Shelter from the Storm/National Preparedness Month

When tropical storm Hilary hit southern California last month, Orange County Animal Care reached out asking for help clearing their shelter so they could make room for all the displaced animals they’d be receiving. HSSC joined forces with a few other North Bay rescues and arrived at Hayward Executive Airport to welcome the dozens of cats and dogs who were being flown in via Good Flights.

Thanks to your support, we were able to take in six big dogs (well, okay, so one is an adorable 55 lb. short stack!) and provide them with a soft, warm place to land and all the love and care they need until we can place them into forever homes. As you can see in the video below, the dogs were a little unsure of their surroundings, but they quickly warmed up. The look on an animal’s face when they realize they are safe and in good hands fills our hearts. Their resilience to roll with the changes and the trust they place in us truly inspires.

We are pleased to report that two of the dogs – Tiara and Nolan - have already been adopted! See who else is waiting to find a home here: https://humanesocietysoco.org/available-animals/?_pet_type=dog

Milli Vanilli, Reed, Bean, Dylan and the rest of our animals thank you for your love and support! Together we are providing shelter from life’s storms for animals when they need it most.

September is National Preparedness Month!

Our team works hard year-round to ensure that we’re not only poised to protect the pets in our care, but to save those who come to us from disaster-related rescues, like the Orange County pups. As Sonoma County enters peak fire season, we’re also making sure our own family pets’ go-bags are stocked and that we have a plan in place, come what may.

Here are some of our favorite resources on how to prep and what to pack for your pet:

• https://humanesocietysoco.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Disaster-Preparedness-Tips.pdf
• https://www.ready.gov/pets
• https://www.ready.gov/es/cuidado-de-los-animales
• https://www.halterproject.org/ready-kit-checklists/small-ruminants-camelids-ready-kit
• https://humanesocietysoco.org/owner-support/emergency-resources/

Mando

From Adoption Counselor Gabe: “We rescued Mando from an animal shelter in the Central Valley where his time was up. His adopter had volunteered at an animal shelter on the East Coast for many years. Underappreciated pitties are his favorite kind of dog. When he visited Mando, he knew he couldn't walk away. Needless to say, they walked away as a family of three!”

Geraldine

Hope had been visiting our shelter “in hopes” of finding her new purr-y friend. She was looking for a sweet cat who would be an easy-going companion. We introduced her to Geraldine - a chatty cat who thrives with a lot of attention and lap time. The two hit it off instantly and Hope knew she’d met her match! Happy tails for the happy pair!

Healdsburg Happenings!

Smushie: Creative genius seeks muse!

Healdsburg Shelter artist-in-temporary-residence Smushie took a little time out of his busy schedule to create a beautiful new work of art. Who knew this goofy guy was so talented? Afterwards, he took a well-deserved nap.

This affectionate senior won’t demand a fancy artist’s loft in his forever home - just a family who will love and treasure him, and bring out his best! Read more about Smushie on our website!

You Gotta Have Faith

From Adoption Counselor/Animal Care Tech Addie: “Faith the guinea pig came to us in April as an owner surrender. In her previous home she had a bunny roommate that she was not terribly fond of and her owner knew she needed better companionship. Faith spent the following months with us gaining confidence, interacting with the kids at summer camp, and making friends with the fellow guinea pigs in our care. She really blossomed while she was with us and was ready for her next adventure.

“Cue Lauren and her sweet little family! They had a lovely young female guinea pig at home who was eager to have another piggy friend. The family made the trip up to Healdsburg and absolutely fell in love with Faith's gentle demeanor and her love of bell peppers. They knew she would be the perfect fit! With Lauren and family so well versed in guinea pig care, we knew that Faith had finally found the perfect home!”

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.

Reggie

Reggie visited our Community Vet Clinic following a diagnosis of Lagophthalmia, a condition that impairs proper eyelid closure. This issue is particularly prevalent in breeds with "flat-faced" features such as Persians and Himalayans.

A full eyelid closure with a normal blink reflex is necessary for the maintenance of a stable tear film and healthy ocular surface. Unfortunately, Reggie's condition led to some secondary problems in both his eyes. Reggie was also diagnosed with a stromal corneal ulcer affecting several layers of the cornea, and was given a poor prognosis for healing. Reggie's prognosis was given at a specialized clinic and, unfortunately, his owners were unable to cover the costs of the required surgery there.

Fortunately, we were able to intervene and provide assistance. In a remarkably short span of 48 hours, we coordinated Reggie's surgical procedure at a cost that was manageable for his family. Thanks to the specialized professionals who initially diagnosed Reggie, our highly skilled CVC team and YOU ❤, this sweet cat is now on the path toward improved wellbeing and happiness!

From Blessing of the Animals at St. Francis Winery and Howl-o-ween Pet Parade and Costume Contest at the Healdsburg Plaza, our autumn calendar is filling up with so many pawsitively fun events!

Check out our events calendar and follow us on social media to find out where we’re going to be! We’d love to see you out there!

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