Sunday, June 29, 2014

Animal Spotlight: Darla, HSSV's Little Rascal

4 Reasons

Darla the Cat
is just like Darla from 'The Little Rascals'


Number One: 
She'll love you forever and ever, even if you have a horrible singing voice.

 











Number Two: 
She's not afraid to hang with the boys.













Number Three: 
She knows what she wants and she gets it.





Number Four:
 No matter what obstacles are thrown at her, her love for her people will prevail.



If you're interested in adopting this scrappy little rascal, come down and meet her in person! 
Click here to read more about Darla, or check out our other available cats here.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

MacGoober Holds Honesty Hour

This is MacGoober. 
Hi.
He's a stout, meaty little dude who loves everyone and is occasionally a bit socially inept. He didn't get a lot of socialization growing up so he tends to barrel into other dogs when he's trying to play.  He's like a teenage linebacker. 

Ooops. My bad. 
The problem with being a stout, meaty little dude with a head like a basketball is that people tend to think bad things about you. So despite being a goober who is rarely serious, he wanted to have a little talk with you about a few things. An honesty hour, if you will. Or an honesty ten-minutes. This won't take long.

Nope. I'm not a snake. Vets here confirmed it. 
There's nothing about MacGoober's mouth that is any different from any other dogs mouth. Except, of course, he might drool a little more and with a head that big you could probably park a Volkswagen in it. Or at least a SmartCar. Not that we're going to try. But you get the idea - his physiology isn't any different from other breeds. 

I'm not a hyena. Vets checked that too. Totally clear on the hyena front. 
In theory, any dog can turn on it's owner. The world's first face transplant was performed on a French woman who was mauled by her Labrador. But MacGoober is not more likely to turn on anyone than other kinds of dogs. If anything, it should be noted that the big booger is in his second shelter in a month, an enormously stressful experience, and hasn't turned on anyone. 

Completely not a spider. Vets even counted my legs. Golden on that one.
MacGoob didn't have the best social skills when we first met him. He was a little too forward, a little un-neutered (how you doin'?) and a bit overwhelming. He liked the other dog but he didn't know what to do with him. He's been working with the amazing Marthina McClay and Dr. Dexter from Our Pack * who's been schooling him on play manners. The boy's a quick study and lovin' life. He's a party on paws. 

I don't even know what this is but I'm not that either. Is it a stick? Can I chase it?
To sum up: let's simmer down about the blockheady dogs. Pretty much everyone that's met MacGoober has been charmed by the eight month old, smooshy face lump of love. Despite having a less than ideal start, he's willing to take people on a person-by-person basis. Shouldn't we be willing to do the same?

To find out more about MacGoober and our other fantastic pooches please check out our website.

Oh, and Kona asked us to remind you...
Spare me the tired old rumors about chihuahuas, people.
Don't hate on the little dogs. They're just dogs, too.

*If we haven't told you how awesome Marthina, Dr. Dexter and Our Pack are lately, we need to. We lurf them. Check them out.


Thursday, June 19, 2014

Apparently We Need A Refresher Course On 'Adopt-Me' Face.

Hi. 
Maui, please put your tongue away. We see a lot of your tongue. You're such a nice girl and it makes you look a little silly. Plus we worry about flies or something getting stuck to it.

A potato? Really? 
Okay, that's not perfect but it's an improvement.

Not only is Maui a shorty-snorty couch potato, she actually looks like a potato when she sleeps. And she sleeps a lot. The only thing better than sleeping is sleeping next to you while you pat her. Or lying in the shade in the yard while you pat her. Or doing anything that involves being recumbent while getting attention. And with her little wiry tail going thumpa-thumpa.

What are you looking at? 
Daisy, stop looking so dubious about everything. And cover your teeth.

My friend said the teeth give me character...
Okay, not much better. And sorry about the tooth comment. We didn't realize it was an orthodontic issue. Really, it's adorable.

Daisy (AKA Princess Underbite) always looks like she's a little unsure of what's going on. And right now she kind of is - this in-a-shelter thing takes some getting used to. It's understandable. You know what she is sure of? Her deep and abiding love of lap time. Lap time in front of the TV, lap time while you're reading, lap time while you work - bring it on. She's got your lap covered. Mondo-sweetypants.

Playplayplayplayplay.
Hailey: looking a little wolf-like. Kind of intimidating. You're such a sweet girl but that one blue eye looks a little crazy at times.

