Author: Paula Nalbaru

Reflecting on where we were, where we are, and where we are going

January 8, 2026

By Elizabeth Murphy, CEO, Nova Scotia SPCA

A new year always brings a chance to pause — to take a breath, look back at what we’ve learned, and look ahead at where we’re going. At the Nova Scotia SPCA, 2026 is giving us all three. 

It’s a year to keep improving how we serve animals and communities, a year to deepen our training and systems — and a year that begins our journey toward a remarkable milestone: our 150th anniversary in 2027. Over the coming year, I’ll be sharing a series of reflections looking honestly and thoughtfully at what animal welfare has been, what it is today, and what it must continue to become. 

Animal welfare is often seen through moments of urgency — a rescue call, an investigation, a life saved just in time. Those moments matter deeply. But the true measure of accountability in animal welfare isn’t found only in those visible flashes of action. It’s found in the quieter work: the systems, standards, and decisions that guide thousands of choices every year, often without headlines or applause. 

As we approach 150 years of service, this anniversary invites more than celebration. It invites responsibility. Longevity, on its own, isn’t the achievement — earning trust over time is. And that requires clarity about how accountability is defined, upheld, and strengthened for the future. 

At the Nova Scotia SPCA, accountability means recognizing that caring for animals is complex, emotionally demanding work. It requires ethics, evidence, transparency — and a willingness to evolve. Trust isn’t built through words alone. It’s built through consistent action, clear governance, and the humility to change when better ways forward emerge.

Accountability Starts with Leadership and Structure 

Strong animal welfare depends on strong foundations and leadership at every level. Over the past year, the Nova Scotia SPCA has made a deliberate investment in leadership development across the organization, with staff from shelters, enforcement, veterinary services, thrift operations, the College of Animal Welfare, and our provincial office participating. 

This reflects a belief I hold strongly: leadership isn’t defined by a title. It shows up in everyday decisions, clear communication, and accountability in action. Strengthening leadership across teams helps ensure expectations are clear, decisions are consistent, and staff are better supported in complex and often high-pressure environments. 

Clear Processes Support Ethical Decisions

Good intentions matter, but accountability requires systems that support sound judgment.

Over the past year, the Nova Scotia SPCA strengthened internal processes, particularly in enforcement and animal protection work. Training materials were updated, assessment pathways clarified, and leadership within investigations strengthened with the appointment of Deputy Chief Inspector Sarah Palmer, who brings more than a decade of legal experience to the role. 

These improvements support officer safety, strengthen public confidence, and ensure enforcement decisions are fair, defensible, and grounded in professional standards. 

Expanding Access to Care and Education 

Accountability also means addressing barriers before animals reach crisis. Through Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospitals, the Nova Scotia SPCA continues to expand access to veterinary care, investing in clinical standards, staffing, and hospital capacity to better serve both shelter animals and community pets. 

Education plays an equally critical role. The Nova Scotia SPCA continues to invest in the College of Animal Welfare, where significant renovations are underway at 7 Scarfe Court to support expanded learning spaces and a dedicated teaching hospital. Opening in early 2026, this facility will support the launch of the Veterinary Technician program, building on the success of the Veterinary Assistant program and helping prepare the next generation of animal care professionals. 

Investing in People Strengthens Care for Animals 

Animals cannot receive high-quality care without skilled, supported people. Accountability means recognizing the emotional demands of animal welfare work and responding with meaningful investment in staff wellbeing, training, and connection. 

Our staff live the values of compassion, thoughtfulness, and kindness every day. Any reflection on where we’ve been — or where we’re going — must include sincere gratitude for the care they provide, often under challenging circumstances. 

Looking Ahead to 150 Years 

As we move toward our 150th anniversary, this moment is not just about celebrating the past — it’s about recommitting to the future. 

Accountability in animal welfare is not a destination. It is an ongoing process that evolves alongside professional standards, community expectations, and the needs of animals themselves. 

Our commitment remains clear: to invest in people, strengthen systems, expand access to care, and uphold ethical, transparent practices that place animal wellbeing at the centre of every decision.

Because accountability isn’t just about answering questions.
It’s about earning trust — every day. 

To our staff, donors, volunteers, and community of supporters, thank you for your trust in us as we begin another year of helping thousands of animals. Together. 

Elizabeth Murphy
Chief Executive Officer
Nova Scotia SPCA 

Your thoughts are always welcome. Please email info@spcans.ca. 

