SSPA Newsletter
In This Issue
O Canada! | Happy Tails | Puppy Finn Update | Volunteers Needed | Adoptables
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Bon Voyage to 11 Stockton Dogs! |
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First thing yesterday morning, SSPA sent seven blockhead dogs and four smalls from the Stockton shelter to Canada, thanks to our incredible rescue partners Prairie Pit Bull Rescue!
Among the pups who hitched a ride to find forever families up north (pictured) are: Coop, Braxton, Joey, Wonder, Daisy, Kona and Rocco.
Congrats to these lucky dogs and we’re so grateful to our amazing partners, PPBR!
Bon voyage, awesome pups!
Watch a video on this international partnership that's been saving shelter dogs' lives for five years!
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We received such a wonderful pupdate from Kristi and Jaxon, who adopted beloved SSPA alum Missy!
Her family said:
“Hi to you all! Since you mentioned Missy was a shelter favorite, we thought you might enjoy hearing how Missy, now StellaLuna, is doing! We named her StellaLuna after the children's story about a fruit bat - which she totally looks like! We thought she should have a new name to go with her new life 🙂
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“Our senior dog Baker and Luna hit it off right away! Baker was happy to have a new sister! They curl up together quite frequently. She can be an annoying little sister for him at times but they seem to really enjoy each other’s company most of the time.
“She was not super interested in food at first, ate maybe half her bowl. We were worried as she was so skinny and her coat was brittle and had dandruff. We added a new brand of wet food, put a tiny bit of coconut oil and that was the ticket! Her coat looks beautiful and she put on weight and now is just right at about 45 lbs! I think she was 37 lbs when we adopted her. She looks great!
“Luna had no idea what toys or balls or chewy bones were when she first arrived. The basket full of toys meant nothing to her until Baker and her ‘boy’ ( my 16-year-old son) showed her how much fun it could be! Now she digs toys out of the basket every day and plays by herself or with us! Was very cool to watch her learn how to play 🙂
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“Getting along with the cats was very challenging for this girl at first!! She was on thin ice more than once and we were very concerned. She chewed through any kind of rope lead and leashes, so we got plastic coated metal ones and she had ‘runs’ in the house to restrict her to access to the room we were in when she wasn't in her kennel. It was a real pain in the butt, but it worked over time and her and most of the cats get along ... most of the time. We will always keep a watchful eye on their play though.
“We still call her ‘the toddler’ sometimes because when she's in her Loco Luna mood she has to be watched like a toddler: runs over the furniture, stands on the table, shoes get chewed, she steals cups and napkins, tears up the outside beds, even my sons airpods fell victim! Luckily the damage to the house and its contents have been minimal and she is a pretty quick study, however stubborn, lol!
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“She is no longer sleeping in her kennel at night as of the new year. Loves her fuzzy beds and snuggling with her Baker, however she still goes in her kennel all by herself sometimes.
“We love love love this girl! Thank you for suggesting for us to meet! She is such a sweet girly!
“Lastly, we did a doggie DNA test! - she is Staffordshire terrier on the maternal side, boxer and bulldog on paternal side. Who'd a thunk?
“Thank you, thank you for all you do every day for those in your care!!”
Thank you for loving this girl and going above and beyond to ensure she fit into your family!
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Remember this beloved boy, Gravy?
He recently found a wonderful home, thanks in large part to his marvelous foster!
His foster said, "Thanks for introducing us to Gravy on our doggy day out. He’s been the best thing for us and we are so grateful! He came to us anxious and sick and left us as the dog he was meant to be: kind, patient, trusting and strong. I am jealous of the yard he now has to call his own and I know he is going to be so loved ❤️"
Yet another example showing fostering saves lives!
Congratulations Gravy, and thank you to his foster and adopter!
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These two super-adorable Stockton pups found their homes recently!
Moose, left, and Jasper went home with families of their very own.
A huge congratulations to these lucky pups and their adopters!
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Don’t forget: We offer post-adoption counseling to help with your new dog’s transition into your home! Email sspadogs@gmail.com! You can send "Happy Tails" updates there as well! |
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Zucchini
Looking for a rock-star dog who's simply incredible?
Zucchini is your man!
This boy is very sweet, affectionate and lovely - and truly wants to please people! He's also dog social, preferring female pups.
He also has the most adorable fold-over ears and one of the cutest faces around!
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Puppy Finn's Surgery Was a Success! |
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His awesome foster, Brooke, picked him up afterward and reports:
“He's resting comfortably at home. He is already over the recovery period and keeps trying to play with his foster sister, SSPA/Bradshaw alum Stella, and the cats. (It's gonna be a loooong 8 weeks!) He's eating and drinking well. As you can see from the photos, he now has bionic abilities, and shouldn't try to go through a metal detector anytime soon. He's so thankful to the community for funding his surgery!”
Along with the medical staff, T.E.A.M., his former SSPA foster and his current foster, you all made this possible and ensured Finn has a bright, pain-free future to look forward to!
We can’t thank you enough for all you do to support our community’s dogs who are most in need! It means the world!
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Join Us for Our Next Day at the Ranch |
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Join us for our next volunteer day at the former Boys Ranch (our future home)!
We'll be meeting up at 9:30 a.m. this Saturday, Feb. 27.
Thank you so much for your support!
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Help SSPA Save More Lives |
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Get to Know a Member of the SSPA Team! |
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In this series, we'll feature one - or more - of our team members each week! |
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Q&A with volunteer Kerissa Garlick
How long have you been part of SSPA and what inspired you to be part of the team?
