Keep Your Pets Safe On Halloween : Tips, Info and Gratuitous Photos of Our Favorite Adoptables In Adorably Ridiculous Costumes.

If you're a cat, it might be the least wonderful time of the year.

You people better get some useful information out of this.

Cats do not like costumes. Even cats as cool as Joey Ramoney Baloney do not appreciate being dressed up as a cowgirl. It's a shame as he makes an exceptionally cute cowgirl.

We're going to talk about Halloween safety for pets because it's important. It also can be a little dry so we're going to shamelessly use pictures of some of our favorite adoptables being stuffed into costumes to keep you reading.

Don't Let Pets Eat Halloween Candy 

Can I keep the cowboy? Please?

While Joey was peeved about being a cowgirl, Athena was quite delighted to be a cow-pony. We doubt she would have felt the same way had we put an angry Joey-In-His-Cowgirl-Outfit on her back but we wouldn't have done that.

People, please keep the candy away from the pets. Many dogs would love to eat candy - even the Whoppers and those tinfoil wrapped pumpkin things that always wind up not getting eaten until last because they're not as good as the Snickers. That said, do not allow them to eat candy. Pets make notoriously poor diet choices when allowed to. Most candy is toxic to pets. Put it out of their reach.

Have A Safe Place For Them To Hang Out Away From The Fuss

Sad Panda really hopes you pay attention to the Halloween safety bits.

Daisy is a dog of enormous good grace who usually tries to be a sport about everything but this - this is just inhuman. A panda costume? Really?

Make sure your pet has a secure place to hang out during Trick Or Treat time. Pets aren't used to people in costumes and it can scare the pudding out of some animals. Add that to a frequently open and closing door and there's a lot of potential for runaway pets. Keep them contained, safe and inside. If you have a dog that freaks out about the doorbell, a bedroom with a TV or radio on for white noise could be a great idea.

Be More Cautious About Pets and New Kids

Never forgiven. Never ever ever ever.

Speaking of doors, Kimchi would be so out that door if given half a chance. Not because she wants to get away but because someone put her in a Dracula costume. We say 'adorable'. Kimchi says "You will never be forgiven for this".

Even animals that love kids can be freaked out by a kid shaped like Godzilla or a snowman. And if your pet hasn't been around kids before, this really isn't the night to try an intro. There's just too much going on - too many strange sounds and smells.

Admire Beau's Ice Cream Sundae Outfit

Ermagawd! I'm ice cream! Awesome! Can we try on another costume after this?

Oh Beau, you make such an awesome ice cream sundae. Unlike some of our other victims you seem completely ecstatic to be wearing a costume. Why has no one snapped up this little cutie yet? He's a poodle dressed as a sundae. Two of the most popular things in America - ice cream and poodles - right here looking for a home. Forget handing out candy, you should really come in and meet these guys.

We're out of good holiday tips but we're not out of amazing pets who need homes that we stuffed into Halloween costumes.

Stick An Adorable Teenage Pibble In A Dragon Costume

You see this look? You deserve this look. It's my beleagured look.

In fact we're full of awesome potential doggy/kitty trick or treaters that would love to be at your door this Halloween. And this Thanksgiving. And this Christmas, and New Years, and Groundhog Day and even for those minor little holidays like National Bacon Day and Official High Five Day. To see our amazing adoptables click here or come down.

And Black Cats Are NOT Unlucky

Black cats AREN'T unlucky. And like the other cat, I will never forgive you for this.

One more thing? Black cats aren't bad luck. The only thing that makes Daphne more upset than being stuffed into a bee costume is when people think black cats are bad luck. And as she's sporting a stinger in this get-up, we'd really suggest not making Daphne upset.

All of our models are here, available for adoption, and begging you to come get them before we start sticking them in turkey outfits for Thanksgiving. Honestly, all of these guys are such good sports that they were purposely chosen to be the models. No one was tortured in the making of this blog and lots of hot dogs, treats, and string cheese were used as compensation. 

Humane Society Silicon Valley Has All The Popular New Dog Breeds!

