The road to happiness isn’t always an easy one. Pebble knows that better than anyone. She was frightened of everything, struggling with her health, and battling allergies. It would take a patient and experienced adopter to help Pebble thrive. She came to the North Nova SPCA shelter in 2022 and by December 2024 was still waiting patiently for that special person.
Luckily, she wouldn’t have to wait much longer. Audrey, a veterinarian with three cats, was looking for a dog to share outdoor activities with. Audrey had grown up with all kinds of animals, but especially dogs. Her family always chose the dogs with the most difficult history and the ones that were the hardest for shelters to adopt out. They had adopted a Chow Chow, Pittie x Rottweiler mix, German Shepherds, a Shih Tzu, a Chihuahua, and a Cattle dog mix. Her family also had cats, a rabbit, and some fish. With Audrey’s history and her knowledge as a veterinarian, it’s hard not to think that she and Pebble were destined for each other.
Audrey decided to stop by the North Nova SPCA one day in January 2025 while visiting family in the area. There were two dogs available for adoption. One was a smaller senior dog who didn’t get along with cats. The other was Pebble. The first time Audrey saw her, she was trembling in the back of her kennel. The sight broke Audrey’s heart, but that didn’t deter her. She asked for a meeting with Pebble in the meet and greet room.
Initially, Pebble wasn’t interested in Audrey. She was looking out the door for the people who were caring for her at the time. But Audrey knew Pebble just needed time to adjust to her. So, she sat with Pebble for a while, until she started coming up to her and licking her. Pebble was still nervous and would growl at sudden movements or touches. But by the end of the meeting, Audrey was confident in how well they got along that she asked about adopting her. She knew that no matter what, they would be able to handle whatever challenges were thrown at them. 
The first few weeks with Pebble weren’t easy. Audrey needed to figure out how to improve Pebble’s health and find ways to work around her fear and uncertainty of the treatments that would help her heal. She was frightened of baths, getting her nails trimmed, ears cleaned, and wipe downs. Audrey recalled Pebble’s health issues. “At first, her entire neck was bald, and she’d have ear infections every other week and diarrhea. Being a veterinarian, I did some research and got her on some probiotics, parasite prevention, medicated shampoos, baths, and a twice-weekly ear solution.” As a result, Pebble has a full coat, no more ear infections; her allergies are under control, and she is better at being pampered.
Pebble has made the perfect hiking/activity partner for Audrey. Hiking has become one of Pebble’s favourite activities. At almost five years old, she can still go on a two-hour hike and have energy to burn. The two also enjoy swimming and working on training commands. But cuddling takes the top spot for favourite activity. They’ll curl up in bed at the end of the day and have a long, therapeutic snuggle.
Now, a year after they first met, Pebble is a different dog. She made the move from Nova Scotia to British Columbia with Audrey and her partner. She’s friends with Audrey’s three cats. Pebble spends most of her time outside exploring her acreage and playing with her best friend, the neighbour’s young Mastiff. For Audrey, “Pebble is my ride or die. I couldn’t imagine my world without her in it. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog and friend.”
Audrey and her partner made the decision recently to make another addition to their furry family. They adopted a 15-week-old puppy named Chunk. As soon as they brought Chunk home, Pebble became like a mother to him. No longer timid and fearful, she has become patient and loving. In Audrey’s own words, “Sometimes Chunk likes to hang on and dangle from her neck rolls.” It’s here that Audrey believes Pebble’s patience shines as she’ll simply look at her with an expression that reads as “Mom, the baby is being annoying again.” While Pebble has enthusiastically taken on the job of mentoring Chunk, the puppy has decided to take it upon himself to bring out Pebble’s playful side.
Adoption is never easy, and you never truly know what you’re getting into. But at the end of the day, the reward is worth the risk. As Pebble has shown Audrey, “Don’t pick an animal based on their pictures or description. Go visit the shelter in person. The dog will pick you, and they’ll be right every time.”