Dog has his day
Cape Breton SPCA palliative care dog Cesar finds forever home
SYDNEY — A Cape Breton palliative care dog that won the hearts of people across the country has found love.
Ryan Toomey, community engagement co-ordinator for the Cape Breton SPCA, said they found the perfect home for Cesar, a 17-year-old Cane Corso mix. His new owner picked him up Wednesday.
“Everyone here was crying,” Toomey said. “It was a tearful time but we were very proud to see him go into a good home.”
“We were very proud to see him go into a good home.” Ryan Toomey, Cape Breton SPCA
SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT HOME
In a story in the Cape Breton Post on Feb. 28, the SPCA reached out to the public, looking for the perfect home for Cesar to spend his final months, weeks or days.
As a result of the article, Toomey said they had calls all day and through the weekend. A photo by Shauna MacDonald of Shauna MacDonald Photography in New Waterford also generated thousands of shares on social media.
After connecting with Lillian MacDonald of Antigonish, he said they knew she was the perfect fit.
Toomey said it wasn’t that there was a lack of interest in Cesar prior, it was knowing from what they observed at the shelter that he needed a home without cats, dogs, children or stairs.
“There were people who thought they could make it work,” he said. “We knew what he needed and that was the perfect home — no animals or stairs so we could set him up with success in his own home with a family.”
Toomey said everything happened fast. MacDonald picked him up Wednesday afternoon.
“He went right over to her,” he said. “He took to her immediately and she was super excited to see him.”
There was an overabundance of housewarming gifts. Toomey said MacDonald’s vehicle was filled with a new bed, blanket, toys and treats.
“Right off the bat she started spoiling him,” he added.
Palliative care dogs remain owned by the Nova Scotia SPCA when they go into foster homes. The SPCA continues to look after medical expenses.
“We have a partner in Antigonish so Cesar's medical needs will be looked after the remainder of his life.”
CESAR’S NEW HOME
Meanwhile, Cesar is enjoying his new home. Speaking to MacDonald minutes after she arrived home with him Wednesday evening, she said he immediately began exploring and quickly found a full-length mirror and was impressed with what he saw.
“I think this might be the first time he has seen his reflection in a while,” she said, laughing. “He's going to grab a treat and then right back to the mirror. That's where his bed is now.”
MacDonald said Cesar caught her heart right away when she saw his photo on social media. She didn't know who else would take him at that age and didn't want to see him by himself.
“I just wanted him to have a home.”
MacDonald had also wanted a dog for a while now and spending her days studying at home and enjoying walks, she felt their lifestyles were similar at this stage.
On Wednesday, MacDonald got her aunt to drive her to Sydney to pick him up so she could cuddle with Cesar in the backseat the drive home. One hilarious thing MacDonald learned about Cesar on the drive home: he knows what a Tim Hortons drive-thru is.
“I found out it wasn't his first time going through a drive-thru and he definitely knew what a Timbit was,” she said.
Meanwhile, Cesar will have an extended family. MacDonald's friends and family are anxious to meet him.
“I wanted a dog so bad and he's a perfect fit in my life,” she said. “Everyone's telling me I'm doing this great thing for Cesar but he's doing as much for me as I'm doing for him.”
Shauna Madden, also a volunteer for the Cape Breton SPCA, was elated Cesar found a home. Madden did get a chance to say goodbye Wednesday.
“I got to see him (Wednesday) wished him good luck in his new home,” she said. “I'm so happy for him.”
HOW TO HELP
Meanwhile, Toomey said so many people wanted to help Cesar, a message they'd like to share is that they don't have many animals right now but there is a huge influx at certain times of the year. In the summer they will be full.
When animals like Cesar come into the shelter, Toomey said sometimes they need extreme rehabilitation or emergency medical care. This year they will end up caring for 1,600 animals like Cesar in Cape Breton alone.
“If people want to help, they can give monetary funds so we can respond to situations when they come to us, just like Cesar,” he said.
Anyone wanting to view animals up for adoption in the province or donate can visit the Nova Scotia SPCA website at novascotiaspca.ca.