Author: Taylor Huestis

Homeless Dog Gives Hugs

February 17, 2021

By Taylor Mundy

When Rex came to the SPCA he was in extreme pain. Have you ever heard of total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy? It’s a mouthful! Sadly, this is the surgery that poor Rex needed because his chronic ear infections were not able to be resolved by his previous owner.

Despite everything Rex had been through, he still had a lot of love to give. His specialty was… hugs.

Rex loved giving SPCA staff and volunteers hugs throughout the day. It didn’t matter if he had just met you and was greeting you or if he finished playtime and wanted to thank you. His hugs made so many people smile and brought joy to everyone at the shelter.

One of those dedicated volunteers was Rob. “The first time I met Rex was on a volunteer shift in the spring of 2019 and he had just arrived,” remembered Rob. “He looked at me and was so happy and loving. He gave me a famous Rex hug.”

Rob knew right then and there that he wanted to adopt Rex and give him a second chance at a safe, happy and healthy life.

But Rex needed to wait a little bit longer for two important reasons:

  1. Rob and his wife, Michele, had four other doggos at home and we all wanted to make sure everyone got along.
  2. Rex was booked in for his ear canal surgery and would need extra time to heal.

To check the first thing off the list, Rob brought their dogs to the shelter for a meet-and-greet. It went wonderful! “All the dogs got along very well at the start and bonded well together as a pack,” recalled Rob.

Next up was Rex’s surgery. “When Rex arrived he had some serious medical issues with his ears,” Rob said. “However, because of the awesome people at the SPCA, he was able to get the proper medical attention he needed.” The surgery cost nearly $2,000. Being proudly no-kill, the SPCA takes on complicated and costly situations like Rex’s to help hurt shelter pets.

Just over a month later, Rex was finally medically cleared and was able to be officially adopted.

*Photo taken on Feb 15, 2020 – before the State of Emergency in Nova Scotia*

Even though he has a furever family now, Rex hasn’t stopped his hugging ways. He sometimes even uses his adorable hugs to pay it forward for the next pet in need. “I particularly remember when Rex and I were representing the SPCA at a fundraising event at a local pet store and Rex ran up to every single person that walked in to greet them,” giggled Rob. “He made such an impression that many people asked how they could adopt him.”

Rex’s unconditional love helped complete the family. “He has had a tremendous impact in our lives and none of it would have been possible without the folks at the Dartmouth SPCA,” smiled Rob. “For anyone considering bringing a dog, or another animal into their lives, we strongly encourage people to visit their local SPCA and provide a dog or cat with a loving and caring environment. In seeing these animals express their affection, you will be happy you adopted them!”

“For us, we couldn’t be happier to bring Rex into our home and the affection he gives shows us we did the right thing,” Rob continued. “Rex is the definition of the saying ‘a dog is the only thing in the world that loves you more than he loves himself.’”

 

Shelter pets like Rex require extra time, care and expensive medical treatment. We are so grateful for generous donors and supporters who help us help them. We couldn’t do this without you!

 

Taylor Mundy

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Bonnie and Clyde. She is passionate about raising awareness and funds for local animals in need.

Leigh-Anne’s Legacy

February 17, 2021

By Ryan Toomey

We all have someone who left a lasting mark on our lives. Someone who taught us what unconditional love and kindness is. Leigh-Anne Cox was that someone to many people and shelter pets. She preached kindness to people, the environment, and especially to animals.

We lost Leigh-Anne, a longtime volunteer at the Cape Breton SPCA, last year. In light of Leigh-Anne’s passing, acts of kindness began to spread like wildfire throughout her home, Cape Breton Island. Patches of grass left unkept for the bees, litter clean-ups, gardens planted, a “bee” kind committee, and a life-saving gift to the Cape Breton SPCA.

For Christmas, Leigh-Anne’s family and friends came together to sponsor an animal’s stay at the Cape Breton SPCA. Leigh-Anne often volunteered at the shelter, spending time comforting and socializing the animals. She gravitated towards the animals struggling to find a home and those recovering from abuse, neglect, and illness; often showing them what kindness and love are for the first time.

