Cindy Busby, an actress known for her advocacy of animal adoption, recently recounted her heartwarming experiences both as an owner of a rescue dog and as a performer alongside various animal co-stars. In an interview with PEOPLE, Busby, who is 43 years old, shared how adopting her now four-year-old rescue dog, Suzie, has profoundly shaped her life and increased her commitment to promoting shelter and rescue adoptions.
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Busby and her husband, Chris Boyd, adopted Suzie from MaeDay Rescue nearly five years ago when the dog was seven. Reflecting on her journey, she described the adoption as one of the most rewarding decisions she has ever made. “For us, it was just the greatest gift,” she remarked. Busby passionately advocates for the countless animals that do not have the chance to find a loving home, hoping to inspire others to consider adoption.
Her love for animals extends beyond the personal realm; Busby has also enjoyed several significant roles that brought her into contact with a variety of animals throughout her career. She is particularly well-known for her portrayal of Ashley Stanton in the long-running Canadian television drama “Heartland.” During her time on-set, she had the opportunity to work with numerous horses, enriching her experience as an actress. “I love working with animals,” she said. “And every opportunity to do so is just such a dream for me.”
One of her fondest memories occurred during the filming of the season 1 finale of “Heartland.” Busby recalled working with an exceptionally valuable purebred horse, which she was told was worth around £250,000. With its own dedicated assistant, the horse had specific needs, including a strange shyness when it came to relieving itself in front of others. “It was amusing to see, but I also thought, ‘Wow, this horse has it better than I do,'” she laughed, hinting at the pampered lifestyle that the horse enjoyed, complete with treats and careful attention after eating hay.
Not all her animal co-stars have displayed such diva-like tendencies. Busby shifted her focus to a particularly delightful experience while shooting the Hallmark movie “Unleashing Mr. Darcy,” where she was immersed in a whirlwind of canine charm. “I remember one of the days there were 10 King Charles Cavaliers on set,” she recalled, beaming at the memory. She reminisced about the sheer joy of being swarmed by the dogs, who were all eager for her attention. “I was just on the ground, and they were all on me, on my legs. It was utter bliss.”
These experiences highlight Busby’s genuine affection for animals and her unwavering dedication to animal welfare. Her passion is not merely a facet of her career; it resonates deeply within her personal life as well. Busby’s journey with Suzie has transformed her outlook on adoption in general, making her a fervent advocate for the cause. “It’s incredible how much joy and love these animals can bring into our lives,” she said, reaffirming her belief in the power of giving rescue animals another chance.
As her acting career continues to evolve, Busby remains committed to spreading awareness about the importance of animal adoption. She hopes to inspire people to consider adopting from shelters, thus giving deserving animals like Suzie the opportunity to become cherished family members.
Currently, Busby is also featured in “When Hope Calls: Brookfield,” with new episodes airing every Sunday evening. Fans of her work can catch her on screen, showcasing not only her talent as an actress but also her unwavering dedication to animal welfare. As she continues to share her story, Busby’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the joyful companionship that rescue animals can provide.
Her personal journey, woven together with her professional experiences, encapsulates a message of hope and love, encouraging others to consider making a difference in the lives of animals in need.