June Gets FAAS Off to a Great Start with Two Successful Events

By Mim Carlson, FAAS Executive Director

Maddie’s Adoptathon: 13 dogs/puppies and 18 cats/kittens — over half of our available pets — found new, loving forever homes during our annual Maddie’s Matchmaker Adoptathon June 9 and 10. We are grateful to the Maddie’s Fund for sponsoring this wonderful and successful effort to help abandoned pets in local shelters find new homes. Thanks to their sponsorship, all adoptions were free for the weekend.

Wiggle, Waggle, Walk: Our first Wiggle Waggle Walk on Sunday, June 3, was a huge success! The perfect weather allowed more than 100 dogs and approximately 200 people to enjoy a walk, a doggie fashion show, doggie dance and look-alike contests and lots more. FAAS raised almost $9,000 for the animals in the shelter and built even stronger connections with our loyal supporters.

Thanks to all our sponsors — Wind River, Under One Woof, Providence Veterinary Medical Group, Red Rover, Citizen Canine, Chuck and Nancy Bianchi of Harbor Bay Realty, Bill Botts Mirror Finish Auto Detailing, JD’s Pet Care and Kelly Lux/State Farm Insurance Companies. And a special thanks to our volunteers and to all the participants (two and four-legged) that wiggled, wagged and walked to support FAAS.

Special thanks: A big bark of appreciation to Citizen Canine for donating a meet-and-greet area at the shelter. This space will allow visitors to get to know our pets before adopting and taking them home. If you are planning to adopt a pet, you can use this space to socialize and play with your future pet.

FAAS Milestones:  Since FAAS began managing Alameda Animal Shelter operations in January 2012, many positive changes have occurred, among them:

• A 12 percent increase in adoptions over the same time period in 2011.
• Over 100 volunteers have signed up to help with expanded opportunities.
• A Foster Program was set up to care for underage kittens and puppies, and animals needing a break from the shelter.
• All incoming animals receive vaccinations and a physical exam on entry.
• The expanded hours are resulting in many more people visiting the shelter.

Raccoon Distemper: The Alameda Police Department’s Animal Control is reporting distemper on the rise among raccoons in Alameda and cautions everyone to stay away from all raccoons. The distemper virus is highly contagious. It won’t affect humans, but it will infect unvaccinated dog and cats and other wildlife. The easiest way to notice if a raccoon is sick is if it gets close to humans, has seizures or is seen during the daytime. Raccoons usually stay away from people and come out only at night.  If you notice any raccoons showing the signs of distemper, contact the Alameda Police Department at 510-337-8340.

Upcoming Events:

June 16 — Dog Wash from noon to 4 p.m. at Pet Food Express, 2661 Blanding Ave., Alameda.  Pet Food Express and the Navy Operational Support Center are sponsoring this event to support FAAS.

June 18 — Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Angela’s Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave. Angela’s is hosting this event to celebrate the beginning of LGBT Pride week. All tips to the celebrity bartenders — FAAS board members John Lipp and Michael Miller, DVM — support FAAS.

July 5 — Car Show from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at La Val's at Harbor Bay Landing. Tips from the raffle tickets support FAAS.

October 18 — Save the date for our annual gala "After the Ball" on from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rock Wall Winery.

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

Soft dog treats

Jars of meat baby food (no onion or garlic)

String cheese

Kongs

Premier Martingale collars

Premier Gentle Leader head collars

Premier Easy-Walk harnesses

Avery stamps number 32204

6’ Long/ ½ wide leather or cloth leashes

Gift certificates from:

• Office Depot
• Office Max
• Costco
• Pagano’s
• Home Depot
• Pet Food Express

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