Humane Society Silicon Valley

1 Chihuahua, 2 Chihuahua, Red Chihuahua, Long-over due Chihuahua

2012-01-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

Chihuahua's come in all shapes and sizes. At HSSV, you have your choice!

Some chis are small,

Some chis can carry quite the haul,

Some chis have long hair,

All chis are looking for loving and lasting care!

We see them come.
We love to see them go.
Not one of them is like another.
Take one in and you'll be a chi lover!

All Grown Up

2012-01-18T13:23:00.000-08:00

One look into Shelley's eyes and you just want to grab her up and home. Lucky for you, she and her sister are both available at our Satellite Center in Saratoga, they've just grown into their good looks.

At full size, she's just as cute, with even more to cuddle. Brought to us in May weighing just over a pound, Shelley was fostered until adopted in July. Now at 8 months old her living situation changed placing her back in our care. But we still have her baby photos!

As the months get colder we will see less and less kittens up for adoption until the season starts back up next May. If you are looking now, consider one of last year's babies still waiting for their forever home. It's the perfect age balancing the energy of a kitten with the stability of a mature feline. Besides, teenage cats never ask for the keys to the car or rack up your phone bill like human ones.

Rats Seeking Retirement

2011-12-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

HSSV has 8 rats seeking comfortable retirement homes to spend their golden years. These little ones were part of the large rat rescue from Fall 2010 and have spent the last year in the care of rat rescue and us. Open your heart to an older rat and you'll find a constant companion. Senior rats are often more cuddly, without the extra energy of youth they are content to curl up in your lap. You can meet our golden girls at both Satellite Adoption locations. Take them home for gossip and cheesecake, they will thank you for being a friend!

I am Cherry - The Next Big Thing

2011-12-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

I am getting so much practice at the foster lady’s house. Sometimes it makes me very tired and I have to say “lady pretty please can I have a break?” But for most of the time, it makes me feel tingly inside, like I’m doing very good things.

The lady says I made great “pro-gress” this week because I jumped up on the couch for the first time just so I could say hello. Most of the time, I get very nervous around the big scary couch and the lady being so tall. But this time I said, “you’re not that scary, you big couch. I am going to jump on you.” So I did.

I decided the Next Big Thing I was going to learn was to cuddle with Big Bouncer and Old Emily on the floor. The lady lives with both of them.

Big Bouncer wants to play with me all the time but I say, "No Big Bouncer. You are too big and noisy. Go away." So instead of playing, the lady brings out treaties, which I love. I am saying, "Put those treats in my belly, lady!"

My next Next Big Thing to learn is how to get into the cabinet so I could have treaties whenever I wanted.

I am Cherry

2011-12-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

And I'm 4. That makes me a Big Girl now.

The foster lady asks me what I've been doing with my life before I was 4 years old, but I can't tell her. It was like one day I was in The Before Time and then I was Here.

Now that I'm Here, there are many things I have to learn about, like toys that make horr-en-dous squeaky noises and outside potty places that take forever to get to. I have to walk a very long way to get anywhere around Here, and my legs are very short.

But the lady says that I don't have to be good at everything right away. We're going to take our time. She says that Big Girls like me get to go at their own speed, and their foster moms are like training wheels for their new home. I like this idea because it will give me good practice.

The lady says the first thing I need practice in is hands. When I first came Here, I thought the lady's hands were grabby and fast and maybe they would do secret things when I wasn't looking. But now I know they are not for grabbing or doing secret things but for rubbing my sweet chin and my ears and chest. Now I like it when the lady shows me her hands because she goes at my favorite speed, see?

I'll write more next time when I learn a new thing.

Marley and Me

2011-11-28T16:05:00.000-08:00

Are you young at heart? Marley loves to make new kitten friends, he goes from a dignified three year old to having the bounce of a three month old. While his little tabby buddy in the video has been adopted, Marley is still waiting for someone to take him home. If you are looking for the grace of an older cat with the energy of a youngster come meet Marley today!

Marley is currently available for adoption at our Sunnyvale Satellite location.

Special thanks to our volunteer who was able to capture the kitty fun on film!

Volunteer Spotlight: Bella

2011-11-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a walking buddy to start off the new year? Our volunteers just had to share why Bella is their favorite on and off leash.

