On September 10th last year, SPCA Enforcement Officers brought a sweet dog to safety at the Cape Breton shelter. A five-year-old Retriever Mix, the poor dog clearly had not received the love, care and attention that every animal deserves. She was extremely malnourished, her teeth were worn down and she had an ear infection. Her skin and fur were in rough shape, and she required shaving to remove severe mats. Shelter staff named her Meadow.
Meadow received extensive medical care at the shelter. She was put on a feeding schedule, with small but frequent meals to help her gain strength and weight. Her teeth and ears were cleaned, and she was given antibiotics for her infection. Meadow was a real trooper and amazingly, despite her background and poor condition, she was friendly and social. Once she was medically cleared, Meadow was put up for adoption on October 3rd, 2024.
It didn’t take long for people to see the special girl behind Meadow’s soulful eyes. Stephanie and her husband Paul checked out the SPCA website on a regular basis and spotted Meadow there. Stephanie recalls “She was very thin but had a big smile on her face. You could see how much she wanted a loving home. She definitely stole our hearts.”
The couple felt that Meadow should have a new name for her new start in life. They were looking for a special name after all she had been through, and they found the perfect one – Willow. Stephanie explains “Willow trees are known for their ability to grow and prosper despite unfavourable conditions. They represent hope and freedom. They are symbols of strength and resiliency – bending but not breaking. Just like Willow. The trauma she experienced hasn’t defeated her.”
Willow adapted very quickly to her new home. She not only got a family that adores her, but she acquired a big brother named Benny, an English Golden Retriever. Paul says “Benny was looking for a friend and he found one in Willow. They became best friends on day one! They absolutely love one another and Willow follows Benny around everywhere.”
Willow is definitely living her best life. “She enjoys playing with Benny, going for walks, the dog park and long drives,” states Stephanie. “She loves all people including children and seniors. Halloween was special as Willow was excited to see kids in their costumes. Visiting her grandpa at Harbourstone and entertaining her other grandparents when they come to visit are among her favourite things.” When cruise ships are in, Willow and Benny serve as the cutest-ever Nova Scotia ambassadors as they greet passengers coming off the ship!
As lucky as Willow is to find such great forever parents, the couple say that they are lucky too. “Adopting Willow has meant the world to us and to Benny. We are so happy we found her; she makes our home complete. Willow is such a loving dog and it brings us such joy to see her so happy. We are grateful to the SPCA for giving Willow a second chance and for matching us with the perfect dog.”
And the couple’s final thoughts? “Willow constantly amazes us. She is a strong, loving, beautiful dog and no matter what she has been through, her sweet loving spirit was never broken.”
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