Author: Taylor Huestis

Honouring Henry: A Portrait of a Loving Dog

September 15, 2022

By Judy Layne

Each one of the precious souls who cross the Nova Scotia SPCA’s doorstep has a story to tell. This story is Henry’s. Sadly, Henry recently made his way to the Rainbow Bridge, but his parents wanted to honor his memory by sharing the love and happiness he brought to their life.

The first 10 years of Henry’s life were not filled with the attention and medical care he needed. Recognizing that they could not care adequately for Henry, his owner made the decision to surrender him to the SPCA. We are grateful that he made this decision because it changed Henry’s life.

Henry was in poor shape when he arrived at the shelter on February 14th, 2019. His skin was inflamed, he was extremely itchy and much of his fur was missing. Over time, with special baths, medications and a special diet, Henry made progress. Because he would need these things on an ongoing basis and in view of his age, he was placed in the SPCA’s Palliative Care Program. Then Henry’s life changed.

Sarah and her husband Curtis had been planning to adopt a puppy and dropped by the SPCA periodically to walk dogs. Sarah shared, “Walking the dogs allowed us to get our ‘dog fill’ until we could bring a deserving pup home. One evening, we were lucky enough to walk Henry!”

Henry definitely melted the couple’s hearts. “Despite being half bald and itchy, Henry was such a lovable goofball,” related Sarah. “You could tell he had so much love to give. We left the shelter talking about how sweet he was but thinking there was no way we could adopt a dog who would need so much care. But we couldn’t stop thinking about him and we returned for a second walk the next day.”

“We had never fostered a palliative care pet before and wanted to ensure that we could give Henry the care and support he needed,” Curtis stated. “SPCA staff thoroughly explained the Palliative Care Program to us. We realized that we would have continual support from the SPCA throughout Henry’s time with us and that we didn’t need to worry about the potential financial burden that can sometimes occur when caring for a dog with complex medical needs.”

On March 14th, the couple decided to open their hearts and home to Henry as forever foster parents. They chuckled, “Henry adjusted to his new home immediately! He marched in, found his new toys and immediately started playing. He then plunked into his bed and had a good snooze!”

Henry thrived in his new home. Sarah shared, “He loved going for car rides, which is interesting since he initially had a lot of anxiety riding in the car. But he quickly realized that getting in the car usually meant good things! He also loved the beach. We always had him on a leash since he was a ‘flight risk,’ but he loved to bound down the sand with Curtis. Despite being part Lab, Henry didn’t like to swim! When we went in the water, we’d put him on a long lead so he had the option to stay on shore if he chose to. He’d always paddle out to us to make sure we were ok, then immediately hightail it back to land!”

“Henry was such an important member of our family,” said Sarah. “He and our son were true buddies. When Charlie was sick or feeling down, Henry would snuggle with him. The way that Henry interacted with Charlie is something we’ll never forget. He was so patient and loving. Most photos we’ve taken of our son have Henry in the background somewhere.”

Henry’s care included medicated baths 3 times/week which tapered down to 1 every 2 weeks over time. Curtis explained “He was very tolerant of his baths and would jump into the tub with a little encouragement. He sat patiently while we blow-dried his fur and ‘neck flap’ which would get infected if it wasn’t dried thoroughly. He was on daily meds which we mixed with his food and he got daily ear drops. He did amazing with both. He never whined or complained even when he had an open sore or infection. The biggest challenge was getting a particular foul-smelling antibiotic into him. He could always sniff those pills out and spit them out!”

Sarah stated, “The SPCA was amazing – the love and support they showed for Henry, as well as us, was what kept us going through all the baths, medications and infections. It would have been challenging not only to pay for his ongoing medical needs, but also to readily get appointments with the vet. With the SPCA, it was always a relief to know that Henry would get the care he needed quickly, and from familiar faces who he felt comfortable with. Henry would actually get excited every time we brought him in for an appointment!”

“Fostering Henry brought so much joy to our life,” exclaimed Curtis. “He was a great companion and he got us out of the house on a regular basis for walks which I’m sure benefited our health. It was also an excellent learning experience regarding dog ownership, and we are undoubtedly in a better position now to understand what it takes, or can take, to be a responsible dog owner.”

The couple shared, “When we brought Henry home, we thought we’d have a year with him at the most. We felt very fortunate to have him for three wonderful years. We knew when signed up to be his forever fosters that his time with us would be short, but we also knew he had a lifetime of love to give. Losing a pet is so hard, but fostering Henry was certainly worth the inevitable pain. Living in the moment is absolutely something he taught us.”

