Author: Paula Nalbaru

From Foster to Forever: Cruze’s Story

May 21, 2025

By Judy Layne

Anyone who has visited the NS SPCA can attest to the love and kindness that shelter staff show to the animals they care for. Believing in the SPCA’s mission, staff work tirelessly to mend broken bodies and spirits. And sometimes, they take their work home with them. So it was with Bree and a sweet dog named Cruze.  

Seven-year-old Cruze was surrendered to the Colchester Shelter in June 2021. The poor boy was in terrible shape and had numerous medical issues, the biggest one being heartworm. The veterinary team decided that the initial focus had to be on Cruze’s heartworm and felt that the longer, more complex method of heartworm treatment – one whole year – was Cruze’s best chance to be cured.   

Cruze was supposed to stay relatively calm throughout the treatment because too much activity causes the worms to do more damage to the heart. But staying calm would be a challenge for Cruze as he suffered from separation anxiety. The sweet boy also had chronic dry eye and allergies.  

Cruze was definitely in need of more care than could be provided at the shelter. He needed someone with knowledge, experience and patience to help him. Enter Bree, a dedicated staff member at the Colchester Shelter who agreed to become Cruze’s foster mom that same day.  Bree had gained lots of hands-on experience working at the shelter and through fostering.   

Bree said “I adore helping senior or medically challenging animals and Cruze definitely fit the bill. I figure there are enough people in the world to take on the young and spry animals, so they don’t need me for that. I thought that if I and my partner Michael could give Cruze a peaceful, loving home while he underwent treatment, it would bring him more comfort in his life.”

“The 365-day heartworm plan involved multiple medications, frequent bloodwork, various injections and close monitoring,” explained Bree. “Staying calm wasn’t in the cards for Cruze but luckily, he was fully cured of heartworm and a total trooper through the treatment plan!” 

Bree definitely went the extra mile when it came to helping Cruze with his separation anxiety. “Cruze’s separation anxiety was fairly quick to discover. He needed to be kennelled when I wasn’t home,” she shared. “But despite trying various methods to kennel-train him so he’d be comfortable alone, nothing worked. He actually destroyed 4 kennels during his treatment. But once he was out, he never did a thing in the house so eventually, we opted to let him roam the house. All his anxiety had gone towards escaping the kennel. We also finally found an anxiety medication that worked well and helped him a lot when he was home alone. To this day, we have to follow a specific pattern to ensure he is okay when we leave the house. He needs to be eating for us to leave. We play music for him and set up a camera to check in on him while we’re out. Although it may be an odd regimen, I don’t mind keeping up with this routine to keep him happy!”  

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Cruze’s allergies have definitely been a work in progress. Bree said “He has both food and environmental allergies. We tried 3 different diets until we landed on Royal Canin HP diet; it’s made a huge difference for him. He was prescribed Apoquel long-term for itching and medicated baths for a while. I keep up with the medicated baths usually every 1-2 weeks. Cruze had chronic ear infections which landed him on ear medication twice a week for life, as well as weekly ear cleans. He had itchy eyes to the point of causing an ulcer in his right eye, which is when the vet determined he had chronic dry eye and prescribed daily eye medication for life. Unfortunately, after Cruze’s 3rd ulcer in the same eye, the treatment plan did not work any longer, and his eye had to be removed as it was causing him a lot of issues. Having only one eye has not slowed him down, though!” 

Cruze had no trouble adapting to his foster home. Bree shared “He’s a happy dog and loves to be around people. I was fortunate he had lived with cats before as I had two kitties at the time. I kept the cats and Cruze separated for a while to ensure everyone would adjust well to each other.  Cruze loved to follow my senior cat Butterscotch around and pester him some, but my cat Brandy would pull WWE moves on Cruze if he bugged her too much, and Cruze would listen! They all co-existed just fine together. Sadly, both of my cats passed away while I’ve had Cruze. I adopted Baby, another cat I was fostering last summer. She absolutely loves Cruze despite never living with a dog before.”

Because of Bree’s love and amazing care, Cruze was able to be put up for adoption in November 2022.  At this point, he was on 4 life-long medications, a special diet, and had very specific separation anxiety. Bree humbly said “That’s a lot for anyone to take on but it was something I had already been doing for a while and felt it was manageable with our lifestyle. A few people expressed interest in Cruze but as time kept passing, we realized we were very attached to him and we weren’t sure we’d be able to see him go. So on March 13, 2023, we ended up adopting him and making it official!” 

