Give the gift of saving a small life this Christmas

Many creatures great and small are looking for a new family to love this Christmas.

Brooke Winterstein pictured with a foster puppy ready to be adopted. Picture: Shae Beplate.

MANY creatures great and small are looking for a new family to love this Christmas.

Townsville animal advocate Brooke Winterstein couldn’t image a life without animals and has worked in the animal care industry for many years.

Ms Winterstein said adopting a pet this Christmas would give a new future to a homeless soul.

“Adoption is a big thing for me because there are so many rescue pets out there looking for a home whether they be young or old,” she said.

“Taking on board a rescue a lot of the time, you are not only saving them but you are bringing something special to your own life.”

CC is a sweet girl, who will need an active family as she has plenty of energy. CC also loves laying about, on the couch or at your feet in the kitchen.

The mother of four girls, three dogs, one cat and one horse, Ms Winterstein said she valued how a pet could bring a new dynamic to anyone's life.

“They bring so much to my girls and it is a sense of responsibility for them to look after them and feed them and teaches them to be gentle and kind,” she said.

Townsville Foster and Rehoming Animals started operation 100 in the first week of November in the hope to rehome 100 animals before Christmas Day.

Director Angelia Atkinson said the rehoming centre was under increased stress every Christmas period due to owners surrendering their pets before going on holidays.

“Starting mid-November we get 40 calls a day for dump animals and we are flat out finding five animals a week a home,” she said.

Tinsel is a very shy girl from a rough beginning, it may take some time for her to get to know you and become comfortable.

The rehoming centre currently has 60 dogs and cats ready for adoption, with a total of 120 animals in foster care, ranging in ages from eight weeks old through to six years old.

Ms Atkinson pleaded with Townsville to pick up the phone to meet the rehoming animals looking for a new family today.

“If you have room in your house and you want to adopt a pet that you are going to love and going to keep, give us a call,” she said.

Aurora is a beautiful large, but gentle girl who has been well trained. Aurora is very food orientated and is a happy, easy going loving dog.

Cats start at $50 and dogs start at $150 to adopt and are all desexed, microchipped and vaccinated.

The Townsville Foster and Rehoming Animals is open 9am to 6pm everyday until December 24. Call Angela on 0409 184 685 to meet a new addition to your family.

Originally published as Give the gift of saving a small life this Christmas