Very Special Happy Dog Seeks Happy Now - Applicants Must Be Able To Enjoy The Present.

Update! Valentine has been adopted! Thank you to everyone who passed this on or spread the word about her. More updates on Valentine coming! 

My name is Valentine. It's very important you don't feel sorry for me. Before I tell you my story, I need to know you won't feel sorry for me. What's past is done, the future is unpredictable. It's the now that matters. So don't pity me. Just help me find a happy now, okay? Because I am a happy dog and I deserve that. I'm not sad and sorry for myself and I don't want to be around people who are sad and sorry for me. I want to be around people who hand out treats and like to play and have warm laps.

The beginning was rough. I lived with my two siblings outside. We loved each other a lot and we played but we really didn't get any people-type care. When we were rescued there was no food or water. We don't need to focus on that - I certainly don't - but it's where I came from. It's over now. I like to focus on things like squeaky toys and giving my friends here kisses. If I'm a bit shy at times, it's likely because I came from that place. We don't need to talk about it any more. It's over.

I am a young dog. We bounce back from such things quickly.

Things have been wonderful since I've been rescued. I was brought here, to Humane Society Silicon Valley and they pamper me. I'm pretty spoiled. There's food all the time and soft beds and play time and I've made a ton of friends. I have my choice of laps to sit on. They even sent me to a doctor. At the doctor they listened to my heart. Most hearts goes thumpa-thumpa-thumpa. Or something like that, anyway. Mine goes thummpa...........thuuuuumpa........thuuuuummpa. Apparently this is not so good so they sent me to a special doctor. One who deals with dogs with special hearts. Because I do have a very special heart.

It turns out that while my heart is very big and full of love, it's also very big in a not-good physical way. I won't get too technical about it but it's very faulty. We're all a little flawed in our own way, aren't we? But my faulty-ness means that I probably won't live too terribly long.

Did I mention I don't want you to be sad? I'm not sad. Dogs live in the now. Go ask a dog what he's planning to do tomorrow. We don't make plans. We just enjoy the present.

The Humane Society isn't giving up on me. They say that they know someone is out there who will give me a great life, even if it may not be very long. Are you that person? Can you love me for as long as I have knowing it might not be very long? I have to take some medicine every day but aside from that I am a very normal young dog. You would never guess that there's anything wrong with me if I hadn't told you. And I have a lot of love to give.

If you think you could be that person, please call my friend Nichole at (408)262-2133 ext. 120 and she can arrange for us to meet.

HSSV Offers TNR clinics in Medical Center

By Melissa Lisbon, HSSV Volunteer

As someone who has helped feed a feral cat colony, I was interested to know that on May 15th, HSSV will host a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) clinic for feral cats. I learned that HSSV partners with Peninsula Fix Our Ferals (PFOF) by providing the medical facility for PFOF to perform the surgeries. This partnership can definitely make a major impact on the feral cat population in our area. In HSSV’s 2010 fiscal year, more than 1,400 homeless cats were spayed/neutered in HSSV’s Medical Center alone!

For people who don’t know what TNR is, TNR reduces homeless cat populations by surgically sterilizing cats so they cannot reproduce. TNR, when accompanied by ongoing homeless cat management, is the most effective, humane method of reducing homeless cat populations. Cats are trapped, taken to shelters or veterinary clinics where they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and have their ears tipped/notched so they can be identified as part of a managed colony. Only healthy cats are placed back in their colony so there is not a health risk to other cats and animals. It is widely known that sterilization helps make cats better community citizens and as a result, colonies gradually diminish in size.

Did you know that TNR actually saves money? I learned that it costs cities up to $250 to pick up, house and euthanize one homeless cat. For the same price, they can spay/neuter five cats! Peninsula Fix Our Ferals will have future spay/neuter clinics for ferals on June 12 and 26 clinics at HSSV.

Want to learn more about TNR? Watch this video.

Follow-up | Celebrating the Supporters of HSSV at The Fur Ball 2011

By Alexandra League, HSSV Volunteer

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog sharing my excitement for the then upcoming Fur Ball 2011, a Venetian-styled black-tie soiree hosted by HSSV. As a volunteer preparing for the event, I was in awe of the production organized each year to celebrate supporters of HSSV and looked forward to my participation. Walking into the recently raised sweeping white canopies of the event’s tenting I admired the sea of vibrant table settings and colorful décor. The scale of it all was breathtaking and I knew this event would be unlike anything else I’d ever attended. From the centerpieces of masked dogs and cats, to the collection of animal-inspired silent auction items and the freshly laid grass in the Canine Comfort Area enclosed by a white picket fence next to the human-bathrooms – at the core of it all was the playful and heartwarming reminder that all of this was for the animals.


