Though thousands of animals are adopted each year across Metro Vancouver, there’s something extra sweet when a rescue dog gets to meet their new family around the holidays.
And although I’m not a huge supporter of giving pets as surprise presents, because, well, the novelty wears off fast for some recipients, I do believe Christmas is a perfect time to adopt an animal if you’re ready for it. That extra time off around Christmas and New Year’s Eve is a great transition time to get to know your new four-legged family member, spend time together and – with any luck – come up with a routine that works for both of you.
There are scads of fantastic animals across the region looking for their new hoomans. Some, like Cosby, haven’t been on the market long, while others, like Sawyer, have been patiently waiting for ages. So if you’re ready to make the leap into puppy parenthood, here are 10 fantastic puppers ready for love.
Tuffy
Tuffy, courtesy BC SPCA.
Tuffy has survived a lot. He lost his eye after being kicked by a horse, and he fell off a truck when he lived in Northern BC. So, not the best start in life. But this Chow Chow/German Shepherd cross got a second chance at life and love when he was transferred to Vancouver. And he is the SWEETEST boy. He was a huge fan favourite at a one-day “pup up café,” where animal lovers got to meet SPCA pups.
Tuffy is not a great city dog. He gets anxious on walks where there are lots of cars, and he’s not great getting in and out of cars. He would do really well on an acreage, or in the country. He loves other dogs and would do well with a canine companion.
You can meet Tuffy at the West Vancouver Shelter at 1020 Marine Drive, email [email protected] or call 604-922-4622.
Chloe
Chloe, courtesy LEASH and Justin Veenema.
Petite and sweet, this eight-pound Chihuahua loves to be snuggled. She’s also a bit of a princess: This fancy girl loves having a plush bed, fancy clothes and getting her nails trimmed. She’s super social and would do well with someone that could bring her to the office during the day. She’s not overly into kids, and would prefer to be in a home with older children, or none at all.
If you’re interested in adopting, follow L.E.A.S.H. on Facebook for updates, and visit their website to submit an application.
K.D. and Lange
Lange, courtesy BC SPCA.
K.D., courtesy BC SPCA.
Get it? K.D. and Lange were surrendered together and really rely on each other for confidence and support. It would be lovely if they could be adopted together, but they could also each be adopted on their own if there was another calm, confident canine in the home. It only takes a few minutes with these senior gals for K.D. to come curl up in your lap, and Lange will inquisitively follow behind. These girls are nervous ones, and would do best without young kids.
If these two lovely ladies sound like the missing piece of your home, visit them at the Vancouver BC SPCA shelter at 1205 East 7th Avenue, email [email protected] or call 604-879-7721.
Cosby
Cosby, courtesy Big and Small Rescue.
The gentle giant! This two-year-old love bug is a big boy at 83 pounds, but could stand to put on a little weight. It’s believed that he’s possibly a Labrador with a bit of Shepherd in there too. Cosby is very sweet and loves greeting everyone he meets. He’s also a “true gentleman” on a leash, according to Big and Small rescue. “He is not a big barker, just a big angel.”
Email Big and Small Rescue at [email protected] if you’re interested in Cosby.
Licorice
Licorice, courtesy LEASH.
Leggy lady! Don’t let her age fool you. This 10-year-old female rat terrier has a lot of love left to give, and her greying muzzle is just perfect to snuggle with. She is good with older kids, and other dogs, but would probably prefer to be the solo queen in the home.
Through L.E.A.S.H. Animal Welfare Society.
Buster
Buster, courtesy Justin Veenema.
If there was ever a dog that could use a happy ending, it’s Buster, or Buster Brown, as he’s affectionately referred to. I wrote about Buster in early November after this dog-meat trade survivor arrived from Thailand, and he still hasn’t found his happy home. For the life of me I can’t figure out why: This Soi Dog loves going on walks and is great on leash. He loves hanging out with his favourite bone and just spending time with his humans.
Through L.E.A.S.H. Animal Welfare Society.
Huey
Huey, courtesy Justin Veenema.
Petite and athletic, this Staffordshire terrier cross loves treats and laying at your feet while you watch TV. He came into L.E.A.S.H. as a highly fearful boy, but has improved in leaps and bounds while in foster care. Just a year-and-a-half old, he is still very much a puppy, and loves on-leash walks where he can explore his surroundings. Think of him as a big-hearted dog in a wee body.
If you’re interested in adopting, follow L.E.A.S.H. on Facebook for updates, and visit their website to submit an application.
Sawyer
Sawyer, courtesy BC SPCA.
If there is any dog in Vancouver that could use a happy home this Christmas, it’s young Sawyer, who has been in foster care for almost a full year! He’s healthy and fit and would do well in an active home that can provide him with daily exercise and mental challenges. He’d be a great candidate for agility training – and there isn’t a trick he couldn’t learn to do, according to his foster fam. He gets along very well with other dogs, and has been staying with three other dogs since January. Doggie friends would be a good match, but young children and cats would not. He’s still a very excitable pup.
If you are interested in adopting please submit an application to [email protected] with a note that it is for Sawyer.
Dolly
Dolly, courtesy Justin Veenema.
Another repeat offender, I wrote about Dolly back in October when this sweet puppy went into foster care. This sweet pit bull keeps getting passed by because of her energy level. She is a real spark plug, and really needs to be in a family that loves hiking, biking, jogging and being outside.
If you’re interested in adopting, follow L.E.A.S.H. on Facebook for updates, and visit their website to submit an application.
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