She's a loose leash champ, the only time she'll pull is when you aren't moving fast enough to start her walk.
While sidewalks are full of fun things to sniff, she's really in her element on the trail. Ears up and tail wagging looking for a good spot to roll around.
She's a 60 lb lap dog. Sometimes she gets nervous and needs a good cuddle. One time Bella feel asleep during our session with her head in my lap!

Bella has lots of friends at our Animal Community Center, join them for a walk today and maybe she'll harness your heart too.

For more information on any of our animals, call us at 408-262-2133 x 150 or email at adoptions@hssv.org.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sesame

2011-11-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

Our volunteers just had to share why Sesame adds spice to their lives....

Because she’s a great listener. If you put down a blanket to curl up on, she'll come over to hear about your day or enjoy a chapter or two of light reading.

Because she’s self-assured. She will always let you know what she wants. No matter if your legs are asleep, if she’s not done cuddling neither are you.

Because she’s a foodie. Sticking her nose up at our natural food selections, she’ll be sure to let you know when her bowl of Friskies needs a refill.

Stop by our Animal Community Center and fall in love with the darling of Apartment 152.

For more information on any of our animals, call us at 408-262-2133 or email at adoptions@hssv.org.

Ode to Foster Care!

2011-11-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Why is this dog being fostered, you ask?
Is she naughty, sick, did she have a rough past?
No, my friend, foster is no scarlet letter!
She came here just fine but she’ll leave foster better
In foster she’ll learn to live in a home
To go potty outside, to enjoy a nice bone
She’ll learn, if she was scared, she should not be afraid
For her foster family has been specially trained
To show her that people can be patient and caring
That with love and affection, they needn’t be sparing
Perhaps she’s learned to live well with cats...
Or children, or bicyclists, or people in hats!
Perhaps she’s learned to be good for the groomer
To sit, stay and down, and maintain her good humor
While sporting pom-poms or a nice lion cut
After all, you’ll recall, she’s no ordinary mutt
She’ll soon be an alum of our great foster program
And we’ll fondly recall how we knew her “back then”
So, when you next spy a doggie in foster care
Don’t shake your head, don’t sigh in despair
Rejoice! For that pup is well on her way
To a permanent home, forever to stay!

Foster Care - Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!)

Question: Why do animals enter the foster program?

Answer: For a variety of reasons. The most common of which are…

They are too young to be adopted

The Animal Care Center (ACC) is full and we need to use all available resources to house animals They are shy and would benefit from round-the-clock socialization

They became stressed at the ACC and would benefit from the routine of a home environment They are recovering from a medical procedure

Question: How long do animals stay in foster care?

Answer: In many cases, the animal is adopted from foster care. In that case, the answer is – as long as it takes! In the event that the animal returns to the ACC to be adopted, there is no set duration of stay in foster care; it depends on a variety of factors, such as…

The age and size of the animal when it entered the foster program

The capacity at the ACC at a given time to receive incoming foster animals

The rate of progress of socialization, if fostered for a behavioral reason

The rate of progress of recovery, if fostered for a medical reason

Question: Can I become a foster parent so that I can do a trial adoption?

Answer: At present, we do not offer trial adoptions. The idea behind our foster program is to use foster families, who have received special training from HSSV staff, to help as many animals as possible! This means that foster families sign up for duty with the understanding that their goal is to help us find an adopter for the animal; not necessarily to adopt the animal themselves. For our veteran foster families (with their agreement, of course), we often have their next animal “on-deck” the moment their previous foster is adopted! Of course, if a foster parent falls head over heels in love and wants to adopt their foster animal, we are happy for them and will not intervene!

If a client is nervous about making a hasty adoption decision or not being properly prepared, the best remedy is to meet with an HSSV Adoption Counselor to learn more about the adoption process and the support mechanisms available to them, should they choose to adopt. You can contact an Adoption Counselor at 408.262.2133, ext. 150 or adoptions@hssv.org

Question: How do I become a foster parent?

Answer: The fastest way to become a foster parent is to fill out the foster application on our web site. You can also contact a member of our Special Needs team. For cats and kittens, please contact Christina Traughber @ (408) 262-2133 ext. 186; for dogs, please contact Casaundra Cruz @ ext. 183.