Cruze definitely blossomed under Bree’s care and is living his best life. “Cruze loves to fall asleep lying across Bree’s legs, going for walks and car rides,” said Michael. “He also loves a specific Kong bear and although he destroys it (like he does with every toy), he loves to keep little shredded pieces for weeks!” 

Cruze fills the couple’s house with smiles and laughter every day. Bree chuckled “Despite being 60-pounds and broad shouldered, I came home one day to find out that Cruze must have somehow squeezed through the cat door. How a dog his size could come out of a hole that small was truly a wonder! The jig was up the following day, when I came home and found the rim of the cat door stuck around his chest!” 

Cruze has also taught the couple a lot about patience and understanding.  “It’s been a lot to experience with him, but we wouldn’t trade him for the world. He’s become a beloved family member and we love him dearly!” 

Bree is now at the SPCA’s North Nova shelter sharing her love with the animals there. She encourages everyone to consider becoming a foster parent. “It’s very rewarding and you may just meet your new family member like we did!”  And when it comes to adopting a pet who has been a long-term SPCA resident, Bree said “Please give them a chance and be patient. They may require some extra care, but they deserve a loving family like any other animal.  If they can give their whole life to us, why not give a little bit of our lives to them?”

Animals like Cruze often need extensive and expensive medical care on their journey to happily-ever-after. But the SPCA never gives up on them. Neither do the SPCA’s staff.  And donations from animal lovers like you are what make these happily-ever-afters possible. 

 

Judy Layne

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

11 Hearts, One Legacy: How Judy is Turning Love into Action

May 21, 2025

By Joel Boyce

Some people write love stories. Judy lives one. 

It’s a love story filled with wagging tails and gentle purrs, beautiful songs and chirps, and quiet moments shared between rescuer and rescuee. It’s a story of devotion, compassion, and hope – one that Judy has been writing most of her life, not with ink, but with heart. 

Ten years ago, Judy began volunteering at the Nova Scotia SPCA, and since then, she’s served on the SPCA Board of Directors for six years, written countless stories on animal welfare (including the Paw Print), and actively sought and collected donations for the SPCA Thrift Store. Her commitment is fueled by a simple yet powerful drive: to give a voice to vulnerable animals who can’t speak for themselves.

She would humbly call herself just a dedicated supporter. But to us, she’s so much more. 

Judy is always the first to step up, and the last to accept any credit. She’s the quiet force in the background, giving without expecting anything in return. 

“I have always been passionate about all animals,” Judy shares. “But I have gravitated towards those animals struggling to find a home, those recovering from abuse, neglect, and illness, and those who need to experience what kindness and love are for the first time.”

Judy has a unique gift for seeing beauty in many things, and it shines most brightly in the journey of every animal. Throughout her life, she has shared her home with 11 pets, most of whom were adopted, and most with their own unique story – stories of struggle and solitude. In her care, they found not only healing and happiness, but the unconditional love they had always deserved.

It’s important to talk about her pets because of the impact they had on Judy. From the cheerful songs of her childhood budgies, Tiny and Dickie, to the brave, resilient spirits of her adopted cats and dogs – Katie, Harley, Maddie, Gracie, Linc, Angus, Tarko, Murphy, and Meggie – every one of them left a pawprint on her heart. 

Though her pets have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, their memory lives on in the stories Judy tells and the love she continues to share. 

Each pet had their own unique personality: Tiny dove head-first into her dad’s pocket for a toothpick. Dickie padded across the carpet like he owned it. Angus splashed in a Smurf-themed kiddie pool. Tarko walked far despite having no hip joint. Murphy detected McDonald’s drive-thrus like a four-legged GPS. Meggie bolted sideways at bunnies. Katie lounged on her patio throne. Harley snuggled under the covers with his own MagicBag. Maddie was her tiny nurse. Gracie claimed half the bed. Linc showed courage after cruelty. These weren’t just pets. They were family, companions, and teachers. 

“All my pets gave me a lifetime of love and loyalty,” she said. “They taught me about the importance of unconditional love and kindness, loyalty and trust, patience and resilience. They also taught me to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and the joy of living in the moment.”