I'm not crazy! Not crazy! Kissy! Not crazy!
Awww, see? That's much better. That's good - enough kisses. No one needs a face wash in the dog park...oh never mind...

Poor Hailey was a hot mess when she arrived. She was very wary of anyone coming near her and would avoid them. She's doing better now but it still takes a while for her to warm up. You know what she does love, though? Other dogs. She'll happily buddy up with any pooch who can make her feel more comfortable around her surroundings. Aside from her shyness, this girl is a party on paws. Play play play.

You know what our favorite face is? Yours, when you come in to meet our awesome pooches. For more information about any of these guys or to see who else is waiting to make faces for you, check out our website.

Kimbo, we're not sure what's happening here but we're not even going to discuss it right now...

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

'Twas The Week After Maddie's.....A Tale of Homeless Pets and Unlikely Interior Designers.

And all through the shelter, new animals were coming in. Most of them were coming from other shelters that were too crowded. Like Brandy, who came in from the coast.

Where am I? What's happening? 
Or Templeton, who just jaunted over from the other side of town.

Me and my enormous legs cannot figure out what's happening. 
Or Tuesday, who was needing a bit of extra vet care for a dental issue.

As I'm sure you can understand, this is a distressing turn of events.
Some of them came from their owners, like these little muffins (and yes, we spayed their momma for free).

We're puppies. We poop everywhere. We're not too concerned. 
Or Gucci, whose heartbroken family found themselves in a situation where they couldn't keep him.

This is my second shelter. I know the drill. I am upset. But adorable.
Unfortunately if there's one thing there's no shortage of, it's animals needing a home. It's getting better (did we tell you about 240 last week?) but we still have a ways to go.

As these guys wash up on our shores they tend to be frightened and completely confused. While we work on fixing that (and by fixing them we mean get them adopted into new, loving homes) we try to make them as comfortable as they can be.

Which is where we meet Scott, an Animal Care Technician here at HSSV.

I'm not Scott. 
Okay, that's not actually Scott. That's Scott's Basset Hound. We didn't ask Scott for his permission to use a photo of him, so his dog is filling in for him instead. In fact we didn't ask Scott for permission to do this blog, either. But never mind about that.

Anyway, Scott is a tall, somewhat gruff redheaded man who enjoys sports. He's been working here for seven years. In addition to being an awesome animal handler, endlessly patient with the shy pets and pretty funny, Scott is famous for one other thing.

His amazing interior design skills. 
Ermaghawd - the sweet..

In getting the rooms ready for new dogs, everyone gets a blanket, a bed, a few toys. A bowl. As most of our bedding comes from donations, it can be kind of a motley selection.

Scott takes the time to color coordinate all of the bedding for every room. The toys, too. Each room is carefully coordinated, every blanket neatly folded. Blankets are twisted into 'C' shapes to give the little ones something to snuggle into. Multiple  matching toys are stashed artfully around the room. Each empty bowl neatly overturned like a mint on a hotel bed, awaiting it's new occupant.

Suki posing in a Scott room. 
At various times there's been sport themed rooms, college themed rooms, even specifically animal-themed rooms (who knew we had that many stuffed bunnies?) but all of them meticulously laid out.

All of our ACT's are amazing - they're the unseen army that keeps our animals cleaned, happy and fed. They comfort the scared, clean the messy, feed the hungry and do it all with endless good cheer, affection and patience.

But as Maddie's Pet Adoption Days cleaned out our kennels the mystery of the designer rooms - and Scott's unlikely roll as stager and decorator - needed to be cleared up. As empty kennels were made ready for the new arrivals, volunteers and visitors repeatedly commented on the care evident in the vacant rooms.

As our new kids settled in, everyone started to get more comfortable. Curly discovered that people aren't as scary as she thought they were. Particularly people who jog with you, like Behavior Associate Greg.

I chase you, tall human! Flee! Flee!
And Sweets discovered that our dog park is actually pretty awesome.

I think I just licked my own eyeball and I don't care!
And we don't know WHAT Clyde discovered but whatever it is it made him very, very, very happy.

Oh, Clyde. 
You know what would make you happy? Adopting an awesome dog from us. So stop in an meet all the new arrivals. And see Scott's wicked design action at work.

A big thanks to all of our amazing Animal Care staff. And sorry, Scott. Probably should have warned you this was coming.

