Yoda’s sweet legacy

Every dog is special, but not all become local celebrities. Yoda found his forever home through the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s work in the North and held a special place in the heart of his adopters, and in the community of Renfrew. He sadly recently passed away, but his legacy will live on thanks to a local ice cream shop’s commitment to honouring him by helping animals in need. 

Yoda’s journey began with the Ontario SPCA in 2017 through a Northern dog transfer. In many Northern communities, a lack of access to basic animal wellness services has contributed to an overpopulation of animals. Through its work in the North, the Ontario SPCA helps connect animals in need of homes with families waiting to adopt in other areas of the province.  

Sandy met Yoda when she volunteered to assist with the dog transfer that brought Yoda from a remote Northern community. She immediately connected with him.  

“Our bond was very strong very quickly. He recognized my voice and would want to be with me as soon as he heard it,” says Sandy. 

After the transfer, Sandy went home to Petawawa but says she couldn’t forget the sweet dog she’d bonded with. She knew she needed to adopt him! 

“It was like we were meant to be together. We loved spending time together and if I was not at work then we were walking or just hanging out together,” Sandy says of their days together. 

One of Yoda’s favourite activities was a daily stop across the road at the Mount Molson Dairy Bar for a “pup cone.” 

“Yoda was basically our first customer,” says Zoe Nolan, co-owner of the dairy bar. “He came over and got a little scoop of ice cream and then from that day forward, Yoda was there literally every single day for his little pup cones.” 

A few days after Yoda passed away, Sandy says Zoe invited her behind the counter at the shop to see a new $1 item, renamed from “pup cones” to “Yoda cones,” with all proceeds going to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.  

“The fact that Mount Molson has chosen to continue with Yoda cones on an ongoing basis touches my heart so deeply. Mostly, it shows how Yoda was able to touch hearts without ever speaking,” says Sandy. 

Zoe says she’s always wanted to incorporate animals into the branding of her shop. During his life, she says Yoda contributed to that environment every day, and now the “Yoda cones” will honour his memory. Zoe says she’s been overwhelmed by the community’s support so far, raising over $2,200 and counting. 

“Most of the time people want to contribute more, and it’s the sweetest thing ever. I could cry thinking of it,” says Zoe. 

In addition to “Yoda cones,” the shop held a one-day fundraising event for the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre called Yoda Best Dog, which raised around $2,000. Sandy says she hopes it will become a yearly event. 

Yoda’s sweet legacy will live on in the community of Renfrew, and in the hearts of those he touched. For those struggling with the heartache of losing a beloved animal, the Ontario SPCA’s website offers compassionate resources to help you through your grief. And if you’re looking to celebrate the life of a cherished furry friend by making a meaningful impact, our Humane Hero webpage provides a heartfelt way to plan a fundraiser in their honour.