As we gather together over the holidays, surrounded by warmth and company, it's nice to imagine that everyone has a warm, loving place to call home.
But for 62 furry critters, the holidays will be spent in a crowded animal shelter, never knowing if today could be their last.
Michelle Spark is the manager of the Battlefords Humane Society. As she shows me around the holding area, where newcomers are kept, she introduces the animals by the names the staff have given them.
"This one thinks I'm his mom," she says, pulling a cuddly kitten from a cage.
Although she seems attached, Spark knows to keep her distance.
"If one more cat comes in today, I'm going to have to decide who dies," she said, explaining the shelter is required to keep two kennels open at all times.
"We're trying so hard to be a no-kill shelter, but it just doesn't work that way," said Spark.
The shelter is already stretched beyond its capacity, with 26 dogs in 19 kennels and 36 cats in a space that should hold 20.
The situation seems bleak, and it is, as the shelter has been receiving between four and five cats per day.
"The cold weather has a lot to do with it," said Spark, explaining animals that run wild during the summer are often brought in during the winter because people become concerned.
Spark urges people to come look for their pets sooner rather than later, adding, "chances are, after 72 hours we won't have it anymore."
The shelter relies on funding from the City of North Battleford and the town of Battleford, as well as donations from companies and organizations such as SaskTel, the Brett Wilson Foundation and the North Battleford Elks.
"We really don't make any money on our adoptions," said Spark.
Every animal purchased from the shelter has up-to-date shots, a microchip, 30 days free pet insurance, one free visit to the vet, is dewormed and spayed or neutered.
Dogs cost $163 for males and $178 for females, while cats cost $105.50 for males and $129.50 for females, although, in light of the recent influx of cats, Spark said the board is looking at reducing the cost for felines.
"We've got to do something," she said, adding adoptions decline in the winter months.
When asked what she would like for Christmas, Spark's wish list is simple: a loving home for all her furry friends.
