Sometimes people and animals are born with challenges that may impact the way they live. For some, it can be debilitating and for others, an opportunity to overcome adversity. Former Valley resident Michelle (Gerhardt) Neufeld had dedicated her time and energy to rescuing and saving animals, to find them a loving home.
“My family lived in the Valley around 1979, when my father managed the Macleods hardware store,” said Neufeld. “We stayed until about 1982 or 1983 and became close friends with the Hagglund family, who we remain connected with to this day. Since 1988, we have called Steinbach our home.
“I’m the president of Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue, which I founded in 2013. Today, we are one of the largest animal rescues in Manitoba outside of Winnipeg and Brandon. Each year, we take in hundreds of animals and help them find loving homes. We operate a brand-new facility in Steinbach, built in 2024, and continue to rely heavily on our incredible network of fosters and volunteers.”
One cat in particular has found its way into Neufeld’s heart and home. This cat was born with a birth defect, but is one of the most remarkable pets Neufeld has ever been in contact with.
“Dory the cat was found about nine years ago with her two siblings when they were only three weeks old,” said Neufeld. “All three were suffering from severe eye infections. Sadly, it was soon discovered that Dory’s eyes had never developed and she was completely blind. Our family fell completely in love with her and decided to adopt her. Her sisters were adopted by other families.
“Despite her disability, Dory’s personality is unlike any other cat. She is truly remarkable. She’s friendly with everyone she meets and thrives on physical affection. When someone greets her, she often rises onto her back legs and wraps her front paws around them. People are always curious about this behaviour, and I explain that since Dory is blind, physical touch is how she sees people. Combined with her sharp hearing, her blindness has made her even more affectionate and deeply connected to those around her.”
Dory has been like a mascot for animal rescue. Her story teaches students and people the importance of pet safety and how an animal with a disability can provide a truly loving and amazing experience as a pet.
“Dory is the official ambassador for Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue,” said Neufeld. “Together, we’ve visited schools and daycares, teaching children about animal care, how to approach stray animals safely, and the importance of spaying and neutering. Children are naturally drawn to Dory because of how interactive she is. We also share an important lesson with them: although Dory is blind, she still experiences the world fully—just in a different way. Her story helps kids understand that being different is beautiful.
“Over the years, Dory has become a recognizable face for our rescue. She appears on many of our posters and is even featured on a large billboard outside of Steinbach promoting animal rescue and spay/neuter awareness. Her life is a testament to resilience. She could easily have been discarded as a kitten because of her disability, but instead she has found her purpose by enriching lives and showing the world that being different doesn’t limit what you can accomplish.”
Dory has not only found her way into people’s hearts, but is now on the big screen as well.
“In the summer of 2023, we were approached by our rescue colleague, Courtney Voth, who trains animals for movies,” said Neufeld. “She asked if Dory might be interested in being cast in the upcoming film The Long Walk, based on a Stephen King novel. We sent in her headshot, and the director immediately loved her look. Soon after, Dory was officially cast.
“Filming took place just outside Winkler, in La Rivière, the Pembina Valley of southwestern Manitoba, during August. It was a one-day shoot, and the film crew went above and beyond to ensure Dory’s comfort. They provided us with a hotel in Winkler so we wouldn’t need to travel early in the morning, shaded our van from the summer heat, and created a special setup for her. They were incredibly attentive, allowing breaks whenever she needed them. Dory’s role was to sit on a custom-built mailbox for her scene.
“Being on set was an amazing experience,” said Neufeld. “As her handler, I got to witness the incredible effort that goes into filming even a single scene, shot repeatedly from every angle. Everyone loved Dory: the director himself came over to pet her, and several actors stopped by to meet her. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Neufeld has cherished her experience with Dory and hopes it helps everyone to realize that being unique is worth love and acceptance.
“And through it all, Dory continues to inspire,” said Neufeld. “She’s living proof that every life has value, that challenges can become strengths, and that being different is something to be celebrated.”