Great dogs that need a home for the holidays

More Canadians bring home pets during the Christmas season than any other time of year, with many buying from pet stores and breeders.

But local animal rescue organizations want consumers to remember that there are thousands of homeless pets in shelters across B.C. that deserve a home too.

The BC SPCA says many of the animals that come through their doors each year are purebred, well-behaved and would make perfect family pets. Some are simply given up because of a change in circumstance or simply because they’re not young anymore.

Vancity Buzz columnist Darcy Wintonyk, who just took in a new rescue dog herself, wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the great pets in the Lower Mainland in need of a warm, loving, forever home.

Let’s make sure these animals don’t have to spend another Christmas at the shelter. And if you have your own adoption success story, please leave it in the comments below.

Biggie

This lovable eight-year-old Shar Pei has had a rough year. Seized in a cruelty investigation in Chilliwack, he underwent surgery to remove a massive growth hanging off his neck. He was adopted out but was returned after being un-welcomed by other canines in the home. Shelter staff have been won over by this boy’s playfulness and sweet nature and say he’d love a home with someone who can take him for walks (he loves to sniff) and give him an unlimited supply of cuddles and squeaky toys. Find Biggie at the West Vancouver SPCA.

Lucy

This young Border Collie/Lab Retriever mix was returned to a shelter after her owners have a baby. She’s now been in a rescue for a year with almost no interest. Lucy had a tendency to be fearful of strangers, but has been thriving with clicker training. Lucy is high-energy and would be best suited in a family that enjoys the great outdoors and can give her ample exercise. She is a loveable goofball that gets along well with other dogs and adores hiking (her foster mom takes her several times a week). She’s available through Chilliwack’s Carried Through Animal Rescue and Education.

Clark

This three-month-old Dachshund mix is looking for a warm and caring home to call his own forever. He’s currently being fostered with a tiny Chihuahua and rescue workers say he’d do very well in a home with another dog. This little gentleman is also a bit of a cuddler: he loves sleeping in the crook of your neck. Email [email protected] if you’d like to meet Clark.

JoJo

JoJo still has some puppy traits – she’s only three – but loves a good sleep in. In fact, she loves getting to snooze with her foster parents while she’s awaiting her forever home. It’s believed that she’s a Lab/Pug/Beagle mix and she weighs in at 40 pounds. She’s well socialized and a happy little soul. Email [email protected] if you’re interested.

Winky

This spunky senior American Eskimo dog had her eye removed because of glaucoma. The 10-year-old canine is very sweet, and is still active for her age. She’s love a few short walks a day, but she’d also be content to play at home in your living room or lay at your feet while you’re working on the computer. She’d be a good companion for another older, easygoing dog. She’s available through Carried Through Animal Rescue and Education.

Levi

Don’t let his age fool you: This eight-year-old Cocker Spaniel is a gentle cuddler that loves going on walks. He’s a bit sneaky and will steal food at every opportunity. His foster describes him as a real lap dog that will climb up on your lap and sprawl across you whenever there’s a chance. He has a disorder that means he has around three seizures a year and he requires medication. This wee man is wonderful with kids of all ages and does very well with other dogs. He’s available through the CSRBC Cocker Spaniel Rescue.

Macy

This three-year-old miniature poodle cross is an affectionate and energetic girl that gets along great with other dogs. She’s got great leash manners and loves cuddling with her human parents. She’s 22 pounds, and gets along with adults and kids alike. For more information email [email protected]

Simba

This handsome boy has been in a Richmond shelter for more than a year and is in desperate need of a forever home. This young male Shar Pei/terrier mix would be best in a house without other cats or dogs and children under five years old. Who can resist that handsome face? He’s at the Richmond Animal Protection Society. www.rapsociety.com.

Nelson Bundela

Full disclosure: This isn’t a dog. But he’s spunky and would be a great pet. Nelson is a young bunny who loves his stuffed bunny, enjoys all types of veggies and is very clean in his pen (he’s even litter trained!). Nelson loves having space to explore and loves to be out of his pen checking out the house. He welcomes head scratches and it getting used to cats and small dogs sharing his space. He’s at the Small Animal Rescue Society of BC.

Blake and Tess

These bonded purebred Husky seniors are great with other animals and love children. Both are great on leash and would absolutely love to go for long hikes. The rescue group says the pair was going to be put down because of health concerns, but they’re in great shape now – and have a lot of life – and love – to give. For information contact [email protected].

Emmy

This sweet three-year-old German shepherd arrived to the rescue severely underweight and with a big bite out of her right year. But despite her history, this sweet girl loves being doted on and is happy and energetic. She knows tricks and actually really loves watching TV. She’s being fostered with a cat. To adopt this pretty girl, please email [email protected]

Turbo

This goofy Rottweiler mix has been at the shelter since September. He knows how to sit and lie down, and is learning to play fetch. He loves treats and is very food-motivated. He’s still working on his manners but would be well-suited to a family that is willing to put in a little bit of training. He’s at the Vernon SPCA.

Please share your own adoption story below, or any pets you know of that are looking for a new home. Happy holidays everyone!