Pet of the Week

Meet Barnum
By Amber N. Yoo, HSSV Volunteer

Barnum is ready to show you why cats make awesome companions! This 11-month-old kitty gets along with everyone. He loves others cats, likes to play with dogs, and loves toys. If you are looking for an affectionate, active kitty who will greet you when you get home and follow you from room to room, then come meet Barnum at Humane Society Silicon Valley in Milpitas!

Learn How to Adopt Barnum!

Already have a furry family member? There are other ways you can help these two...

How You Can Help
Every week, HSSV asks the community to help find one special pet a loving home. There are three easy ways to help, and you can do them all from the comfort of your home!

1. Click here to see Barnum's video, then share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

2. Print out the Barnum's profile and post it at your local hangouts.

3. Donate online to help animals like Barnum get the care they deserve.

How did you help the Pet of the Week? Post a comment and let me know!

Bogen’s DNA Test Results

By Marie Matheson, HSSV Volunteer

Last month I blogged about DNA testing offered through Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV). I was so intrigued with the service that I decided to have my dog, Bogen, DNA tested. I adopted Bogen, a 3-year-old mix, from HSSV and I’ve always wondered what type of breed mix he is.

The entire DNA process was very easy. I didn’t need to make an appointment and I was in and out in less than 20 minutes. I filled out paperwork and paid while HSSV’s capable staff drew Bogen’s blood sample. The sample was placed in a ready-to-mail, pre-addressed, postage paid box sealed with my dog’s unique sample number.

I put the sample in the mail and within a few days I received an email from the testing company telling me when I could expect Bogen’s test results along with a link allowing me to check the status of Bogen’s test.

Less than two weeks later, I received the results. The results were presented in a six page, easy to read format that gave details on breed makeup back to Bogen’s great- grandparents, breed features and traits, as well as a certificate. The breed traits were helpful in two ways to me: I will modify my training techniques based on Bogen’s particular motivations and will take better care to de-sensitize him to triggers that may cause him to bark. With his breed make-up now defined, I can also research and educate myself on potential, breed-specific health issues.

So what breed is Bogen? Some of the guesses included Chihuahua, Basenji and Miniature Pinscher. Well, the latter is partially correct. Bogen is a Miniature Pinscher, Boston Terrier mix!

For more information on the DNA testing company HSSV’s partners with and the process in general, click here.

Not Your Average Play Group

By Alexandra League, HSSV Volunteer

Picture the scene at some neighborhood dog park. Do you see people huddled together, gabbing about Jennifer Aniston's haircut (three inches!), on their cell phones or simply disengaged from their dog's play? If you are the owner of bully breed dogs, like American Pit Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs, you likely approach dog parks differently. Why? According to Certified Pet Dog Trainer Marthina McCray, your dog's bully play style combined with the potential poor manners of other dogs (jumping, excessively mouthy, etc.) could lead to a bad experience at the dog park. McCray, who is also the owner of Dog Training for People, and the Founder of Our Pack, Inc., says in most cases, dog parks aren't the best option for socializing your bully play style dog. A better option for your pup is to socialize them in a controlled play group of two to four well-matched playmates. This can set you and your dog up for a positive experience.

I learned that Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has partnered with Our Pack, Inc. to facilitate a dedicated Bully Play Group at HSSV's private dog park and had the chance to visit the group recently – check out the video below. The play group is all about active participation of owners to set these great dogs up for successful socialization (you won't see anyone on a cell phone!) and is open not just to pit bulls, but to all dogs who have bully play styles according to Michelle Suarez of HSSV's Behavior and Training Department. "HSSV and Our Pack are there to help the owners learn how to read their dogs' body language and how to safely manage their own dog to have a positive experience," Michelle told me. "Ultimately the owners become more in tune with their dogs' body language and are able to step in when their dog needs a break."

During my visit, I also met Caroline, who recently adopted a three-legged pit bull named Izabella (formerly Sweat Pea) from HSSV. Caroline shared, "I love watching Izabella run wild with the other (four-legged) doggies; it makes me happy to see her so happy, and it makes me really, really happy to see her nap for four or five hours after play group!"

