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At EHS, every adoption is special, but when it’s a pet that’s been with us for an extended period, sometimes years, it’s a reason to celebrate just a little more.
In the past year, we’ve had several of our long-stay pets find their forever families and we want to share their special stories. Not only are these happy tails, but they’re also examples of the dedication of our volunteers, who never give up on our animals.
Let’s celebrate these amazing pets who are getting a second chance at happiness!
Cinnamon came to us as a very shy and reactive cat. Even though she had come from a home, she hadn’t been socialized and didn’t see people as being safe. Our volunteers worked hard to make her feel comfortable and loved, while also respecting her need for space. It took time and patience, along with a stay with a wonderful foster, but earlier this year, Cinnamon finally went to her forever home and we’re so happy for her!
Max came to us from a northern community in Nunavut. Like a typical husky, he was quite vocal and had a few quirks that meant he needed to go to a home that would commit to his training. He loved people, but needed to be introduced slowly, so he didn’t always show as his best self when meeting potential adopters.
But after spending more than 1,100 days in our care, he was adopted by an amazing family and is doing very well.
Emma was a shelter favourite due to her antics in trying to find a boyfriend. During her time with us, she attempted to get attention from several of our other male cats by rolling in front of their enclosures and cuddling with them for hours. Sadly, they all got adopted while she continued to wait for someone to adopt her.
While she was very comfortable with other cats, she was shy with people and needed socialization help from our cat behaviour team. In the end, one of the behaviour team volunteers became so attached to her that they decided to adopt her and bring her home. Emma now lives with three other EHS alumni cats (who are all female!).
Thomas and Hershey have a special story. They arrived into our care separately, but once they met, they became best friends.
Both had been nervous when they entered the shelter and Thomas was especially reactive. He had an eye condition called entropion, which can be painful as the eyelids roll in on the eyes, along with dental issues. But once we got him the vet care he needed, he started to show off his cuddly side.
The two of them would often be found snuggling together and we knew they had to be adopted together. Finding an adopter for a pair of cats can be more challenging than for a single, but we were determined to make it happen and when a woman came to the shelter looking for a senior cat, one of our volunteers recommended the two boys. They were adopted shortly after and are living a pampered life together.
Mac was a rescue all the way from Egypt. He had been injured in a car accident and left with a badly damaged and useless rear leg. When he came to us, we had him seen by a vet, who advised the leg be amputated as it was causing him pain.
He came through the surgery with flying colours, but needed time to have some training and be ready to be part of a family. He was looking for a particular home, and finally found it with his foster, who decided he couldn’t be parted from Mac and made things official by adopting him.
Mac is in a wonderful home and we know he’ll continue to thrive as he enjoys his second-chance at a happy life.
These adoptions are a testament to the power of compassion, patience, and second chances. Thank you to our volunteers, behavior team, and especially to the adopters who saw the beauty in these long-term residents.
To everyone who opened their hearts and homes — thank you. You’ve changed lives in the most extraordinary way.
If you're thinking about adoption, remember, sometimes the pet who’s been waiting the longest is the one who will love you the most.