Author: Paula Nalbaru

Two Hearts, One Special Bond

August 20, 2025

By Judy Layne

Sometimes, two hearts speak to each other even though they are miles apart. So it was with Ana Rothenburg and Zeus. They shared a special connection – Ana is also adopted. When Ana saw Zeus on the SPCA website, it was love at first sight. “I knew from the moment I saw him that he was meant to be in my life.” And so she made the 4 ½ hour trip from Halifax to Cape Breton to meet him! 

Adoption has always been important to Ana’s family.  “My sister and I were raised with the belief that there are so many animals and children who need love, comfort and safety and that we have the ability to give that to them,” explained Ana.  And that’s exactly what Zeus needed.   

A handsome three-year-old Great Dane mix, Zeus was brought to the Cape Breton Shelter as a stray in April 2024. After healing from surgery to address several medical issues, Zeus was put up for adoption in May. But he waited patiently until July 10th to find his perfect match in Ana.   

Ana shared that when she met Zeus, there was an instant bond. “I knew that he was special.  I also knew that with love and kindness, Zeus would shine and that we would be able to challenge the misconceptions that often surround large breeds. Once I saw and heard about the love that the shelter staff had for Zeus, I had no doubt in my mind that he would be the sweetest boy.”

It took Zeus some time to settle into his new home – he struggled with separation anxiety for the first few months.  Ana recalled “I tried many things to help him feel comfortable and safe when I was out of the house, but nothing seemed to work. Due to his traumatic past, Zeus was nervous about being left alone. I think he was afraid that I wouldn’t come home.”  

Sometimes, fate intervenes to help us with life’s challenges. As it turned out, Ana’s mom broke her leg in December, so Ana moved back to her parents’ home for a few months to help out. Of course, Zeus accompanied her, and while there, he formed a strong connection with her parents and with their family dog, Max. In fact, Max and Zeus became somewhat of a dynamic duo, especially where treats are concerned, working together to double their charm. And best of all, with Ana’s parents being home most of the time and with another dog in the home, Zeus’ separation anxiety was greatly reduced!  

Despite Zeus’ large size – 115 lbs – he is truly a ‘gentle giant’ and is thriving in his new home. Ana said “While he likes to play rough when toys are involved, he has top-notch leash manners. He is also a huge snuggle-bug and loves taking naps in the sun. Ana’s workplace has a dog-friendly policy, and when she brought him into work one day, he was the talk of the town. He absolutely loved all the attention. 

Zeus definitely has a list of favourite things to do, said Ana. Number one on his list is toys. “His favourite toy currently is a stuffed mallard that quacks at him. He hides it around the house in case anyone tries to take it. Zeus also loves cars. That was the first thing I noticed about him. He loves to watch them drive by when we’re out for a walk. And going for car rides is the bomb!  Whenever he sees my car, he is instantly beside it,  waiting to get in. He even has his own seatbelt for safety!”  

Over the past year, Zeusie, as he is lovingly called, has brought much love, warmth, laughter and joy to the family’s lives. Ana said “He is always my first concern, and I truly feel as though I am his mom. He has such a unique personality, and we can’t wait to see what shenanigans will happen next.”   

The family is grateful to the SPCA for the amazing care and love Zeus received there. “Without them, he would never know what it’s like to be surrounded by people who love him,” exclaimed Ana. Zeus’ presence is a daily reminder of the love, resilience and joy that come from giving second chances.

July 10th was the one-year anniversary of Zeus’ ‘Gotcha Day’ and it’s heartwarming to hear how his family marked the occasion. Ana shared “My sister and I are both adopted, and our family has an adoption celebration every fall in which we go apple picking in the valley. I was lucky enough to have Zeusie this fall, and as our most recent adopted family member, he came apple picking with us. On his actual anniversary day, I took him to his favourite spot – a lookout in Halifax- and we just spent some time there watching the water, walking and being thankful we found each other.” 