HSSV and Our Pack staff carefully match playmates based on play style, temperament and age. The group meets Wednesdays and Sundays at 1PM. If you're interested in joining the fun, email HSSV's behavior department for more information at: behaviordept@hssv.org

Learn more about becoming a member of the HSSV dog park online or in the Whole Pets store at HSSV's Animal Community Center.

The video below is from my visit to the Bully Play Group.

Pet of the Week

Mickey & Lucky Still Need Your Help
By Amber N. Yoo, HSSV Volunteer

Last week, Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) shined the spotlight on Mickey & Lucky, two Boston Terriers who need a home of their own. The two are still available for adoption, and so I'm asking for your help to find this dynamic duo a deserving family.

"We've decided to make Mickey & Lucky our featured pets for an extra week," explained Nichole Boudreau, director of customer relations for HSSV. "We hope the continued exposure will help find them a loving home."

Mickey & Lucky are part of the Homeward Bound program, which means their adoption fees have been waived. The best friends will go home spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

I'm particularly fond of Mickey & Lucky because two of my best friends have Boston Terriers. BT's are funny, energetic and eager to please. They could play fetch for hours, but they also love a good cuddle session. If you want some extra sunshine in your life, I hope you will visit Mickey & Lucky at Humane Society Silicon Valley, in Milpitas. Learn How to Adopt Mickey & Lucky!

Already have a furry family member? There are other ways you can help these two...

How You Can Help
Every week, HSSV asks the community to help find one special pet a loving home. There are three easy ways to help, and you can do them all from the comfort of your home!

1. Click here to see Mickey & Lucky's video, then share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

2. Print out the Mickey & Lucky's profile and post it at your local hangouts.

3. Donate online to help animals like Mickey & Lucky get the care they deserve.

How did you help the Pet of the Week? Post a comment and let me know!

Happy Tails: JIMI

by Jamie Emming, Satellite Adoption Manager

When animals leave HSSV their story is just beginning. I love going through our inbox searching for tales to share. It was one such email from an adopter named Robert that has sparked an on-going search for an elusive green toy mouse.

Robert adopted JIMI in December. Known to us as Dallas, the 8-month-old teenager was one of 18 cats we brought in from the South County animal shelter. Our cat volunteer Bea was on hand to introduce the pair while our staff member Amy finalized the adoption paperwork and set up the pair for success. Amy placed JIMI in his new carrier with a few of his favorite toys to make the car ride home a little more enjoyable.
A few weeks later Robert sent us an update, and like most adopters included photos of JIMI in his new home. What peaked my interest were a couple close-ups of a well-loved mouse toy that was sent home with the black kitty and a request asking where to find more of them.

Most pet parents have been through a similar quest to several pet stores and online vendors looking for a duplicate of a beloved toy or that special treat. Last year I drove to three stores to find my border collie a particular Tuff Toy because she had to have the sheep one before having it specially ordered through HSSV’s Whole Pets store.

As for Robert’s search, our adoptions staff has looked far and wide to locate another green mouse, but we do not know where this donated toy came from. Since we are out of leads, I am putting this out to our blog readers and asking have you seen this mouse? Leave a comment if you can help JIMI and Robert’s search come to a successful end!

HSSV’s Valentine Adopt-a-Thon – a Matchmaking Success!

By Natasha Dolginsky, HSSV Volunteer

The Valentine Adopt-a-thon this past Saturday was a blast!  Over 930 guests made it to the event, some looking for their “love connection” and others just hanging out with the adorable animals of HSSV and enjoying the sunshine.

Love was definitely in the air in the cat adoption room!  There were dozens of cats who had traveled from Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue, Unconditional Love, and Nike Animal Rescue Foundation and were waiting to meet their perfect match.  There was Anne, the gray tabby who generously went from one lap onto the next, Larry, a gorgeous tuxedo cat with a very distinctive purr, Spike, an adorable black 7-month-old kitten rightly nicknamed Cuddles who was getting his share of belly rubs, and many, many more!   Thirty cats found their love matches that day at the Humane Society location and at the San Jose and Sunnyvale PETCO locations.  All are now enjoying their new homes!

As folks were happily making their way home with their new furry family members, I had a chance to catch up with two of the families:

Terri had driven two hours to adopt Timmy, a 4-year-old adorable Chihuahua, whom she first saw and fell in love with two weeks ago.  She made the long trek this Saturday and was full of smiles as she headed back home to introduce Timmy to his new family.

