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Actress Kate Drummond is a firm believer in second chances. At 35, she realized that although she adored her job as an elementary school teacher and, by all accounts, had a wonderful life, it simply didn't ignite her. When one of her grade three students asked her during a lesson on Martin Luther King what her dream was, she paused—then answered honestly: to act. The little girl replied, 'why aren't you doing it then?'
That simple question triggered an epiphany that led Kate to quit her job and walk away from everything she'd built to chase her true passion. She moved from Ottawa to a basement suite in Ajax, Ontario—a town just outside Toronto—the most she could afford. She hit the pavement, went to auditions, and kept going even after an agent told her she was too old to dream of becoming a movie star. Ouch, right?
But Kate went on to prove that agent—and her worried family—wrong. Building her career step by step, she became an in-demand actress. She now stars in the new Hulu original series Utopia Falls, and she also appears in the reboot of the beloved 90s children's show Ghostwriter, streaming now on AppleTV+.
All of which is to say Kate knows a thing or two about rebirths—so it's only fitting she's a devoted champion of animal rescue. She doesn't just have an adorable rescue dog named Zelda; she's a huge supporter of several causes, including The Snoopi Project, Playa Animal Rescue, Dogs in Better Spots (or DIBS, the organization she adopted Zelda from), and the Bytowne Association for Rescued Kanines (BARK).
'Everyone deserves a second chance. Even a third or fourth chance,' says Kate. 'Dogs who are needing to be adopted or rescued are not broken dogs. It just means that somewhere along the line, a human gave up on them, or they were born on the streets and didn't have a gentle human hand to nurture them.'
Given the chance, dogs—just like people—can always start over and live the life they were meant to. 'All dogs need a place to love, learn, and be loved,' says Kate. 'There is nothing in the world that compares to the love and trust of a dog you've rescued.'
Kate's Top 3 Ways Dog Lovers Can Support Local Shelters and Rescue Groups
Call them and ask what they need! 'I collect gently used collars and leashes and share them with DIBS and Playa Animal Rescue in Mexico, where Zelda came from. We also send supplies through DIBS to The Snoopi Project in Mexico too! Local shelters often collect things like towels and blankets as well.'
Spread the word! 'Share the great news about the organization where you got your pup! There are so many, and it's so important that rescues of all sizes get publicity, because a lot of people are looking to adopt these days.'
Fundraise. 'I'm a big fan of fundraising for rescue organizations and other community-minded groups in my community. I love "in lieu of gifts" parties and having donations go to local shelters, especially those that are volunteer-run and not-for-profit.'
Kate's Favourite Organizations That Help Dogs
DIBS (Dogs in Better Spots)'This volunteer-run rescue brings dogs from Mexico to Canada. They're transparent, and everything they do is for the wellbeing of their dogs. They partner with Playa Animal Rescue in Mexico, so the lines of communication are always open, and anyone looking to adopt will get the truth about their dog.'
BARK (Bytowne Association for Rescued Kanines)'Another volunteer-run rescue, BARK fosters and rescues dogs from the Eastern Ontario area. I got my first dog from BARK and have watched them do incredible things for our four-legged friends for over 15 years.'
The Snoopi Project'Based in Mexico, The Snoopi Project rescues dogs neglected in the Mayan area, but it also delivers supplies to families who love their dogs but perhaps don't have the means to give them proper shelter. The Snoopi Project employs a local carpenter to build dog houses and delivers them to families.'
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