Wordless Wednesday - Caption This!

What is Strider doing? Add a caption in the comments section!

Five Synonyms For 'Cuddly Kissin' Machine'.

The beautiful pits (and mixes) of HSSV model various nicknames and synonyms for this maligned breed

An Abundance of AmStaffs.

Pretty girl Ashes might be sticking out her tongue but she's not rude at all. This cuddly, snorty little shorty of a dog loves to cuddle. She also loves to play but being a little squat she tires after a few sprints. Either way she's still the queen of the shelter pitty play group.

AmStaff is short for American Stafforshire Terrier, a very distinct breed of dog (though registered Am Staffs can be dual registered as American Pit Bull Terrier with the UKC). For more information on the different breeds, look at their breed club websites.

A Bevy of Bullies.

One year old Boomerang, resplendent in her cold weather coat, rides nicely in a car and will play all day if given half a chance.

The term 'bully' comes from the word 'bull' in 'pit bull' not because they behave like bullies. Bull terriers and bull dogs will also be referred to as bullies.

A Plethora of Pibbles.

Porkchop has a very large head and a very large heart to go with it. He loves to give kisses, go to playgroup and go walking with volunteers. At eight months old he can be a bit of a rowdy teenager at times but he has beautiful housemanners and has lived with cats and toddlers.

Pibble is a blurring of the words 'pit' and 'bull'. It's an affectionate diminutive.

A Profusion of Pitties.

 Shy boy Petey needs a quiet home and a lot of hugs. This sweet, sensitive dog loves to run and go hiking but will require a slow introduction before he's ready to jump into activities with his new people. Petey's a gentle soul with an athletic edge who likes to show off his tricks when he's comfortable.

'Pitty' is one of the most common nicknames for pit bulls.

A Smorgasbord of Staffies.

Strider is such a good listener. This eighteen month old gentleman is always in a good mood - he's also referred to as 'Sunny Boy Strider'. He's a champ at loose leash walking with his no pull harness and would love to demonstrate by going hiking with you.

The Staffordshire breeds are most commonly associated with pitty-type dogs. American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are often referred to as pit bulls though there is debate as to how accurate that is. Either way, the use of 'staffy' is a nickname for pit type dogs.

Call them what you will, but do call them home for dinner. All of our HSSV pits are excellent ambassadors for their breed and are waiting for their forever homes. Stop by or set up an appointment to meet them today!

Where Are They Now?

A Couple Of Fondly Remembered Feline Alumni Check In From Their New Jobs

 Forget Retirement, Senior Alum Darwin Climbs The Corporate Ladder (And Chases The Corporate Mouse)

Darwin had come to HSSV as an eight year old cat who had spent a happy life with dogs and people but they were no longer able to care for him. In 2008 he was adopted into a home with a cat savvy senior dog named Mr. McNab and an adopter that was willing to take a stressed senior cat home. Darwin has since been the master of the house. He has gone on to train a second HSSV alumni senior dog, Max. Darwin has now taken a part time job as mouse detective in his adopter's office. As shown in the picture he is taking the job seriously and has worked through the night on occasion. Although he is good at the job he prefers to go home and supervise Max and his people. He is a big guy that is gentle and tolerant with kids and has been the perfect cat for this home. Thought you might enjoy this photo of Darwin in the office.

Ambitious Youngster Luna Takes A Job As Dog-sitter

Sleek, gorgeous kitty Luna came in through our PUP program. Her mother had an unwanted litter that the guardian couldn't care for. Mom was spayed and returned to the guardian and the kittens came to HSSV to find new homes. Admitted in September, Luna stayed with us for two months  - black kittens tend to have a harder time finding homes. In November Denise came in looking for a companion for herself and her dog, Roxy. Roxy was adopted from us in 2008 and had lived with a cat before. Little Luna made herself right at home with Denise and Roxy. As new guardian Denise says of the two, "they've become great sisters".

And New On The Job Market, Big Rex Seeks Employment.

