The Kamloops branch of the BC SPCA has 50 animals in its care: 19 dogs, 27 cats, two rabbits, one guinea pig sa国际传媒� and Gandalf the goat.
sa国际传媒淗esa国际传媒檚 been in foster because we obviously donsa国际传媒檛 have a place to put a goat here,sa国际传媒� said Alyssa Kyllo, interim branch manager of the Kamloops BC SPCA. sa国际传媒淲e have had house pigs here, though.sa国际传媒�
Gandalf is a white billy with a beard that rivals that of his Lord of the Rings counterpart. Named by a clever BC SPCA staffer for obvious reasons, he first came to the branch in November.
Gandalf was found wandering someonesa国际传媒檚 property for weeks before the owner tied him to a fence post and called the BC SPCA. The cruelty investigations team usually deals with livestock. Llamas, horses and cattle have been fostered in the past.
sa国际传媒淲e donsa国际传媒檛 get that many goats,sa国际传媒� Kyllo said.
Itsa国际传媒檚 unclear why Gandalf was out wandering alone. Maybe someone could no longer afford to feed him. Perhaps someone couldnsa国际传媒檛 foot the bill to treat his wounded horn. Maybe someone simply didnsa国际传媒檛 want him.
sa国际传媒淚t would be nice for people to call us,sa国际传媒� Kyllo said. sa国际传媒淚 cansa国际传媒檛 promise we can help everyone, but at least we are aware of the situation and we can put people in connection with the branches or another rescue.sa国际传媒�
Gandalf was treated by a veterinarian, his horn wound deemed minor.
Months later, he remains in foster care at a local hobby farm.
Itsa国际传媒檚 no sure bet, but Kyllo said Gandalf may soon have a forever home.
The Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association is considering adding him to its acreage near the Kamloops Airport. Hesa国际传媒檚 a little rough with sheep, Kyllo said, but Gandalf loves people. She thinks he would be a fit.
sa国际传媒淲esa国际传媒檙e going to see if we can get him over there for a visit and, if it all goes well, hopefully it will be a finalized adoption,sa国际传媒� Kyllo said.
Gandalf has been difficult to place. Beyond finding foster homes, farm animals are among the hardest to adopt out. Theysa国际传媒檙e few and far between cats and dogs.
sa国际传媒淣ot everyone walks in here wanting a goat,sa国际传媒� Kyllo said.
Helping home:
The SPCA is always looking for new foster families to care for farm animals or animals with special needs. The high-stress environment of the shelter is not ideal for animals in need of socialization, newborns or those on the mend from surgery. No experience is necessary and supplies are provided. The agency can be contacted at 250-376-7722.
