August is “Half Price for Half Pints” Month at the Alameda Animal Shelter

Pet Adoption Special: Shelters are traditionally overloaded with kittens in August and the Alameda Animal Shelter is full to the brim with some of the cutest kittens to be found anywhere. We also have a number of small dogs. Friends of the Alameda Shelter (FAAS) has declared August to be “Half Price for Half Pints” month to find new homes for all the kittens and dogs that are under 20 pounds. Adoption fees are reduced 50% for the entire month of August for these small animals, so stop in and pick up a new member of your family. The shelter is open from 11 am to 7 pm Wednesdays and 11 am to 5 pm Thursday through Sunday.

Adoptions on the Rise: The number of pets coming into the shelter continues to rise, but we’re keeping pace with an increased number of adoptions. Since FAAS began operating the shelter in January, 430 animals have come into the shelter – an increase of 9% over the same period last year. While most were strays, 20% were pets surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them. During the same period, we reunited 120 lost pets with their owners and found new homes for another 238. That’s a 10% increase over the same period last year. Our number one goal continues to be finding a forever home for every adoptable animal.

Beautiful Bella Finds a Home: Bella came to the Alameda Animal Shelter as a stray last December. A beautiful two-year-old blue/white pit bull, she quickly became a favorite because she was so sweet and happy. Right away, staff noticed that Bella carried her head and body differently from most dogs. A veterinarian diagnosed Bella with possible neurological issues, which made finding the right forever home for her more challenging. But Bella continued to wait, and the FAAS staff and volunteers showered her with attention. Just recently, a family looking for a pit bull with special needs came to the shelter and immediately fell in love with her. She has now gone to that wonderful forever home she so deserves.  Bella’s adoption fee was paid by the new Janine Bartalini Shafer Fund established to help senior and special needs dogs find new homes.

Photo Contest: If you’d like to honor your favorite pet(s) and possibly have his or her photo featured as a pet-of-the-month in the 2013 FAAS calendar, sign up for the FAAS photo contest. For a small fee, you will be able to submit your pet’s photo at www.360photocontest.com/152 . Then, share the link and photo with all your friends and get them to vote for your pet. The top 25 vote getters will be presented to a panel of judges who will pick the 13 photos (including cover page) for the calendar. All proceeds from the contest benefit the animals at the Alameda Animal Shelter. The contest ends September 15.

Pet Loss Support Group Forming:  Everyone experiences sadness and grief when a beloved pet companion dies, and support groups allow you to share your feelings in a safe and supportive environment. FAAS is starting a support group for people who have experienced the loss of a pet. The Pet Loss Support Group is led by Jill Goodfriend, RN, LCSW who offers these groups in other cities and provides individual counseling as well. The first group will be held from 6:30 to 8 pm on Wednesday, September 20 at the shelter. 

Events:

A special thank you to Police Chief Noonan for serving as guest bartender at Mojito Monday at Angela’s on July 30. He raised over $1,000 in tips.

August 19 – Rock Hound Release Party at Rock Wall from 1-3 pm.  Rock Wall will give 25 cents to FAAS for every bottle sold of their newest wine, Rock Hound.

August 31 – A pet from the Alameda Animal Shelter will be highlighted on Channel 7’s “Perfect Pet” at 11:23 am.

Wish list: Every month we need supplies and special items to keep the animals healthy, happy and well-kept. The following list of items will allow us to keep caring for the animals as well as we have done so far:

Natural Balance food rolls

Peanut Butter

Premier Martingale collars

Premier gentle leader head collars

Premier Easy-walk harnesses

Feline Pine Litter

New small cat scratchers

Snuggle Safe Pet Heating Disks  

 Gift certificates from:

• Office Depot
• Office Max
• Costco
• Paganos
• Home Depot
• Pet Food Express

Amazon Wish List Items

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