The bond between humans and animals is a unique and powerful connection that enriches lives in countless ways. For many, pets provide companionship, emotional support, and a sense of purpose.  

Maintaining a strong, healthy relationship with a pet, especially a dog, requires time, patience, and proper training. At Toronto Humane Society, we understand the importance of this bond and are committed to helping pet parents and their furry friends build lasting, harmonious relationships through our accessible and affordable training programs. 

The Transformative Power of the Human-Animal Bond

For Atefeh the journey to pet parenthood was both challenging and rewarding. Here’s their inspiring story: 

“Since my first year at university in 2015, I’ve yearned to have dogs of my own. As an international student living abroad, though, the prospect seemed impossible with the transient nature of my life. After graduating and securing two part-time jobs to stabilize my routine, I finally felt ready. During therapy, the idea of a service dog was suggested, but the costs seemed insurmountable at the time. However, after months of saving, I realized there is never a perfect time to act; waiting for stability meant never taking action. 

So, I committed to AwBi. Having her in my life has been transformative—she helps me regulate my emotions, clear my mind, and approach life’s unpredictability more peacefully. 

Soon after bringing AwBi home, I unexpectedly lost one of my jobs. Thankfully, Toronto Humane Society offered subsidized dog training classes, which became crucial to her development. AwBi did not know how to walk on a leash at first, and with her size, it was challenging to carry her everywhere. The classes taught me how to communicate with her, walk together, and enjoy outdoor activities. 

Without these classes, managing AwBi would have been overwhelming. They taught me essential skills like keeping my dogs safe, teaching them useful tricks, and making vet visits stress-free. I’ve learned that my dogs respond to my energy, prompting me to stay calm and patient even during chaos. 

Through this journey, I’ve realized that the joy and peace my dogs bring far outweigh the challenges. They’ve not only become beloved companions but also invaluable teachers in patience, resilience, and finding joy in life’s small moments.”