Now, the proverbial dust has settled and the tuxedos are at the dry cleaners given the likely dog slobber that decorates the shin region of almost every pair. In all, more than $500,000 was raised at the event to support HSSV’s mission to save and enhance lives. The endless encounters of the humans and their animals adorned in festive garb are implanted in the minds of the more than 500 individuals who attended the event as well as the 120 plus volunteers who made it all happen. Whether a guest, sponsor, volunteer or vendor, we all felt IT - the magic of the evening. And I, for one, cannot wait until The Fur Ball 2012!!

Were you there? What was your favorite part of the evening? Visit HSSV's Facebook page to see more photos from The Fur Ball.

The Animal Starz of Humane Society Silicon Valley

By Natasha Dolginsky, HSSV Volunteer

Over the weekend when I was visiting Humane Society Silicon Valley (drooling over all the adorable  bunnies, cats, and dogs!), I learned about the Animal Starz program. I spent a few minutes chatting with Jaime Allen, HSSV’s director of education programs, who told me about this two-session course where kids, ages 10-13, learn more about the animals and get an opportunity to help as well! As part of the curriculum, students get up close and personal with special animals, make cat toys and blankets for the HSSV residents, and even create a piece of art to be displayed in HSSV’s Animal Community Center.

Schools are putting a much bigger focus on giving back and, starting at a pretty young age, kids are getting involved in their communities as part of school projects. In fact, the Animal Starz program was started in part to meet the increased demand from parents and students asking about volunteer opportunities for kids!

As a volunteer myself I’m very happy to see a bigger focus on community service in elementary and middle schools! I remember when I was younger, options for volunteer projects were pretty slim and volunteering wasn’t something I got involved in until high school.

It’s so nice to see programs such as Animal Starz in my own community. They teach kids about the importance of giving back, give them a fun way to complete a school project and help the animals at the same time. And hopefully more young volunteers now means that we’ll be seeing more volunteers as kids get older!

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.

Celebrating Supporters of HSSV at The Fur Ball 2011

By Alexandra League, HSSV Volunteer

In just a few short weeks Humane Society Silicon Valley will host The Fur Ball 2011, their annual black-tie fundraiser. This year’s event, “Carnival of the Animals” is a Venetian-style masked ball sure to please all in attendance. As one of the volunteers in place to support the event, and with some of my own experience in event management, I’m truly in awe of the production that is put on each year to honor the supporters of HSSV. I’ve volunteered at HSSV events in the past – you’ll usually see me with a stellar team of traffic comrades, directing vehicles and parking in our affectionate reflective vests - no flags or vests at this event.


The devotees invited to this private event have played a part in enabling the 82 years and counting of HSSV’s ability to bring people and pets together. And so in return, HSSV celebrates their enthusiasm with an elegant evening of humans and well-behaved animals socializing, a silent and live auction, decadent dinner, wine for every palate, the infamous martini luge and live music to boot. HSSV builds the venue from the ground up, attentive to every detail from the pet concierges to the place settings; the event is truly a work of art and appreciation. I look forward to making that experience even more memorable as one of the 100+ volunteers joining the HSSV staff to ensure all our guests have a great time.


If you are interested in learning more about supporting HSSV or The Fur Ball, please contact Robert Armbrust.

Button Helped Me Battle Breast Cancer, Part III

By Melissa Lisbon, HSSV Volunteer

Read Part I and Part II in this series.

As November drew to a close, the pure joy and love of my foster kitten, Button, continued to help me through my chemotherapy treatments. Soon it was time for Button to be neutered and be brought back to HSSV for adoption. I knew it would be difficult to say goodbye to this special little kitty, but I was also convinced that he needed his own home and his own people to love.

The day came for my husband and me to load Button in a carrier with his favorite toy and blanket and take him to HSSV’s satellite adoption center at PETCO in Saratoga. It was a Saturday morning. HSSV staff member Linda Ngo and a volunteer were cleaning the kitty compartments, getting ready for a day of visitors. My husband and I lingered, chatting with Linda and making sure little Button settled into his new compartment. Linda was so kind; I knew Button was in good hands.

