Misfit Manor Dog Rescue Society (Misfit) is an animal rescue organization operated by the remarkable Nahleen Ashton. Ashton has been deeply committed to rescuing endeavours for more than 20 years, and she unselfishly created Misfit five years ago. She has a dedicated team of devoted volunteers, and she works closely with 10 veterinarian clinics in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Nahleen has been blissfully married to J.C. (Jean Claude) for 23 years, and they own four terrific dogs and four fabulous cats.
Misfit currently has eight dogs under its wing in foster care, with five of them on medical holds. Medical hold dogs are not available for adoption until their veterinarians give them medical clearance. The dog could be waiting for dental work or a complicated surgery.
Ashton said rescue efforts have been challenging and complicated during the pandemic. Home visits for potential adopters have had to be performed virtually using Skype. Potential adopters must meet with dogs outside to protect both the public and volunteers. Most fundraising events had to be cancelled.
Elizabeth Andrews, a long-term volunteer with Misfit had this to say:"Nahleen has the kindest, most gentle heart of anyone I know. She was one of the reasons I chose to become part of the Misfit Manor Team. She is committed to doing the best for every dog we take into care. Her heart is so big."
Bonnie Ashton (Nahleen's cousin and volunteer) also had a few kind words to say: "There hasn't been a time that I can remember of her not helping animals from feeding chickens and horses to little grasshoppers in a bucket. She cared for them all. As she was thinking about bringing her vision for Misfit Manor, she developed a beautiful plan. She needed a team as passionate as she is. She needed volunteers to help nurture these babes back to healthy dogs, and she surrounded herself with the best volunteers. Nahleen is loving and compassionate about helping out the misfit, broken and battered four-legged souls. Her goal is to make every one of them adoptable so that they can live the rest of their lives in luxury. She takes every single one who comes into care at Misfit and evaluates them very carefully with plenty of input from the team of vets she respects. They come up with a plan of action to get the care they need. There are sleepless nights for her as she worries about each one of these beautiful pups."
Ashton is an intensely private woman who quietly goes about her rescue pursuits without fanfare, publicity or complaining. Because she rarely talks about herself, many of her supporters are not aware Ashton is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Ashton is a quiet, humble woman who does not want her current health conditions to be the centre of her’s or others’ attention. She said the rescue had been a helpful distraction, which also gives her a sense of purpose. Comments like these truly sum up Ashton’s integrity and sincerity. Misfit and its adorable “adoptables” are fortunate to have Ashton fighting on their behalf.
Please be kind to animals.
Tracy Jessiman writes the weekly column Recycled Love and is proud to be a “voice for those with no choice.” She supports various animal rescues. Reach her at [email protected].
