Pets and People of HSSV
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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How Bridget Leads with Purpose
Veronica’s Heart for Healing
For Veronica Rivas, caring for animals isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong calling rooted in empathy and purpose.
With Cynthia, Time and Patience Lead to Love
Cynthia makes sure every pet, even the ones who need extra time, finds the right home.
Roxy Finds Her Happy Place
When Kaycee met Sandra and Matthew this summer, she didn’t just find a new address—she found her people. Renamed Roxy, she’s been busy turning everyday moments into little celebrations ever since.
Winnie and Tobey’s Legacy of Love
When Ken and Pat opened their home to two senior pets in need, they gained years of unconditional love—and left a lasting tribute.
Daniel and Toro Have a Brighter Future
"They didn't just help Toro. They saw how much he meant to me. They gave him care, and they gave me hope."
Kyoko Builds Trust Through Care
"People come to us when they don't know what to do."
A New Chapter, Full of Heart
After retiring from a successful grooming career, Ellen found new meaning through volunteering at HSSV—building connections, brightening lives, and painting joy back into her days.
Fighting for Nova’s Life
When Nova was diagnosed with FIP, HSSV stepped in with lifesaving treatment—giving her a second chance and keeping her family together.
From first hello to happy home, Hailey is with you every step of the way.
"You're not doing this alone. You're joining a whole community that wants to help you succeed."
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.”
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.
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."
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."
Claire Found More Than Kittens, She Found Community
We sat down with veteran feline foster Claire on her experience and the power of community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
