North Bay Pets Winter 2016 by HumaneSocietySoCo

Winter 2016 | Vol. 28 | No. 2

North Bay Pets a publication of the sonoma

humane society

Jazz all that

p. 26

CAMPERS WITH A CAUSE! p. 5

p. 12 with

Jennifer Cochran the importance of

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION p. 6

www.sonomahumane.org

North Bay Pets

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North Bay Pets

North Bay Pets INSIDE

Letter

from the Executive Director

omeone recently asked me, "Why does the Sonoma Humane Society exist?" A valid question. No—a great question! And the answer is a simple one: There is need.

In our community, even with all of its bounty, there are still thousands of homeless, sick and injured animals each year who have no one to care for them. We believe that humankind has a responsibility to these vulnerable animals. There is need. That is why the Sonoma Humane Society has continued to exist for the past 85 years. The need is easy to identify and "less easy" to fix. Each animal who arrives at our door is an individual who can't be treated with a cookie cutter solution. They have an unknown history, unique temperament and a very specific health profile. They respond to shelter life differently—some can tolerate it and others cannot. So for each animal a different plan must be put into play. It is usually a combination of medical treatment, foster care, spay or neuter surgery and training... but it is rarely the same from one animal to the next. This individual approach makes all the difference for the animals in our care, and as you read this issue of North Bay Pets, that difference will become very clear. In recent years the Sonoma Humane Society has worked hard to expand vital services: foster and fospice programs, shelter medical care, low cost spay and neuter clinics, and training services. Now, with adoption centers in both Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, our opportunity to heal animals’ lives is greater than it has ever been.

Cindy & Penny, photo © The Labs & Co.

And all we need is your continued support. Delve into this magazine and its stories about Jazz and Puffin, Cowboy and Q-Tip. As you do, remember that behind every animal's journey is a host of people who made it possible: staff, volunteers and generous donors. As a local nonprofit agency, the Sonoma Humane Society's ability to care for animals depends entirely on charitable contributions from our community. Join us! For homeless animals, there is still need—but with your support, there is hope. With sincere gratitude,

Cindy Roach, Executive Director

Sponsor Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Campers with a Cause!. . . . . . . . . . Puppy Socialization. . . . . . . . . . . . . Puffin the Magic Kitten . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Silverman's Legacy. . . . . . . . Why a House Rabbit?. . . . . . . . . . . Shelter Medicine Wishlist. . . . . . . Kitten Season Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . Q&A: Jennifer Cochran. . . . . . . . . . Spay/Neuter Champions. . . . . . . . Preventive Vet Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts of Kindness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Happy Tails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forget Me Not Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . Jazz's Second Chance . . . . . . . . . . Healdsburg Center Update. . . . . Bequests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Simple Ways to Help. . . . . . . . . .

p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 p. 8 p. 9 p. 10 p. 11 p. 12 p. 15 p. 16 p. 17 p. 18 p. 24 p. 26 p. 28 p. 29 p. 31

The Sonoma Humane Society—ensuring every animal receives protection, compassion, love and care. We are a locally founded, locally funded nonprofit organization supported through donations from our community. Tax ID# 94-6001315 North Bay Pets is a publication of the Sonoma Humane Society. Content Writer/Editor Signe Ross-Villemaire Contributors Carol Rathmann Nate Rathmann Nicollette Weinzveg Contributing Photographers The Labs & Co. Steve Delanty Melissa Ehret Emmaline Jones Dana Lockwood Russell Morris Wendy Welling Designers Melissa Ehret Nat Martinez Erin Rose Opperman On the Cover Cover kitten, Puffin, was born with an abnormality that, without surgical intervention, would have resulted in respiratory failure. Thanks to a community who cares, we were able to provide the lifesaving medical care Puffin needed. He is now ready to live a full life—and bring love and delight to his forever family! Read more about him on page 7. Photograph © 2016 The Labs & Co., www.thelabsand.co

North Bay Pets

SHS & REDWOOD HILL FARM

S P ON SO R S POT L I G H T

A FA B U LO U S PA I R I N G

Looking for something delectable

of them has a name and they feel like

to pair with that juicy Pinot Noir? Try

pets to me who deserve our utmost

Redwood Hill Farm’s Three Pepper-

respect and a dignified, good life.

corn Chèvre. And that hoppy Pale Ale?

Therefore, I feel very aligned with the

Go for their Aged Goat Cheddar.

outstanding work the Humane Society

We also love the way Redwood Hill Farm pairs with Sonoma Humane

has done in our community for so many years."

Can’t wait for Wags, Whiskers and Wine to try Redwood Hill Farm’s products? Look for them at Andy’s Produce and Fircrest Market in Sebastopol, Shelton’s in Healdsburg and at Oliver’s

Society! Supporting SHS since 2010,

Redwood Hill Farm was the first goat

Markets, Whole Foods and Safeway

and our Wags, Whiskers and Wine

dairy in the U.S. to become Certified

stores throughout Sonoma County.

gala since 2013, this small, Sebastopol

Humane in 2005—all 300+ goats enjoy

based dairy and creamery has a rich

happy, free-range lives. The farm uses

history of humane and sustainable

no pesticides or herbicides, and the

practices.

creamery is 100% solar powered. The

Founder and Managing Director of Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery, Jennifer Bice, has been a longtime

company also focuses on supporting local workers, dairy farmers and organizations.

Sonoma Humane Society is grateful for the support of this exemplary company. We would like to thank SHS Board Member Darlene Brazil, who is on the accounting team at Redwood Hill Farm, for helping us cultivate this wonderful partnership.

supporter of SHS. When asked why,

And did we mention how amazing

she says, "I support the Sonoma

their products taste? Redwood Hill

Are you a local business owner interested

Humane Society because I strongly

Farm’s diligent, caring practices and

in becoming a corporate champion for the

believe in the humane treatment of

commitment to excellence shines

animals? Please call Melissa Dobar,

animals. I have been raising goats for

through in their artisan cheeses,

Director of Development, for more

more than four decades—each one

yogurt and kefir.

information (707) 577-1911.

CAMPERS WITH A CAUSE! At SHS Summer and Winter Camps, kids learn firsthand about empathy, respect, and everything that goes into caring for animals in need. One popular project they take part in is creating donation boxes from repurposed containers. Campers decorate their boxes then brainstorm ways to fundraise on behalf of the animals of SHS. We are so grateful for and inspired by the endeavors of these young ambassadors! Learn more about our camps by visiting: sonomahumane.org/camps.

