How would you improve the lives of farm animals?

The deadline for the Bark! Farm Animal Month Contest has been extended to Nov. 15. We want to hear from you about ways to make life better for the 100 million farm animals raised in B.C. every year. These could be changes that farmers could make, or things the average person might do to have a positive impact.

To get you started, here are some ideas:

• Give the animals more space and time outside. (Many farm animals live in cages or stalls so small they can’t move around, and never get to go outdoors.)

• Shorten the amount of time farm animals are allowed to be transported. (Right now they can be kept in a truck for up to 52 hours with no food or water.)

• Start “Meatless Mondays” at home and try a new vegetarian recipe each week as a family. (Not only does this help animals, but it can be healthier and better for the environment, too!)

Send your ideas by Nov. 15 to: Bark! Farm Animal Month, 1245 East 7^th Avenue, Vancouver, BC  V5T 1R1. You could win one of three SPCA Certified hats plus other goodies. You must be 13 or under to enter.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose an animal issue that matters to you, whether it be taking care of pets, protecting wildlife or respecting farm animals.
2. Download and print our stamp template sheet or use the stamp cut-out provided in your most recent issue of Bark! (the one with the fish on the cover).
3. Draw, colour and be sure to include the message you want to share in your design. A message might be something like, “Make sure pets have ID!” or “Don’t feed bread to ducks.”
4. Mail your stamp to BC SPCA Bark! Stamp Champ Contest, 1245 East 7^th Avenue, Vancouver, BC  V5T 1R1. Be sure to include your first and last name, age and city.

This contest is open to kids ages 13 and under. Send your entries by Nov. 30. We can’t wait to see your designs!

His name at the time was Custard, and he quickly caught the eye of a young lady who told her mom he was “the one.” While he was a bit shy at the shelter, once in his new home, he started to come out of his shell.

Custard’s new family renamed him Finnegan and immediately started taking him on all their adventures, including a trip to Tofino where Finnegan got to try paddle boarding!

Thank you to Finnegan’s family for giving this sweet boy such a loving home!

Has your family adopted an animal from the BC SPCA? Share your story and your pet could be featured on our website!

November’s Furry Friend of the Month is Charlie Girl, a good-natured five-year-old cat.

Charlie Girl is currently living at the Vancouver SPCA, but she hopes to soon move into a new home with a family who will love and care for her for the rest of her life.

Charlie Girl looks forward to spending time with her new guardians, cuddling on a warm lap and sleeping in a cozy spot on the bed. Charlie Girl would rather her new home doesn't have any other cats; she wants her humans all to herself! All in all, we know Charlie Girl is going to make a wonderful companion for a lucky family.

Please note: Charlie Girl was available for adoption at the time this article was written and may have found her forever home since then.

Visit the BC SPCA website to find more furry friends currently looking for homes.