Adopting through the Humane Society brought joy, healing, and unbreakable bonds
Opening your home to a pet is more than just an act of kindness—it’s the beginning of a bond that can reshape your life in the most unexpected ways. For three local families, adopting through the Humane Society wasn’t just about finding a pet, it was about finding connection, comfort, and new rhythms of joy. From second chances to instant sparks, these are the stories of Milo and Otis, Champ, and Maya—and the people who now couldn’t imagine life without them.
Kevin Renaud & Family: Double the Dogs, Double the Love
After losing their beloved dog, Dexter, to old age, Kevin Renaud and his family weren’t sure when they’d be ready to welcome another dog into their lives. But after some time—and a few visits to the humane society’s website—they found themselves drawn to not one but two dogs: Milo and Otis.
“They were both shy but curious when we met them. We loved their excitement right away,” Kevin recalls. “They’re smart, lovable, and full of personality.”
Bringing them home was like lighting a spark in the household. The dogs immediately made themselves comfortable, excitedly exploring every room and running wild in the backyard with their new favourite game: fetch. “At bedtime, they slept great. And every morning, they’re thrilled we’re awake—because that means it’s time for food and fetch.”
Milo is the family goofball—always surprising everyone with his quirky antics, whether galloping across the room or rolling on the floor like he’s in his own comedy show. Otis, meanwhile, is all business when it comes to play. “He’s obsessed with fetch,” Kevin laughs. “He’ll bring me the rope inside or the ball outside. He likes kisses, but in quick bursts—then it’s back to fetch!”
Aside from the occasional challenge with leash training, Milo and Otis adjusted beautifully to their new home—including getting along with their feline sibling, Mittens. And the impact they’ve had on the family is undeniable.
“Our daughters run off the school bus every day just to see their boys,” Kevin says. “They’ve brought so much positivity into our home. They give us a reason to smile every single day.”
Mariette Girard & Champ: A Life-Saving Bond
For Mariette Girard, animals have long held a special place in her heart. As a volunteer in the Humane Society’s cat enrichment program since 2012, and a foster mom to many since 2016, she’s helped countless cats find their footing. But none quite like Champ.
Mariette got the call about Champ in late November 2024. He was only 11 months old, badly injured after being hit by a car, with a broken hip and crushed paw. He wasn’t walking, barely eating, and not responding well to shelter life. The prognosis was grim.
“They told me they’d need to make a decision by Saturday,” Mariette remembers. “I teared up and said, of course, I’d take him.”
The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Within two days of being in Mariette’s care, Champ was walking—albeit with difficulty—eating and using the litter box. She carried him everywhere and kept him close on her lap, giving him the comfort and safety he needed to heal. Eight weeks later, when it came time to bring him back, there was no question.
“I teared up again—I couldn’t leave him. He was already part of the family,” she says. “So yes, I’m what they jokingly call a ‘failed foster.'”
Now 15 months old, Champ is thriving. He’s bonded with the family’s older tuxedo cat, Buddy, who had struggled with anxiety and never really played well with others—until Champ came along. “They sleep together, play together, and it’s been amazing to see the life come back into Buddy.”
Mariette smiles as she reflects on their relationship: “It’s like Champ knows I saved him—and he’s never stopped showing his gratitude. Now we joke that we live in his house.”
Love at First Sight: Christine's Story
Christine Grondin’s adoption story started with a simple idea—she wanted to volunteer at the Humane Society. But as she browsed the adoptable dogs online, she instantly fell for Maya. When she and her partner visited in person, Maya was there waiting as if fate had aligned.
“It was love at first sight,” Christine says. “I promised her that day we’d be back to give her a forever home.”
Maya’s story was a tough one. Her first two years were spent locked up, and she’d been returned twice already. But during a meet-and-greet with the couple’s 14-year-old Jack Russell, Dexter, things clicked.
“We were expecting challenges—but she proved us wrong,” Christine says. “We cuddled together that first night, and it’s been smooth ever since.”
Since then, Maya has embraced every season with wonder—from eating snow to birdwatching in the morning. She has a flair for the dramatic, greeting Christine each day with a “Whoo whoo,” a stretch, and a shower of kisses.
“She’s filled our home with so much love. We couldn’t be happier.”
They say that when you find the one, you just know—and there was never a doubt for these three families. Whether it was love at first sight or a connection that grew day by day, each story is a reminder that sometimes the right companion comes along at just the right moment. It’s clear their paths were always meant to cross—just waiting for the right time, and the right heart, to say yes.
