It’s coming up to that time of year again. Soon we will be sobbing over a new John Lewis advert and wondering how much pointless cack from last year we can get away with regifting.

It’s also the time when pet-buying surges, because there’s nothing cuter than an angelic baby animal in a giant, red sock. 

As well as being adorable, those cute babies are soon bum-scooching along carpets in the background of TikTok videos, leaving puddles on rugs and silently converting the chicken they stole off the counter into the smell of burnt tyres, in a practical biology demonstration that nobody asked for.

If you’ve considered all of the negatives that come with owning a pet and are still determined to take the plunge, here are some furry angels currently available for adoption at the RSPCA Preston and District Branch based in Ribbleton.

Thomas, a four-year-old domestic short hair

Thomas is reserved at first, but when he feels comfortable he’ll let you stroke and brush him. He’s uninterested in toys, choosing instead to quietly judge everybody and everything around him from his cat tower.  

He’ll use an outside litter tray as he feels that pooping in front of people is just weird. However, he loves his food and prefers to take his meals indoors, thank you. 

He isn’t territorial with food or toys and should be fine with children of secondary school age and above, but will be happiest in a single cat household. 

Marvel, a one-year-old boxer cross

Marvel has had a bad start in life and was quite underweight when he arrived at the RSPCA. He loves his food and will happily cast away his dignity for a treat although, like most boxers, he didn’t have much use for it in the first place. 

His manners aren’t the best so he’ll need more training in that department, but he’ll get there with some patience and consistency.

He loves throwing his toys and himself about, so needs a home with dog-savvy children aged 11+ due to his bouncy and playful nature. He can get tetchy with other dogs and cats but he may be able to be rehomed with other small animals, depending on their accommodation security and location in the home. Might be an idea to check what the small animals think about it as well. 

Daisy, an 11-year-old Rottweiler

Being in her mid-60s in dog years, Daisy is loving, wise, polite and has no wish to fall out with anyone, but she will if you try to muck with her feet or try to take her food off her because a girl’s got to have boundaries. 

She was emaciated when she first arrived at the RSPCA, but food and feet aside, this sweet lady loves cuddles and is generally patient and relaxed. If she does get a little anxious in a new situation, gentle words and treats will reassure her. 

She’s suitable for a household with children aged at least 17+, and in which she is the only dog, so she doesn’t need to panic that her food being taken if her bowl is approached. 

If you feel like you could offer Thomas, Marvel or Daisy a loving home, you can contact the RSPCA Preston and District Branch on 01772 792553.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines