When a caring community member found two young dogs living outdoors, they knew the pair needed help. They brought the sisters to the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre – marking the start of a life-changing journey, made possible through patience and teamwork.
A rocky start
At just eight months old, the Rottweiler mix sisters had spent most of their early lives outdoors, so adjusting to indoor life proved challenging. Our team lovingly named the pair Bonnie and Miss Clyde. While Bonnie quickly found her footing and was adopted, Miss Clyde struggled with the unfamiliar – things like stairs, car rides, and house-training were overwhelming.
Specialized support at PDRC
To set her up for success, Miss Clyde was transferred to the Ontario SPCA’s Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre (PDRC). There, our team of animal behaviour experts can focus on each dog’s individual needs, offering the kind of one-on-one care that goes beyond what a typical animal centre can provide.
Overcoming challenges
Upon arrival, Miss Clyde was showing signs of fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration. Her intake exam also revealed she had hip dysplasia – a condition that would require life-long management and possibly surgery.
Despite these challenges, the PDRC team created a customized plan to help Miss Clyde build confidence and improve her fear-based avoidance behaviours.
With her newly learned skills, Miss Clyde continued her journey a few weeks later at the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre in Napanee as we broadened the search for her perfect family. Thanks to collaboration across our 12 animal centres, we’re able to reach more potential adopters and give more animals the second chances they deserve.
Despite her young age and affectionate personality, some adopters were hesitant to take a chance on this sweet girl due to concerns about her hip dysplasia and the long-term care it may require.
Building trust
She soon formed a special bond with a dedicated volunteer dog walker named Mac. After losing his own beloved dog at Christmas, Mac began volunteering, and it wasn’t long before Miss Clyde became his regular walking buddy.
His gentle presence and steady companionship played a big role in her rehabilitation, helping her build trust and showing potential adopters just how sweet and affectionate she truly was.
Steps toward forever
“After a few visits – playing catch and walking within the centre – we built the beginning of a trusting and fun-filled relationship,” says Mac.
What neither Miss Clyde nor Mac knew was that one of their walks would lead her straight into the heart of her future family.
“She was on a walk with a volunteer and passed by my husband’s work,” says Tricia, her adopter. “She went right up to him and his coworkers and was so friendly, rolling onto her back for a belly rub.”
Preparing for the journey ahead
Though initially unsure about managing Miss Clyde’s hip dysplasia on top of caring for their two resident canines and two feline furry family members, the couple visited the animal centre four times to make an informed decision. In the end, they opened their hearts and home, committed to giving Miss Clyde the patience and love she needed to thrive.
“It’s a very special feeling I experience when I learn of one of our dogs has gone to their new home,” Mac says. “Missy’s adoption, I must confess, was extra special! She has taken a little piece of me with her.”
From Miss Clyde to Xena
Today, Miss Clyde – now lovingly named Xena – is thriving in her forever home, adjusting beautifully and growing more confident every day.
Although Xena is the first dog the couple has adopted from the Lennox & Addington Animal Centre, she is the fourth animal they’ve welcomed into their home from the animal centre.
“We’ve had great experiences every time,” says Tricia. “The staff are friendly and very helpful – I would definitely recommend them to others.”
Sometimes, all it takes is a little extra TLC to prepare an animal for the next step of their journey, and Xena’s story is a powerful reminder of that. Through the teamwork, patience, and compassion of our staff and volunteers – and the kindness of adopters willing to embrace furry friends with special needs – we ensure every animal gets their second chance.
Consider adopting
If you’re interested in providing a loving home to an animal in need, please visit our adoption page to meet the animals patiently waiting for their forever families: ontariospca.ca/adopt
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