 

From Heartache to Happiness: Survivor’s Story

December 10, 2025

By Judy Layne

Healing. Hope. A second chance. Three things that every homeless animal who comes to the NS SPCA can count on. Just like Survivor did. Here’s his story.   

On August 10, 2024, a Good Samaritan brought a 7-year old stray cat to safety at the SPCA’s Dartmouth Shelter. We are grateful to this person as he likely saved the kitty’s life. The cat had a huge neck wound that was infected and a fever from the infection. He was rushed into emergency surgery, where he also underwent required tooth extractions. Shelter staff named him Survivor, for all he had been through and for all the challenges that were yet to come.   

Survivor’s wound healed extremely slowly and didn’t want to close completely. There were times that he scratched at the wound, so he ended up with bandages and sweaters, neither of which he tolerated for long. Then the poor boy got conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eyes.  And yet, through everything, Survivor had a calm, gentle manner and was so very sweet. By the end of October, Survivor was feeling much better. He was medically cleared and put up for adoption. Everyone hoped that this senior boy would find a special family. And he definitely did.   

Andrea and her husband Andre had lost their beloved cat Tequila in early 2024. Andrea said “We thought that perhaps Tequila would be our last cat, as we had just retired and wanted to travel. But the house seemed so empty, and we decided to drop into the Dartmouth Shelter ‘just to see’. When we met Survivor, he was hiding in his ‘tent’ and although he was very timid, he let us pat him. We asked the staff about him and after hearing his story, our hearts went out to him. We knew right away that we were meant to be together.”  

But as fate would have it, pan leuk – a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease – had just broken out in the shelter and all adoptions had to be put on hold, including Survivor’s. Over the next three weeks, Andrea and Andre visited Survivor every few days to let him know how much they loved him and that they hadn’t forgotten him. Finally, on November 16th, Survivor was cleared for adoption, and he was off to his forever home! 

The couple decided to give Survivor a new name for his new life. And his new name had a very special meaning. They explained “We changed his name to Cabot because the Cabot Trail has proven to be a place of tranquillity and solace for us, especially during times of crisis.” They unselfishly shared a heartbreaking personal experience from the early 1990s, when they lost their premature baby boy. He passed away at 8 months, but Andrea had to go full-term and through labour to deliver him stillborn. They named him Brighton. Then in 2024, Andre was fighting endocarditis – inflammation of the lining of the heart and valves – before having surgery. “We sought refuge each time on the Cabot Trail,” said Andrea. The couple are true survivors, too. 

Cabot was understandably timid in his new surroundings. Andre related “We set him up in one room with his tent and took things very slow. We spent a lot of time with him in the room but never pushed ourselves on him. Eventually, we just opened the door and let him explore at his own pace. It took several weeks but he came out a little more every day and now he has the run of the whole house.”   

Cabot now has the life that he deserves. He knows he is home, safe and loved. “Cabot’s favourite things (other than food!) are rubber bands. He chases them around the house until inevitably, he loses them under a door or furniture. He also loves dryer balls. We found out quickly that store-bought cat toys just don’t cut it with Cabot,” chuckled Andre.

“Cabot has made our house a home again,” said Andrea. “He has brought so much love and laughter into our lives, and he definitely repays our love many times over. He is also incredibly supportive and sensitive. Last year, when Andre was recovering from heart surgery, Cabot never left his side. He curled up on Andre’s lap and still does every day. Knowing that we could give this wonderful boy a new start in life brings us much joy.”  

The couple shared their thoughts about the SPCA’s role in Cabot’s journey from heartache to happiness. “There is no doubt that the SPCA was instrumental in saving Cabot’s life. The amount of care, surgeries and medical treatments they provided, as well as love from the staff, was phenomenal. It was an amazing experience for us as well. We are so thankful for their dedication and efforts. We are also grateful to the Good Samaritan who rescued Cabot. We hate to think of what would have happened to him without that person’s help.” 

There are so many older pets like Cabot who have been waiting a long time to find their forever families. All they want is for someone to love them. All they need is a chance. Please consider opening your heart and home to one when you’re looking for a new furry family member. You’ll be richly rewarded by their love.  

Judy Layne

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

From Chains to Champions: Zeus and Sibba’s Journey

December 10, 2025

By Joel Boyce

Some heroes wear capes.
Some heroes wear collars. 

Some heroes carry the leashes attached to those collars. 

