UPDATE: Over 200 adoption inquiries about trio of Saint Bernards at Edmonton Humane Society
The Edmonton Humane Society is facing a huge adoption challenge as three Saint Bernard dogs currently in its care must be adopted together.
Two-year-old Gasket, Gunther and Goliath were transferred to the EHS from another animal welfare agency and it quickly became clear the trio had bonded.
If separated, the EHS said the three experience high levels of anxiety, searching and attempting to escape in order to find each other. So, the EHS is making it a requirement that all three be adopted together.
“These three gentle giants have won over the hearts of staff and volunteers – even with the excessive drool,” said Jamey Blair, manager of Animal Health & Protection at EHS.
“While their status as bonded pets creates a unique challenge to find a home that can care for all 350 pounds of them, we are confident that there is a family out there who will give these three dogs their second chance.”
When they dogs first arrived, they were reportedly underweight, but healthy. Now all three of them each weigh over 115 pounds and have recently undergone their neuter surgeries. They’ll be available for adoption on Wednesday.
“They’re lovely dogs. They’re playful, friendly, sociable, they’ve been quite a delight to have here at the shelter,” Blair said.
Watch below: The Edmonton Humane Society is trying to find someone willing to adopt three Saint Bernards. Margeaux Maron explains why the EHS says the dogs must all go to the same home.
Blair said it’s not uncommon for animals to move as a group between different agencies while looking for their forever home. She said quite often the EHS will get bonded cats or a pair of dogs, but she can’t remember a time where there were three large breed dogs looking for a home together.
“They are doing much better when they stay together so we want to make sure they’re not seeing that stress and it’s just much better for their welfare overall if they get to go to a home together and enjoy the rest of their lives together.”
The gentle giants have captured the hearts of those who work and volunteer at the shelter, Blair added.
“The staff adore them. It’s all the staff have been talking about.”
But the EHS is cautioning anyone who may be interested in adopting the lovable brood to consider the significant expense that will be incurred. The food alone is estimated to cost over $300 a month. The life expectancy of a Saint Bernard is between eight and 10 years and the potential of vet bills needs to be considered as well.
The EHS is also recommending that the dogs go to a home without any children and with a large outdoor area. The three appear to get along well with other dogs, but the City of Edmonton bylaw states there can only be three dogs at one residence.
Anyone interested in meeting Gasket, Gunther and Goliath is asked to email adoptions@edmontonhumanesociety.com as the three are being kept out of the public viewing area to give them more room.