Leigh-Anne’s family and friends made this gift to not only honour her memory but to create a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to protect animals for years to come.

I’ve been talking to Leigh-Anne’s mother for months now as she carried on her daughter’s legacy. Every conversation left me inspired. “My baby is the reason I get out of bed every morning. My goal is to spread and promote kindness in any way I can in her memory. That is kindness to animals, people, the environment… It doesn’t matter. The ripple effect can stem from one act of kindness, a person coming to the shelter to visit the animals, a donation big or small. With any luck, Leigh-Anne’s passion will be contagious.” An inspiring statement from Adele that touched all of us at the SPCA.

Adele isn’t done yet and says she won’t be until every animal gets the help it needs. They plan to start an annual fundraiser in honour of Leigh-Anne on her birthday this June, using her daughter’s inspiring story and teachings as the foundation for rallying support.

Even though we may not have that special person that taught us unconditional love and kindness we can always honour them by carrying on their legacy. For some of you, this person may even have four legs and a tail. Honoring them in a meaningful way is easy; give! Give your time, give life-saving funds, or give awareness.

 

Ryan Toomey

Ryan is the Community Engagement Coordinator with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-papa to Jake and Sam. He is determined to ensure homeless pets get the help they deserve.

New SPCA Hospital: Helping More Animals and Families Than Ever

February 17, 2021

By Judy Layne

Saving Lives.  Creating Families.  The Nova Scotia SPCA is dedicated to giving a second chance at happiness to more than 15,000 animals that need help each year.  The establishment of a new SPCA Veterinary Hospital means that they can save and improve the lives of more animals than ever.  It also means that they can help keep more pets and their loving families together.

February 3rd, 2021 was an exciting day in Nova Scotia.  That’s when the SPCA proudly opened the first full-service, not-for-profit veterinary hospital in eastern Canada.  The hospital was made possible thanks to grants from PetSmart Charities® of Canada and is designed to make services accessible for everyone in Nova Scotia.

With state-of-the-art equipment the hospital can provide medical, surgical, wellness and preventative health care to keep your pet healthy and happy.  And with more than 45 years of combined veterinary knowledge and a passion for animals, your pet will receive the highest quality care.  Located at 7 Scarfe Court, Dartmouth, the new hospital is designed to make your pet’s visit comfortable and stress-free.  By trusting the SPCA Veterinary Hospital with your pet’s medical care, you’ll feel good knowing you are saving and improving the lives of more animals than ever before.

Over the last few years, and particularly amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that has caused financial strife for so many Nova Scotians, the SPCA sees many animals surrendered for medical reasons.  The SPCA believes that supporting pets staying with owners who love them is not only beneficial for the well-being of pets but their families as well. Surrendering a beloved pet shouldn’t have to be the only option because they cannot afford critical veterinary care.  Thanks to a separate gift of $10,000, the Sunshine Fund, sponsored by Queenidog, was created to help pet owners in financial crisis with their urgent veterinary needs.

Ten-year-old Daisy was among the first pets helped by the Sunshine Fund.  She was suffering from a lump in her ear that impacted her quality of life and her mom Margaret couldn’t afford the surgery Daisy needed.  Margaret shared “Daisy means the world to me.  I was so worried.  This year seemed to be one financial disaster after another for me.  It was such a huge relief to know that the Sunshine Fund could help Daisy. Her surgery in the new SPCA Hospital went smoothly and the staff was wonderful.  I’m so grateful to have my baby home again, together as we should be. Daisy’s feeling so much better – right now, she’s in the backyard chasing that elusive squirrel!”

Since the new hospital was announced, hundreds of people have reached out to the SPCA.  The SPCA recognizes that the need is quite high, and while it’s overwhelming for staff at times, they are thrilled that the hospital has been so well-received. If you need help, please contact the SPCA Veterinary Hospital to discuss a solution that works for you and your pet.