For Fred, Paulette and daughter Madison it was love at first sight when they met Sid, a 1 1/2-year-old Chihuahua.   Sid stole their hearts with his contagious energy, playful personality and sparkly eyes.  It was hard to tell who was more excited, Sid or Madison, as both of them were nearly jumping up in place!  What a wonderful match and a great family portrait!

Didn’t have a chance to make it on Saturday?  There are plenty of cats, dogs and bunnies looking for someone to love. 

Also, check out the HSSV event calendar, to learn about upcoming events, classes and much more!

Pet of the Week

Meet Mickey & Lucky
By Amber N. Yoo, HSSV Volunteer

For Valentine’s Day, Mickey & Lucky already have each other. Now they just need you! These two Boston Terrier mixes will greet you with kisses and tail wags at Humane Society Silicon Valley, in Milpitas. When they aren’t running around playing with each other, they love to cuddle with their humans. If you are looking to double your fun, come meet Mickey & Lucky at HSSV today!

Learn How to Adopt Mickey & Lucky!
How You Can Help
Every week, HSSV asks the community to help find one special pet a loving home. There are three easy ways to help, and you can do them all from the comfort of your home!

1. Click here to see Mickey & Lucky's video, then share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

2. Print out the Mickey & Lucky's profile and post it at your local hangouts.

3. Donate online to help animals like Mickey & Lucky get the care they deserve.

How did you help the Pet of the Week? Post a comment and let me know!

Discounted Spay and Neuter Rates Available in February

By Jennifer Bush, HSSV Volunteer

February is National Spay/Neuter Month, and Humane Society Silicon Valley is offering discounted rates to spay or neuter your dog or cat. If you have a four-legged friend who is at least 4 months old and hasn’t been spayed/neutered, HSSV’s experienced veterinarians can provide the safe, high-quality surgery your pet needs to live a long and healthy life.

If you still need convincing, read the ASPCA’s Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet. The surgery provides important health benefits, including a longer life expectancy, lower rates of certain cancers, and fewer behavior problems.

By spaying and neutering your pet, not only are you providing the care your pet deserves, but you’re also helping the entire community. Even if you have indoor-only pets, spaying and neutering helps control the population of unwanted and stray animals, many of whom end up in shelters. In fact, if a male and female cat and their offspring are left to breed on their own, they can have over 2,000 cats in just five years!

Last year alone, HSSV performed more than 5,250 spay and neuter surgeries. Do your part! Participate in National Spay/Neuter Month by spreading the word or scheduling an appointment for your furry best friend.

Pricing, qualifications, and other details can be found at the HSSV website, or call 408-262-2133, x108 to make an appointment.

Love is in the Air at the HSSV’s Valentine Adopt-a-Thon

By Natasha Dolginsky, HSSV Volunteer

Do you have a special Valentine this year?  It’s not too late to fall in love with one of HSSV’s adorable animals at the 2nd annual Valentines Adopt-a-Thon this Saturday, Feb. 12. 

I’m very excited about this event because the staff are sweetening things up with a “Name Your Own Adoption Fee” offer on dozens of lovable cats (6-months and older) who can’t wait to cuddle up to someone special this Valentine’s day. If you’re looking for a non-feline four-legged friend, there’ll be plenty of dogs, bunnies, hamsters, and chinchillas to steal your heart.

The Valentine Adopt-a-Thon is happening this Saturday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the HSSV’s Animal Community Center and its two satellite locations in PETCO Sunnyvale and PETCO San Jose.  The event is free, no RSVP is required and you’ll be able to “Name Your Own Adoption Fee” for an adult cat at any of these three locations.

If you’d like to become a special valentine to a furry four-legged friend or just want to spend the day surrounded by adorable animals, join me at the Valentine’s Day Adopt-a-Thon this weekend.  I’ll be at HSSV’s Animal Community Center and hope to see you there!

Want to take a peek at your possible love connection? Click here to see HSSV’s available animals.

