When Nicole Collicutt first walked into the SPCA, she wasn’t planning to meet Isla, a beautiful, now four-year-old, Bulldog mix. She had gone to see another dog, but while the staff prepared for that visit, they asked if there was anyone else she’d like to meet.
“I saw Isla’s picture on the wall and said bring her out,” says Nicole.
While in the shelter, staff described Isla as reserved, but she immediately warmed up to Nicole.
“When I took Isla for a walk outside the SPCA, I knelt down to give her a little pat, expecting her to be shy. She jumped right up on my chest and gave my face a big, slobbery kiss. It was pretty much from that moment that I knew she was going to be the one for me.”
That instant connection turned into a forever bond. Nicole adopted Isla on July 25, 2023 and welcomed her into her forever home. 
Isla’s new life had a fun and adventurous start because the timing of her adoption lined up with Nicole’s annual family vacation to Prince Edward Island. “I brought her home, and a couple of days later, we were headed to Prince Edward Island for our camping trip,” says Nicole. “I always joke that the poor girl must have been so confused to have been adopted, just to then be sleeping in a tent by the beach.”
A few weeks later, the pair were off to Northern Quebec for Nicole’s teaching contract. Through it all, Isla and Nicole were by each other’s side. “From day one she’s been such a happy, ‘wherever you take me, I’m happy to go with you’ type of girl. I think she just needed that one person to make her their whole world.”
Nicole says she could tell Isla finally felt at home a few months later. “I got her at the end of July, and I think the following October was the first time she rolled over on her back for a tummy rub. I knew that she felt safe. She now loves a good tummy rub.”
Today, Isla is thriving. “She’s an energetic, cuddly, slobbery, and loyal sweetheart. I don’t know if I ever imagined a dog would look at me with so much love in her eyes,” says Nicole.
Her days are filled with playtime and snuggles. Isla loves fetching her big pink ball and going to the beach. She also loves going for her daily walks, even though she likes to go slow and ‘smell the roses,’ especially in the warm summer weather.
Though she’s selective about other dogs, she adores playing with her best friend, a Chocolate Lab named Gunner, and her newest friend, Mishka the Husky.
“Isla’s perfect day would consist of a post-breakfast nap on the couch, a big afternoon walk or hike, and a little time to play ball before an evening snuggle on the couch with a movie. Her favourite is Dog starring Channing Tatum,” says Nicole.
Since their journey began, Isla has taught Nicole the value of patience and consistency. “No dog is perfect, they all have their flaws and quirks. As you get to know them and they get to know you, they will test your patience. But the time you put into them is what you get out, and it builds such a strong relationship,” she says. 
And Nicole says her life has changed in the best way since bringing Isla home. “I was never a morning person before I got Isla,” she says. “She a very routine-oriented girl and if we’re up early Monday to Friday, we’re also going to be up early Saturday and Sunday. She has really made me get out and enjoy so much more of my free time.”
For those considering adoption, Nicole has this advice: “Any dog, from a shelter or not, is going to be a long-term commitment and a lot of work. Your dog may not be that perfect, outgoing pup who loves everyone they meet, and that’s okay. Find the things that make your dog comfortable and happy, and don’t be afraid to work with a trainer if you need help. With patience, consistency, and kindness, you’ll see your rescue dog flourish.”
That’s exactly what’s happened with Isla. Once a shy shelter dog, she’s now a loyal companion living her best “second life” full of toys, adventures, and unconditional love.