As Judy reflects on her journey with animals, she knows her commitment to the SPCA doesn’t end with her volunteer work, donations, or even the stories she writes. Her legacy is being built in a way that will outlast her lifetime.

She is leaving a gift in her will, ensuring she continues to support vulnerable animals long into the future. 

“Leaving a gift to the SPCA in my will allows me not only to honour my pets but to create a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to protect animals for years to come,” Judy shares. “It’s also important to me to give back to a cause I feel strongly about. The SPCA does amazing work, and I’m happy to support them.” 

For Judy, this isn’t just about financial support. It’s about honouring the love and loyalty she’s received from the animals who’ve shared her life. 

When talking about her decision to leave a legacy gift, Judy emphasizes the importance of being proactive.

“If I want to help animals after I’m gone, I need to take the time now to prepare a will that ensures my wishes are honoured,” she admits.

And just in time for Leave a Legacy Month, Judy’s message is one of love, hope, and action. She wants to inspire others to think about the legacy they can leave behind. 

“Leaving a gift in my will is my way of ensuring that future animals will receive the care they need,” she says. “If you’ve experienced a pet’s unconditional love, please consider honouring them by leaving a gift to the SPCA in your will. Every gift is important, no matter how big or small. Together, we can make the world a better place for animals.” 

And right now, there’s another way to make your impact go even further. 

Thanks to Judy, all gifts – including those made in honour of a beloved pet – will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. That means your $50 becomes $100, and your $100 becomes $200. It’s a rare and special opportunity to double the love for animals who need it most. 

Judy knows there are animals at the Nova Scotia SPCA right now who are waiting – waiting for kindness, warmth, and a second chance. Your donation today, no matter the amount, helps provide that. And with the matching campaign, the love you share multiplies.

You see, Judy’s connection to the SPCA is more than just a history of donations and volunteering. It’s a deeply personal commitment that reflects her lifetime of love for animals. Her work has touched hundreds of lives – not just for animals, but adopters, donors, and fellow volunteers alike. She inspires those around her with her empathy and sincerity, reminding us all of why we do what we do. 

Her legacy will continue to provide for the many animals who walk through the doors of the SPCA, offering them a chance at a life filled with love, care, and second chances.  

“I know first-hand the love, care and compassion that staff and volunteers at the SPCA showed not only to my adopted pets, but to all the animals entrusted to them. I wanted to pay that forward.” 

Because of Judy and her love of animals, thousands of other furry tails – and the perfect fairy tales – will continue to have happy endings. 

 

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.

When Whiskers Align: Willow and Bastian’s Adoption Tails

April 16, 2025

By Paula Nalbaru

You never know where you might meet your new best friend.

It could be at school, at an event, or at the gym. Or seeing their photo on Facebook.

For Miranda, it happened twice.

The first time was Pigeon, now known as Willow. “I had recently lost my two senior cats—both within seven weeks of each other. At 19 years old, their passing wasn’t unexpected, but it happened so quickly that I didn’t have time to adopt again before they were both gone. For the first time in my life, I was living in a home without cats. It felt empty and strange. I missed them terribly, but I wasn’t seeking to adopt a kitten. I was searching specifically for senior cats—those older, often-overlooked pets. I have a soft spot for the unwanted ones, and since my cats have all typically lived into their late teens, I’m well-versed in the care of senior pets,” said Miranda.

So, when Willow appeared on her Facebook feed on a random day in October 2023, she instantly knew she had to meet her. The next day, she was adopting the eight-year-old kitty from the Kings SPCA Shelter.

Miranda remembered the first moment she brought Willow home with so much affection. “I had everything ready for her, but it was the first time I’d brought a cat into a home that didn’t already have other cats waiting. Instead, she was greeted by our two dogs – Finn, our friendly Australian Shepherd who adored everyone he met, and Sunny, who was a bit more reserved. Both were good with cats, so I wasn’t worried.

Willow took it all in stride. She explored the house confidently, as though she already knew it was hers. She settled in quickly, acting from day one like the new queen of the castle.”

In the meantime, Willow got a partner in crime, Winston, and the home was a multi-cat household again. But Miranda wasn’t done. From a young age, she had a soft spot for black cats, and she was waiting for that fur baby she didn’t know yet, but somehow, she missed.

