November marks a season of gratitude and giving—an opportunity to lift up our neighbors and strengthen the community we all share. At Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV), we know that when families face hardship, it affects every member of the household—including their beloved pets. That’s why our Community Engagement Program includes initiatives like supporting the Pet Pantry, which provides nutritious … Read More
Pets & People: How Bridget Leads with Purpose
Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the skilled professionals who care for animals with expertise, empathy, and heart. Today we’re celebrating Bridget Haese, Senior Manager of Veterinary Services at HSSV—a leader who has built her career on compassion, collaboration, and the courage to take big leaps. A nontraditional start—and a bold leap Bridget didn’t take the typical … Read More
Pets & People: Veronica’s Heart for Healing
HSSV is joining in the nationwide celebration of Veterinary Technicians for Veterinary Technician Week—a time to recognize the skilled professionals who care for animals with expertise, empathy, and heart. This week, we’re spotlighting two of our incredible veterinary technicians who bring that dedication to life every day. Meet Veronica Rivas. For as long as she can remember, Veronica has been … Read More
A Lifeline on Wheels: How HSSV’s Regional Rescue Saves Lives Across the Bay Area
Every week, a white vehicle with Humane Society Silicon Valley’s (HSSV) logo pulls into the parking lot of a crowded municipal shelter. For the animals inside—dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens—the ride marks the start of a new chapter. This is HSSV’s Regional Rescue Program in action: a lifeline for overwhelmed shelters and a second chance for animals to find a … Read More
Pets and People: The Rescue Van That Carries a Legacy
When Ken Peterson and his wife Pat adopted Winnie, a timid Lhasa Apso/Maltese mix with a shaky past and soulful eyes, they weren’t just welcoming a senior dog into their home. They were opening their hearts to a new way of loving—deeply, patiently, and without condition. Winnie was found wandering the streets of Stockton, matted and scared. She was around … Read More
Pets and People: With Cynthia, Time and Patience Lead to Love
Some pets find homes in days. Others take weeks. A few wait months. Cynthia’s here for all of them. “I’ve always been drawn to the quiet ones,” she says. “The animals who don’t stand out at first. The ones that just need someone to see who they really are.” Cynthia is part of the Adoptions Team at HSSV, where she … Read More
Pets and People: Roxy Finds Her Happy Place
Roxy’s journey to her forever home began at Santa Clara County Animal Shelter. Like so many municipal shelters across the Bay Area, they were stretched beyond capacity and turned to HSSV’s Regional Rescue Program to help. That’s how Kaycee, as she was then called, made her way to HSSV. She arrived with a hygroma—an elbow swelling that develops when dogs … Read More
At Martha’s Kitchen, Compassion Comes with a Side of Pet Food
Every September, communities across the country come together for Hunger Action Month, a nationwide movement led by Feeding America to end hunger and ensure families have access to the food and support they need. It’s a time when organizations, volunteers, and advocates stand shoulder to shoulder in recognition that food is a basic human right, not a luxury. In San … Read More
Head Tilt, Heart Full: Top Hat’s Journey Home
Top Hat’s life almost ended before it had truly begun. When he was found, the tiny kitten carried more injuries than most could survive — a raw wound stretched across his head, an abscess on his neck, and a limp that made each step unsteady. And yet, through the pain, he purred. That resilience, and the community that rallied around … Read More