There’s still time to enter the BC SPCA Bark! Pet Name Contest.

Featured in the summer issue of Bark!, this contest is your chance to put your creative pet-naming skills to work and give a shelter animal the perfect name to take to his or her forever home.

We’re looking for your best names for cats, dogs, gerbils, rats and guinea pigs. Submit one of each and we’ll choose our favourite in each category to be given to a shelter animal in need of a name.

Send your entries by Sept. 30 to BC SPCA Bark! Pet Name Contest, 1245 East 7^th Avenue, Vancouver, BC  V5T 1R1 or email them to kids@spca.bc.ca. Be sure to include your full name, age, address and email (if you have one).

Winners will be announced in the winter issue of Bark! magazine. In the meantime, look out for the fall issue this October for a brand new contest and chance to WIN!

It's nearly here! The 2015 Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk to fight animal cruelty, that is.

We're looking forward to seeing lots of families (that includes dogs!) at this year's events, many of which are happening this Sunday, Sept. 13*. There will be all sorts of fun stuff for kids, including face painting, dog agility demonstrations, contests and prizes.

We know many of you are already signed up online and have been working hard collecting pledges and raising awareness about animals in need – thank you! If you'd still like to join in the fun, you can register in person on event day. It's FREE for youth 18 and under, or just $10 with an event t-shirt.

See you this weekend!

*Walk dates vary in some locations. Please check your local branch’s walk information for specific details.

Crack up your friends and family with these animal-themed jokes!

Q: What do you call a grizzly bear in the rain?
A: A drizzly bear!

Q: What’s a bunny’s motto?
A: Don’t worry, be hoppy!

Q: What do horses living at nearby farms call each other?
A: Neigh-bours!

Q: What do you call a seagull that you see at the bay?
A: A bagel!

Q: What’s a cat’s favourite button on the TV remote?
A: Paws!

Want to make us laugh? Send your own animal jokes to kids@spca.bc.ca.

Meet Jackie, a three-year-old black-and-white beauty and September's Furry Friend of the Month.

Jackie arrived at the West Vancouver SPCA as a stray, and unfortunately was not claimed by a family so was placed for adoption. 

Jackie settled in quite easily, and has been making the most of her time at the shelter as she looks for her new home. Jackie's a chatty girl who likes to have her chin rubbed and be a part of whatever's going on. We know she'll make a great addition to a family!

Please note: Jackie 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.