Author: Taylor Huestis

Real Life PAW Patrol

May 15, 2024

By Taylor Huestis

“No job is too big, no pup is too small” is one of the many famous catchphrases from the beloved children’s cartoon, PAW Patrol.

In the show, the dogs all have special skills, and they work together to protect their community.

To most people (unless you’ve sat through 318 episodes in a row) it sounds like a fantastic – although farfetched – TV show for kids.

But with the devastating wildfires last year, it became a reality. Firefighters who worked closely with SPCA Enforcement Officers actually nicknamed the SPCA team PAW Patrol.

“The wildfire experience was one of the most memorable experiences of my career as an Animal Protection Officer,” reflected Jo-Anne Landsburg. “I cannot smell smoke outside without it bringing me back to those days. The effects will stay with me a lifetime.”

“I remember the Sunday evening driving up Hammonds Plains Road,” Jo-Anne explained. “I met a Fire supervisor at a checkpoint who needed our help. While fire personnel were keeping the fire to the woods, we entered a smoke-filled home. We removed one dog and 42 cats from that house that night.”

That was just the beginning. SPCA Enforcement Officers retrieved 183 pets through the Shelburne and Tantallon wildfires. They also visited hundreds of homes to feed and provide fresh water to farm animals.

To help families who lost their homes or were displaced, the SPCA Paws & Support Program was expanded. Pets lived with trained foster families and were reunited once their owners were in a healthy, safe space. During the wildfires, 221 pets were cared for in the SPCA Paws & Support Program.

“I experienced so many sad moments with the wildfires, but I also am incredibly proud of the SPCA team,” shared Jo-Anne. “I witnessed their compassion and true empathy towards victims of the fires and their respect for the pets who passed. Their unwavering willingness to keep going for 15-16 hours per day in scorching heat and later in the pouring rain… True professionals with an honest dedication to saving lives.”

“We built relationships with responding agencies like DNRR, RCMP, and Fire Services,” continued Jo-Anne. “They made us feel we were an important part of the first responder team fighting Nova Scotia’s largest wildfire in history.”

To thank the Firefighters for their bravery and courage, the SPCA brought foster puppies to Station 50 so they could have a de-stressor session. We also named a litter of pups that came into our care after the PAW Patrol characters.

Now, a year later, their families shared an update on their progress:

Chase:

“He is totally in love with his big sister Penelope and they can always be caught playing & cuddling,” smiled Kim. “One of my favorite memories would have to be him learning to give the paw – I thought for sure his love and excitement for food would hold him back from learning to do any tricks at all. And let me tell you, the bedtime ritual includes A LOT of good night kisses – he is a super lovey boy 🙂 Here he is next to his PAW Patrol blanket and in his true role of King of the House.”

Rocky:

“We have so many favorite memories and love this boy dearly,” shared Bev. “The time when we introduced him to his sister and he looked up at her with the sweet blue eyes as if to say I love you. He still has the most beautiful blue eyes, and he is the sweetest most loving dog I’ve ever seen in my life. I can’t even begin to describe how much we love him. He’s grown lots and still so sweet and so loving.”

Skye:

“Skye is a compact dog with a personality as big as her name,” explained Shannon. “She’s a huge daddies girl and knows the sound of his big truck pulling in. She’d follow him anywhere. Unless mom’s going to town then it’s girls’ day out! She loves shopping the thrift stores, pet stores, and anywhere else they can’t say no to her! Skye is a happy, energetic, ADORED little lady who may be small, but has filled a huge hole in my parents’ life after losing their best buddy last year to old age. They’ve got a new lease on life and she’s living like royalty.”

We are so thankful that these puppies were rescued. But as the anniversary of the wildfires approaches, we recognize and remember all the families who were impacted and the pets who were lost.

Thousands shared the nightmare of fleeing for safety. They expected the worst. Sadly, for many loving families, they were right.

As the memories roll in and we face another wildfire season, we hope there will be a restored sense of safety for you. We hope that you feel the love from your community. And we hope you know we are always here for you.

Just like the PAW Patrol crew says, “We never give up, that’s the PAW Patrol way!”

Taylor Huestis

Taylor is the Communications & Development Officer with the Nova Scotia SPCA and a proud Highland Park resident. She is an adoptive fur-parent to two cats named Bonnie and Boy (yep - that is his real name) and a palliative pup named Hazel. Connect with Taylor at thuestis@spcans.ca or 902-222-0378 today.

