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Cute and homeless: 11 of the SSPCA’s most adorable pets looking for a family

River the German shepherd cross malamute
River the German shepherd cross malamute

Let’s take the chance to meet some of the cutest and most loving animals on the hunt for new homes in Scotland.

The Scottish SPCA cares for hundreds of animals across the country, including at their Aberdeenshire centre, in Banchory.

We’ve teamed up with the SPCA and here are some of the most adorable animals looking to be re-homed.

If you are interested in rehoming any of the pets below, call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 or visit the Aberdeenshire centre, located in Drumoak, Banchory AB31 5AJ.

Name: Gonzo

Gonzo
Gonzo the akita

Age: 9

Gender: Male

Breed: Akita

Gonzo is a real teddy bear of a dog who loves to greet you with a smile and a good old body rub. Sometimes he is Mr Happy Bear and at other times he is a right old Mr Cheeky Bear.

When Gonzo is happy he will do anything you want him to do, but when he is in his cheeky mode, he will decide himself what he wants to do or most likely not want not to do. This is very much an Akita breed trait, as they do tend to have their own distinctive characteristics.

Akitas are highly intelligent dogs who also possess a stubborn wilful streak, and if you don’t win their respect, they will just stick two proverbial fingers up in the air at you and not listen to a word you say.

They can also be very reserved around people they don’t know, though we have to say in Gonzo’s case he is actually an all-round sociable dog.

If people don’t understand the breed, they often complain that Akitas can be mouthy, however, again this is a singular Akita trait and it is a way of them communicating with their loved ones.

For example they may want to take you to their lead if they want to go for a walk.

Sharing his home with his human family is what he is all about, but bring other pets into the equation, and Gonzo will not be best pleased.

Given that an Akita’s facial expression is very hard to read, in so much as it never really changes, young children would find it very hard to understand if he was happy or sad. For this reason, Gonzo would be best suited in a home where all the family members understand him and love for who he is.

Name: Sam

Sam
Sam the crossbreed

Age: 1-2

Gender: Male

Breed: Crossbreed

Sam the man is a truly loving dog who sadly is still looking for his human Mr or Mrs Right.

Poor Sam, who is a collie cross, really needs someone to love and, just as importantly, someone who can love him back and offer him a forever home.

Although Sam comes across as being very sociable and at one with the world, he does harbour many hidden anxieties which will show up in the home environment when he is faced with situations he is not comfortable with.

This will require an owner who is prepared to give him time and coping strategies to help him face his fears. Being a collie type, Sam has also shown that he has quite a strong herding instinct and you may find yourself getting maneuvered around the home.

Therefore ideally Sam needs a very quiet home, in fact possibly a one adult home may suit him best as he tends to bond very closely with his owner. Ideally it would be someone who understands the collie breed and has experience of helping dogs build up their confidence levels through patience and training.

Sam is such a highly intelligent and active dog who just needs a mentor to bring out the best in him. He can be best described as work in progress as outwith the home he is such a happy boy who loves to meet new people and likes to play with other dogs. He really enjoys his exercise and has fantastic recall off the lead.

It is only within the home that his anxieties tend to come to the fore, especially when a towel is near him or the hoover is heading in his direction.

Sam just needs and wants a home to call his own and be loved for who and what he is and where he can be helped to be the dog he is meant to be.

Name: Sam

Sam JRT
Sam the Jack Russell Terrier

Age: 7

Gender: Male

Breed: Jack Russell Terrier

Sam has only very recently come into our care after his beloved owner could no longer care for him.

Whilst we are still getting to know Sam ourselves, he appears to have taken the sudden change of path in life in his stride. He is such an adorable little dog and he just loves to come and say hello to you.

However being the breed he is, he has tons of energy and likes to always be on the go. This sociable fella is happy to meet up with his canine pals, though he has not actually lived with another dog.

We do know that Sam has never been around young children, so it may be unfair to expect him to adapt at this stage in his life.

Sam will also show his terrier instinct when it comes to cats and he will go into chase mode should he happen to come across any felines.

Sam really will be a great canine companion for someone who will love him for who he is and give him the devotion he so enjoys.

Sam can be reserved subject to veterinary clearance and assessment.

Name: River

River
River the German shepherd cross malamute

Age: 2

Gender: Male

Breed: German shepherd cross malamute

River is one very handsome German shepherd cross malamute who has also been gifted with such a gentle and loving nature. Yet he is not for the novice dog owner and anyone looking to rehome River must have a proven understanding of his breed mix as there are aspects to his character which can be challenging.

When out with the home, River’s very strong predatory instincts come to the fore and for this reason he would need to be kept under control when out and about. River is also very clever and has mastered the art of escape in true Houdini style. Therefore a very secure garden is a definite must. River also needs to kept active and busy as idle hands could make for destruction.

