Cats, Like Wine, Improve With Age

Meet Some of Our Elders of Excellent Vintage.

Name: Brandy
Age: 13 Years

AKA: The Bowling Ball of the Sunshine Room

Bio: A big bold Cabernet of a cat, Brandy is the unofficial greeter and grande dame of our Sunshine Room. She's always happy to show guests around. Should you make the mistake of ignoring her to look at the less mature cats she'll launch herself onto the floor in front of you on her back. Our feline speedbump is also a bit of a mystery. Transferred in from another shelter, none of her prior history followed her. Was she a kitty secret agent? The beloved pet of a Silicon Valley mogul? The matriarch of a powerful cat crime family? Whatever it is was she's not telling. If you're looking for an outgoing cat with a dry sense of humor and a way of making herself known, come meet Brandy today.

Name: Munchie
Age: 15 years

AKA: The Thinker

Bio: Subtle and quiet, Munchie compares best to a smooth red table wine. Always appropriate, never intrusive, pairs well with everything and a fine addition to any home. Munchie came to us when his owner suddenly lost his place to live. While Munchie had only one owner for his whole life, the two of them had many different roommates. Munchie has lived with an assortment of people and other animals. He can peacefully coexist with other cats and even dogs. While he's accustomed to a diversity of living situations, he'd really like a quiet, calm home to live out his twilight years. A calm, serene presence, he'd be the perfect companion to share a winters night in front of the fire.

Name: Stanley
Age: 14 years

AKA: Stan the Man

Bio: No one would call Stan Two Buck Chuck but he's definitely a cat of the people. Egalitarian, outgoing and always ready with an easy purr, everyone can enjoy a little Stanley in their lives. Where did he come from? We don't know. A friendly, easygoing cat, he swaggered into the shelter as a stray and stole everyone's heart. He's a fantastic listener, excellent at lap-warming and often hosts volunteers and guests in his room. If you're looking to add a laid back gent who's done with the wandering life, come meet Stan today.

Ask Peaches!

Sage Advice From HSSV's Wisest PitBull.

Dear Peaches,

I've been trying to exercise more but the gym is just so boring. I go running but it's hard not to slack off when no one will go with me. As it is right now I'm using a treadmill in front of the TV but that just means I spend more time inside and watch more TV. How do I make exercise fun?

Runnin' In Place

Dear Runnin',

You know what you need? A happy, energetic young dog to go with you. Certain breeds are known to be extraordinarily athletic - border collies, labs....and pit bulls! Us pibbles are the ultimate canine athlete. Plus when you get home your dog (or me, personally) would be waiting for you. And pibbles are exceptionally goofy and silly and way more fun than TV - myself especially.

- Peaches.

Dear Peaches,

I feel like with all the technology around us life has gotten more impersonal. It's hard to make new friends and find things to do - everyone is always online. Are there other ways to meet new friends aside from websites?

Offline and Out of It.

Dear Offline,

There is one amazing way to meet new friends, find new places to explore and always have someone to hang out with - get a dog! Particularly an adorable, energetic dog with a slightly squished face and boundless energy. Do you know where all the dog-friendly hiking spots are in Santa Clara County? Neither do I, but I'm sure together we could figure it out and explore all of them. Obedience classes are great places to meet other dog-friendly folk - I'd be happy to go if you need a date. And while I love to go out and do things, I'm also a great listener.

Peaches Offers Three Tips To A Joyful Life

 

Smile Constantly

Bear Illness and Infirmity With Grace

Always Be Willing To Dance

Check out my video below and come in to HSSV to see me today....

Photobomb Kittens

Photobomb: (verb)- to drop in a photo unexpectedly...to hop in a picture right before it is taken. 

This little guy was just trying to get his picture taken for our adoption site, 

but his littermates kept stealing the shot.

She's Supposed To Look Like That....

What does Rapunzel look like? 

Her head sort of looks like an avocado. They're both a bit wrinkly and almost black. Hopefully whatever avocados you're eating don't have hair on them. Even soft, fine, silky hair like Rapunzel's hair as that'd be gross. Though her head looks like an avocado, her personality is more akin to peach. Soft, a little fuzzy but very, very sweet. 

