Most days, Matthew’s days start early. Veeeery early. As our Animal Transport Assistant, Matthew is a crucial part of our Rescue team. Two or three times weekly (and sometimes more!) he visits local shelters or makes the long trek to the Central Valley in one of our rescue vehicles to pick up large groups of animals from our partner shelters … Read More
A Second Chance for a Special Cat
Despite the pain he was clearly in, Mr. Pipp was affectionate. He purred, arched his back, and leaned into pets from the staff in our medical center. But he was clearly injured. The young tuxedo cat’s pelvis was fractured and his hind leg was injured. He walked extremely carefully on his back legs, feeling the pain with every step. Soon … Read More
Why Missing Clear the Shelters Is a Bad Idea
Thinking of skipping this year’s Clear the Shelters event? We don’t suggest it. Unless, of course, you’re not a fan of amazing animals, being part of a community, and joy. Then you should definitely, definitely not come. If you’re not Ebenezer Scrooge, and you do like those things, we hope to see you there! We’ll be celebrating Clear the Shelters … Read More
Dad Jokes – Not Just for Dads
Dad jokes. They can be hilarious, gag-inducing, or just downright embarrassing. The true tell of a good dad joke is, of course, in the eye of the beholder. We have a few beholders here who are more than happy to share their true-blue reactions to some of the best dad jokes we could find on the internet (in honor of … 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
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
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
The Krazy Kitten Karnival is Here
The kittens have gone WILD. They heard it was summer, and decided to set up their own Kitty Karnival to celebrate. And they haven’t stopped going nuts ever since. We didn’t do anything! We’re perfect angels. See, look at my face. But you did, kitten. You’ve been wreaking havoc on us. Jumping in the ball pit. Destroying the kissing booth. … Read More
A Cure for the Kitten Crazies
You’re at work all day, excited to come home and see the brand new, tiny, fluffy kitten you just adopted. In your mind are visions of cuddles, soft kitten fur, and purring. Instead, you come home to something that looks more like this: OH GOOD, YOU’RE HOME. LET’S PARTY. Fangs are flying, nails scratching, and you’re doing everything in your … Read More