A holiday to remember for five Shih Tzu puppies

What better way to spend the holidays than in a warm, cozy home surrounded by a loving family? Thanks to our generous donors, volunteers and the animal care team at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre, that’s how Swiffer, Mop, Broom, Roomba and Dust get to spend their holidays.  

From being found abandoned in a parking lot to finding safe and loving forever homes, these Shih Tzu siblings have had a year to remember. 

Finding a home for the holidays 

In December of 2023, Markham Animal Services discovered five Shih Tzu puppies abandoned in an area parking lot.  

“The puppies were severely matted and fearful when they were brought to our animal centre,” says Katrin Schoenmair, Manager of the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre. “With tender care, our dedicated team bathed, groomed, and comforted them. Just before Christmas, they found loving homes with foster-to-adopt families while they awaited their spay and neuter surgeries.” 

In the first week of January, each pup underwent their spay/neuter surgeries and they were officially adopted by their foster families.  

Roomba (Coco) adoption update 

For Tammy, it was a belated Christmas present unlike any she’d ever received. Tammy got her first look at Roomba (soon to be re-named Coco) on Dec. 17., 2023.  

“We booked our viewing, and on Dec 18 we drove nearly two hours to meet Roomba,” says Tammy.  “She was very tiny, not overly social, shaved down and her eyes told us she wanted to join our family. Her story of abandonment and mere survival left us heartbroken, but we knew she was perfect for our large farm home.”  

Tammy says thanks to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s foster to adopt program, they were able to take Roomba home that day. 

Under her new name, Coco now lives in a happy home with twin teenage boys, two large farm dogs (one of whom  was also adopted from the Ontario SPCA) and two cats. Although Coco is too small to play with the family’s horse, she has a large yard to run freely around in.   

“Coco is bursting with energy and playfulness,” says Tammy. “She loves to snuggle and sleep in bed with her humans. We feel we received the greatest gift from her – love and trust.  We encourage everyone to adopt from the Ontario SPCA.  It’s an amazing and rewarding experience.” 

Give a gift to animals in need 

Even if you’re not in a position to adopt, you can still make a huge difference in the lives of these animals at this giving time of year.  Your donation helps to provide urgent care and shelter for vulnerable animals across Ontario, like these Shih Tzu puppies, and helps them find the loving home they deserve. 

 As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. Donations can come in many different forms and sizes: One-time donations, corporate donations, legacy gifts, wedding and birthday gifts, as well as shopping Paws & Give™.  There’s something to suit everyone!  

Help more animals find their loving homes this holiday season. Donate today.