Sylvia and Ziggy, Winnipeg
Identity: bi/queer cis woman
'Ziggy’s been such an instrumental part of my day-to-day existence and happiness for 5 years now. He came into my life at a time when I was going through some life adjustments. I was starting my masters in social work, I had just moved, and I also felt a sense of uneasiness which I now recognize was rooted in internalized biphobia. The first week of having Ziggy happened to fall on the weekend of Winnipeg Pride. I remember taking him to his first Pride march, and his smile brought so much joy to everyone we met. I knew from that day onwards that his companionship would be a source of connection, joy, and groundedness.
Having Ziggy has helped me consistently care for my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. He’s my daily reminder to get outdoors and move my body in ways that feel good. We’ve recently started jogging year round which for anyone who knows Winnipeg is a fairly significant achievement itself. Ziggy’s smile is my constant reminder to connect and engage with other people and nature, and to strive to be as caring and grounded for others, as he is for me.'