Blog | The Heartfelt Connections of the HBSPCA Pet Visiting Program

Kevin, Executive Assistant to the Chief Happiness Officer (Dog)

At the HBSPCA, we know that sometimes the simplest gestures can make the biggest difference. That’s why our Pet Visiting Program exists—to bring a little extra joy, comfort, and companionship into the lives of community members who might need it most. Through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and their pet ambassadors, these visits do more than just brighten a day—they build lasting bonds, evoke treasured memories, and even help heal emotional wounds.

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Building Bonds at the Adult Community Support Program

One wonderful example is Pet Ambassador Huxley and his volunteer Dana, who have become familiar faces at the Adult Community Support Program – Mountain location. They’ve visited so often now that they’ve truly become part of the community there. Dana shares a beautiful moment from one of their visits:

“Huxley was warmly welcomed, as he always is. The participants even made us little cards—‘fan mail’ for Huxley and one for me. Huxley carried his mail proudly all the way home, which made the members giggle as they watched him walk around with it in his mouth.”

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But the fun doesn’t stop at fan mail. Huxley has taken quite a liking to the colorful decorations hanging from the ceiling and walls, providing endless entertainment as he “talks” to them. And of course, he loves going from person to person, greeting everyone with kisses and tail wags. It’s this genuine connection, this simple joy, that makes the visits so special—not just for Huxley, but for the participants who look forward to his company.

Bringing Back Memories at Chartwell Georgian Retirement Residence

Then there’s Dixie, a gentle senior Labrador retriever, and her volunteer Cheryl, who have made monthly visits to Chartwell Georgian Retirement Residence for quite some time. These visits have blossomed into something truly meaningful—especially for one resident named Maureen. Cheryl explains, “Maureen grew up with Labrador retrievers, so Dixie reminds her of happy times from her past. She really looks forward to our visits and even gave me her room number in case we wanted to make extra visits!”

To deepen that connection, Cheryl printed a photo of Maureen and Dixie together, which she gifted to Maureen to keep in her room for days when they can’t visit.

“It’s such a small gesture, but Maureen was overjoyed to receive it. Moments like this show how our program can do more than just brighten a day—it can rekindle memories and bring comfort in a very real way.”

For Cheryl, seeing the joy these visits bring is incredibly rewarding.

“From the very first visit, I could see the difference it made—not just for Maureen, but for many of the residents. The happiness on their faces, the stories they share, it’s truly inspiring.”

Overcoming Fears at Highgate Residence of Acaster

The power of these visits to transform lives is also beautifully illustrated by Pet Ambassador Tess Gracie and her volunteer Debi. On a visit to Highgate Residence of Acaster, they encountered a resident who had been fearful of dogs ever since a traumatic experience in childhood. But during a one-hour group visit, something remarkable happened. Debi recalls, “The resident was hesitant at first, but by the end of the visit, she reached out to pet Tess Gracie. Tess even licked her hand, and from that moment on, the resident followed us around, wanting to keep petting her.”

This simple interaction was a huge step—not just in overcoming fear, but in opening the door to new, positive experiences.

Debi reflects, “It was so powerful to witness. It’s moments like these that show how much pets can truly change a person’s day, and even their life.”

The Power of Pets to Connect and Heal

These stories from the HBSPCA Pet Visiting Program illustrate something profound: the healing, comforting power of animals. Whether it’s a dog bringing joy to an adult support program, sparking cherished memories in a retirement home, or helping someone face a long-held fear, the impact is undeniable.

At the heart of it all are the volunteers and their pet ambassadors, who generously give their time and love to make these visits possible. Their dedication creates moments of happiness and connection that ripple far beyond the visit itself.

If these stories have touched your heart, consider learning more about the HBSPCA Pet Visiting Program.

Whether you want to volunteer, support, or simply spread the word, you can be part of bringing these life-changing visits to even more people. Because sometimes, all it takes to brighten a day is a wagging tail and a loving heart.