When we got the call from one of our rescue partners in the Central Valley, we were told the mama dog had six puppies, all just under a week old. “She’s blind and deaf,” they said. “Can you take her?” We rushed to take her and her puppies in Despite not being able to hear or see us, she was … Read More
A Rough Road for Puppies
“Pup is still not eating on her own,” read the medical notes written by one of our veterinarians after an exam with Deb. The puppy, one of six littermates brought in three days prior from a rescue partner in the Central Valley, had parvovirus. Our shelter partner reached out to us when the litter of puppies was brought to them … Read More
The Small Dog Whisperer
Darci, one of our Behavior Associates, is affectionately known as the “small dog whisperer” around HSSV. Small dogs, especially shy or fearful ones, flock toward her gentle, calming personality. “Darci has been an amazing addition to the behavior team because of her natural ability to be calm and earn the trust of our small fearful canines. She has a natural … Read More
Lex Finds a Friend – and His Confidence
Just a week after the statewide shelter-in-place mandate was announced due to COVID-19 concerns, many parts of Humane Society Silicon Valley looked quite different than usual. Our public-facing programs and services were suspended, and many of our animals were moving out of the shelter into foster homes. But one thing hadn’t changed – continuing to support our rescue partners and … 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 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
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