Author: Paula Nalbaru

A Season of Change: Astrophe’s Adoption Tail

March 19, 2025

By Paula Nalbaru

The leaves lost their green hue turning yellow. The clothes became warmer. A new building opened its doors to the community.   

And Nacho still waited for his family.   

The now one-year-old tabby kitten came into the Pictou SPCA shelter as a stray in July 2024. He had some medical issues that needed attention, but with the necessary love and care, Nacho was ready to make his big debut.   

But time passed and he was still here. He even got to say goodbye to the old Pictou shelter and welcome the new North Nova SPCA.   

Until a day at the beginning of November 2024 when the door to the cat room he was in opened. Immediately, Nacho had a cat feeling about the person on the threshold. “I walked into the viewing room; the other cat ran away, and he threw himself at my feet and lay there gazing up at me. I picked him up and got lots of purring and cuddles. He was definitely the one,” his mom, Jean, remarked about their first meeting.   

And so, after months in the shelter, Nacho went home. 

A home with another cat, Squirrel. And it was that first meeting between the two of them that Jean was a little worried about. Nacho was ready to play from the start, already comfortable in his new house. Squirrel on the other hand wasn’t too sure about this new roommate. But Nacho decided he wasn’t going to let that deter him. With a lot of perseverance, Nacho succeeded. And a few days later, he made Squirrel his best friend and got himself a new name, Astrophe aka the Cat-Astrophe.   

And their bond only continued to strengthen in the following weeks. “Astrophe followed me everywhere (he still does) so was always at risk of being stepped on. A couple of weeks after he arrived, I accidentally stepped on his tail. Within seconds Squirrel was in the doorway glaring at me for hurting his friend.”  

A few months after Astrophe found his perfect home, he continued to show his true personality. “He is one ADHD kitty. He tears around the house with his favourite toy- a black twist tie- until he collapses in an exhausted heap. But if I leave the room, he has to come with me no matter how tired he is. He’s the most loving cat I’ve ever had. He loves to come and snuggle and if he misses his cuddle time one day he makes up for it the next. He hasn’t changed at all,” Jean described him.   

And he is also an expert cuddler, loving his morning routine with his person, moments that Jean has come to treasure. And she is ready to make even more memories with him and Squirrel. “Can’t wait to take him to the cottage this summer. There’s birds and squirrels and chipmunks to watch from the screen room. Even bears sometimes. And mice to chase inside.”   

Until then, Astrophe continues doing some of his favourite things like playing with Squirrel, watching birds at the bird feeder, chewing the shower curtain, and climbing into grocery bags. “Our favourite play activity is rolling a ball around the floor. We also sweep floors together and he helps me make beds by climbing under the sheets,” Jean added.   

It might not have been a long time since Astrophe joined the family, but they already don’t remember a time before him. Obviously, there’s more fur to sweep and Jean always has to look down before moving – a lesson learned – but Astrophe is home where he belongs.  

He was a long-termer at the North Nova Shelter, patiently waiting. Yet he never lost hope. A new season came and went by and with it the opportunity for a new beginning. We think of spring as the rebirth season, but change can happen anytime and it can be a good thing.  

A lesson Astrophe took in stride and made sure to not waste a second enjoying his new start with his perfect family.  

And there are other pets just like Astrophe waiting for their new season change at our shelters across the province. You can visit them or take a peek at our website.   

And if one steals your heart, Jean has a bit of great advice for any future adopters, “Ask a lot of questions. Get as much background information as you can. If you can, pay several visits and make sure the pet will fit your lifestyle. And the biggest one, let the pet choose you.”  

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.

Bodj’s Legacy of Love Lives On

March 19, 2025

By Judy Layne

A lifetime of unconditional love. Trust, steadfast loyalty and devotion. Anyone who has been blessed to have a dog will tell you that the things dogs share with us are the greatest gifts we could ever receive. And sometimes, a dog’s legacy of love lives on even after they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.   

For twelve years, a beautiful German Shepherd named Bodj shared her love, loyalty and zest for living with her family. When Bodj’s dad Sir Paul was diagnosed with ALS, she went above and beyond to comfort him. Bodj actually saved her dad’s life on four documented occasions!   

When Bodj passed away, the family was devastated. She had left huge paw prints on their hearts. They looked for a meaningful way to honor her caring spirit and intelligence yet be of practical use. Through the SPCA, they created the Bodj von Grunfeld scholarship to help those pursuing higher education in the field of animal welfare. Each year, a deserving student is awarded $500 towards their education. This year, the scholarship was doubled to $1000.  

