Leslieville Lives; Stories from the ‘Ville – Good Night Sunshine; Shine on
There’s not many people, let alone dogs, that can endear themselves to firemen, bakers, groomers and police, but Sunshine managed to steal the hearts of everyone she met. She was by my side every day of our 365 journey through Leslieville no matter the weather: rain, snow, sleet and heat and every day thereafter. She became a regular treat mooch at It’s the Icing on the Cake, Any Direct Flight and on the street, where we’d see her buddy Jim, (whose treat pocket was seemingly endless!) pretty much daily, stocking up on ‘sustenance’ for her long morning walks .
Occasionally she was arrested (April Fool’s 2015), boycotted our walks to lie down and nap and became a favorite at the Knox Ave Firehall, nearby where we live. In December 2016, she played ‘Santa Paws’ at the (then) new dog cafe, Tom & Sawyer, where she became a regular from that day forward. She was a gentle giant with a beautiful soul and enriched many lives – young, old, friends, locals and strangers – especially mine. She will be missed. May she make as many friends where she is now; that big dog park in the sky.
This little video below was shot by Nicole Simone of Redemption Dogs for World of Angus. Nicole started Redemption Dogs, profiling rescue dogs (especially seniors) and those that rescue them.
Sunshine: The Dying Senior Dog Who Got A Second Chance In Life
Even though she was told Sunshine didn't have much time, Diane adopted her anyway! Toronto Humane Society
Posted by World Of Angus on Monday, June 27, 2016
To read more about Nicole and her amazing contribution and work with animals, click here:
Photo of me and Sunshine by Tony Hicks
Jim Smith
May 30, 2017 at 9:37 amSunshine was so soulful. How lucky it was you found Sunshine. How lucky it was that Sunshine found you.
diane
May 30, 2017 at 10:46 amThanks Jim. You’re so right. She was. And so loved, sweet thing.
Mary Mondoux
May 30, 2017 at 10:24 amSunshine is how I met you. John & I were leaving the fireworks, I believe, and I saw you at the corner of Knox & Eastern. I said John I think that’s Diane Walton. So I plucked up my courage and walked over and introduced myself. Thank you Sunshine.
diane
May 30, 2017 at 10:45 amYes, I remember quite well. Yes, thank you Sunshine! Dogs are a great connector. Glad you plucked up the courage Mary :).
Susan Fletcher
May 30, 2017 at 1:04 pmSunshine may not have enjoyed having her picture taken, but she was so photogenic — or had such a great portrait photographer! Wonderfu pix!
diane
May 30, 2017 at 1:19 pmShe was! And thank you. I did sneak some pretty cute shots of her. I’ll miss that cheeky face.
Gillian Johnston
May 30, 2017 at 2:27 pmI am so sorry Diane. I know what a wonderful companion she was to you, and you to her. Such love to give and receive.
diane
May 30, 2017 at 2:46 pmThanks Gillian, It’s been a tough and sad few days. My heart hurts but we did have a great time together these past few years. This is the problem with seniors. They never stay very long. I’ve lost 3 in 4 years. That’s 3 too many, but I know I’ll have more in my future.
Soula
June 1, 2017 at 9:55 amDiane, the community has embraced all your wonderful photos, and now a day in the life and we thank you for your commitment and with Sunshine by your side. Your last reply struck a cord with me. I think you were chosen as were you’re older dogs, like Sunshine and those before her for you specifically. It is never about the amount of time, it is the ‘quality of time’, what we give and what we get in return, nourishes the soul. Take those cherished moments with your loved pets as a privilege, no time measurement is required. It is only a few that can reap the love of all that surrounds them if only for a moment.Chin up and thanks for sharing…I am certain that a loving older dog will once again, illuminate your path and you of his/hers…:)
diane
June 1, 2017 at 10:06 amOh Soula. You made me cry – again. Thank you for those lovely words. I think my mission in life is to be an ‘old dog mom’. I love them so. It was a special journey Sunshine and I took together in Leslieville. And changed the path of both our lives, to cherish always.
Michelle
May 31, 2017 at 9:52 amThose eyes though!
Kristin Matthews
June 1, 2017 at 10:35 pmSunshine is dearly missed by all of us at Tom&Sawyer, she was such a special dog.