Heaven’s Legacy

May 14, 2024

By Creston Rudolph

For many pet owners, their pet is more than just an animal – they are loving and loyal companions that leave a lasting impact on their lives. When it comes time to say goodbye to an adored pet, it can be a difficult and emotional process. However, choosing to honor the life of a faithful companion by celebrating their legacy can provide comfort and closure for pet owners. Taking time to celebrate their life can help keep their memory alive and bring a sense of peace to those left behind.

When Judy Crump’s beloved dog Heaven crossed the rainbow bridge in December 2021, she wanted to do something special to honor her life. Heaven was adopted from the Dartmouth SPCA in 2012 by Judy and her late partner Catherine. Some of our loyal supporters may remember a touching story written about Heaven that appeared in the May 2021 edition of the Paw Print. It’s an uplifting tale about the life lessons an animal can teach us about living in the moment, being patient and showing compassion for others. For those who didn’t read it, I would encourage you to do so; click here.

“I wanted to do something special in memory of Heaven because of the impact that she had on Catherine’s life and mine. She brought great comfort to Catherine who was declining from Alzheimer’s when we adopted her. Heaven was a great (though unofficial) therapy dog. She visited the nursing home with me many times to visit Catherine, happily greeting the residents, waiting patiently for their pats and cleaning up all the crumbs on the floor! She was an exceptional dog,” Judy said.

She added, “Heaven also made such a difference in my life. She taught me patience, the value of slowing down and savoring the little things.”

While Judy had previously supported the SPCA when they had urgent needs, they were typically smaller gifts.

“I wanted to make a bigger commitment this time around.”

After meeting with the SPCA to discuss the possibilities, she decided to make a generous financial pledge to the organization’s Sunshine Fund in honor of Heaven. The Sunshine Fund was established in 2019 to help families who couldn’t afford urgent medical care for their animals. In 2023, it was used to treat more than 1,500 animals by providing over $138,000 of medical care. It covers everything from helping with surgery costs, dental care, and other urgent care that family members may not be able to afford. The fund allows our hospital team to help depending on each unique situation.

“I think Heaven would be happy that in her name I’m supporting the Sunshine Fund, so that other animals can get the care they need. She had so such love to give.” Judy said.

Judy added, “I wanted to make a gift that would directly impact animals. I try to live according to my values and the Sunshine Fund aligns with those values. I feel privileged to be able to do this. Catherine and I worked very hard to be able to do this.”

To recognize Judy’s donation in honor of Heaven, a permanent display was hung in the SPCA Veterinary Hospital in Dartmouth. The display includes a beautiful drawing of Heaven with a heartwarming tribute message that reads:

“Heaven was adopted from the SPCA in 2012. Her loving, kind, and forgiving nature matched her name and inspired others to turn compassion into action. She was a great (though unofficial) therapy dog that taught her parents so much. To honour Heaven’s life, a generous donation was made to the SPCA’s Sunshine Fund so that more animals can get the treatment they need and be reunited with their loving families.”

Judy encourages others who have pets (rescues or non-rescues) to connect with the SPCA to discuss ways they can honor their loyal companions like she did. She hopes that it won’t be long until Heaven has other furry friends on the wall keeping her company.

“Heaven was such a social dog. I look forward to the day when I hear there are more animals up there with her on the wall. Heaven would be so happy to see another cat, dog or critter up there with her. Her tail would be wagging like crazy,” Judy said with smile on her face.

The memorial display is one of several ways that Judy has been able to keep Heaven’s memory alive. Soon after Heaven’s passing, Judy started painting again. This was something that she hadn’t done for years but found very therapeutic when she was grieving.

“I hadn’t painted since the early 80’s. I started painting again shortly after Heaven passed to help me grieve. I now paint every day. It’s a way that she continues to give to me. It’s been a gift. It’s meditative and has a form of spirituality for me. I particularly like painting animals. It’s an incredible experience for me.”

One of Judy’s most cherished creations is a beautiful four squared painting of Heaven.

A New Addition

Judy had no plans to get another dog after losing Heaven but a year later, she found herself searching for adoptable dogs on the SPCA’s website.

“I didn’t even think that I was actively looking but I obviously was. I jokingly sent my friend some pictures of dogs and she started to get excited about the possibility of me getting another one. I saw Stella online and visited the Shelter the next day to meet her. I immediately fell in love with her when she came out to see me. Her whole demeanor was like …… I need to have a home. I took her home the same day and we spent our first Christmas together a few days later.”

