The Kamloops branch of the BC SPCA has 50 animals in its care: 19 dogs, 27 cats, two rabbits, one guinea pig 鈥� and Gandalf the goat.
鈥淗e鈥檚 been in foster because we obviously don鈥檛 have a place to put a goat here,鈥� said Alyssa Kyllo, interim branch manager of the Kamloops BC SPCA. 鈥淲e have had house pigs here, though.鈥�
Gandalf is a white billy with a beard that rivals that of his Lord of the Rings counterpart. Named by a clever BC SPCA staffer for obvious reasons, he first came to the branch in November.
Gandalf was found wandering someone鈥檚 property for weeks before the owner tied him to a fence post and called the BC SPCA. The cruelty investigations team usually deals with livestock. Llamas, horses and cattle have been fostered in the past.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 get that many goats,鈥� Kyllo said.
It鈥檚 unclear why Gandalf was out wandering alone. Maybe someone could no longer afford to feed him. Perhaps someone couldn鈥檛 foot the bill to treat his wounded horn. Maybe someone simply didn鈥檛 want him.
鈥淚t would be nice for people to call us,鈥� Kyllo said. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 promise we can help everyone, but at least we are aware of the situation and we can put people in connection with the branches or another rescue.鈥�
Gandalf was treated by a veterinarian, his horn wound deemed minor.
Months later, he remains in foster care at a local hobby farm.
It鈥檚 no sure bet, but Kyllo said Gandalf may soon have a forever home.
The Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association is considering adding him to its acreage near the Kamloops Airport. He鈥檚 a little rough with sheep, Kyllo said, but Gandalf loves people. She thinks he would be a fit.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going to see if we can get him over there for a visit and, if it all goes well, hopefully it will be a finalized adoption,鈥� Kyllo said.
Gandalf has been difficult to place. Beyond finding foster homes, farm animals are among the hardest to adopt out. They鈥檙e few and far between cats and dogs.
鈥淣ot everyone walks in here wanting a goat,鈥� Kyllo said.
Helping home:
The SPCA is always looking for new foster families to care for farm animals or animals with special needs. The high-stress environment of the shelter is not ideal for animals in need of socialization, newborns or those on the mend from surgery. No experience is necessary and supplies are provided. The agency can be contacted at 250-376-7722.