I'm still not Scott. 







Sunday, June 8, 2014

Photo Story: Layla's Journey Home!

 
456 days after entering our shelter, Layla the cat goes home!  

Layla was one of 40 adult cats that found their forever homes during our Maddie's Pet Adoptions Days last weekend.  A total of 147 cats and kittens now have a warm and loving home to sleep in thanks to all the wonderful adopters who came to support Humane Society Silicon Valley in those magical two days.
 
As you regular blog readers must know, Layla has gone through many rooms, many personas (aka Regina), countless visits from loving volunteers, and many, MANY hours of Spongebob Squarepants (her favorite TV show) while in our care.  We are ecstatic to report that an HSSV staff member finally succumbed to Layla's sassy personality and figured that if any cat could handle her dogs at home, Layla could.  Enjoy watching our special girl find her forever home:
Posing for her last photo shoot at HSSV.

Treat?  Yes, please!

Mom makes it official!

Satellite staff and volunteers give Layla a proper send-off.

Hours of Spongebob await Layla in her new home!


Farewell, Layla!

New mom packing up a hidden Layla.

The final ride home!



Layla's new mom reports, "She's settling in well. We had a good play session this afternoon, and she is comfortable enough that whenever I enter the room she comes over and checks me out and normally asks to be petted.  Tomorrow I have to set up her TV in her room!"

 Layla in her new home:

Mealtime!

Playtime!





"Can we meet her yet, mom?  Pleeease?!"

"I can assure you, canines, that lady with the camera is no longer your leader.  I have arrived."




We love you, Layla!  HSSV staff and volunteers wish you the best of luck in your new home and can't wait to hear all about your new adventures!

Happy life, little girl.

 Thank you to all of our wonderful cat and Maddie's day volunteers.  Without you, this event wouldn't have been possible.  Hooray for 147 cat and kitten adoptions!


Thursday, June 5, 2014

Best. Weekend. Ever: The Post Maddies' Days Dog Blog.

How awesome were Maddie's Pet Adoption Days? We'll give you a hint:

Hint.
Still not getting it? 

Hint hint....
To say there were a lot of adoptions was an understatement. 

240 ADOPTIONS! THERE WERE 240 ADOPTIONS!
To be precise, there were 240 adoptions. Including Bolt, the yelling puppy.

When the day started people and dogs were lined up outside the door. The people were there to pick out one of our awesome pooches and their dogs came with them to make sure they approved of the choice. 


Meanwhile, the HSSV dogs were aflutter with anticipation. McDoogal was practically vibrating he was so excited...

Is it almost time? Are the people here yet? Are they? Are they?
And just forget the puppies, they were beside themselves. 

You need to open that door and you need to open it now. Seriously.
And then the doors opened and the people came flooding in and the magic started to happen. 

Lucy, who had worked so hard on her 'Adopt Me' face, was snapped up within hours by a family who admired her hard work. 

It worked! It worked! I knew it would!
Mellie met her her match with a quiet family with another micro-chi.

Out of my way, photog. I'm headed HOME. 
Eli had been on a trial adoption and on the big day he and his new person made it official. 

My lap. Mine mine mine mine. For good. 
As much as Nala loved our pool and volunteers, she decided she loved New Family's car just as much. 

So long and thanks for all the tennis balls. 

Though she did stop long enough to give staff member and buddy Lynn a quick hug on her way out the door. 


And Misty was just delighted to get a lift out the door. 

Huggies!
Oh, and did we mention.....

Redundancy, again. 

By the time all was said and done, 240 dogs, cats and rabbits had been adopted. Every single adoptable dog at our facility was in a new home. Which meant we had to put the adoption staff and volunteers up for adoption. Obviously they weren't happy about this, but we were sure that we could find them new homes, too. 

They're nice people. Surely someone will want them. Most of them are even housebroken.
Unfortunately no one wanted them so we'll just have to keep them busy here. 

The good news is with a completely empty shelter we were able to send our transfer truck to other shelters and pick up pets that were running out of time. Including this pair of puppies that are so cute they almost make our eyes bleed. 

I can has mondo cuteness? 
But thank you to everyone who volunteered, adopted, shared, thought-good-thoughts, wished, hoped and talked about Maddie's Pet Adoption Days. We did it!

THE BEST PEOPLE! I GOT THE BEST PEOPLE!
Yes, Bolt. We know.