I’ve decided to start an “Allyship Moments” series on the blog to highlight examples of community allies doing great, supportive disability inclusion and accessibility work.
As a Disabled pet caretaker, I get so much comfort from my pets, and one day most likely a service dog will be aprt of the mix. But I also have the realistic worry most Disabled, chronically ill or seriously ill pet lovers have: “what would happen to my pets if I get sick or worse?”
Today I’m featuring the Halifax Cat Tour and My Grandfather’s Cat for their efforts to provide much needed support and awareness around this reality for many people.
Most of us already know that pets are deeply important to people who love them. For Disabled and ill people, pets provide emotional support, boost mental health and physical health, support independence and overall well-being, lower stress, keep loneliness at bay and provide motivation, structure and a sense of purpose – not to mention the immeasurable joy their companionship offers. They’re a lovable distraction from an often grim reality.
Those of us with service or assistance animals provide vital daily support, safety, independence and practicality. Chronically ill people and those living with chronic pain will tell you how valuable pets’ emotional support, loyalty and unconditional love provides. In fact, Disabled pet owners often experience a greater quality of life.
Research shows that neurodivergent people benefit from non-judgmental, stress-free interaction with animals. A majority of autistic children and adults naturally bond better with animals, and seek out their peaceful friendship over the rejectio, criticism and cruelty that ableism plants in humans. Even when the benefits of time in nature, with animals and pets is proven, non-disabled and allistic people often mock and dismiss the valid and deep sensitivity and bond autistic people have with animals.
For many Disabled people, myself included, pets provide comfort and affection, joy, contentedness, entertainment, humour, curiosity, and a sense of routine and purpose. They can center us during difficult times and distract us when illness becomes overwhelming.
I may have rescued and adopted my pets over the years, but they’ve saved me in return. They create a strong sense of rootedness, and no matter how often I feel like giving up managing and coping with my disabilities, I take one look at them and no matter how much pain or fear I’m feeling, they’re my immediate reminder that I have to (and want to!) be here for them. There’s no giving up or giving in when these little lives depend on me.
Pets can even facilitate difficult interactions with other people, or in difficult situations where therapy dogs act as a bridge for sharing hard news with a patient or facilitating therapy sessions with children or adults and their therapists. Even in general, interactions with pets can improve social skills and communication by removing the pressure of human social dynamics and ableist social misunderstandings and expectations.
Animals can also support our sensory regulation. Just try petting and cuddling or sitting with a pet that unconditionally loves and accepts you and only asks for love, care and basic needs to be met in return. Animals give so much more than they receive and to me, this is a deeply sacred and divine role, full of healing and emotional regulation.
Our pets deserve to be cared for if we get seriously ill, whether temporarily or permanently, as well as when some of us age into care homes where our pets cannot follow us. Soberingly, too, in the event that we become terminally ill, we want to plan for their care and know that there are community supports available to us, like the services local charities offer.
Halifax Cat Tour: Cat Lovers Rejoice
I first found out about My Grandfather’s Cat through a local volunteer group called Halifax Cat Tours, which plans local neighbourhood walks that visit a treasure map of cats — an event I participated in this year, where a group of more than 50 cat lovers strolled by our home to meet Maudie and Leo! Each ticket to the Cat Walk raised funds to donate to My Grandfather’s Cat, so it was a wonderful cause and a low key way to interact with other cat lovers and proudly agree to, as the group’s hoisted signs demanded, “show us your kitties!”
On the catwalk (cue Right Said Fred), the friendly and enthusiastic group of people strolled and rolled along the planned “cat walk” route, passing by my place. The calm and happy group carried signs, cat treats, took photos, cooed, asked questions and interacted with Maudie and Leo (who were safely sitting in the dog stroller we picked up especially for this event).
I was able to talk to the tour group about my experience caring for disabled pets, as well as how important it is that seriously ill, disabled and aging people have access to support to ensure their beloved pets are cared for should the worst or inevitable happen.
With every stop along the route, each pet’s family could introduce their pets in person outdoors, sometimes from the doorstep, a carrier, or safely inside, sitting in a window where people could admire and greet the featured catwalk kitties.
After the event, we received a very sweet thank you package of treats and toys from Halifax Cat Tour and My Grandfather’s Cat. We were surprised that sociable Leo was very nervous, while typically scaredy cat Maud seemed to be energized by the event!
The Halifax Cat Tour group is completely volunteer run and supports other local animal charities too – please be sure to check them out!
My Granfather’s Cat
My Grandfather’s Cat is an organization founded in Halifax in 2021 to help seniors and terminally ill people feed and arrange second forever homes for their beloved pets before they move into retirement homes or pass away. Since they began, they’ve helped over 1,000 pets!
“We believe that animals provide an immense amount of comfort and companionship to seniors and terminally ill people. That’s why we provide additional programs, such as our pet pantry, outreach events and educational resources, to to keep pets in their homes as long as possible with the people who love them.”
The charity’s free rehoming service arranges for pets to be able to move directly from their current home into a second forever home. Those who adopt the pet will not be charged adoption fees. Below, I’ve listed their website and social media handles.
Ticket sales are happening now for the third Halifax Cat Walk – this time in West End Halifax on Saturday, October 18th (weather permitting). Links are below!
Maudie and Leo would love it if you can help support these community allies so that their furry friends are cared for when a diffciult time comes for their loving owners. They know what it’s like to have an unwell mama who would move heaven and earth for them and may one day need similar help. Thank you for what you do Halifax Cat Tours and My Grandfather’s Cat!
Finding Avalon: Storytelling, Advocacy & Life 
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