Zeus and Sibba didn’t just survive – they thrived, side by side. Once chained together through freezing winters, biting winds, and relentless storms, these two German Shepherds leaned on each other for warmth, courage, and hope. Every day was a test of strength, every night a lesson in resilience. Then came the Nova Scotia SPCA. Gentle hands, kind voices, and warm blankets lifted them from the cold ground. For the first time, Zeus and Sibba felt safety. Full bellies, medicine, and patient care restored not just their bodies, but their spirits. 

Then came Jim Macdonald and Serge Boily – two dog-loving champions who saw past their scarred beginnings and believed in the dogs they could become. 


Meet Sibba: The Shepherd Who Runs the Village 

When Serge Boily first met Sibba at the Nova Scotia SPCA, she wasn’t the confident, toy-loving queen she is today. She was shy. Nervous. Unsure of people. So, Serge did something simple – yet powerful. He sat on the floor for 45 minutes and waited for her to come to him. No pressure. No expectations. Just patience. 

It worked.

Then a quiet walk around the shelter sealed the deal. Serge knew she was the one. Even though he originally had his name in for a different shepherd, something about Sibba tugged at him. Her gentleness. Her spark. Her potential. 

Serge always had dogs. He was in the military, travelled and moved a lot through New Brunswick and Quebec. Every stop, he’d pick up a rescue dog. He’s been in Nova Scotia with his wife for 10 years now, and it was time for a new furry friend to share the home with. 

He visited Sibba at the shelter every day for a week to help her settle in. And when he finally brought her home, Serge slept on the couch so she wouldn’t feel alone in a strange new place. She’d never been inside a house before – she was terrified of the TV the first time it turned on. 

But today? 

Today, Sibba is practically running the small community known as Sandy Cove. 

She has her own bedroom upstairs, complete with a bed and a toy chest.
She has her own couch.
Her daily schedule is locked in like military precision:
0700 hrs – walk.
1630 hrs – walk.
No exceptions. No excuses. If Serge is busy, Sibba will remind him. With urgency. 

Serge says Sibba also refuses to poop in their own yard – she prefers to take care of business elsewhere. And with her sharp instincts, she can spot a squirrel two villages over – almost like a cat on the prowl. 

She’s the talk of the community, too. The “mayor” of Sandy Cove. Everyone knows her. Everyone has treats for her. And everyone loves her. 

After a hard start, Sibba is now happy, goofy, playful, and protective of her people.
Serge knows this was meant to be. 

“I’m very happy,” he said. “She turned out to be such a great dog and keeps me walking twice a day ever since I got her – absolute great match!” 

And Sibba? It’s obvious she agrees. Wholeheartedly. 

Meet Zeus: The Thunderheart Who Refused to Give Up 

Zeus’ journey couldn’t have been more different – but it led him to exactly the right person.

Jim Macdonald wasn’t planning to adopt a dog the day he entered the Dartmouth shelter. He and a friend were simply in Burnside, reading the stories posted on the kennels. But when he saw Zeus – big, bewildered, and heartbreakingly thin – his heart caught. 

Zeus had survived being left outside with no food, no water, and no shelter. He was also listed as “not adoptable” for homes with children, busy schedules, or families away all day. He needed someone special. Someone patient. Someone steady. 

Jim thought about his years with shepherds.
He thought about Zeus’ size and struggles.
He worried that this misunderstood, strong-willed dog might never find the perfect home. 

So, Jim went home.
Came back the next day.
And said, “He’s coming with me.” 

That first day was… well… intense, Jim said. 

Just like Sibba, Zeus had never been inside a house before. For months he had accidents everywhere. More than $400 worth of Skout’s Honour enzyme cleaner became Jim’s new monthly subscription. Zeus also barked non-stop, tore up the lawn, shredded towels, and pulled on the leash like he was training for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. 

He thought to himself, “Can we really do this?” 

Jim talked to the staff at the Nova Scotia SPCA multiple times. He decided to give Zeus just a little more time. 

Eventually, it worked. 

From the very beginning, Zeus adored his new dad. He follows him everywhere – never more than a foot away. He tries to climb into Jim’s lap, all 87 pounds of him. And every morning, he rests his big head on Jim’s chest, melting away any frustration from the day before. 

Despite his stubborn streak, Zeus wanted to learn. With time, patience, and the help of a behaviourist, his progress grew by leaps and bounds. There was even that magical moment when he walked beside another dog, perfectly in sync, like they’d known each other forever. Jim described it as “heart-lifting.” 

