SSPA Newsletter
In This Issue
Happy Tails | Giving Tuesday | Phoenix Update | October Stats | Get to Know Us
Sid's Story
Amazing Sid has one of the most touching stories we've witnessed as the SSPA team.

On a recent Dog Day Out, a volunteer made his day, and he returned the favor.

The volunteer asked for a pup who wouldn’t pull too much so she could responsibly handle the dog - and Sid fit the bill!

After returning from their day out together, the volunteer sent us an email that struck right at our hearts.
She said she "couldn't have asked for a better dog." He was wonderfully behaved and was a joy to walk. He followed her around and sat by her side.

She concluded the email by telling us that her day out with Sid was exactly what she needed.

Her husband had passed seven weeks ago to the day, and Sid provided her with a few hours of happiness that she so needed at such an unbelievably difficult time.

Needless to say, there were few dry eyes after hearing this remarkable woman's story.

A few days later, Sid was adopted into a home where he will continue to work his magic.

He will bring people comfort as a PTSD support dog for a wonderful family.

It's not just our dogs who are benefitting from SSPA's Dog Day Out Program; it's making volunteers' days as well. And it's helping families find what's been missing in their lives: a shelter dog!

Thank you for donating your time, opening your hearts to our pups and sharing your stories with us. It means the world - both to us and our dogs!
More Happy Tails
Our gentle giant Stanley left the shelter yesterday!

His family was so excited to meet him and "bring him to his new home."

We couldn't be more thrilled for this sweet boy, whom Dog Day Out volunteers called "So awesome." "Fabulous!!!!" and "Super mellow."

Congratulations to him and thank you to his family for adopting!
Bean went home with her adopters today!

Her new family, including two teens, instantly fell in love upon meeting her!

She'll also get another playful pup as a brother!

We're ecstatic to see Bean land with such an awesome family!
Beloved senior girl Ellie was officially adopted by her foster today!

Her foster-now-adopter said, "I just adore her!! She is so sweet and such a good girl. She's amazing!!"

This 13-year-old girl doesn't let age slow her down!

She loves every minute of playing with her brother Prince. (Watch a video of their antics.)

We are so thrilled that her foster has made it official and made Ellie's wish come true to be a treasured forever family member!
Abby is surrounded by love every day in her forever home!

These photos are so heart-melting that we couldn't choose between them!

Her mom said, "(SSPA) is the organization that gave me my beautiful Abby & took care of her vet bills so she could be adopted. I was a total foster fail but she is absolutely perfect!! Please consider donating so they can help more fur babies!"

And the family even created a Facebook fundraiser to benefit our dogs!

To Abby's adopters: Thank you for making this girl a part of your wonderful family and for continuing to support SSPA!
Did you know that our support for our dogs doesn't end when they're adopted? We offer post-adoption counseling to help your new pup successfully transition into its new home! Email [email protected].
Giving Tuesday Is Coming Up!
Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity, is just around the corner - Dec. 1!

Don't miss this day in which folks worldwide come together to spread kindness, support those most in need and give to the organizations that mean the most to them!

Amid COVID-19, many nonprofits - including SSPA - have had to cancel the fundraisers that sustain their programs and services.

We hope you will consider donating to support our life-saving programs for Sacramento County shelter dogs!

Whether you create your own Facebook or other virtual fundraiser, sign up to donate monthly or give a one-time donation, every dollar counts when it comes to creating a brighter future for our dogs!

And your donations are tax deductible.

We can't thank you enough for all of your support of SSPA's programs for our community's shelter dogs!
Phoenix Update
Phoenix continues to rise and overcome after surviving horrendous animal cruelty.


After receiving amazing, life-saving medical care from the Bradshaw team and UC Davis, he's flourishing with his incredible SSPA foster.

Click on the image above to watch the latest video of him with his foster siblings. It brings the biggest smile to our faces!

He just keeps inspiring us all!

Go Phoenix!
Check Out Our Stats for October!
Seeing these statistics makes us proud - and inspires us to improve these numbers even more!

This shows SSPA's programs are working and saving dogs' lives!

➤ 163 dogs finding foster or adoptive homes?! Amazing!
  • The photos and descriptions of our dogs that you’re submitting as part of the SSPA Dog Day Out Program are helping pups find families! 
  • We are beyond grateful to our fosters who are true life savers! 
  • And adopters, thank you for making our dogs a part of your family! 