North Bay Pets

the importance of

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION You’ve heard about kitten season, that time of year when shelters scramble to help the annual influx of homeless kittens survive fragile newbornhood and find loving homes? Well, this year lots of homeless puppies created their own flurry of furry here at Sonoma Humane Society! Just as our dedicated foster volunteers were being kept busy helping us care for hundreds of kittens, our skilled network of puppy fosters were also called into action. In addition to feeding, cleaning up after and of course, getting their fill of adorable puppy antics, our fosters helped over 80 pups receive lots of love and socialization in 2016.

Socialization is the process of safely and gradually introducing an animal to everyday situations to help them learn about—and be comfortable in—the world around them. For puppies, the ideal window is from birth to 16 weeks. Those who receive consistent socialization tend to be happier, friendlier and better adjusted—all important factors in helping them grow into being compatible family members. Sadly, many dogs get surrendered to shelters by owners who adored them for their cuteness, but failed to provide them with adequate socialization early on. Without the chance to positively adapt to new situations in their environments, undersocialized dogs can become fearful, shy, anxious and sometimes reactive or aggressive toward other dogs or people. How can we give puppies the best chances for finding—and staying in—their forever homes? By making sure they get ample opportunities to learn and build confidence from the get-go!

We rely on our foster volunteers to help us give puppies exposure to the experiences of normal, everyday life. Gradually and under careful supervision, pups are introduced to a wide range of people, pets and situations including: car rides, veterinary exams, groomers, men with beards, people wearing hats, toddlers, neighborhood cats, safe adult dogs, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, sirens, thunder, etc. Building on the foundation of socialization they’ve received in foster homes, all puppies adopted from SHS come with a special “Puppy Package” which includes a 4-week training class. We want to set puppies and their families up for a lifetime of good behavior and good times together! To help your own pup get a great start in life, check out our training classes at sonomahumane. org/public-training. Interested in joining our foster roster to help animals successfully transition from homelessness to home? Learn more by visiting sonomahumane.org/ help/volunteer. For free socialization and training tips, please visit sonomahumane.org/ public-training/resources.

photo © The Labs & Co.

North Bay Pets

photo © The Labs & Co.

Is there hope for adult dogs who missed out on socialization as pups? Of course! Every day, Sonoma Humane Society’s Behavior and Training staff and volunteers work to address the unique sensitivities of each dog in our care. Employing many of the same gradual desensitization techniques used in working with puppies, like pairing new situations with treats and praise, we can help dogs feel more at ease and confident. Our training team is here to support you! For one-on-one training, private consultations, workshops and classes, please visit us online at sonomahumane.org/public-training.

Battle Purr Puffin the magic kitten

PUFFIN’S no angel, in fact he can be quite a spitfire! But angels have been looking out for him… The tiny stray kitten didn’t have an easy start in life. He came to us as a “bottle baby” when he was less than a week old. Our shelter medical team treated him for GI troubles while he received round-theclock care in a foster home. During his second week of life, Puffin was rushed back to our shelter hospital when his foster dad saw that he was having trouble breathing. X-rays showed that Puffin was born with an abnormality that was causing his sternum to grow inward toward his heart and lungs. Without surgical intervention, this would eventually result in respiratory failure, but using anesthesia on a kitten this young and small—and the difficult procedure itself—was also a huge risk.

Post-op Puffin! Dr. Reidenbach snuggles her tiny patient as he wakes up from anesthesia.

Thanks to your contributions to our Angel’s Fund, our team had the resources they needed to correct Puffin’s condition. Help us be there for the next precious animal who needs lifesaving medical care. There is hope in every single second chance! sonomahumane.org/help/give

Our shelter medical team knew that Puffin was worth the risk. They skillfully performed a delicate surgery to elevate his sternum so that it wouldn’t continue to press into his organs as his bones grew and hardened. Thanks to Puffin’s feisty resilience, he pulled through! He is now growing healthy and strong, and looking forward to a full, happy life.

North Bay Pets

Ruth Silverman ART & AN ENDURING AFFINITY FOR ANIMALS Growing up as an only child in Omaha, Nebraska, Ruth Silverman always had a trusty canine friend by her side. This was just the beginning of a lifelong love of dogs. As a young woman, Ruth took a trip to Europe with a new camera, a gift from her parents. This was just the beginning of a lifelong love of photography.

During her early career as a photojournalist in Washington, DC, Ruth worked for Time, Washingtonian and the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity, making a name for herself through her sensitive portraiture. Eventually she moved to New York, and during the 1970’s became a curator with the International Center of Photography, where she organized more than 100 exhibitions. Later, as an independent curator, she produced exhibitions for The Smithsonian Institution and other organizations. In the 1980’s Ruth brought her vast knowledge of photography and her deep affinity for dogs together in two influential, award-winning books. In 1984 she published “The Dog Observed: Photographs 1844–1983”, a retrospective of dogs in photography featuring early daguerreotypes, postcards and modern work from Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus and William Wegman. And later in “The Dog: 100 Years of Classic Photography”, she further explored the dog/human bond through a collection of poignant, humorous and soul-revealing photographs by notable artists such as Annie Leibovitz, Lord Snowden and Sally Mann.

Dog Grid 1, 2011

Dog Grid 3, 2011

Dog Grid 6, 2011

Moving to the Bay Area in 1990, Ruth opened galleries in San Francisco and Berkeley. Here she introduced many important Asian photographers to American audiences. Much in the way that she used her artistic eye to bring together art from various sources, Ruth also had a knack for bringing people together on behalf of animals. During her gallery years, she matched fledgling pet rescues with local businesses to host pet adoption events in their stores. During the final months of her life, Ruth organized an exhibition and auction of museum quality art to benefit animal welfare organizations. When illness rendered her housebound, Ruth made yet another important connection: a sweet bond with an outdoor cat who friends helped rehome to her Berkeley property. The cat, sensing she would be in good company, quickly decided she wanted to live indoors with Ruth. After Ruth’s passing, this beloved cat moved in with a close friend. The Sonoma Humane Society is honored and grateful to be a beneficiary of Ruth Silverman’s estate. Her devotion to animals lives on as her legacy helps us match people and pets for lifelong bonds in the years to come. With gratitude to Nancy Hair, SHS friend and volunteer, for including us in the distribution of Ruth’s gift. To learn how to include Sonoma Humane Society and the animals we serve in your estate planning, please visit sonomahumane.org/help/give and click on ‘Leave a Legacy’.