 Ana wants to pay her love for Zeus forward to other homeless animals.  She will be moving permanently to her parents’ home this September. Ana said “Max is quite old and his health is declining, so he likely won’t be with us next year. When it comes time to say goodbye, my parents and I have agreed to begin fostering dogs similar to Zeus. I feel confident that we will have the experience to help them.”  

We are thrilled that Ana’s and Zeus’ hearts spoke to one another. I think we can speak for everyone when we say this happily-ever-after makes our hearts happy.  

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

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Prepare for cuteness…here are some favourite anecdotes from Zeus’ fur-mom Ana:

  • When I took Zeus to a lake for the first time, I let him go to swim, but instead of swimming, he spent the whole time trying to drink the water and didn’t quite get it that it was for swimming, not drinking! 
  • Around the holidays, I bought Zeus and Max Christmas outfits. Max was a snowman, and Zeus was Santa. Zues spent the whole day wearing his Santa costume and ended up loving it so much he would bring me his little Santa hat to put on! 
  • My family and I learned very quickly that Zeus was smarter than he let on when it came to food. We had left some BBQ on a plate in the middle of our kitchen table (we thought it was safe from him), but when I went to get some for myself, 2 burgers and 3 hotdogs had magically disappeared! 
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 Shelter to Forever Home: Isla’s Story

August 20, 2025

By Kirsten Millar

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. 

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.

Love at First Sight: Betsy’s Adoption Tail

July 23, 2025

By Paula Nalbaru

We say summer is the season for adventures. The time to make unforgettable memories with loved ones.   

For Betsy, it proved to be true. Because in August 2024, she embarked on her biggest adventure yet.   

The four-year-old Mastiff was brought into the old Pictou Shelter as a stray by a Good Samaritan in July of 2024. After a week of minor medical treatments and a lot of love from the shelter staff, Betsy was ready to have people she could call her own.   

Two and a half hours away, Taylor and Noah were just as ready for a new adventure and eager to add a new member to their family.    

The couple drove to the shelter, nervous excitement floating through the air, questions running through their minds about how this would all go. But Betsy erased all of them as soon as she met them. “It was love at first sight. She laid right now for some belly rubs, and we were sold,” Taylor reminisces about their meeting.   

And thus, their home grew once again.  

A family and home so full of love, Betsy felt it the moment she walked through the door. Taylor remembers, “Betsy fit in immediately. She slept with us on her first night! She adjusted so well, we truly can’t believe it. She and Goose [our first pet] get along great, and we adjusted to her just as well. She even loves our cat.”   

Pets adopted from a shelter can take up to three months to feel safe in a new environment. Betsy fit in from the very start. But she took a little time to fully be herself and show off her fabulous personality.   

“Betsy is the definition of a gentle giant. She is so quiet and so laid back, it is hilarious. She’s the polar opposite of Goose. When we first got her, I think she didn’t know how to be a dog. She was just kind of on autopilot. She was sweet but had no real personality traits. She does now! She’s really come out of her shell. She’s become our second snuggle buddy and the best heated blanket,” Taylor says about Betsy. She adds, “We love to take Betsy into the nursing home I work at. She is just so gentle and patient with everyone and brings them so much joy.”  

Now, Betsy is a girl who knows what she likes and what she doesn’t, and she’s not afraid to let you know. At the top of the list are naps, treats, and her dad. Betsy will lie down anywhere and every chance she gets, will do anything for a treat or more, and her dad is always in her visual field.  

At the bottom of the list are baths. Betsy has some strong feelings about the time she has to get clean. She tries the magic of puppy eyes. When they don’t work, she patiently, and somewhat eagerly, waits for the moment she can jump out and soak the entire bathroom. 

It has been almost a year since Betsy found her loving home and family. And she has had a lot of first-time experiences. But so have her fur parents. Taylor and Noah mention, “We got to experience the pure joy of giving a dog a second chance at a happy life. With Goose, it was different because he never knew anything but a good life. But giving Betsy everything she wants has been nothing but pure joy.”   

Like Betsy, there are more pets in Nova Scotia SPCA shelters who are waiting for that pure joy of giving and receiving love. You can read their profiles on the Nova Scotia SPCA adoption website or drop by the nearest shelter to you. 

