They all came into the BC SPCA’s care for different reasons. But they had one thing in common…they were skin and bones.
“It is heartbreaking to see dogs in this condition,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations. “They are often in our care for weeks before we see an increase in their weight. We will do everything in our power to make them healthy and happy.”
And the results of that care? All three dogs are healthy, happy and have found their forever homes.
Cosmo, now Emo
“We were looking for a companion for our dog Gilligan,” says Marianne. “Sally and Barbara, who were also old English sheep dogs, both passed recently, and Gilligan was so lonely without them.”
Marianne and her husband Kaj saw Emo on the BC SPCA’s adoption page and were drawn to him immediately. “There was something about his eyes we couldn’t resist, and we submitted an adoption application immediately.”
Critical to the adoption was a positive meeting between Gilligan and Emo. “The funniest thing happened when we went to meet Emo at the animal centre,” says Marianne. “Emo’s foster arrived and was in the parking lot with him just as Kaj was bringing Gilligan out of the car,” she says. “I was in the animal centre and when I turned around there was Gilligan and Emo happily walking together through the door.”
A walk together confirmed what they already knew…Emo and Gilligan were going to be the best of friends!
The good vibes continued when they brought Emo home. “Gilligan and Emo are inseparable,” says Marianne. “By the second day it was like he had been living here all his life.”
And what a home it is! “We have fenced acreage – Emo loves to explore every inch of it,” says Marianne. “The amazing thing is from day one, he had the best recall. If I whistle or call him, whether he is close by or at the very far edges of the property, he comes right back.”
The two dogs love to wrestle with each other and when they sleep together on the couch or their dog bed they must be touching. “It is so adorable to watch,” says Marianne. “We couldn’t have asked for a better friend for Gilligan.”
They have noticed some charming aspects of Emo’s behaviour. “Emo crosses his legs when he is sitting,” says Marianne. He is also a big fan of his dad’s chair. “As soon as Kaj leaves it, Emo claims it,” she says.
Marianne remembers seeing the picture of Emo when he first came into the BC SPCA’s care. “We are so grateful to everyone who cared for Emo,” says Marianne. “The vets, Emo’s foster, and everyone at the BC SPCA. We feel so lucky to have him.”
Cleo
Cleo’s family had been planning to adopt a dog for over a year and had been patiently waiting, looking on the BC SPCA website for the right dog to add to their family. “I am a teacher, so we wanted to wait until the school year ended so we could spend a lot of time with the dog we adopted to help get them accustomed to their new home,” says Lisa.
They saw Cleo on the website and Lisa knew she wanted to meet her right away. “My husband Dan was a little less enthusiastic, but we headed to the animal centre to see if we could meet her,” says Lisa. When they arrived, they were told to fill out an application and then if the application was accepted, they would arrange a time for them to meet. “I could see Cleo in her kennel from the reception area and instantly fell in love. We went home and immediately filled out the application.”
Their application was accepted, and they were soon heading back to the centre to meet Cleo. “When they brought her into the room with us, she was curious about her surroundings, sniffing the air,” says Lisa. “Then she came up to us and did a little more sniffing. We were very impressed that she would ‘sit’ when asked.”
Lisa and Dan’s final step before adoption was a walk with Cleo. When they got back, the staff asked if this was a “yes” for them. While Lisa had known from the first time she saw Cleo, Dan had been a little more hesitant. “When we got back from the walk, my husband gave an enthusiastic thumbs up and Cleo was soon heading home with us.”
Cleo made herself right at home, immediately jumping up on the couch. “She was comfortable from day one,” says Lisa. “She started rolling over and asking for belly rubs on her second day with us.” Lisa adds that the first time they brought Cleo out to the yard she started doing zoomies.
“We are so glad we are able to give Cleo a loving home and make up for all the time she was suffering,” says Lisa. “We are so in love with her. I cannot imagine life without her.”
Arnie, now Push Up
Samantha first laid eyes on Arnie, now Push Up when she was volunteering at the Vancouver BC SPCA. “He had been transferred from the Richmond animal centre and as soon as I saw him, I felt an instant connection,” she says. “He was in foster care for several months while he got better. I waited patiently to see when he would be available for adoption and applied. We were thrilled our application was accepted.”
They were soon bringing Push Up home. “We were very excited,” says Samantha. “He was a little more laid back. He was very curious about his new surroundings.” She adds that it didn’t take long for them to build a bond.
Push Up is slowly letting his personality shine. “He has been a pretty snoozy boy since we brought him home,” Samantha says. “We have noticed he will do anything for a snack. He loves his squeaky bone and his long-limbed monkey toy.”
She adds that Push Up’s curiosity extends to his walks. “He likes to investigate every noise and movement,” says Samantha. “While he is currently a little hesitant with other dogs, he loves people and is getting more and more comfortable.”
Push Up has brought so much joy to our lives. “He brings light into every day. From greeting us at the door to playing tug of war to snuggling on the couch, every moment with him brings us happiness,” she says. “I can only hope that he feels the same love and joy that we do. While many of our conversations now revolve around feeding, walking and his poop schedule, I can’t imagine a life without him.”