Today, Zeus knows commands, understands Jim’s routines, and even responds to gentle reminders like “calm,” “quiet,” or Jim’s charmingly long sentence: “You don’t bother it and it won’t bother you.” 

He still huffs at dogs passing the window (he’s polite enough to limit his barking to one or two), but he loves meeting new canine friends when it’s safe to do so. 

Jim says adopting Zeus has been an incredibly rewarding experience – full of challenges, sure, but worth every moment. 

“He’s become a wonderful companion,” he says. “He’s come such a long way.” 

Two Dogs, Two Dads, One Incredible Transformation 

Zeus and Sibba began their stories in hardship – but today, they’re champions. 

Champions of second chances.
Champions of new beginnings.
Champions of the families who saw past the fear and found the love underneath. 

Serge and Jim didn’t just adopt dogs.
They built trust.
They created safety.
They gave these shepherds a future filled with joy, toys, walks, routines, and so much affection. 

Zeus and Sibba may now live hours apart, but their journeys run parallel – two once-forgotten dogs now living their lives filled with dignity, care, and love. 

From chains to champions.
From storms to sunshine.
From heartbreak to home. 

And really, isn’t that what rescue is all about? 

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 Tail of Two Souls: How Tilly and Cohen Found One Another

November 19, 2025

By Kathryn Gatien

When Tilly was only a week-old kitten, she was brought into the North Nova SPCA shelter as a stray by a good Samaritan on November 8, 2024. For a while, it was touch and go; there were a few days where she was struggling to thrive due to her size and age. Tilly was incredibly small and young; her immune system made her very vulnerable, so the staff were worried that she wouldn’t survive. She needed to spend weeks in a foster home. After a hard-fought battle by Tilly and the staff, she reached the adoption list! 

Tammy, an employee at the shelter, fell in love the first moment she saw Tilly. But Tilly already had someone interested in adopting her. However, Tilly got sick shortly after becoming available for adoption and was under care for longer than expected. Because of this, her adoption fell through, and Tammy knew it was a sign, because her son, Cohen, had been asking for a kitten for a while. They struck a deal that if Cohen could show he was responsible enough to care for a kitten, she would consider it.  

Cohen held up his end of the bargain by improving his grades in school. Between Cohen holding up his end of the deal and Tammy caring for Tilly, she knew it was meant to be. So, on a spring day in March 2025, she went home and told Cohen that they needed to go somewhere and that there was someone she thought he’d want to meet. As soon as he heard those words, his eyes filled with tears. “Oh my God Mom, are you serious?” Cohen exclaimed.  

As soon as Cohen met Tilly, she came right up to the kennel door, climbed into his arms and fell asleep, melting both Cohen and Tammy’s hearts. 

It was at that moment that Tammy knew that Tilly was coming home with them.

For the past eight months, Tilly has slowly transformed Cohen’s room into her own purr-sonal condo. She’s got the run of the place and adores curling up next to Cohen. “When she was smaller, she would lie in his lap on his bed while he played video games, and she would either just lie there and watch him play his game and/or just lie and sleep. Now she lies on the bed beside him and sleeps, usually snuggled up to him!” Tammy explains.  

Tammy describes Tilly as an intelligent, affectionate, and cuddly cat. She’s got her moments when she shows off her sassy side, as any cat would do. That comes out mostly when she knows she’s done something she’s not supposed to do or when she hears loud noises.  

Tammy recalls her favourite memory of Tilly, and it’ll brighten anyone’s day. “The first time my husband met Tilly, he came into Cohen’s room and Tilly was on my lap on the floor. He closed the door, and she did a little scurry across the floor and climbed up his pant leg and didn’t stop and clung to his chest. He will tell you otherwise, but she melted his heart that day, too.” Sometimes people don’t realize they’re cat people until they have one. 

Today, Cohen and Tilly’s relationship is still as strong, if not stronger, as the day they met. “My boy has been a different kid ever since. The two do not spend too many nights apart. They snuggle as much today as they did the first time. It’s adorable,” Tammy explained. 

Tilly’s story is one of determination and love. Her determination to survive and Cohen’s determination to prove he could care for a kitten brought the two together. The moment they met, it was clear they belonged together. Now Tilly’s days are filled with cuddles, laughter, and the type of unconditional love that makes the world go round.  

Just like Tilly, more furry friends are waiting for their loving home. Visit our shelters today to help change lives.

