Our hearts are with the people and animals who have been affected by the fires in Butte County. This disaster was devastating, and though the fires are officially out, hundreds of animals remain in the fire-affected area, homeless and needing care. Temporary shelters have been set up to house these animals, and organizations from all over the country are pitching in … Read More
A Week of Fires, and a Big Ask
At a shelter about 170 miles north from us, dozens and dozens of animals were waiting for their forever homes. Some had been waiting for weeks, while some were waiting to finish up treatments for kennel cough or upper respiratory infections before being placed up for adoption. But all were looking forward to a bright future. Then, the fires hit. … Read More
A Puppy Palooza Story
We have a story to tell. It’s about mama dogs, puppies, and some amazing humans. A few months ago, something started happening. We started getting lots of calls asking if we could take in pregnant mama dogs. But mamas and pups need to go into foster and stay there until their pups are about 8 weeks old. So we reached out … Read More
The Rock Stars of HSSV
We need to talk about the rock stars of HSSV for a minute. No, not that kind of rock star. We’re talking about our medical team – the constantly-in-motion, never-stopping, hearts as big-as-planets medical team. Yes, these kinds of rock stars. Our medical team functions as the Renaissance Men of the organization – they can (and do) excel at many … Read More
A Few Big Thank Yous
We need to take a minute to say something. Is it about me? What is it? A few weeks ago, we celebrated Clear the Shelters. It was 3 days of reduced fee adoptions that resulted in 171 adoptions, lots of smiles, and many, many happy endings. This was the moment at the end of the 3-day weekend when an adorable … Read More
The Chis Plate of HSSV
Chi1 CHē noun noun: chi; plural noun: chis 1. a small dog, often with some physical similarities to a Chihuahua “Chi-mix” often lap-sized “lap-dog” may feel most comfortable in a small groups of dogs of similar-sized dogs “pack of Chis” We see a lot of Chis around here. And while you might be thinking of hoards of small, tan Chihuahuas … Read More
The 2 Kong-High Club
We need to put a shout-out for the Littles. The Smalls. The Minis. The 2 Kong-High Club, as we know them. Isn’t that name a little…on the nose? Get it? The Kong is literally ON MY NOSE! Members of the 2 Kong-High Club are natural comedians. They have a great sense of humor, and will even laugh at your … Read More
24 Hours of Livesaving
It has been a week, to say the least. Sunday, 6pm: A shelter to the north asked to borrow one of our transport vans. They had been asked to help transport and house animals from a shelter that needed to evacuate due to the fires, but didn’t have a large enough van.Sunday, 8pm:A few of our staff members headed up … Read More
Shark Week, Puppy and Kitten Style
Baby animals of a certain age are adorable. Fluffy. Heart-melting. They’re also basically sharks. Adopting a puppy or kitten is like having full-time Shark Week. Hear us out. Are those fingers? Tasty. Puppies and kittens are full of angelic goodness. They’re also full of razor sharp teeth. I know not what you speak of. Teeth? I do not haz. … Read More
Boogie Nights at HSSV
Remember our Kitty Karnival a few weeks ago? Our older kittens and adult cats misheard it as “Kiddie Karnival” and felt a bit left out. What about me? Did you forget about me? Their solution? Throw their own party. It’s our turn now. Gimme that thing. And because nothing gets a cat going more than flashing lights on a wall, … Read More