Stella is a beautiful 11-year Amstaff mix that is part of the SPCA’s Palliative Care Program. The program is about ensuring that senior pets and those with compromised health get to live out the rest of their days in a foster home filled with love, caring, comfort and happiness.

Judy feels fortunate that she can provide Stella with a loving home for the remaining years of her life. They’ve created a special bond since Judy became her permanent foster in December 2022. Judy is a great doggy parent and takes Stella to her regular monthly appointments at the Dartmouth Shelter’s hospital. Their favorite activity together is relaxing in the living room enjoying each other’s company. This usually involves Stella chewing on a hearty bone that Judy’s prepared for her.

When asked whether Stella shares any of the same characteristics as Heaven, Judy said: “Well, that gentleness. She’s just super gentle with other people in the same way that Heaven was.”

If you’d like to discuss ways that you can honor your loyal companion(s) like Judy, please contact Creston Rudolph at 902-209-4003 or crudolph@spcans.ca

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.

Ollie, The Dog Who Left A Pawprint on his Family’s Hearts

May 14, 2024

By Kirsten Millar

Have you ever met someone that came into your life and changed it for the better? For Dan and Lindsey Harrington, that someone was a dog named Ollie. Their lives are forever impacted both by the love they had with Ollie, and by the hole left in their hearts when they lost him.

Around eight years ago, Dan visited the Dartmouth SPCA to adopt a cat when he saw Ollie’s face on the board of adoptables. “He looked somewhat nervous, but he was also so cute and hopeful looking. He had this fuzzy blonde fur and the pinkest nose,” says Dan.

During that visit, Dan got to take Ollie for their very first walk together and he felt an instant connection. “When we started walking, he seemed a little anxious, but he also had a positive energy and curiosity towards everything around him. I knew he was the dog for me,” he says.

Ollie took his time adjusting to his new home, to Dan, and to Lindsey and her dog. He understandably struggled at first to navigate these new relationships and new boundaries.

“Once, in our early days, I tried to get in my bed beside him and he growled, wanting the whole thing to himself. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but we soon became inseparable,” says Dan.

When Ollie got more comfortable with his new surroundings, his personality got to shine and their little family grew closer and began to have fun together.

“He was a very nervous boy but always had a smile on his face and was always up for an adventure,” says Dan. “He loved it at the cottage and the camper. I would hook him up to my bicycle and he would run for ages. He loved rolling in the snow. One of his great loves was squeak toys – I would buy squeakers by the 100 pack. He loved sleeping under the table and when we switched from a four-legged table to a pedestal model, he was not impressed,” says Dan.

And Ollie loved to be around his people. When Dan was working in his shop, Ollie would lay down beside him for hours to just to watch him work. “We had a beautiful life together,” says Dan.

Along with the good times, Ollie also faced many challenges in his life. He dealt with health issues and anxiety and underwent surgeries. But Ollie never let it stop him or slow him down, even when he was in pain. “In our seven years together, he taught me a lot of patience and understanding. The way he enjoyed life and lived in the moment was inspiring,” says Dan.

Ollie leaves behind a beautiful legacy, not only as a special family member to Lindsey and Dan, but through his obituary where Lindsey honours Ollie’s memory by asking folks to donate to foundations like the SPCA so that other dogs like him can be given a chance at a meaningful life.

Ollie’s life is a true example of how giving a shelter animal a chance can complete your family and leave a pawprint on your heart that stays there forever. “He lived life to the fullest and took joy in the simple things,” says Dan. “I try to do that more now.”

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.

The Angels Were Watching: Vinny’s Story

May 14, 2024

By Judy Layne

It happened in the blink of an eye. One minute, the 7-year-old stray kitty was walking down the street. The next minute, he was airborne, having been grabbed by a large bird of prey. His future looked bleak. Then suddenly, the bird dropped him. Possibly he proved too heavy to carry, maybe he fought back or perhaps the angels were watching over him. Would he get a second chance at life? Lying wounded and alone, the kitty needed the help of some earth angels. And that’s exactly what he got. 

A Good Samaritan out walking came across the wounded kitty and brought him immediately to the SPCA’s Pictou shelter. We don’t know their name, but their kind heart and quick action saved the kitty’s life. Shelter staff believed that the kitty’s deep wounds were from talons, so he was rushed to the SPCA’s Dartmouth Hospital for emergency care.

