This time of year brings about reflection on what is most important. For many of us, our four-legged companions come to the forefront as we consider what we have to be grateful for. The connection we form with our pets, and the unconditional love we experience through them, is something truly unmatched.

Today is Giving Tuesday, and there’s no better opportunity to stand behind the causes that matter to you.

Giving can take so many different forms. As an animal lover, we know that you care about making life better for pets and their people in our community—and there are countless ways to do that. You can adopt a pet, foster, volunteer at an animal shelter, or share social media posts + spread the word about adoptable pets. And you can also donate.

As a nonprofit organization, we fully rely on our supporters and their generosity. The funds we need to keep the lights on, the kibble in the bowls, and the medical treatments covered come from community members just like YOU. We do this work because we know it matters—not just to the pets who receive a second chance at life, but to the families whose lives are forever changed by the incomparable, unconditional love of a pet.

And further, your support helps us do more than just find homes for animals who need them. With our community behind us, we’re able to provide services that support pet owners right here at home. Community clinics with low-cost and free medical care, a pet-supply pantry, and spay-neuter assistance are a few of the ways we make sure pet owners have access to what they need to care for their pets—because keeping pets in loving homes (and out of the shelter) is another important part of nurturing the human-animal bond.

Our goal for this Giving Tuesday is to raise $2,000 to continue our essential efforts. No donation is too small—and your support, in whatever form it takes, is what keeps us going. It's what allows us to take stories marked by loss and uncertainty, and transform them into hope and new beginnings. We know you already understand why all of this matters, but we wanted to share a few stories that illustrate what your support makes possible. So grab a seat, snuggle up with your favorite furry friend, and read on!

Caroline was dropped off at Tuolumne County Animal Control with what we could only assume was her puppy. Shelters can be overwhelming for any dog, but for Caroline—an undersocialized backyard dog who had likely never been indoors—it was especially stressful. 

When our staff met her they could tell she needed our help, and got to work right away doing what they do best: helping scared dogs feel safe. With time, patience, and plenty of treats, a very nervous dog slowly began to trust.

By the time Caroline finally met her person, her puppy had already been adopted, and in her own adoption meet-and-greets, her shyness had been an obstacle. Most adopters aren’t searching for a dog who cowers when approached. But in a sweet turn of events, her future was closer than we thought—in fact, it was right under our own roof.

“The people who have felt that instant bond with a shelter dog or cat will know what I mean when I say that somehow, I knew she was meant to be mine from the moment I met her,” says Caroline’s adopter, who also happens to be HSOTC’s marketing specialist. “I wasn’t really actively looking for a new dog at the time, but it was just one of those things that was meant to be.”

“The bond that formed between her and I became the foundation for her learning to trust everything else. As our home became her safe space, we started to see more of her true personality. We’ve learned that she’s an exceptionally gentle and fiercely loyal companion. It took a long time to get her to be comfortable being on furniture, but now her favorite thing is snuggling up on the couch with us in the evenings. We are so grateful for the love and sweetness she brings to our lives every day!”

A cute flashback: this is the reel our marketing specialist made with Caroline (now Nene)—the moment that sparked the feeling they were meant for each other.

At the time Margaret found herself at Tuolumne County Animal Control, she was only about 10 months old and a very under-nourished 4 pounds. She was also extremely pregnant.

Despite being a youngster herself, Margaret gave birth to a litter of kittens shortly after her arrival at Animal Control. And there, where the stream of homeless cats and kittens are pretty much endless, she and her kittens faced a less-than-ideal situation. We opted to take her into our care, as transfer to a limited-intake shelter like ours means more time, more care, and the promise of adoption for Margaret and her babies.

Because she was so dramatically underweight, we’re putting in extra effort to get Margaret the needed calories to sustain the heavy work of nourishing babies. We’ve given her a safe and quiet place to care for her kittens. And when the time comes, we’ll make sure that Margaret and every single one of her babies are spayed and neutered, to ensure that the cycle of unwanted kittens ends with them.

