Age de l'animal / Animal's age
6

À propos de l'animal / About
Why Rufio Deserves a Spot in the Calendar

The shelter behind this calendar holds a deep place in my heart — it’s where I met the first dog that changed my life as a child. That dog became my best friend, my safe place, and my constant, and now, as an adult, I give back to the shelter that gave me so much. I volunteer not just out of gratitude, but because I’ve seen what a loving home can do — and every day, my own dog Rufio reminds me that every dog deserves that same chance.

Rufio is more than a pet — he’s the kind of dog that makes people believe in good again. Since adopting him, he’s become a living example of love, loyalty, and unexpected miracles. We live in Montreal, where a growing housing crisis has made it harder than ever for dog guardians to find and keep their homes. Landlords often refuse dogs altogether. I was nearly forced to give Rufio up, but I stood my ground and won — and we were allowed to stay. That win wasn’t just personal, it was a small victory for every renter with a dog.

While I fought for us, Rufio stayed with our kind-hearted neighbour, Pierre. In an unbelievable twist of fate, Rufio ended up saving his life. One night, Rufio woke Pierre suddenly — pacing, whining, and insisting something was wrong. It turns out, Pierre was having a brain hemorrhage. If Rufio hadn’t alerted him, Pierre likely wouldn’t have survived the night. That moment reminded everyone around us: dogs aren’t just pets — they’re protectors, healers, and sometimes, heroes.

Rufio has become a symbol of everything dogs can bring into our lives — joy, loyalty, magic, and second chances. He’s my best friend, and for so many reasons, he embodies what this shelter stands for: unconditional love and the power of being given a chance.

A place in this calendar would not just celebrate Rufio — it would honour the life-changing work of the shelter, raise awareness about housing struggles for pet guardians, and remind people that dogs are family. Rufio reminds me, every day, why I do the work I do, and why shelters like this are so vital.

Please consider him — not just because he’s the best boy (he really is!) — but because his story is proof that rescue dogs don’t just need us… sometimes, we need them even more.