Is it spring yet?!

At the moment—it's a little hard to say.

But what we can say for sure is that we had a fantastic time at our first-ever Kitten Shower last Saturday. It was wonderful to welcome so many young animal lovers and their families, see some top-tier kitten toy crafting, and hear some very creative name ideas for future litters. We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who sent or brought donations from our kitten registry—thanks to you, we’re heading into kitten season with a pep in our step and plenty of supplies for our tiniest residents.

Read on for exciting upcoming events and ways you can help this spring—including supporting a very deserving senior dog on her journey to a brighter future.

Plus, have you been thinking about adopting a new four-legged friend? We've got a whole crew of fantastic dogs and charming cats who would love to help you cope with the emotional roller coaster that is early spring weather. Head over to our website to see who is in the market for a new home—or better yet, come down to the shelter and meet them in person!

Bella hasn’t been here long, but she’s struggling. Her gentle, sensitive nature doesn’t mesh with the noise and chaos of shelter life. At nine years old, what she really needs is a soft bed and a quiet home.

This isn’t her first time with us—or even her second. She’s been adopted twice already, and each time spent years in a loving home, only to find herself back at the shelter through no fault of her own. And sadly, after knowing family life, shelter living is especially hard on her. There's some bright news, though, which is that we’re here to make sure she finds the right home—this time, for good. Until then, we’re doing all we can to keep her comfortable and in good spirits (pro tip: this girl loves a comfy bed!).

One more thing she needs, though: dental care. As with many of our senior dogs (and cats), her teeth need work for the benefit of both her health and her comfort. The average veterinary dental procedure costs around $500, sometimes more if extractions are needed—and Bella isn’t the only one in our care right now who is requiring some extra TLC for her pearly whites.

This is why we're asking for your help: we’re looking to raise $2,500 to cover the cost of dental care for Bella and a few other dogs in our shelter who are very much in need of a visit to the (veterinary) dentist. We like to think of it this way: if 100 people donate just $25, we’ll reach our goal—that's all it would take to help us get Bella (and several others like her) healthy and home-ready. We'd even have some left over to help us take on more senior pets this year!

Bella's story isn’t over yet. There’s still time for her happily-ever-after—and you can be part of it. Donate to our dental fund to help cover the costs of Bella's dental work...or better yet, put a big, squishy dog bed in a comfy corner in your house, then stop by the shelter to make this deserving pup your very own.

In case you haven't heard, our spring champagne brunch is finally making its long-awaited return! This year's event, "Diamonds Are Furever," is just around the corner, and tickets are on sale now. Join us on Sunday, April 27th from 11:45am - 3:30pm for a delicious brunch served alongside champagne and mimosas, live and silent auctions, exciting raffles, and a chance to take home a half-carat radiant-cut diamond. Seating is limited, and past events have sold out quickly—reserve your spot today by heading to hsotc.org/diamondsarefurever to grab your ticket.

Business sponsorships are also available and include promotion through our marketing and media channels, sponsor recognition before and during the event, and event tickets. Call the shelter or contact dso@hsotc.org for more information about sponsoring this event.

Every dollar raised helps us continue caring for shelter animals and supporting pet owners in our community, so there's no reason to wait—grab your ticket today and

we'll see you there!

Our spring champagne brunch is our biggest event of the year, and it takes a dedicated team of volunteers to help us pull it off. We’re still looking for extra hands to assist with all aspects of the event, from setting up and decorating to staffing auction and raffle tables, bussing tables, and helping with cleanup once the

festivities wind down.

Beyond the upcoming champagne brunch, we're seeking volunteers who are interested in helping out with various kinds of fundraising activities and events. Whether you enjoy being in the middle of the action or prefer working behind the scenes, there’s a way for you to get involved and make a huge difference in the lives of the animals in our community. We'll be hosting a booth at this year's Tuolumne County Volunteer Fair at the Motherlode Fairgrounds on Thursday, April 17, from 4-7pm. Stop by and get information about the different ways that you can get involved.

Interested in signing up to help or ready to learn more? Give us a call at 209-984-5489 or send an

email to dso@hsotc.org to get the ball rolling!

We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. Board members play a key role in supporting our mission, guiding our organization, and ensuring the well-being of the animals in our care.

Ideal candidates are committed to attending meetings, shaping policies, assisting with fundraising, and helping to recruit new supporters. We’re seeking individuals with strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for animal welfare.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you! Learn more here or fill out your application to get started!

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