In a last-ditch effort to find 12 dogs a home before Christmas, Cape of Good Hope SPCA has launched its 12 Strays of Christmas online campaign.
Belinda Abraham, Manager: Communications, Resource Development and Education at CGH SPCA, says these animals were chosen because they are all stray animals.
“Nothing would make us happier than to see them get loving homes for Christmas,” she says.
According to Abraham, at least 2 000 animals will be admitted into their care between the middle of December and the end of January next year. She explains stray admissions escalate at this time of year as people leave to spend time with family without having made provision for their pets.
“It is a crisis in compassion for the human race and a crisis for the SPCA. The conditions of the animals coming into our facility is heart-breaking, some are already dying while others are emaciated, injured or suffering from one of the many diseases that result from neglect,” says Abraham.
She also urges people to think twice before giving animals as Christmas gifts.
“Caring for animals is an enormous responsibility, and they should never be carelessly given as gifts to anyone.”
She says many people who receive animals as gifts find that they’re unable to make the lifelong commitment to caring for their new animal companion, no matter how much they’d like to make it work.
“Animals deserve the best lives possible, but being given as a gift will make that outcome less likely. You have no way of knowing, if the recipient of the gift has the resources (financial and time) to take care of a pet for their lifetime and many of these animals will find their way to the SPCA in 2022,” says Abraham.
The SPCA’s website lists the names, photographs and descriptions of 12 pooches desperate to find a new family:
Mercy
Mercy is needing a special home. She was found as a stray, after reportedly having been around an area for over a week. After being brought in by the inspectors, she immediately underwent treatment for her wounds. She sadly had to have her front leg amputated. Mercy will need an understanding home. She cannot be placed in a home with lots of stairs or various levels. She will need a home with a secure pool, as well as a quiet home where she can relax. Mercy will need adequate dietary and joint-care supplements and a family who will be willing to assist her with any other medical needs she may have. Mercy would prefer a home without cats.
Shorty
Shorty would thrive in a home where she can go on daily walks. This sweet girl enjoys her chewy treats and likes being tucked in every night. Shorty will make a lovingly loyal companion to a family with older kids. Shorty cannot live in a home with cats.
Pebbles
Pebbles was found as a stray and never claimed. She is a gentle girl who also enjoys, and needs her daily walks. Pebbles would benefit from some beginner’s classes and is learning new things every day she is in the kennels. She may have come from a home, but it is evident that she is experiencing a lot of new things for the first time.
Pebbles took some time to get used to her leash, and with some patience, we are sure this girl will be a divine addition to your family.
Muffin
Muffin was found as a stray and never claimed. Bouncy, active with a bubbly personality with the cutest little face. Your typical Jack Russell, she will need a breed savvy home who is ready for action. She will need daily walks. She also enjoys cuddles, belly rubs and her favourite activity is chewing on her treats in the sunshine.
Lucy
Lucy was found as a stray and never claimed. She was adopted by a wonderful family, but the family dynamics with the other dogs was no longer working out. Her family loves her dearly and are invested in helping find her the perfect home. Lucy would be happiest on her own, or with a male dog of similar size, who is calm.
Lucy is not a fan of cats. Her favourite activities include snuggling under the blankets, relaxing in the sunshine and, of course, her daily walks.
Hugo
Hugo was found as a neglected stray by SPCA supporters. The poor boy needed so much treatment for his skin and scars. Hugo is best suited with a female companion and a home without cats.
Happy was found as a stray but this clever girl must have come from a home. Happy knows how to sit and is so polite. She enjoys her walks, and sniffs are her favourite activity. She is gentle and calm and would be such a great addition to a family with kids. She has not yet met cats, but that can be arranged. Happy can share her home with other dogs too.
Colin
Colin was recently adopted, but his family circumstances changed and he is back in the care of the SPCA. Colin is a bouncy ball of fun. He is so cuddly too and walks like a dream right next to you. He enjoys playing with his dog pals and would benefit from a home with a dog friend or two. Colin is also great with kids but not a fan of cats.
Charles
Charles has come from a colourful past. He loves his comfy bed, to relax in the sunshine and his daily walks. He also lives for back scratches. Charles would prefer a home with an older, calm female dog companion. He would also be happy to be the sole attention-hogger in the household too. Charles would be best suited to a home with older kids. If you have a confident cat, Charles is the dog for you.
Blinks
Blinks needs a very special home. He will need a secure and loving home, where he will be part of the family. This abandoned boy is ready for new adventures with a physically strong owner. Blinks will need an experienced home with no toddlers. Due to his size, and excitement levels, he is suited to a female companion of similar size who can handle his overzealous nature. Blinks is suited to kids over 12 years old. He is not suited to a home with cats.
Benji
Benji is super smart and picks up his training so quickly. He loves to meet, play and cuddle with his dog friends. Benji is the ultimate trail running companion. While he is not suited to a home with cats, he will happily share his home with other dogs and is great with children.
Barbie
Barbie was found as a stray, and although her owners were found, she was never claimed. She has become extremely fond of the kennel assistant who makes sure she is warm and fed every day, something we are sure she did not have in her previous home.
Barbie will be best suited to a home with an easy-going male doggy companion at home. She is not a fan of cats.V For more information, visit https://capespca.co.za/the-12-strays-of-christmas/.
