The Globe's Pet Gift Guide features gifts any animal lover will cherish. Plus, dogs and cats in need of a home, and available for adoption at The Toronto Humane Society
Matt
If you've asked Santa for an energetic, intelligent young dog, look no further than Matt, a one-year-old beagle who loves all humans, squeaky toys and treats.
Matt's warm and stylish Cozy Caribou hoodie is from Canada Pooch, (prices vary) the best of the best in dog outerwear for cold Canadian winters.
Sirius
At just two-months-old, Sirius is a seriously well-behaved puppy. Sweet and inquisitive, this little man melts hearts quickly.
He loved lounging in his Rugged Rest Donut Bed from Canada Pooch, (prices vary) and was instantly best friends with his plush Olaf dog toy, from Walmart.ca
Rocko
A pug and Jack Russell cross, Rocko is a man on a mission - he is constantly on the go, usually on a whirlwind search for toys and treats. He's a kind, eager-to-please, high-energy boy looking for someone who can keep up to him.
Rocko was a big fan of the soft and stylish micro-velvet pillow ($49.99) from Bowsers Beds, sure to class up any dog bed (or human bed, for that matter).
Riley
A gentle soul, 9-month-old Riley has spent most of his life at the humane society: He adores everyone he meets, and has a contagious appetite for life (and liver treats.) He was returned to the organization after being in a home for under one day - simply not enough time to adjust - and is eager to meet a family with patience and love.
Riley is ready for winter in his Rocky Ridgeback Zip-Up from Canada Pooch (prices vary).
Decker
Decker is a sporty show-stopping Boxer-Lab mix, who is eager to learn and explore. He's an energetic boy at just two years old, and is asking Santa for a home where he can run, play and be loved for the rest of his years.
He's ever-so-handsome in his quilted cityscape coat from Canada Pooch (prices vary), and he would love any of the homemade treats found in the In The Dog Kitchen, ($12.79) a collection of gorgeous, healthy dog treat recipes from Calgary cookbook author Julie Van Rosendaal.
Susan
Susan is all about the love: a six-year-old beagle, she's young at heart and wants to be best friends the moment she walks in the room. A gentle, curious dog, Susan is a friendly gal just looking for companionship.
Like Susan herself, the gift of Pet First Aid is steeped in the idea of deep love for others: From Canadian company Walks 'N' Wags, pet first aid courses across the country teach both dog and cat owners life-saving techniques in a fun, informative environment. Recipients of this gift can be confident they will be prepared if ever their four-legged buddy needed them in an emergency.
Jacobi
A spry, spirited boy, all Jacobi wants for Christmas is a second chance: Through no fault of his own, a family returned him to the humane society after enjoying this dashing boy for 9 years. He's an incredibly smart, loving dog who would like nothing more than to spend his days with a caring, attentive family.
Jacobi models the Whistle from Petsmart.ca - a perfect gift for dog owners who want to digitally monitor and track their dog's activity levels. Think FitBit, for our canine friends.
Max
At 2 years old, Max has spent more than half of life at the Toronto shelter: He's come so far, we're told, learning basic commands, patience with new people, and is turning into quite the gentleman. The love and pride the volunteers feel for this guy is palpable.
For a dog owner who truly wants to know their canine pal, Dognition ($19 for one dog assessment) is a perfect gift: An online program that tests your dog's strengths through fun, science-based games that help reveal how individual dogs see the world.
Summer
Who doesn’t love a cat in a holiday necktie? Summer, the softest, sweetest 4-year-old tabby turned into a model the second he donned his Christmas bling, from Petsmart.ca
Marlin
Dapper and sweet, seven-year-old Marlin was a photographer's dream: He started posing immediately, soaking in the attention and doling out sandpaper-tongue kisses.
Marlin rocks the three-flower collar ($40) from The Rover Boutique, Toronto-based specialists in pet collars, bow-ties and jackets.
Judge
Just two-months old, little Judge's crazy soft, all-over-the-place hairdo can be attributed to his rough start: With no mom to groom him (he was found with umbilical cord still attached), his hair is an endearing mess that adds to his soft personality and inquisitive spirit.
Judge had a ball spinning on the the cat scratching turn tables from Suck UK. ($35 CDN) The toy will provide hours of entertainment for your cat, while making your house instantly more cool.
Shakira
True to her celebrity name, 12-year-old Shakira is a gorgeous soul with a big personality. Beautiful on the inside and out, Shakira is a stunner. Don't let her age fool you: she is a lively, affectionate cat waiting to be loved.
She models her velvet jingle collar from Petsmart.ca, and a wonderful book for any cat lover, A Letter to My Cat, ($29.95) a touching tribute to felines everywhere.
All of the animals featured in The Globe's pet gift guide are adoptable cats and dogs at the Toronto Humane Society. If you or someone you know is ready for a furry friend this Christmas - plan a visit to the shelter, or peruse the animal listings here.
Not in Toronto? Search these listings.
(Shelter residents and mother and daughter pair, Talia and Mona send you a big, slobbery thank you - and send warm wishes for a memorable holiday season.)