Labradoodles, cockapoos, maltiyorkipoos, teacup whatsits - everyone wants a designer dog these days. Urban legend (and craigslist) tell you that these little gems will cost you thousands. Not true! We have all the most popular breeds and up to the minute designer mixes. In fact some of our breeds are so new that they haven't even hit the mainstream yet - perfect for the trendsetting wannabe pet owner. Check out some of our couture adoptables.

Duffel Bag Chihuahua With Levitating Option

That whole teacup thing was so 2003. Nobody carries tiny little purses any more so the fashion money is on the dog that's big enough to fit in a duffel bag. Or a hobo bag. Or even to walk on their very own four paws. June Bug, our model, epitomizes the best of the breed. Small enough to pick up but large enough to hike and be active with. Her neutral coat color goes with anything you happen to be wearing - patterns, florals, solids - she's a match! Plus she does this awesome trick where she gets all four paws off the ground. Certain to be the talk of any gathering. 

Short Coated Miniature Husky

 Forget the Klee-Kai, our little Lizzy has this tiny husky thing in the bag. All the coloring of a real husky but with half the fur and one-fourth of the size! Sure, she's not a wise choice if you have a sled that needs to be pulled or anything like that but she does like salmon. True, she'd get lost in a snow drift of any size but this is the Bay Area - we don't have snow drifts. No one needs to know. If you're looking a breed that simultaneously says 'rugged and outdoorsy' as well as 'urban and shedding sensitive', come meet Lizzy. 

The BostonWaWa.

They're small. They're boxy. They have tails of dubious lengths and odd shapes. They're very active and their tongues hang out of their mouths at strange angles. They're BostonWaWas. Everything you love about a Boston Terrier but with half the bulk and propensity for chubbiness. Cuddly like a chihuahua, bouncy like a Boston. Frank and Bella are only available as a matched pair (like shoes!) so you can corner the market on their adorable-ness. Every one is going to be wanting these guys this season but only one person can have them. You might want to hurry down. 

 The Boxy Headed Flat Coated Labradoodle.

 What's the hottest designer mix right now? The Labradoodle! And we can do the labradoodle one better with the boxy headed, flat coated labradoodle. He fetches! He likes water! He's active and funny and friendly! Basically everything you get in a labradoodle minus some hair extensions and a perm. We have several of these guys and unlike traditional labradoodles, they come in all colors.*

 The Sweet White Fluffy Whatsit.

Who can resist a little white fluff ball? Call him a Malti-shih or Poo-terrier, just call Filbert yours. His long, soft locks will require regular trips to the groomer but also give you the joy of experimenting with different cuts for him. Looking for something bigger or smaller? We have several Sweet White Fluffy Whatsits available in sizes ranging from teacup to standard. Love the look but want something a little edgier? We also have Sweet Gray Fluffy Whatsits available. 

Don't be fooled into spending thousands on the latest designer breed. We've got you covered on this. 

 For more information on June Bug, Lizzy, Bella and Frank, Pluto, Filbert or Corrine check out our website at www.hssv.org. 



* Absolutely no guarantees are made or implied regarding the presence of labs or poodles or anything in their ancestries. They are, however, made of awesome. 

Boo-Who? HSSV's Awesome Black Cats School You On Superstition.

BOO!



"I'm a scary bat."

As Halloween approaches, the black cats of HSSV implore you to focus on the good superstitions appropriated with their breed, instead of the bad.  So forget those tired tales of old witch's familiars.  Black cats need love too!  And here is why:

Number 1: Seeing a black cat is considered lucky.

"Think if you adopted me, how lucky you would be!" -- Regina

Number 2: Finding a white hair on a black cat brings good luck.

"Does a white eyebrow count?" -- Armand

Number 3: To dream of a black cat is lucky.

"Especially if she has a mustache." -- Vermicelli

Number 4: A strange black cat on a porch brings prosperity to the owner.

"What about on a perch?  Huh?"  -- Button

And instead of adhering to the superstition that if a black cat crosses your path while you're driving, you should turn your hat around backwards and mark an X on your windshield to prevent bad luck (I swear I'm not making this up), you should probably just look to the positive of it.  Maybe even adopt one!  Who knows, you could get lucky.