Because this funding is limited, the SPCA is seeking donations to the Sunshine Fund to grow its ability to help loving families in need.  You can grow their ability to help pets like Daisy.  Please click here to contribute to the Sunshine Fund and help more pets and their families.  Thank you for your compassionate support!

Trust your pet’s care to the leader in animal welfare in Atlantic Canada.  Book your appointment by contacting the SPCA Hospital by email: vet@spcans.ca or by phone: 902-706-4155.  The SPCA looks forward to providing your pet with the care they need to be a healthy and happy part of your family.

 

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Gracie. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Tucker Picks a Perfect Papa

February 17, 2021

By Judy Layne

It’s been said that homeless animals choose us as adopters, not the other way around. They seem to have an innate sense of the type of family they need; the home that would be the best fit for them.  Somehow, they work their animal magic to let us know we have been chosen. So it was with Tucker. Here’s his tale.

In June 2019, Tucker was surrendered to the Cape Breton SPCA by his owner who couldn’t care for him adequately.  A two-year-old German Shepherd, Tucker was very thin, smelly and had lost much of his hair.  It was obvious that he had not been trained and he was extremely undisciplined.  Staff knew that his behavioral issues would require lots of work.

Over the next 7 weeks, Tucker’s medical conditions were treated and he gained weight, but he was still out of control jumping and playing.  It also became clear that Tucker wasn’t fond of men.  Everyone at the shelter hoped that someone would eventually see Tucker’s full potential.  And then along came Tucker’s perfect papa – Wayne Swift.

Wayne recalls “I was scrolling through Facebook one evening and in my notifications, there was a link from a friend. It was a link to a dog for adoption at the SPCA.  It was Tucker.  My friend knew that I wanted to adopt a dog, but having recently moved to Nova Scotia, I was waiting to do so until I got settled.  He also knew I had my hopes set on adopting a German Shepherd.”

“I was drawn to Tucker immediately,” says Wayne.  “It was so sad to see him under-weight with his sparse coat.  No dog deserves to be like that.  His eyes told a story and he looked like he just wanted to please.”  Wayne continues “I went to meet Tucker the very next day.  It was an instant bond.  I took him for a walk and as we walked, his excitement and boisterous enthusiasm subsided.  He grew more and more attentive.  By the time we returned to the shelter, it was decided – I was Tucker’s human, I just hadn’t realized it yet.”

Wayne relates “That evening, Tucker constantly returned to my thoughts. I don’t take the decision to adopt a dog lightly and wondered if I was up to the task of raising a high-energy boy.  So I returned to the shelter the next day to visit Tucker.  By the end of our second walk, Tucker had stopped trying to run far ahead; he was actually looking back at me and following my lead.  We played for quite a while out front until Tucker killed the basketball,” chuckles Wayne.  “Then we laid together on the grass and the two of us figured things out together.  I promised Tucker that day if he chose me, I’d give him a loving home.  After all, how could I say no?”

Knowing that love, patience and trust are key to building a strong bond, Wayne came to the shelter every day to visit while Tucker was finishing a course of his medication.  “Our daily walks were quality bonding time,” explains Wayne.  “As days progressed, Tucker became more trusting, attached and attentive.  The learning process for both of us had begun.  Once his adoption was finalized, I was excited to give him his new collar and name tag.”

Tucker’s transformation into his new home has been remarkable.  Wayne chuckles “Within weeks, Tucker went from being homeless to becoming my Velcro leg attachment!  No longer could I go pee alone!” Once the bond between the two was solid, it was time to do more training.  “We walked twice daily.  As Tucker’s high energy dropped, he became a sponge for learning, wanted to please and get praise and love in return.  Treats were never high on Tucker’s list; he preferred praise and snuggles as rewards, likely due to his past experience,” relates Wayne.

Tucker is thriving in his new home.  Wayne shares “He loves his walks and playing ball.  Squeaky balls are a favorite; the more they squeak, the happier he is!  Tucker’s affinity for water emerged as soon as he realized he had to dog paddle to keep afloat.  And he loves snow, pretending he is a plow and pushing the snow with his nose.”

