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Dear Friends of the Animals

It was a different Thanksgiving for many of us as we stayed safe and found joy in ways other than extended family and friend gatherings. The colours in nature were breathtaking. Sweater weather allowed for some outdoor and distanced mix and mingles. Highway traffic – at its annual peak on the Thanksgiving weekend – was light for those seeking nature trails beyond the neighbourhood.

At the HBSPCA, there is lots we are thankful for. Staff remain healthy. New ways of work – for instance, no contact adoptions and curbside drop off and pick up – continue to keep pets healthy and link homeless pets with families.

We are continually amazed and humbled by the readiness of families to adopt pets with challenging behaviours, who are middle aged, black in color (yes, black), and scared of people. And its not uncommon for pets’ personalities to be uncovered at home. Here are their stories.

Meet Emily – 12 years old and rescued from abandonment without food and water for some time. Often overlooked, black and senior pets can experience a longer than average wait for adoption. Fortunately, this sweet girl lucked out with the most wonderful family who fell in love instantly and she is now the spoiled princess she deserves to be.

Emily, now Emma, is doing 4 walks a day, building her stamina and while she isn’t a cuddly dog, Emma barks to come sit on the couch and watch the news each day.

L’il Red arrived at the HBSPCA as a street cat with a badly fractured leg. The leg could not be saved; she recovered from surgery well. She was very shy and needed someone that would be patient with her and give her the space and time to come into her own. From her pet parents:

L’il Red, now Goldie but mostly just Kitty, is making a great big effort to socialize with us, even when her instinct is to bolt. She now offers her head and ears for a good scratch and spends much more time in the open. Her go-to places are under the bed and under the sofa.  She really gets around on her three little legs. Plays quite a lot. We can see that she is going to become a very affectionate, super-abled kitty.

Kawartha was one of 5 Mamas and 17 kittens rescued by Provincial Inspectors. Kawartha was the shyest of the mothers and the last to be adopted out of the 23 rescued felines. She really blossomed once she made it to her forever home.

I just wanted to write and let you know that we LOVE her!  After about 1 hour she came out of hiding and we have had lots of visits and purring and some playing.  She is so lovely, must have some Maine Coon in her with those tuftier paws and fluffy lower quarters and long whiskers and chirping greetings

And, meet big Bronson. This large breed puppy was surrendered when his family’s housing circumstances changed and were no longer suitable for Bronson. This exuberant boy needed someone with large breed experience, understanding of drool strings on the ceiling and everything that comes with a St. Bernard.

He’s doing great! Understandably on the first day he was very nervous. Drooling like crazy, couldn’t get settled, drank water like crazy and didn’t eat much food. By Sunday though he relaxed and got comfortable. He’s slept through the night since day 1 and has shown his true loveable self. Easy on walks – no pulling – great with other dogs and no barking. We’re up at the cottage now, exploring, cuddling, good walks, restful naps…. he is a joy.

Age, physical ability, size, color, past pet parenting …. all are factors in the re-homing process. Our Adoption Associate works hard to link what a pet needs for quality of life with the readiness, expectations, and lifestyle of adopters.

Pets, like people have a range of personalities and are differently abled.  How fortunate we are that Hamilton families open their hearts and homes to animals in need. Thank you.