I'm an SSPA newbie — I just joined the team in September 2020. My inspiration to join the team sparked from my beloved doggo, Ted.
I fostered Ted in the beginning of 2020, even after being told he had many behavioral issues that led him to being returned to the shelter. When I brought him home, he was timid, extremely anxious and quite jumpy.
After a couple months of fostering and training, my sweet boy completely came out of his shell and not only learned how to trust me, but learned to trust other people. Ted absolutely stole my heart, so I (obviously) adopted him. Today, Ted is a total lover boy and not shy to ask anyone for his favorite belly rubs.
His transformation has been so special to me in more ways than I can count.
After reading his paperwork from his previous home about how "out of control" he was (when all he needed was some love and confidence building), I wondered how many other dogs this must happen to — how many other sweet pups aren't given the chance they deserve for whatever reason?
So, I began looking for ways to volunteer and give back to one of my greatest gifts, AKA: Ted. During this time, a colleague of mine coincidentally sent me a social media volunteer position with SSPA (I hadn't even mentioned my interest in volunteering to her). Social media is part of what I do for a living, so I knew the stars had aligned and it was exactly how I could do my part to help dogs in need and prove that all dogs matter!
What’s the best thing about being a member of #TeamSSPA?
In my short time on #TeamSSPA, the best thing is not only being a member of this awesome team to help dogs in need, but seeing the dedication that each person has to truly put the SSPA motto into action. Everyone on the team has their own day-to-day responsibilities, but their commitment doesn't stop. That is such a beautiful thing to see and understand about this amazing group.
I'm honored to be part of such a driven team to do what I can to enhance the SSPA mission. A huge shoutout to the rest of the team for being so awesome!
What moment during your time with SSPA is most memorable for you?
As mentioned, I've only been with SSPA for a short time, so my experiences are very different than most of the team (especially since I started during COVID-19). One of my most memorable moments thus far is being part of the beginning of SSPA's new journey to open the new facility at the former Boys Ranch.
This is the beginning of something amazing and I am so proud and honored to be a part of it!
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What do you hope to help SSPA accomplish in the future?
I'm so excited for SSPA's future as the new location gets set up. I hope to help this organization gain more traction in the digital realm as a leader and major resource in the movement to save and better the lives of shelter dogs in need.
I see SSPA's vision expanding far beyond Sacramento County or even the Northern California region as a leading example in life-saving, results-based program implementation. The future is bright and I'm so happy to help during this time.
What is your favorite thing about your pets?
Well this is tough because there are so many favorites. I love Ted's quirky personality. He has so many different sides to him! He's down to Netflix and chill all day, but he's also down for hours worth of hiking and climbing. If I had to choose, I'd say my favorite thing about Ted is just the joy he brings me each and every day.
No matter what kind of day it is, Ted can put a smile on my face and make me feel loved/important. He's my best friend, my road dog and my sidekick. His unconditional love for me is a constant reminder that I didn't save him when I adopted him, he saved me.
Any final thoughts?
I am super proud and grateful to be a part of #TeamSSPA. The passion and commitment that Delyse and team has to do whatever it takes to help shelter dogs in need is what makes this organization so special. Making a real difference starts with a team just like this. Looking forward to the future of SSPA!
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We'd love to share your story! Have your own SSPA story to share and/or want to be interviewed for SSPA's newsletter? Email us at sspaupdates@gmail.com! |
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Abe
This guy has the cutest squishy face!
He's the epitome of a gentle giant!
Don’t let Abe’s size fool you. Although he’s definitely a big boy, he’s easy to handle and super sweet.
All the SSPA folx call this boy a rock star!
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Eli
This boy would love nothing more than to be a family’s beloved pet!
He’s sweet, LOVES to play with the dogs in his foster home, and becomes your shadow once you’ve gained his trust. He also enjoys long walks and hikes.
Eli is hoping to find a forever home soon with a confident female dog and a loving, supportive family who will help him continue to come out of his shell! There’s not much more rewarding than that!
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Sierra
Hello gorgeous!
This absolutely stunning girl is a total ray of sunshine who lives for being around people.
She’s currently in an amazing foster home, but she’s ready to move in with her forever family.
Sierra prefers to be the only pup in your home, but will give you all the love and companionship you need!
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Sadie
Sadie is one stunning girl who's ready to come home with you!
She currently lives in a foster home with cats, and is loving being an indoor family pet!
What would make her even happier is finding a forever home!
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Homer
This adorable dude is a volunteer favorite!
He takes a little time to warm up to people, so he’s looking for a patient and understanding family.
He could be paired with a well-matched female dog in his new home.
Once you gain his trust, he does zoomies and flops over for belly rubs!
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Oscar
This boy came to the shelter in bad shape. He was an outdoor dog, chained in a kennel his entire life.
With the help of our awesome SSPA team and his foster, he's developed more confidence and learned that life can be good.
Let us tell you - this boy is resilient! He had owners who didn't show him an ounce of compassion, but now he's found a way to trust and even show his silly side.
Understandably, he can take a bit to develop trust, but once he does, he's marvelous!
He's low maintenance, mellow and easy to please, and has successfully lived with cats and other dogs!
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Kaleesi
Mother of Dragons? More like Mother of Sweetness!
This is one easygoing and precious senior girl. She truly just wants to be by your side.
She’d be fine with a gentle male dog in the home.
She’s truly a rock star of a dog - and so sweet!
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Prior Newsletters
Did you miss our previous newsletters? You can check them out here.
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