Author: Paula Nalbaru

Java’s Journey: Brewing the Perfect Companion

February 19, 2025

By Joel Boyce

Bringing home a puppy is like adding a new chapter to your life – one filled with wiggly greetings, endless belly rubs, and a little mischief along the way. With every wag of her tail, Java brought a little more energy into her humans’ lives, like the perfect espresso shot to start the day. 

But as any puppy parent knows, there’s a blend of challenges too – like those sleepless nights or those early-morning “refills” of patience. 

When Josephine De Leebeeck and her partner, Jan, began their search for a dog, they weren’t in any rush. They took their time researching different breeds, considering their lifestyle, and dreaming up what life with a puppy could be. 

“It slowly started moving from a fantasy to a reality,” Josephine recalled. 

Their patience paid off in early 2024, when they met Java at the Nova Scotia SPCA. 

Among a litter of adorable Siberian Husky-Mastiff mix puppies, one stood out – the calmest of the bunch, and with strikingly different-coloured eyes, one blue and one brown. Jan felt an instant connection. They spent 45 minutes with the puppies, taking their time, and in the end, the choice was clear. Java was the one – the perfect blend of sweetness and adventure. 

 Now, a year later, Java is a confident, adventurous member of their family, keeping life exciting. “She’s not afraid to ask for what she wants,” Josephine said, laughing.  

Java loves walks, sniffing every new scent, and is completely obsessed with water.

“Whenever we are near a lake or a creek, she beelines it for the water,” she said. “She loves playing in the water.” 

But Java’s journey started long before she found her loving home. She was part of the Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies (PUP) program at the Nova Scotia SPCA. The program is designed to prevent accidental litters by offering free spay surgeries for mother dogs and cats, while also ensuring their puppies and kittens receive veterinary care and new loving homes. 

National Prevent a Litter Month serves as an important reminder of why programs like PUP matter. Every year, shelters across the country see an influx of unplanned litters – puppies and kittens who need homes, medical care, and a second chance. Spaying and neutering pets not only reduces overpopulation but also provides health benefits and prevents behavioural issues. 

 For Josephine and Jan, adopting Java marked the beginning of a rewarding – though challenging – journey. 

“Training from a puppy has its challenges,” she admitted. “I knew raising puppies was a lot of work, but she was very easy to train, thankfully. She was eager to please.” 

Still, there were sleepless nights, constant supervision, and moments of doubt. 

“You develop an instinct over time,” she said. “And eventually, you trust you’re doing it right and she’ll turn out to be a good dog. But it takes time.” 

Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. Puppies need time, patience, and consistent training to grow into well-mannered adult dogs. 

It’s a long-term commitment, one that requires effort, unconditional love, and a bit of humour to get through the tough moments. But the reward? It’s worth every challenge. 

For Josephine, it was worth it. “You get to watch your pup grow from that wild stage to an amazing companion,” she said. 

Her biggest advice for new puppy parents? Be patient.

“It’s harder than you think,” she said. “The first few months, they aren’t really ‘yours.’ You’re just taking care of this little furry friend, and you’ll question yourself – ‘Am I doing this right?’ But you develop that instinct, and eventually, you trust yourself.” 

Java’s story reminds us that every puppy deserves a loving home – and every pet parent deserves the resources to help them succeed. Thanks to the Nova Scotia SPCA, shelters, Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital, and many initiatives like the PUP program, more animals like Java are finding their perfect match. 

“I love coming home to someone who’s so excited to see me,” Josephine said. 

“You can get bogged down with life, but their only thought is fun and being with the people they love. I love that.” 

Joel Boyce

Joel Boyce is a Communications & Development Officer at the Nova Scotia SPCA. With a passion for storytelling and visual communication, Joel brings the mission of the SPCA to life through compelling narratives and creative content. Outside of work, Joel is a proud father of three beautiful girls and a playful border collie-golden retriever mix named Hazel.

Reggie’s Heart is Finally Home

February 19, 2025

By Judy Layne

Home. It’s so much more than a place. It’s a feeling. A feeling of being safe, warm and special. Of being loved and happy. Of belonging. Home is everything. And it’s exactly what Reggie wished for…

In August 2023, five-year old Reggie was found stray and brought to safety at the SPCA Kings Shelter by a Good Samaritan. It was obvious that life on the streets had not been easy for Reggie. When he arrived, he had open wounds at the base of his tail that needed immediate medical attention. His fur was patchy, dry and brittle and upon examination, staff discovered many small scabs on his skin. Reggie was very itchy and needed treatment so his fur could grow back in patchy areas. Showered with care and attention, Reggie healed and was put up for adoption in October. And that’s when his wish came true. 

Heidi, her husband Alan and their daughter Peyton had lost their beloved cat Whiskey in 2022. Peyton had been asking for another kitty for some time, so they went to the Kings SPCA one Saturday ‘just to look.’  Famous last words! Heidi recalled “Reggie was the last cat we took out of their kennel to play with and he checked all the right boxes. First, he met our family’s needs, including getting along with children and dogs. Second, he was a ginger kitty that Peyton had hoped for. Third, Peyton instantly fell in love with him and said he was the one. So, Reggie came home with us that same day.”

Peyton had originally planned to name their new family member Peaches, but they all loved Reggie’s name so much that they knew they had to keep it. Reggie adapted to his new home immediately. “We were amazed when he walked out of his crate and into our home like he had lived with us his entire life,” said Heidi. “From the get-go, he was never nervous. He’d actually remain sleeping contentedly even if one of us petted him or if Peyton jumped on the bed or couch next to him. His comfort level was so surprising given that he was found stray. We will never know, but perhaps Reggie had a family at some point.”   

“Incredibly, the first night Reggie spent with us, he slept with us in our bed under the blankets,” exclaimed Alan. “Since then, he either sleeps in Peyton’s bed or with us. He will often nap in Peyton’s bed even when she is not there. We tell Peyton that Reggie knows she is the one who chose him and granted his wish for a forever home.” 

The family respected the fact that initially, Reggie didn’t want to be picked up and held. Now he’s a champion cuddler!  It took a few days for their 12-year old dog Shubie and Reggie to become familiar with one another, but they soon became the best of friends. 

Reggie loves to show off his ultimate hunting skills and protect his surroundings and family from unexpected, and somewhat uninvited, tiny visitors. But his favourite thing to do (aside from spending time with his people) is eating. “Reggie loves food and treats. Nothing is safe left on the counter or on a plate in our home!” chuckled Heidi. 

The couple summed up “Reggie has been a wonderful addition to our family.  He constantly makes us smile and laugh. When he doesn’t get his way, he is quick to find cardboard or paper to rip to shreds in protest! And he has a special bond with Peyton. Seeing Reggie so peaceful and content with her at night is one of our favorite things.” And as for Peyton, she said “He’s so soft, so cute and I love him so much.”  

Despite being a social butterfly and spending some afternoon TV time with neighbours, Reggie’s home is never far away because his home is more than a place. He knows that he is loved, that he belongs, that he is special. He is home. 

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

The Joy of Second Chances: Grace and Trixie’s Story

January 22, 2025

By Joel Boyce

When Grace MacLeod moved from Cape Breton to Halifax in 2023, she wasn’t just looking for a fresh start – she was searching for the purr-fect companion to share it with.

As a nurse with a hectic schedule, Grace longed for a calm and cuddly presence to make her new apartment feel like home. Little did she know that her perfect match – a nine-year-old white and orange Calico named Trixie – was patiently waiting for her.

“I always had cats,” Grace shared. “My last cat, Scully, was a Calico too. She showed up on my doorstep as a kitten and made it clear she wanted to stay. Losing her in 2020 was hard, but when I moved to Halifax, I knew I was ready to open my heart to another cat.”

Grace started her search by visiting Nova Scotia SPCA shelters and browsing their adoption pages. But none of the cats clicked – until she saw Trixie’s photo online.

“Her sweet face caught my attention right away,” Grace said. “When I read that she’d been in foster care for six months and had arthritis requiring daily medication, I knew I had to meet her. As a nurse I knew I was very comfortable giving medication and thought that might deter others from adopting her.”

Rather than scaring her off, Trixie’s challenges made Grace even more determined to give her the second chance she deserved.

And when they finally met, it was love at first belly rub. “I fell in love with her sweet nature. She came right up to me and plopped on her side for belly rubs,” Grace recalled with a laugh. “She was the cat for me. I adopted her the next day.”

Grace adopted Trixie in November 2023, and the Calico quickly made herself at home.

“She settled in like she owned the place,” Grace joked. “She started sleeping at the end of my bed, but it didn’t take long before she moved up to share my pillow. She’s very clear – I’m her person.”

Trixie’s life has blossomed in Grace’s care. She was previously overweight and was put on a special diet, but she is now a healthy 12 pounds.

“She loves to eat, so that was a challenge,” Grace admitted. “But now she’s so much more active – zooming around the apartment and playing with her favourite toys.”

One of those favourite toys? Grace’s foot massage ball. “I was using it one day, and Trixie went crazy for it,” Grace said. “Now it’s hers. She also barrels through her play tent, chases strings, and adores her cardboard scratchers. She’s playful, cuddly, and always the centre of attention.”

Trixie’s sunny personality shines even brighter during trips to Cape Breton to visit family. Finding a pet who was comfortable with travelling was important for Grace, and she’s happy to report Trixie is an amazing traveller.

Trixie sits calmly in her carrier throughout the four-hour trek, and once in the county Cape Breton home, she parks herself in a window hammock and will sit for hours watching the birds at a feeder.

It’s safe to say that adopting Trixie was one of the best decisions Grace ever made.

“I wish more people would consider adopting an adult cat,” she said. “You get to miss the kitten stage and skip right to having a calm cuddly companion. Older cats have so much love to give”

They truly are a perfect fit.

And that perfect fit shows during their quiet one-on-one time in their apartment, where Trixie follows Grace like a little shadow. Once on the couch, Trixie is always on her lap or by her side and is spoiled with love and affection.

Grace said it’s the second chance she deserved.

Their experience highlights the joy of adopting an older cat. At nine years old, Trixie might not have been everyone’s first pick, but she’s proven to be a perfect match for Grace. Together, they’ve created a heartwarming bond that proves second chances can lead to the happiest of endings.

“I’m so grateful that Trixie and I found each other,” she said.

So, if you’re considering adoption, take a cue from Grace. Visit the Nova Scotia SPCA and you just might find your Trixie – a furry friend who needs you as much as you need them.

And for Trixie, the hammock-loving, belly-rub-demanding Calico queen, life with Grace is nothing short of “purr-fection.”

Joel Boyce

Joel Boyce is a Communications & Development Officer at the Nova Scotia SPCA. With a passion for storytelling and visual communication, Joel brings the mission of the SPCA to life through compelling narratives and creative content. Outside of work, Joel is a proud father of three beautiful girls and a playful border collie-golden retriever mix named Hazel.

A New Name for a New Life

January 22, 2025

By Judy Layne

On September 10th last year, SPCA Enforcement Officers brought a sweet dog to safety at the Cape Breton shelter. A five-year-old Retriever Mix, the poor dog clearly had not received the love, care and attention that every animal deserves. She was extremely malnourished, her teeth were worn down and she had an ear infection. Her skin and fur were in rough shape, and she required shaving to remove severe mats. Shelter staff named her Meadow.   

Meadow received extensive medical care at the shelter. She was put on a feeding schedule, with small but frequent meals to help her gain strength and weight. Her teeth and ears were cleaned, and she was given antibiotics for her infection. Meadow was a real trooper and amazingly, despite her background and poor condition, she was friendly and social. Once she was medically cleared, Meadow was put up for adoption on October 3rd, 2024.   