It was hard leaving PETCO that day. Button had helped me more than he knew, and now it was time for me to help him get the life he deserved. My only hope was that he would get adopted quickly.

Later that day, I went to look up Button on the HSSV website ... He was gone! Could it be true that in four short hours, he’d already been adopted? An email to Linda confirmed it was true! He didn’t even have to spend a single night in the adoption center. Our sweet Button had been adopted by a nice couple. Through Linda, Button's new family emailed us a happy update and sent many precious photos including the two in this post.

My goal in fostering Button was to prepare him for adoption. I didn’t expect his presence to have the healing affect it did on me. It turned out that his kitten innocence, trust and endless cuddles were just the medicine I needed to distract me from my health situation and provide comfort during a difficult time. While Button was our guest, I enjoyed every moment by focusing on the present and not being preoccupied with the future. As a result of this experience, I've coined a new treatment which I call "cuddle therapy." The power of cuddle therapy should not be underestimated!

I intend to foster again. I look forward to future foster experiences and know that, despite the short time our foster animals are with us, each animal makes a significant impact on our lives. The real benefits of fostering an animal in need are definitely a two-way street.

Have you fostered an animal? Post a comment and share your story.
If you’d like to learn more about fostering, click here.

Button Helped Me Battle Breast Cancer, Part II

By Melissa Lisbon, HSSV Volunteer

Read Part I in this series.

It was early November. I was about to begin chemotherapy in my battle against breast cancer. It was a difficult time in my life. Then, fate brought me Button. Button was a stray kitten -- too young for HSSV’s adoption program, but a perfect candidate for fostering.

I contacted HSSV’s special needs department and was given permission to foster Button. Our extra bathroom was converted into a kitten nursery equipped with a small litter box, food, water, warm blankets and cat toys. After Button was settled in, I took him to HSSV’s medical center where the veterinarians examined him and put him on a schedule for vaccinations and neutering.

Despite the fatigue I felt from my chemotherapy sessions, the highlights of my days were spent playing and cuddling with Button. Like any kitten, Button was full of energy and always ready to play. I had forgotten how playful six-week-old kittens are. They play with such abandon and are never lacking in creativity. The same old ribbon seemed to get reinvented each time he played with it. Button's energy and enthusiasm was addictive and I found myself totally amused by his antics. His pure joy always put a smile on my face.


In quieter moments, we would often sit together. Sometimes, Button would jump on my shoulder and nuzzle my neck. It was as if he wanted to be close to my face to better express his gratitude and love. He was extremely gentle. It was during these moments of cuddling that I felt totally relaxed and at ease.

I remember a particularly special moment. It had been a tough day for me. As if Button understood exactly what I was going through, he crawled into my lap and settled in. He brought his face very close to mine and peered into my eyes. It was at this moment that I believed this little kitten knew I could use some comforting.

Outside the door of our bathroom-turned-kitten-nursery, I had many more treatments to endure, but the time I spent with Button behind those doors brought me a type of therapy only an animal in need could provide.

Read next week: Button is ready for adoption…

Button Helped Me Battle Breast Cancer, Part I

By Melissa Lisbon, HSSV Volunteer

As an animal lover and advocate I understand the importance of fostering. What I wasn’t expecting from the foster experience was how much it would affect me personally.

Late last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer. By the time October came around, I had completed surgery and was about to begin chemotherapy. It was a difficult and stressful time in my life, to say the least. But, a welcome distraction was about to appear.

The day after Halloween, a neighbor called me to share that a tiny stray kitten had appeared on her doorstep the night before. Weaving around a line of trick-or-treaters, this little guy had braved the darkness and noise to come straight to her door for help. She brought him in from the cold, but was not in a position to keep him. So, I asked to see him.

It was love at first sight. He was a medium-hair "tuxedo" with soft hazel eyes and the sweetest, most trusting demeanor. I named him "Button" not only because he was as cute as a "button," but also after "Benjamin Button" – looking into his eyes, I sensed an older soul.

I knew I wasn’t in a position to make a lifelong commitment to Button, but I also knew he was too young to go directly into HSSV’s adoption program. As a volunteer for HSSV, I immediately thought of the feline foster program, which provides cats and kittens in a variety of special situations with the nurturing home environment they need. Some kitties need to heal from an injury. Others, like Button, need to come up to proper weight for spaying/neutering and receive socialization.

I couldn’t resist. I decided to ask HSSV if I could foster him myself.