Question: How do I adopt a foster animal?

Answer: Great question! Typically, only dogs are available for adoption from foster homes. Cats usually return to the ACC to be adopted; in which case you would follow normal walk-in procedures, listed here. For dogs that are adoptable through our foster program, please follow the steps below:

Complete our foster dog adoption questionnaire, using the following link. Call our Canine Foster Coordinator, Casaundra Cruz, at 408.262.2133 ext. 183 to learn more about the dogs in foster care. If Casaundra is not available, you may also speak to Kristin Hoffman @ ext. 184 or Jeri Seiden @ ext. 185.

Arrange, with a Foster Coordinator, to introduce all two and four-legged family members to the dog to ensure that everyone gets along. From that point on, normal adoption protocol (see previous link) will apply.

We have a weekly adoption showcase featuring our foster dogs every Saturday at the ACC from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM. Please feel free to stop by!

Buddy (Part One of Three)

2011-10-25T14:08:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Morgan, Satellite Adoption Manager

Everyone has a way of dealing with stress. It took me years to stop biting my nails and while manicures are easy now, you will be hard pressed to find a pen that I haven’t chewed at the end. There are thumb suckers, hair twirlers, and teeth grinders among us, all trying to self-sooth. Cats are no different and when the world is not right they also develop habits to deal.

When you first meet Buddy you can’t see evidence of his rituals until he darts past. His sleek black fur is missing in places. Perfect circles of pink skin spot his back legs and belly. Buddy is what we’d call an over-groomer, part allergies and part anxiety; he has taken a normal kitty habit a little too far in order to cope.

How does anyone deal with stress? Routine. The more consistent and planned our days become the less we worry about what’s next. At HSSV, Buddy’s day is scheduled for him - breakfast, petting, lunch, clicker training, nap, play, dinner, sleep, repeat. A steady stream of positive associations with people = food = good and distractions through learning new tricks and play keep his focus away from his bad habits.

If you think about it, most of us are on a routine because of our animals. I wake up and let the dog out before getting my coffee. Buddy needs someone who likes routine but it doesn’t have to be boring. Surprise cuddles are always available, which we will talk about next week as our Buddy series continues towards finding his forever home. So if you are a creature of habit or know someone who’s daily grind could benefit from a furry companion, take a trip down to our Animal Community Center and meet Buddy.

Buddy is a complex kitty; you can get to know better by talking to his friends on our Adoptions team. Call 262-2133 x 150 for more information or email adoptions@hssv.org.

500th Adoption at Sunnyvale!

2011-10-18T17:16:00.001-07:00

Macey and her new family celebrating the 500th adoption at our Sunnyvale Satellite Center since it's opening in November 2010. Will you make 501?

HSSV Guests and their Favorite Things! (Part 2)

2011-10-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Simba and my favorite thing is pretending to be King of the Jungle (I'm a Lion Head Dwarf Rabbit). I like to stand on my hind legs and pretend to roar! I also enjoy grooming my beautiful mane, and being petted!

Hi! My name is Lacy and my favorite things are longs walks (on the beach or...well, anywhere), showing off my favorite toys, snuggling with my favorite people, and generally being the center of attention! Check out my pet of the week video!

Hi! My name is Cocoa and my favorite things are chatting with my human friends, receiving pats and chin scratches, sitting in laps, and prancing around until the light catches my beautiful coat!

Hi! My name is Rocket and my favorite things are working out (I'm very fit, you know!), playing fetch, swimming, and working on my basic commands with the help of my friends. I'm really good at sit and down! I like to show off!

Hi! My name is Lotus and my favorite things are basking in the sun on my window perch, greeting my friends by rubbing against their ankles and soliciting pats, and chasing after feather wand toys.

Hi! My name is Hilo and my favorite things are sitting in a lap while being groomed (have you seen my beautiful mane?), playing with squeaky toys, showing off my superb leash manners, modeling for photo sessions, and...did I mention sitting in laps?

Hi! My name is Groucho and my favorite things are grooming my adorable mustache, holding down laps (we're done snuggling when I say so!), and curling up on the couch to enjoy an old timey movie. I bet you can guess my favorite movie star...

Princess: Happily Ever After (Part Four of Four)

2011-10-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Morgan, Satellite Adoption Manager

It was a busy morning at our Sunnyvale Satellite when in the middle of a kitten adoption the phone rang. On the line was a woman who had seen Princess online and wanted to know more about her. It just so happened one of Princess’ main advocates, volunteer Laurie, was paying a visit and gladly gave the caller details. Laurie had spent time with Princess at all three of our locations and relayed Princess’s likes and dislikes; food and being picked up respectfully.

Later that afternoon we met Leigh and her sister and our interested caller immediately fell in love. But even when it’s love at first sight, you still want to make sure your own relationship checklist is fulfilled before moving in together. On Leigh’s list was a cat that could be alone during her 12-hour work shifts. Princess easily crossed that off, as she’s a lady who knows how to keep herself busy. As for Princess’s boundary issues, Leigh had lots of experience with cats that only prefer a little bit of petting.

Next came the sensitive subject of weight loss, a must for this three-legged kitty who purrs when she eats. Since arriving at Sunnyvale for the second time around only 3 days earlier, we had placed Princess on a food motivated behavior plan. To build up positive feelings towards people entering her room we were using her daily dry food portion as “treats”. Anytime someone came into see her, she got a treat. By the second day she was up at the front of her room anytime we walked by, waiting for her snacks. This process is easily adapted to a home setting allowing Leigh to gain trust through the power of kibble. With everything out in the open, it was time to send Princess off to her new home.

It’s been a little over a week since her adoption and with each update things have gone from good to great. With no other animals around, Princess has plenty of “me time” and can focus all her attention on her new Mom. Leigh was a little surprised at first to realize how many fans her new addition has but since adopting it all makes sense. Princess’s story has a happy ending now that she has a forever person.

Guinea Pear

2011-10-05T17:42:00.001-07:00

Who knew guinea pigs could get that big?!
Butterscotch was brought to HSSV already pregnant and placed into foster to wait out her 60-70 day gestation period. While she's due any day now we are expecting another litter of piglets tomorrow at Saratoga, keep an eye on our website for baby Abyssinians.

Here's a sneak peak at the upcoming cuteness, meet Ash!

HSSV Guests and their Favorite Things! (Part 1)

2011-09-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is MILTON and my favorite things are...receiving belly rubs, playing tug, curling up next to you for snuggle-time, playing fetch, hanging out with kids, and ummmmm…did I mention that I enjoy belly rubs?

Hi! My name is CHEEKS and my favorite things are...having my cheeks rubbed (go figure!), lounging on my cat tree, chasing my toy mouse, purring nonstop, and eating wet food. Mmmmm…I’m hungry.

Hi! My name is SHARPIE and my favorite things are...making cute faces, receiving pats and bum scratches, and going out for walks. Some say I’m too mellow for my own good, but I’ll really perk up for a good walk!

Hi! My name is CHENEY-MAE and my favorite things are...lounging in laps, spending time with my feline buddies, chasing feather wands, and settling in for a thorough chin scratching session!

Hi! My name is LANCELOT and my favorite things are...playing with (and okay, sometimes teasing) other doggies, chasing toys, snuggling after a play session, and telling tall tales about how I got my “mini ear”.

Hi! My name is BANDIT and my favorite things are...curling up into a tiny ball and wedging myself into hidey-holes, chasing feather wands, climbing my cat tree, and snuggling with my favorite HSSV volunteers.

Kind Kids

2011-09-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

I’ve always thought that empowerment is one of the most essential human needs: important for adults and especially crucial for kids as they are growing up. Empowerment boosts youths’ self-confidence, strengthens their self-worth and helps them realize and develop skills they may not have thought they had; all great contributors to a successful adulthood! Unfortunately, the reality is that many children don’t always grow up in an empowering environment that they deserve.

That’s why I was extremely excited to learn about the HSSV Compassion in Action (CIA) program, which is doing exactly that: empowering kids who need it most. HSSV education staff and San Jose’s Academy school worked together to provided middle-school students with an opportunity to be leaders. The kids bravely put on their volunteer hats to work directly with HSSV’s adoptable animals and then teach their second grade buddies to be Kind Kids through compassionate and responsible pet ownership.

