SA rescue animals get 'dating profiles' to hook them up with loving owners

Lithuania's GetPet and North America's AllPaws are just two examples of Tinder-inspired apps that are helping to match homeless pets to potential new owners abroad.

Until one of these sorts of apps takes off in SA, the Sunday Times Lifestyle team thought we'd put our own spin on the idea in the first of an annual campaign to raise awareness about animals at the SPCA that are looking for their own life companions.

The festive season can be harsh on our furry friends and we want to do something about it.

We asked some of our favourite designers to pimp up the dapper denizens of the Sandton SPCA so that we could brush up their social media profiles and get them a date with their new owners.

We enlisted one of our best fashion photographers to get them camera-ready. Hair and makeup sorted and no retouching necessary - except for the floor - oops! A treat or two was all that was needed to butter up these media darlings - and here are the charming results:

COCO

Gender: Female

Age: 1

Breed: Pug

Size: Nifty

Active: A bundle of energy with Olympic freeclimbing aspirations.

I'm a charmer with a heart of gold. Obvs. Also very popular on this platform so dream on, I have already found my forever home.

CECIL

Gender: Male

Age: 2 to 4 years

Breed: Chow

Size: Medium to perfect for the back seat.

Active: Slow and steady.

Don't judge this dog by its cover. I am a super-friendly beast of a fellow, with a cuddly disposition. Just come on in for a hug. I have already found the lap I will be chilling on indefinitely.

ASPEN

Gender: Male

Age: 4 to 6 years old - but who's counting?

Breed: Fox terrier cross

Size: Itty bitty and pretty

Active: Yes please.

l perform for treats. And when I say perform I mean circus level. I may be a little rough around the edges but put me in front of a camera and a star is born. I am not a diva - I flirt with the entire party.

BISCUIT

Gender: Male

Age: 2 to 4 years old

Breed: Boerboel

Size: Large and in charge

Active: A burst of energy followed by sustained napping

Show me the biscuit, you biscuit. I think life is one big joke and don't take myself too seriously, but keep those cats away from me. I am taken. Seriously.

BUSH

Gender: Female

Age: 5 years

Breed: German shepherd mix

Size: Medium - reaches the average knee

Active: Keen gardener, also tempted to help with laundry.

Some might say I'm too old, but that would be ageist. I'm a gentle and social soul inclined to massages and restful afternoon strolls.

TOFU

Gender: Male

Age: 1

Breed: Bunny

Size: Standard issue

Active: I’m a morning person with bursts of evening energy.

I am a bit of a loner but also a people person. I love a cuddle followed by a nap, but no PDAs. Also, 100% vegan and passionate about non-animal testing.

TINGO

Gender: Female

Age: 5 years

Breed: Lab mix

Size: Medium

Active: I need a gym buddy.

I am a social lass, with a genteel soul. Leave me with others of my kind andI will frolic peacefully, but I'm not a solitary creature - I love company.

TUCKER

Gender: Male

Age: 2

Breed: Pitbull terrier

Size: Compact sportsman

Active: I am the friend of the run.

I have a rough history and my scars make it hard for me to forget the thug life. But my heart is in the right place and my gentlemanly soul deserves a second chance.

GARFIELD

Gender: Male

Age: Elderly gent

Breed: Domestic short

Size: Cat-sized, bigger than a rat - duh?

I am a cat person, don't bring those hounds around here. Like my namesake, I love a bit of fine dining.

DONATE TO THE SPCA

• SMS: DONATE SSPCA to 40580 to make a R20 donation to the SPCA.
• EMAIL: Send an e-mail to lifestyle@sundaytimes.co.za to bid for the beautiful fashion accessories featured in this shoot.