After receiving many amazing applications, Aliena Kennedy was selected as the 2024 recipient of Bodj’s scholarship.  Aliena is pursuing a Veterinary Technology Diploma at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in Olds, Alberta.  

Aliena has always loved animals. She shared “My first pet was a cat named Terr and she was truly the best. She was incredibly patient with me, especially since I was quite young when we got her. Even though she was a farm cat, she lived an amazing life—she made it to 15 years old. Terr was the most cuddly and affectionate cat, loving everyone she met. She was my first real connection to animals, and from then on, I knew they would always be a huge part of my life.”

I asked Aliena when she recognized her calling to veterinary medicine. “I think I always knew,” she said. “When I was in kindergarten, I told my teacher I wanted to be a vet. At the time, I didn’t even know vet techs existed! At 16, I started volunteering at Heaven Can Wait animal rescue, and that was when I truly realized how much I loved being around animals and learning about their care. At 18, I got my first veterinary job at Guardian Veterinary Centre and then at Avian and Exotic Veterinary Services. I didn’t care how long the days were—helping animals and educating their owners felt like a dream come true. Later, I volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation centre. Every hands-on experience taught me something new and solidified my passion for this field.” 

The scholarship in Bodj’s memory resonated deeply with Aliena. She stated “Bodj’s story is incredibly touching, and it really highlights the profound impact that animals have on our lives. Reading about Bodj’s intelligence, loyalty, and deep connection with her family reminded me of my own pets and how much they shaped my love for animals. It’s inspiring to see her legacy live on through this scholarship, supporting those of us who have dedicated our lives to animal care.”

In the second year of her Vet Tech Program, Aliena’s studies are going well. “The program is definitely challenging, but I love it,” she related. “At first, I was hesitant about going back to school at 25 because I thought I’d be older than most of my classmates. But once I started, I realized that people in my class ranged from 18 to 45, and that made me feel a lot more at home. I chose Olds College because of its condensed 16-month program – I didn’t want to spend extra time away from doing what I love. Looking back, I think if I had started this program at 18, I might have felt discouraged by how tough it is. But now, I’m much more focused and determined, and I know this is exactly where I’m meant to be.” 

Aliena is actually thinking about pursuing higher education to become a veterinarian after graduating. She shared “While studying at Olds, I learned about St. Matthew’s University, which offers a fast-track program that allows students to become a veterinarian in just three years. Knowing that there are pathways to continue my education makes me really optimistic about the future. I’ve worked with a wide variety of animals, but I’m really interested in zoo animal medicine and I’d love to expand my skills in that area.” 

I asked Aliena what she finds to be the most rewarding part of becoming a Vet Tech. “Seeing an animal recover from a serious illness or injury is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world,” she replied. “Animals can’t speak, but they communicate so much through their actions, and it’s incredible to witness their resilience. I also love being able to support both the animals and their owners, helping them understand what’s happening and guiding them through difficult situations. Even the smallest acts of kindness—like making an anxious pet feel safe—can make a huge impact.” 

Bodj’s scholarship has been an incredible help to Aliena financially, especially in such an intense and fast-paced program. She noted “It allows me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress, which makes a huge difference. More than that, it’s inspiring to know that Bodj’s legacy is supporting students like me who are passionate about animal care.” 

Aliena is deeply grateful to Bodj’s family for creating this scholarship. She explained “It’s clear from Bodj’s story that she was an extraordinary dog, and I think it’s beautiful that her love and dedication live on by supporting future veterinary professionals. The family’s generosity is making a real difference in the lives of students like me, and I hope to honor Bodj’s memory by continuing to provide compassionate care to animals.”

Inspired by Bodj’s scholarship, Aliena intends to ‘pay it forward’ in the future. “I know firsthand how much of an impact this scholarship has had, and I’d love to be in a position one day to help others in the same way,” she said. Whether it’s mentoring future vet techs, donating to scholarship programs, or volunteering even more, I want to give back to the profession that has given me so much.” 

Aliena encourages others to pursue a career in animal welfare, particularly in these times when we are facing a shortage of veterinary professionals across the country. “If you have a passion for animals, go for it—but be prepared for hard work,” she stated. This field is emotionally and physically demanding, but it’s also one of the most rewarding careers out there. There will be long days, difficult cases, and heartbreaking moments, but knowing you’re making a real difference in the lives of animals and their families makes it all worth it. Also, never stop learning! Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving and staying curious and open to new knowledge will help you grow in your career.” 

Aliena also encourages others to apply for Bodj’s 2025 scholarship. She exclaimed “Do it! Scholarships like this not only help financially but also serve as a reminder that people believe in your passion and your future in this field.” 