At the end of their first year together, Wayne and Tucker had worked through most of his issues.  Changing Tucker’s over-enthusiastic way of greeting people proved to be a bit more work.  “Consistency has been the key.  Over time, Tucker realized that calm greetings get him the attention he desires,” explains Wayne.  “He still has some separation anxiety but has accepted that he doesn’t need to come with me every time.”

“It’s 18 months later and I still haven’t had cold feet at night,” laughs Wayne.  “And my mornings start with a cold wet nose burrowing in my pillow as soon as I stir. Tucker and I regularly go back to visit all the special friends he made while at the SPCA.  The staff are as happy to see him as he is to see them.”

Wayne’s final thoughts?  “The amazing care and love Tucker received from SPCA veterinarians, staff and volunteers gave him a new lease on life.  I’m so glad there is an organization in our community that helps so many animals in need.  And I’m so grateful that Tucker picked me.”

 

Judy Layne

Judy is a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Gracie. She is committed to speaking for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

A Shy Kitty’s New Lease on Life

January 20, 2021

By Taylor Mundy

New smells. New people. New environments. All these things could be exciting for curious and outgoing kitties. However, for a shy cat, even positive changes can seem scary.

Four-year-old Meredith was one of those shy and sensitive kitties.

Often hiding in her litter box, SPCA staff and volunteers put in extra effort to help Meredith come out of her shell. She began to make positive progress but would retreat as soon as she spotted strangers. Meredith did not warmly welcome visitors.

For 37 days Meredith watched as other pets came to the SPCA and left adopted. But because Meredith was so quiet and introverted, other cats would steal the show. We hoped for a family to see Meredith’s full potential.

And then along came Meredith’s purrrrfect match: Shannon.

“I first saw her on the SPCA webpage and there was just something about her big green eyes that drew me to her,” recalled Shannon. “She was certainly not the friendliest when I went to visit her, and I could tell that she was not feeling her best. I remember speaking with the kind, compassionate, and informative staff about what type of home would be a good fit for Meredith, and how patience would be very important.”

As a clinical psychologist working with people who have experienced trauma, Shannon knew first-hand that we need to feel truly safe to be our best selves. “I knew Meredith came from less-than-ideal circumstances, and sharing her space with other cats at the SPCA just wasn’t her idea of a good time,” said Shannon. “From my work with PTSD, I know that people can often take time to warm up and show their true selves, and sometimes they just need the right person to give them a chance. I found myself thinking that this little feline was probably no different. Sure, she wasn’t overly kind and cuddly in a cage – but she just needed a safe space and connection in order to be herself.”

Shannon adopted Meredith knowing she would lean into her knowledge of classical conditioning and positive reinforcement for success. Expecting the nervous kitty to bolt under the couch when they got home, Meredith surprised Shannon when she ended up doing the exact opposite.

“Meredith immediately started purring,” Shannon exclaimed. “She was giving me gentle headbutts, rubbing up against my legs, and looking up at me with the sweetest eyes. I could not believe how sweet she was being – and she’s been cuddly, friendly, and curious ever since. I found myself thinking that Meredith must have known that I was taking her to a safe place – a home where she could spend her days lounging in the sun, staring out at the ocean from the living room windows, playing with her toys, and enjoying lots of treats.”

“Even though we don’t speak the same dialect, I think all creatures can understand the language of safety,” continued Shannon. “Especially in these COVID times, we are all a little traumatized and afraid, so it’s a good reminder to extend compassion to ourselves and others during this time! We all need to feel safe and loved in order to let our true selves show.”

And pets can help with this! “There have been a number of studies that have shown animal connections are good for people,” explained Shannon. “I know first-hand that nothing is more comforting than coming home to Meredith meowing at me after work, or snuggling together in the evening with a good book or TV show. Animals also can give us such a great sense of purpose, and there is so much that is rewarding about spending time with them.”

