Animals at Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation (WAIF) are always ready for new homes. Lots of family-ready critters are at the shelter, just bursting to be in a home that’s ready for something new in the new year.

SASSY paid a visit to Santa this year and asked for a new home for Christmas. This lovely young Labrador retriever is about 18 months old and quite sweet, but she probably needs to be an only “child.” Easygoing and friendly with adults and older kids, Sassy plays too roughly with the little ones (so no kids under age 11, please). She’s not always delighted with other dogs and likes chasing other species — cats, livestock, birds. Sassy needs a home with a securely fenced yard to keep her safe and sound. She is housetrained and has pretty nice leash manners. Sassy enjoys playing fetch and likes being petted and being near people. She’s hoping someone special will like being near her, too!

SERGEANT has a short Christmas list for Santa this year: a loving, lifetime home. This guy has come a long way since his arrival at WAIF. He’s overcome his initial shyness, and he’s shown what a sweet boy he really is. Sergeant loves to romp around in the exercise pen, go for nice, long walks in the woods, and chase a tennis ball now and then. (OK, maybe Santa could slip a few of those in his stocking, too). Sergeant is a young pit bull mix with a trim physique and a sleek, brindled coat. He weighs about 36 pounds. He will probably do best in a home with an experienced dog owner and no small children.

Besides Sassy and Sergeant, there are many more dogs and cats calling WAIF a temporary home. If these pretty dogs seem a bit too much for you, turn to page B5 to find some cuddly felines.

Meet all the pets at WAIF Meet all the pets available for adoption at WAIF on Highway 20. The shelter is open from noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; call 678-5816 or go to www.waifanimals.org. The Cat Adoption Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. It’s on SE Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor.