How Behavior Specialist Gee Helps Dogs and People Find Their Way to Each Other

Humane Society Silicon ValleyDogs, Pets and People4 Comments

For Gee Zinza, behavior work isn’t about “fixing” animals. It’s about listening, translating, and meeting them where they are. As a Behavior Specialist at Humane Society Silicon Valley, Gee’s days are anything but predictable. Her role spans hands-on behavior work with dogs and cats on the Behavior Team’s radar, training consultations for adopters, post-adoption support, and ongoing guidance for foster … Read More

Pets and People: How Cecilia Sternzon Builds Trust, Confidence, and Lasting Change in Dog Training

Humane Society Silicon ValleyDogs, Pets and People2 Comments

Cecilia Sternzon has spent a lifetime paying attention to how dogs learn—and just as importantly, how people do. Her relationship with training began early. At 12 years old, she was already working with her own dogs, curious about how communication, trust, and behavior fit together. That curiosity stayed with her through college and resurfaced more formally in 1992, when she … Read More

Pets & People: How Bridget Leads with Purpose

Humane Society Silicon ValleyChanging The Game, Pets and People1 Comment

Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the skilled professionals who care for animals with expertise, empathy, and heart. Today we’re celebrating Bridget Haese, Senior Manager of Veterinary Services at HSSV—a leader who has built her career on compassion, collaboration, and the courage to take big leaps. A nontraditional start—and a bold leap Bridget didn’t take the typical … Read More

Pets & People: Veronica’s Heart for Healing

Humane Society Silicon ValleyChanging The Game, Pets and PeopleLeave a Comment

HSSV is joining in the nationwide celebration of Veterinary Technicians for Veterinary Technician Week—a time to recognize the skilled professionals who care for animals with expertise, empathy, and heart. This week, we’re spotlighting two of our incredible veterinary technicians who bring that dedication to life every day. Meet Veronica Rivas. For as long as she can remember, Veronica has been … Read More

Pets and People: The Rescue Van That Carries a Legacy

Humane Society Silicon ValleyKeeping Families Together, Pets and People, Saving LivesLeave a Comment

When Ken Peterson and his wife Pat adopted Winnie, a timid Lhasa Apso/Maltese mix with a shaky past and soulful eyes, they weren’t just welcoming a senior dog into their home. They were opening their hearts to a new way of loving—deeply, patiently, and without condition. Winnie was found wandering the streets of Stockton, matted and scared. She was around … Read More