Humane Society of Sonoma County November 2023 eAnimail

November is National Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month!

We enter the season of gratitude with full hearts knowing that Andy and Ollie are safe and warm in a loving home - not just for the holidays, but for the rest of their golden years!

The two terriers were found wandering the streets – not a safe predicament for any dog, much less tiny senior ones. Their rough condition suggested they hadn’t been cared for in some time. Indeed, no one ever came to claim them.

We estimated that Andy and Ollie were about 15 years old and began addressing their special medical needs. Both dogs had severe flea infestations and matted coats, so we got right to work cleaning them up so they could feel more comfortable. Our veterinary team treated their skin allergies, removed some abnormal masses, and performed dental cleanings. While under veterinary care, we discovered that Andy was deaf and had limited vision. Ollie had mild renal abnormalities – all common and manageable conditions that can occur in older pets.

It was apparent these sweet buddies have been relying on each other through life’s ups and downs and we wanted to keep them together!

Andy Before

Andy After

Ollie Before

Ollie After

Sometimes, senior animals wait a little longer to be adopted, and bonded pairs sometimes take longer still. Andy and Ollie were in our care for a relatively short time (44 days) before being scooped up by a dream adopter.

Gail is the founder of a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and enhancing the lives of senior and special needs animals! We were thrilled to send them home in such good hands! Her daughter just sent us this sweet update:

“They are characters for sure! They follow her around all day long and sleep under her desk while she works. Everyone was so lovely to work with. You all do wonderful work.”

Andy and Ollie wasted no time settling into their forever home! That’s one of the most endearing things about animals who are adopted later in life. In spite of past uncertainties, they adapt with resilience. They are so grateful to be cared for again. In our busy, fast-paced world, senior pets can show us how to slow down and not take for granted the simple comforts – a warm bed, a full tummy, the chance to love and be loved – and all that is good in our lives.

We are so grateful for you! Your donations to our Angels Fund enable us to provide hope and healing for animals like Andy and Ollie. Thank you for being a beacon of kindness and hope!

Love knows no boundaries! Ready to welcome a silver-whiskered sweetheart into your home, or just eager to spread some joy? Share their stories and join us in finding these lovable companions' homes filled with love this holiday season.

ROWDY

Rowdy is a gentle giant weighing 77lbs, overflowing with love and on the lookout for his perfect home. This lovable guy thrives on tasty treats like chicken, cheese, and peanut butter. He enjoys leisurely strolls, indulging in the joy of burying his beloved bones for later.

SMUSHIE

Smushie is a 65 lb 7 year old mastiff mix! This boy is an absolute goofball! Whether it’s snuggling on the couch, enjoying a sunny afternoon in the yard, or showing off his comical side, Smushie is all about sharing his love with his companions.

MILES

Miles is an 8-year-old Shepherd Mix! He is a loyal and easy going companion. He would love to accompany you on neighborhood strolls and maybe bounce around with another dog pal.

TOONCES

Looking for a sweet senior who wants nothing more than to curl up in your lap? Then this 14 year old girl is your purrfect match made in heaven.

JACKIE

Do you love senior cats? Maybe even chunky senior cats? Then do we have the chunky senior gal of your dreams! Jackie is friendly, sweet, and surprisingly spry for being a (slightly) overweight 12 year old cat.

PRUNE

Prune is always up and about, having a blast chasing that wand toy. She's all about jumping and climbing, and you wouldn't even guess she's got just three legs – she moves like a pro! This 12-year-old sweetheart is all about lounging on laps and can't get enough of those cuddle sessions.

Visit our available animals

Meet Bob the community cat!

Some good Samaritans noticed that Bob, a local community cat, had an injury on his eye. After several attempts, they were finally able to catch Bob and bring him to our Community Vet Clinic (CVC). Our veterinarian determined that his eye injury was too severe to treat and that enucleation (eye removal) surgery was warranted so Bob could go on to live a healthy, pain-free life.

