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December 2016
 Some kids may be asking for a pet this Christmas. Giving an animal as a gift is not a great idea, but we know it happens and it can be okay if done properly. With the BC SPCA’s third animal seizure this year from unscrupulous breeders, it brings attention to the need to be diligent when looking to bring a pet into your home. Many people don’t realize that by buying a pet from a pet store or online, they are usually supporting these breeders. Meeting an animal outside of the environment they were bred or raised is an indicator that the breeders don’t want you to come to their property to see the conditions these animals are kept in.
We know that rescue animals aren’t suitable for everyone. Asking the right questions can help determine if the breeder has the animal’s best interest at heart. Will they take the animal back if there are health issues in the first 60 days? Do they have vet records of vaccines and a regular vet exam? Can you meet the mother of the animal you are buying and, whenever possible, the father as well? What type of food are they on? Is it good quality food? How many litters has the animal had in the last 12 months? How old is the mother? Do the parents have vet records that you can see so you know if there are any genetic issues? Is the person selling you the pet asking you questions to ensure you are the best person to care for the animal?
At the BC SPCA we hope most people will consider adopting an animal from one of our shelters instead of buying. Our animals are temperament tested and health checked. We do our best to make a good match between you and a pet that will suit your family and lifestyle.
Please share this information with students and parents who may be considering bringing an animal into their home this season.
MUTTS Shelter Stories: Love Guaranteed
by Patrick McDonnell
Reading level: Grades 3+ (ages up to adult)
MUTTS Shelter Stories: Love Guaranteed is a heartwarming collection of MUTTS comic strips by Patrick McDonnell. The collection of comic strips is interspersed with real stories of adopted pets from guardians throughout the world.
McDonnell strikes a balance between lighthearted fun and responsible social commentary without being preachy. The comic strips incorporate messages of responsible pet guardianship, animal advocacy and adoption, and the sanctity of all life.
His characters are emotive and expound the important messages of shelter animals. It is hard not to feel empathy for these characters.
Read more BC SPCA book recommendations online.
Continuing with the Adopt, Don’t Shop theme, help the animals at your local BC SPCA find homes this holiday season. Some animals spend more time in the shelter than others. Sometimes it just takes the right person or exposure to the right people to help them find a home.
As a club, why not print off pictures of some of the animals from your local BC SPCA and feature them on a poster? You could also cut out snowflakes and glue the picture of the animal in the centre, and then hang the snowflakes around the school or on a bulletin board with the title, Help these pets find a home for the holidays.
Check out some of our Happy Endings stories to inspire club members for this project.
 Giving a pet as a present may seem like a great idea this holiday season, but it’s important to make sure the person receiving the gift is ready for, and wants, the pet you plan to give. Watch our Tip Tuesday video for advice on considering a pet as a gift.
Another news item that you might be interested in is the latest seizure of animals from a puppy mill in Squamish. The seized animals – 18 adult dogs and 11 puppies – include Old English sheepdogs, Coton de Tulear, bearded collies and a Tibetan terrier. They were badly matted and suffering from ear infections, overgrown nails, skin infections and severe dental disease. The dogs, some of whom may be pregnant, are currently in SPCA care and are receiving ongoing veterinary treatment.
Learn more about this news item and other BC SPCA news that you may want to include in class discussions.
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The BC SPCA has classroom resources for grades K-7. The lessons integrate animal issues and information into existing provincial learning outcomes.
Click on a lesson plan below to learn more.
Kindness counts
(Primary)
Bite free
(Primary/intermediate)
Making the right choice
(Intermediate)
You can make a difference
(Intermediate)
The farm-food connection
(Intermediate)
Cats in the community
(Intermediate)
Including animals in social justice
(Intermediate/Secondary)
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