North Bay Pets

Looking for

somebunny to love?

2 3

Rabbits are highly social animals who thrive on attention and interaction. They bond with

Top 10 reasons to adopt a house rabbit from SHS!

their people and enjoy companionship, and being pet and talked to.

Zen monk or frisky ninja? Bunnies have periods of

meditative peacefulness (they take about 18 naps a day!) interspersed with joyful outbursts and spontaneous leaps and twists. When they’re content and sleepy, they flop over to take a power nap.

stay in a large pen during the day when you’re gone, and will be ready to romp around rabbit-proofed rooms when you’re home.

House rabbits might just be the best roommates ever.

They are meticulous groomers, have tidy litterbox habits and are excellent listeners (just look at those ears!).

Living with a bunny is good for your well-being! They’ll inspire you to stock the fridge with healthy food—leafy greens and veggies are an important part of their diet, along with occasional fruit.

Bunnies at SHS get regular visits from some of the best bunny cuddlers in town! Norine Andreassen, Donna Arnold,

Nora Guthrie, Lindsay Lowe, Lizzie Matteri, Mariana Moats, Lucinda Orth and Diana Rousseau make sure that the rabbits of SHS get frequent play time, lap time and quiet socialization.

Rabbits are quiet and make great pets for apartment dwellers and city dwellers. A house bun will happily

We make learning about rabbits easy. Looking for health

and behavior info? Want to learn how to bunny-proof your home? We’ve compiled tons of tips all in one place. Hop over to sonomahumane.org/public-training/resources.

Visiting our weekly Bunny Playground is a great way to meet all of our adoptable house rabbits. Here you will also

meet our bunny experts, Lori Bazan and Chris Stover. Lori and Chris have been advocating for SHS bunnies since 2002. With over 20 years of rabbit experience, they have a wealth of knowledge about bunny care and behavior. See the bunnies in action and glean some insight every Saturday from 2–4PM.

You can also contact our bunny hotline to arrange for a meet and greet and to ask questions. Call (707) 542-0882 x215, or

email houserabbits@sonomahumane.org.

There are so many rabbits waiting for forever homes!

After dogs and cats, rabbits are the third most abundant adoptable pets. To see who’s currently looking for a home, please visit sonomahumane.org/adopt/rabbits.

North Bay Pets

photo © Russell Morris

North Bay Pets

ot many words strike panic in the hearts of our capable team quite like the phrase “Kitten Season”. We see it coming. We do everything we can to prepare for it. Our foster department stocks their shelves with formula, food, warming pads and other supplies used to usher these tiny beings into healthy kittenhood. Our incredibly skilled foster volunteers stand by, poised to bring home their first charges of the season. Our shelter hospital staff is prepared to keep minute-by-minute vigils on the most fragile cases, keeping them warm and monitoring vital signs. Our front desk is kept busy helping people who have found kittens and are wondering what to do. As much as we try to anticipate trends in feline breeding and the curveballs of nature, each kitten season presents unique challenges. Kitten Season 2016 was marked by an extraordinary number of “bottle babies”, prompting our Foster Program Manager Ashley Armstrong to emphasize the importance of keeping kittens with their mothers: “Kittens have a much better chance of surviving when they can stay with their mother until they are weaned. Sadly, we lost some kittens this year who might have made it if their moms had been brought in with them.”

With this in mind, we are asking for your help to give the kittens of 2017 a fighting chance. Here are some ways you can be a lifesaver for kittens! Wait and Watch If you find a kitten or a litter of kittens who appear

to be abandoned, wait before scooping them up. Mom cat might be off searching for food, or in the process of moving her litter to safer ground. Give mom time and space to return. If the kittens are in a safe location, you might leave the area for a couple hours.

Are the kittens in danger? Are there dogs or other predators in the area? Are they exposed to rain or cold? Are they near a heavily trafficked area? It may take their mother several hours to return and healthy kittens can survive during this time without food as long as they are warm. If Mom Cat Returns If mom cat is friendly, bring her and the kittens inside and offer them protection. If mom is feral and the family is located in a safe and protected area, it’s best to allow the kittens to stay with mom until they are weaned. You may be able to help by providing shelter and food for the mom cat, but keep these a good distance from each other. Placing food near the kittens and/or the shelter will attract other cats and predators to the area. At six weeks, the kittens should be taken from their mother for socialization, vaccinations and, soon, their spay/neuter surgery. You will also want to capture mama so that she can be sterilized to prevent future litters. If Mom Does Not Return If the kittens have been orphaned, you can

help provide life-saving care for them by bringing them to SHS. If you’re interested in becoming a kitten foster parent, you can fill out our questionnaire and attend an orientation. Please check our event calendar at sonomahumane.or/about-us/event-calendar for upcoming dates!

Our Foster Department is here to assist you with care instructions if you’ve rescued orphaned kittens. Please call them at (707) 577-1919. TinTin and Tink are two bottle babies who originally arrived as part of a litter of eight. They were brought in at barely a week old—some of the kittens still had their umbilical cords attached. Even under skilled and vigilant care, six of their littermates were too weak and vulnerable to survive. A better outcome might have been possible if the litter had been able to stay with their mother. In spite of a tragic situation, these two tiny survivors have come through strong and healthy and have a wonderful life ahead: their foster mom fell in love with them and has adopted them both!

North Bay Pets

with

photos © The Labs & Co.

Jennifer Cochran

“Oh, you’re so handsome!” Jennifer Cochran tells the tattered stray cat in our hospital ward as she gently gives him his medication. As the lead RVT in our Shelter Medical Department, Jennifer’s ability to see the beauty in even our roughest patients says a lot about her innate compassion. Her unconditional sweetness and love toward animals is underscored by her adept, highly skilled professionalism. A woman of many talents (who is obviously not squeamish around needles), Jennifer is also a renowned tattoo artist. Get to know her here! 12

North Bay Pets Q: Describe your career path. What led you to SHS and

A: I love the old cats who come in as strays, especially if they

shelter medicine?

are the grumpy, entitled types.

