Sales of pets surge around Christmas time, and many of those animals come from pet stores or breeders.
But local animal rescues want British Columbians to know that there are plenty of great pets that deserve a home for the holidays too.
Here’s a look at some of the great furry friends that are available for adoption in the Vancouver area. Let’s make sure these animals don’t spend Christmas behind bars in a shelter.
Levi
This young male Shepherd mix was found tied to a tree in Surrey. At first shaken up by the experience, he’s come to love and trust his friends at the shelter. He’s still a bit wary of strangers, which means potential adopters have passed him by. He’s great with other dogs and would benefit from a calm and confident companion to show him the ropes of the doggy world. Available at the Surrey Animal Resource Centre, for more info email [email protected] or call 604-574-6623.
Suki
Suki is a beautiful and affectionate tabby whose favorite hobby is purring. Though she can be a little shy at first, she is a perfect cat in every way, and she’s guaranteed to capture your heart at first sight. Available at VOKRA.
Lovely Lexus
Do you love hiking and running? Then lovely Lexus is the girl for you. This one-and-a-half year old female Pit Bull Terrier pup is enthusiastic and wiggly and loves the outdoors. The perfect guardian is someone who can give her lots of exercise to tire her out, and give her a home with obedience and structure. She is also a cuddle bug! Meet Lexus at the West Van SPCA.
Junior
“Blissful Dilemma” is a four-year-old friendly and curious boy who enjoys people, other horses, dogs and even cats. He is great with a herd, playing and learning new things. He is calm and friendly and would best be suited to a lighter rider because of his smaller size. Available through Circle F Horse Rescue Society.
Dougie
Dougie is a sweet and cuddly cat who has been with VOKRA for over a year and a half. He loves to play, and would be a great companion for a mature, cat savvy adopter.
Jack
Jack is a nine-year-old German Shepherd/Rottweiler cross who was transferred to the Richmond Animal Protection Society when his owner passed away. Not much is known about his history but shelter staff say he’s a sweet and laid back guy who has a very even temperament. This senior still has good energy, and can pull a bit on leash. He goes out of his way to avoid other animals, so RAPS says he would be best as the only animal in the home.
Little Trevor
This little dude was left for dead at a shelter but has made a fantastic recovery. This handsome and gentle one-year-old is believed to be a terrier/Chihuahua/Dachshund mix and loves to cuddle. He settles in well at night and travels well in a car. Let’s get this little “poppet” a home for the holidays. Through Big and Small Rescue.
Tiffany and Levi
Born to a feral mama, this dynamic duo were originally real nervous Nellies and weren’t sure what to think of people. They’re now coming out of their shells and would be best in a home without small kids or energetic dogs. These siblings are lively and love to play. Just 13 weeks old, Levi is the more confident one and Tiffany likes to observe from a distance. Available at the Surrey Animal Resource Centre, for more info email [email protected] or call 604-574-6623.
Scooter and Smokey
These bonded boys are eight-year-old Chinchillas and the best of friends. Their new home will need to provide a large space for the boys so they can get the appropriate amount of exercise. These robust rodents are boisterous and inquisitive and love having cardboard boxes to hide in and destroy. At the Maple Ridge SPCA.
Spanky
This four-year-old Chihuahua is a little man with a big personality. He’s an independent guy who would be happy in a working home. He is not a huge fan of cats. Spanky is a fun guy who doesn’t let his size slow him down. Available through LEASH Animal Welfare Society.
Solstice
Solstice came to VOKRA in January 2015 after she was found having been hit by a car on Vancouver’s streets. A sweet and shy kitty, she has made an excellent recovery, and is looking for the purrfect person (or people) to spend the rest of her nine lives with.
Lucy
After we featured Lucy in a column a few months back I was sure this West Highland Terrier/Corgi sweetie would be snapped up in a heartbeat, but I was wrong. I have no idea why no-one has adopted Lucy. She falls in love fast and will bond with you quickly. She’s great with older kids and even cats! She would be perfect for a retired person or someone who works from home, because she hates being away from her humans. Available through LEASH Animal Welfare Society.
Tiggy
Tiggy is a sweet and loyal 12-year-old cat who has been patiently awaiting a loving adopter since 2012 with VOKRA. Older cats are often overlooked, despite the fact that they will live for many years to come, and often have the most love to give.
Bongo
Bongo needs a Christmas miracle. This six-year-old Chihuahua mix loves to snuggle up beside you at all times, and loves to explore and meet other dogs. He’s house trained, good with kids and has no interest in cats. Big and Small Rescue says: “When you come home, he would greet you at the door with his unstoppable saggy tail.” They believe he’d be best suited to someone who works from home, or is retired, because he “loves cuddling all day long.” Email adoptbigandsmallrescue@gmail if interested.
Tilly
Tilly originally came to VOKRA in 2009 after having been surrendered by her owners. Since then she has been adopted and surrendered back to us through no fault of her own. Affectionate, sweet, and playful, Tilly deserves to find a family that she can call her own forever.
Harmony
This gentle and sweet mare has been a saddle horse since retiring from the race track at age four. She shines on trails where she is a relaxed and gentle partner, described as “honest and uncomplicated” by the people who work with her. “Harmony is a most beautiful horse, inside and out,” they write. Available through Circle F Horse Rescue Society.
Jasper
Described as a beautiful canine gentleman and “old soul,” Jasper is a well-behaved and calm two or three-year-old Poodle. He loves dogs and kids but has yet to be tested with cats. This sweet boy was hit by a car and left for dead, but has been given a clean bill of health from the shelter. Available through Big and Small Rescue.
Mandy
It’s hard to believe, but this stunning Arabian mare has been looking for her forever home for more than 18 months! Handlers say Mandy, 16, could be a wonderful riding partner and friend, and would be best suited for an experienced horse rider. Through Circle F Horse Rescue Society.
Hank
Hank has been at the New Westminster Animal Shelter since July, with no interest at all. How great would it be to cozy up with this gentle giant by the fire? Hank has hip dysplasia, which turns a lot of adopters away, but this five-year-old Pitbull/Mastiff mix has a lot of love to give.
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