Henry passed away on April 8th in the arms of his foster parents, wagging his tail to the end, knowing that he was loved and that he mattered. He not only left paw prints on his parents’ hearts, but in their home as well. Curtis said “The SPCA kindly sent us Henry’s paw prints after he passed. We framed them and put them above our door to remind us of Henry when we’re coming and going; the door at which Henry would eagerly await his next walk or adventure. We also commissioned a painting of Henry by Sarah Jane Gilks when she was donating a portion of her pet portrait proceeds to the SPCA. His portrait will always hold a place of honour in our home.”

 

 

Please give a round of ‘ap-paws’ to the Nova Scotia SPCA Palliative Care Program. The program is a proud reflection of the SPCA’s no-kill policy.

Your generous support gives animals like Henry a second chance at a happy life. To learn more about this life-changing program and how you can help, 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.

Love of Animals Inspires a Legacy Gift

September 15, 2022

By Creston Rudolph

Andrea Christ was “the kid that always brought home pets.” Turtles, snakes, rabbits, gerbils, and goldfish are just a few of the pets she cared for while growing up in Chicago.

In the third grade, the dog of Andrea’s friend’s aunt had a beautiful litter of puppies.  Andrea really wanted to give one of the pups a loving home, so she quickly devised a plan.

“I brought her home, snuck her in the house and ran outside because I knew my mother would never let her go once, she saw her.”

Andrea’s plan worked!  Her mother told her that she could keep the pup which she later named Pepsi.

Andrea’s admiration for animals grew after bringing Pepsi home. Pepsi taught her at a young age the importance of obligation and consistency. Andrea got involved in all of Pepsi’s care including setting a walking and brushing schedule.

Pepsi also taught her about the unconditional love that a dog provides.

“Pepsi loved my family without strings attached. She didn’t base her love on what we did for her in return. She simply wanted nothing more than our happiness.”

As a young adult, Andrea started a dog family of her own.  She adopted her first dog Bulwinkle after rescuing him in Chicago.  Andrea then adopted her second dog Betsey after finding her abandoned in a national park on a trip to Oregon.  After unsuccessfully finding the dog’s owner, Andrea flew her back home to Chicago live with her.

In 1993, Andrea moved to Nova Scotia to be closer to her parents.  Soon after, she gave birth to her daughter Frederica (aka – Freddie). Growing up with Bulwinkle and Betsey, Freddie quickly became enamored with pets just like her mom. Andrea remembers visiting the Halifax Shopping Centre when Freddie was an eight-year-old and purchasing hermit crabs from a kiosk in the mall. She quickly named her new pets Brutus and Sheldon.

“I bought her an aquarium with all the equipment needed to ensure that Brutus and Sheldon lived happy and healthy lives. Freddie was responsible for feeding and cleaning their tank. It taught her how to care for someone/something else other than herself. To this day, Freddie is a huge animal lover and can’t wait to have a dog of her own.”

Andrea is a big believer in the importance of educating the public about responsible pet ownership.

“The lifetime responsibility of owning a pet is tremendous.  It includes the obvious; daily exercise, quality food, a warm secure safe place to sleep and dwell – but those are just the basics. Financially, it can be costly to pay for high-quality food – whether it’s commercial-based kibble, cooked, or raw food. It can also be costly if you are not prepared for the unexpected and your pet requires urgent medical care. The more we can educate the public, the better we are setting families up for success and reducing the number of animals surrendered to organizations like the Nova Scotia SPCA.”

Andrea is quick to point out that she doesn’t judge people that have to surrender their pets.

“I do understand that some people surrender their pets for different reasons including illness or a loss of permanent housing.”

Andrea’s passion for animals is the reason she decided to name the Nova Scotia SPCA as a beneficiary in her will.  She wanted to help pets – not only now – but in the future as well. Her planned gift will not only help companion animals but will also offset estate taxes.

“I would encourage others to name the SPCA in their wills – even if it is one of several beneficiaries – to help with the care of the animals, the workers, and to create a new safe environment for everyone. Many people have the wrong idea about the SPCA and think it is government funded and that everyone that works there is paid with government money. That is not the case and I have been spreading the word to stop that misconception. There are so many animals out there that need love, attention, and homes (and, yes, I know people do too), but there aren’t a lot of places that animals can seek shelter on their own!”