Here, Kenny notices the camera while he's teaching his buddies

The CIA program challenged the students to be leaders, to set (and achieve) their own goals, and motivated them to evaluate and adjust their behaviors, now that they had their little buddies depending and looking up to them. As the older students proudly took on roles of leaders and trusted experts, they felt empowered.

Juan asks the second grade buddies about animal communication

The program also taught teens how to recognize, understand and correct negative animal behavior, with compassion and without using force. And as students learned the importance of respecting animals’ feelings and let their compassion shine, they started to see kindness as a strength, not a weakness.

DeLondre spends some quality time in the Sunshine Community Room

The student’s school teacher, Sara Piazzola said the program “helped them internalize the messages that they send out to people. It also helped them step out of the realm of ‘my own needs’ and into a realm where they needed to think about what someone else was ‘saying’ and how they needed to respond”.

Miguel and senior dachshund, "Lefty," who has since been adopted!

Many of the teens saw a transformation in themselves and their friends. One student “learned how to be patient and kind to little kids”. Several students observed that “their classmates are more careful with others and they help each other more”. And another shared, “I saw in my mood and behavior that I became a lot more nice to my peers, and I actually go and play with my animal now.”

The animals added a unique twist because sometimes just being loved unconditionally is extremely empowering. And fortunately unconditional love is a skill that animals excel at! One student commented on the positive emotions that she felt about HSSV and being around animals “When it came to being Tuesday, I got real pumped…It can really take you somewhere else. The HSSV is a great, exciting, touching place. Not anyone was in a bad mood.”

This program couldn’t have happened without the support of Youth Community Service, the California Department of Education’s S.T.E.M Initiative, transportation provided by the City of San Jose's Safe School Campus Initiative, and the partnership between the Oak Grove School District’s Academy School and HSSV to give these children a chance to show all of us what it means to be Kind Kid.

-Natasha Dolginsky, HSSV volunteer blogger

Watch! Guinea Pig Learns His Name

2011-09-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Watch one of our HSSV alumni learn how to come when called! Clicker training is a great tool for any sized pet and a great way to bond with your little one.

Looking for a guinea pig of your own? Our Satellite locations are expecting large groups of cavies soon, check out our available animals section to see who we have now or email us at petcoadoptions@hssv.org to find out how to be added to our pocket pet wait list.

Thinking Outside The (Litter) Box

2011-09-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

For Adoption Specialists, litter box counseling "101" comes as second nature. As such, we sometimes take for granted the insider tips we've accumulated over years in the trenches...so to speak.

So, whether you're currently battling the whims of a finicky feline or would just like to be prepared for the potentially evolving preferences of a senior kitty...here are some useful tricks of the trade to keep in mind!

Covered vs. Uncovered - Kitty claustrophobia? You better believe it! Some kitties will only use an uncovered litter box for fear of being trapped with the potty goblins. Conversely, some are very demure and need their privacy. To which camp does your cat belong? Offer both options and wait to see where the action happens!

Pearls, Corn, and Clay...Oh My! - Gone are the days of the kitty sandbox, my friend. Selecting a litter today may require an Excel spreadsheet, Consumer Reports, and a degree in chemistry! Moreover, unless you and your cat communicate telepathically, the litter preference game is likely going to be one of trial and error. Our advice? If you know what your kitty was using in her previous setting, start there. If past litter choices don't meet with your approval, introduce an ADDITIONAL box with the new litter and wait until Fluffy is using it reliably before removing the old box.

The Maytag Monster - Do you enjoy using the loo on a plane, train, or in a wind tunnel? Not the most relaxing setting. Likewise, many of our feline friends have expressed a preference for a quiet litter box setting - i.e., not six inches from the washing machine or dryer! Keep in mind, if you are restricted by space, your kitty may be confident enough to potty near the Maytag Monster, so don't be afraid to try if that's your best option. But again, (and you may be sensing a theme here), offer an additional box elsewhere for a while to make sure that Fluffy doesn't avoid the laundry room altogether, lest she be gobbled up and fluffed to frenzied perfection.

