Rescue dogs rock! And good news for animal lovers: There are a ton of great adoptable canines waiting for their forever homes right now.

So if you’re looking for a four-legged family member, here are some of the snuggliest and cutest in the Vancouver area.

Just a note: Not all rescue groups are created equal — here’s a great guide on how to source pets from an ethical rescue.

And if you adopt one of these cuties let me know. I’d love to include you in a future column.

Omy

I had the privilege of meeting this 12-year-old Maltese at the Vancouver BC SPCA and he is a little GENTLEMAN. Walks perfectly on a leash and would love nothing more than snuggling with his human 24 hours a day. He’d be great for someone who works from home or could take him to the office.

Update: OMY IS ADOPTED!

Twister

It’s hard to believe, but Twister came into the West Vancouver BC SPCA branch as a stray. Suffering from a puzzling leg deformity and untreated injury, he has undergone corrective orthopedic surgery. After weeks of rest, this energetic and playful youngster is ready for a forever home! He is currently being fostered with another dog, and he loves having a canine companion. The shelter believes he’d do well in a home that is adults-only. Meet Twister at the West Vancouver BC SPCA branch by calling (604) 922-4622, or coming in.

Luna

This energetic Collie/Greyhound/Whippet mix loves people. She’s reactive on leash but getting a lot better. Barks and Recreation has been helping Luna and has offered free classes for her adopter. She is kennel and potty trained and eager to please. Very treat motivated and intelligent. She would be best in a house where she is the only pet, and her owner is willing to continue with her training. In return, they’ll be rewarded with unconditional love. Luna’s foster could see her doing very well with a single person who loves hiking and mountain biking, or someone who has land for her to roam. Interested? Email [email protected].

Margie

This Rottweiler mix from Nunavut is still a puppy – just under a year old. This former stray loves kids, however, does not totally know her own size. She would do great with older children. She knows how to sit, come, and shake a paw, but is still working to walk nicely on leash. She is very smart, treat motivated, and responds well to positive reinforcement. She’s also housetrained and crate trained. Please email [email protected] to learn more.

Snuffles

This sweet old man is looking for a quiet home to call his own. He’s 12 and does well with other dogs as long as they aren’t too rambunctious. Honestly, his ideal home is one where he can nap on the couch most of the day, and have cuddles with his human (doesn’t that sound great?). He is housebroken and in good health, although he could stand to lose a few pounds. As Dhana Metta Rescue says: “He is a good boy, and deserving of a warm, safe home for the rest of his life.”

Layla

Layla was surrendered to the SPCA in the Northwest Territories when there was a change in her owner’s world. She is very sweet and bonds very quickly to her human. Like a lot of rescue dogs, she isn’t good at being alone for long periods of time. LEASH would love to see her in a mature home where she could do neighbourhood walks and hang with her people in a fenced yard. If you think you are the eggs to Layla’s bacon connect with her at leashsavinglives.com/adoption-application.

Kona

This young Labrador/Great Pyrenees mix from northern Manitoba is a big boy and is very active. Kona loves to exercise and would be a great mountain biking or running partner. He needs a confident owner and no kids under 15. He’s house trained and crate trained. If interested email CAARE Rescue at [email protected]

Roy

Roy was surrendered to New Westminster Animal Services when his family realized they weren’t giving him the life he deserved. He’s happy and social who does well on a no-pull harness. He interacts well with other dogs in the shelter but has not been tested with cats. Roy is a 5.5-year-old Rottweiler/German Shepherd. Call New Westminster Animal Services at 604-519-2008 to set up a meeting.

Maverick

Okay, this is a longshot including Maverick in the adoptable dog roundup but I’m hoping somewhere in B.C. there is a kindhearted angel that would welcome this dog into their life. This rat terrier was confiscated from a hoarding situation and was left paralyzed in his hind legs. He is still very mobile and loves his very cool wheelchair. He is good with other dogs and would be great living in a home – without stairs – with another dog his size. Meet him at Dhana Metta Rescue.

Coco

Looking for a walking buddy or trail running companion? Coco just may be your girl. This energetic gal will smother you with kisses. Super smart, she loves activities that challenge her, like agility. She’s crate trained and would do well with some dog friends so long as slow introductions were provided. No cats though, thank you very much. If you’d like to meet Coco, contact HugABull for a meet and greet.