The thing about Margaret is that her story isn’t a unique one. There are hundreds of un-altered cats who give birth to litters of kittens every year (a single cat can give birth to ~100 kittens in her lifetime–which, of course, all go on to reproduce, as well). This year alone, we’ve provided safe haven to dozens and dozens of kittens, spayed and neutered all of the cats in our care, and provided the community with 250 spay and neuter vouchers in our effort to reduce the number of unwanted litters in our community.

Mr. Muffins



Mr. Muffins is a bit of a local celebrity.

But maybe not for a reason you'd hope for. He gained notoriety for evading capture in Sonora for weeks–with regular sightings by community members all over Sonora, from the Junction to the Lowe's parking lot (impressive range!). 

When this exhausted and frightened little runaway was finally apprehended, he was hungry and dehydrated, plus covered with fleas and heavily infested with tapeworms. But the good news: he was safe! 

Once in our care, we treated Mr. Muffins for parasites, gave him a thorough bath, and made him the same promise that we make to each and every pet who comes through our doors–to find him a loving forever home, no matter how long it takes.

We’re still working on the last part, but in the meantime, we’re giving this once-lost little pup the safety and security that every dog deserves.

Ruth

If you follow along with our newsletter and social media, there is a good chance you remember seeing Brandy, a young dog whose journey to find a forever home was long and winding. It can be easy to feel impatient when it comes to dogs finding their happily-ever-afters, but sometimes TIME is the magic ingredient. For Brandy (now Ruth), it was a long wait and a roller coaster of emotions. But the day she finally went home for good, there wasn't a dry eye in the building.

We think her very best friend (and adopter) Todd, tells the story best, so grab your box of tissues and read on:

"My dog, Stella, died in July after 12 years of being my steadfast companion. I was heartbroken. I knew that being around dogs would help heal the hole that Stella left, but I wasn't sure it was the right time for me to get another dog. So, I decided to watch the HSOTC website to see what dogs were there and go spend some time with them. I noticed Ruth, then Brandy, right away. She looked so sweet and playful in her pictures. I gathered from her profile that she needed patience. I looked at the other dogs who were there at the same time, but I kept coming back to Ruth. 

As I continued to watch the website for over a month, I saw that other dogs were being adopted, but Ruth was still there. I decided to go to the HSOTC, volunteer, and take Ruth out for the day. It seemed that she needed at least one-day "jailbreak." We spent that day walking on the Westside Trail in Tuolumne, getting a pup cup from Starbucks, and hanging out in downtown Sonora. I fell in love with her. It felt wrong to take her back to the shelter, but I had to that day.

A couple of days later, I went back just to visit her. We hung out in the conference room and played some ball. I only had an hour break from work, but we spent that time well. Walking her back to her kennel was brutal. She barked and whined as I closed the door, and it just about tore my heart out of my chest. I knew I had to come back for her, but first I had to clear it with my sister before I brought Ruth home to the ranch. She gave me the greenlight, and the next morning I was at the HSOTC to pick up Ruth.

Since that day, Ruth and I have hiked mountains in California, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. We've driven from California to Virginia, from Virginia to Pennsylvania, and from Virginia to Texas and back. She makes friends everywhere she goes. Ruth is especially fond of Bernadette, my friends' daughter who lives just outside of Chicago. She took to Bernie as soon as she jumped out of the truck to meet her. In Virginia, Ruth met her best friend, Iris -- an Australian shepherd who's the exact same age. They're inseparable. They play all day long when they're together. Ruth is also very fond of Iris's owner, Sean. He taught Ruth to hug. Now, each time he walks into the house, he says, "Ruth, hug!" and she jumps up to wrap her front legs around him.

Ruth immediately fell in love with my mom. My mom was waiting outside when we pulled up to her apartment building for their first meeting. As soon as Ruth saw her, she laid her ears back and gave my mom a low tail wag. She walked right up to her and pressed herself against her. It was beautiful.

Ruth is my running buddy, my hiking buddy, and often my "date" to restaurants. She hunts with me, lays at my feet while I work, and is always ready to play tug-o-war or chase. She is my very good best friend. 

I can't help but think Stella sent her to me. From somewhere over the Rainbow Bridge she whispered, "Dad, you're ready. Go get her and give another overlooked dog a chance at a great life." Stella was right. I'm so glad I listened to her."

Come see the difference you’re making.

More stories waiting on our socials.