Sunday, November 30, 2014

Five Great Reasons To Consider Adopting A Bonded Pair.

This is so exciting we must dance!
Ermaghawd! We're right smack dab in the middle of Home for the Holidays. That means it's $12 adoptions on adult pets! Even more exciting than that is the fact that not only do we have adorable single doggers, we also have adorable pairs of doggers - canine couples that need to be adopted in a pair. You heard correctly - pairs! A ready made canine-family. Just add you!

We know, we know - just the mention of it is pretty enticing but in case you need a little extra coaxing to consider inviting a furry pair into your home, we present you with this list of five great reasons you need to adopt a twosome. As illustrated, of course, by our available twosomes. 

1) A Pooch For Every Taste.

Guess which one of us never needs a salon day? 
Fluffy, sayeth you. Sleek and foxlike, sayeth he. No one needs to compromise here. Everyone can get what they want. While we have a lot of pairs that are like two peas in a pod, we also have some pairs that are like a legume and an ice cream cone - completely different but oddly complementary. Jacqueline and Savannah, for instance. Don't be a poodle person OR a chihuahua person. Be both. Keep people guessing. And while they're guessing, you can be patting yourself on the back for owning the two cutest dogs ever and giggling about the fact that they feel the need to sleep on top of a crate instead of in one. Quirky little pooches.

2) The Idea of An Evil Twin Is Just Too Cool For Words.

Yes, there is a second dog-body there, too. No two headed canines available.
Sure, you don't have a doppelganger but admit it: at times you wish you did. Maybe when you got in trouble when you were a kid and had no one to blame it on. Maybe when you weren't a kid but saw a lot of action movies featuring evil twins and skinwalkers and what not. Evil twins are cool. If you can't be part of a pair, adopt a pair. Truth be told, scruffnuggety schnauzer mixes Rocky and Tanner aren't evil but you don't have to tell anyone that. Plus you can have all sorts of fun pretending to be really offended when people can't tell your dogs apart.*

3) You're Pretty Lazy and Need Some Help Exercising The Dog.

We do laps together, you're on cheering duty. Deal? 
You know how it is, you get home from work and that dinner isn't going to make itself nor are those dishes going to do themselves and that laundry? Just forget it. You know what doesn't require an enormous amount of effort to exercise themselves? Those two dogs that were so excited to see you come home. Not only did you get a heroes welcome but with a playful pair like Peter and Wendy your contribution to the play effort can be pretty minimal. Go out in the yard and horse around with them, maybe throw the ball a bit but when it comes to running and zoomies, you're totally off the hook These guys will chase each other around. You just get to enjoy soaking in the essence of happy playing dog,  laughing at their antics and being part of such a cool human/dog family. 

4) You Have Two Hands? Such A Coincidence. We Have The Best Two Dogs EVER.

What has three eyes and is made of awesome? US.

On one hand, it's with great sadness that we report that Luna and Phoebe, two of our favorite dogs ever, have come back to us. On the other hand, it's such a win for someone who's looking for two pocket sized pooches with oversized personalities and more than enough love for everyone in the family. Don't let the picture fool you - these guys are so teeny they'll both fit in your lap and so lovely you'll want to pet both at once. Little Luna, our one eyed girl, is the more outgoing of the two. Phoebe is the cuddlier one. Their love and loyalty to each other is inspiring and it easily expands to include everyone they love. Be lucky enough to be on that list. Come meet them.

5) We Just Want You To Know We Have A Dog That Looks Like A Palm Tree.

I'm such a California girl...
This has nothing to do with pairs but Dee Dee is a fantastic dog that's been with us for a while. Even though she doesn't have a partner, we decided to slip her into this blog just to make you bask in her fuzzy-headed adorableness. Gentle, funny Dee Dee is currently growing out a shave-down made necessary by mats in her fur. No one has ever rocked the hair-growing-out phase like she has. If you're only looking for one dog, consider coming in and saying hello.

*sometimes we can't tell them apart, either. 

