After 2-year cancer battle, Fort Erie, Ont., man reunites with dog he never thought he’d see again

Fort Erie, Ont., resident Mike Nayler never thought he’d see his “four-legged daughter” Minnie again after surrendering her to a shelter two years ago. At the time, Nayler was diagnosed with terminal cancer and felt he had no choice but to give up his beloved pet. However, last week, the unexpected happened – Nayler and Minnie were reunited in a heartwarming moment filled with joy and tears.

Nayler described Minnie as his constant companion and source of comfort through all the hardships in his life. He had adopted her when she was just 6½ weeks old, and since then, they had been inseparable. When Nayler’s health took a turn for the worse in 2021 and he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he struggled to take care of Minnie as he used to. Seeing her suffer due to his illness broke his heart, and he made the difficult decision to surrender her to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara.

For months, Nayler agonized over the decision to give up Minnie, checking the shelter’s website daily to see if she was still there. He felt like a failure as a pet parent, husband, and man. The months that followed were filled with despair as he prayed for Minnie’s well-being every day. Despite his efforts, Minnie remained at the shelter for almost a year, waiting for a new home.

In a twist of fate, Minnie was adopted by another family in September 2023, leaving Nayler devastated and sinking into a deep depression. However, fate had other plans, and Minnie was surrendered again by her new owners a few months later. When Nayler saw her face on the shelter’s website in June, he knew he had to try to get her back. The prospect of reuniting with Minnie gave him the strength to keep fighting his illness.

After confirming that he was in remission in mid-October, Nayler wasted no time in contacting the shelter to adopt Minnie once again. The reunion was nothing short of magical, with Minnie recognizing Nayler immediately and showering him with love and affection. The emotional moment brought tears to everyone present, as Minnie and Nayler embraced each other like long-lost friends.

Having Minnie back in his arms was like a dream come true for Nayler. He credits his four-legged companion with saving his life and giving him the motivation to keep fighting his illness. As Minnie celebrated her seventh birthday back in Nayler’s loving care, the bond between them grew stronger than ever before.

The story of Mike Nayler and Minnie serves as a powerful reminder of the unconditional love and support that pets provide to their owners. Despite the challenges and hardships they faced, their reunion is a testament to the enduring bond between a man and his loyal canine companion.