All of these black cats and more are available for adoption today at HSSV, come meet them today!
 

Stop. Making. That. Face.

Attention Dogs of HSSV: 

It has come to our attention lately that there is a trend of making faces behind the staff and volunteer's backs. We want you to know that we are aware of this and we don't find it funny. Impudent, childish, disrespectful - yes. Funny? No. If you think you've been getting away with this, you haven't. 

 

Really Yani? Seriously? You thought we didn't see that? We don't know what's going on with you. You're fine inside then you go out to the dog park with your friends and decide to be the class clown. We hope your friends got a kick out of this because we are not laughing, Yani. 

 

Not subtle, Teddy. Not subtle at all. The nice volunteers take you out for a hike and your response is to do this when they turn their backs? You better have been sticking that tongue out at a duck or a bear or something because let me tell you, we've taught you better than that. 

Little Dude, you've gotten in with the wrong crowd. I can't help but feel you're doing this to get attention from the other dogs. It's not working, Little Dude. No one is laughing. 

Stop laughing, Athena. You are not helping this situation at all. If you keep egging them on you're just as guilty as they are.

See? Now look -even Lady Marmalade who was such a sweet, shy little dog is getting in on this. Lady M, stop that right now. Didn't your mother ever tell you that if you keep making faces your face would freeze like that? 

IT'S TRUE. 

Now look at DJ, he's a nice boy. Always sweet and respectful.

Look at that smile! That's what we like to see. Nice, happy dogs. Big smiles. All of you need to take a look at DJ and learn a good lesson from him. Let him be a role model for you. 

Oh forget it. Just forget the whole thing. 

Yani, Teddy, Athena, Lady M and DJ might be a little saucy at times but they're all here, awesome, and waiting for their forever homes. Come meet them - we promise they'll keep you laughing.

Little Dude and his protruding tongue were adopted last night before this blog could be posted. Godspeed, little friend.

Great Moments In Walk 'N Wag History.

Be cool, people.

Buckle your seat belts and hold on tight because this is going to be a wild ride. Last Saturday we had our 11th annual Walk 'N Wag at Hellyer County Park. This was our first year at this location and it was a rousing success. Today we highlight some of our favorite moments.

The League of Enormously Sloppy Kissers

That's Dr. Otto, DDS to you.

All the pooches were feeling the love that day and were not at all shy about showing it. Above HSSV alum Otto (formerly Gene Kelly) makes sure his new mom doesn't have anything stuck in her teeth. Below Frances (also an HSSV alum) mans the kissing booth and acts as the eye wash station.

If you need a patch after this, ask the pirate ladies.

We're not sure but we think that guy got more than he bargained for. There was also this enthusiastic pup who made sure his dad's sinuses stayed clear:

Hold on and I'll clean your glasses, too. 

To see more awesome Walk 'N Wag smoochin', check out this video.

The Bagpiping Husky and Three Pounds of Jaws

No I will not play Misty for you. Freeeeeedom!

Not only was he adorable, he made everyone want to see Braveheart again. It was the first time the majority of folks were really happy to see a bagpiper. Everyone fell in love with this handsome lad.

Laugh all you want. The bathtub is no longer safe.

Terror of the high seas. Or the wading pool. By and large the biggest good sport in a very small package.

The Lazy Dogs

Faster. And I need an umbrella for the sun.

Why walk when you can ride? While we had two options for walking this year - a 3/4 mile route or a longer 5k, some of dogs simply checked the box for 'neither'. These guys have figured out that whenever possible, let someone else do the work. Two thumbs up for smart pooches and awesome owners.

What do you mean it's not actually called Walk 'n Nap?

Seriously, don't mess with this guys ride. And lest you think it's only the smalls who went for designated driver option, don't:

We can't let the dog in stroller beat us! Faster!

 A long walk on a hot day? If you have a burly dad, why bother?

To see some more active dogs (and a couple more lazy ones) check out this.

The Weird, Wonderful and All Around Amazing People

We're going to need a groomer over here. Stat.

