Tim Houston is the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia, but you may not be aware he also rescues animals. Tim and his wife Carol, have been quietly saving animals for many years. They dedicate their time without fanfare or publicity.
As people entrenched in animal rescue will tell you, their efforts require support from the entire family. The Houston's are a shining example of family support, which lovingly includes their children, Paget and Zachary.
Many years ago, they adopted a deaf border collie named Calvin from the New Brunswick SPCA. Calvin arrived at the SPCA from a seizure. Over time, the Houston family taught Calvin sign-commands, and he became a beloved and cherished member of their family.
Carol always kept a close eye on Calvin and noticed one afternoon he was staggering around when he awoke from an afternoon nap. She quickly discovered Calvin had lost his sight. They took Calvin to a veterinarian ophthalmologist specialist in New Brunswick and were heartbroken to hear his eyesight could not be corrected. Calvin lived his best possible life with the Houston's for another two and a half years until he sadly passed away.
During our call, Carol shared a sweet story about Tim and his allergies to cats. The family, of course, never owned a cat because of his allergies until a little two and a half pound kitten landed in their home. They nursed the kitten back to health and kept her for three years until additional health issues took her young life. Carol said Tim is no longer allergic to cats.
The Houston's currently have two rescue dogs: Nash, a male border collie, and Grace, a deaf one-year-old female Border Collie.
"It was love at first sight," Carol confessed when talking about Nash.
Grace, who they have since renamed Winnie, came into their lives last month as a foster dog, but they have become very attached to her. Winnie is now the Houston's adored foster-fail.
It takes dedication and resolve to rescue homeless animals, and it takes a significant commitment to adopt a special needs pet. The Houstons have had their share of special needs pets and always wholeheartedly commit to keeping them safe, which speaks volumes about their character. Carol said she finds their rescue efforts to be rewarding, and she's happy to be that kind of family. She also refers to special needs pets as specialty-abled.
Carol is very passionate and emotional when she talks about animal rescue endeavours. She believes it takes courage for a family to surrender a pet to rescue and they should be supported. Like other animal rescuers, Carol does not like to see “free to good home” postings, as she understands those situations do not end well most times.
The Houstons’ commitment to rescue is profound and extraordinary. Any homeless pet that arrives in their household will be well-loved and well taken care of for their whole life.
Please be kind to animals.
Tracy Jessiman writes the weekly column Recycled Love and is proud to be a “voice for those with no choice.” She supports various animal rescues. Reach her at [email protected]