Andrea has a great deal of respect and admiration for the staff that work at the SPCA. To show her appreciation for their work, she and her Newfoundland dog, Mookie recently stopped by the Nova Scotia SPCA’s Provincial Office to drop off a batch of her decadent homemade cupcakes.

“The SPCA staff help so many people and pets in good times and in sad times – which can be so heart-wrenching. There is a strain on the entire system and the people that work within that system. Baking cupcakes for them is just a small way that I can show my appreciation for the difficult work they do and the impact they have on the lives of animals.”

The Nova Scotia SPCA staff would like to thank Andrea for her thoughtful and delicious homemade treats and for everything she does to help animals now and in the future.

Creston Rudolph

Creston is a Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA. He and his partner Terri are proud parents to a cat named Tony (Colchester SPCA alum) and two Shiba Inu dogs named Charlie and Kuma. He loves connecting with SPCA donors to thank them and to let them know how big of an impact their gifts are making. Connect with Creston at crudolph@spcans.ca to learn more about leaving a gift to the SPCA in your will.

On Loving and Losing a Wonderful Boy

September 15, 2022

Dear Harley,

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since you’ve been gone. In many ways, it feels like just yesterday when we had to say goodbye. The pain of losing you cut very deep. Today, I recalled something I read after you died. It was from Dr. Seuss – “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” And make me smile, you did, my boy.

I can remember the first time I saw you eight years ago. You were one of forty cats at the Nova Scotia SPCA Shelter hoping to be adopted that day. You sat at the front of your kennel, eagerly awaiting your turn for hugs. A sense of grace and strength radiated from you; your eyes shone with the wisdom that comes from a life of hardship. Your kennel card said you were ten years old, but that didn’t matter to me. It’s the quality of life that’s important, not the quantity. When I opened your kennel door, you hopped right into my lap and gave me a kiss. I knew at that moment I had to take you home. We named you Harley because your purr sounded just like the iconic motorcycle.

It didn’t take long for you to steal our hearts and those of your two sisters – Meggie, our 16-year old dog and Katie, our 9-year old kitty. I can see you walking shoulder to shoulder down the hall with Meg like two little soldiers. Meg’s sight was going, so perhaps she thought you were a fellow canine. You and Katie developed the funniest rituals. At mealtime, Katie would pace back and forth in front of you, knowing you hated that. Neither of you would eat until you’d taken a perfunctory swipe at her. Each evening, she’d hop up on the chair beside you for a grooming session, until your mouth got so full of her hair you’d call it quits. Thank you for being such a wonderful brother to the critters you left behind.

I remember your endearing eccentricities……inspecting the bedroom closet every night for boogey-men to make sure we were safe..…..insisting on sleeping under the covers with me……proudly singing to announce to everybody that you had used the litterbox, earning you the nickname ‘Choirboy’……. doing your ‘happy dance’ on the little rug in the family room………hijacking the hot pack I was using one night and me buying you your very own that you loved to lie on, summer and winter. Thank you for making me laugh.

I was so proud of you as you conquered your fears. When you first arrived, the sound of the doorbell sent you scurrying under the dining room table. Service men scared you too. But you soon bloomed into a gracious host who greeted visitors with a welcome meow. You overcame your health challenges too – dental surgery that left you with only 4 teeth (you could still chow down with the best of them) and irritable bowel syndrome (you were a great patient as you took your daily meds). Thank you for your bravery.

Life is so fragile. I remember the day we took you to the vet because you had a hair in your eye, a minor problem. We did a routine blood test to see how your bowel problem was doing. While your bowel was fine, we were stunned to learn that you had developed non-regenerative anemia, which is ultimately fatal. It didn’t seem real. It was one of those numbing moments in life when time stands still. Your mind wants to tell you that it must be some mistake. Only it wasn’t.

Everyone was amazed at how well you did for the next two months. I’m so glad we had that time together. You and I came up with a strategy – we would exchange as many kisses as we could while you were still here and those kisses would sustain us until we could be together again. But you grew tired and one day, you were too  weak to eat. I know how hard you tried to stay, but we couldn’t win this battle sweetheart.

I knew we had to find the strength to let you go; to do what must be done, out of kindness and love. On that inevitable day, we held you one last time and our hearts surrounded you with love. As I stood over your lifeless body, I didn’t see a cat, I saw my son. Never for a minute has the sadness of losing you outweighed the joy. Never have the tears outweighed the laughter. Never has the pain outweighed the love.