Love, patience and trust are three keys pieces of building a strong bond. Because of Shannon’s kindness, Meredith was able to put her past behind her and have a fresh start. Meredith is thriving now. She has had the opportunity to meet a handful of visitors (within Shannon’s bubble) and greets them with the same affection and attention she gives Shannon.

To thank Shannon for taking a chance on a shy kitty, Meredith wakes Shannon up with face licks and comforts her through difficult times. Shannon wasn’t able to go home to visit her family for the holiday season so Meredith stepped up and was a happy participant on ZOOM calls. In fact, Meredith is a pro with video chats now and loves to support her fur-mama when Shannon does her virtual therapy sessions. “But don’t worry…” giggled Shannon. “She keeps confidentiality.”

 

Feeling inspired? You can make more happily-ever-afters like this happen by adopting or donating today.

 

Taylor Mundy

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Bonnie and Clyde. She is passionate about raising awareness and funds for local animals in need.

New Year – New SPCA Veterinary Hospital

January 20, 2021

By Taylor Mundy

We are proud to introduce the first full-service, social enterprise hospital in eastern Canada…. The SPCA Veterinary Hospital!

Our newly renovated hospital provides medical, surgical, wellness and preventative health care so your pet is healthy and happy. With more than 45 years of combined comprehensive veterinary knowledge, your pet will receive high quality care.

One of the talented members of the SPCA Veterinary Hospital team is the brilliant Dr. Kellie Haggett.

A lifelong animal lover, Dr. Haggett was inspired to pursue veterinary medicine. “I was always surrounded by animals growing up,” explained Dr. Haggett. “I had goats, chickens, and ponies as a teenager. I don’t think I ever lived in a house without a cat.” Passionate about science and helping others, Dr. Haggett dedicated her life to treating and caring for animals.

After graduating from Ontario Veterinary College in 2015, Dr. Haggett traveled to Northern Alberta to begin her career as a mixed animal veterinarian. Practicing in High Prairie, Alberta, no two days were alike. This opportunity gave Dr. Haggett valuable experience helping a wide variety of animals including delivering calves and performing c-sections. “I would treat anything that walked in through the door,” recalled Dr. Haggett. “I saw llamas, pigs, chickens, hedgehogs, birds, and the usual cat, dog, and horse.”

In 2018 Dr. Haggett moved back home to Nova Scotia. She quickly added another impressive job to her resume and worked as an aquaculture veterinarian with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. It was here that Dr. Haggett realized she missed surgery and immediately contacted the Nova Scotia SPCA to see if we had an opening. Luckily for us, we did!

Dr. Haggett is very interested in the human-animal bond and is eager to provide a service to help keep more pets and families together. “Animals are often surrendered to the Nova Scotia SPCA because of medical conditions,” explained Dr. Haggett. “We will provide the high-quality medicine that is expected from any veterinary clinic and hope to decrease the number of animals turned over by giving treatment options. The fact that we are going to be able to help so many different people is exciting to me.”

Helping animals and working with a dedicated team of passionate pet lovers is Dr. Haggett’s favourite thing about the SPCA Veterinary Hospital. “We’re all in it for the same reason,” she exclaimed. “I love practicing veterinary medicine and it is even better to work with an organization that is making a difference every day.”

By trusting the SPCA Veterinary Hospital with your pet’s medical care, you are saving and improving the lives of more animals than ever before. Contact us today for more information by e-mailing vet@spcans.ca, calling 902-706-4155 or clicking here today.

 

 

The Sunshine Fund, sponsored by Queenidog, will help pet owners in financial crisis with their urgent veterinary needs. If you need help, please contact the SPCA Veterinary Hospital to discuss a solution that works for you and your pet.

As a charitable organization, we take pride in making all our services accessible through our partnership with PetSmart Charities® of Canada.

 

Taylor Mundy

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and proud adoptive fur-mama to Bonnie and Clyde. She is passionate about raising awareness and funds for local animals in need.