The economy has been tough on everyone and Rex is definitely feeling the pinch. He went into the San Martin shelter in late December as a stray. After his stray hold was up, he was transferred to us. At the tender young age of five, Rex has been through two shelters and still no takers. Not even an interview. Extroverted and gregarious, he'd be a wonderful home greeter and television viewing companion. With his sturdy build he could probably handle living with dogs and small children - he's a hearty sixteen pounder. If you think he could be a fit for you, call or come in to find out more about him.

(Thanks to Molly Kirkley for additional writing!)

The Mindy Project

Our Mindy is not a project, she's a success. And while she doesn't have her own television show, she could.

Episode 1: Scaredy Pup.

A hapless young pitbull puppy finds herself in a big city shelter. She immediately becomes frightened. This could be a sad episode were it not for little Mindy's big head and sweet face. Her silly expressions and sweet demeanor catch the attention of the shelter staff who ask HSSV to take her. Along the way she meets a JRT who growls at her, causing her to flop down like a pancake.

Episode 2: Foster Family To The Rescue.

Poor Mindy continues to have trouble coming out of her shell. Shelter staff prescribe confidence building - off she goes to a foster home to learn how to be brave. With the help of two resident dogs, a large cat and a very kind couple, Mindy begins to come out of her shell. She also masters house manners, learning things like 'though shalt not eat off the kitchen counter' and 'sleeping through the night makes everyone happy'. The episode ends with her well on her way to becoming an old pro at daily home life.

Episode 3: Surgery and Rehabilitation.

During a medical checkup, it is discovered that Mindy has hip dysplasia. Our plucky heroine undergoes surgery on both her hips and (with the help of her amazing foster family) bounces back. Along the way she wins the hearts of her physical therapists to come back stronger than before and with a bunch of new friends. Despite spending months under medical care and with limited physical activity, she continues to mature into a lovely young dog with wonderful house manners.

Episode 4: Time For A Home Of Her Own.

After all she's been through, our girl has now been in care for over a year. Utilizing all the resources they can she, HSSV and her foster family set out to find the ultimate prize - a forever home of her own. She's walking and running again after surgery. She's mastered living with cats, having doggie roommates and being left unattended in the house without eating the sofa.

If you're interested in living with a well rounded up and coming star, call her agent Casaundra at 408.262.2133 ext 183.

For a special look at her in action, check out her video!

Belle & Amber On Coming to HSSV.

Amber: We were really scared when we went into the first shelter. Thank goodness we have each other. It had been hard enough being out on the streets and the shelter was so much better in some ways - we had food and the people were very kind - but it was so loud. All the barking, all the smells.

Amber looking pensive.

Belle: Do you have a cookie?

Amber: The staff there was fantastic. They knew Belle and I needed each other - she's my daughter and we've never been apart - so they made sure we stayed together.

Belle: I'd really like a cookie.

Amber: It was really crowded there, though. Too many dogs. Not enough space and more coming in all the time. The nice people there realized we were really scared and we would need to go home together so when the HSSV people came to take transfers, they suggested us.

Belle: Can I sit on your lap and eat a cookie?

Amber: The HSSV Foster/Rescue team loaded us on to the van - they're such sweet people. We got lots of hugs on the way in. They introduced to a couple of other dogs to see if we liked them. We tried to make friends with the other dogs but they weren't feeling very friendly.

Cookie?

Belle: I love a good lap but if that's not possible I'll just take a cookie. Did you say you had cookies?

Amber: Then we came here. And it's been wonderful, really wonderful. The food is great and the staff and volunteers come and sit with us all the time. We go on walks, play in the yard and we go to playgroups with the other dogs, too.

Belle: Hard cookies, soft cookies, I'm not picky. Just a cookie please. And maybe a scratch behind the ears.

Amber: This is a lovely place, really beyond compare. But it'd be nice to be in a home. Have some people of our own. We're both so friendly and affectionate and it'd be nice to have some folks. Maybe a lap for each of us. We need to stay together obviously.

Belle: I'm not going anywhere without my mom. Even for a cookie. Speaking of cookies....

Update: ADOPTED 1/12/13!