Your little rug will always stay in the family room. Your favorite toy, Mr. Mouse, keeps watch over the bedroom closet for boogey-men. On sunny days, I put the box containing your ashes on the windowsill where you loved to lie. I think you’d like that.

Thank you for coming into my life, Harley. I’m so grateful we found each other. You were my faithful companion, snuggle buddy and confidante. My time with you was full of happiness and we made the most fantastic memories together. You asked for so little and gave so much. I want to tell you how much I love you buddy, always and forever.

I feel your spirit close to me, my boy. I promise that we’ll meet again. You’ll run into my arms and we’ll both smile.

-Mom

From Rescued to Future Rescuer

August 18, 2022

By Taylor Huestis

“We’re going home with a Malinois, aren’t we?” Paul’s wife, Karen, laughed. She knew even before Paul had reached his decision that was no turning back. Fate had brought them together.

A few days prior, Paul had been sent a link to Xave’s photo on the Colchester SPCA Facebook page. Although Paul and Karen had almost always had a two-dog home, they didn’t feel ready after their retired Search and Rescue dog passed away. Plus, their six-year-old German Shepherd, Cinder, made sure to keep them on their toes.

“I floated the concept of the Malinois at the SPCA to Karen,” Paul recalled. “After some intense negotiation, we decided to visit Xave on Saturday. As much as I wanted a new dog for Search and Rescue, Karen wanted a dog that she could take to the cottage and for walks with friends. We needed to find the right dog that would be confident in both situations.”

“The American Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a suitability assessment that allows Search and Rescue dog handlers to look at shelter dogs and see if they have the characteristics needed to be a potential Urban Search and Rescue dog,” Paul explained. With this test and a tracking harness to assess Xave’s natural drives, Paul and Karen headed to the shelter.

To their surprise, Xave was much younger than expected.

“I realized the assessment or tracking tests weren’t appropriate for his age,” Paul shared. “I then focused on his play – seeing if he wanted to play with different toys and how he was for social ability. His strong desire to play combined with his super confident demeanor and enthusiastic willingness to greet everyone (with kisses) at the shelter made me realize we had a solid candidate.”

Paul and Karen made it official! They adopted Xave and welcomed him into their home.

Once Xave was settled, they started training.

“My goal is to validate Xave as an RCMP Civilian Search and Rescue dog with Halifax Search and Rescue next spring,” Paul said. “The dog needs to be able to complete a 2km track, finding up to four discarded articles along the way. They will then complete a series of area searches during both the day and night for articles and people.”

If Xave passes, he has the ability to be deployed on missing person cases when ground Search and Rescue teams are deployed. Whether it is finding a lost person or responding to a crisis, Xave would be ready to spring into action.

“Search and Rescue dogs are a special combination of dog,” Paul explained. “They need to be highly socialized with people, neutral around other animals, and the missing person needs to be the most important priority to the dog! Not all searches end happily. The best Search and Rescue dogs I’ve worked with are the dogs that are willing to put their whole heart into the search and then be willing to serve the role of a therapy dog when needed.”

Although he isn’t certified yet, Xave has proved he has what it takes.

“Earlier this year we responded to a Search and Rescue call… the call didn’t go as we all hoped,” Paul said sadly. “After the search was stood down, we called the Critical Incident Stress Team with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency for a debrief. While their team (with their therapy dog) offered an amazing response time that night, our members were tired and wanted to go home. I brought Xave out of my truck to visit with the team. While Xave can be super energetic, that night he was chill as he visited with those that wanted to see him. He might not have been there as a therapy dog, but that night he definitely understood the assignment.”

Xave learns new skills every single day. He has shown that he has strong natural tracking abilities and the social requirements needed for success. “Xave has been to see helicopters, been around boats, met lots of new human friends, and eagerly goes to doggy daycare one day a week,” Paul smiled. “We’ve gone to different places – he plays on our rubble pile and working dog agility course, and been beside excavators and heavy equipment as they’ve worked.”

“It’s not all work!” Paul assured. “Xave has also been out a few times with my mushing friends (dog running) and we will participate in Canicross and bikejoring when he’s fully developed. Until then, we’re having lots of fun beating the heat by swimming and dock diving – things that are easy on a developing puppy but keep him active.” Xave is excelling at dock diving – he recently cleared a 23’ jump in to the pool during a competition.

