'Socially awkward' dog gets 'pity party' after spending more than a year in a B.C. shelter
Emma is waiting for her future family to find her.
The German shepherd-cattle dog cross is the first dog in seven years to have been waiting at the Surrey Animal Resource Centre for more than a year.
To mark the occasion, the centre threw what it called a "pity party." It was more of a celebration for Emma, complete with plastic leis, cupcakes, party hats and a kiddie pool overflowing with toys. Emma appeared to enjoy her party, attended by "her friends at the shelter," but those at the centre say she'd rather be in her forever home, with a pile of toys she doesn't have to share.
The spayed, five-year-old female has called the shelter home since Aug. 1, 2021 – long enough that she thinks she's part of the staff, the centre said.
"She tries to be one of the cool kids, but she is always putting her 'paw in her mouth' and saying the wrong thing," staff wrote on Facebook.
"Making new friends is hard."
Staff said she's made a few "acquaintances," but struggles with friendships.
She's alright on walks with other dogs, but finds large social gatherings overwhelming. Instead, Emma prefers to spend her time with adults, and "loves to lean in for snuggles with people she knows are not judging her for being socially awkward."
"If you dread going to parties and events, Emma understands and is happy to stay at home with you for cuddles instead," the shelter wrote, appealing to dog-loving introverts.
Emma loves her toys, and often carries one of her stuffed toys around in her mouth.
She's also not great with children, the shelter said, and it's unknown how she'd do in a home with cats.
She's described as "loyal to the core," and just hasn't found the right humans yet.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.