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It feels like so long ago since daily life changed dramatically last March.  Like many of you, the staff at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA are missing face to face interactions with each other, with our volunteers and most importantly, the individuals and families we serve. Also, perhaps like you, our eyes are screen weary from so many online meetings.   The good news is these tools are in place to help us keep distanced and stay connected during this pandemic.

The pandemic has changed not only the way we live, work, and play but the way that we adopt a new family member.  We moved to an online, contact-free adoption process and the response has been fantastic! As we approach the Family Day weekend, we are reminded that pets are such an important part of our families especially during these challenging times.

Since March 2020 we have matched 548 pets with new, forever families.  Dogs who remind us that it is important to get outside and go for a walk; cats who are perfect cuddle buddies for movie nights at home; rabbits, guinea pigs and even hamsters that provide companionship and help teach our children valuable lessons about caring for a pet.  Our pets can be a friend, a great listener, an exercise partner and even a co-worker for those now working from home.  We imagine that many pets have made an appearance in those Zoom calls!

We wanted to share a few updates from families who have welcomed a new friend from the HBSPCA into their homes:

Ash, now Penny’s mom wrote –

“So… I gotta say, thank you for seriously the world’s most perfect puppy. You know when you get a new cat and they disappear for several days under the furniture and you kind of forget you got one? Our experience with Penny has been the EXACT opposite of that. She is clearly as in love with us as we are with her. She howled the whole way home and we haven’t heard a peep since. She is so happy and engaged and I can’t say enough about it. Thank you!

The foster mom (for Penny) really did her job for sure! I’m shocked at how much she knows. She was even sitting for the boys. She even slept last night from 9 until 5:30!! We are over the moon!”

Meringue, now Juniper’s mom shared this with us –

“Hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to reach out and give you an update on Meringue (I call her Juniper now). She’s such a sweet bunny and she seems very happy in her new home. She loves exploring and eating, she’s not a picky eater in the slightest. She’s a bit of a troublemaker and loves to knock things over or sit on my laptop during zoom calls but isn’t too much of a chewer so it’s been a pretty easy transition from the X-pen to free roaming. She doesn’t seem to mind being picked up, though. I don’t do it frequently and likes hanging out on my bed watching Grey’s Anatomy with me. Couldn’t have asked for a better bunny! My friends and I are very much in love with her.”

DJ and She-Ra’s new family sent us this update

“Hi – just wanted to let you know that DJ and She-ra are amazing! They are both super curious and I’m amazed at how affectionate they are.  Of course, a bit skittish, but settling into their space – eating and drinking and even a bit of play.   As you said, lots of hugs!! They are bringing us such joy!  Their curiosity is hilarious!  

Thanks so much – I think this was a really good match.  We are all really pleased and look forward to having a lot of fun together!!”

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA goes to great lengths to ensure that pets are appropriately matched with their new family and provides so much more than just a simple transaction.  Our all-inclusive adoption fee includes:

*a lifetime of support following the adoption

*nutrition information and support (and easy home delivery options)

*spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, medical care and so much more

*bag of nutritious food delivered to your home from our partners at Royal Canin Canada

We look forward to matching many new pets with their forever families.

In these challenging times we thank everyone for sharing their stories and continuing to support pets and their families. We hope you enjoy a special Valentines Day and Family Day weekend with your loved ones, whether they are people or pets.