To find out more about the Bodj von Grunfeld Scholarship or to apply for this amazing opportunity, click here.

If you would like to honor the life and memory of a treasured pet and explore the establishment of a scholarship that lets their legacy live on, please reach out to the NS SPCA for help.  

Did you know that the NS SPCA College of Animal Welfare offers a Veterinary Assistant (VA) program? It is unique among other VA programs in that students receive more hands-on experience. And stay tuned for information on a new Registered Veterinary Technology (RVT) program and be the first ones in line to apply. For more info on both programs, click 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.

Where the Heart Heals

March 19, 2025

By Paula Nalbaru

Most people knew that Dr. Kim Murphy would become a veterinarian before she did.  

An animal lover since she was a kid, her first aspiration was to be a marine biologist. “Once I made it to high school and career decisions became more of a reality, I realized I wanted to make a living in my hometown,” she recalled.   

But she was still unsure where that career would take her. So, she decided to take part in a co-op program in 12th grade. “I was assigned to volunteer at a local veterinary hospital. My second week there, the veterinarian performed an emergency c-section on a dog. As the doctor helped bring each new little life into the world, it was all hands on deck to resuscitate the pups. I received a crash course on what it means to save a life, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”   

Her path would take her to start her post-secondary education at Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture (formally NSAC) before heading to PEI to finish her studies at the Atlantic Veterinary College.   

She had the skills and the passion to go anywhere else. But her heart was set on one place – Cape Breton Island.  

“It goes without saying that islanders can be described as kind, compassionate, and genuine,” she said when asked why her hometown is a great place to practice veterinary medicine. “From beloved family dogs to feral cat colonies in our communities, the people of Cape Breton know the importance of animal health and welfare for all. Because of this, most of our clients have a deep respect and appreciation for what we do, which makes our jobs so much more fulfilling.”  

The growing demand for veterinary services has been felt nationwide for the past several years. And smaller communities in particular, such as Cape Breton, have felt the effects of this ongoing issue. So, in 2021, we established the first social enterprise hospital in eastern Canada – the SPCA Veterinary Hospital – with a location opening in Cape Breton not too long after. 

Now called Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital, a change to reflect and reinforce the fact that we are open and available to everyone, it serves three local communities across the province: Dartmouth, Cape Breton and Stellarton.  

Dr. Murphy joined Cape Breton Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital in 2023. It was clear from the way she was welcomed that the community had a connection with her. And that to her is what makes this career even more special. “I feel being a veterinarian is an impactful career in any town; however, personally providing veterinary care where I grew up is much more meaningful to me. From family and friends to neighbours and old school teachers, I’ve been able to provide services to people who shaped me into the person I am today. To me, that is the ultimate privilege in my career.”  

Tartan Tails has deep local roots, having always been Nova Scotian proud. The veterinary hospital, similar to the tartan itself, symbolizes family and hope for new beginnings. Fur patients and their families get the love and care they need, all wrapped up in the well-known Nova Scotian hospitality. And Dr. Murphy added, “Although the [shortage] crisis in our profession persists, Tartan Tails is fully staffed and ready to provide compassionate care in a timely fashion.”   

This commitment to both the community and its furry residents is what truly sets Tartan Tails apart. Dr. Murphy goes on to say, “We’re truly here to help. We pride ourselves in caring for the community members and strive to create a supportive environment in which we adapt to clients’ individual circumstances while ensuring their beloved pets receive the care they deserve.” 

Because at the end of the day, our goal is to keep more pets in loving homes.  

You can find out more information by visiting www.tartantailsvet.ca and booking an appointment today for your furry friend at the nearest location to you.  

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 Trigger, the Dog Who Filled a Hole in His Family’s Heart

March 19, 2025

By Kirsten Millar

When Trigger first arrived in the care of the SPCA he was underweight and had some skin issues. He had no idea that his life was about to change for the better and he would find his perfect forever family.  

The young rottweiler mix was brought into the Dartmouth SPCA on March 8, 2024. From there, he spent nearly a month at the shelter before being transferred to Yarmouth SPCA where he waited to find his person. That person turned out to be Karen Goudey and her boyfriend Bob.  

Karen and Bob were already familiar with the SPCA adoption process, as that’s where they found their boxer, Ellie, who had recently passed away. The loss of their beloved Ellie had left an undeniable hole in their hearts. Hoping to find an older dog to welcome into their home, they visited the SPCA and that’s when they met 11-month-old Trigger, who would soon fill that hole in their hearts.  

“The first time I met him, I thought he had the cutest ears I had ever seen,” says Karen. “On one visit, he walked over to me, calmy sat on my feet, and looked up as if to say, ‘I just want to be loved.’ I could tell he was very smart. There was so much behind those eyes.”

After a few visits, Karen and Bob knew Trigger was the one and they brought him home. Their first adventure together was a trip to the beach. “We brought him to the beach for a run first as we live across from the ocean and thought he should start getting used to it. He’s not one for swimming but he loves to run on the sand and splash in the shallow salt water,” says Karen.

When Trigger first arrived in his new home, Karen and Bob tried crating him for a few hours while they were at work, but that only lasted a day. “He looked like he was in jail, and I just couldn’t do it,” says Karen. Fortunately, Trigger was a perfect gentleman in the house. No scratching, no biting, no tearing things up. Instead, he would wait patiently for them to come home from work.  

Trigger quickly became a big part of their family, even winning over Karen’s two older cats, MJ and Pickles, though it took some time. “They were mortal enemies for about six months,” says Karen. “Now, it’s a day-by-day thing. When the cats walk by, Trigger’s tail starts wagging. The cats look annoyed but tolerate his playful energy.” 

Despite his playful and loving nature, Trigger has his boundaries. He doesn’t do well with other dogs and prefers to be an only child in that regard. However, he absolutely thrives around people, especially children and the elderly. Karen’s two-year-old granddaughter was introduced to him slowly and carefully. “We made sure he was comfortable and gave him lots of treats. He gets excited and likes to jump so we keep an eye on him, and he does great with children.” 

Trigger has even become a regular visitor at Karen’s father’s long-term care facility. “He absolutely loves the elderly. He gets lots pats on the head, and he’s so gentle with my dad,” she says.

Trigger’s daily routine is a mix of fun and affection. “Mornings start with breakfast, snuggles, and ear scratches, followed by aggravating the cats, of course. Then, it’s time for a walk or a ride in the car. After lunch he loves to nap and play with his toys,” says Karen.

At night, he sleeps near the end of the bed, always ready to protect his home. “He’s a fierce protector, but not mean in any way. He barks at knocks on the door. He knows this is his home, and he takes that seriously,” says Karen. 

It’s clear that Trigger has not only found a loving home but has also given so much love in return. “After Ellie passed, I didn’t think I could love another dog like I loved her,” says Karen. “But I’ve come to realize our hearts just get bigger so the love can fit.” 

Karen, Bob, and even the reluctant cats agree that Trigger has completed their family. “He’s so smart, I know he understands everything we say and tries to talk back,” Karen says. And Trigger always keeps his family entertained with his quirks, which include the occasional fridge-opening trick and spinning in circles when he hears the world ‘walk.’  

“I think he knows he’s handsome,” Karen laughs. “And he should. His ego is big, and that’s okay.” 

Karen encourages everyone considering adopting a pet to check out the SPCA. “They supplied us with food, a crate, a leash, education and support,” she says. “They went above and beyond to ensure that Trigger went to a good stable 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.

Napping for a Better Life: Operation Hit Snooze

February 19, 2025

By Paula Nalbaru

We had a New Year’s resolution here at the Nova Scotia SPCA.  

To start napping more.  

After all, napping does have some positive qualities, such as boosting your mood, decreasing stress levels, and improving your memory and reaction time. And what a coincidence, nap time for pets has similar benefits. Especially for dogs. 

Now, if you have ever visited an animal shelter, the environment is a little different than that in a home. The lights are on for longer periods of time, people are in and out of the rooms – cleaning, feeding, giving medication, playtime, and possible adopters coming in to meet them. That means dogs can be up and alert for 12 to 16 hours a day. Not the most favourable place to take a nap. 

So, when we looked at our enrichment toolbox for our doggos, we realized we could be adding something very important.  

The idea started when Nova Scotia SPCA’s Sandra Flemming, Chief of Capital Planning & Shelter Operations Advisor, attended an animal welfare conference. Other shelters were implementing nap time and their biggest takeaway from it? Nap time improves a dog’s well-being, reduces stress, and even shortens the length of stay in a shelter.  

“Research has shown that shelter dogs who get rest during the day become better suited to their environment. The day rest (nap time) helps the dogs display signs of calmer behaviour, making meeting potential adopters a more positive experience for all,” says Sandra.  

So, we huddled down at work, started brainstorming and finally landed on Operation Hit Snooze.  

It started as a pilot project at our Dartmouth Shelter. In the dog rooms, every single day of the week from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the lights are dimmed, human interaction is limited, and special curated music plays – spoiler alert, dogs love reggae and classical tunes.  

During their nap time, pups settle into their kennels with a cozy blanket and calming enrichment toys like Kongs. With the soft, long beats of music in the background, the dogs get the uninterrupted rest they need.

So far, staff have monitored the dogs to see if nap time does make a difference and guess what? The research was quite right. Staff and volunteers noticed that within minutes the shelter is a lot quieter as the dogs settle down, that they wake up happier and calmer which leads to better first impressions since they get to show off more of their true personality.

After all, even in a loving home, dogs should sleep on average 12-14 hours a day, give or take depending on factors such as age, breed, and overall health. 

“Sleep benefits dogs in many ways including physical health by allowing muscles time to recover from activity, mental rest, helping to consolidate memories and refresh cognitive functions,” says Dr. Mike Ackerley, DVM at Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital. “Well-rested dogs are more alert and responsive, their immune system gets a boost, and like humans, helps their mood regulation.” 

Now that some time has passed since Operation Hit Snooze started at the Dartmouth Shelter, we’re looking at the benefits the pilot project had so far and seeing if we need to make changes to it before rolling it out province wide to all of the Nova Scotia SPCA shelters. We’re looking at things such as which music genre the dogs respond better to, is an hour enough for nap time or do we need to extend it, how do we get cats, rabbits and other companion animals in the shelters down for a nap? Stay tuned for that! 

So, the conclusion seems pretty straightforward. Napping is in this year. For pets and we think for humans too. 

If you wish to be a part of this project, there are a couple of ways to help.  

Donate to Operation Hit Snooze to help us fund the program and be able to roll it out to all shelters. Donations can be made here: www.novascotiaspca.ca/hitsnooze/. You can suggest a song when you make a donation and you will receive a playlist too so you can nap to the same music our dogs are napping to.  

And of course, adopt one of the sleepy furry friends. You can check out the adoption webpage and visit the nearest shelter. 

P.S.: We chatted even more about Operation Hit Snooze in a Nova Scotia SPCA PAW’dcast episode, which you can Iisten to here.  

Paula Nalbaru

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

Building Bonds: How 20 Minutes Changed Two Lives

February 19, 2025

By Joel Boyce

When Evie, a shy five-year-old Boxer mix, arrived at the Nova Scotia SPCA in Yarmouth in early 2024, the lively energy around her felt overwhelming. The sounds of excited barks and playfulness seemed like a distant world she wasn’t sure how to enter. 

Her muscular frame and gold-dusted fur hinted at a life of energy, but her nervous demeanor told another story. Evie had a heart of gold, but it would take someone special to help her shine – and that’s where volunteers and the PEDIGREE Foundation’s Got 20 Minutes? program stepped in. 

This innovative program is built on a simple yet transformative idea: dedicating 20 minutes of enrichment time a day can change the lives of shelter animals. Dogs like Evie, who struggle with stress or shyness, are paired with volunteers who provide socialization, mental stimulation, and love. The program’s kennel tags make it easy – volunteers see which dogs need attention, and after spending time with them, flip the tags to display a heartfelt “Thank You” message.

Josh Gogan, who began volunteering at the Nova Scotia SPCA in December 2023, was one of the people who answered the call. Mourning the loss of his 17-year-old dog just weeks earlier, Josh found solace in helping shelter animals. When he first met Evie, she was timid and unsure, but there was a spark of trust between them. 

“She was a little bit of a special case,” Josh said. “But she liked me, and I liked her.”

Josh began spending extra time with Evie. Whether taking her on long walks, playing fetch (her favourite game), or sitting quietly to build trust, their bond grew stronger with every visit. Slowly, Evie’s confidence blossomed. Her playful, affectionate personality began to shine.

It wasn’t long before Josh realized their connection was more than special – it was life-changing. For Evie, the companionship eased her fears and brought out her joy. For Josh, spending time with her helped heal the void left by his beloved dog. 

The perfect match was clear: Josh decided to adopt Evie. 

“She’s the best,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade her for the world.” 

Now thriving in her new home, Evie spends her days adventuring with Josh, chasing balls, and curling up beside him at night. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of connection – and the difference 20 Minutes can make. 

The PEDIGREE Foundation’s program has benefits far beyond individual stories. Enrichment and socialization help reduce stress and unwanted behaviours in dogs, giving them the best chance to make positive first impressions with potential adopters. It also encourages volunteers to become advocates – or adopters – for the animals they spend time with. 

After adopting Evie, Josh’s connection to the Nova Scotia SPCA only deepened. In March 2024, he became a permanent employee at the Yarmouth shelter, where he continues making a difference for animals like Evie every day. 

For the fun-loving Boxer, her journey began with uncertainty but ended with a happy home – and a lifelong bond with Josh. 

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.