SSPA Newsletter
In This Issue
Happy Tails | Fosters Needed | New Update | Adoptables
Happy Tails to Warm Your Heart
Tessa has such an amazing life with her forever family - and it's so far from where she started!

She came in as a stray with what the team thinks was her brother, Tony, microchipped but never claimed. Tony was adopted out. 

Tessa, however, was very underweight and was facing a double FHO (hip) surgery and surgery for a cherry eye. After her first FHO surgery, it turned out she didn’t need a second, but she ultimately did need another surgery as her cherry eye came back.

She spent a couple of months in rehab for the FHO surgery and got to stay with SSPA's wonderful medical foster, Emily - and then she was cleared!

She was quickly adopted - and sadly, quickly returned. But it turns out her perfect adopter was just around the corner!
Alex, her eventual adopter, went above and beyond. He really wanted to ensure Tessa was comfortable with him, so he came to visit and hang out with her about four times over a two-week period. Then he made it official.

"Fate works in mysterious ways because they were meant to be together," foster Emily said.

Her dad, Alex, gushes about his girl!

"I'm the luckiest dad to have Tessa. She's been amazing, fun, cuddly. She's truly a unique personality with a little attitude to spice things up!" Alex said. "She went from 87 to 110 pounds to date, she loves the beach, and most of all loves the attention, belly scratches, late night snacks and cuddles!"

It sounds like Tessa and Alex both won the lottery by finding each other! Congratulations to you both - and thank you so much to her incredible foster and adopter!

Watch a video of Tessa enjoying life after adoption!
Leo was recently adopted - and has one awesome new BFF!

Adopter Paula said in an update: "Hi Delyse and the wonderful team at SSPA: We are thrilled to report that Leo is making a beautiful transition into our family! We could not be happier. Talk about a well-mannered, already trained (sit, shake, lay down, off), crate trained, potty trained, doesn't chew (except his very own bone), listens, doesn't jump up, happy around kids and other dogs in the neighborhood, doesn't bark, mellow, sweet, loving boy.

"He seemed to be happy on the long ride home, ecstatic to feel and roll around in our grass, sleep in the warm sunlight, and acted as though he was home. We are working on not pulling while on leash and not begging for food and doing very nicely.

"He and my son are already therapy for each other. I attached a few photos as any proud parent would. Thank you for all you do for these sweet furbabies."

We’re so happy for Leo and his forever family!
Kaleesi found her match!

This lovable senior captured all of our hearts with her adorable face!

When adopter Tiffany was told about Kaleesi's limp, she replied: "Thank you so much for letting me know ... Yes, I’m still interested and will take great care of her."

It sounds like she has a beautiful life ahead of her!

Thank you so much to her foster, Christine, for giving her a safe place to stay until she found her forever home!

And congratulations to Kaleesi and her family!
Levi (formerly Pants) is enjoying life in his forever home!

Adopter Pete said in an update: "He's pretty happy."

He sure looks happy - and comfy!

It's music to our ears!

Congratulations, Levi, and thank you for choosing to adopt, Pete!
These eight super-adorable Stockton pups are among those who found their homes recently!

Clockwise from top left: Ghost, Abby, Arlo, Quinn, Dennis, Sparkle, Sheira and Kalhua went home with families of their very own.

A huge congratulations to all of these lucky pups and their adopters!
Don’t forget: We offer post-adoption counseling to help with your new dog’s transition into your home! Email sspadogs@gmail.com! You can send "Happy Tails" updates there as well!
Fosters Needed
These dogs are also available for adoption.
Hero

This stunning boy is looking for an experienced foster who will help him develop confidence and overcome fear.

He has a scheduled FHO (hip surgery) and would do best in a home without children. He has done fine with well-matched gentle and dainty dogs in playgroups.

Are you up for this rewarding gig? Fill out a foster application today.
Rosie

This beautiful girl is looking for a loving, patient and understanding family who can help build her confidence.

The stress of shelter life is super rough for Rosie, so she's looking for a low-key environment where she can decompress.

Rosie needs someone to show her what love is, build trust and socialization, and take things slowly.

Can you offer Rosie a safe space and show her the world is not such a scary place? Fill out a foster application today.
Rex

This ray of sunshine is ready to move in with you! Just look at those ears and that smile!

Rex is a sweet young boy looking for a loving foster home.

He prefers no other dogs in a future home, but promises to serve you up the sweetest smiles and bring you plenty of joy!

Ready to foster Rex? Fill out a foster application today.
Newest Update
You can now be put on a wait list for a “lost and found” dog at Stockton Animal Shelter! There are so many incredible dogs who are ready or almost ready for families!

Did a dog in stray wait catch your eye? Apply through SSPA, and you could be added to a list of potential adopters!

First on the list? Pay a small deposit to secure your spot! (Deposit fee goes toward the adoption fee.)

If an owner doesn't claim the dog and they pass evaluation, you'll get to add him or her to your family! (Appointments are made the day the dog is available!)

Check out Stockton shelter’s “lost and found” dogs.
Help SSPA Save More Lives
Get to Know a Member of the SSPA Team!
In this series, we'll feature one - or more - of our team members each week!
Q&A with volunteer Detra Mickelson

How long have you been part of SSPA and what inspired you to be part of the team?
Since May 2019. Volunteer Katherine told me about this great team of people.