➤ A 94% live release rate is only possible because of the community stepping up and our medical, behavioral and foster/adoption teams working to save pups and match them with families!

➤ An average length of stay of 11 days is incredible! This amazing stat is another testament to the success of Dog Day Out Program!

You are all making a huge impact by opening your hearts and homes to our pups in need, even more so while shelter operations are limited due to COVID-19!

It takes a village to effect change and make a big difference!
Help SSPA Save More Lives!
Get to Know a Member of the SSPA Team!
In this series, we'll feature one of our team members each week!
Q&A with Volunteer Katherine Gaither Jacoby

How long have you been part of Sacramento Shelters Pets Alive and what inspired you to be part of the team?
I have been a part of SSPA for a little over two years. I found out about SSPA (when it was PBSOC) on Facebook. I decided I wanted to know more about them, so I checked out their website. I was so impressed and loved everything I read and saw on the website. I immediately decided I wanted to be part of this amazing group and signed up to be a volunteer.

What’s the best thing about being a member of the SSPA team?
The time I get to spend with the shelter dogs. They are so amazing and fill my heart with so much joy. It is truly a privilege to be able to spend time with them.

Also, I’ve met so many wonderful people on #TeamSSPA and made some really good friends. It’s great to be part of a team that is all about saving and improving the lives of shelter dogs.
What moment during your time with SSPA is most memorable for you? 
Honestly, each time I volunteer, there are amazing, memorable moments. I don’t think I can choose just one. Here are just some of them:
  • Seeing a dog who has been at the shelter for a year get to go to a foster home or get adopted.
  • Seeing shy, or scared dogs blossom and come out of their shells.
  • Seeing cruelty case dogs heal and thrive.
  • Seeing dogs leaving with a volunteer for our Dog Day Out Program with their heads out the car windows and a smile on their faces, then watching them return to the shelter happy and exhausted.
  • Watching dogs play in playgroups - they have so much fun!

What do you hope to help SSPA accomplish in the future?
I would love for more people to find out about SSPA and all that SSPA does to help shelter dogs. The community has been amazing and has really been stepping up to help with fostering, taking dogs out for our Dog Day Out Program, adopting and donating. The more people that find out how fabulous SSPA is, the more dogs we can help!

And finally, what is your favorite thing about your pets?
I have a 13-year-old dog named Kayla. She is shy, timid and sweet - with a bit of sass. Her sassy side is probably my favorite thing about her. She will often yell (bark) at us when she wants something, and we usually give in to her demands.
Another Way to Support SSPA Dogs
Sweater weather is officially here, and we have one "pawsome" hoodie to keep you warm and cozy!

Our black zip hoodie has our logo on the left chest and "SSPA" spelled out on the right arm.

We also have some baseball shirts to pair with it!

Every purchase you make goes directly to sustaining our life-saving programs and enriching the lives of shelter dogs!

Get your own or purchase one as a gift today and show your support for SSPA and our dogs!
Won't You Take Us Home?
Jenny

This girl is one adorable bundle of fun and awesome, and we can't figure out how she's still at the shelter!

She has won the hearts of the whole SSPA team, along with our volunteers.

She might be a senior, but that doesn't slow her down one bit! She is a ball of wonderful energy, a bit of sass and plenty of sweetness. She also does great on car rides.

Ready to bring this happy girl home?

Fill out an application below!
Patches

This young, adorable guy has been through a rough patch with illness and come out on top!

He's known for giving puppy kisses and just being an all-around joy!

He's proved to be great on walks or jogs as well!

What would keep him smiling? A home where he'll be loved and cherished!

Apply to foster or adopt him below.
SSPA Foster Dog of the Week
Somehow, adorable Braxton is still searching for his forever home!

This boy, called "Bubba" by his fosters, is all about his people.

He loves on you whenever you walk through the door and he wishes hugging people was a full-time job.

He also enjoys playing and going on walks!

He prefers a home without other pups, but he'll give you all the love you need and more!

Have a loving home for this sweetheart? Apply to adopt him today!
Prior Newsletters
Did you miss our previous newsletters? You can check them out here:
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