It didn’t take long for people to see the special girl behind Meadow’s soulful eyes. Stephanie and her husband Paul checked out the SPCA website on a regular basis and spotted Meadow there. Stephanie recalls “She was very thin but had a big smile on her face. You could see how much she wanted a loving home. She definitely stole our hearts.”   

The couple felt that Meadow should have a new name for her new start in life. They were looking for a special name after all she had been through, and they found the perfect one – Willow. Stephanie explains “Willow trees are known for their ability to grow and prosper despite unfavourable conditions. They represent hope and freedom. They are symbols of strength and resiliency – bending but not breaking.  Just like Willow. The trauma she experienced hasn’t defeated her.” 

Willow adapted very quickly to her new home. She not only got a family that adores her, but she acquired a big brother named Benny, an English Golden Retriever. Paul says “Benny was looking for a friend and he found one in Willow. They became best friends on day one! They absolutely love one another and Willow follows Benny around everywhere.” 

Willow is definitely living her best life. “She enjoys playing with Benny, going for walks, the dog park and long drives,” states Stephanie. “She loves all people including children and seniors. Halloween was special as Willow was excited to see kids in their costumes. Visiting her grandpa at Harbourstone and entertaining her other grandparents when they come to visit are among her favourite things.” When cruise ships are in, Willow and Benny serve as the cutest-ever Nova Scotia ambassadors as they greet passengers coming off the ship! 

As lucky as Willow is to find such great forever parents, the couple say that they are lucky too. “Adopting Willow has meant the world to us and to Benny. We are so happy we found her; she makes our home complete. Willow is such a loving dog and it brings us such joy to see her so happy. We are grateful to the SPCA for giving Willow a second chance and for matching us with the perfect dog.” 

And the couple’s final thoughts? “Willow constantly amazes us. She is a strong, loving, beautiful dog and no matter what she has been through, her sweet loving spirit was never broken.” 

You can help make a life-changing difference for animals like Willow.  Please donate today.

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Fur-tunate Surprises: Lucy’s Adoption Story

January 22, 2025

By Paula Nalbaru

Sometimes the right choice isn’t about what you expect—it’s about opening your heart to something that is meant to be. 

Sage and Sarah were proven that in the form of Lucille, or Lucy.  

2024 was the year they were ready to open their home and hearts to a four-legged companion. They kept an eye on the Nova Scotia SPCA adoption page, scrolling through the pictures of big, hopeful eyes. At the time, they were looking for a puppy. And the Colchester Shelter had the cutest Mastiff tiny doggos.  

So, on a scorching summer day, Sage and his partner went down to their local SPCA shelter ready for tiny, round bellies and high-pitched barks.  

But as they met the puppies, Sage remembered one other sweet face they kept seeing on the website.  

“We knew Lucy was the one to make our family complete when she walked through those doors to meet us. Our first visit was on August 6, 2024, when we went and met the Mastiff puppies. After meeting them, we were unsure if we [still] wanted a puppy, and I had suggested we meet Lucy as she was in the back of our minds coming to the shelter. We instantly fell in love with her upon her coming through those doors where she showed so much love to two strangers she didn’t know. The love continued to grow through our visit, to the point that we took her back inside and told the staff we wanted to put in an application to adopt Lucy into our home. The staff were ecstatic that we wanted to adopt Lucy, so we completed the application and within two days Lucy came home,” said Sage.

Lucy, who was brought in as a stray and was at the Colchester Shelter for two months, had a difficult time being adopted due to her size and energy levels. She needed the right home to thrive in and let her personality shine. And she knew when she found it with Sage and Sarah because she claimed her spot on the couch from the first moment and since then she has continued to bring the biggest joy in her fur parents’ lives.  

Now Lucy spends her days discovering new activities to enjoy. Sage told us some of, “her favourite ones are playing outside in the yard with her soccer ball, chasing the laser pointer at night, cuddling her favourite people on the couch, sitting like a human looking out the living room window, walking and car rides and getting lots of treats.”  