From A Different Angle?

 

 At times she sort of looks like a Gremlin. She has the little mohawk and the bat ears. Unlike gremlins she's not afraid of water or sunlight. In fact she loves to go for walks, day or night, and with her coat bathing and grooming would be a snap. Think of her more as Gizmo - she loves laps, looks adorable dressed in clothes and really wants to spend time with you.

What About At Play?

Mostly she looks like a Xoloitzcuintli. Try pronouncing that three times fast - or even once. It's better to use the more common name for the breed, the Xolo or Mexican Hairless dog. Rapunzel is likely a mix of Xolo and something else, possibly chihuahua. Xolos are the national dog of Mexico and have a long and storied history. The breed can be traced back over three thousand years and was held sacred by the Mayans, the Aztecs and the Toltecs. Columbus even wrote about them in his journals, describing them as 'strange' and 'hairless'. Shame on you Columbus. We prefer to describe Rapunzel as 'unique', 'loving' and 'having a low maintainence coat'.
 

Forget Blondes, Balds Have More Fun!

 For more information about Rapunzel or to meet her in person please come down or give us a call today.

The Two Avas, Icons of Style and Grace

Ava Gardner was an actress during the golden age of cinema. HSSV's Ava is a nine month old chihuahua mix with a golden personality. While the two are very different, they do have some things in common.

Both are born models. While Ava Gardner was always seen in the latest fashions, our Ava looks graceful and athletic in her dog sweaters and thundershirt. Having a short coat she occasionally needs some help staying warm but she proves dog sweaters don't have to be frou-frou.

They both have great smiles. Ava Gardner flashed her pearly whites on the screen but a smile from our Ava doesn't require purchase of a movie ticket. Cookies, pats, a good run in the yard and a nice lap to curl up in will win you a grin.

 


















They both had amazing presence on the red carpet.  Or the red agility tunnel in our Ava's case. Since being with us Ava has been attending some obedience classes and playing on the agility equipment in our yard. While she hasn't begun formal agility training, her energy level and eagerness to please make her an excellent candidate for dog sports.

While they do have much in common, there are some traits they don't share.

Our Ava doesn't smoke. Though she does enjoy chewing on a stick from time to time - she is a puppy. Because she takes such good care of herself she has years of love to give a new family. Her excellent cardiovascular health would also make her a good jogging or hiking partner - this little girl has stamina to spare.
 

Unlike Ava Gardner, our Ava is not a romantic heroine. That said, she's a great kisser.

If you're interested in an active, fun little dog who is enthusiastic and affectionate, come in today to see about making Ava your leading lady.

Bad Hair Days.

This is Odin. He looks great now but when he came in, he wasn't looking so good. He and two chihuahua friends had been hanging out a construction site. The kindly construction guys were very good to the stray dogs and made sure they were getting fed but that environment was murder on Odin's hair. As a non-shedding dog, his hair doesn't fall out. It has to be cut and brushed or else it gets matted. Odin's not a vain guy but a bad hair day can be downright painful with a coat like that.

Only on television do transformations like this happen in one day. In reality Odin had to have two haircuts. The first was to make him more comfortable and get some flea control on him - he was infested with the little freeloaders. As he hadn't been handled a lot, our vet techs did a quick once over on him and them let him get his bearings. That meant  he had to live with a weird, growing-out haircut for a few days.

 
Once he settled in, he went over to grooming and had a full spa day. Hair, nails, the whole nine yards.


Now that he's been made beautiful, Odin's ready to find a home of his own. He's still very shy so he needs a patient, quiet home. He loves other dogs and having a confident doggy role model in the house would do wonders for him. He also enjoys cheese, playing with his squeaky squirrel and quiet hang-out time.

Life is More Fun With Nilla.

Nilla, a bright and beautiful three year old papillion mix, has been spending her time learning all sorts of new things she can't wait to show you. She'd be a ton of fun to take to an agility class.

She makes friends easily. All the cool kids love hanging out with her.

