Some friendships aren’t measured in minutes or miles – they’re measured in tail wags, happy bounces, and the heart-stopping joy of being together again.
Max Hody knows this better than most.
This isn’t just a story about adoption. It’s a story about distance, determination, and a reunion that involves paws, cargo, and a whole lot of heart.
When Max Hody went to the Nova Scotia SPCA in June 2025, he thought he was there for a puppy. That was the plan. But then he met Zoey, a four-year-old German Shepherd –formerly known as Azula – who had been found running at large before coming into SPCA care. One walk around the shelter and a quiet moment of connection later, it was clear: she wasn’t just a dog. She was the best friend he didn’t know he was looking for.
Max, born and raised in Nova Scotia, didn’t hesitate, even knowing Zoey came with a few extra considerations: hip dysplasia, allergies, and some ongoing skin issues. He admits he worried at first, but some bonds are bigger than any “what if.”
Bringing her home that first day, she was a little unsure, sniffing every corner, taking in every sound.
“She didn’t know we were staying,” he joked. “She would look at me with that ‘are we going to keep walking’ look.”
Half a day later, she had settled in as if she’d always belonged. From that moment on, they were an inseparable duo.
Max describes Zoey as gentle, well-mannered, and attached to him like a shadow. She loves people, thrives in social spaces – daycare included – and has made plenty of furry friends along the way. She’s also an unapologetic bed hog, proving that some things about best friends never change.
Then came a big move.
Max relocated to Ottawa, Ontario, and the pair are temporarily separated. For now, the leash hangs quietly, the house feels emptier, and their connection happens through video calls.
“I miss her,” Max said. “Since being apart, we’ve been video chatting. She gets excited hearing my voice.”
Even through a screen, their bond is unshakable. Distance doesn’t stand a chance.
Being apart isn’t the end of their story – it’s the start of the next chapter. Max is arranging to bring Zoey to him in early March, either on a flight with a friend, or through Air Canada Cargo AC Animals, a specialized, comfortable, and secure air transportation service for pets, handled by trained staff who make sure the journey is as smooth as possible.
Soon, months of waiting and missing will finally be over.
“She relies on me, but I also rely on her,” Max said. “It’s her and me together – my girl. She’s family.”
Adopting Zoey wasn’t just about giving a dog a home. It was about finding a best friend, a partner in crime, and a reminder that love isn’t measured by size, age, or distance.
“I love her,” he said. “I would 100% do this over again and again.”
And when people ask where she came from, Max doesn’t hesitate.
“I recommend the Nova Scotia SPCA to everyone,” he said. “They really care for the animals there, and it shows.”
He may have walked into the shelter looking for a puppy, but he walked out with a loyal companion who proved that those miles (or kilometres) don’t matter – some friendships always find their way home.