Lockdown or not, adopt a pet, SPCA urges
Adding a furry family member wasn’t even on their radar for the Bradshaw-lawlor household before they saw a recent plea from the Saskatoon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
The SPCA was — and still is — trying to adopt out as many animals as possible, despite the pandemic.
Brett Bradshaw went to the SPCA’S website to browse available animals.
“I was starting this last while to miss having a dog,” she said. It’s been two years since the death of her greyhound, Brad. In December, their two cats also died.
“It’s been a lot different not having pets,” she admits, but she didn’t think the timing was right. “I have enough on my plate, I didn’t want to take anything else on.”
But Bradshaw was drawn to a sandy-coloured pup, so she sent a screenshot to her partner, Jonathan Lawlor, who was on board.
They picked up nine-week-old Sunny on Saturday. Bradshaw said everyone who was adopting waited in their cars and went in one at a time after staff cleaned the facility between visits.
For the safety of staff, the SPCA closed to the public nearly two weeks ago, but adoptions are still strongly encouraged, said spokeswoman Jasmine Hanson.
“We urgently need homes for these animals because we don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
Interested applicants can view available animals on the SPCA website and apply online. The SPCA then calls them to make an appointment to meet the animal.
Hanson said she’s grateful for the positive response: by Monday, 57 animals had been adopted and only four dogs still needed homes, while 27 cats were available. Those numbers are subject to change, Hanson noted. “It’s very possible that our animal population could spike at any time, and we want to prepare.”
Hanson encourages people to consider adoption, noting “it’s a great time because you have to spend more time a home.”
Adoption fees for dogs have been reduced to $150; fees for cats are waived. Microchips, immunizations, and spaying and neutering are still included.
“If you can’t do that, any amount of donations helps at this time,” she added.
The SPCA usually has a spring fundraiser that can’t go ahead now, so the organization needs donations to help with operating costs.
Bradshaw said their two daughters are very excited to have a sidekick. “She’s a total puppy, so she’s knocking Saoirse over, grabbing the backs of their shirts while they’re running,” she laughed. Their eldest, Sloan, loves the responsibility of feeding the puppy and making sure she isn’t chewing the wrong things, she said.
“It’s been a fun distraction or a bit of lightness in all of this.”