There are many animals in need of good homes this Christmas.
That’s why The Guardian is again teaming with the P.E.I. Humane Society for the 12 Strays of Christmas, a tradition that features different animals looking to be adopted.
Jennifer Harkness, development co-ordinator for the humane society, said the campaign has been going for many years, and she is happy it continues to help get the word out about pet adoption.
The 12 Strays of Christmas is an annual tradition in The Guardian. The feature can be found daily here at The Guardian between now and Christmas.
“It’s a wonderful thing to feature the animals this time of year, it can be a busy time at the shelter,” she said. “As the weather changes and it gets colder, we find that the public are bringing more strays into our care, which is understandable.”
For 12 days leading up to Christmas, a different animal at the humane society will be featured, and this year there will also be helpful tips for current and potential pet owners.
Humane Society numbers
- - 90 animals are currently in the care of the P.E.I. Humane Society
- - 28 animals are waiting to be adopted
- - 21 cats, one dog and six “tiny paws” are looking for homes
- - 810 animals have been adopted so far in 2017
- - Harnkess said it’s also important to look at the financial aspect of pet ownership.
“Make sure you do a budget for the year, factoring in things like vet care, grooming, training, litter, bedding, whatever the needs are for the animal,” she said. “Then, if you do that research and you feel like you’re really ready and that it’s time, then you’re ready to meet your new best friend.”
There are currently 90 animals in the care of the humane society, which are there for a variety of reasons, including because they were strays or were seized, for medical reasons, are in foster care, or are waiting to go home and have already been adopted.
Of those animals, there are 28 waiting to be adopted. Everything from cats and dogs, to rabbits and guinea pigs, dozens of animals are looking for forever homes.
Harkness said 810 animals have been adopted so far this year, and she hopes to see that number increase.
Last year, all of the animals featured in the 12 Strays of Christmas were adopted, including a cat named Gus, who was adopted by Vanessa, Paul, Anderson and Owen Arseneau of Charlottetown.
“Gus has been a great addition to our family,” Vanessa said in an email update to the humane society. “He has definitely been a great addition to our family.”
Wayne Thibodeau, regional managing editor for The Guardian and the Journal Pioneer, said he is pleased The Guardian is once again playing the part of matchmaker between Islanders looking for a new family member and pets that call the shelter home.
“The P.E.I. Humane Society does such important work across Prince Edward Island,” said Thibodeau. “But it still sad to see so many adorable animals without a place to call home. If we can play even a small part in connecting these animals with a new home, I’m happy to make that happen.”