A: I started off as a volunteer cat cuddler over nine years ago.

Q: We’ve been hearing a lot about compassion fatigue. Even

That led me to fostering kittens and then volunteering in the

though you are “on the frontlines” of a high-stress job, you

shelter hospital helping with surgery recovery and clean-

exude grace, humor and empathy. How do you keep a

ing. As you can see, I am all about the cats! I started taking

positive perspective?

classes at SRJC and completed the Veterinary Technician program and then went on to take the state exam to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. I had no idea that this was going to change my life completely. I have a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and have been a tattoo artist for 24 years. Tattooing has allowed me the flexible schedule I needed to pursue this career working with animals, and I’ll be retiring from tattooing next summer. I’m not sure why I have chosen two highly stressful jobs where mistakes can be a huge problem, but here I am! Q: Did you have animals growing up? Was there a pivotal

A: Compassion fatigue is something that I take very seriously. It’s so important to take care of your mental health. This job exposes us to a lot of sad cases and it is important to focus on the good we can do for them, not that bad that has happened to them. Being surrounded by good people all working toward making the world a better place, one animal at a time, is helpful. Great snacks and a good sense of humor are essential! Jennifer’s vegan cookie dough appears just when her colleagues need it the most!

moment in your life that inspired you to work with animals? A: My family has always had a great love for animals and I couldn’t imagine a life without one. We had a patient family cat who could deal with small children, and various rodents who did not like small children. I had rats in college, but now I only have rat tattoos. I thought that I would end up working

Cookie Dough Bites

with animals when I was a child, I just didn’t realize it would

((from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar*)

take 40 years! Q: Describe a rewarding part of your job.

2 cups brown sugar

A: Helping the animals who need it the most is so rewarding.

4 tablespoons white sugar

Working at the shelter gives me endless opportunities to help animals at all phases of life. On any given day, bottle baby kittens to geriatric stray dogs come into the shelter. I am only really interested in working with shelter animals, I don’t think I could do private practice. It is very rewarding to help them

½ cup nondairy milk 1 cup Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks, softened 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

in this process of finding a forever home. I am so grateful to

3 ½ cups flour

be able to work with such amazing technicians and veterinar-

½ teaspoon salt

ians in our Shelter Medical department. I am inspired every day and am so glad I can be around such compassionate and dedicated people. Q: Tell us about your own pets.

1 bag vegan chocolate chips (Jennifer uses Ghiradelli semi-sweet or Guittard semi-sweet) In a large bowl use electric beaters to mix sugars, nondairy milk, butter and vanilla until it's the con-

A: I have an 11 year old cat named Irezumi who is the love

sistency of smooth caramel. Add in flour and salt.

of my life. He is perfect in every way. About six years ago I

Mix in chocolate chips. Cover a 9"x12" baking pan

adopted a blind kitten named Ivy who I fostered, from SHS. It

with wax paper. Press cookie dough into pan and

seems to be a right of passage among the vet techs here to

freeze for 1 hour, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

end up with a blind cat at some point! Irezumi and Ivy are now

Serve frozen.

best friends and I am so lucky to share my life with them. Q: Is there an SHS animal who’s made an impact on you

*Copyright by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, 2009

recently?

North Bay Pets

photo © The Labs & Co.

North Bay Pets

Helping pets and their people find great homes in Sonoma

P R O U D LY S U P P O R T S T H E

County and beyond.

SONOMA HUMANE SOCIETY Whether you’re interested in buying or selling a home, we’ll expertly manage all the details. Call us to learn more about the opportunities presented by today’s market conditions. Keep an ear out for our third annual

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North Bay Pets

PUBLIC HOSPITAL PREVENT IVE CARE PROGRAM

Does my pet really need a check-up? Do you really love your pet and want him or her to be with you for a very long time? Then the answer is yes!

Working with your pet’s individual needs and risk factors, our veterinarians can customize recommendations to help you prioritize what’s most important and cost-effective. More than just keeping your pet up-to-date with vaccines, preventive care is your best bet for catching—and fixing—problems before they become detrimental to your pet’s long term health.

photos © The Labs & Co.

A head-to-tail exam can detect treat-

Even if your pet seems healthy, annual

able problems that might otherwise go

veterinary exams with dental assess-

unnoticed, including weight gain, can-

ments are the best way to keep them

cerous growths, tooth decay, arthritis,

that way. To help clients and their

skin and ear infections, and heart mur-

pets have a long, healthy life together,

murs. As our pets age, early intervention

Sonoma Humane Society’s Public

becomes especially important. Your

Veterinary Hospital has recently intro-

pet may look healthy, but could have

duced Preventive Care Guidelines for

the beginnings of hidden illnesses such

dogs and cats.

as kidney or liver disease, low thyroid,

North Bay Pets anemia or urinary tract infections. Finding these conditions early gives us the best opportunity to fix them. Dental care is also an important part of your pet’s overall health. At least 80% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 have dental disease. Pets with significant dental disease live with chronic infection and pain—and can have a shorter lifespan compared to pets with healthy teeth and gums. To ensure your pet’s health and comfort, the veterinarian will advise when it’s time for a cleaning. What better way to show your furry family member you care than by helping them have the best possible health photo © The Labs & Co.

for many years to come? For more information about SHS's Public Veterinary Hospital Preventive Care Guidelines, please call (707) 284-1198 or visit sonomahumanevet.org.

