At a damp September fundraiser for CARES (Canadian Animal Rescue and Extended Shelter) in Langley’s Derby Reach Regional Park, Cordelia, a one-year-old calico cat, was perfectly dry in a modified stroller with a transparent polycarbonate cover created by her human.
Her owner, Christopher McDonald, said it was better than using a leash.
“Walking a cat’s not like walking a dog,” McDonald commented.
“This way, she doesn’t have to.”
Cordelia’s stroller was decorated with her name and a notice on the top that said “precious cargo on board.”
According to a new poll, Langley has the most pampered pets in Canada, based on a survey of PetSmart stores that tracked sales of festive toys, treats, apparel, and accessories.
It found Langley pet owners were outspending every other city, placing the community at the top of a list of 15 Most Festive Pet Cities in Canada that had the “most spoiled” pets during the holiday season.
Langley was one of five communities from B.C. to make the list.
Kamloops was number three, Nanaimo number five, Kelowna six, and Victoria was ranked 15th.
Canada-wide, “pet parents,” as the PetSmart poll described them, “are embracing their pets as a cherished part of family traditions because most (66 per cent) see their pet as part of the family and including their pets brings them joy (57 per cent).”
More families are including pets in holiday celebrations, the survey found.
A majority, 58 per cent, buy their pets gifts, and nearly one in two, 44 per cent, hang stockings for their pets.
Charndeep Grewal, vice president of merchandising at PetSmart, said it was “heartwarming to see so many pet parents making their pets a central part of the holiday celebrations. These top cities truly embody the spirit of the season.”