Sonia’s Journey: Finding Home and Healing with Leo and Lara

Sonia’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between human and animal. Originally from Iran, Sonia is a 39-year-old human rights and LGBTQ activist who found herself in Turkey seeking refuge from a society that didn’t align with her values and work. She has faced adversity, including arrests and discrimination, but also acts of kindness, hope, and the love she shares with her two feline companions, Leo and Lara.

Living in Turkey for the last 10 years presented its own challenges for Sonia. Her work as an activist left her facing significant opposition. She knew it was time to leave Turkey for her safety, and thanks to support from Front Line Defenders – an organization aiding activists – she was able to come to Canada with Leo and Lara, where she connected with Wesley’s Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP).

Sonia found Leo near her home three years ago. The small cat was suffering from an eye infection and despite the financial strain of veterinary care, Sonia couldn’t turn away from him. A month later, Leo’s sister Lara was found with a similar eye issue and Sonia knew they needed to be together. This was the beginning of a beautiful bond that would change her life. Bringing them from Turkey to Canada was not easy. Navigating international travel is complicated and stressful for both humans and cats seeking refuge from dangerous situations. However, motivated by her love for Leo and Lara, Sonia was determined.

Canada has offered Sonia a fresh start, a chance to rebuild and heal from past trauma. The warm welcome and ongoing care she receives at Wesley has been a source of support and safety during her transition. She has a place to stay, nutritious meals to eat, and assistance with applications for her social insurance number, banking, health card, permanent residency, and more. Despite some ongoing physical ailments and struggles with mental health, Sonia finds comfort in Leo and Lara, who are settling in nicely, enjoying meeting new people and watching the Hamilton wildlife outside their bedroom window. The sibling duo has provided Sonia with a form of therapy for her mental health and has changed the way she views life.

For Sonia, her cats aren’t just pets—they provide her with strength and a reason to keep moving forward. “They’re my angels,” she says. “These are my kids.” As she navigates her new life in Canada, Sonia dreams of a future where she can continue her activism, volunteer and support animal welfare in her new community, and build a home where Leo, Lara, and perhaps even a few new furry friends can thrive. She hopes to find a way to make veterinary care more accessible, so the mental health benefits that pets provide can help more people. She is actively practicing English and hopes to become fluent in the near future. While some may not understand or appreciate the effort and struggle she endured to bring Leo and Lara to the safety of Canada with her, Sonia is working on challenging perceptions, fostering empathy, and building a more inclusive society. Her experiences highlight the importance of acceptance and respect for the values, beliefs, and rights of all.

For Homayoon Wissa, Manager at the Resettlement Assistance Program, this is the first time he has seen a client arrive with pets in tow. Bringing pets from overseas is a very lengthy and expensive process, and there are numerous regulations regarding the importation of pets to Canada, but he does believe that they are an important part of a client’s journey.

“Pets are emotionally attached, serving as therapeutic companions and becoming integral members of the family. Therefore, having fewer restrictions on bringing pets would be greatly appreciated by all Government-Assisted Refugees,” says Wissa. As many of us can imagine, leaving a place we once called home without pets we consider to be family members would be devastating. Sonia’s journey speaks to the power of love, resilience, acceptance, and the unbreakable bond we build with our pets. She’s hopeful about her new life in Canada, with Leo and Lara by her side. As she continues to advocate for change and spread compassion wherever she goes, they will provide comfort and companionship to support her along the way.