SIMPLE ACTS OF KINDNESS FOR AT-RISK PETS IN OUR COMMUNITY We believe that no pet should go

goes hungry. Donations of cat and

due to inability to pay full veterinary

hungry or without medical care when

dog food and treats, flea treatments,

costs have another option. Those who

their owners are experiencing financial

leashes, collars, and beds are accepted

don't qualify for financing can seek

hardship. We also know that the best

at SHS daily from 12–6. Dog and cat

support from Raider's Fund—as long as

and safest place for pets is with their

food donations (canned or dry) can also

they are able to pay at least a portion

loving families.

be purchased and delivered via our

of the costs and their pet has a good

Amazon Wishlist. Please visit amazon.

prognosis for quality of life after treat-

com/gp/registry/search and type in

ment. To help the next loving pet owner

Sonoma Humane Society.

in need, please make a donation by

In this season of giving we encourage you to open your heart to our community members who are faced with having to surrender their beloved pets

visiting shsoc.ejoinme.org/donate and

RAIDER’S FUND CHARITY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

choosing “Raider’s Fund” from the drop

acts of kindness can provide meals and

Pet owners experiencing extreme

Your kindness strengthens our communi-

emergency medical assistance for our

financial hardship sometimes have

ty. Thank you for helping us keep people

community’s at-risk pets.

to make difficult decisions when their

and their pets together this winter.

to the shelter due to lack of resources to care for them. The following simple

down menu.

beloved pet has a medical crisis. But

PET FOOD PANTRY Our donation-supported Pet Food Pantry provides meals so that no pet

thanks to Raider’s Fund, established by a compassionate donor in 2008, clients of SHS’s Public Veterinary Hospital at risk of being separated from their pet

North Bay Pets the SHS website. Upon meeting him, they were impressed with his aerodynamic tailless-ness and wide vocabulary of “soft chirps, trills and ‘mmrrrrrt’ sounds”. Just as Rupert was settling into his new home, Bella passed away unexpectedly. The couple was heartbroken all over again. After months of grieving and not wanting playful Rupert to be alone, they started thinking about the possibility of another cat. One morning they went for a drive to our Healdsburg Center. “We didn’t plan on bringing a cat home that day, we were just window shopping.”

RUPERT and IRIS:

a love story emerges

Iris, a beautiful young calico who was surrendered to us in an unwanted litter, caught their attention right away. They were completely captivated with how she and another kitty were cuddled up and grooming each other—just the kind of relationship that their beloved Max and Bella had enjoyed, and what they wanted for Rupert. It was love at first sight for Rupert too. “They chase each other around the house—pouncing, wrestling and keeping each other very busy.” Then, when they’re all worn out, they snuggle in for a snooze. Young Iris is “playful, inquisitive and fearless (her nickname is ‘Hey, get down from there!’)”. She’s also very affectionate. And Rupert, who previously had very little interest in laps, has decided that “laps are good and should be visited frequently.”

When asked how they came to adopt Rupert, his new owners say it’s “a story of death and heartbreak… but like the phoenix rising from the ashes, a new love story is rising from the ashes of the old one”. The couple had two cats, Maxwell and Bella, who did everything together. They were devastated when Max passed away, and so was Bella. A few months later, Rupert’s photo called to them from

“Thanks very much to the folks at SHS for saving these magnificent animals and giving them the TLC they needed. They are awesome cats and we love them dearly.

”

Little did Rupert know when he was struggling to survive on the streets that he would become the leading cat in a wonderful love story! He was brought to SHS after he was discovered looking for shelter in a local garage one frosty morning last winter. He was on the brink of starvation, dehydrated and anemic, with multiple infections and injuries—including a large abscessed wound on his back end, possibly the result of a wildlife attack. It appeared he’d had the injuries for several weeks. Had the infections spread any further, he might not have survived. But, thanks to our skilled veterinary team, his loving foster mom, and donations to our Angel’s Fund, survive he did—minus a tail, but with his affectionate, congenial nature intact.

We enjoy hearing how love stories evolve and grow when sweet companions like Rupert and Iris are brought into a caring fold. “Thanks very much to the folks at SHS for saving these magnificent animals and giving them the TLC they needed. They are awesome cats and we love them dearly.”

North Bay Pets

Q-TIP:

What’s love got to do with it? Everything, it turns out!

Today, we like to go for walks and visit dog parks. Doyle Park is Max’s favorite. He loves spending time with his gang: Cookie, Jasper, Roscoe and Duchess are some of his favorite buddies. He loves the people too! And everyone loves him. He has become a very sweet dog. He is gentle with all dogs, plays and has fun – even chases a ball now! He still needs reassurance occasionally but he trusts he will be OK. He is more tolerant of the cats who are basically training him at home. On Sundays we go on special drives (he loves the car now!) to Armstrong Woods, Graton Trails or Spring Lake. He gets a plain cheeseburger sometimes on these days and loves it so much!!! Cheeseburger Sunday makes Max very excited! As far as his cancer, he seems to be in remission right now. I have worked out a plan with my vet, and we will make sure he has fun, fun, fun until it is time to do what must be eventually done for his best comfort. Until then, Max is happy hanging out in the yard and helping me water, garden and of course enjoying our daily walks, outings and visiting his dog buddies. He has brought me the joy again that only a dog can bring. He reminds me every day why dogs are so special (especially the rescue dogs that need a bit more at the beginning). I set out to get a long term companion but now have a one-day-at-a-time dog who is sitting and wagging his tail every day when I get home (and smiling). Max appreciates every morsel of food, every pet and hug, every biscuit and blanket. He is a sweetheart in the very sense of the word! Saying goodbye will be hard, but it is always hard. They take a piece of our hearts. They earn it! I am lucky Max found me as well!”

“She has

turned out to be so much more than I expected, I just love her special presence.

”

Q-Tip arrived at Sonoma Humane Society underweight with extremely matted fur and unchecked health conditions. She’d been hanging around an apartment complex for months, looking for dinner and someone to love. As a sweet, approachable cat, lots of people liked her, but no one truly loved her… at least not enough to bring her indoors and give her the care she was in need of. One of the residents was concerned about the mature cat’s health and brought her to us for help. In our hospital, our veterinarian team clipped away her severe matting and diagnosed her with hyperthyroidism. With regular medication and TLC, she was feeling and looking better. photo © The Labs & Co.

kicked in BIG time. It took weeks before he could walk without being terrified of passing cars or people. My house scared him a bit too, and he showed some prey drive toward my cats. I almost considered bringing him back but I talked to various dog rescue folks and finally, after much work and TLC, he started to relax. He became used to a routine and good eats. He started to feel safe. His cancer kept me holding on to him, and hope, as I assumed he would have a hard or impossible time getting adopted, so I gave him one more try. I am glad I did!