Taylor and Noah even have some advice based on their experience. “If there is one thing we want to tell everyone who is thinking of adopting a dog from a shelter is to go for it, but do your research first. We did a lot of research on what we could expect as far as bringing a shelter dog home. Besides that, we also did a lot of research on Mastiff breeds so we would know what to expect for a dog of her size. We felt prepared before we took her home.”  

All that research paid off. Because now life is full of cozy naps, tail wags, and the type of bond they write movies about.  

The couple had a sweet note to add about Betsy that summarizes the love this sweet girl receives daily. “Betsy has been nothing but a light in our lives since the day we brought her home. She knows nothing but unconditional love and kindness. We have never regretted getting her for a second and we wouldn’t change a thing about her. We love our big ‘Betsy-PooPoo.’”    

Paula Nalbaru

Paula Nalbaru is the Philanthropy Communications Coordinator with the Nova Scotia SPCA. Her work and writing are inspired by the love and lessons her doggo Summer brought into her life, while her cat Marshmallow continues to bring light and laughter to her home.

Meet Coleslaw, the Senior FIV+ Kitty Bringing Joy to His Adoptive Family

July 23, 2025

By Judy Layne

It’s been said that good things come to those who wait. There’s a special kitty who knows this is true. His story began in April 2024 when he was found stray and brought to safety at the Pictou Shelter.

The Shelter staff named him Cole. Approximately 10 years young, this handsome boy was full of spunk and playfulness. He was very affectionate and clearly loved the company of people, always ready to show you his best qualities.

Life on the streets was hard, and Cole needed to have all his teeth extracted. Even though it was ‘all gums’ for him, it didn’t stop Cole from enjoying regular kitty food. He also tested FIV+, which meant he needed to be adopted as the only cat in the home or with other FIV+ cats and live solely indoors.

It was clear that Cole was ready to give up life on the streets to enjoy the comforts of indoor life in his golden years. He was in recovery for a month and was put up for adoption in May. After two months, due to space issues, he was transferred to the Colchester Shelter where he waited patiently for another two long months before finding his forever home. As it turns out, Cole was just waiting for the purr-fect family to look into his eyes and see the sweet loving soul inside. And on September 22nd, that’s exactly what happened. 

Caitlin was checking out the SPCA website when she spotted Cole. She recalls “I was drawn to him because of his backstory, his toothlessness, his goofy ear tip, his FIV+ status and how sweet he looked in his little sweater.” Caitlin had started looking before her partner Mitchell did, so when Mitchell mentioned he wanted to start searching, she pulled up Cole’s profile only to hear Mitchell say ‘I’ve been looking at him too!’ Caitlin exclaims “I just knew it was meant to be! And because I love coleslaw and silly pet names, we extended Cole’s name to Coleslaw!”

Interestingly, Caitlin had considered getting an FIV+ cat for quite a while prior to adopting Coleslaw. She is a veterinary assistant and had worked at the SPCA Veterinary Hospital in Burnside as well as numerous shifts at the Shelter Clinic. Caitlin relates “The FIV+ cats were ALWAYS the sweetest most affectionate cats. I was still living at home with my parents and childhood cats, but I knew someday I wanted to have a home filled with FIV+ cats as they are harder to adopt out.”

Coleslaw adapted to his new home very quickly. “The first day we brought him home we ignored him and let him explore the apartment, as it can be scary for a kitty going to a strange place and we didn’t want to overwhelm him,” shares Caitlin. “Amazingly, he walked out of the carrier and flopped over on his back to be petted. That same night we were sitting on the couch watching TV and he climbed up onto my chest, laid down and started purring. I believe Coleslaw knew he was home and had found his people.”

Coleslaw is definitely living his best life. His favorite things to do include sleeping on the couch, playing with strings and his stuffed toys, bird-watching in the window, playing in the water from the tap, playing in the blanket forts that Mitchell builds him (Coleslaw demands them now by digging in the blankets until a fort is made), and cuddling with his humans.