Bob’s surgery was a success and he stayed with us for a few days so that he could fully heal before being returned to his place of prowl. Our team also provided him with a neuter, vaccines, a microchip, an ear tip, and FeLV/FIV testing to ensure his well-being. (Ever see an ear tip on a community cat? That's a sign that they are spayed/neutered!)

Not all community cats are suitable for socialization or adoption and this is when Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) comes into play. This allows cats like Bob to return to the happy outdoor life they are used to without adding to the feline population. Bob’s medical care was made possible through donations and collaboration with other rescues, like Jameson Humane.

Want to make a lasting impact on the well-being of animals in Sonoma County? Be a part of our safety net by supporting our Community Vet Clinic, providing quality veterinary care for animals and their families in need. Your donation ensures that pets receive the care they deserve, regardless of financial barriers.

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference! Please support the cause and be a hero for animals in need. Thank you!❤️

Give to the Community Vet Clinic

Giving Tuesday is Coming!

As Giving Tuesday draws near on 11/28/23, it's the purrfect opportunity to shower our furry friends with extra love by participating in our holiday match campaign!

Our mission is clear: raise $50,000 this month, and our compassionate donors are amplifying your impact by matching every contribution until we reach our goal! Throughout November, each dollar you contribute instantly transforms into a double dose of support, creating a lifeline for our cherished companions.

Your generosity isn't just a donation; it's a beacon of hope that echoes beyond the holidays.

Double Your Impact Today!

The “pawlidays” are upon us and so are the frosty festivities! Wrap 4 Paws at Head West, Griffo Happy Hour and so much more! Come on out and show your support for the animals – we’d love to see you there!

Check out what’s happening by clicking here!

View all of our upcoming events

Commemorative Tribute Bricks

Looking for a gift for that animal lover on your list, or a meaningful way to honor a beloved pet? Or, show your company’s love of animals on the pathway that guides visitors into our shelter!

Our tribute bricks not only lovingly commemorate a best friend, but also help the Humane Society of Sonoma County do our lifesaving work! Commemorate a beloved pet with a custom-inscribed brick in our Memorial Courtyard, or honor a friend, family member, or business on the Pathway for Paws. Proudly displayed in the beautifully landscaped courtyard of our Healdsburg campus, your compassionate milestone will be appreciated by campus visitors while ensuring a solid foundation for homeless pets in the years to come.

Order a Tribute Brick!

https://polarengraving.com/humanesocietyofsonomacountysantarosa

Dog Training Pupdates!

Healdsburg is getting a major pupgrade! The Academy of Dog and School of Pawsitive Rewards curriculum is now offered at our Healdsburg campus!

Class schedules are updated every Friday at 4 pm.

Learn more and register here!

https://humanesocietysoco.org/dog-training/school-of-pawsitive-rewards/

Gala Sponsor Spotlight - Guardian Angels

Who is “Big John”? This is a question the staff at Big John’s Market is asked all the time.

For the record, it’s not a nickname for owner John Lloyd, who, with his wife Kim, opened the beloved Healdsburg market in 1994. It’s a philosophy: B = Better, I = Independent, G = Grocer.

The Lloyds set out to create a better option for local families when feeding their families, so they tapped into the agricultural abundance of our region to elevate grocery shopping to the very best experience it can be.

The Lloyds’ philosophy extends beyond nourishing families – their philanthropy nourishes the community. As B-I-G animal lovers, the Lloyds have been generous longtime supporters of HSSC. We were honored to have their sponsorship of our Wags, Whiskers & Wine gala this past summer. Thank you Big John’s Market, and Kim and John Lloyd, for all the ways you cultivate compassion in Sonoma County.

The Press Democrat, our cherished local newspaper, is a beloved sponsor of HSSC.

“At The Press Democrat, we are dedicated to keeping our community connected and informed,” said Karen DeLuca, Community Relations Manager. “Like the Humane Society of Sonoma County, our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of residents."

“The connections that we share with our animals have been especially important over these past couple of years. We always encourage our readers to support local, and when it comes time to add a furry new member to your family, please visit our friends at the Humane Society of Sonoma County. Adopt, don’t shop.”

Thank you so much to The Press Democrat for your ongoing support!