Louise and Gus are two of the shelter animals at the Toronto Humane Society who modelled this year’s gift picks for pet and pet owners alike.Amberly McAteer/Supplied
You’d think that an animal shelter during the holidays might not be a jolly place, with dogs in kennels and cats in cages, no home to call their own or fireside lap to curl into. And with many shelters across the country seeing an increase in pet surrenders and intakes, the outlook can be far from merry.
But the Toronto Humane Society is actually my favourite place to be around this time of year. Amazing animals of all sizes wait for their forever person, comfortable, warm and well-fed in the interim. Dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers bustle down the halls to walk a dog or care for a cat, their goodwill almost palpable.
It should go without saying that animals are not material items and no one should be gifting a puppy in a box. But if you’re prepared for the time and financial commitment any pet brings, these wonderful companions – modelling stylish and thoughtful Canadian products – are ready to spread joy, and lots of it.
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Lady Clement
As lovely as her name suggests, this girl entered the room with grace and composure and greeted everyone present before taking her position in front of the camera for her photo shoot.
Lady Clement shines in this violet puffer parka (Canada Pooch, $139), with matching leash and collar. The parka is waterproof, insulated and looks as fabulous as the Lady herself.
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Louise and Gus
Louise and Gus arrived at the Toronto Humane Society on the day of our photo shoot – along with their eight brothers and sisters transferred from an overwhelmed shelter in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Everyone in the room gasped in delight as they jumped into place and gave me their best “adopt me now” faces, in unison. The cozy, handcrafted-in-Quebec pet sofa (Atelier Kats-B, $245) surely helped put them at ease. And its sophisticated fabric and midcentury modern design is photogenic, too.
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Charlie
At just six months old, Charlie seems wise beyond his age: He was curious and gentle, and extremely affectionate, as we prepared to take his photo. He also loves to chew – even this festive scarf caught his interest.
Questions such as why dogs chew, and whether they are truly capable of love, are topics that Canadian journalist Jay Ingram explores in his new book, The Science of Pets (Another Story, $35.99). It’s a fascinating read for any animal lover.
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Paris
The lap dog to end all lap dogs, Paris is the most easygoing dog I’ve ever met. She let me plop her right into this fashionable, modern pet carrier (Parker & Co., $145) and pose her however I pleased, giving soft kisses whenever my face was close enough. An eight-year-old, gorgeous mixed-breed gal, Paris was immediately comfortable on the sherpa-lined interior. She’d make a perfect travel companion – and the bag, too.
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Boppy
Boppy was dropped off at the Humane Society as a stray. The lovely six-month-old made herself right at home with this cat tree (Katpole, US$899).
Made in Canada from steel, aluminum and walnut, it’s built to last and keep both cats and their humans happy. Interchangeable modules mean your cat won’t get bored, and the elevated aesthetic means you don’t need to hide it in the laundry room.
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Sapphire
This sweet, one-year-old boy is looking for a patient human this holiday season, someone who understands that progress happens in steps, not leaps. He’s a sensitive soul who moves slowly. He’ll trust you; he just needs time.
A special dog like Sapphire deserves a bit of luxury – such as this vegan and alcohol-free Summer Blanc dog perfume handmade in Vancouver (RooRoo Made, $49.99).
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Diamond
The easiest way to get Sapphire out of his shell, it turns out, is to put him in a room with his stunningly sweet sister, Diamond. The two were admitted to the shelter as a pair – and you can tell their favourite thing is being together.
Also a soft spirit, Diamond was shy to take a treat from my hand but thoroughly enjoyed eating from this 3-in-1 slow feeder (Dogged, $49), designed to enrich mealtime for pets and make cleanup easier for their humans.
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Meela
Not much is known about Meela’s backstory. But I knew from the moment I met this four-month-old puppy she’s going to be some lucky person’s soul dog.
She’s playful but obedient, inquisitive but gentle – and during our photo shoot, her tail did not stop wagging. She’s ready to weather the weather in this bright two-in-one rain jacket and harness (Canada Pooch, $92).
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Fifi
My one-shot wonder, Fifi, hopped right out of her box and onto the set, ready to strike a pose like a pro. When she heard the camera click, she hopped right back down. She’s stunning, and she knows it.
A fancy cat like her will enjoy unique menu items such as this Farmed Insects formula (Wilder Harrier, $44.99) made to offer allergy relief with sustainable insect protein that can both help our pets and our planet in a meaningful way.
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Lili
Sometimes rescue animals need convincing to show interest in a product – but that was not at all the case with Lili and this colourful, handmade Snuggle Stick (Krazy Kitty, $19.99).
Containing organic Canadian catnip, this “body pillow for your cat” is refillable and machine washable. Beautiful, spunky six-month-old Lili took right to it – well, like a cat to catnip.
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Darrow
Darrow was nothing but affectionate. A real charmer, this one-year-old boy is sure to add a ton of festive joy to a lucky home this holiday season – especially in a slouchy, tartan cat bandana from Bridge Lake, B.C. (Callie’s Place, $15).
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Guinea pigs
Not just a respite for dogs and cats, the Toronto Humane Society also has a variety of other special species in need of a home.
If you’re considering a pet turtle, rabbit or perhaps a pair of bonded, extremely sweet guinea pigs in formal, rhinestone encrusted collars (Callie’s Place, $25) – look no further.
Not in the Toronto area but considering adding a life-changing rescue animal in your life? Check with your local animal shelter or visit PetFinder.com for a nation-wide database.
