Now for the bittersweet part ...
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Sacramento Shelter Pets Alive’s life-saving programs that provided a safety net for Bradshaw Animal Shelter dogs will be ending at the close of 2020.
But, this is not the end for SSPA - and the future is bold!
Our founder, Delyse, had a vision to improve the lives of shelter dogs, and that passion, along with SSPA staff, volunteers and fosters, was the driving force for our success.
When SSPA started in 2011 - then named PB SOC (Pit Bull Socialization and Obedience Crew) - the focus was on shelter pit bulls who were desperately in need of a safety net.
In 2011, the dog live release rate was a dismal 61%, and by 2015, that rate slowly and painfully climbed to 72%. Progress yes, but not enough.
We knew our community pets deserved more and better.
Wanting more for our community pets meant learning from the best of the best, classes, workshops, and developing a program that supported ALL shelter dogs with a focus on marginal dogs, as well as supporting their adopters.
In collaboration with a passionate and driven group of dedicated volunteers, PB SOC transitioned to SSPA and the necessary funding had been raised to support a full-time behavior team that was implemented in 2018.
SSPA has consisted of the following teams run solely by the most dedicated and committed volunteers around: photo team, webmasters, post-adoption support, social media team, adoption counseling team, dog walkers and fundraising team.
The entire team played a vital role in supporting and sustaining a 94% dog live release rate over the past three years - a 22% increase in saving lives over 2015. That’s over 1,000 more dogs who made it out!
Animal welfare is an evolving and fluid field, as we learn more and know more we must adapt, update outdated practices and have a strong foundation in animal behavior. Innovative community-oriented programs are the future, and we’ll carry the passion and skills behind SSPA to new heights.
This is not the end of SSPA, but the beginning of new partnerships that are in alignment with life-saving, results-based programs, along with one mind-blowing facility with endless potential! Be assured that your support, dedication, commitment, sweat and tears are still needed and will be called upon for our next venture at the former Boys Ranch. STAY TUNED!!!
➤ We plan to offer training for a nominal fee in the meantime to help keep pets in homes and can still be reached at sacramentocountydogs@gmail.com. We’ll continue to communicate via social media and keep up our newsletter as well.
➤ You can continue to follow Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s live release rate after we’re gone by signing up to receive emails: Email GanisD@saccounty.net with the subject line “Add to Daily Inventory List.” Make sure to include your name, address, phone number and email address in the body of your email.
We cannot thank you all enough for being part of SSPA; for believing in bettering the lives of shelter dogs and that all dogs matter; and more importantly, for saving lives.
We hope you’ll embark on our next journey with us and continue to check in on social media, share your happy tails updates and more!