Like these fantastic folks who, despite having a terrible hair day, bucked up and came anyway. The dogs looked a little embarrassed to be seen with them but hung in, too.

Beware, mateys. There are sharks in these waters.

The pirate ladies. We don't know where they came from. Perhaps they were chased in by the three pound shark, but we were enormously glad they came. We were also glad that no one saw the Labrador's parrot as chew toy and decided to pull their cutlass.

We're sure there's a child labor law about making your infant volunteer but we're not tellin'.

The smallest crew member. Staff veterinarian Dr. Berger's daughter Lily turned up in a wee little hand-made Crew shirt. Lily is also known as 'Slider' because she's just a tiny Berger. More adorable waggin' kids here.

These kitties had some serious claws. Yay Petey's Paws!

Team Petey's Paws who, in an unprecedented move, threw down the gauntlet for the cats this year. Comprised of HSSV's wonderful cat volunteers this feisty team came out swinging, raising over $10,000. Fe-line' threatened dog people? We hope to see them back next year in all their purring, hissing glory. Viva La Cat Volunteers!

There's a very cool video of more fantastic Walk 'N Waggers here.

A Schnauzer Playing A Tiny Little Piano

I'm not playing Misty again. Ask the husky.

There is absolutely nothing that can be said about a schnauzer playing a little piano that will make it more awesome than it already is.

When all was said and done we raised over $229,000 for the animals. Very, very big thanks to all the great people and companies who turned out and supported us. We hope to see you all next year.

Three Reasons Guinness Is The Most Interesting Dog On The Planet.

Guiness: One 'n', two 's'es. Remember the name. While this three year old Pekingese is well known to us here at Humane Society Silicon Valley (he's been in our foster care program for almost six months) the world is starting to take notice. Why? Because, truth be told, he's way more awesome than we are.

1)  He can sing. In the great tradition of Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, Guiness is a country crooner of the highest order.Don't believe us? Check him out in action in his video debut. We're predicting a viral hit, national morning shows, maybe Jimmy Kimmel, then a national tour. Or possibly a stint as a judge on American Idol or The Voice. Maybe a few years after that a VH1 special, a winning waltz on Dancing With The Stars and then a standing show on the Strip in Vegas. But like most rock stars....

2) He hangs with supermodels. Honestly who can resist the little guy? His baseball shaped head. His soulful singing. Mostly, though, what draws people to Guiness is his undeniable, unshakable confidence. He's never met a stage he was afraid to hog, a catwalk he was afraid to walk and or a person he was afraid to be picked up by. He exudes confidence. In buckets.

We don't know what made Guiness the way he is. We're sure that when VH1 gets around to doing a special on him they'll figure it out. Maybe there was a dalliance with a darker life, a troubled childhood, some lean years eating cheap kibble and playing with rolled up socks. Whatever it was, he's not telling. All we know of Guiness is that he materialized in all his fabulousness on St. Patricks Day and walked into the shelter like he owned it. There's a little more to the story than that - he didn't actually walk because....

3) The dog was born with a need for speed. Or an old spinal issue. It's impossible to know. For other dogs this would be a setback but the Guin-dogger just uses it as an excuse to feed his insatiable thirst for the wind in his fur. Don't believe us? Check out his racing video. Danica Patrick better watch her back.

The good news for Danica and all NASCAR superstars is that his back has definitely improved. He rarely uses his wheelchair any more though he does have kind of a funny gait. Either way, it's never slowed him down. He doesn't particularly see it as a problem and he's not sure why you would.

We often get asked if Guiness gets along with other dogs. Of course he does. The most interesting dog in the world embraces everyone.

The greatest thing about Guiness is he's willing to share his country singing, super-modelling, speed racing awesomeness with you. Per his amazing foster mom, Gen, he recently discovered that he can't buy a plane ticket to LA with kibble so he's giving up on the Hollywood life and looking for a permanent home. If you think you might be cool enough to cohabitate with him then call his manager, Casaundra Cruz, at 1.408.262.2133 ext 183. Or you can fill out the foster dog adoption survey.

No, he won't bring his supermodel friends but when you have a dog this awesome, who cares?