Homes for the holidays sought for some of man’s best friends and felines
By STEVE POWELL
Herald Writer
EVERETT — If you are looking for an unusual Christmas present, John DeWispelaere may have it.
It’s a cat that looks somewhat like it’s been bred with a basset hound. While its face looks normal, its body is long for a cat, and its legs are only about 4 inches long.
The Everett Animal Shelter manager said Friday that he’s not worried about finding someone to adopt it.
"It’s the sympathy or odd factor. It’s some of the healthy ones that never get homes," he said.
DeWispelaere said it’s not too early to start thinking about getting a pet if you want one for Christmas. In fact, now’s the perfect time.
"We don’t recommend getting one during the crazy season," he said. "It’s better to get one after or before Christmas."
He explained that during the holidays there are too many distractions for a pet to get comfortable in a new home.
People often leave to visit others and aren’t home to take care of the animal during a very critical time. Also, visitors are coming and going, making it hard for the pet to adapt. Add to that commotions caused by all the tinsel and candy, and it’s just not a good time.
Also, if you want a kitten, you can’t wait until Christmas because there won’t be any left. Cats don’t give birth in winter, and the few kittens left are quick to go.
Twenty cats are available for adoption at the Everett shelter, as are 30 dogs.
"There’s always too many" animals at the shelter, DeWispelaere said. "If you want a big, rambunctious dog, there’s always plenty."
Animals cost $40 to adopt, but $20 of that is refunded once the pets are spayed or neutered. The shelter is at 2732 36th St.
DeWispelaere doesn’t recommend getting a pet for someone else, because it may be an unwelcome present. But a pet can be a great gift for your own family.
As for the unusual cat, DeWispelaere said it is an adult male with long hair. He said he’s heard tales of cats being bred with rabbits, but nothing like this.
The animal was picked up in the Lake Stevens area early this week.
"I’ve never seen anything like it," he said.
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