 

Kathryn Gatien

Kathryn Gatien is a Development Officer at the Nova Scotia SPCA. Her love of animals comes from her two dogs she had growing up, one of which was an SPCA alumni. Their memories drive her passion about helping other pets find their loving homes.

One-Year Anniversary: Opening Doors at North Nova

November 19, 2025

By Joel Boyce

My first few days with the Nova Scotia SPCA were… not what you’d call “standard onboarding.” Some people get HR forms and office tours. I got hard hats and “we need this done yesterday.”  I got Stellarton’s new facility, preparing for a launch.

And looking back, I wouldn’t change it one bit.

It was September 2024, and instead of easing into things with a hot coffee, a staff handbook, and orientation videos, I was tossed straight into the whirlwind that was the final countdown to opening our brand-new North Nova facility. Construction workers were still darting around finishing last-minute fixes, like a pit crew racing against the clock to get everything ready. Last-minute tasks were being tackled with heroic energy, and everyone around me seemed to be wearing three hats at once – sometimes literally.

At one point, I was ready to roll-up my sleeves and lay sod down around the facility. That’s how all-hands-on-deck it was. I met people in hallways, parking lots, carpools – everywhere. And somehow, even in the chaos, everyone was laughing and smiling. There was this shared electricity in the air, a mix of pride, excitement, and disbelief that after years of planning, building, budgeting, and dreaming, North Nova was finally about to open its doors.

And I got to see it happen.

On opening day in October 2024, the 9,148 square feet building of fresh paint and clean floors felt like a living thing. Named after Sharon and the Hon. Elmer MacKay for their generous support, it houses the Nova Scotia SPCA shelter, the Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital, and the Thrift Store, replacing the old Pictou building that had been standing since 1979. This was a new era not just for the Nova Scotia SPCA, but for the whole community.

“I’m proud of everything we accomplished,” said Sandra Flemming, Chief of Capital Planning. “Now that we are a year in at North Nova, it’s amazing what we’ve been able to do for the community. Seeing it from the beginning, from just a thought – moving from our small Pictou shelter on Granton Road to this new facility – it’s amazing what this team can do together.”

The very first adoption at the new shelter was Piper – a small orange and white kitten whose adoption felt like the perfect beginning to a brand-new chapter. When Piper went through the doors to her new home, it felt like the whole building exhaled. Staff celebrated. It was the exact moment when the mission became real, right in front of me.

And Piper was just the beginning.

In the first year at North Nova, 600 animals found homes – including 514 cats and 86 dogs. The year before, 367 animals were adopted at the Pictou location. That’s the power of a new beginning. More space. More support. More opportunity.

Behind the scenes, the Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital was buzzing from day one. Roughly 1,661 shelter pets have been cared for there – everything from surgeries to routine checkups – plus another 1,228 patients from the community. Public appointments fill the afternoons and evenings four days a week, with surgeries happening twice weekly. It’s a busy place with an even busier heart.

And then there’s the thrift store – our mighty social enterprise. With 97,665 items sold and $358,333 in revenue, it’s proof that second-hand treasures can create first-class impact. Over 33,000 transactions later, the community continues to walk through those doors with generosity and purpose.

Today, North Nova has increased their staff, including 18 dedicated volunteers supporting the shelter and thrift store combined. And every one of them shares that same spark I witnessed on my very first day.

Rebecca MacDonald, the Shelter and Thrift Store Manager at North Nova, is the kind of leader who lifts everyone around her. Known for her warmth, positivity, and genuine care for people and pets, Rebecca is one of the many bright, welcoming faces you see when you walk through the doors – a cheerful spark who brings warmth to every corner of the building. She proudly reflects on how much the team has grown together, and how meaningful the journey has been for everyone involved.

“I’m thrilled to hear the level of appreciation in the feedback surrounding all that we provide here at North Nova,” Rebecca said. “What’s truly stood out for me is how quickly the community has become active in all the shelter and clinic has to offer. It’s been amazing to see the conversations spark creativity and help our team accomplish great things. I am grateful for the warm embrace from members of our community, young and beyond. I am grateful to our donors and supporters from across the province. I am grateful for the daily meaningful interactions with our clients and customers.”

Rebecca closed with a line that says it all: “I have found my personal dream job.”

And honestly, many of us here feel the same.

Those first few weeks last year showed me the organization from the inside out – the pressure, the pride, the compassion, the teamwork, the sheer determination to get everything right. And it also showed me the magic of what happens when a community believes in something bigger than itself.