The kitty’s wounds were cleaned, he was given antibiotics to prevent infection and medication for pain. He remained in the Hospital for a few days under observation to ensure no complications arose. Shelter staff named him Garrett. The veterinary team took great care of him, but Garrett had a long road to recovery.

Healing physically was the first step, but Garrett needed to heal emotionally from his traumatic experience too. He was often quiet and seemed sad, so staff and volunteers showered him with love and attention. And it worked! Garrett started to flourish. At the beginning of December, Garrett was ready to find his forever home. One of the requirements of his adoption was that he be an indoor-only kitty. As he had already had a narrow escape from a wild predator, he definitely didn’t want to run that risk again!

Another angel was waiting in the wings for Garrett. Airen had been visiting the SPCA three times weekly since August 2023. After a long mourning period following the passing of his beloved 12-year-old cat Charlie, Airen wasn’t ready to adopt but wanted to spend quality time with the cats and see how he felt. In December, Airen’s and Garrett’s paths crossed.

Airen shared “I had no plans of adopting a cat anytime soon. I was always happy for the cats who were adopted into loving homes. I had heard the legend of this cat who fought off a bird of prey, but I didn’t know initially which cat it was. When I learned it was Garrett, I was amazed. I was so impressed by his ability to be sweet and loving despite his horrific past. He would always put his head against my face and we’d sit together tenderly and quietly. After two weeks of me seeing him numerous times, a lady came into the shelter and told me she came to see Garrett. I actually felt heartsick at the thought of him being adopted by someone else and I wasn’t going to ignore that feeling. That day, Garrett went home with me. I knew we were meant to be together.”

Garrett’s name is now Vinny and there’s a significance to his new name. Airen explained “His full name is Vincenzo Gambini, but I call him Vinny for short. I named him after Joe Pesci’s character in the movie My Cousin Vinny. Vinny was small and spunky and underestimated by his movie adversaries. And I figure my cat was also underestimated by his adversary!”

Airen waited until he felt that he had a calm level energy before adopting another pet because he wanted Vinny to come into a space that was peaceful and predictable. That definitely helped Vinny adjust quickly to his new home. “I gave Vinny the space he needed and he adjusted like a true champ,” said Airen.  “Around the three-month mark, he decided that his new bed was my lap and that’s a-ok with me! I’m amazed at his ability to just enjoy life and not show any signs of an emotionally traumatic experience. He’s a great example for those of us with only two legs!”

The SPCA recommended that Vinny stay indoors and that’s exactly what he does. “All of my cats have been strictly indoor cats and Vinny is no exception,” said Airen. I think it’s very important to listen to the SPCA’s recommendations when adopting a cat. He is quite happy to sleep in the window on his cat tree or in any one of many comfy locations around his estate!”

Vinny is clearly living his best life. Airen chuckled “He absolutely loves cat TV on YouTube, watching mice run around or birds feeding. He finds it riveting. After spending too much money on various toys, I’ve discovered I could have saved a lot by simply pulling a string along the floor!  Now I have a little piece of orange string attached to a stick and we play with that several times a day. Vinny still has quite the hunter in him. I play with him in the morning and at night to mimic the hunt. I split his food into three different portions and hide two of those somewhere in the house for him to find.  I think this adds an important dimension of cat behavior to an indoor cat’s life. Of course, being a cat, he loves sleeping most of the time! Vinny also enjoys watching the cat across the street who sits in its window and they watch the birds together.”

Vinny makes everyone smile with his antics. Airen said “His snoring is amazing. I have played a video of him snoring for people and they swear it was a human. I’m sure every cat owner out there can relate to this. Vinny’s favorite place to sleep is any cardboard box or my Sobeys grocery bag. So don’t spend any money on a fancy bed!

Adopting Vinny has enriched Airen’s life. “After the death of my cat Charlie, the house felt very empty, almost lifeless,” recalled Airen.  “I remember the first time I came home from work and saw Vinny sleeping contently in his cat tree. It was heartwarming. Now every day when I come home from work, I lay on the floor and he head-butts and rubs his face against mine for countless minutes. It’s great to come home to that handsome furry face.”

Airen said “I am very grateful to the Good Samaritan who found Vinny and brought him to the SPCA where he received wonderful care. I’m grateful for all the great work they do there.”

And Airen’s final thoughts? ”I want to thank everyone who’s gone to the SPCA to find a new pet rather than puppy mills other less altruistic sources. I’d also like to encourage people to consider adopting an older cat. Vinny is 7 years old and needs love just like any other cat. There are so many pros to adopting an older cat. They are civilized! They do not run uncontrollable ‘zoomies’ all over your house. They have a developed personality so what you see is what you get. And for me, they are as sweet as the babies.”

