If you’re looking to warm your heart on this chilly day, you’ve come to the right place! As the year draws to a close, we’re sharing two wonderful new beginnings – recent adoptions that are guaranteed to make you smile!

Skittle’s Light Is Shining Bright!

Remember Skittle, the dog we featured in our October eAnimail? A past marked by abuse and uncertainty made him fearful of strangers but we were determined to help him have a positive future.

A handful of our staff and volunteers (also known as “Team Skittle”!) made it their mission to help him feel safe and earn his friendship. They provided him with the comforting consistency of a daily routine and all the love, space and acceptance he needed.

One of our staffers who went above and beyond for this little guy was Anna D. She was a patient friend to Skittle, slowly helping him feel more confident in new situations and showing him that life could be full of fun possibilities. She brought him with her on lunch breaks “out and abouts” and discovered that he adored these mini adventures (as you can see by the way his eyes lit up when he hopped into his very own car seat!)

Skittle had a lot of adoption interest but was challenged to warm up with anyone. That is, until Tristen came along. It was love at first sight - for Tristen anyway! – and he was committed to earning this special dog’s love in return. Their first visit went great. The second visit, not so much. Tristen knew from our team that consistency was key in building this bond, so he came back every single day at the same time. Each day he brought Skittle buttered scrambled eggs, just for him, as a token of his dedication.

Anna describes how Tristen’s visit became the staff’s favorite part of the day, “we knew Skittle would be loved unconditionally.” She even oversaw a lunchbreak ride-along for Tristen and Skittle. After about 10 meetings, Skittle decided that Tristen was the real deal and accepted the adoption! Not only that, “he went home with Tristen and instantly became a lap dog! Tristen gives us weekly updates and even brings Skittle by the shelter to say hi. He is truly living the dream with his best friend!”

Anna and crew gave Skittle a wonderful gift: they showed him that the world can be a beautiful place when you have a friend by your side. We want to thank you for being a friend to the animals, too! With you by our side, they know hope and healing and, finally -just like Skittle - how good it feels to be loved and have the chance to SHINE!

Keep reading for another soul-warming adoption story!

Jazmine Johnston, from our Healdsburg campus, shares Kiki’s journey!

“Kiki's story with us starts when she was brought to our Santa Rosa shelter after her owners left her behind when they moved. Kiki is a special gal; very loving but on her own terms. She was adopted within a few weeks but, unfortunately, that adoption didn't work out and she was returned to the shelter. Again, Kiki waited for her day to come. That day came again almost two months later. Again, unfortunately, it wasn’t a good fit either. So, Kiki made her way back to HSSC once more, this time to our Healdsburg Shelter.

“She took some time to settle in, but her personality began to shine, slowly but surely. She waited here patiently to meet her fur-ever person but wasn't getting much interest. Then, one day, in walks Cherish, looking for a kitten or a cat. It had been a while since she had a kitty and was missing the love of a little shadow. Cherish met with some of our kittens, but ultimately no one stole her heart. As she was leaving, she saw Kiki: love at first sight.

"She loved Kiki's markings and her expressive face, so she asked to meet her. I gave her the low-down on our special gal. I explained that Kiki is very loving, but will let you know when she has had enough. She's slow to adjust, but once she comes out of her shell, she's got a wonderful personality. Cherish didn't mind, she adored Kiki no matter what. She said she’d like to keep coming back to visit with Kiki to make sure they liked each other, and that she did!"

“Cherish came by at least once a week to visit Kiki, get to know her, and build a bond. At the same time, she started getting her home ready to welcome a new family member - with new scratching posts, a water fountain, beds, you name it. She was SO excited to take her girl home! Well, that day finally came! Kiki and Cherish went home together and it was so heartwarming. We think Kiki will have a wonderful life with Cherish, her partner, and their 13-year-old dog (Kiki is certainly confident enough for a dog!)



“We're very happy for Kiki and Cherish and wish them a life full of happy tails!"

Grey Muzzle Grant Recipient Baby Girl!

Baby Girl is a 13-year-old “sweet and spicy” Chihuahua mix who adores her guardian. She and her Chihuahua brother (another Skittle!) have been patients of our Community Veterinary Clinic for about a year.