What’s the best thing about being a member of #TeamSSPA?
Spending time with the shelter dogs and being a part of a group that is so focused on saving and improving the lives of the shelter dogs.

What moment during your time with SSPA is most memorable for you?
My most memorable moment was the fundraiser at Safetyville that allowed us to bring awareness by using activities that the community could join in and have fun.

What do you hope to help SSPA accomplish in the future?
I want to be able to help them grow and get a new site up and running so they can save even more lives.

What is your favorite thing about your pets?
The unconditional love and their ability to melt away the stress of the day.
We'd love to share your story! Have your own SSPA story to share and/or want to be interviewed for SSPA's newsletter? Email us at sspaupdates@gmail.com!
Adoptable Dogs in Foster
Tucker

Look at this big, handsome dude!

This amazing and stunning boy is teaching his awesome foster fam tons of tricks!

He’s easy breezy, loving, sweet, super gentle and is an overall rock star!

His fosters say, "He'll never judge you when Netflix asks if you are 'still watching.' He's down to lounge all day."

They also say he loves to put his head in his foster mom’s lap so she can scratch his chin. So cute!

You can follow his adventures in foster on Instagram.

Ready to adopt?! Fill out an adoption application!
Butters

Adorable puppy alert!

This boy is about as cute as it gets (check out that eyeliner and those fold-over ears)! He's also smart and eager to learn with positive reinforcement!

He sleeps through the night, loves snuggling in bed once he's gotten some of his puppy energy out, and is a champion kisser.

He’s quickly becoming house trained (already paws at the door to let you know he wants out) and starting to understand more of the world around him!

He enjoys playtime with his senior foster sister and would love to have a playful, confident female pup in his future home to show him the ropes.

He's also looking for a family who will set him up for success with training, socialization and love.

He’s truly one amazing young boy!

You can follow him in foster on Instagram.

Ready to bring this puppy home?! Fill out an adoption application.
Princess

This little one is finally safe in foster after living on the streets for a while.

She's very sweet and OK with other dogs.

She's looking for a special adopter who will continue to help her build confidence and work on her fear issues. Her person will need to be patient as she takes some time to acclimate to new people and handling.

A quiet home without young children would be best for her.

Ready to open your heart and home to this girl?! Fill out an adoption application.
Cammy

This lover girl is one cutie patootie! Just look at those floppy ears and that boop-able nose!

Her foster says, "Cam is turning out to be a great little dog! She is actually really good with kids. She loves to ride in the car!"

Ready to give this sweetheart a loving home?! Fill out an adoption application!
Oscar

This boy came to the shelter in bad shape. He was an outdoor dog, chained in a kennel his entire life.

With the help of our awesome SSPA team and his foster, he's developed more confidence and learned that life can be good.

Let us tell you - this boy is resilient! He had owners who didn't show him an ounce of compassion, but now he's found a way to trust and even show his silly side.

Understandably, he can take a bit to develop trust, but once he does, he's marvelous!

He's low maintenance, mellow and easy to please, and has successfully lived with cats and other dogs!

Ready to bring him home? Apply to adopt him.
Eli

This boy would love nothing more than to be a family’s beloved pet!

He has those head tilts down and has a perfect white stripe down his face!

He’s come so far from the terrified, shut-down pup we first met at the shelter. With positive reinforcement and two playful, confident female dogs, he’s flourishing every day!

He’s sweet, LOVES to play with the dogs in his foster home, and becomes your shadow once you’ve gained his trust. He also enjoys long walks and hikes.

Eli is hoping to find a forever home soon with a confident female dog and a loving, supportive family who will help him continue to come out of his shell! There’s not much more rewarding than that!

Ready to adopt?! Fill out an adoption application!
Homer

This handsome dude is a volunteer favorite!

He takes a little time to warm up to people, so he’s looking for a patient and understanding family.

He could be paired with a well-matched female dog in his new home.

Once you gain his trust, he does zoomies and flops over for belly rubs!

Ready to bring him home?! Fill out an adoption application.
Levi

Adorable pup alert!

This sweet boy recently landed in an SSPA foster home!

He's seeking a family that will help him gain confidence and teach him how amazing being a family dog can be.

Can you help teach this cutie that the world is a safe and happy place?

If you’re up for this rewarding experience, fill out an adoption application!
Chance

Take a chance on ... Chance!

This handsome fella is soft and sweet.

He’s also timid, and wants to be affectionate but will shy away.

He’s very gentle and mannerly and needs a family to show him that he is safe and loved.

Ready to bring this adorable boy home? Fill out an adoption application!
Abe

This guy is the epitome of a gentle giant!

He loves to love and is a cuddling pro. He enjoys walks in the neighborhood, naps, snacks and all the lady dogs in town. He’s looking for his forever home where he can just chill and soak up all the cuddles.

If you’re looking for the best boy, the most chill, Abe is 100% your guy. He knows how to sit and stay, and Abe will melt your heart with his affectionate, laidback attitude!

Ready to bring him home?! Fill out an adoption application.
Want to see all adoptable dogs? Visit sspetsalive.com or stocktonca.gov/animals!
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