As her health improved, we moved Q-Tip to a room of her very own in our adoption center. One of our volunteer Cat Care Partners had been enjoying visiting with Q-Tip and fell in love

North Bay Pets with her quietly playful personality. She had a feeling that the 10 year old cat would thrive in her mellow household, so she acted on the hunch and signed the adoption papers. Now in her care, Q-Tip continues to improve. Her coat has grown in full and luxurious. And she has become a wonderful companion, well-suited to her adopter’s quiet lifestyle. Her new guardian describes her as “a creative and resourceful cat, always finding nooks and crannies around the house to curl up in for a nap”. But Q-Tip also knows that some things are better with a friend, like a relaxing reading ritual—whenever her human picks up a book, Q-Tip is right there ready to snuggle in and purr contentedly. “She has turned out to be so much more than I expected, I just love her special presence.” We love hearing how a senior cat with a special health condition can thrive when she finds that one compassionate person to love her and be loved in return.

GET ALONG LITTLE DOGGIE:

a wanderin’ Cowboy finds home at last! Cowboy was found roaming the wild west (county) in a parking lot all by his lonesome. By the time he found his way to SHS, he was right fearful of strangers. He sure didn’t like being handled much, especially when it came to the doctorin’. He was in good health, he just had a hard time trusting folks. When no one came to claim him, we knew we had to set out to finding this little fella an understanding adopter who would love him forever. A Facebook video of the handsome Chihuahua/Cattle Dog mix lassoed the heart of a friendly cowgirl. She’d been hankerin’ for a furry companion for some time, just waiting for the right one to come along—someone smaller who could go everywhere with her. She knew Cowboy could be shy around strangers, so when she came in to say howdy she took it slow. In less than 15 minutes

he jumped up into her lap and decided he wanted to ride off into the sunset with her! Cowboy’s gal reports that life on the homestead has been wonderful. She now calls him Louie, a new name for his new

“I have had many dogs but never one who is so completely devoted to me and loving. The feeling is mutual.” life—one that includes lots of love and fun new experiences. “Every day we go for walks in the vineyard and a car ride, which he loves the best.” Back at the ranch, Louie enjoys patrolling the property for gophers and squirrels as well as hosting occasional playdates with his new canine pals. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing he loves more than snuggling with his guardian. “I have had many dogs but never one who is so completely devoted to me and loving. The feeling is mutual.” Happy trails Louie, we couldn’t be happier for you!!!

HAPPY TAILS ALVIN!

Most of us aren’t big fans of stories involving animals wandering lost and alone on the side of the road. We’re guessing Alvin didn’t like it when he found himself in this predicament either. Luckily, a good Samaritan spotted him and brought him to safety at SHS. Turns out this young bun was not cut out for the life of a loner after all. As a social, outgoing rabbit, he was destined for bigger things, as in, a big happy family that includes two kids and three cats! New to the world of house bunnery, Alvin’s adoptive family told us they “needed to make a few small modifications, like protecting our computer cords. We put down carpet runners over our hardwood floors so he doesn’t skid when he goes for a run. They keep our feet warm and happy too!”

North Bay Pets

SHS Alumni Scooter and Bailey: Love for the long run! A longtime supporter of SHS recently sent an update about her beloved dogs Scooter, 12 ½, and Bailey, 11. “Both of our wonderful dogs were adopted a year apart from SHS about 10 years ago.” She says the adorable terriers bonded immediately and have remained best friends ever since. Scooter and Bailey love to pal around their fenced acreage in beautiful Occidental. “They do everything together,” which brings their owners—and all of us here at SHS—endless joy!

North Bay Pets

“

We are, one child at a time, creating an army of animal welfare champions. With each child we have a tremendous opportunity to break the cycle of abuse."

Vocational Youth Mentoring an investment in youth, animals, & community

ow exciting would it be to reduce the likelihood of animal abuse and neglect, increase the care for our homeless and abandoned shelter pets, and brighten the future of Sonoma County’s most disadvantaged youth? Sound too good to be true? This is no pie in the sky vision of a possible future, it’s a reality! In addition to having one of the longest running Animal Assisted Therapy programs in the country, SHS’s Forget Me Not Farm Children’s Services also happens to have one of the most cutting edge youth mentoring programs as well. Forget Me Not Farm’s Vocational Youth Mentoring program matches foster and at-risk youth with a caring adult mentor who then works side by side with them at the Sonoma Humane Society or at Forget Me Not Farm. This program is designed to prepare foster and at-risk youth for the transition to healthy adulthood and stable employment.

showing up on time, dressing appropriately, completing assigned tasks, and many more specific job-related skills. Learning these skills not only makes them desirable employees in the field of animal welfare, but provides them with a firm foundation of attributes that are required in most professions. FMNFCS mentoring activities broaden life experiences and provide learning opportunities not offered elsewhere—neither in the foster care system nor through other community agencies. These activities and mentor relationships are particularly important to foster and at-risk youth because of the lack of positive parental role models in most of their lives. The program provides a supportive surrogate family to guide youth through a critical transition when they lack family support. Throughout all of the Forget Me Not Farms programs, we teach the children to be compassionate, empathetic, caring, and nurturing individuals toward people and toward the animals they work with.

In the Mentoring Program, youth develop career skills and work-ready soft skills while caring for the rescued animals at the SHS and the Farm. They learn the importance of

Ok, so that’s the practical stuff, but here is the real exciting part: We are, one child at a time, creating an army of animal welfare champions. With each child we have a tremendous

By Nate Rathmann, FMNF Operations Director

North Bay Pets opportunity to break the cycle of abuse. We are teaching them how to be advocates for abandoned, abused and neglected animals, how to speak on their behalf, and how to take action for positive change in the lives of animals in need. This is a long term investment in the future of both the neediest children and the neediest animals of Sonoma County, and that’s a future we look forward to being a part of. If you would like to participate as an adult mentor or donate to the Farm’s important work, please visit forgetmenotfarm.org.

Insuring futures since

1965

Sitzmann Morris & Lavis Insurance Agency is proud to support

LUNA was abandoned in the parking lot of a big box store in Rohnert Park. She had a baby by her side and was pregnant with another. Sonoma County Animal Services sent them to their horse rescue group, CHANGE. Luna's foal was adopted quickly and Luna was kept healthy until she gave birth. The new baby was born with weakness in both front legs and she wasn’t able to stand. Both mama and baby were fostered by Odessa Gunn, FMNF Board Vice President and volunteer extraordinaire. The vet splinted both of the baby’s front legs so they wouldn’t buckle when she tried to stand. She eventually gained strength and was able to shed the splints and walk on her own. Odessa named her LITTLE ROCK because she felt the baby donkey was a rock star for surviving such dreadful conditions. The friendly pair was placed at Forget Me Not Farm where they give hope to youth who also come from adverse or traumatic backgrounds.

the Sonoma Humane Society

3554 Round Barn Blvd., Suite 309 | Santa Rosa, CA 95403 www.smlinc.com

JERRY was raised by a local farming family as a 4-H Market lamb. Right before the fair opened, Jerry developed an infection in his leg which prohibited him from “going to market”. The family decided that since his life had been spared, it would be a good idea for him to go to a sanctuary. When Jerry arrived at Forget Me Not Farm, he had a tag in each ear. They were quickly removed and he was introduced to Daisy and Sandy—two other rescued sheep. He is now enjoying the good life on the Farm and the kids just love him.