Then came the second time Miranda scrolled through the social platform, and Toothless, now Bastian, made an appearance. Miranda was immediately drawn in by the 14-year-old black cat. He was missing some teeth, and his bio mentioned spondylosis, but nothing ever stays in the way of a true bond.

“He was a beautiful senior boy who needed a home, and the next morning, my husband and I made another trip to King’s SPCA to bring him home.

He was in the social room, just like Willow had been. As soon as we walked in, he rubbed against my leg. I picked him up and asked him if he’d like to come home with me, he purred so we took that as a yes,” Miranda reminisced.

And thus, in May 2024, Bastian went home. He and Willow got along from the start, and as Miranda put it, “It was like two old friends reuniting after years apart. Almost like they knew they were both Kings SPCA alumni, as if that shared experience created an instant bond.”

Now, a year or so later, Willow and Bastian continue to show off their true personality. Miranda spoke so fondly about them, it wasn’t hard to know and feel how loved they are. “Willow is incredibly sweet and happily lays around looking cute, but when she gets wound up, she zooms around the house like a little lunatic. She’s also super chatty, especially when she’s playing. I call her nutty as a fruitcake – and we wouldn’t have her any other way.

Bastian is all mischief – but the quiet, sneaky kind. He’s incredibly silent most of the time; you rarely hear a peep from him. But he’s got his own way of communicating, especially when it comes to mealtimes. And I’m convinced he can read clocks.”

They love to keep their fur parents entertained and on their toes. Be it with their favourite games – sneak attacks, chasing after treats up and down the stairs to burn off some energy before going to sleep, letting their parents know they’re one second late with the food – or letting them wonder with which sibling they will get along, Willow and Bastian hve their days filled with important tasks.

Along with their feline sibling, Winston, they love a catio. And in true cat attitude is always their parents’ fault when they can’t use it. Miranda said, “It’s not open much during the winter, but when it is, they line up like little furry commuters – waiting patiently (mostly) for the one in front to go out first. Sometimes, we end up with a stalemate at the swinging cat door: one cat trying to come in while another wants to go out, neither willing to budge. It’s like a feline stand-off.

It’s especially funny when they ask to go out and we warn them, ‘You’re not going to like it—it’s raining,’ or ‘It’s cold out there.’ But they insist, so we open the door, and they stick their heads out, realize we were right, and then come back in looking offended—like the weather was our fault.”

Their canine siblings aren’t ignored, either. Between the two of them, it was obvious Bastian lived with dogs before. Finn was the one who he bonded with immediately.

“When we adopted Bastian, Finn finally got his cat. Bastian absolutely adored him – rubbing up against him constantly, curling up with him on his bed. It was the most beautiful thing to witness. It made me so happy to see that Bastian had clearly had dog friends in the past, and now he had found another in Finn.

I only wish we’d been able to adopt Bastian sooner. We lost Finn unexpectedly this past December, and it was a huge blow for all of us. All the pets were affected, but especially Bastian. He still sleeps in Finn’s bed every night.

We’re so grateful that our sweet dog got his cat in the end, even if it was only for a short while. We just wish they’d had more time together,” Miranda described their relationship.

There are a lot more things to be shared about Willow and Bastian and the loving family they’re a part of. More anecdotes about their nicknames, their rituals and favourite things to do.

It’s so easy to talk about your best friend. And we can all probably tell stories all day long. Because it’s not about how you met. It’s about the memories you make along the way that turn ordinary days into unforgettable ones.

And if you are thinking about adopting a new family member and creating those new extraordinary memories, Miranda wanted to leave you with this advice. “Don’t overlook the older cats. They have so much to offer. Cats have a remarkable way of living in the present – they don’t dwell on the past. When you bring an older cat into your home, they often settle in like they’ve always belonged there. Some may take a little more time to adjust than others, but that’s true of cats at any age. Seniors just bring something special. They know who they are, and as they get to know you and their new home, you’ll quickly forget there was ever a time they weren’t part of your life.

When you adopt a pet, what you’re really bringing home is love, companionship, joy, and laughter—and there’s nothing more precious, priceless, or more ageless than that.”

Visit our adoption website or drop by one of our shelters across the province to meet the pets who are looking for homes right now.

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.

Protecting Paws: The Vital Role of Nova Scotia SPCA Investigations Team

April 16, 2025

By Joel Boyce

The Nova Scotia SPCA Investigations Department knows they’re making a difference in the lives of animals, which is why they don their uniforms each morning and wear their badges with pride.

“I think it’s important for people to know we’re here all the time – to answer the call for an animal in distress,” said Chief Inspector Kevin Strooband.

The Nova Scotia SPCA Investigations Department operates province-wide, vested with authority from the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, to provide enforcement under the Animal Protection Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.

These officers investigate, and where necessary, lay charges, conduct animal seizures, or issue orders of compliance to anyone suspected of animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect. The department employs Special Constables appointed under the Police Act of Nova Scotia.

Simply put, the Investigations team intervenes on behalf of animals. With compassion and care at the forefront, the officers serve as vigilant guardians, and they stand true to the SPCA name: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“Our job is vital because it’s vital to those animals,” Kevin emphasized.

But they’re more than just uniforms showing up at doors to address animal welfare concerns.

They’re all about education.

“There’s accountability for causing an animal to suffer or to be neglected, yes, but if there’s an opportunity to educate, we’ll do that,” Kevin said.

With more than 30 years of experience in addressing animal cruelty, Kevin emphasizes that their team’s approach involves working collaboratively with individuals – being kind and gentle – and, most importantly, leading with compassion, to the benefit of the animals.

Kevin reminds us that animals are among the most vulnerable beings in our society.

“We’re here for them,” Kevin said. “In Nova Scotia, it’s the SPCA who comes in and intervenes on their behalf, and we can hold someone accountable or educate them on the public’s behalf.”

In 2023, Nova Scotia SPCA inspectors responded to 1,411 cruelty investigations in the province and helped well over 2,000 animals – that’s just under four calls per day. In 2024, that number jumped 26%, responding to 1,911 calls and assisting more than 3,000 animals – that’s more than five calls every single day.

“Most Nova Scotians want to protect animals and make sure they are well looked after,” Kevin said. “With the SPCA, they know there’s somebody they can turn to.”

Residents in Nova Scotia can report animal cruelty and neglect by calling 1-888-703-7722, emailing animals@spcans.ca, or filling out an online complaint form available at novascotiaspca.ca.

Kevin says without this vital lifeline the needs of these animals may go unchecked. With 17 inspectors stationed across the province, they stand ready to respond to the call of duty.

And their passion for helping animals is what makes them effective in this important work.

“People say, you must love animals, and of course I do. But that’s an easy answer,” Kevin said.

He says there’s more to it – it’s about respecting them.

“When I see what animals go through in some of the horrible conditions that we as humans put them in, you see the resilience in animals,” Kevin said. “This leads to that respect – the respect for animals drives me forward.”

And this is exactly why they don their uniforms each morning and wear their badges with pride.

“I’ve seen animals in bad situations,” Kevin highlighted. “The veterinarians take them in and help them, just seeing them bounce back, that’s what makes it worth it.”

“We give animals a second chance.”

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.

Caring Heart, Caring Hands

April 16, 2025

By Judy Layne

It’s been said that volunteers are ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. They offer the gift of their time and talents to teach, to listen, to help, to inspire, to comfort, to build. They expect no pay, but the value of their work is priceless.

I caught up with Jean Lavers, one of the amazing volunteers at the SPCA Cape Breton Shelter. Jean has always loved animals and has always believed in giving homeless animals a second chance at happiness.

She shared “After years of asking my parents, they agreed to adopt a cat into the family when I was 12. I remember opening my Christmas present, and unwrapping a litter box, collar, toys and all kinds of cat goodies – I can still feel the excitement when I think of it! We headed to the shelter a few days later, met a few of the kitties, and adopted a fur-baby we named Willow. We had Willow for 15 years before we had to say goodbye.”

Jean had always wanted a dog too so in 2013, she adopted Toby – a 5-year-old Collie/Shepherd mix – from the SPCA. She explained “I wanted to adopt an older dog, since I feel like they often get overlooked as many people want puppies. Adopting an adult dog is a special experience – you get to know each other and to enjoy their unique personalities. Toby went everywhere with me and was the best companion you could ask for.  He was my BFF for 10 years before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.”

