Windsor did not arrive at the shelter as a blank slate. He arrived after being uprooted from the only life he had known, unsure of what came next.
In November 2024, the senior Border Collie was surrendered to the Dartmouth SPCA Shelter when his owner moved into a nursing home and could no longer care for him. At around ten years old, Windsor suddenly found himself in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by unfamiliar people, navigating unfamiliar routines.
He was scared and was also managing a heart murmur, osteoarthritis that would require lifelong medication, and a stubborn ear issue that needed ongoing care.
For a dog trying to make sense of a world that had changed overnight, it was a lot.
Windsor was adopted once that December, but only a few days later he returned to the shelter. For many senior dogs, a second return can feel like the end of the road. Instead, it became the turning point in his story, which began when Veronique LeBlanc and Chris Hughes came across Windsor’s online profile.
“We were smitten right away,” Veronique says. “When we met him, the staff explained that he was pretty particular with people and we’d know quickly whether we’d even be considered. Thankfully, he seemed comfortable with us, and the longer we spent together, the more relaxed he became. He even found a toy to play with together.”
By the time they left the shelter that day, they had already submitted an adoption application. “We really feel that Windsor chose us,” she says.
In January 2025, Windsor went home as a foster-to-adopt. One month later, the adoption became official. But although they already loved Windsor, things weren’t easy. 
“To be perfectly honest, those early days were challenging,” says Veronique.
Windsor needed constant supervision while learning house training, and he struggled to relax in his new surroundings. “He didn’t seem to understand how to just exist in the space. He was always on alert.”
They kept giving Windsor the support he needed and progress happened little by little. “We made a commitment when we brought him home, and we decided we would work through the challenges and see that through.”
Slowly, Windsor began to trust them. A routine formed and the house started to feel familiar.
However, some new behaviours began to surface. He became reactive to dogs and cars, trying to herd passing vehicles in true Border Collie fashion. He developed separation anxiety and struggled to be left alone.
Instead of giving up, his family leaned in. With the help of trainers and a veterinary behaviourist team, Windsor began learning how to feel safe in the world around him.
Progress was slow but things did improve. Today, Windsor no longer reacts to cars and is making steady progress with other dogs. He can stay home alone comfortably and has learned to relax.
“I think the most meaningful thing to me is seeing Windsor in a deep sleep, unbothered by the world around him,” says Veronique. “In the beginning, he couldn’t settle for more than a few minutes. Now the soundtrack to my workdays at home has shifted from barking to snoring.”
As he began to feel safe, Windsor’s personality began to shine and he revealed himself to be a silly goofball who loves chasing balls, rolling in wet grass, and sitting in funny positions around the house, which makes his family laugh.
Welcoming Windsor into their lives reshaped their understanding of love. “I’ve learned that patience, consistency, and gentleness are key to gaining trust,” says Veronique. “That trust truly means the world.”
Adopting a senior dog also means embracing the reality that time together may be limited. But for Windsor’s family, that knowledge only deepens the meaning of every day they share. 
“We know we won’t have too many years with him,” says Veronique. “But knowing we can make those years good ones where he feels safe and loved means so much.”
Windsor won the lottery when he found Veronique and Chris. He needed a family who wouldn’t give up on him and who could give him time, training and care. And thanks to them, Windsor will spend his senior days being loved and happy.
To anyone considering adopting a pet, Veronique shares this message: “Not everyone is in a position to adopt an older or higher-needs pet, but for those who are, I would tell you that it’s the most rewarding experience.”