If the winter blues have got you down, or the state of the world seems extra terrifying these days, allow me to recommend a day at your local animal shelter. Spending time with these wonderful rescue animals, here to model our mostly Canadian, all-terrific pet gift guide – assisted by a team of generous, kind, expert volunteers – is truly the panacea we all need.
It must be said: Pets are not gifts, and by no means should you adopt a living creature if you don’t have the time or energy or forethought. But if you’re ready – really ready – I know 12 of the very best ways to brighten your 2025.
Amberly McAteer/The Globe and Mail
Beans
A tiny kitten with a huge personality, Beans hopped right into this luxurious, eco-friendly and festive microsuede scoop bed (Montreal-based Pooshi, $82.60). Curious and gentle, Beans weighed just 76 grams when she was born in the Humane Society, after her mom was brought in as a stray – and in a surprise plot twist, proceeded to give birth to five kittens. Beans is, along with her siblings, waiting for her forever home – and doing it in comfort.
Beau
After doing this gift guide for 10 years, you would think I would know when my soul dog is coming – that is, the one model who I immediately want to take home. But Beau took my breath away. More than a gentle giant, he is a well-mannered angel. He has been in shelters for way too long – and was transferred to the Humane Society last summer, with hopes he would find his person soon. He is still waiting, patiently. If you love a big dog like I do – Beau is the very best boy, and well deserving of this gorgeous bed, made specifically for big dogs like him: the wonderfully soft and supportive orthopedic lounger (Markham-based Mammoth, $149.99).
Pekoe & Toffee
These little guys in the surprise litter could not be more opposite: Toffee happily climbed into this retro yet modern cat condo (Walmart, $39.97) nestled in and could have stayed there all day. Pekoe, however, went on a mission of exploring, and would barely sit still – his little hops warming all of the hearts in the room.
Birdie
Birdie strolled right into the photoshoot like the top model that he is, and immediately started posing. Gentle and calm, Birdie, at 8 years old, is still a curious kitten – and loves to investigate and play. This toadstool scratcher (Canadian Tire, $24.99), complete with – you guessed it – a chirping birdie, was a perfect pairing for him. He was smitten, and so are we.
Booboo
It’s hard to believe this girl was brought in as an untrained stray in June; she is now so well trained that I wanted her to give lessons to my dogs at home. She was eager to show off her skills – sit, stay, paw, wait; she aced them all. Booboo thrives on mental stimulation – so this snuffle mat (Acton, ON-based Pawzndogz, $62.99), which just won the 2024 pet stress relief product of the year – is a no-brainer. She’ll be entertained and engaged for hours, and ready to show off her skills in her new home.
Wishbone
So many of the animals we see on this day show no signs of traumatic backstory – they’re just perfectly content people-pleasers. Wishbone, though, was different. At only 7 months old, this sweet Jack Russell Terrier is cautious around people he doesn’t know; but he wants to come out of his shell, and he wants to trust. The staff tell me once he loves you, he will love you forever. My Christmas wish is to find this guy a loving, trustworthy home. He’s counting down the days with this dog treat advent calendar (Kitchener, Ontario-based Goosie’s All Natural Dog Treats, $20).
Dax
If you could design a perfect cat, I think you’d come out with Dax: constantly purring, radically fluffy, bursting with affection. Like a cartoon version of a cat, he is so full of personality and is so extremely handsome. Dax had us all cracking up: we asked him to pose in this extremely luxe, smart litterbox (Walmart, $699) – the most extravagant item on our list – and he made himself right at home. So much so, he refused to come out, and just contently purred from inside – basically saying “I live here now.” A true character, he will win you over in seconds.
Dezi
Another showstopper, Dezi feels like she was born to model. She was so sweet and friendly and curious about our photoshoot – she greeted every person in the room before assuming her position. The THS staff tell me she’s a dream on walks and is so excited to explore the world – which she can do in any weather, with these suspender dog boots (Canada Pooch, $75). (Anyone who has ever attempted to find a lost dog boot in the snow will know why the suspenders are a genius idea.)
Minu
This sweet 1-year-old cat is so calm and easy-going, I can’t believe she’s real. She appears to be a porcelain doll more than a cat: She does exactly as she’s asked and then gladly retreats back to her lounging. Sweet, soft, and the most docile cat ever, Minu is counting the days until she finds a home – with this advent calendar from an Indigenous pet treat company in Northern Ontario (Shades of Gray, $32).
Lexie
There was no stopping Lexie from shining – she was so excited to have so much attention, and you could tell she felt special getting dressed up. She loves people so much, and she has been waiting in the shelter for her special person to walk in. She looked fabulous in the reversible puffer vest (Canada Pooch, $78), which will keep her warm, dry and fashionable this winter.
Skipper
A 10-month-old love bug, Skipper was transferred to Toronto from the Six Nations Animal Control reserve in November. This sweet boy loves being out and about, whether it’s exploring the park, sniffing everything in sight, or getting the zoomies during a game of fetch. He’s stil working on leash manners – so this collar (Yellowknife-based PetRoam, $54) is perfect. Inspired by the founder’s adventurous husky, this tactical collar has a pocket for an AirTag, and an emergency handle for quick control. Skipper feels quite festive, too, in hunter green.
Woody
Woody, as they say, understood the assignment – jumping right into position for the photo, and got it in the first take. She is playful, sweet, curious, and all you could ask for in a cat; the volunteer told me Woody often places a soft paw on her cheek for affection. She got extremely comfortable right away in this modern, handwoven, German-designed cat bed (Toronto-based ErgoPurrch, $179), which attaches to any desk in seconds – the purrfect (sorry) work-from-home accessory.
Parker
Not just a respite for cats and dogs, The Toronto Humane Society takes in all kinds of ‘other’ animals. From turtles to guinea pigs to Flemish Giant rabbits, like beautiful Parker. This majestic boy shone in a festive blue tartan collar (PoochyKat, $18), a boutique pet store in Toronto’s west end.
For more information on animals available for adoption, visit torontohumanesociety.com or visit them at 11 River Street in Toronto. (Or if you’re ready for the love and commitment of a rescue animal but live outside the GTA, visit petfinder.com for a nation-wide database.)