Judy Layne

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

The SPCA’s TNR Program: Helping Feral Cats, Helping Neighbourhoods

April 18, 2024

By Judy Layne

TNR is a small name with a big impact. Since 2016, the SPCA’s TNR – Trap Neuter Return – Program has been working to make the world a better place for feral cats and neighbourhoods.

What is a feral cat? Well, pets and stray cats are socialized to people whereas feral cats have had little or no interaction with humans. What would cause your cuddly pet cat to purr would cause a feral cat significant stress.

Did you know that spaying/neutering one feral cat can prevent as many as 180 kittens from being born?! Here’s how… Cats can begin to breed at just six months old. On average, female cats can produce 1.5 litters per year, each with an average of 4 kittens. It doesn’t take long for numbers to rise exponentially! That is why TNR is so important.

Through TNR, feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered and ear-tipped1 in the SPCA’s mobile surgical clinic. After they recover, they are returned to their home – their colony – where they will be much happier. Their lives are improved AND they won’t have any unwanted or accidental litters! Kittens, along with any friendly cats are taken to SPCA shelters or placed in foster homes where they will be cared for until they’re ready to find a loving home.

TNR helps feral cats live healthier, longer and more peaceful lives. Here’s how…. TNR relieves cats of the constant stress of mating and pregnancy.  Spaying/neutering also virtually eliminates the chance of cats developing mammary or testicular tumors. Their overall health improves too, as spaying/neutering helps them gain weight and enhances their coat condition. Mating behaviors stop – including roaming, yowling, spraying and fighting. This benefits the cats’ safety and makes them less likely to suffer injuries.

TNR also makes feral cats better neighbours! A neutered male cat has a smaller ‘home’ area that he roams, since he doesn’t have the same drive to look for a mate. That means less fighting and spraying as his hormones decrease. Colonies become quieter as behaviours like yowling or fighting are drastically improved.

Heather Woodin, Nova Scotia SPCA Director of Programs & Administration said “We are so grateful for the amazing volunteers, staff, and rescue groups who have spent their evenings and weekends dedicated to TNR since the program began. We are also grateful for kind-hearted citizens who care for feral cat colonies in their neighbourhoods. Because of their dedication, less kittens are born into a hard life outside and feral cats can live happier, healthier lives no longer in constant distress while colonies decline in population over time.”

Numbers associated with the TNR Program clearly show its success. Heather shared “During the first six months of the program’s operation in 2016, an amazing 780 feral cats were spayed/neutered. In 2018, 978 cats were fixed and 2023 saw 274 cats fixed. In this case, declining numbers are a fabulous achievement! And although numbers are declining, each and every surgery performed on a feral cat is valuable to that cat and to the community.”

The SPCA needs to stay on top of the feral cat situation so the population doesn’t get out of control again. To do that, they need YOUR help. Please report any colonies in your neighbourhood before you have kittens at your doorstep! TNR services are FREE and the SPCA is there for advice and support. You can contact the SPCA directly by calling 902-468-7877, emailing catcolony@spcans.ca or filling out a simple online form here. The more people report, the quicker the SPCA can respond and the more cats they can help.

Here are some other ways to help feral cats:

  • Food, food, food. Caregivers or concerned citizens who are interested in providing food and managing cat colonies are encouraged to contact the SPCA at catcolony@spcans.ca for advice and support.
  • Provide shelter options during cold weather. A simple and inexpensive way is to renovate a plastic storage bin – like a Rubbermaid container – and fill it with straw for insulation. SPCA tip: Always make sure to use straw, not hay or blankets, for outdoor feral cat shelters. Hay and blankets soak up moisture making it cold and uncomfortable whereas straw actually repels moisture.
  • Set an example and spay it forward! Beginning way back in 1979 and continuing for the next three decades, Bob Barker, host of The Price is Right, finished each episode with his mantra message: “This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population – have your pets spayed or neutered.” Spaying/neutering is one of the most important things you can do for your pet, your family and your community. Check out spcavet.ca to book an appointment!

 1  So… what the heck is an ear tip? Ear-tipping on the cat’s left ear is an effective and universally accepted method to identify a spayed/neutered feral cat. It is relatively painless to the cat and is done while they are already under anesthesia for their surgery. Because it can be difficult to get close to a feral cat, this identification makes it is easy to spot at a distance and prevents unnecessary second trapping and surgery.

