Cesar the cat is enjoying his residency at the Four Seasons Lodge
Happy Tails
When Cesar arrived at the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, the team knew right away that he is a special cat. Cesar instantly charmed everyone and was exceptionally affectionate. He is a cat who loves attention and would come in for a snuggle any chance he had. We knew Cesar would make a great companion and we had to find him the purrfect home.
One of the animal care team members suggested placing Cesar in a long-term care residence. Through community partnerships, the animal centre has successfully placed cats as fosters in long-term care homes with great success and we knew Cesar would make the perfect candidate.
Cesar checks into the Four Seasons Lodge
As it turned out, the Four Seasons Lodge, a long-term care home in Deep River, was looking for a cat to brighten the lives of their residents and staff. They had been thinking about welcoming a companion animal into the lodge for mental health benefits.
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute reports that animal-assisted therapy was shown to significantly reduce loneliness among people in long-term care facilities. In addition, research suggests that the human-animal bond can play an important role in the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
After some careful consideration, the team at the Four Season’s Lodge decided that a cat would make the perfect therapy animal. They reached out to the Renfrew County Animal Centre to begin the process of finding a suitable companion. As expected, Cesar charmed his way into their hearts. Cesar found his home at the Four Seasons!
Helping the community
We recently caught up with Abbie Verch, Recreation Worker at the Four Seasons Lodge, to see how Cesar was settling in. Cesar has bonded with multiple residents and is loving all the attention. He goes from room to room, getting pats and snuggles from anyone who wants to give him some love. He has certainly provided some entertainment for many of the residents. You will often find him sleeping right on their beds at night, curled up and providing luxury.
“I would recommend any long-term care home introduce a therapy animal, as it provides comfort for those lonely times. Cesar gives them something to look forward and they love giving him treats,” says Abbie.
Cesar is always part of the action and loves taking part in special events like Hawaii night. He especially loves accompanying the residents outside to watch the birds and enjoy some fresh air. He has brought so much joy to so many people at the Four Season’s Lodge and we couldn’t be happier to hear that he is thriving in his new home.
Interested in adopting? Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to see our animals available for adoption.
John Hope President, Hope Holdings (Alexandria) Ltd.
John is the owner and President of a commercial property leasing and development company. He has served on municipal council in Alexandria and at the County level for Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
John is past Board Chair of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County Library and Glengarry Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. He also is past Vice Chair of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group and currently a member its Corporate Governance Committee, Conduct Review Committee and Investment Committee. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Glengarry Mutual Insurance Company from 2001 to 2013 in Alexandria, Ontario.
John currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Glengarry Archives. He is a graduate of Durham College with a diploma in business. His other interests include spending time with his family, especially time on the family boat. John has been an animal lover throughout his life, and is a enthusiastic supporter of the work of the Ontario SPCA in our region.
Fallon David District Chief of Kana:takon, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
Fallon David is a District Chief for the Kana:takon district of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, a role she has held since 2023. She serves her community through leadership in public safety and governance, bringing a strong focus on community well-being and collaborative decision-making.
Chief David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice, providing her with a solid foundation in human behaviour, justice systems, and community support. Her education and leadership experience inform a balanced, thoughtful approach to advocacy and policy development. Her commitment to animal welfare – encompassing health services and community engagement – is a driving force behind the campaign’s success in elevating care standards throughout the region.
Spay/Neuter Requirements
It is important to make sure your pet meets all the requirements before booking:
Must be in good physical condition, including being an appropriate weight for our program.
Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds must be free of any breathing difficulties.
Rabies vaccine is legally required with proof of vaccination – recommended at least two weeks before your spay/neuter appointment.
Other recommended vaccines: Feline Leukemia vaccine (FeLV), FVRCP vaccine, Bordetella vaccine, Leptospirosis and DA2PP vaccine.
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is strongly recommended for animals over seven (7) years of age.
