On a Thursday morning in late February, a litter of bottle babies – orphaned kittens too young to eat on their own – arrived at Humane Society Silicon Valley. They were days old, eyes still sealed shut, small enough to fit in your palm. By the time our logistics team had them settled, the planning for their care was already … Read More
Back to Basics: How Rhiannon Is Reclaiming Incremental Care in Community Medicine
On a recent Wednesday at the Community Pet Clinic, everything seemed calm until it wasn’t. Suddenly, multiple patients needed x-rays. Sedation units were in demand. The treatment floor filled with movement and coordination. For Rhiannon, that rhythm feels familiar. “I think that’s very much how it goes,” she says with a smile. For more than a decade, veterinary medicine has … Read More
Why Your Vet Spayed Their Dog
If you’ve ever hesitated about spaying or neutering your pet, you’re not alone. And that hesitation usually comes from a good place – wanting what’s best for your pet. “That feeling comes from love,” says Dr. Witting, a veterinarian at HSSV. “You’re imagining how you would feel if someone made that decision for you. That’s empathy – and it’s a … Read More
A Lifeline on Wheels: How HSSV’s Regional Rescue Saves Lives Across the Bay Area
Every week, a white vehicle with Humane Society Silicon Valley’s (HSSV) logo pulls into the parking lot of a crowded municipal shelter. For the animals inside—dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens—the ride marks the start of a new chapter. This is HSSV’s Regional Rescue Program in action: a lifeline for overwhelmed shelters and a second chance for animals to find a … Read More
Pets and People: The Rescue Van That Carries a Legacy
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
Head Tilt, Heart Full: Top Hat’s Journey Home
Top Hat’s life almost ended before it had truly begun. When he was found, the tiny kitten carried more injuries than most could survive — a raw wound stretched across his head, an abscess on his neck, and a limp that made each step unsteady. And yet, through the pain, he purred. That resilience, and the community that rallied around … Read More
Opening Doors to Care: HSSV’s New Community Pet Clinic
In Silicon Valley, access to veterinary care hasn’t kept pace with the growing need. Rising costs and the stress of living paycheck to paycheck mean that even basic care can feel out of reach. The love people feel for their pets hasn’t changed, but access to affordable treatment hasn’t always kept up. That’s why Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is … Read More
“Tenacity and Joy”: Riley’s Story
Kitten Riley was born with a neurological condition—but that didn’t stop him. What happened next will melt your heart.