Coleslaw is proving to be an exceptional patient. “He was diagnosed with asthma a few months after we adopted him, so he is now on a steroid inhaler once a day,” says Caitlin. “He gets this through an Aerokat chamber and does very well with it. We usually give it to him after dinner when he is laying on the couch; he very rarely even ‘un-loafs’ when getting it. Thankfully we had signed him up for pet insurance right after we adopted him so they have covered anything asthma-related for him. We take him to the veterinarian regularly to do chest x-rays, blood work, and to update his vaccines. He will continue to go for bloodwork every 6 months to ensure he stays as healthy as possible.”

Despite having no teeth Coleslaw can absolutely inhale a bowl of kibble. Mitchell says “He uses his bottom jaw as a scoop and it is quite impressive.” His cute quirky personality has blossomed in his new home. “He demands forehead kisses in exchange for nose-boops. The ritual: he gets on a piece of furniture, extends his head up as high as he can, we kiss his head and in exchange, he rubs his half-open toothless mouth directly up the side of our face, purring the whole time. It’s very endearing.” Coleslaw has also become quite the host and loves to greet people at the door. When he senses that someone has entered the apartment, he races to the front door ‘mer-owing’ the entire way to rub himself on their legs and demand attention.

Coleslaw has definitely brought joy into the couple’s lives. “His silliness and affection can make even the hardest of days better within seconds of walking through the door,” relates Caitlin. “We are so grateful to the SPCA for giving Coleslaw a second chance. Without them, he would never know what it’s like to be surrounded by people who love him.”

The couple strongly encourages people to open their heart and home to a senior or FIV+ cat. “They still have so much personality and love to give,” they say. “We’d also encourage people adopting a cat of any age to consider pet insurance, as it has allowed us to give Coleslaw the best care possible to live a happy healthy life.“

And yes, Caitlin is determined to make her dream of having a home filled with FIV+ cats a reality – one set of precious paws at a time.

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 a Spontaneous Yes to Endless Fetch: Ben’s Adventure

July 23, 2025

By Joel Boyce

You never know what you’ll find unless you venture outside your comfort zone.

Sometimes, it’s a scenic hiking trail you’ve never tried. Other times, it’s a hidden beach on the way home.

And sometimes… it’s a dog.

That’s exactly what happened to Sam Watson and his partner Alannah back in December 2022. What started as a casual trip to the Nova Scotia SPCA Yarmouth Shelter turned into something much bigger – and fluffier – than they ever expected.

“I saw cute pictures of dogs at the Yarmouth Shelter,” Sam recalled. “So, we thought we’d check them out. I went there and came home with a dog.”

He laughed – but it was true. Though they had been eyeing Golden Retrievers and Labradors, they found themselves falling head-over-heels for a black-and-white Border Collie mix named Ben.

“When the staff brought him out to meet us, he just immediately cuddled right in,” Sam said. “I thought, oh no… we’re leaving here with a dog.”

And they did.

Ben, now four and a half years old, quickly became a permanent fixture in their lives – and their laps.

“He’s the biggest lap dog I’ve ever had,” Sam joked. “If you’re sitting on the couch, he’ll come right over and curl up. He always wants to be with you.”

Though Sam had met some high-energy Border Collies before and expected chaos, Ben surprised him.

“I’ve met some Border Collies that are off the walls, but he’s not bad at all. He sleeps most of the day – besides always wanting to play fetch, of course.”

Fetch is, without question, Ben’s favourite thing. But his affection is what truly stands out. He’s cuddly, eager to please, and full of heart – the perfect combination for Sam and Alannah’s first dog on their own.

Both grew up with dogs – a chocolate lab for Alannah, and a shih tzu mix for Sam – but Ben marked the beginning of their own chapter as pet guardians.

And while the decision to adopt wasn’t exactly planned, neither of them would change a thing.

“We’re not sure we went at this the best way,” Sam admitted with a laugh. “We just fell in love. It worked out in the end.”

While Sam and Alannah followed their hearts, most experts recommend taking time to research before adopting. Every dog is different – from energy levels and grooming needs to personality traits and training styles. Understanding what to expect can help make the transition smoother for both you and your new best friend.