For the last five months, Lucy has lived her best life. She spent her first Christmas in her new home. Even made a family trip to a drive-in theatre where she met her first foxes. Made a lot of new friends and loves to show how much love she has to offer. She has shown her personality and Sage admitted Lucy “has a wide array of personalities. Some words that would describe her personality would have to be silly, playful, loving and gentle.” 

And this is just the beginning for Lucy. 

This can be the story of other furry friends who are waiting for their people in SPCA shelters across the province.  

Sage’s advice is, “Give them a chance, as any furry friend needs a home and people that love and care for them.”  

Paula Nalbaru

Paula Nalbaru is the Philanthropy Communications Coordinator with the Nova Scotia SPCA in Dartmouth. She’s a proud fur-parent and referee between her dog, Summer, and cat, Marshmallow.

Meet Ruckus: The Energetic Orange Cat Bringing Joy to Her New Family

January 22, 2025

By Kirsten Millar

When James O’Halloran set out on a four-hour drive to the SPCA’s North Nova Shelter in Pictou, he thought he and his wife Joanne were going to adopt a kitten they had seen online. But as soon as he met Ruckus, a fluffy orange adult cat, he knew she was the one he would be taking home. 

The O’Hallorans were searching for a kitten who would make a good playmate for one of their two large Maine Coon cats. At the shelter, they decided to meet the other cats just to make sure they were making the right choice. 

“It sounds cliché, but it feels like Ruckus chose me,” said James. “I walked into the room and she instantly came over and made a fuss over me. She had personality and wanted my attention. There was an immediate bond. The search for the perfect kitten was over. I had found the perfect cat.” 

Ruckus was originally found outside and brought to the SPCA with her litter of kittens in June 2024, and she had a number of health issues including ringworm and urinary tract infections. She had to be isolated and treated for a few months at the shelter, but she recovered in time to meet her new family in October 2024. 

Luckily, this resilient girl has been feeling great since her adoption and has adjusted well to her new home. “Ruckus quickly made herself at home and began exploring, looking in all the rooms, under beds and meeting her new sister Chaos and brother Mayhem,” said James. 

“She was an immediate perfect fit for our family as she was very sweet and friendly. She also brought her own personality and dynamic to the family and filled something that was missing. She brings a lot of fun energy to the O’Halloran team and I can’t imagine not having her with us,” said Joanne. 

Ruckus loves to play with her new cat siblings and her human parents. She loves to race around the house and get her siblings riled up with her. She has a special love for toys, especially for chasing toy mice and birds, and she’ll launch herself onto stacks of pillows and leap over the heads of her (much larger) siblings while chasing them.    

“She loves to play most with her brother Mayhem and they have great fun racking throughout the house, in and out of forts that we make for them,” said James. “Our grandson Sam is also very taken with Ruckus and will play with her for long periods of time when he visits.” 

Ruckus brings happiness to the O’Halloran home every single day and she always makes them laugh.  

“We have had our two Maine Coons for three years now and each Christmas they completely ignore the Christmas tree. They usually don’t bat at the ornaments or really pay it any attention. When we put the tree up this year, Ruckus came running and was at the top of it within two minutes. She was very excited to see the tree and quickly showed the other two cats how you’re supposed to climb a Christmas tree,” said Joanne.  

Ruckus also loves affection and enjoys cuddling on her parents while they watch TV and sleeping on their bed at night. “Every day with Ruckus is such a joy,” said James.  

Joanne and James found the playful spirit they were looking for in Ruckus, and they encourage others to keep an open mind when adopting.  

“Don’t rule out an older cat as they can bring just as much or more joy than adopting a kitten. They deserve the chance of having a family to love that loves them back, and our family has benefitted greatly from adopting Ruckus. We also encourage everyone to visit and support their local shelters as they help rescue, socialize and prepare other animals to find their forever homes,” agreed Joanne and James.    

To see some of the sweet faces waiting for their new family in our shelters, click here.  

Kirsten Millar

Kirsten is an animal lover and proud “dog aunt” who recently lost her two cats that she adopted from the SPCA in 2007. She volunteers at the SPCA to honour their memory and help other animals like them.