about Luna’s medical history, she felt her instinct confirmed. “I knew then that she really did need me.”
The connection was immediate. “My heart filled with love the instant I saw her. She was so tiny and I felt like she needed the protection and unlimited love only I could give her, with a quiet home to recover with peace and safety,” says Angela.
For Angela, taking on Luna’s medical needs wasn’t a deterrent, it was something she felt prepared for. Having had Boxers for most of her life, she was familiar with pet health concerns and the financial commitment required. “I understand lots of pets end up at shelters because people can’t afford to give them the care they need and that breaks my heart.”
Forever Home
Luna settled into her new home seamlessly. “It was like we had always been together,” says Angela. “She settled right in and didn’t take long to realize this was her home and she was staying with ‘her’ human.”
Her confidence grew with time, and Luna quickly became a loving, social little companion.
Angela takes her everywhere, and Luna enjoys meeting people. “It warms my heart to see people love on her as she is so precious and deserves more love than I could ever give her myself.”
Luna’s quirks make Angela smile and have become part of their everyday life. “She still loves to be cradled like a baby, and snores like a trooper in that position too,” says Angela. She even got her a baby bouncer, which Luna uses all the time.
During walks, Luna has developed a signature move: she does a rolling nose dive, ending up on her back, where she stops for a quick belly rub.
With support from her veterinarian, Angela has been able to adjust Luna’s care as her health improved. Luna no longer needs medication and they’ve been able to manage her health with simple home remedies and a controlled diet. She’s now on an ‘added fish and protein diet’ which has helped her to bulk up a little.
The theme of this month’s newsletter is family, and for Angela, the meaning is clear. “It’s just her, I, and my white dove Laverne. They’re my whole family and I live for them.” 
The joy Luna brings is immeasurable. “She has changed my life. She has brought me so much joy with the love she has to give and the laughter she brings to myself and everyone she encounters,” says Angela. “People get such a chuckle when we’re out shopping and they round the corner and realize all the snorts and snoots they’ve been hearing are coming from Luna.”
Angela encourages others who are considering adopting a pet to have an open heart. “Don’t judge a book by its cover because sometimes love is the cure. Mental health is part of their health too,” she says.
She also shares a message of gratitude for the SPCA team. “Thank you to the team at the SPCA. They worked incredibly hard to nurse Luna back to health and give her a second chance after a bad start. They clearly saw this tiny, damaged soul as a special gift, or a fallen angel who now finally has her wings back.”
