For first-time adopters, we want to ensure it will be the right fit for everyone involved.
When Liv and their partner were camping up island in September 2024, they thought of checking out the local BC SPCA shelter since they had been searching for a dog for a while.
It was there, at the BC SPCA Parksville-Qualicum Beach Community Animal Centre where they met and quickly fell for Fernie, a young German Shepherd in need of a forever home.
From there, we worked with Liv and their partner to work out the logistics of transferring Fernie down to the BC SPCA Victoria Community Animal Centre, where she could continue her care and live with Liv as a foster until she was ready to be officially adopted.
Now, several months later, we have received an update from Liv on their life with Fernie:
“My partner and I met our sweet Fernie on a spontaneous visit to the BC SPCA Parksville-Qualicum Beach Community Animal Centre while camping at Horne Lake.
We had been searching for a dog to adopt into our little family for a while and let’s just say we fell in love with her immediately. Her little eyebrows were our ultimate weakness!
We fostered Fernie while she was transferred over to our local BC SPCA Victoria Community Animal Centre, and within that time she fit into our family perfectly. She never quite responded well to ‘Cassy,’ her name at the time, so we started calling her Fernie just for fun. Her ears perked right up at that name, so it was meant to be.
Fernie started off as a shy, submissive girl, but she has blossomed into a quirky little wiggle worm. She loves napping on blankets right at her peoples’ feet, rolling around in the grass in the sun and chomping her little front teeth together when she is excited. She also loves her new cat brother Bean.
Taking Fernie to our local park and watching her see the ocean for the first time was the best moment as a first-time adopter. She just stared with curiosity and amazement at the water.
She was scared of other dogs at first, as though she hadn’t interacted with many others before. Now, she has become more confident on her walks and just has the biggest urge to play with anybody.
Fernie was also afraid of toys and catching balls when we first got her, but now she is a huge ball chaser. She will chase and retrieve her prized chuck-it ball her entire walk, then walk all the way home with it proudly in her mouth.
Fernie has made our lives so full and we love her so much. We are so blessed that fate brought us together as a family. For my first time owning a dog as an adult, and my partner’s first pet dog ever, we couldn’t have asked for a better dog. We will always adopt.”
Thank you, Liv, to you and your partner for choosing to adopt Fernie. It warms our hearts hearing how integral a part of your family and daily lives she has become. With your love and commitment to making her comfortable, we can see that she has really come out of her shell. Thank you for giving Fernie the second chance at life she truly deserves.
Have you adopted an animal from the BC SPCA and want to share your joy with others? Submit your adoption story!
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