Alex the dog has become a member of the George Pullicino family.
But he will continue living at the SPCA headquarters in Floriana.
Alex, was one of a number of dogs and cats available for sponsorship by people who would like a pet but cannot keep one at home.
Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino was the first to sign up this morning.
Through the scheme, people can pay €1 a week to sponsor a dog or a cat. Most of the dogs and cats up for sponsorship cannot be rehomed.
Sponsors will get a wallet sized ID and profile of 'their' dog or cat and they will be able to visit it and take it for walks.
Mr Pullicino said that many people gave a pets s Christmas gifts and these animals were abandoned shortly afterwards.
The sponsorship would be the perfect Christmas gift for those who would like a pet but cannot keep it at home.
The SPCA can be contacted on 7982 3956, or 2123 0468, fundraising@spcamalta.org .
www.spcamalta.org