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SYDNEY, N.S. — Ryan Toomey has a wish list but not the one usually associated with Christmas.

Toomey’s list includes items like non-clumping kitty litter, bleach, dog treats and wet cat food – pate style.

As a development officer with the Cape Breton SPCA for the past four years, Toomey’s wish list hasn’t changed much but the demand for items continues to grow.

“These needs are ongoing. We are always in need of supplies and because we do not receive any government funding for our shelter, we are always tight on resources,” he said.

Located at 401 East Broadway, the Cape Breton shelter has been in operation for some 50 years and has a strict no-kill policy for its animals that come into care.

Toomey said the facility can take in any domesticated house pet, including birds, and the reasons for care are as varied as the animals themselves.

Toomey said some pet owners struggle with the costs - from food to veterinarian bills – and decide to surrender the animal to the SPCA.

He said the shelter also employs several enforcement officers who find plenty of stray animals that need to be cared for while still others arrive having been abandoned or subject to abuse.

“We try for an adoption as quick as possible,” said Toomey.

He said some animals may stay longer than others because they need extra care for their physical or emotional injuries.

He said while adoptions can be made anywhere across the province, he’s proud of the community of animal lovers here in Cape Breton as most animals are adopted out locally.

Toomey said among the ways the public can help the shelter is to make a monetary donation, volunteer, host a fundraiser or donate items from the wish list.

He said monetary donations can be made by visiting the shelter or on the organization’s website.

He said in addition to helping support the shelter, monetary donations also support a host of programs including palliative care, spayed and neuter programs and emergency vet care.

The shelter is open Tuesday-Sunday.

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