Hugo

To put it mildly, the first four years of Hugo’s life totally sucked. He was kept outside and didn’t get much interaction with people, let alone receive the love he deserves. Despite the hardship, this brown-eyed beauty is a lovely boy and loves playing with toys, playing fetch, romping with other dogs, and having special treats. If you think you are the one for Hugo, please call us the Delta Community Animal Shelter at 604-940-7111 and set up a time to take him for a walk. You can also check them out on Facebook.

Shyla

This rescue Australian Shepherd comes to B.C. from the Northwest Territories, where she lived her life at the end of a chain. She’s very good with adults, but understandably shy of new situations because of her past experiences. A home with routine and patience will help this baby get a fresh start. Shyla is quite small, weighing in under 40 pounds. Learn more about this little survivor at SAINTS Rescue.

Zander

Full of personality, SAINTS has nicknamed this Miniature Pinscher “our jumping bean.” Zander is an affectionate senior who adores food, snuggling and walks. He would love to be in a home where he is included in daily activities because he just wants to be around the people he loves. Meet him at SAINTS Rescue.

Tessa

The best guess is that this 20-pound mix breed peanut is a mix of Husky, Chow, and possibly Chihuahua. Now in the care of Thank Dog I Am Out Rescue, she hails all the way from Vanderpump Dogs in California. Yes, that Vanderpump – Lisa, from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Tessa has some demons. She is an angel with dogs and women but has shown she does not trust men and will nip at them. She is currently working with a trainer and a quiet, dog savvy home is preferred. If you want to meet Tessa contact Susan at TDIAO Rescue by emailing [email protected].

Kelly Vanderpump

Another wee one hailing from California, Kelly Vanderpump is around two years old and weighs 13 pounds. She loves walks and meeting dogs and people along the way. Contact [email protected] to arrange a meet and greet.

Jean Vanderpump

This four to six year old Corgi mix weighs in at about 15 pounds. Jean is a bit shy at first but once she warms up to you it’s nothing but snuggle time! Contact [email protected] at Thank Dog I Am Out Rescue to arrange a meet and greet.

Oz

Oz is five-months-old and LEASH is hoping he can go to a home that is familiar with powerful breed dogs – and one where he can have a buddy, preferably female. Right now he’s in foster care with a lady dog and thriving. He would do fine with older children but could easily knock over a small toddler when he’s excited and playing. Oz enjoys doggy daycare. Fill out an adoption application if you’re interested in making Oz a part of your family.

Bosko

This one-eyed wonder is a playful little guy. He likes dogs and cats and he’s good with kids. He’s quiet and does well in a crate. The best guess is that he’s a Chihuahua mixed with a Min Pin or terrier. He weighs in at 10 pounds. Email [email protected] to set up a meet and greet.

Stella

This purebred English Setter was an outdoor dog her whole life before coming to SAINTS. Stella adores all people, all the time. Her limitation is that she is a one-dog lady. She is eager to please, smart, happy, fun, and adventurous but does not like being around other dogs. For more information, check out SAINTS Rescue.

Yomi and Somi

Yomi and Somi were featured in a previous Daily Hive adoption feature, but still have not found their forever home. These American Eskimo Spitz girls were rescued from a puppy mill in Korea in horrendous shape. Yomi loves people and is outgoing whereas Somi can still be nervous. Adopting puppy mill survivors can come with challenges. The trio are available with Carried Through rescue.

Rocket

Rocket man! This Shih Tzu cross was never properly cared for before getting to SAINTS — so this senior needs to make up for lost time! He loves to play and interact with people of all ages. He’s a fan of squeaky toys and treats, does fine on a leash and likes car rides. We’d love to see Rocket get a sweet retirement home. Meet Rocket at SAINTS Rescue, or email their adoption coordinator at [email protected].

Chloe and Taco

These bonded Chihuahuas are quiet and good in the house. Bonus: they’re also good with kids and other dogs. Chloe, 4, is the outgoing of the pair, while Taco, 6, is quite shy and looks to Chloe for guidance. Available through CAARE Rescue. Email [email protected] to learn more.