Paul and Karen are so thankful to have Xave in their life. But just as much, they are grateful that Xave’s old owner reached out to the SPCA for help.

“What I recognize more about the adoption process is the selfless actions of the individuals that first owned Xave,” Paul shared. “They took Xave into their lives with a full set of dreams and ambitions for a future life with him. When they realized the true challenges that a Malinois brings, they made the hard decision to surrender Xave to the SPCA. This placed him in a system where the whole team truly cared about his well-being and looked for a good home for him. The stars aligned with Xave and we are very fortunate to have him as part of our family. Having that safety net in place, with people who truly care for animals is critical for the well being of animals in the province.”

“Malinois are synonymous with police and special forces dogs,” he continued. “I never realized how dedicated and loyal they are to their entire family unit. He can be playing in the house one minute, and then will launch into your lap when he needs a hug. If there’s anything we’ve learned from Xave, it’s a refresher on love.”

Xave is proof that with patience, training, and lots of love, there are no limits to what shelter dogs can accomplish. Soon enough, if fate allows, Xave will go from being a rescued pup to rescuer.

Taylor Huestis

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Bonnie and Boy. She is passionate about raising awareness and funds for local animals in need. Connect with Taylor at thuestis@spcans.ca or 902-222-0378 today.

Bonded Senior Sisters

August 18, 2022

By Taylor Huestis

What is better than one dog? Two of course!

Lucy, a 12-years-young Terrier mix, was best buds with Sadie, a 9-year-old Boxer mix. They adored each other’s company. While at the SPCA, you’d often find them spooning together to share a chair or bed even though there were lots of empty options nearby.

These two didn’t act like seniors. Lucy was always scouting out a lap to snuggle into and enjoyed exploring the big outdoors. Sadie was a big goofball. When greeting you, Sadie would wag her tail so hard that her whole body would wiggle.

Because they were bonded for life, the team was determined to find a loving family who would adopt both dogs.

But their older age, and the fact that they needed to go home together, caused some prospects to overlook them. It took two shelters – the Yarmouth SPCA and the Dartmouth SPCA – and 49 days of hope and hard work… but they finally met their perfect match.

Judith and Doug visited the shelter on July 10th and they felt a connection right away.

“We knew they were a good match for us because Lucy immediately jumped into Judith’s lap,” Doug recalled. “Sadie gave Judith big doggie kisses and once Judith looked into those big, brown eyes, she was smitten. I was won over by their love of people. Despite being our first time meeting them, both dogs were very warm and friendly.”

It didn’t take long for the two sisters to settle into their new home.

“It has only been about three weeks but there are a few special memories already,” Doug and Judith smiled. “The moment when Sadie learned how to play with a ball. We do not think she has been exposed to this type of play before. Taking them on road trips and walking on Rissers Beach. Sadie running around at full speed in our fenced-in yard… she is fast!! And Lucy ‘working’ under our garden shed, in her attempt to dig out some sort of vermin that dare make its home under there. The battle continues…”

This isn’t the first time Doug and Judith gave a second chance to a shelter pet. They know how important and rewarding adoption is.

“The animals that find themselves in the care of an adoption or rescue facility are there at no fault of their own,” Doug shared. “By adopting one (or more) of these animals you are providing them with a loving, caring, and safe home in which they can live out the rest of their days.”

Age doesn’t scare Doug and Judith. They know it is just a number.

“The staff took the time to review their respective medical records and answered all of the questions we had about their current and future medical needs,” Doug and Judith explained. “We believe that all pets deserve to live in a loving and safe home, regardless of their age and the potential length of their lives.”

Plus, old dogs are great teachers. The love and loyalty senior sweeties give often rewards rescuers beyond all expectations.

“They’ve taught us patience, consistency, and that snuggles are important,” Doug giggled. “Also… live in the moment and take lots of naps.”

 

We know you’ll agree that all animals – no matter their age – are deserving of love. If you’re looking for a new furry best friend, click here to check out our adorable adoptables.

Taylor Huestis

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Bonnie and Boy. She is passionate about raising awareness and funds for local animals in need. Connect with Taylor at thuestis@spcans.ca or 902-222-0378 today.

Ambition and Love: The Force behind Marlene Miller

August 18, 2022

By Sarah Lyon

For over five decades Marlene Miller has had a Toronto address, but home? Well, home is where her family is and that is Pictou County.

That is not to say that she hasn’t built up a web of family and friends in the big city. When she was called for an interview, she had just returned from her cottage for the sole reason of helping a friend whose cat needed to be fed.

Helping, especially animals, is Marlene’s passion.

For over 100 years, the Miller family has lived in Salt Springs, Pictou County. Settled by Scottish immigrants, it is named after saline springs that bubble up from the foot of Mt. Thom. In this little village, Marlene was raised on a sheep and dairy cattle farm. She would watch sheep giving birth, had her favourite calf, and always had a dog. Like many farms, there were always cats, but some in the Miller family were not fans. “My mom feared them, and my sister was nervous around them. Me, I loved them.”

She reflects on her childhood saying, “We weren’t rich, but our mom was a great cook, using fresh food from the farm and area.” She and her seven siblings had a happy upbringing. “We had a great life! Playing hide-in-seek in hay bales, tobogganing, skating on the river. It was a very good life.”

As children, we don’t see the work that made those days possible. Having a farm means long days, and bad seasons. As she got older, and her parents struggled, Marlene took on a leadership role: she managed the berry fields. “I have always been full of ambition,” she says. “I had 20 employees. One of whom was my sister. I had to let her go – she was eating too many berries!”

Farm life was tough; eventually, her father turned from a farmer to a logger. Marlene had a decision to make: what did she want to be? In her late teens, she made the decision to join her aunt and uncle in Toronto, her ambition greater than what Salt Springs could offer.

It was there, in Upper Canada, that Marlene flourished with a mixture of ambition and love.

Marlene started working in a factory and met her partner, Shirley. They would buy their first apartment building, then another, eventually leading to their full-time jobs as property owners. Taking care of these buildings, Marlene noticed that there were many cats – strays, abandoned, feral – that she would find hanging around the buildings.

Over the years Marlene would help re-home cats, or care for those that lived outside. She built a community of cat caretakers in one apartment and made sure to donate to animal charities to help others.

Then, she heard that the Humane Society was seeking foster homes. “Cats are like potato chips; you can’t have just one!” Marlene chuckles, looking at the cats in her home today. “They have free roam of the house, and the garden. Some like to lay under the skylight, others like the basement. All of them come to the kitchen at night for a spoonful of wet food, it’s our daily ritual.” Marlene admits that she falls in love too easily, hence the double-digit number of cats, two dogs, and possibly a possum or racoon family in the backyard she has made accommodations for in case they need it.

Life in Toronto for the farm girl from Salt Springs has been a fortunate one. Before COVID, Marlene never missed a summer visit to Pictou County. When her partner Shirley became ill and was writing her will, she wanted to recognize Marlene’s love of animals and asked her, “where should I leave a gift?” Although Marlene had only visited the Pictou SPCA once, she knew she wanted to help support her hometown animal shelter. “The staff were doing their best, but I thought ‘oh lord, this place is too crowded.”

Marlene and Shirley did not know then about the legacy they were helping to create. After Shirley passed away, Marlene received a call from the Nova Scotia SPCA, showing appreciation for the bequest. “We talked about the Granton facility, and I was so happy to hear that a new one was being built in Stellarton to help the North Nova communities! I know from talking to family back home, it is hard to get a vet appointment, so the fact that this will be a bigger spot for animals and have a hospital, is going to help so many.”

Upon learning more, Marlene has made a major gift herself, donating to honour and support the work the SPCA does, especially to spay and neuter animals. “I have seen too many stray cats that have no one to help them. But together with the SPCA, I will help them.” When you enter the new facility, make sure to stop at the cat adoption room, which will be named in Marlene’s honour.

As she tries to do a few times a year, but only for a few days because she is needed by her furry friends at home, Marlene travelled home in May to join the groundbreaking of the new facility. “I think it’s great that the local community is working together to make it happen, with Sharon and Elmer MacKay, Marsha Sobey, and Steve Smith. I am so happy to be a part of it.”

Marlene Miller may have left for Toronto, but her heart belongs in Salt Springs. And now, because of her love of home and cats, families, like the Miller’s still in Pictou County, will have a place to take their pets for wellness and other programs.

It’s enough to bring a saline tear to your eyes.

Sarah Lyon

Sarah is the Director of Marketing and Communications with the Nova Scotia SPCA. At home, she parents rescue dog Mz. Roxy Roller and son Lochlan. Telling the stories of adopters, donors, and volunteers is what makes her tail wag. Connect with Sarah at slyon@spcans.ca or 902-229-8620 today.