The number of older dogs at the SPCA has increased, while the overall number of animals is down at the CRD

Beware of wet dog – Kaiser’s in the kiddy pool again.

Between playful bouts of splashing and thrashing in the shallow water, Kaiser, a 40-kilogram bull mastiff cross puppy, looks around dazed, unsure of his surroundings in the Capital Regional District Pound.

But a chew toy is enough to make him play again. Kaiser is one of four dogs currently available for adoption at the CRD Pound, housed across from Elk Lake off the Pat Bay Highway.

“This time of year we’re usually scrambling for more dog runs,” said kennel master Mike Tovey.

In 10 years with the shelter, Tovey’s seen a lot of cats and dogs come through and he’s without explanation for the drop in strays picked up this summer.

The CRD Pound only takes in animals that don’t have an identifiable owner.

“Over 50 per cent of the animals that come here are owned by people on vacation. Sadly, few of the animals have any form of identification,” he said.

It’s tough to know when to put a dog or cat up for adoption when staff are unsure whether a pet’s owners know their animal’s whereabouts, he added.

It’s a much different scenario for the owner-surrendered animals living at the SPCA’s shelter at 3150 Napier Ln.

The SPCA’s number of cats and dogs is on par with years past, except for one significant change, according to shelter manager Penny Stone.

“We’re seeing higher numbers of elderly and sick animals come in because people just can’t afford (the increased costs of caring for these animals) right now,” she said.

Love for puppies and kittens goes on, but you’re out of luck as an old cat or dog.

The SPCA has 40 kittens in care. They’ll stay until they reach eight weeks in age, when they’ll be spayed or neutered and adopted within a week.

“During kitten season, the adult cats tend to stay here for a long, long time. Only one or two are adopted each week.”

As for the mighty Kaiser, he was brought to the CRD shelter as a stray a week earlier and will need some diligent training.

He’s handsome, but watch out for leaping kisses – he loves people (and dogs).

For more information about adopting animals at eithewr facility, go to www.spca.bc.ca/Victoria or www.crd.bc.ca/animal/index.htm.

sports@vicnews.com