To Automate or Not to Automate? - If you are a bit purrrrsnickety about the litter box, an automatic "sifter" may appeal to you. Continuing with our current theme, we recommend offering a low-tech box as well in case Fluffy is squeamish about the mechanical noises and movements. This will prevent spooked kitties from having accidents. Although automatic boxes don't sift until they have been free of motion for at least ten seconds, elderly kitties or others who may just enjoy taking their time have been known to be caught unawares by the sifter after standing still in the box for a few. So, proceed with caution!

Multi-CAT-astrophic! - Have four kitties, only three of whom are using the box? You may need more boxes. To play it safe, provide a box for each kitty then ADD ONE. For instance, five boxes for a household of four kitties. That may sound excessive, but it's better than discovering that your clean laundry has been used in place of the box! Keep in mind our other tips too. Maybe one kitty only likes covered boxes and another refuses to use a covered box - offer both. Also, if possible, keep some distance between the boxes. Rather than placing them side-by-side, try opposite ends of the room for optimal privacy.

Already Trouble Shooting? These Tips May be Useful 1) Scoop daily! It only takes a few seconds and can save you a lifetime of heartache. Many cats won't use a dirty box so it may be THAT simple. 2) Sanitize and refill. Completely emptying, cleaning, and refilling the box with fresh litter weekly or bi-weekly can make it much more enticing. 3) If your cat is inappropriately urinating or defecating outside the box, treat the spot with an ENZYME cleaner. If accidents persist, try placing a litter box in the problem area. Severe cases may necessitate professional carpet cleaning, carpet removal, or other "deep cleaning" techniques. 4) Alternatively to number three, some cats will stop inappropriate potty behaviors if they are FED in the problem area. If you attempt this approach, monitor closely to ensure that it doesn't inhibit Fluffy's appetite!

HSSV's Whole Pets Store We offer myriad litter choices, including the top-selling "World's Best Cat Litter" which is made of a biodegradable corn-based material, is dust-free, and fragrance-free. We also offer some wonderful enzyme-based cleaners like the ever-popular "Anti-Icky Poo". When you shop at Whole Pets , the proceeds from your purchase benefit HSSV's Animal Community Center and the pets in our care. Even better, our prices are very competetive! See the attached link for more information about Whole Pets or come check us out today!

Princess (Part Three of Four)

2011-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Morgan, Satellite Adoption Manger

Princess had changed castles but still no one had come to carry her off to a far away land of happily ever after.

It was in mid-May when we realized it wasn’t just our Satellite Center that was in need of some spring-cleaning. Resistant to daily grooming on her own or by our hands, Princess had developed a lot of tangles. It was time for a trip back to our Animal Community Center for a hair cut!

A lion-cut is the grooming option of choice for a long-haired cat in the warmer months who doesn’t like to DIY at bath time. Princess was shaved all the way down to her pink skin leaving her head, feet, and tail end in fluffy tufts. You may think this sudden nakedness would cause our girl some embarrassment, but the opposite occurred. Free of all that fur she started moving around more and found she enjoys massages now that hands can get closer to her body.

The sight of a shaved cat can be a little alarming for some, but it’s still much too warm for sweater season. We are hoping Princess finds a new home before we have to start up the knitting needles and create her a winter clothing line.

We’ve gotten to know Princess very well in her time with us. She prefers to be the only ~~four~~ three-legged animal in the home and likes petting on her terms. She may be a little picky about her ideal new home, but just like the Princess and Pea, the littlest thing not to her liking can make her a little cranky. After all she’s been through, we think if she needs to hold out for her perfect home, it’s the least we can do to find it for her.

What can you do for Princess? Share her story with family and friends; it’s her glass slipper. Maybe someone will pick it up and find they are the right fit to give Princess her fairy tale ending.

Princess (Part Two of Four)

2011-08-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

by Jamie Morgan, Satellite Adoption Manager

When we last left Princess she’d been adopted into a new home, but sometimes things don’t turn out the way we plan.

Princess had begun her recovery a little reluctantly. While she was able to stand on three legs, the 7 year old had difficulty adjusting. Unlike dogs that can often take to carts or other ambulatory aids, cats being cats, often times resist such devices. Being unable to perform normal tasks can be very frustrating and when Princess gets frustrated she has a very unlady-like habit of taking it out on those around her. I am sure we can all relate to that at one point. Her mouth got her into trouble and she was returned into our care after one too many nips on the hand.