Thursday, November 27, 2014

5 Things Our Cats Are Thankful For This Holiday Season


It's that time of year again!  Time to gather together with family and friends to share a good meal and be thankful for all that we have.  While our cats here at HSSV are still in search of the perfect families to spend the holidays with, they are still thankful for so very many different reasons. Here are five things that the HSSV cats are thankful for this holiday season.


Thing #1: Laps. And hats.
Cleo, one of our longer-term residents, was a good sport about donning this pilgrim hat as long as she got a lap to curl up in while she wore it. Plus, she won't admit it, but she thinks she looks fabulous in miniature headwear.


Flattering, no?

Thing #2: A warm, cozy bed.
Our adoption suites here at HSSV are no match for an actual home with an actual family, but they are pretty darn close. Not only do these kitties get constant companionship and playtime from our dedicated cat volunteers, but they get super cool stuff like cat trees, hand-made toys, hidey-holes and of course, lots and lots of cozy fleece beds (as modeled by Cersei) to snuggle up in.

I don't care what you put on me as long as you are here.  Now don't leave until I fall asleep or I'll meow until you come back.  You have been warned.

Thing #3: Windows.
Not only do they provide that constantly sought-after beam of warm sunlight to lie in, but have you seen what's on the other side of them?! Birds! Rustling plants! Swirling leaves! And BIRDS! Windows are awesome at providing some mental stimulation for your kitty, and if you're an active gal like Foxy Cleopatra here, a window can even provide a chance to get some extra playtime in with the lady trying to take pictures in the next room with all those ridiculous props.


It's moving!  ATTACK!


Thing #4: Playing Dress-Up!
(or not)
Okay, so Radcliff and Juniper may not look like they're thankful for these football antennas but they ARE thankful for the extra attention and treats they get while they are wearing them. So there's that.


Maybe if I stay very still, no one will notice how ridiculous I look.
Actually, I don't mind these at all.  Do you have them in pink?  It's important that I match my bedding, otherwise it's just embarrassing.

Thing #5: Company.
No need to explain this one. Whether you're a teensy-weensy little kitten or a senior kitty like Pepper, it's nice to have some human companionship. And these shelter cats sure get a lot of it, thanks to our socializers.  And that's definitely something to be thankful for.

Thank you, human.

So this holiday, think Shelters First! Our Home for the Holidays promotion begins Friday November 28th and ends New Years Eve. All adult animals are only $12 to adopt. So no more excuses! Adopt an adult kitty and we promise you'll be thankful you did.

Happy Thanksgiving from our furry family to yours!


Sunday, November 23, 2014

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Turkey Headband Time!

Guys, we know it's not your favorite thing in the world but we have this fantastic idea for Thanksgiving......

Great ideas? I love great ideas! Spill it!
You know how people love pets in costumes? And they love holiday themed things? We were thinking....

You need to know whenever you hear 'idea' think 'loss of dignity', newbie.
Bruno, just stop. It was for two minutes. And you got about 300 snacks for it. Anyway, Thanksgiving is a holiday of gratitude and we're really, really grateful that we have the best adoptable dogs in the world, hands down. We're also grateful that we have the best adopters in the world, paws down.  So we thought...

Please stop thinking. Just stop. You think, I get drumsticks on the head. No more. 
That we would use this opportunity to do three things. First, to draw attention to our really special dogs using eye catching holiday outfits. Like our beloved Ophelia.

I just....need to know why. Why? 
All right, we get the point but for the attention-drawing bit we really need you to just do this. Did we mention there are snacks?  Get in the spirit. Did we also mention that getting adopted around Thanksgiving greatly ups your chance of being snuck a bite of sweet potatoes by your new forever family?

Well, if you mention a few bites of hooman food...
THANK YOU, Ophelia. First point: we have amazing dogs. Come meet them. Turkey drumsticks not included. 

Our second point is to thank all of the aforementioned adopters who have given our alumni such great homes. There are legions of them. We are so very lucky. We also want to thank our alumni - every last happy, funny, silly, goofy, too-smart-for-their-own-good, shy, outgoing, challenging and easy pooch -  for letting us be part of their journey. You have taught us (and continue to teach us) so much. Thank you. 

