'The 12 Strays of Christmas' - Animal Welfare League's Gold Coast shelter massive adoption drive

AS a massive 'empty the cages' adoption drive kicks off at the Animal Welfare League's Gold Coast shelter today, we profile the '12 Strays of Christmas'.

Sweet little sauce, the five-year-old Dachshund x Jack Russell

AS a massive 'empty the cages' adoption drive kicks off at the Animal Welfare League's Gold Coast shelter today, we profile the '12 Strays of Christmas'.

Sauce is a shy lad.

He's the one who hangs back, tail hesitantly thumping the concrete, as his squirming, boisterous pen mates rush to mob the families parading past.

The routine's repeated countless times a day, but the hope behind those pleading liquid eyes never dims.

Maybe the next person will pause, unbolt the heavy pen door.

Maybe they'll notice the quiet five-year-old dachshund cross in the corner, patiently waiting for a family of his own.

Maybe Sauce will get his wish this weekend.

The Animal Welfare League will hold a massive adoption drive this weekend with the cost of potential pets drastically discounted.

Kiri, a three-year-old bull arab cross, is pacing in a neighbouring pen.

She's a big girl - some might misjudge her because of her size - but she's eager to show how clever she is.

Kiri will be looking for a 'furever' home this weekend.

She sits, huge paws crossed to prop up her chin, waiting for an audience to see her shake paws, stay and drop, earning the approval that means the world to her.

There's confusion in her gentle eyes when it doesn't come.

Maybe this weekend there'll be kind words and a proud pat.

Animal Welfare League of Qld (AWLQ) communications manager Brooke Whitney says Christmas is a time for giving and what pets like Sauce and Kiri need most is to be given a second chance.

"When you choose to adopt not only are you saving a life, you're making space for another cat or dog in the shelter who can then find a home," she says.

"We want all of the animals in our care to be in a loving home this time of year and to feel part of a family."

Last year Gold Coast Bulletin readers helped every one of our 12 Strays find a home within days.

This weekend, the AWLQ aims to set a new record: to have empty pens by 5pm on Sunday.

For two days, all dogs are $99 and cats are $39.

Those keen to keep track of the progress can follow live updates on Twitter @AWLQ, on the AWLQ Facebook page or at www.awlqld.com.au.

The Gold Coast shelter is located at Shelter Road, Coombabah.

12 STRAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Nine-year-old Monkey - a Bull Terrier x Mastiff - would love to live out her days with a loving family

Millie, the six-year-old Australian cattle dog x Australian Shepherd

Juzzy, the two-year-old, Fox Terrier x Jack Russell.

Heidi, the two-year-old Australian Kelpie x Border Collie

Sweet little sauce, the five-year-old Dachshund x Jack Russell

Kiri, 3, the Bull Arab x Mastiff

Bonnie the cat, a two-year-old blue tortoiseshell domestic medium hair.

Omni, the eight-year-old domestic short hair cat

Two-year-old tabby domestic short hair Isis.

Sophie, the one-year-old domestic short hair cat

Anna, the two-year-old tortoiseshell domestic short hair

Cherub, the three-year-old domestic medium hair cat