In 2023, Jean finally felt ready to adopt another fur-baby, but wasn’t quite ready to adopt another doggo. She set out to adopt two kitties so that they could keep each other company while she was at work. “That’s when I met Charley and Ivey,” said Jean. “They had been rescued from a hoarding situation and were both so small and timid. They hid for weeks but slowly started to come out of their shells and show their adorable personalities.”

In October 2023, Jean began her volunteer journey with the SPCA. She originally started volunteering because she really missed her dog Toby. She shared “I still wasn’t ready to adopt another dog, but I thought that walking the shelter dogs would give me an opportunity to do some good and at the same time, get my ‘dog time’ in.”

Jean’s shifts as a dog walker are invaluable. “With limited staff and volunteers, and so many tasks that need to be done daily, I know it’s not always possible for the dogs to get out for longer walks,” she said. “Depending on daily needs and the number of dogs that are at the shelter, I try to take 2 to 3 dogs out for about 30-45 minute walks each when possible. This gives them time to stretch their legs, burn energy and get exposure to different things in their environment.”

With a heart of gold, Jean asks each week what items the shelter needs, and she brings treats, toys and harnesses in any case. She explained “The shelter has limited resources, and sometimes smaller items don’t make it onto their wish list. I try to purchase budget-friendly items that will make both the fur-babies and the staff smile. Treats are so essential for training and are helpful to coax the dogs back in their kennels, as most of them don’t want to go back in.”

Jean makes bandanas for the dogs, donating them for use in taking photos of adoptable pups and then giving them to adopters for free. She said “The bandanas definitely help raise the cuteness-factor of adoptables and hopefully will increase their chances of being adopted.” She also makes videos of SPCA animals to put on her small business webpage. “I don’t have a lot of followers, but I thought that it would help the animals gain more exposure. Videos also show a lot more of their personalities than just photos.”

Jean works full-time as a nurse, so it is challenging to find time each week to volunteer. But she tells herself “Two to three hours out of my day is not that much time and it can make a difference for as many animals that I can interact with. I admire the staff at the shelter and the amazing work they do. Mentally, it is very difficult (I find), to process a lot of the day-to- day needs and the various cases that you see. It’s also very hard to see the same beautiful souls there for long periods of time, wondering why they are being passed up and hoping to find their forever homes.”

In January this year, Jean and her partner Will decided they were ready to open their hearts and home to another deserving dog. Jean recalled “We wanted a dog that we could be active with and take for walks and hikes.” Enter Chaos, a one-year old Amstaff mix who had been at the shelter for several months and was extremely high-energy. “We loved his goofy personality and thought he would be a great fit for us. We brought him to his forever home and renamed him Leonard.” Lenny is now living his best life and has a safe place to be able to show off his personality. “Leonard, Charley and Ivey are still not entirely sure they like each other yet, but we keep slowly and gradually getting them comfortable with each other.”

Ask any volunteer and they’ll tell you how rewarding the experience is. Jean is no exception. “It’s heartening to know that you’re able to make a difference in the animals’ days. They are so happy, excited and grateful to spend time our of their kennels, and to socialize and soak up the extra love. It’s also nice to know you can help the staff with some of their tasks. It can be draining physically, mentally and emotionally and I’m glad I can potentially alleviate some of this strain, even if it’s only for a few hours.”

Jean encourages everyone to volunteer. “Even if you aren’t able to commit to a scheduled shift each week, you can still drop in to walk one of the pups or cuddle the kitties. An hour or two of your time can make a huge difference in the day for the animals!” There are also lots of ways to help outside the shelter – sharing SPCA posts, fostering animals, helping at various events, working in SPCA Thrift Stores and fund-raising to name just a few.

With thousands of abused, neglected, injured, homeless animals to care for annually, there is much work to be done and never enough hands. Please consider becoming a volunteer and make a difference in homeless animals’ lives. There’s a wide range of volunteer opportunities to engage and inspire you. Check them out here.

Judy Layne

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

Ahsoka’s Story: Big Ears, Bigger Personality, and a Heart Full of Love

April 16, 2025

By Kirsten Millar

They say we are a reflection of the people we surround ourselves with. And sometimes, that reflection comes in the form of a four-legged companion with a cheese obsession and ears that once outgrew her head.

