Canada's Greatest Pets 2019

We asked readers to tell us why their beloved beasts deserve to be counted among the country’s finest. Here are some of their stories.

WINNER!

Hashtag TERREBONNE, QUE.

My schnauzer, Hashtag, saved my life—not once, but twice.

When he came into our home in the summer of 2017, my husband and I had been anticipating his arrival for months. At that time, I was also struggling with depression. Suddenly I had a bundle of energy that required my attention. This puppy needed training, walks, affection. I had previously been overwhelmed by negative thoughts, but now I had a job to do, a sense of purpose. I couldn’t give up. Once I realized that I began to feel better. I emerged from my depression 18 months later. There’s no question that Hashtag played a key role in my recovery.

Then, last December, I was fast asleep on the second floor of our house when a fire started in our living room downstairs and smoke began to fill the air. Hashtag stirred awake, calm yet alert, which woke me and allowed me to grasp the seriousness of our predicament.

Within moments, we were standing outside, and I was calling the fire department. The alarm system only went off 10 minutes later. There’s no telling what would have happened if Hashtag’s warning hadn’t given us a head start. I don’t have the words to describe how much I care for him.

—Véronique Sauvé

RUNNER-UP

Mavis

KINGSTON, ONT.