Read next week: How fostering Button helped me heal

Dieting Can Be Deadly For Cats

By Jennifer Bush, HSSV Volunteer 

One of the things I find so impressive about the Humane Society Silicon Valley is how much care and attention is given to each animal who comes through their doors. 

This is Oreo, a cat who came to HSSV last September. Oreo arrived weighing in at a plump 11.2 pounds. She was overweight, but in her first month at HSSV, staff noticed that she wasn’t eating well. Since arriving, she had lost more than 18% of her body weight. It is very dangerous for a cat to stop eating, so the staff admitted her to the HSSV hospital.

HSSV’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Julia Lewis, diagnosed Oreo with a life-threatening metabolic condition called fatty liver syndrome or hepatic lipidosis.  According to Dr. Lewis, fatty liver syndrome occurs when cats, especially ones who are overweight, stop eating or are put on a sudden diet. “Animals who stop eating use their body fat for energy. Fat cats have a lot of fat and this overwhelms their liver’s ability to use that fat effectively.”

When the liver doesn’t do its job, a cat may feel nauseous, which in turn makes her not want to eat, starting a potentially deadly cycle that won’t stop until the body stops metabolizing the cat’s body fat. To combat this life-threatening situation, cats need to get enough energy into their bodies in the form of calories. This often involves placing a feeding tube and an aggressive IV fluid treatment.

Oreo’s life was in serious danger. Fortunately, the HSSV medical staff took great care of Oreo, syringe feeding her and watching her around the clock. It took three months of constant love and attention before Oreo was finally eating on her own.  I’m happy to report that Oreo was just recently adopted and is maintaining a healthy weight of 8.5 pounds!

Remember, the best way to prevent fatty liver syndrome is to make sure your cat is eating an appropriate, nutritionally balanced diet. If you think your cat may be overweight, do not put him on a diet without speaking to a veterinary professional.  Your veterinarian can help you create a healthy plan to get your pet’s weight back on track.

Although it is okay for your cat or dog to skip a meal every so often, no pet should go without food for days. To learn more about feeding your pet, take a look at this information sheet or talk to your veterinarian.

Bogen’s DNA Test Results

By Marie Matheson, HSSV Volunteer

Last month I blogged about DNA testing offered through Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV). I was so intrigued with the service that I decided to have my dog, Bogen, DNA tested. I adopted Bogen, a 3-year-old mix, from HSSV and I’ve always wondered what type of breed mix he is.

The entire DNA process was very easy. I didn’t need to make an appointment and I was in and out in less than 20 minutes. I filled out paperwork and paid while HSSV’s capable staff drew Bogen’s blood sample. The sample was placed in a ready-to-mail, pre-addressed, postage paid box sealed with my dog’s unique sample number.

I put the sample in the mail and within a few days I received an email from the testing company telling me when I could expect Bogen’s test results along with a link allowing me to check the status of Bogen’s test.

Less than two weeks later, I received the results. The results were presented in a six page, easy to read format that gave details on breed makeup back to Bogen’s great- grandparents, breed features and traits, as well as a certificate. The breed traits were helpful in two ways to me: I will modify my training techniques based on Bogen’s particular motivations and will take better care to de-sensitize him to triggers that may cause him to bark. With his breed make-up now defined, I can also research and educate myself on potential, breed-specific health issues.

So what breed is Bogen? Some of the guesses included Chihuahua, Basenji and Miniature Pinscher. Well, the latter is partially correct. Bogen is a Miniature Pinscher, Boston Terrier mix!

For more information on the DNA testing company HSSV’s partners with and the process in general, click here.

Not Your Average Play Group

By Alexandra League, HSSV Volunteer

Picture the scene at some neighborhood dog park. Do you see people huddled together, gabbing about Jennifer Aniston's haircut (three inches!), on their cell phones or simply disengaged from their dog's play? If you are the owner of bully breed dogs, like American Pit Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs, you likely approach dog parks differently. Why? According to Certified Pet Dog Trainer Marthina McCray, your dog's bully play style combined with the potential poor manners of other dogs (jumping, excessively mouthy, etc.) could lead to a bad experience at the dog park. McCray, who is also the owner of Dog Training for People, and the Founder of Our Pack, Inc., says in most cases, dog parks aren't the best option for socializing your bully play style dog. A better option for your pup is to socialize them in a controlled play group of two to four well-matched playmates. This can set you and your dog up for a positive experience.