You're welcome. May I have my snack now?
But the absolute most exciting reason for this blog is to announce that it's that time of year again. It's time for (drumroll please............)

I can't stand the suspense...or the turkey on my head...
Home For The Holidays! Yes, it's true. Starting this Friday, November 28th through December 31st the adoption fee for all animals over six months will be just $12.

Ok, for news that good me and the drumsticks will smile. 
All of our animals would be so grateful for a home of their own for their holidays that we're lowering adoption fees to try and make that happen. So not only can you share the coming holidays with a brand new pooch....

I am such a good dog that I will wear this with grace if you will consider giving me a chance.
You'll also have a new bud to watch all the games with!

I did Halloween. I'm doing footballs on my head. Please adopt me before santa hats. PLEASE
More good news? As we were creating this blog little Ernie found his forever family. Godspeed  Ernie! Thanks for being such a good sport.

Later suckas, I'm OUTTIE! 
And look for all sorts of adorable and fun holiday themed blogs as we get into Home for the Holidays! Yay!

What is that antler headpiece for? 

You think that's bad? There's dreidel head-boppers, too. ADOPT US. Have mercy...


Some side notes on our tolerant, adoptable models who were richly rewarded for their participation.

Eeyore is a really, really special dog looking for a special family. He's deaf, which he doesn't consider a big problem. He hopes you won't either.
Bruno is a great little guy who keeps getting overlooked. Despite our photo choice, he's a great sport with just about everything. If you haven't met him, you need to.
TigerLily, our basset mix, is a character and a half with adorable ears and a great disposition.
Beautiful shorty-snorty pibble Ophelia has an adoption in process right now. Please cross your fingers for her.
Ernie went home. Yay Ernie! See part about 'great adopters, lucky us!'.
Ashley, the world's calmest Dalmatian was a total champ about turkey-head.
Mirchi, whose name means pepper, is the most loyal little guy. His holiday wish is for a nice family with warm, welcoming laps, to come meet him.
Figaro has been waiting seemingly forever for his own peeps and we have no idea why. Everyone loves him.
Little scruffnuggets Arthur and Beanie, who wind up this blog, are an easy-peasy bonded pair who are looking for a home together.

We also need to mention our extreme gratitude to volunteer photog Jackie-Mac, who not only takes these great pictures but also makes sure everyone has fun while they're doing it. It takes a special person to make a turkey headband (our idea, not hers) a good time and we're so lucky to have her. Her love and dedication to the dogs shine through in every photo. Thank you.




If anyone is crafty enough to make us some vegetarian themed holiday meal type outfits, we'd be very grateful. Little pie hats or tofurkey headboppers. We'd really like to have some veg-stuff goin' on but not being very crafty were constrained by the choices available in stores. So if you're feeling crafty after you finish your tofurkey, please consider making something with the box that will help get our pets some attention.


Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Inside Scoop: Henry & Ethel's Big Day!


It's not too often that our senior cats get recognized for their incredible talents (especially with all those adorable kittens stealing the spotlight!), but a few weeks ago, it was time for two of our most senior feline guests to shine at a Cat Fanciers' Association local cat show.
 

Henry

and



Both twelve years old, both super-sweet and easy-going, both adoptable.  That makes them winners in our book!

 

Here's Henry hanging out in between judging, cage all decked out in HSSV gear handmade by our amazing volunteers.

Ethel putting on the charm.


As first-timers competing against 15 other cats, these two really did shine!  They won over the judges with their sweet personalities -- especially Ethel, with her non-stop chatting and head-butts.



Handsome Henry





The judges checked their bone structure, muscle tone, fur, ears, teeth and nails.






Ethel with more charm.




Both cats loved all the attention!




Henry loves the rump scratches.







Volunteer Nancy Dunn writes, "This was a new environment for our two wonderful seniors, and they more than rose to the occasion!"





Hooray for Henry!

Go, Ethel!


Both Henry and Ethel were big winners at the show!  They earned many, many ribbons and proved that seniors can still run with the young ones.





Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who put so much of their efforts into showing off our seniors and getting them a little more attention!  It definitely paid off -- Henry was adopted over the weekend!

Now it's just Ethel's turn to find a loving home.

"I'm wishing...for the one I love!"


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Neighborhood Adoption Centers, Sharing Space and Proper Use of Hamster Photography

Okay guys, I have this great idea for the dog blog this week...

Great idea? Do tell. I'm all ears...
Since we're going to be talking about the Neighborhood Adoption Centers and both you AND your kitty counterparts are at the Neighborhood Adoption Centers, wouldn't it be awesome if we had some cats in the dog blog this week, too? To help spread the word?

CATS? That is not a great idea. So not a great idea.
Vivian, don't give me that look. I'm serious. We could just have a couple of cats chime in, too, so everyone will know they can meet both at our Neighborhood Adoption Centers.

This is OUR blog. Keep the cats out. They'll beat me up. 
Dori, I really think you're over-reacting. This is not the end of the world. It's just one or two cats to help get the word out. I'm sure the cats would be perfectly happy to share their blog with you.

The dogs smell. Do we have to be here? 
Okay, everyone just pipe down. Can we not just get along for a few minutes?

Anyway, the point we're trying to make here is how awesome our Neighborhood Adoption Center pets are. 

Who's awesome? I'm awesome. As is my little purple pig. 
Why are they so awesome? 

First of all, we tend to send our most easy-going, outgoing pets to the Neighborhood Adoption Centers. They get a lot of traffic - a lot of folks who just want to say hello to a pet or happen to be walking by. We need to send animals that like lots of attention and are okay with crowds and kids. So if you're looking for a really laid-back and accepting pooch or kitty, an N.A.C is a good bet. 

I'm awesome too. And my awesome self will be up here until the smelly dogs leave.

Like American Express, Neighborhood Adoption Centers are everywhere you want to be. We have one at Petco Sunnyvale that has dogs, cats, bunnies and pocket pets. Right now our collection of cool cats there include Teri and Toni who have an incredible story

We are awesome squared. And so classy we will not mention the aroma of dog. 
We also have a Neighborhood Adoption Center at Petco West San Jose on Saratoga Road. They are chock a block full of cats, kittens and pocket pets and will also have dogs as well in the next few weeks. Woo-hoo!

Woo-Hoo! Yes! And by the way, I'm AWESOME!
Finally we have our newest Neighborhood Adoption Center at....

Wait...was that a RODENT? 
Okay Bixby - stop. Just stop. Yes, that is a hammie. Yes, there is a hamster in your blog. Everyone can get along and share a blog for ten minutes so we can finish spreading the news. 

Anyway we have our newest Neighborhood Adoption Center at...

You mentioned cats but no one said ANYTHING about hamsters in our blog. 
Everyone! Stop! It was ONE hamster picture. This blog has room enough for everyone and everyone here, including our hammie and other pocket pet friends, need forever homes.

We have our newest Neighborhood Adoption Center at....

I agree with the dogs. The hamster picture is an outrage. 
Ok! So now that you have managed to find some solidarity on something, we will carry on.

Our newest Neighborhood Adoption Center is at Petsmart Mountain View. It always has cats and kittens and hosts a dog adoption fair on Saturdays from 12-4 where some of our most awesome, laid back adoptable dogs visit for a few hours to meet potential suitors and hand out pooch-smooches. 

KISSIES!
There you can meet fantastic dogs like Charlie, owner of the world's cutest permanent earmuffs.

Laugh now, we'll see who's ears feel good when it drops below forty.
And the ever-popular Ophelia, our favorite snortie-shorty with the smile so wide you could park a Volkswagen in it. 

I think hamsters are cute....
So now that this blog is over and we've all managed to share space for a few minutes, let's do a quick review of what we learned:

1) Neighborhood Adoption Centers are full of perfect adoptable animals.
2) You should go visit our Neighborhood Adoption Centers.
3) Dogs and cats will happily unite to drive poor, adorable hamsters out of their blogs.

Any questions?