She's a bit shy at first but once she gets to know you she's always willing to be a cheering squad.

She's not only housebroken but has wonderful house manners, too.*

Nilla came to us after her owners lost their home. While she had plenty of dog company there (she was one of five dogs), she had little socialization and was unfamiliar with leashes, strangers and all sorts of every-day things. Scared and shy in the shelter, she was placed in a foster home where she's blossomed. She's not only comfortable in the home, she's also learned all sorts of neat tricks like 'bang', 'down', 'stay' and 'spin'. Ask to meet Nilla today!

* Dog can not actually do laundry.

New Additions

Ahoy there mate! I'm Captain Tiddlywinks of the USS Mad Dash, and let me tell you, can my toes dance. Like the best captains, I am agile on my feet, and know just how to avoid being caught up a tree without a perch. I am feisty and fast, and all things feline, loving both a good frolic through the house and quiet time for grooming. I've been awarded the "Best Kneader and North Star Chaser" award, and love to do a little dance and jig for you in my handy dandy cat tree. My seal of approval to let you know you've hit a sweet spot- why, a little love nip, of course! 

 Hi there, I'm Wilson Playstation! I was official mascot of Sony Playstation's Walk 'n Wag team! I'm a happy little buddy looking for truuuue love! If you are in need of an enthusiastic "Welcome Home!!!" at the end of a hard day, then I'm your man! No one is going to be more excited to see you than I will! I love belly rubs and treats and going for walks around the neighborhood. I'm the best friend you're ever going to meet - so what are you waiting for? Watch my video and see me in action.

I am Buttons, my brother Bowtie are all dressed up for your next formal event.  With my white coat, ruby eyes, and stylist tan gloves we would be the hit of any social scene.  I am a little more outgoing, but once Bowtie has a chance to circle the room and check out the food selection, he'll be ready for some light conversation.

New Additions

Theodore takes in his new surroundings.

Our cat community room has a new group of kitties today!  If you are looking for a new friend for your cats, these guys are 'road tested' in group settings and are ready to make new friends.  And all adult cats are $10 in October, so becoming your family's crazy cat lady just got easier.

I found my Halloween costume!

It's Not Easy Being Ned.

Ned would really like you to throw the ball. Any of them. Just grab one. He's not choosy.

Ned would really like you to take him for a walk. Check out him demonstrating his happy walk.

Ned doesn't jump into new relationships easily, but he would really like to make some new friends.  Humans are best but another dog would be okay, too. He doesn't need one but if you have one that would be fine.

A little about Ned: Prior to coming to HSSV, Ned lived with another dog, numerous adults and kids. He didn't do well with the kids - he's not too big on sharing or having anyone around his food. It was a pretty busy household and he wasn't always treated so great but he loved his people, particularly the women in the house. Ned loves to cuddle and adores hanging out on the sofa with his folks. He's a bit of a couch potato and is always up for a treat. As a more mature gentleman, he'd do best in a quiet, adult only household without a lot of visitors.

If you're looking for a sweet companion with an interest in fetch and walk, Ned would really like to meet you!

New Additions: Magic and Damita

There are a few words that are as exciting to dogs as "shoe sale" or "free Sharks tickets" are to people. For Magic and Damita it is "ball".  At just the sight of the little green orb you will see a change in dog, ears up, eyes focused, and that little tremble of excitement.

Anyone with a Retriever will tell you balls are a universal source of happiness, but for Magic and Damita they have also been one of the few constants they've had in the last few years.  When their family lost their home they were placed with a friend during the search for new living arrangements.  This dynamic duo were now living with other dogs, cats, and even small children.  They took everything in stride and by relying on each other made the most of these strange new roommates.  Unfortunately, the housing market was not on their side and they were brought to HSSV to find their permanent placement.

These goof-balls are ready to go, comfortable with other animals, kid-savvy, house and crate trained.  They have had a lot of change the last year, so when you come into meet them its best to take things slow.  Plan on playing fetch to break the ice, as anyone with a ball can't be too bad after all.

Magic and Damita

5 year old Lab mixes