Judy Layne

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

Raising a New Roof: Helping Build the Gift of a Lifetime

April 16, 2024

By Paula Nalbaru

The laptop. The cellphone. The DVD. The World Wide Web. Google.

What do they have in common?

They are all younger than the Pictou SPCA Animal Shelter.

First opened in 1979, the Pictou Shelter celebrates 45 years in the community. It has served thousands of furry friends and their families for over four decades. It has seen hundreds of laughs and tears, heard many stories, and held its promise to save lives and create families.

It has been through so much, including a hurricane or two and many snowstorms. The wear and tear are visible. We knew it was time for our beloved Pictou Shelter to pass the baton.

And in the year it celebrates its Sapphire anniversary, we give the shelter a gift. North Nova.

As we put the walls up, each piece of the roof, and give a colourful life to the building, we know it wouldn’t be possible without our community. The same community that has loved the Pictou Shelter for so long.

Our neighbours rose to the occasion when we put out the bat signal about the need for a new building to serve our furry friends. One of those neighbours being East Coast Credit Union.

If you visited their New Glasgow, Antigonish and St. Andrew’s branches in June 2022, you might have seen the little light blue paper hearts. When people would donate, they would receive one of those paper hearts to write their name on. The hearts would then be plastered all over the branch showcasing the support of the new building, making each name a part of the legacy of North Nova.

East Coast Credit Union matched all donations during the campaign, raising a total of $2,000. We weren’t surprised when they said yes to this new campaign as they have been friends of the Pictou SPCA for years through the sponsorship of the annual Kathy Skoke-Fortin memorial golf tournament, helping raise thousands for our beloved shelter.

When we asked the New Glasgow Branch Manager Tara Proudfoot what the new building they are helping with means for the community, she explained, “I feel the majority of our county are huge animal lovers. This facility hits home for many of us since we love to rescue those sweet fur babies and give them a life they wouldn’t have otherwise. Having a new facility with more room to accommodate animals in need as well as a veterinary hospital will have the unwavering support of the community without a doubt. Animals become family, so this was very much needed, and it feels good knowing as a local Credit Union we’ve been able to help support this beautiful, new facility.”

If you have visited the Pictou SPCA Animal Shelter, you know we aren’t surrounded by neighbours. When we started building North Nova, we understood the need for a more central location, accessible to more people.

Now that we will be in Stellarton’s Albion Business Park, not only will you be able to see us from the highway, but we will also have actual neighbours. One of them is Global Pet Foods Pictou County- Stellarton.

Franchisees Corinne Brazeau and Mark Turner have long been supporters of the Pictou and Colchester SPCA Animal Shelters. When they learned about the new facility, they were more than happy to help.

Corinne told us, “My husband (Mark) and I attended the ground-breaking ceremony, and it was incredible to learn about the size and scale of this project. We knew how important a facility like this would be to our community, so we wanted to do our part to help. The workers and volunteers at the SPCA have always been incredible, and a new, modern facility is going to provide them with added tools, space, and support (i.e., with the veterinary hospital) to be able to help animals and pet parents here at home. It will also alleviate pressure from other SPCA hospitals in the province, so it’s a win for everyone.”

That is how the Global Pet Foods’ largest annual fundraiser, “Show Us Your Heart,” contributed to the new North Nova facility. They and Global Pet Foods Truro raised over $7,000 combined in February 2023 alone. Adding numerous other fundraisers in-store and around the community, they raised over $12,500 for North Nova. “We really appreciate everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts, no matter how big or small. We also want to thank our amazing team members who make our fundraisers fun and successful!” Corinne said when she talked about all the hard work and dedication that goes into these fundraisers.

Creston Rudolph, our Development Officer, who worked closely with Tara and Corinne, mentioned, “When I told East Coast Credit Union and Global Pet Foods about our plans to build the North Nova SPCA, they got excited and asked how they could help.  The Nova Scotia SPCA is so lucky to have them as partners.”

And lucky we are. It takes a village to bring big dreams to life. And it makes it easier to have great people in our corner.

Just like the Pictou Shelter, the North Nova facility will be in the business of saving lives, creating families for generations to come. Because at the end of the day, we are here for good.

And Creston encourages you to be a part of that village and legacy. “If you own a business and are looking to help raise funds for the new facility, please reach out to us. We’d love to chat with you! Give me a call at 902-209-4003.”

Together we can raise the woof!

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.