FAAS needs to raise $50,000 at After The Ball !

If FAAS can raise $50,000 at the second annual “After The Ball” gala at Rock Wall Winery on Oct. 18, an anonymous donor will match the amount. All proceeds benefit animals at the shelter.

The gala will feature food and wine, entertainment and both silent and live auctions. Auction items include a diamond, two round trip tickets to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies, sailing on the bay, great trips, nice restaurants, jewelry and much more.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased on the event website, www.aftertheball.org.

Fundraising is a constant need at the non-profit shelter. This summer, FAAS raised over $17,000 though a photo contest for the 2013 FAAS calendar. The top 25 finalists are featured throughout the calendar, which will be on sale at the shelter and on the FAAS website www.alamedaanimalshelter.org in mid-October. 

Cat’s  hair problem licked

When Mojo’s owner surrendered him to the shelter in April, we noticed immediately that the beautiful large grey and white cat had patches of fur missing around his neck and head. We had him vaccinated and started on medication and a special diet to help what was diagnosed as a minor skin disease and food allergy. But the fur loss continued and got worse.

Soon we realized that Mojo was actually pulling his fur out himself. Veterinarians — perplexed with the unusual behavior and skin condition — tried various treatments to no avail. Volunteers spent hours each day with Mojo because he was such a sweet, playful and curious guy who made everyone laugh.

Finally, after five months, a treatment really worked for Mojo. His fur grew back, the Elizabethan collar came off and a guardian angel showed up one day to take him and another cat home. Lots of people, from staff and volunteers to veterinarians and the general public, were cheering for Mojo when he found his forever home.

Microchipping available at shelter

Pet owners can now have their pets microchipped at the shelter for just $20. It’s a great way to ensure a quick reunion with a lost pet. FAAS will update its database to include the pet's microchip number as well as handle the initial registration with the microchip company. Microchipping is done at the shelter by appointment from 5 to 7 p.m.Wednesdays from and 11 a.m. to noon. Call (510) 337-8565 for information or an appointment.

Pet loss support group

The next FAAS pet loss support group for people who have experienced the loss of a pet will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 at the shelter. 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. For more information, or to sign up for the group, please contact Jill at (510) 393-1359.

Upcoming events

October 18: After The Ball at Rock Wall Winery from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm. Information and tickets at www.aftertheball.org

October 27: A Halloween Special Adoption Event at 5616 Bay Street in Emeryville. Numerous local shelters and rescue groups including FAAS are participating.

October 29: A special Halloween celebration at Angela’s Bar and Bistro for Mojito Monday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tips to the celebrity bartender benefit FAAS.

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

Please follow us on Facebook for updates and information about our shelter animals and activities.