Although Ben wasn’t the breed they expected, Sam and Alannah had experience with dogs, already doing the research, and felt confident they could give him a loving, active home – even if it meant learning a few minor things along the way.

And so, their journey began. The adoption day turned into an impromptu road trip adventure, stopping at beaches on the drive home from Yarmouth to Halifax – the first of many outdoor excursions.

These days, Ben helps keep the couple busy. “That was actually a big reason to get a dog,” Sam explained. “To help get us out of the house and moving. And with a dog – you have no choice. Rain or shine, you’re outside.”

From city strolls to trails and beaches, Ben has led them on countless little adventures. He’s even taught them a thing or two about patience – a skill most dog guardians learn over time.

Sometimes, all it takes is one spontaneous visit, one warm cuddle, and one wagging tail to change your life. Sam would definitely tell you not to be afraid to say yes to something unexpected.

Ben was more than a dog waiting for a home – he was the missing piece in their adventure story.

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.

Meet Frieda: A ‘Tripawd’ Cat who Lost a Leg but Gained a Family

July 23, 2025

By Kirsten Millar

When Lynne MacMaster first saw Frieda’s photo on the SPCA website, it wasn’t your typical “love at first sight” moment. In her online adoption photo, Frieda the cat looked scrawny, grumpy and had her hair shaved short. But to Lynne, she was perfect. 

“There was just something about her,” she says. “She looked like she’d been through a lot. I knew I had to bring her home.” 

Frieda, now lovingly nicknamed Floof, was brought to the Cape Breton SPCA in October 2022 after being hit by a car. The accident left her with injuries to her front right leg, and after a medical assessment, the best course of action was amputation. But becoming a “tripawd” never slowed Frieda down. After recovering from surgery, she was ready for a new chapter. 

“I wasn’t even really looking for a pet,” Lynne says. “My previous cat, Berlin, had passed away after nearly 19 years. I was just browsing the SPCA site when I saw Frieda, and then I was sold.”

Despite losing a leg and spending time as a stray, Frieda didn’t take long to settle into her new life. She spent her first night snuggled in behind Lynne’s knees, and within days, she felt fully relaxed and at home. 

Frieda loves to be close by her human and can often be found sleeping right on top of Lynne. “She’s calm, friendly to everyone, and loves a good head boop. She even figured out how to meow! It was tiny squeaks at first, but now she always tells me when she’s hungry, loud and clear,” Lynne says.  

And when it’s time for breakfast, Frieda makes sure Lynne knows. “She’ll gently stroke my face with her paw to wake me up. If I don’t move, the claws come out, not to scratch me but just to caress my face and make sure I wake up.” 

Frieda is thriving as a three-legged cat. She runs, jumps, and even slides into rooms thanks to her fluffy fur. She loves to play with every toy Lynne gets her.  

She’s cautious when jumping down, but she has pet stairs that help her. And she does a unique little hop with her front paw to ease herself down onto her tummy. “It’s the cutest thing,” Lynne says. 

Frieda is also a fashionista. She lets Lynne dress her up and doesn’t mind as long as the outfit is cozy. “She really is so gorgeous, I can’t help but do seasonal photo shoots,” says Lynne. 

But beyond all the cuddles and personality, Frieda is an inspiration for how she overcame losing her leg. 

“She adapted to three legs because she had to,” Lynne says. “She didn’t let it stop her. She just figured it out and kept going. Her resilience is impressive.”

Frieda was also recently diagnosed with seasonal asthma and uses a puffer. “She’s got three legs and asthma and she’s still the best cat I could have asked for.” 

For anyone hesitant about adopting a pet with special needs, Lynne has one message: “Do it. There’s so much joy in giving an animal a home, especially one that others might overlook. Frieda has brought adventure, laughter, and love into my life in ways I never expected.” 

Sometimes, the best things in life happen when you step outside of your comfort zone and into a life with a special three-legged companion. To find your Frieda, visit our website to see other adoptable animals waiting for their forever homes. 

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.