To the right owner, a dog or cat is more than just a pet — they're a companion. They help you unwind after a long day of work, make you laugh and they're there for you through thick and thin. But while these furry friends bring so much joy and love to their owners, it's important to remember that they need love in return too.

According to 2019 stats collected by Humane Canada™, more than 100,000 cats and dogs end up in the country's 170 Humane Society and SPCA animal shelters every year. This is where many of these hopeful animals live until they find a loving home — like in the case of Balou.

Balou's story is part of a collection of tales from the Royale Home for Every Pet Project, which aims to shine a light on the many benefits of pet adoption and the thousands of cats and dogs across Canada who are in need of a loving home.

Rescued from a puppy mill, Balou was adopted by a young family in Quebec. Once a shy, scared pup, Balou now enjoys running around his backyard and cuddling with his adopted family.

"These dogs need the extra love and the extra care. It's worth all of the time that we've invested in him. We just love that we could give him a second chance," shared Balou's owner, Kim.

To generate awareness for the cause, Royale is replacing its packaging's iconic white fluffy kittens with the five adopted shelter pets featured in the stories, including Balou, and running a special promotion to help raise funds for Canada's animal shelters.

Until October 13 this year, when you spend $20 or more on Royale products, the Royale Home for Every Pet Project will gift you a $5 coupon and donate $5 to its 100+ animal shelter partners in Canada to help more pets find loving homes. Since launching in 2020, the Royale Home for Every Pet Project has invested over $225,000 in partner animal shelters.

Another dog who has brought immeasurable happiness to his adopted family is Caymus. Like Balou, Caymus was adopted as a puppy.

"When we met Caymus, he was only five weeks old and we decided that he was going to be our guy. He's kind of a farm buddy — he's always in the passenger seat of the truck, and kind of my partner in crime," Caymus' owner says in the video.

Sharing how Caymus has been a constant source of joy, his owners say adopting him has felt rewarding "on so many different levels."

If you're feeling inspired to adopt, consider the animals that are patiently waiting to be loved at animal shelters all across Canada. Before heading to a pet store, check out your local animal shelter to see if there are any loyal pups or cuddly kitties that are waiting for a forever home.

You can also support the Royale Home for Every Pet Project by shopping for Royale products, donating to your local animal shelter, volunteering at your nearest SPCA or sharing Royale's campaign to drive awareness.

To learn more about the Royale Home for Every Pet Project, visit the website or follow Royale on Instagram and Facebook.