Her guardian works as a caregiver and lives paycheck-to-paycheck. A truly caring person by nature, he even helps some of our other clients by giving them rides to their appointments. Recently, he brought Baby Girl in because her teeth seemed to be causing her pain. Our veterinarian prescribed pain medication to help keep her comfortable in the days leading up to her dental surgery, and her guardian could rest easy knowing our grant from Grey Muzzle Organization could help cover the cost of her dental care.

On the day of Baby Girl’s appointment, our team performed a full oral exam with radiographs to evaluate the roots below the gum line. They noted that Baby Girl had moderate to heavy calculus build-up and gingivitis and that extractions would be required. During her procedure, two teeth were extracted due to periodontal disease and her remaining teeth were scaled and polished. She also received a nail trim.

Baby Girl recovered from anesthesia smoothly and our team let her guardian know what to expect and how to provide the best care and pampering during her healing process. We are pleased to report that Baby Girl is back to her spicy self! It is incredibly life-affirming to witness the love and trust senior dogs share with their people.

We are so grateful to the Grey Muzzle Organization and to YOU for helping us nurture these bonds – and for helping us keep senior dogs healthy and living their best lives.

Felt is a sweet 5-year-old mini-hound who came to us from an overcrowded Bay Area shelter. He was underweight, and anxious, and had a compound fracture of his right femur that would ultimately require amputation.

Our veterinary team went right to work with a plan to help him gain weight slowly and healthfully and manage his anxiety. They also scheduled him for surgery to address his painful leg. His procedure was a success and he recovered well – he could not wait to get out of his recovery cone and get down to the business of having fun!

Despite his past challenges, Felt's spirit remained unbroken, as did his zest for life and love of people and other dogs! We are pleased to share that Felt is safely home for the holidays – and fur-ever!

Felt’s second chance to live his best life – healthy and pain-free - is made possible by your donations to our Angels Fund. Thank you for your support of our lifesaving work!

Stuhlmuller Vineyard Fundraiser

Our awesome friends at Stuhlmuller Vineyards are supporting the Humane Society of Sonoma County with a “Virtual Adoption” ❤️

Guests make a monetary donation or bring any unopened pet food and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and 15% off their purchase!

DETAILS:

Date: Now – Christmas

Address: 4951 West Soda Rock Lane, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Reservations Recommended

Open Thursday-Monday, 10:30 am-4:30 pm

Contact: (707) 431-7745 info@stuhlmullervineyards.com

Website:

stuhlmullervineyards.com

Notre Vue Winery Fundraiser

Notre Vue Winery is hosting a fundraiser and pet food drive for us now through 12/31!

In addition to pet supply donations, HSSC gets 20% of proceeds from the Wine Dogs book or a gift set including the book and a bottle of their Estate Cab!

Shop Now

DETAILS:

Date: Now – 12/31

Address: 11010 Estate Lane,

 Windsor, CA 95492

Contact: 707.433.4050 info@NotreVueEstate.com

https://www.notrevueestate.com/

#Donate2Hounds Freedom Harness Shelter Promotion



Our doggos need their walks, and for walks we need harnesses!

2 Hounds Design is offering a special for shelter supporters: purchase 7 harnesses for the price of 3, or 13 harnesses for the price of 6, sent directly to our grateful dogs here at HSSC.

Give the best present ever, a safe stroll for puppers in need!

Visit the 2 Hounds Design website to place your order today!



DETAILS:

Date: All Year Long!

Website: 2houndsdesign.com

Phone: (704) 234-0228

The “pawlidays” are upon us and so are the frosty festivities! 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!

'Tis the season of giving, and your generous support allows us to provide a safe haven for the animals right here in our community. Every contribution of every size helps ensure that every one of our furry friends has a bright and loving future.

Please visit our website to explore all the ways you can make a difference by giving to the animals. It doesn't matter how you give; it only matters that you do.❤️

⭐We wish you and yours the warmest and happiest of holidays!⭐

 🐾🐾From all of us at HSSC🐾🐾

HUMANESOCIETYSOCO.ORG