I learned that Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has partnered with Our Pack, Inc. to facilitate a dedicated Bully Play Group at HSSV's private dog park and had the chance to visit the group recently – check out the video below. The play group is all about active participation of owners to set these great dogs up for successful socialization (you won't see anyone on a cell phone!) and is open not just to pit bulls, but to all dogs who have bully play styles according to Michelle Suarez of HSSV's Behavior and Training Department. "HSSV and Our Pack are there to help the owners learn how to read their dogs' body language and how to safely manage their own dog to have a positive experience," Michelle told me. "Ultimately the owners become more in tune with their dogs' body language and are able to step in when their dog needs a break."

During my visit, I also met Caroline, who recently adopted a three-legged pit bull named Izabella (formerly Sweat Pea) from HSSV. Caroline shared, "I love watching Izabella run wild with the other (four-legged) doggies; it makes me happy to see her so happy, and it makes me really, really happy to see her nap for four or five hours after play group!"

HSSV and Our Pack staff carefully match playmates based on play style, temperament and age. The group meets Wednesdays and Sundays at 1PM. If you're interested in joining the fun, email HSSV's behavior department for more information at: behaviordept@hssv.org

Learn more about becoming a member of the HSSV dog park online or in the Whole Pets store at HSSV's Animal Community Center.

The video below is from my visit to the Bully Play Group.

HSSV’s Valentine Adopt-a-Thon – a Matchmaking Success!

By Natasha Dolginsky, HSSV Volunteer

The Valentine Adopt-a-thon this past Saturday was a blast!  Over 930 guests made it to the event, some looking for their “love connection” and others just hanging out with the adorable animals of HSSV and enjoying the sunshine.

Love was definitely in the air in the cat adoption room!  There were dozens of cats who had traveled from Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue, Unconditional Love, and Nike Animal Rescue Foundation and were waiting to meet their perfect match.  There was Anne, the gray tabby who generously went from one lap onto the next, Larry, a gorgeous tuxedo cat with a very distinctive purr, Spike, an adorable black 7-month-old kitten rightly nicknamed Cuddles who was getting his share of belly rubs, and many, many more!   Thirty cats found their love matches that day at the Humane Society location and at the San Jose and Sunnyvale PETCO locations.  All are now enjoying their new homes!

As folks were happily making their way home with their new furry family members, I had a chance to catch up with two of the families:

Terri had driven two hours to adopt Timmy, a 4-year-old adorable Chihuahua, whom she first saw and fell in love with two weeks ago.  She made the long trek this Saturday and was full of smiles as she headed back home to introduce Timmy to his new family.

For Fred, Paulette and daughter Madison it was love at first sight when they met Sid, a 1 1/2-year-old Chihuahua.   Sid stole their hearts with his contagious energy, playful personality and sparkly eyes.  It was hard to tell who was more excited, Sid or Madison, as both of them were nearly jumping up in place!  What a wonderful match and a great family portrait!

Didn’t have a chance to make it on Saturday?  There are plenty of cats, dogs and bunnies looking for someone to love. 

Also, check out the HSSV event calendar, to learn about upcoming events, classes and much more!

Discounted Spay and Neuter Rates Available in February

By Jennifer Bush, HSSV Volunteer

February is National Spay/Neuter Month, and Humane Society Silicon Valley is offering discounted rates to spay or neuter your dog or cat. If you have a four-legged friend who is at least 4 months old and hasn’t been spayed/neutered, HSSV’s experienced veterinarians can provide the safe, high-quality surgery your pet needs to live a long and healthy life.

If you still need convincing, read the ASPCA’s Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet. The surgery provides important health benefits, including a longer life expectancy, lower rates of certain cancers, and fewer behavior problems.

By spaying and neutering your pet, not only are you providing the care your pet deserves, but you’re also helping the entire community. Even if you have indoor-only pets, spaying and neutering helps control the population of unwanted and stray animals, many of whom end up in shelters. In fact, if a male and female cat and their offspring are left to breed on their own, they can have over 2,000 cats in just five years!

Last year alone, HSSV performed more than 5,250 spay and neuter surgeries. Do your part! Participate in National Spay/Neuter Month by spreading the word or scheduling an appointment for your furry best friend.

Pricing, qualifications, and other details can be found at the HSSV website, or call 408-262-2133, x108 to make an appointment.

Busting the Top 5 Myths about Rabbits

By Alexandra League, HSSV Volunteer

February is National Adopt-a-Rabbit month and if you’re thinking about adopting a floppy-eared friend, I thought I’d bust the top five myths about rabbits.

