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Going home feels so good!
Get ready to smile with HSSC Happy Tails delivered to your inbox each month!
Your support makes happily-ever-afters a reality for animals in need of a second chance.
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Share your love letter to a cherished pet or special person on our
❤️ Tags of Love memorial fence ❤️
This permanent tribute has been installed near the entrance of HSSC’s Santa Rosa Shelter in honor of Barbara Von Tillow, whose estate gifted HSSC a very kind bequest.
The fence was lovingly constructed by our Facilities Manager, David Kerwin, and features beautiful artwork donated by local artist Katie Durkan.
✨Join us for the special unveiling this Saturday, February 8th from 11 - 1 PM
Guests will enjoy our HSSC Kissing Booth, refreshments from Avid Coffee, and 50% off the purchase of their custom engraved tag.
Can’t make it that day? No worries! You can purchase a tag anytime for $10 at our front desk during your visit.
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Now sit back, relax, and enjoy these sweet updates made possible by YOU! | | |
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A Perfect Retirement Tail | |
Maisie came to us from our friends at Sonoma County Animal Services. The beautiful 13-year-old Border Collie mix had been through a lot lately and we all wanted to see her find a home where she would be treasured and comfortable in her golden years. Nicole, from our Healdsburg shelter team was busy doting on Maisie when this happened!
“We took Maisie out for her evening potty break in the yard. A couple walked up as we were walking back to her kennel for the night and told us they were there to meet her! We happily let them right into the yard to meet with her and of course they fell in love with her amazing personality right away!
“This fabulous couple has a whole family of senior rescue dogs living in paradise on their chunk of land. They've been committed to adopting senior dogs and providing a perfect retirement home for them for many years now. In fact, one of their rescues, Rooney, was adopted from HSSC! Because of that, these wonderful folks have extensive knowledge with giving medication, pain management, and all the other important things that make a senior dog's life so much more comfortable! Maisie immediately became fast friends with her new furry siblings and was quickly on her way home with her forever family. This adoption couldn't have been more perfect. We are SO proud of our senior gal who has been through so much and stayed kind and resilient through it all! Go Maisie!!!”
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A Wonderful World for Wally |
“To (adoption counselor) Noe and the rest of the team at the Humane Society: Wally (Walter), who was named Corey when he was at the facility, is settling into his new home wonderfully. Within a day he was comfortable in his crate, enjoying daily long walks, lots of toys, and playtime with his new brother Frank. We were ready to accommodate a much more difficult transition than he seems to be having, and it’s truly joyful to see him learning and growing each day. We’re so grateful for the care he received before finding his forever home (which he absolutely has).” | |
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Maslow’s Paw-ramid
of Needs
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Sebastian came to us from our friends at San Francisco Animal Care and Control in need of a little hope and healing. Many of his wounds could be seen on the outside – compound skin infections, abrasions, multiple fractured teeth, while others, the 1 ½ year-old pup was bearing emotionally.
We were honored to take over his care and give him a change of scenery. After he had a chance to settle in and get to know us, he showed us what a big, smart, silly guy he was! Soon, an amazing family came along and saw these qualities in him too!
Karrie Stewart, HSSC’s Senior Manager for Santa Rosa Adoptions and our Healdsburg Campus, shares the scoop:
“They were amazing with him at the adoption. She is a therapist for at risk youth and named him Maslow after “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs”. He will be a frequent visitor at her work with her patients.”
In the 1940s, Maslow (the psychologist) showed in his pyramid of needs how love and belonging come just after basic safety and physiology needs. It fills our hearts to know that now, in 2025, Maslow (the good dog) is getting all those needs met and then some!
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“We just wanted to provide an update on our new little kitten we adopted back in November. Her name was Naomi, but we felt she was more of a Pepper. Here are some photos. She is doing great! She was only shy for about half a day, and then started exploring her new home. She had her first vet check-up and all is well. Thank you so much for helping us add Pepper to our family! | |
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A New Name, A New Life,
A New BFF
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Cutie pie Judith was transferred to us from a crowded rescue partner with her puppy siblings right before the holidays last year. Of course she got scooped up right away! We were thrilled to receive this sweet update from her family recently: “Judith, we renamed her Lilo, is already adjusting to her new home and feline sibling Uma!” | |
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From Shy Kitten
to Calendar Star!
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“I adopted my cat Ellie back in 2021 when she was a kitten. At the time she was very timid and scared, and needed extra love to come out of her shell. She loves to be around people, loves dogs, and sure loves to eat. We have since moved from the Sonoma area to the Sacramento area and she has become well accustomed to her home and her favorite spots. I just wanted to give an update because she truly is the best cat! She’s even featured in a calendar for this year!” | |
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“Hello, I wanted to share some pictures and updates as to how Mikasa (Sarah) is doing. I decided in October to adopt, I was struggling a lot with my mental health and wished for companionship. This was the best decision I’ve ever made. On our way home from the Humane Society, she was rolling around and purring in the carrier. She quickly settled at home and we had no issues with her getting adjusted. Since then, Mikasa has been quick to establish the title of diva in my house.
“Most days you can find her with a toy in her mouth waiting for you to throw it. (Yes, I said throw it!) Mikasa’s favorite thing to do (besides eating) is playing fetch. She loves to run around the house, roll around, and show off when visitors come over. For such a little thing, she has a huge personality. My family has fallen deeply in love with her, spoiling her with toys, treats, and neck scratches. On Christmas morning, she woke up to an array of presents from both my and my boyfriend’s family.
“Mikasa is truly loved. I thank my lucky stars every day that I get to be her mom. I want to thank you all for loving her before me. Your dedication to supporting, caring, and loving these animals truly shows with how trusting my baby was. I plan on updating you again when Mikasa turns one in July! Until then, I’ll be playing fetch and looking at the adoption success stories!”
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Did we just become
Best Friends?
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We adopted Dennis (formerly known as Oliver) in the beginning of October after losing a precious 14-year-old cat. Our 4 year-old cat Frank IMMEDIATELY fell in love with him and they have become the best of buddies. I thought I was getting a cat for me but really I was getting him for Frank. We are so happy to have him be part of our family and appreciate all your great work with these animals. Thank you!”
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🐾 With wagging tails and purring hearts ! 🐾 | | | | |