@suzanagartner
A rescue dog story about compassion, advocacy, adoption, and an act of kindness_
As I look back on this year and reflect on the year, I realize the most meaningful experience came from an unexpected encounter that changed our family for the better.
I spent much of this year on a book-signing tour, visiting Indigo stores and book events to share my book, _Voice for Animals_. Along the way, I collaborated with rescues and Humane Societies to help bring attention to homeless animals in need of families. I wasn’t looking to adopt another animal. But sometimes, and I think many of you can understand this, animals find us when the timing is right.
During a stop in London, Ontario, a local rescue, SALT, brought along a small, sweet, seven-year-old beige poodle named Ginger. From the moment she arrived, she captured everyone’s attention. Friendly and gentle, Ginger stood at the entrance greeting customers with a wagging tail and a hopeful heart. She made people smile. Without trying, she made conversations about animal advocacy and animal rights warmer and more approachable. It was easier for me to talk about my book. Having Ginger by my side, made the event meaningful and enjoyable.
Many people stopped to say hello. Several said they were interested in adopting her. About a week later, I checked in with the rescue. Deep down, I had a feeling Ginger was still waiting. She was. I learned about her story. After her human guardian passed away from cancer, Ginger spent nearly two years boarded in a kennel, very kind staff and she was well cared for, but without a family to call her own. Her story stayed with me.
It made me think about other homeless animals and animal rights in a deeper, more personal way. When a companion animal loses their human, they also lose their home, stability, and sense of safety. Most importantly, they have no rights. If no family member or friend is able to take them, they are left dependent on the compassion of rescues and shelters willing to step in, and on humans willing to open their hearts.
Animals like Ginger don’t have a voice. They rely on us. That’s when advocacy became personal and a meaningful experience for me in a way I hadn’t expected.
My husband, Peter, drove with me to London to bring Ginger home. It was a full-day journey that was worth it. The transition wasn’t immediate or easy. Ginger needed time, patience, and reassurance as well as other family members. With help from our dog trainer, and our family coming together, she slowly bonded with our dog, Oakley, and even our cat, Meeko. Our rabbits, Zoe and Benny, remain in their own protected space, but Ginger approached this experience with trust.
Welcoming a rescue animal into your home takes patience, perseverance, love, and a willingness to learn about them and yourself. Our teenage son, Brad, showed incredible kindness throughout the process, and the experience became a meaningful lesson for us in empathy, love, and responsibility for our family.
Today, Ginger feels like she has always been with us. She brings joy to our home.
This personal experience has reminded me why I continue to speak up for animals. Supporting rescues and humane societies literally saves lives.
Advocacy can be more personal and opening your heart and home for an animal in need of a safe loving environment can be gratifying. It can be an adoption, or foster, whether it’s permanent or temporary, it is an act of kindness.
As we enter the holiday season, I hope Ginger’s story is a gentle reminder that animals rely on us to be their voices. Whether through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or simply sharing their stories, every act of compassion matters.
Wishing you and your family, including your furry friends, a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.
I look forward to continuing this journey together in the year ahead.
Thank you for caring about animals and for being a voice for them.