1. Rabbits are Outdoor Pets

A common misconception of visitors is that rabbits should live outside in a cage or hutch. In a recent article for Rabbits USA 2011, Laura Fulda, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for HSSV, explained that rabbits should be indoors. There are many fun and easy pen options available for house rabbits. Most bunny enthusiasts have gone beyond cage living to give their rabbits amazing inside habitats.

2. Rabbits are Messy

Did you know that rabbits can be litter trained, just like cats? They also groom themselves like cats and do not need baths. Rabbits can be interior designers at heart and love to redecorate. The bigger space they are provided the more they will focus on their own appropriate toys and leave your stuff alone.

3. Rabbits Prefer to be Alone

Companion rabbits are social creatures who love to be with their people. When it comes to adding a second rabbit to the home, Allison Tally, HSSV’s Director of Behavior and Training suggests not rushing into romance. All relationships take time and if the right steps are taken in the beginning your rabbits could become best friends.

4. Rabbits Only Eat Pellets

Sounds pretty bland to me and thankfully for rabbits, a diet of hay varieties and fresh, leafy veggies in addition to pellets can keep rabbits at a healthy weight.

5. Rabbits are Sedentary

Far from it! Rabbits enjoy all kinds of activities. With proper training, rabbits can even learn to walk on a leash outside! They also enjoy playing with toys and exploring bunny-safe environments.

Are you interested in adopting a rabbit? Click here to see adoptable rabbits at HSSV!

January is National Train Your Dog Month

Jennifer Bush, HSSV Volunteer

When I brought home my new puppy, my first thought was “now what?” I wanted to be responsible, and I had dreams of being one of those people you see, sitting at an outdoor café, with their quiet pup by their side. So I enrolled in a puppy training class, and began the process of developing my 8-week-old into the best friend I knew she would turn out to be.

If you’ve recently added a new puppy to your household, it is important to make sure you get your relationship off to the right start, and HSSV’s behavior and training classes can help. The Beginning Puppy classes teach basic manners and obedience, and the drop-in Puppy Socials help give new pups the social skills they need to get along with other dogs. You and your dog might even make a new friend to visit at the dog park.

If you’ve mastered the basics, but wish your dog were more comfortable out in the community, HSSV offers the Canine Good Citizen prep class. Or if, like my pup, it turns out your dog thrives on physical and mental challenges rather than hanging out at a café, consider trying a dog sport, like Flyball or Agility. My dog is never happier, more focused, or more exhausted, after a challenging agility class! And I’ve never felt closer to her than when she’s watching me, waiting for her cue to get off the starting line.



HSSV offers many specialty classes and seminars, in addition to the ones listed above. HSSV also has classes for cat and rabbit owners! See the Behavior & Training page for a calendar of classes and registration information. Discounts are available to Santa Clara County adopters.

Pet of the Week

Meet Ryan

Ryan, a super cuddly Basset Hound, is just over a year old. He loves to play fetch and go jogging. Ryan's affectionate nature is sure to steal your heart, especially when he rolls over for a belly rub. If you are looking for someone to share life's adventures with, Ryan is your man!

Ryan is in our Homeward Bound program, which means his adoption fee will be waived. To schedule a meeting with Ryan or to learn more, contact Casaundra Cruz at (408) 262-2133 ext.183.

Learn How to Adopt Honey!

How You Can Help

Every week, we ask the community to help us find one special pet a loving home. There are three easy ways to help, and you can do them all from the comfort of your home!

1. Click here to see Ryan's video, then share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

2. Print out the Ryan's profile and post it at your local hangouts.

3. Donate online to help animals like Ryan get the care they deserve.

How did you help the Pet of the Week? Post a comment and let us know!

Animal 911: Aggie’s Story

By Amber N. Yoo, HSSV Volunteer

One of the things I like most about Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is the extraordinary lengths the staff goes through for every single animal in their care. Just last week, I learned about a kitty named Aggie who is a shining example of the great work HSSV is doing.

Aggie, a 7-year-old kitty, was surrendered to HSSV when her family was no longer able to give her the attention she deserved. Aggie was a healthy cat who absolutely adored being petted. She’d stand up on her hind legs when offered a treat, and enjoyed napping in laps. Like all of the kitties at HSSV, Aggie lived in a luxurious cat condo, complete with a private bed and lots of attention from volunteers.