I didn’t start my job the typical way.

I started it the best way.

So, if you ever get the chance, come visit all of us at 15 Heritage Avenue in Stellarton. See the space, meet the team, and witness the impact firsthand. Because if this is what we’ve achieved so far… just imagine what’s next for the Nova Scotia SPCA.

 

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 Pattern of Kindness

November 19, 2025

By Sarah Lyon

Tartan has a long-standing tradition of representing family. The most famous use of tartan is from Scotland, where clans (families) created their own to identify each other. But tartans exist in countries all over the world, and in fact, the oldest tartan found was in China! 
 
Tartan consists of a pattern of colourful lines; this is a sett. The sett repeats throughout the fabric. Tartans can have several colours, or just a few. You probably know a famous tartan; the province of Nova Scotia has one, as does Cape Breton. Or, you may have roots to a clan tartan that represents your family.  
 
The Nova Scotia SPCA has been helping, rescuing, and creating families since 1877. Founded in the province with the literal name translation of New Scotland, we thought it was time to have our own tartan!  
  
Whether you have adopted a furry friend, volunteered, donated, been a client at our hospitals, a customer at our thrift stores, a student in our college, or one of our staff, your stories are woven into our history. You are family.   
  
When creating an official tartan, the Nova Scotia SPCA chose colours that represent the organization’s history and the people and animals we serve.   
  
Red – Representing the first peoples of our province, the Mi’kmaq people.   
Gold –  Representing the over 400 years of contributions to our province by those of African descent.   
Silver – This colour represents protection, as well as our founding as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty.  
Blue – A colour to represent welcoming newcomers to the shores of Nova Scotia.   
Green – The colour of new beginnings; for animals, people, families. Whatever brings you to the SPCA.   
White – The eternal colour of hope. Hope for a future where animals are safe and healthy.    

The tartan has been officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans (registration number 14,382), and is now ready to be styled and worn!  
 
“Sewing is my happy place.”
 
The Nova Scotia SPCA has partnered with Tartan Gal Designs, a local small business in Dartmouth, who has designed and handmade items for pets and their families. Cheryl Beswick is the founder and owner of Tartan Gal Designs and is thrilled to be making items with the SPCA tartan.  
 
“I am over the moon,” says Cheryl when asked about working with the Nova Scotia SPCA. “I think the tartan is gorgeous, and the Nova Scotia SPCA has such deep roots in our province, it’s perfect that they now have their own tartan.” It wasn’t just the colours that Cheryl was excited about either. “When I learned the meaning behind each colour that was chosen, I was proud to be asked to work on items for pets, like SPCA alumni, but also pet families.”  
 
Cheryl learned to sew and found her passion for sewing by chance. “I was 12 and we had a course at school, home economics.” In the class, young Cheryl took naturally to the art of sewing. “I really liked that in sewing you had to pay attention to every detail, I am good at that!”  
 
Cheryl’s attention to detail plays an important role in her Dartmouth business, Tartan Gal Designs, which she started in 2017. Working with both family and several organizations’ tartans, she makes sure to respect the cloth. “When I cut and sew the fabric, I ensure that the lines match up.” Cheryl sells tartan items at the Sunday Alderney Market and craft shows throughout the year. Recently, she trademarked Plaid Pups to represent her pet line of items. “I am drawn to tartan,” she says. “The colours, the design, how they bring families together or raise awareness.”  
 
Her love of tartan goes beyond her sewing machine; she is also the Treasurer of the Federation for Scottish Culture in Nova Scotia. “My family arrived to this land in 1749 and is one of the founding families of New Scotland.”  
 
Cheryl has been busy working on items with the Nova Scotia SPCA tartan that are now for sale. Leashes, collars, and cat bow ties are some of the items for our animal friends. Dress scarves, pocket squares, and more, for pet parents. You can purchase your items online and pick them up at a shelter closest to you.   
 
The Nova Scotia SPCA tartan represents all the dogs, cats, and critters who have come into our care, and found new beginnings with pet families in our province. Buy an item today to identify your pet and you, as part of the Nova Scotia SPCA family.

 

Sarah Lyon

Sarah is the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. She carries on her heart the paw prints of her former rescue dog Mz. Roxy Roller. Telling the stories of adopters, donors, and volunteers is what makes her tail wag. Connect with Sarah at slyon@spcans.ca or 902-229-8620 today.