Pet of the Week

Meet Freckles

By Amber N. Yoo, HSSV Volunteer

Freckles, a 2-month-old Chihuahua / Pekingese puppy, will melt your heart with her floppy ears and puppy kisses. This little girl spends most of her time sleeping and playing with toys, but she's ready to start exploring the world with a new best friend by her side. If you have a dog who'd like a little sister or if you're looking for your own constant companion, come meet Freckles at Humane Society Silicon Valley in Milpitas!

Raising a puppy takes dedication, patience and commitment. If you are up for the challenge, Freckles will reward you with a lifetime of unconditional love. Click here to learn more about raising puppies.

Learn How to Adopt Freckles!

How You Can Help
Every week, HSSV asks the community to help find one special pet a loving home. There are three easy ways to help, and you can do them all from the comfort of your home!

1. Click here to see Freckles' video, then share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

2. Print out the Freckles' profile and post it at your local hangouts.

3. Donate online to help animals like Freckles get the care they deserve.

How did you help the Pet of the Week? Post a comment and let me know!

Happy Tails: Julius

By Jamie Emming, Satellite Adoption Manager

When people enter our Saratoga Satellite Adoption Center in PETCO, and we ask if they are looking for a new addition, we often hear that they are “just looking” because they have reached their cat limit. Each person has a different number in mind before they put on the “no vacancy” sign. For some it’s that one special feline who fills their life and for others it takes many more paddling paws to feel complete.

It was Julius’s lucky day when Sean arrived looking to fill an opening in his cat-friendly home. Julius looked massive and tipped the scales at 12 pounds, but the gentle orange tabby was more fluff than substance. He may have looked like a tiger, but he had the heart of a pussycat and preferred a good chin rub to chasing toy mice.

Sean and his partner Gale had a four-cat household and were recently down to three. He had seen the striking longhaired cat online and felt he would be the perfect fit. After talking about how best to set Julius up for success in his new home, we gave Sean and Gale time to prepare a room for their new companion. As we told Sean, it’s best to start out a new cat in his own space, even if that space is a small bathroom, and then gradually begin introductions to the whole feline family. The next day Julius’s adoption was finalized and he was on his way to start his new life.

Julius’s new parents accepted that he needed to adjust on his own time. He is currently splitting his time between a guest bathroom and a back bedroom. He must be getting more comfortable as Sean tells us they found a quirky behavior we did not see at HSSV: Julius chirps as he purrs! Sean and Gale also took the next step in family ties by renaming Julius, Barry. Four is the magic number of cats for Sean and Gale, but it only took one home to make Barry’s story a happy one.

Are you looking for a new addition? Check out this PDF from our online cat behavior library about cat introductions and bring Fluffy home a friend the easy way.

Busting the Top 5 Myths about Rabbits

By Alexandra League, HSSV Volunteer

February is National Adopt-a-Rabbit month and if you’re thinking about adopting a floppy-eared friend, I thought I’d bust the top five myths about rabbits.

1. Rabbits are Outdoor Pets

A common misconception of visitors is that rabbits should live outside in a cage or hutch. In a recent article for Rabbits USA 2011, Laura Fulda, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for HSSV, explained that rabbits should be indoors. There are many fun and easy pen options available for house rabbits. Most bunny enthusiasts have gone beyond cage living to give their rabbits amazing inside habitats.

2. Rabbits are Messy

Did you know that rabbits can be litter trained, just like cats? They also groom themselves like cats and do not need baths. Rabbits can be interior designers at heart and love to redecorate. The bigger space they are provided the more they will focus on their own appropriate toys and leave your stuff alone.

3. Rabbits Prefer to be Alone

Companion rabbits are social creatures who love to be with their people. When it comes to adding a second rabbit to the home, Allison Tally, HSSV’s Director of Behavior and Training suggests not rushing into romance. All relationships take time and if the right steps are taken in the beginning your rabbits could become best friends.

4. Rabbits Only Eat Pellets

Sounds pretty bland to me and thankfully for rabbits, a diet of hay varieties and fresh, leafy veggies in addition to pellets can keep rabbits at a healthy weight.

5. Rabbits are Sedentary

Far from it! Rabbits enjoy all kinds of activities. With proper training, rabbits can even learn to walk on a leash outside! They also enjoy playing with toys and exploring bunny-safe environments.

Are you interested in adopting a rabbit? Click here to see adoptable rabbits at HSSV!