Despite staff’s best efforts to make Aggie feel at home, Aggie became depressed without a family of her own. The days went by and Aggie’s depression began to take its toll. She stopped eating. No amount of cajoling or coaxing convinced Aggie to eat. The veterinary team was called in for close monitoring. She was hand-fed and showered with love and attention. Most shelters might not have gone to such lengths, but, thanks to the perseverance of HSSV staff, Aggie recovered. And then they found her the perfect home.

Aggie, who now goes by Abbie, was adopted by a man named Scott. The two have settled into a routine that includes a lot of cuddling and playing with furry toy mice. “Every morning when I wake up, she’s right there,” Scott happily told me. While he’s at work she lays on the back of the sofa, looking out of their third floor apartment at the gardens below and “chirping at the birds.” When he returns, she tells him about her day. “I hear about it for about half an hour,” Scott laughingly noted. Abbie provides a positive energy to the house that Scott said was missing before. And now Abbie has her own special person to spend the rest of her days with.

A Purrfect Match

By Jennifer Bush, HSSV Volunteer

HSSV finds homes for more than 3,000 animals every year. But the HSSV mission goes beyond adoption. It is “to save and enhance lives.” And sometimes HSSV makes an extra special match - one that seems truly meant to be.

In HSSV’s recent eNewsletter, one such special match was featured. Flynn, a black and white kitty, came to HSSV with a neurological disorder that made it hard for him to keep his balance. Although many shelters would consider a cat with a permanent neurological disorder to be “unadoptable,” HSSV knew Flynn deserved a loving home.

Then one day, Delores Anderson visited HSSV in search of a dog. But, fate had other plans for Delores. As soon as she saw Flynn, it was love at first sight. Delores, who is in her eighties, said she knew he would be slow and that they would “make a good twosome.” She shakes a little herself, and thought they could both “wobble together.”

In fact, that wobble inspired Delores to give her cat a new name, “Wobbles.” Despite his challenges, Wobbles loves to follow Delores around the house and play with his mouse and other toys. Delores said that “sometimes he falls into something, then he’ll just think that is where he’s supposed to be!”

I asked Delores if there was anything she wanted us to know about Wobbles. She responded “a little friend like that will really help you with your loneliness.”

If you’d like to read more stories like Flynn’s, sign up for HSSV’s eNewsletter here.

Man's Best Friend Design contest

By Jennifer Bush, HSSV Volunteer

What images come to mind when you think of your pet? What makes our connection to our pets so strong? Earlier this month, Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) sponsored a t-shirt design contest with these questions in mind. The theme of the contest, “Man’s Best Friend,” was intended to inspire artists to create a design that embodied the spirit of HSSV. The contest was led by Robin Poncy, manager of HSSV’s pet store, in partnership with Goodjoe.com, a community based t-shirt company with “a passion for doing good.”

Robin hoped to find a t-shirt design that would appeal to everybody, whether man or woman, young or old. She needed a cutting edge design that she could sell in the pet store at HSSV, called Whole Pets, as well as around the community. It would also become the official t-shirt for fundraising and marketing activities. The winning design would need to have broad appeal and fit HSSV’s mission of enhancing the human-animal bond.

Out of 25 designs submitted, Robin picked one titled “Our Very Own Island” as the winner. Simple and sweet, it features a boy and his cat napping comfortably on a private island. The winner, who goes by “kingmilk,” said the design is about “owning your very own island and sharing it with somebody you love.” The inspiration came from a cat that once wandered the neighborhood. The cat was always very friendly, but one day stopped showing up. Kingmilk, who designs as a hobby, has wondered about that cat for years. Robin Poncy loved that the design showed the best of what animals bring to our lives. Though alone on the island, the two are “in harmony and at peace with each other.”

On a personal note, this design really spoke to me. When I was pregnant with my first child, I was on bed rest for a few weeks. I would take naps on the couch and, although my dog, Berkeley, wasn’t usually allowed on the couch, I made an exception. I’d fall asleep, and she would curl up in the crook of my bent knee. Though these days she’d need an island big enough for a good game of fetch, “Our Very Own Island” reminds me of those blissful naps with my first “baby.”

How does the winning design speak to you? What is your favorite place to escape with your pet? Post your comments below!

The shirt will be available for pre-order at this Sunday’s Music and Wine event, for a discounted price of $15. Shirts with the new design will be available in the Whole Pets store later this summer.