for 30 minutes before he approached her and eventually sat on her lap. After she had left, the shelter called saying Sammy hadn’t stopped crying for her and how unusual that was because he hadn’t showed interest in anyone. Sammy required a lot of rehabilitation before he would be adoptable. He came from an abusive home, never had dog food - was fed scraps from neighbors and didn’t understand dog toys. Although Rebecca was wary of the commitment, she decided to foster Sammy.
Our support system. Rebecca Oxford Supporter of SPCA St. John’s Rebecca struggles with depression. When she moved to St. John’s to complete her nursing degree, she started volunteering at the SPCA St. John’s because “animals always have unconditional love and I needed it for self-care.” Rebecca volunteered with the dogs at the shelter and arrived for her shift one day to find all the dogs excited to get attention and be let out – except Sammy. He was in the back of his kennel; he didn’t come when called and was uninterested in everything. Rebecca knew Sammy needed help. She sat in the kennel with him
Who Rescued Who?
While in Rebecca’s care, Sammy progressed quickly. More surprisingly, Rebecca noticed she was improving too, getting out of bed earlier and even exercising. Before University she was hospitalized and now Sammy and the SPCA St. John’s helped her feel better. Sammy supported her during panic attacks – he would break through her arms to kiss her face. She adopted Sammy saying, “He has been my rock, just sitting next to me on my worst days has changed my life and gives me hope, I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without him.” The St. John Ambulance posted an ad for a therapy dog and knowing how good Sammy was with her she signed him up. He passed the evaluation with flying colors. Sammy now visits seniors, children and individuals with disabilities. He is great around wheelchairs, bed visits, and even shaky hands - he sits on laps and allows people to pet him. Rebecca says that “Sometimes you just need someone to believe in you.” “SPCA St. John’s is so important because they legit save dogs lives from neglect and allow dogs a second or third chance to live their best lives,” added Rebecca. “I can’t imagine if they weren’t there to give Sammy a second chance and that he was still being abused.”
17