This brings our story up to the week of Christmas and from then until Valentine’s Day she waited for here Prince to come. By February, we figured a change of location might be best for her. She was transferred to our Saratoga Satellite where our staff and volunteers could give her some one-on-one attention.

Her mornings were filled with the bustle of feeding and cleaning, her afternoons greeting visitors and accepting the gentle combing of her long locks. She slowly became more accepting of our hands on her as she learned touching could be soft and kind. She’s not completely gotten over her “cattitude”, but we have been helped her increase her threshold for handling. What really helped her come out of her shell was yet to come, but it was something I know always makes me feel better.

Come by next week and find out more about our lovely lady’s makeover!

Good Luck and Black Cats

2011-08-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know August 17th was Black Cat Appreciation Day? We've been celebrating our most common color of feline all month at HSSV with 45 black cats and kittens already adopted out. It's not unlucky to be a black cat in our adoption program.

Speaking of luck, for some cultures the stigma of black cats is reversed and they are a good omen.

In Egypt, people would make house pets of black cats to please the goddess Bast.
By the 17th century, Charles I King of England was so endeared to his black cat he kept him under 24-hour guard. When his precious cat passed away, he declared all his luck was gone. The next day he was arrested for treason!
For the Scottish, a black cat on your porch will bring prosperity. In Italy, a sneezing cat is good luck. Other parts of Europe consider a black cat crossing your path a sign of good fortune and if the cat walks into your home, you are truly blessed.

Cross paths with one of our black beauties and be lucky for life with your adoption!

Sesame, available for adoption at our Animal Community Center.

Princess (Part One of Four)

2011-08-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Morgan, Satellite Adoption Manager

As much as we try to focus on the happy stories we wouldn’t be doing the work we do if there wasn’t sadness to be fixed. Princess’s story starts out like most fairy tales, finding our heroine at her at the lowest point.

It was many months ago in late September that a bundle of black and white fur was brought into our intake lobby. Almost a week had gone by since the fluffy cat had been attacked by a dog and her bite wounds were severe and many. Unable to provide the care she needed her family surrendered her to HSSV.

Our vet staff went straight to work and x-rays told us just how deep her bites went. Her right back leg was too infected to save, but she was able to keep her left ear which had been badly injured along with her neck. Princess may have been down a leg that first night, but she was warm, safe, and had a host of veterinary drugs to easy her pain and rid her of infection.

A month into her stay she was healthy enough to find a new home and was put up for adoption. We celebrated when she was adopted a week later. We had no idea this was not going to be end of Princess’s story.

Want to know what came next for Princess? Come back next week as we continue her story.

Bursting wtih Bunnies!

2011-08-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

Patches and Socks available at our Saratoga Satellite
We are bursting with bunnies!

We currently have 17 rabbits up for adoption, 12 of which are bonded with another bunny. That's 6 pairs all looking for love.

Here's a few reasons why you might want to consider adopting a pair:

Basic supplies don't change, an extra scoop of pellets and a little more hay won't stretch your bunny budget.
Bored bunnies are busy bunnies, busy bunnies figuring out what looks best to chew or dig. Pairs don't get bored, having a buddy gives them someone to interact with all the time.
Adopting two rabbits means saving twice the lives!

To find out more about why going plural with rabbits might be the best choice for you, check out this article by our friends over at the House Rabbit Society.

Puppy Perfection!

2011-08-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Need a cuddle fix? Twinkie, Sprouts, and Lollipop would be happy to oblige! These three pit bull mix girls never seem to tire of snuggle time, although they also enjoy showing off their perfect “sits”! They have already learned to sit politely to receive pats and engage in play. They are also well on their way to having perfect bathroom manners (and they're only 4 months old)! What else can we say? These are some incredible pups! Come down for a visit today!!

Princess

2011-08-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

Princess enjoying a lazy afternoon with our cat volunteer Laurie.

Princess has been with HSSV since September of last year, Laurie's been with us a few years more. Even on a busy day it's possible to catch a few quiet moments with one of our adoptable cats, and Princess has made it on to many people's "must visit" lists. Follow us in the next few weeks as we share Princess's remarkable road to recovery. She's currently available for adoption, help us give her story a happily ever after and share her profile.