For a jolly animal Christmas

The holidays are just around the corner and many of us will not resist the temptation of offering a gift to our pets. Here are a few original suggestions from the team at the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle: 

1.      Have your pet spayed or neutered. This will not only make them more comfortable and prevent some diseases, but it will also help control the pet overpopulation in our region, which is a gift for pets and humans alike. 

2.      Get an ID tag for your cat or dog. The gift for your pet is that they're more likely to be returned to you, in case they stray away and get lost. Tags can also be personalized if you want a fancier version. 

3.      Buy an elastic collar for your cat. Rigid collars pose certain risks. For instance, you cat could be strangled if the collar gets stuck on a branch. Elastic collars are also more comfortable for you feline friend. 

4.      Get quality grooming tools. This will make them feel like they're relaxing at their own private spa! 

5.      Spend a whole day pampering your pet. Give your dog or cat a massage, play with them, take your dog out for a walk, and then prepare a healthy home cooked meal for them. There is nothing your pet will enjoy more than genuine TLC from you. 

6.      If you still feel the need to buy treats for your pets, don't spend too much money - animals don't care much about material things. A safe and sturdy toy, a yummy (but healthy) treat or a cozy bed will make them very happy. Designer jewelry and fancy coats are nice gifts, but realize that you're more likely to fully appreciate them than your pets. 

Beware: animals are not suitable gifts 

A friend or family member is considering getting a four-legged addition to their home and you want to get one as a gift to them? This might not be the best idea. Pets are unique individuals, just like your friend or family member. It's important for both of them to meet first and see if there is a good match of personality and lifestyle. Otherwise, pets often end up being returned to the store or shelter. This year, instead of offering a pet as a Christmas gift, consider offering a gift certificate from the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle adoption center or bring your loved one to our adoption center so that they can choose a pet themselves. 

Save your animals 

You can buy your family a very precious gift this Christmas with our electrostatic window stickers. In case of fire, it lets firefighters know how many animals there are in your home. It could save their lives! These stickers are sold $2 each and are available at the shelter. 

A gift for all animals 

If you can't adopt a pet right now but would like to help us to sweeten the holiday season for the animals in our adoption center, you can make a donation in money. It will be used to buy treats, toys and canned food for our guests. There is no doubt it will be appreciated! You can make your gift online at www.spcall.ca or send it to us at 355 Demontigny, P.O. Box 532, Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, QC, J8C 3C6. 

Gimme Shelter 2008

It's that time of the year again: we're getting ready for the 2008 edition of Gimme Shelter, the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle's annual fundraising cocktail-auction! There is a lot of work to be done through our various committees. We're looking for volunteers in different areas, such as marketing, finding sponsors, logistics, event planning and many more. If you want to lend a helping hand, contact Corinne Gonzalez by email at Corinne.Gonzalez@spcall.ca or by phone at (819) 326-4059. 

To contact us...

For more information about any of these subjects, you can contact the team at the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle by phone at (819) 326-4059 or visit us at www.spcall.ca. The shelter is located at 355 Demontigny, in Ste-Agathe and is open 7 days a week, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Merry Christmas to all readers and their two-legged and four-legged family on behalf of all employees and volunteers at the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle!