Slobbery giants find a new home
Three bonded Edmonton St. Bernards coming to live with a Calgary family
EDMONTON Gasket, Gunther and Goliath — three St. Bernard dogs seeking a single loving home — have been adopted by a Calgary family, says the Edmonton Humane Society.
The three giants taken in Sept. 22 by EHS as a result of a northern Alberta transfer were adopted Wednesday after an Oct. 9 call-out for one forever home.
“The couple are devoted proponents of adoption, having previously adopted numerous pets as well as one of their two children, who are ages 10 and 16,” said the humane society in a Thursday news release.
The call for adoption seen by tens of millions in more than 40 countries drew more than 200 inquiries the first day. The Calgary family, who want to remain anonymous while the five-year-old pooches settle in, feels blessed.
“When we found out that we were getting the opportunity to meet them, we cried tears of joy. Pets add so much to the family, and we’re so happy we can give back to them by providing a loving home for the rest of their lives,” said the family in a statement.
The humane society said that while hundreds came forward to adopt the siblings, one of the challenges was animal control bylaws, many of which specify a maximum of three or four dogs per household. Calgary’s bylaw aims at responsible ownership and does not have a limit on dogs.
“The response to the story of these gentle giants, from the thousands who helped share our call for help to those who offered their homes to these dogs, was truly astounding,” said Jamey Blair, Edmonton Humane Society manager of animal health and protection.
“At the end of the day we could only choose one family for them, but there are thousands of other homeless pets who are all as deserving of a forever home. We hope this story inspires people to adopt from their local shelters and rescues.”
An extensive assessment by EHS after the dogs arrived in Edmonton determined that the three — later confirmed to be littermates — were bonded and experienced stress and anxiety when separated.
EHS is now hosting an adoption event until Sunday where adoption fees are reduced.