Small Dog Adoption Extravaganza

by Jennifer Bush, HSSV Volunteer

Paris Hilton has one. You’ve seen them in movies and commercials. And right now, Silicon Valley shelters are overflowing with Chihuahuas and other small mixed-breed dogs.

To help these adorable dogs find loving homes, Humane Society Silicon Valley is bringing together Silicon Valley shelters and numerous Bay Area rescue groups for a small dog extravaganza! The “Good Things Come in Small Packages” pet adoption event is a one-stop-shop for small dog lovers to adopt or learn more about Chihuahuas and other small dog breeds.

Come meet a few of these pint-sized pups and learn if one might be a good fit for your home. And if you can't adopt a dog, you can still get involved by donating, volunteering or fostering an animal.

Humane Society Silicon Valley's “Good Things Come in Small Packages” Pet Adoption Event will take place Saturday, May 14 from 11 am – 4 pm at HSSV's Animal Community Center, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas.

Already own a small dog? HSSV is offering affordable spay/neuter surgery for Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes throughout the month of May.

Chihuahua Spay/Neuter Month Starts May 1

By Melissa Lisbon, HSSV Volunteer

Did you ever notice that there are a lot Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes at HSSV? I asked Dr. Julia Lewis, HSSV’s chief veterinary officer why this was the case, and she told me that 30% of the dogs brought in to HSSV as strays, surrenders or transfers are Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes!

I was happy to learn that HSSV would be running a spay/neuter special the entire month of May for Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes. Spays will be $40, and neuters will be $15. Qualifying dogs must weigh less than 25 lbs., which shouldn’t be a problem since Chihuahuas are a small breed of dog.

I also learned that there are a lot of health benefits from spaying and neutering, such as preventing certain types of cancer. However, Dr. Lewis emphasizes that "the most important benefit to spaying and neutering is not the health of the animals having the surgery, but it is for all of the puppies who don't have to be born into a situation where they don't have a home."

Given the high numbers of these little dogs, I think HSSV’s May Chihuahua spay/neuter program will have a real impact on the Chihuahuas’ homeless situation.

Click here to learn more about HSSV's spay and neuter services.