When Brittany Maude and her husband Larry adopted Ahsoka, a Husky and German Shepherd mix formerly known as Portia from the SPCA’s Dartmouth shelter in August 2023, they weren’t just giving a dog a second chance. They were opening the door to something that would change their lives.

Just months before, Brittany and Larry had moved from Ontario to Nova Scotia following the loss of a beloved family member. Soon after, Brittany’s father passed away suddenly. She dealt with the weight of grief, paired with anxiety and depression while Larry worked long hours.

The loneliness of the empty house is what prompted Brittany to begin the search for a new animal friend.

“Growing up, I always had a dog, so living without one just didn’t seem right,” she says.

She had been keeping an eye on shelter websites, waiting for a dog to catch her eye. Then she saw a photo of a puppy named Portia.

“It was honestly love at first sight. I thought she was the cutest little thing. We drove almost an hour from Truro to meet her, and I fell even more head over heels,” says Brittany. “She was energetic, friendly, and had the cutest floppy ears.”

This special pup started showing off her personality before they even left the shelter.

“She was trying to eat rocks in the parking lot,” Brittany laughs. “And she crawled into my lap and let me hold her like she belonged there.  I knew right away she was going to be my girl.”

With her confident, playful energy and her strong breed mix, Brittany felt the name Portia didn’t quite fit.

“We’re huge Star Wars fans, and Ahsoka Tano is my all-time favourite female character. She’s headstrong, resilient, stubborn, but also kind and compassionate. All qualities that seemed to fit her,” says Brittany.

And so she joined her new family and became Ahsoka.

The first few days home were the beginning of the deep bond Ahsoka would develop with her family. She settled in right away and was a superstar with potty training and sleeping in her crate.

“She slept on my chest when I laid with her on the couch,” Brittany says. “She was so happy and so comfortable almost immediately.”

Brittany’s cats were less than impressed with Ahsoka when they first met her. But Ahsoka loved them right away and just wanted to play.

Ahsoka’s family have absolutely fallen in love with her personality. “She’s a little wild, but she’s incredibly smart,” says Brittany.

Around age six months, Ahsoka’s ears sprang up and looked huge in comparison to her head. “Every single person that saw her was always saying ‘Wow, look at those ears! They’re massive!’” says Brittany. “Ahsoka has grown into her ears now but she still has her puppy energy.”

Ahsoka also loves food, her stuffed animal toys, tug of war, fetch, playing in the snow and finding big sticks on her walks that she can carry around. She also adores a good car ride, especially if it takes her to Tim Hortons for a plain Timbit treat.

She has even learned to use talking buttons to tell her humans what she needs. She can use them to ask for “outside,” “walk,” or “ice” because she loves eating ice cubes from the freezer. “She’s also a cheese addict,” says Brittany. “She makes me pay the ‘cheese tax’ any time I’m cooking.”

Ahsoka has a big heart for her family and can sense when someone in the house is feeling off. “She’s there immediately to offer kisses and snuggles when someone needs it, especially for me,” says Brittany.

Ahsoka loves to snuggle so much that she gets jealous when her family does it without her. “We can’t sit on the couch together without Ahsoka squeezing in between us. She loves to cuddle in the bed too,” says Brittany.

One of Brittany’s favourite memories is when Ahsoka was home alone for barely 15 minutes and managed to get into a bag of flour and paint the entire house with it, plus cover her face and paws in it.

“It was honestly the most ridiculous thing and just seeing her covered in flour had me in tears from laughing so hard. I called her mess ‘art’ and she was the ‘artist’,” she says.

Even though she has the perfect family now, Ahsoka was actually adopted and returned once before Brittany and Larry found her. But that history didn’t phase them at all.

“To me, she was perfect. Giving up on her and sending her back wasn’t an option,” says Brittany.

Ahsoka may have been adopted to help fill a void, but she’s done so much more than that.

“She’s changed my life,” Brittany says. “She’s my best friend. I don’t know where I’d be without her.”

When Larry’s at work, Ahsoka is there. On walks, on the couch, curled at Brittany’s feet while she cooks. Always present, always watching, always loving.

“To anyone thinking about adopting, I’d say: shelter dogs deserve love, and in return, they’ll give you everything. Make an informed decision, and don’t give up on them,” says Brittany. “She’s brought so much light to our lives, and we will be forever grateful to the Dartmouth SPCA for trusting us to be her forever home.”

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.