Friday, December 14, 2018

A Big Blog Update on Fire Efforts

Our hearts are with the people and animals who have been affected by the fires in Butte County. This disaster was devastating, and though the fires are officially out, hundreds of animals remain in the fire-affected area, homeless and needing care. Temporary shelters have been set up to house these animals, and organizations from all over the country are pitching in to help provide care.

In this week's blog, we want to share with you how we've brought our expertise in shelter medicine to help the animals in the fire areas needing care. Read on for the whole story:


On Monday, December 3rd, we sent over a dozen staff and volunteers to help care for more than 350 animals being housed in these temporary shelters. 


Many of the animals were sick with upper respiratory infections due to the cramped housing and high numbers of animals needing care. 


We provided routine care, vaccinations, and treatments, while also ensuring each animal had toys and other items to help with the boredom of staying in one place for so long.


Our team, trained in standards of care for animals housed in shelters, was tasked with coordinating and managing the care of hundreds of animals. We quickly established strict guidelines and handling instructions to limit the spread of disease, and set the sick animals on a course of treatment to help them get better. 


Our team has been up north for nearly two weeks now to provide support to the organizations on the ground. We'll continue to offer our support as long as we're needed. We've set up a Disaster Relief Fund that will give us the resources to respond quickly to disasters as they occur. Donations to this fund will be used solely to assist animals affected by disasters.


We have so much sympathy for the animals who haven't yet been reunited with their families, those who will need to be cared for until their family can take them home again, and those who may need new homes. And we're so grateful for the many people and organizations who have rallied together in a difficult situation to help these animals, no matter their situation.


Before we wrap up, we need to thank the people who have made our disaster relief efforts possible. Thank you to our staff and volunteers, who spent days caring for animals in Butte County. And a big thank you to the staff and volunteers who stayed behind and made sure our animals were cared for while part of our team was gone. We also want to give a HUGE thanks to those of you who supported our efforts - by donating to the Disaster Relief Fund, donating towels and other necessary items, and constantly being our support system. We couldn't do what we do without you. 


As the situation in Butte County continues to change, we'll keep everyone updated on the support we provide. Stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks. 



Friday, December 7, 2018

A Home for the Holidays Album

Oh there's no fun like pets for the holidays
'Cause no matter how far or close you roam
If you want to make them happy in a million ways
For the holidays they can't beat home sweet home

Today's album of cheery holiday songs was put together by some of our favorite animals. In the hopes of finding awesome homes for the holidays, they polished up their song-writing skills and now present this album. (Please note, if the rhymes aren't entirely rhyme-y or the songs don't quite make sense....they're novices. Also, they're animals, and animals are notoriously bad at rhyming - ask anyone.)

All I Want For Christmas


I don't want a lot this season
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about those cat trees
Or other things to distract me

I just want a home of my own
More than you could ever know
Go get me a home
All I want is one of my own

When we think of Mariah Carey's iconic bop, Roxie comes to mind. Like Mariah, she's got a range. She's feisty when needed, sweet when it suits her, and works harder than any pop star-er uh, cat - we know. 



She's also really, really, ridiculously talented. Obviously. Come meet her.


Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree


Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Is my favorite thing of all
Tennis balls everywhere I can see
Please, please throw me that ball
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Just look at my smile bling
Later we'll snuggle up on the couch


But only after some fetching

Austin basically IS this happy, rock 'n roll beat. He's upbeat, has a great attitude, and is ready to just get this party started. Let's GO people! The holidays are for celebratin'! Come meet him!


It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year


It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much warmth and cuddling

All day we'll be snugglingOur home must be near!
It's the most wonderful time of the year


Much like this song, Paco and Lucky are classics. Their real love of the holidays comes simply from a deep-seated dream of finding their family for the holidays. These peas in a pod are happy-go-lucky little guys who are ready to find their place by the fire - or in your laps. Meet them


The Grinch Song, Revised


You're a sneaky one, Mr.  Butters
You really love to eat
You steal the food you want, and you love your life indoors, Mr. Buuuutters
You're a good cat with a reputation to beat

Unlike the Grinch, Butters isn't a mean one, or a grumpy one, and he doesn't have a particular hatred for the holidays. But he is a sneaky dude - once caught breaking and entering into people's houses to steal their butter, Butters is now pleased as punch to be living his life indoors with food that is always available to him.  His hilarious antics, resting mean face, and outgoing attitude will keep you entertained all through the holidays - come meet him! www.hssv.org/butters


We hope you enjoyed this special holiday album put together by these furry folks. Don't forget - all these melodious mammals have adoption fees of only $20 until December 31 for Home for the Holidays. Be sure you don't miss out on these songbirds!