Furthermore, River would not be able to be home alone. He needs at least one other canine pal who he can be with at all times and he most certainly needs to be around human company as well.

Given his desire for canine and human companionship, as well as his need to be kept active and dare we say out of trouble, we would only consider a home where River’s requirements will be totally met. This means he can develop into the dog he is meant to be and become a completely fulfilled canine.

Name: Megan

Megan
Megan the domestic short hair

Age: 3-5

Gender: Female

Breed: Domestic short hair

Megan is a sweet girl who arrived in care through no fault of her own.

She has been with the centre for some time as she has had problems with her skin. Her skin was raw and covered in scabs due to a flea allergy and she had also been over-grooming.

To look at her now you wouldn’t believe it as her coat is beautiful and soft and her skin has vastly improved.

We think Megan would make the perfect pet for a quiet household. She’s a quiet little soul herself and enjoys nothing more than curling up on your lap for a snooze.

Outdoor access would be necessary for her, but a secure garden would probably be best as she can be very easily spooked.

Megan is still undergoing a few simple veterinary procedures before being able to leave the centre however she can be reserved subject to veterinary clearance.

Name: Jingle

Jingle
Jingle the domestic short hair cat

Age: 3

Gender: Female

Breed: Domestic short hair

Jingle came into care through no fault of her own. She is a young cat who is in need of her loving forever home.

When Jingle first arrived in our care she was a very timid girl and certainly didn’t like her fellow cattery residents.

She has grown into into a confident cat with a bit of a feisty side. Any new owner will need to take into consideration that she may revert back into her shell and take time to settle once in a new home.

Jingle will need to go to a home where she will be the only pet and she would be best in a home with older children, if any, due to her independent personality.

We feel Jingle would enjoy having access to the great outdoors in the warmer weather once she has settled into her new home.

Name: George

George
George the domestic short hair cat

Age: 8-10

Gender: Male

Breed: Domestic short hair

George is a handsome older gentleman who is looking for his forever home. He is an affectionate but timid boy who loves to spend his days cosied up in his bed.

He would prefer a quieter life where he is the only feline in the household and can get your full attention as and when he wants.

George may take some time before he comes out of his shell but we are confident he will be a wonderful companion once he gets to know you well.

His forever home would ideally be a quiet household with no young children to disturb his beauty sleep!

He may also enjoy the opportunity to explore a secure garden in the summer months once he has settled into his new home.

Name: Fluffy

Fluffy
Fluffy the crossbreed rabbit

Age: 1

Gender: Male

Breed: Crossbreed

Fluffy is one of those rabbits who will turn people’s heads. A lot of people disagree on whether he is pretty or not, but most agree he is certainly striking.

Fluffy came into care after his owner could no longer look after him. He is now looking for a new home, ideally mostly outside, with plenty of room and lots to keep him occupied.

He does like human attention but not so much human cuddles. He tolerates being picked up to have claws trimmed, teeth checked etc, but does not enjoy it, preferring to interact on ground level.

Fluffy has lived with other rabbits and should have no problems doing so again pending a successful introduction.

Name: Harris

Harris
Harris the guinea pig

Name: Harris

Age: 7-8 months

Gender: Male

Breed: Guinea Pig

Harris came into care through no fault of his own and is now looking for his forever home.

He was quite timid when he first arrived but with time he is gaining confidence and will sit happily for cuddles.

Harris came from a home where other pets were causing him stress. However he might be able to be rehomed as a companion to another male guinea pig, pending a successful introduction.

He would be able to go to a home with quiet children as long as they can provide gentle handling.

Name: Diego

Diego
Diego the hamster

Age: Unknown

Gender: Male

Breed: Hamster

Diego is an adorable wee chap who arrived in care due to very sad circumstances.

It is clear that Diego has been well cared for as he is healthy and extremely happy to be handled.

He loves to sit in your hands and will quite happily wash his little face without a care in the world.

Although he has had to adjust to a new environment and new people, he has taken this all in his stride.

Diego would love to find a forever home to call his own after the hard time he has had lately.

Name: Martin

Martin
Martin the terrapin

Age: Unknown

Gender: Male

Breed: Terrapin

Martin is a nice boy who loves to swim around and bask on a raised platform.

Like all terrapins Martin will require a large enriched habitat to ensure he has a long and happy life as poor husbandry can cause a number of health problems.

An outdoor heated or covered pond such as a poly tunnel or an exceptionally large indoor tank would be suitable.

A balanced diet, controlled water temperature, clean water to swim in, sunlight or artificial UV light, careful handling and regular health check-ups are all required to ensure terrapins remain healthy.