May 31, 2011

Little Lovin

Dogs and Cats aren't the only animals seeking new homes... It seems Toronto is over-run with HAMSTERS! Thinking about adopting a fur-ball? Now may be a really good time...



from The Toronto Star, May 31, 2011
Henry Stancu
Staff Reporter

News of a hamster population explosion at a Toronto animal shelter has drawn the help of small animal lovers from as far away as California.

It is the biggest birthing batch of the furry critters the Toronto Animal Shelter at Exhibition Place has seen in years.

Because of limited space and an overflow of rabbits and guinea pigs in its small animal section, the shelter is seeking public help through adoptions and cage donations.

The owner of a male and three female hamsters became overwhelmed when her pets got in the family way — as hamsters tend to do when their genders are not checked.

Shelter workers, pet stores and volunteers in various parts of the city have pitched in, providing foster care to the mothers, a father and three litters totalling 26 newborn pups.

“We’ve gotten a lot of calls about them, but some are a bit too small to go off on their own quite yet,” said Laura Heslin, TAS volunteer and U of T zoology student.

“However a large number of their cousins are available.”

Some of the hamsters that are still too young for adoption are expected to be ready by the weekend.

Five pups and three of the adult hamsters have so far been adopted, and nine cages have been donated with five more expected to be dropped off this week by people who have pledged to help.

“A man in California who wanted to help is sending a monetary donation,” Heslin said.

People wanting to adopt hamsters must do so in person at the Exhibition Place shelter, next to the horse palace, between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on any day except statutory holidays, or at Pet Valu stores at 1176 King St W. and 1397 Lawrence Ave. W.

The fee for adoption, which goes to the shelter, is $5.65 (tax included).

Cage donations will be accepted at the shelter’s C.N.E. site, or can be pledged at: smallanimals100@gmail.com. Some of the hamsters may be viewed online at the shelter’s Facebook page.

Unless they find new homes Millie, her kids and their cousins will be among dozens of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, cats and dogs featured at an Adopt-A-Thon in Dufferin Grove Park, on Dufferin St. south of Bloor St. W, on Saturday and Sunday June 11 and 12.

(Original Post available Here. )

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