North Bay Pets

Jazz all that

smile can say a lot about someone. In Jazz’s case, his perfectly imperfect smile tells the story of a dog who melts hearts, teaches us to be joyful in spite of our imperfections, and brings a community together to save a life.

Jazz’s friendly personality is just one of his qualities that is so immediately endearing. The other is his sweetly unique appearance. Pert ears and teeth poking out at impossible angles, when Jazz looked at us with those golden brown eyes, we were smitten too—even though we would soon discover that he had a long journey ahead.

A 7 year old dog with health issues biding time in a high-kill shelter might not have much to smile about, but Jazz wouldn’t let that predicament dull his fun-loving, happy spirit. When our rescue partners, Compassion Without Borders, spotted him they didn’t think twice—they just knew that he needed to be on the van to Sonoma Humane.

During Jazz’s initial exam, Dr. Reidenbach, Director of Sonoma Humane’s Shelter Medical Program, found that he had severe dental disease and was in desperate need of a cleaning and extractions. She also noted that he had abnormal muscle atrophy on either side of his head and a tic motion in his lower jaw, which she speculated was due to an

North Bay Pets

untreated Distemper virus early in life. During his dental cleaning, our team was able to get x-rays and make a better assessment of his oral health and anatomy. His jaw and teeth were severely malformed and he had two holes in the roof of his mouth connecting to his nasal cavity. The sweet dog had learned to compensate, even if it meant sneezing and coughing out a fair amount of food at mealtimes. Dr. Reidenbach describes our commitment to saving animals, even the more complicated cases: “Jazz is one of those animals who walks through the door and instantly the medical staff’s blood pressure goes up because we know what a huge time and resource investment it will take to help him. But just as quickly as our blood pressure shot up, we also instantly knew he was worth every ounce of energy and care we had to give.”

Veterinary Hospital and waited on call during his two-day procedure. At the U.C. Vet Hospital, a CT scan revealed that the bones in Jazz’s face had never formed properly. It was also determined that two of his molars, along with the repetitive motion of his neurological tic, were causing impact trauma and making the holes

also shared that Jazz “gets along with cats, all people, and especially loves other dogs.”

Jazz healed well from his surgery and we are all so impressed by his remarkable spirit. As Dr. Reidenbach says “He is an amazing and gentle doggy soul; he just is. He’s one of those dogs who looks at you and you could swear he’s saying ‘thank you’. He was coopHe is an amazing and erative for every last thing we gentle doggy soul; he just is. had to put him through to fix him up. Once in a while a magic He’s one of those dogs who dog enters our shelter. Jazz is looks at you and you could no doubt one of them.”

“

swear he’s saying ‘thank you’. He was cooperative for every last thing we had to put him through to fix him up. Once in a while a magic dog enters our shelter. Jazz is no doubt one of them.

Our medical team treated Jazz for parasites and gave him a muchneeded dental cleaning. They extracted many of his decayed teeth, but given that some were associated with the abnormal formation of his mouth and jaw, we would need to consult with a specialist. Dr. Reidenbach reached out to the U.C. Davis Veterinary Medicine Hospital for help. It was going to cost at least $2,500 to repair the holes in Jazz’s mouth. Thanks to the support of many “Jazz fans”—our amazing, generous donors, and SHS staff and volunteers who crowdfunded on his behalf—we were one step closer to giving Jazz the specialized medical support he needed. A very dedicated SHS volunteer transported Jazz to the U.C. Davis

”

in his mouth worse. Since the holes connected his mouth and his anterior respiratory tract, they needed to be repaired in order to prevent respiratory tract inflammation and infection. Additionally, they needed to pull several more severely diseased teeth. Under the hands of specialists, Jazz’s surgery went perfectly and he was on his way back to SHS. As with many of our special needs animals, we relied on a compassionate foster volunteer to help us love and nurture Jazz to good health in a quiet home environment. During his recovery time, his foster mom noted that Jazz “is a wonderful, affectionate, intelligent, charming little dog. In spite of his craniofacial oddities (which he barely seems to notice), everyone thinks he is adorable.” She

We know that sweet Jazz will continue to inspire many new friends with his “have-fun-in-themoment” outlook. After recovery, he was back at the shelter and only waited about a week before he was adopted… by his foster mom! This fine dog now has a lifetime of love and companionship ahead, surrounded by familiar human and canine friends.

Without the support of the SHS community pulling together, Jazz’s life might have been cut short in that overcrowded shelter—before he could know good health and quality of life. Before he would know just how much he is loved. So, for Jazz and all of the other perfectly imperfect animals out there, this is something to smile about. We are so grateful for your contributions to our Angel’s Fund, which gives animals like Jazz the medical care they need for a fresh start in life. To donate to the Angel's Fund, visit sonomahumane.org/donate.

North Bay Pets

The dream realized T

ruly a community endeavor, the dream of the Healdsburg Center for Animals is now a reality! Since moving into our permanent space, Healdsburg Center Manager Alison Lane reports that her staff has been seeing more and more people coming in to meet adoptable animals and just to check out the building. “Everyone has been really happy that we’re here and that the building is finished and is now a functioning shelter. People are always impressed with how it looks, and seeing the animals really makes them smile.” Alison has also been receiving so much positive feedback about how welcome people feel when they visit “… wonderful comments that speak to the culture of the Healdsburg Center.” Alison and her team have been especially touched by some regular Healdsburg Center patrons. They report that they’ve been seeing a young boy coming in to the Center with either his mom or dad at least a couple times a week. They sit and visit the cats and the boy is “really wonderful with them; he’s very respectful and sweet”. Recently the boy and his mom were visiting a young cat named Bianca who had been displaced during Lake County’s Clayton Fire. A couple had visited Bianca earlier and had decided to adopt her. They were filling out adoption paperwork when the mom and son came out from visiting Bianca. When our staff told them the good news—that Bianca was going home— the woman “told us that she wanted to share with the adopters that she and her husband and son had been in a very bad car accident eight weeks ago, and that’s when they began visiting the Healdsburg Center. She said they were trying to get over the trauma of the accident, as well as the physical impact.” Since they’ve been visiting the cats, “they’ve found it such a healing experience and she said her son has never smiled so much”. She wanted the adopters to know the story of how Bianca was one of the cats they’d been visiting and how much she had helped them.

