Say hello to Pets & People of HSSV, a new series that celebrates the animals and humans who make HSSV special. Highlighting powerful bonds, meaningful moments, and everyday stories, Pets & People shines a light on the heart of our community.
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![]( "Naadia’s Journey into Veterinary medicine")
Naadia’s Journey into Veterinary medicine
“To hear someone say, ‘Oh, this? We got this,’ is something a lot of shelters dream about. Here, we go the full mile. Always.”
![]( "Bob Fox, Donor Spotlight")
Bob Fox, Donor Spotlight
"The profound connection with my dogs taught me the irreplaceable value of love, companionship, and loyalty that pets bring into our lives."
![A young lady with black hair holds a tiny white kitten outside in the garden.]( "Claire Found More Than Kittens, She Found Community")
Claire Found More Than Kittens, She Found Community
We sat down with veteran feline foster Claire on her experience and the power of community.
![Man sitting outdoors with a happy tan-and-white dog on his lap, both enjoying the moment]( "From Danger to Devotion: Star’s Journey to Healing")
From Danger to Devotion: Star’s Journey to Healing
After suffering severe injuries from embedded foxtails, Star found healing—and a forever home—thanks to HSSV’s medical team and a foster family who never gave up on her.
![Nancy wearing a bright pink shirt and cradling Hope, a senior grey terrier with a brightly colored plaid patterned leash.]( "Interview with Nancy, a Champion for Senior Pets")
Interview with Nancy, a Champion for Senior Pets
"It's the idea that they are getting a second chance at life, and you're able to give them a soft spot to land in their golden years."
![Small black dog with upright ears and an orange paw-print harness, smiling while sitting in a car seat]( "How Papi Helped Michelle and Nick Through Grief")
How Papi Helped Michelle and Nick Through Grief
After the sudden loss of Michelle’s mom, grief could have pulled this father-daughter duo apart. Instead, a little dog named Papi brought them closer—and reminded them of the love still surrounding them.
![Volunteer favorite Vicki is standing in front of a red brick wall holding a brown puppy]( "Vicki’s Story: From Pookie to Perfect Matches")
Vicki’s Story: From Pookie to Perfect Matches
You've probably seen her on our page in her quirky "Slay, Brat, Pookie" videos, but beyond being HSSV's star influencer, Vicki is a dedicated volunteer, helping as a matchmaker for those looking to adopt.
![Echo, a white husky with cloudy eyes, sits closely beside Nyctalus and his smiling family in a heartwarming moment outside their home.]( "A Husky with No Sight, No Sound, and an Extraordinary Gift")
A Husky with No Sight, No Sound, and an Extraordinary Gift
When Alexia brought Echo home, he bonded instantly with her son. "Wherever Nyctalus went, Echo would go. We noticed almost immediately Echo would gently nip my son’s shoulders and at the back of his shirt – a behavior often shown by Epilepsy Service Dogs.” It turns out, Nyctalus was having seizures.
![A man and woman couple smiling at the camera.]( "A Legacy of Love for All Animals")
A Legacy of Love for All Animals
For over 25 years, Robert and Louise Trogden gave their time, hearts, and personal resources to HSSV. By including us in their legacy plans, they helped ensure our mission could grow and thrive for years to come.
![A man dressed in black with a black cap holding up a matted rescue dog. Bot hare standing in the Wellness Waggin', opened kennel cages behind them.]( "Ben Found a Diamond in the Ruff")
Ben Found a Diamond in the Ruff
Ben is a veterinary technician who works weekends on HSSV’s Wellness Waggin’. During one of his shifts, he happened to notice a towel covering one of the kennels. He lifted the towel to take a peek, and it was love at first sight.
![]( "An Unbroken Bond of Love: Alex and D.O.G.")
An Unbroken Bond of Love: Alex and D.O.G.
Alex and D.O.G were the recipients of our millionth meal served to pets and families with our partner PATH back in Jan 2025.
![Two people petting a brown dog in a pink harness under a blue canopy]( "Long Stay, Big Transformation")
Long Stay, Big Transformation
Fearful and unsure, Lady and Logan needed time, training, and a community that believed in them. With patience and love, they found what every dog deserves—a home.
![Older volunteer standing outside in the sun smiling with a fluffy dog in his arms]( "From a Peace Corp Volunteer in the 60s, Senior Lecturer to Animal Volunteer")
From a Peace Corp Volunteer in the 60s, Senior Lecturer to Animal Volunteer
Guided by compassion, Peter Ross has volunteered in many roles over the years, always following his passion. His deep commitment to animal welfare and adoption led him to create an endowment to ensure lasting support for animals in need.
![Dog in car with a purple Level III sport dog title ribbon]( "Jewel’s Talent Shines Bright")
Jewel’s Talent Shines Bright
Once a tiny pup in foster care, Jewel is now one of only a handful of dogs in North America to earn a prestigious Lost Item Level 3 title. With the right training, love, and a second chance, she proved that rescue dogs can achieve extraordinary things
![]( "They Found Safety and Sue Found Purpose.")
They Found Safety and Sue Found Purpose.
Sue has always loved animals. Back in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she spent her free time walking dogs at the local shelter. It was simple work, but it meant the world to her. After losing her husband and moving to San Jose, Sue needed something to heal her heart. That’s when she found HSSV.
![An orange kitten softly gazing at the camera in a grey kitten bed.]( "How ‘Little Lemon’ Keeps Beating the Odds")
How ‘Little Lemon’ Keeps Beating the Odds
At just five weeks old, Little Lemon weighs only 14 ounces and has faced one health crisis after another. But he's still here and fighting thanks to the HSSV medical team.
![Person sitting on a couch, hugging a large black German Shepherd mix wearing a pink name tag]( "Cora’s Second Chance Changed Everything")
Cora’s Second Chance Changed Everything
When Kate adopted Cora, a young German Shepherd mix with leash reactivity, she didn’t know she was gaining a future therapy dog, a hiking buddy, and a life-changing best friend.
![]( "Judy and Jim Duport on Finding Connection that translates love into a Gift to Others")
Judy and Jim Duport on Finding Connection that translates love into a Gift to Others
Judy Duport and her husband Jim had been donating annually to HSSV for over 25 years when they chose to become monthly donors as Faithful Friends, eventually
providing monthly gifts through their donor advised charitable fund. That's when they had their "Ah hah!" moment!
![Brenda smiling infront of a blue wall. Her hands are full of 4 tiny kittens wrapped in a blue blanket with a paw print design.]( "Celebrating Brenda and Feline Foster #500!")
Celebrating Brenda and Feline Foster #500!
Brenda's superpower is fostering neonatal —tiny, helpless, and often hours old when she first gets them. “I didn’t have any special training—I learned by shadowing the vet techs at HSSV.”
![Tabby cat lying on a couch next to a person's hand.]( "What Riley Taught Us About Joy and Determination")
What Riley Taught Us About Joy and Determination
Born with a neurological condition and battling ringworm, Riley had every odd stacked against him—until a devoted foster, a caring medical team, and a big-hearted adopter gave him the chance to shine.
