A Childhood Rooted in Nature
Long before she became the “Queen of Country Pop,” Shania Twain was simply Eilleen Regina Edwards, a little girl in Timmins, Ontario — a town surrounded by sprawling forests, shimmering lakes, and open fields. Life in northern Canada meant living close to nature, and for Shania, that connection ran deep.
Her family’s life was modest, often difficult, but nature was a constant comfort. She spent hours exploring the woods, listening to birdsong, and, most importantly, forming bonds with the animals around her. From an early age, she developed an instinctive respect for all creatures — one that would remain a defining part of her life.
Horses – Her Trusted Companions
While music would one day become Shania’s sanctuary, horses were her first great love. She learned to ride as a child, not as a hobby, but as part of life in rural Ontario. Her stepfather, Jerry Twain, of Ojibwa heritage, taught her that horses were not just animals but partners deserving care, understanding, and mutual trust.
For Shania, being with horses was a grounding experience. She often described the quiet, wordless communication she felt with them — how a horse could sense your mood, your energy, even your fears. During the hardest chapters of her life — from financial struggles to the loss of her parents — grooming and riding horses brought her peace.
Even at the height of her fame, Shania kept horses on her property, sometimes riding them before or after long days in the studio. She has said that being with them keeps her humble and connected to her roots.
Dogs, Cats, and Every Creature in Between
Horses might be Shania’s soulmates, but her compassion extends to all animals. Over the years, she has been a devoted dog owner, cat lover, and even cared for rescued animals on her property.
Friends recall that during tours, Shania would go out of her way to greet service animals and often visited local shelters in her downtime. Her philosophy was simple: if you have the ability to help, you should.
From Personal Passion to Public Advocacy
As her career soared, Shania used her platform to advocate for animal welfare. She has supported various charities dedicated to the protection of both domestic animals and wildlife.
One cause close to her heart has been the fight against animal cruelty, particularly within the commercial fur trade. While she has never been aggressively political, Shania believes in using her fame to quietly amplify compassion. She has donated to rescue organizations and has been photographed supporting equine therapy programs for children and veterans.
Her love for animals is also evident in her music videos — several of which feature horses, dogs, and wide-open natural landscapes. These visual choices aren’t just for aesthetic appeal; they reflect the values she holds most dear.
Life in Switzerland – A Perfect Match for an Animal Lover
In recent years, Shania has made Switzerland her primary home, living with her second husband, Frédéric Thiébaud. The Swiss countryside offers exactly what she craves — fresh mountain air, rolling hills, and plenty of space for animals.
Here, Shania has embraced a slower pace, spending her mornings with her horses and afternoons walking her dogs along Alpine trails. It’s a life that mirrors her childhood in Canada but with the comfort and security she never had back then.
Why Animals Matter So Much to Shania
For Shania, animals are more than companions — they are healers. After contracting Lyme disease in the early 2000s, she suffered vocal damage that left her unable to sing for years. That period was one of deep isolation and frustration.
But through it all, her animals remained a source of joy and motivation. Caring for them gave her routine, purpose, and moments of unfiltered happiness. In interviews, she has often noted how their presence helped her through both illness and heartbreak.
The Connection Between Her Music and Her Love for Nature
If you listen closely to Shania’s music, you’ll notice how often themes of freedom, authenticity, and open spaces emerge. Songs like “Forever and for Always” and “You’re Still the One” have a simplicity in their imagery — rivers, fields, skies — that feel drawn from her real-life connection to nature.
In her Now (2017) album photoshoot, she posed with horses on a farm, not as a staged gimmick, but as a true reflection of who she is. The natural world has always been part of her creative identity.
Philanthropy and Wildlife Protection
Beyond domestic animals, Shania has voiced her concern for wildlife conservation. While she is not as publicly outspoken as some celebrity activists, she has supported organizations working to protect endangered species and natural habitats.
She has expressed particular admiration for groups that combine conservation with community empowerment — helping local people find sustainable ways to live alongside wildlife. This aligns with her belief in harmony, both in human relationships and with nature.
A Legacy Beyond Music
While Shania Twain will always be remembered for her record-breaking albums and iconic hits, her legacy as an animal advocate is equally meaningful to her. She has shown that kindness and compassion can be as impactful as any chart-topping song.
Her life with animals is not about image or branding — it’s about gratitude. They have given her comfort in times of loss, joy in moments of triumph, and a sense of belonging that fame alone could never provide.
A Song That Matches the Spirit
The song “Forever and for Always” from her Up! album (2002) feels like a perfect companion to this story. While it’s technically a love song to a person, its lyrics about enduring connection and unconditional care could just as easily describe the bond she feels with her horses, her dogs, and nature itself. Its gentle melody and heartfelt delivery capture the same tenderness that Shania brings to her relationship with animals.
Final Reflection
Shania Twain’s bond with animals isn’t a side note in her biography — it’s a central thread. From a little girl riding bareback in the fields of Ontario to an international superstar caring for horses in Switzerland, her love for animals has been unwavering.
In a world where celebrity lifestyles can often seem disconnected from reality, Shania offers a different example: that true richness comes from the relationships we nurture, not the trophies we collect. And for her, some of the most important relationships are with those who cannot speak but can love deeply — our animals.