This is what YOU have helped us create—a place where homeless animals can receive hope and healing, and a place where friends and neighbors are connecting with the comfort, joy and happiness that pets

Orphaned and displaced by the Clayton Fire, Bianca found compassion and safety at the Healdsburg Center.

North Bay Pets bring to our lives! Since moving to the finished building in April this year, we have tripled the number of animals we were able to help in 2015! As of mid-October, 115 animals have found forever homes, 32 stray animals have been reunited with their owners, and several pet owners have brought their pets in to be microchipped. With your continued support, we are able to grow our programs and become even more of a resource to the community. In September, we launched our Read to a Dog program at the Healdsburg Center. Held the fourth Saturday of the month, children of all ages come in to relax and read to non-judgmental, certified Animal Assisted Activity dogs. What else to look for in the coming months? Dog training classes at the Healdsburg Center! We have many other opportunities for you to get involved with the Healdsburg Center community: VOLUNTEER! Our dedicated Healdsburg volunteer base is expanding, but we still have a need for volunteers in the following areas: dog walking, cat socializing, front desk/greeters, and help with feeding the animals and cleaning habitats. Please check our website for upcoming volunteer orientations: sonomahumane.org/help/volunteer. PARTY! Please join us for our Healdsburg Center Open House, December 17th! And mark your calendars for our fabulous Give Me Shelter event February 11, 2017. Find all the details at sonomahumane.org/about-us/event-calendar

A Special Thank You As we are preparing to celebrate six months in the new building, we have many people to thank for helping realize the full potential of the Healdsburg Center for Animals. We first thank every donor who provided support for the original campaign to build the shelter, and the Healdsburg Animal Shelter Board, their volunteers and friends whose love for the animals and dedication to creating a new shelter began this journey. Thank you to the SHS Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, and advocates who helped us finish the building and begin operations. A very special thank you to Big John’s Market, Breathless Wines, Costeaux French Bakery, DaVero Farms & Winery, Dragonfly Floral, Dry Creek Inn, Healdsburg Dog House & Spa, Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Millworks, Terroirs Artisan Wines: Damskey and Company, and Vanguard Properties. Your commitment to providing a safe haven for animals is truly incredible and we are so grateful! For more information on how you can become a champion for the animals, contact Nicollette Weinzveg, Development Officer, at (707) 431-3386.

$100,000 Donation Match! Like SHS, the Healdsburg Center for Animals is a donor-supported shelter. We rely on you to help us provide medical care, behavioral support, food and adoption support for animals waiting for homes. Thanks to a very generous donor from the Healdsburg community, the Healdsburg Holiday Match Challenge has been established to match your donations up to $100,000 through December 31, 2016. This is an excellent opportunity to make your contribution go twice as far and help even more animals! Please donate today at sonomahumane.org. Click on the ‘Donate’ button and select Healdsburg Match Challenge from the drop down menu.

BEQUESTS

May 2016–October 2016

Everett H. Gregory 1995 Trust

Katherine L. McMahon Trust

Estate of Shirley Ann Spencer

Estate of Curtis Floyd

Estate of Ruth Silverman

Thomas E. Tyrrell Trust

Doris H. Johnson Living Trust

North Bay Pets

Give me Shelter

SAVE THE DATE February 11, 2017

Villa Chanticleer 900 Chanticleer Way Healdsburg, CA

sonomahumane.org/gms

A special evening to support the

North Bay Pets

5 Simple Ways

to support the animals of Sonoma Humane Society!

D WHAT IS THE eSCRIP PROGRAM? eScrip partners with merchants who give back a percentage of purchases made by you, to the organizations you care about, like Sonoma Humane Society! Purchases are tracked through registered cards—store loyalty/community cards and credit/debit cards.

HOW DO I PURCHASE ITEMS ON THE ANIMALS’ WISHLIST? Get to our Wishlist online at sonomahumane. org/help/shop-dine/ and click on Amazon Wishlist. We update our list of needs regularly, with highest priority items at the top of the list. Orders can be shipped directly to SHS.

WHAT AM I SIGNING UP FOR? During the eScrip registration process at eScrip.com you are asked to register your community/loyalty cards, and the credit/debit cards you use when you shop and dine out. When you use any of these registered cards with an eScrip merchant, they donate a percentage of your purchase to your chosen organization.

D HOW DO I SELECT AN ORGANIZATION TO SUPPORT ON AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile. amazon.com) you'll select a charitable organization to will receive automatic donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Then every eligible purchase you make at smile. amazon.com will result in a donation! You’ll know it’s an eligible purchase when it says “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” in the item description.

D JOIN IGIVE.COM AND SHOP AT THE 1700+ STORES YOU ALREADY KNOW! Select a cause (Sonoma Humane Society) and a percentage of what you spend is automatically donated (on average 3%)! All you have to do is shop for things you already plan to buy.

HOW DOES SHS GET PAID? SHS will receive an electronic deposit or a check every month once a minimum amount has been accumulated. This deposit will include contributions from all of our participating supporters.

D DOWNLOAD THE RESQWALK APP ON ANY SMART PHONE! When you’re about to start a walk, open the app and press “Start ResQwalk”. Every step you take earns money for Sonoma Humane. It’s free, it’s simple, and it will help save lives.

A few of the participating stores: Apple, Athleta, Banana Republic, Barnes & Noble, Crate & Barrel, Staples, Macy’s, Petco, Target, Virgin America, Benefit Cosmetics, West Elm

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

Sonoma Humane Society 5345 Hwy 12 West Santa Rosa, CA 95407

PAID Sonoma Humane Society

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sonomahumane.org

photo ÂŠ The Labs & Co.