Sometimes animals come into our lives when we need them most, offering unconditional love and quiet reassurance to get us through the highs and lows. Neo held that special role in Jennifer Wilson’s life.   

“He was just an old soul; genuine, selfless,” Jennifer says. “He got me through so much in my life. We had a bond like no other.” 

Honouring the memory of her best friend  

When Neo passed away from cancer last year, Jennifer was heartbroken. Her best friend for the past six years was gone. 

“I loved all the little moments; just cuddling up next to him,” Jennifer says, reflecting on her favourite memories. “I loved the way he looked at me. That memory will forever be ingrained in my head; the pure look of love in his eyes.” 

As the date of what would have been his adoption day grew closer, she knew she needed to do something to honour the memory of the dog who had given her so much. 

“We had recently come up on his ‘gotcha day’ and we wanted to make a donation in his memory so that his memory could live on and do good in this world,” Jennifer says. “We stumbled upon the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s 50/50 lottery and thought that’s a fun idea – an awesome fundraising idea – and thought we’d participate.” 

She purchased tickets for the Spring Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery in Neo’s memory and was stunned when she learned a few weeks later that she had won over $125,000. His memory had lived on in an unexpected way that not only changed Jennifer’s life, but the lives of countless animals in need.  

“I was at a loss for words,” Jennifer says, recounting how she took a taxi to her boyfriend’s work to tell him the news in person. “It’s definitely going to make a huge difference in our lives, as I’m sure the rest of the money is going to make a huge difference in a lot of animals’ lives.” 

Remembering an old soul  

Neo was one of a kind. The blue heeler loved to go to the pet store to pick out his favourite treat when Jennifer would go to pick up a bag of dog food. He loved walks, and just the mention that Jennifer’s mom was coming over for a walk had him racing around with excitement.  

He also had a thing for horses. Seeing an actual horse, was of course, paws down his favourite. But even seeing horses on TV was enough to make him jump off the couch in anticipation.  

“He LOVED horses! All you had to say was ‘horses’ and he perked up and would just light up,” Jennifer says, holding one of her favourite photos of Neo, taken at the barn. 

Neo had a way of connecting with other animals, offering them reassurance and friendship. Jennifer and her boyfriend have rescued several animals over the years, and Neo was always heading up the welcome committee. A sniff and a tail wag told his new furry housemates that good people lived there. 

“He loved when we had rescue dogs, or other animals in, just getting to know them. He made them feel more comfortable,” Jennifer says. 

Beginning a new chapter 

Jennifer is slowly getting used to life without Neo. Although he is no longer by her side, perhaps he’s still looking out for her. His unexpected legacy means that Jennifer can save up to buy the hobby farm she’s always dreamed of, so she can continue to help animals.  

Best of all, the lottery also helps animals in need. The number of animals coming into the care of the Ontario SPCA this year has increased, and these funds help provide shelter and care. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of our supporters to change the lives of animals. 

“It’s a little chance that can be life-changing for you, but you know for a fact that it’s going to be life-changing for animals,” Jennifer says of participating in the 50/50 lottery.  

She encourages others to consider adoption to give an animal a second chance. It might just be life-changing for you, too. 

“It’s just such an amazing thing it can be for them, and you. It’s an opportunity to forge a bond like no other,” she says. “You come into each other’s lives when you need each other most.” 

To see animals available for adoption, visit, ontariospca.ca/adopt  

To purchase tickets for the Ontario SPCA’s Fall Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery, visit ontariospcalottery.ca  

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