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Greetings!
I want to introduce you to a gentle giant who needs our help; meet Kingsley. He's a very special dog who had a few medical issues when he arrived. At the young age of 5, Kingsley has heartworm and what at first appeared to be severe hip dysplasia. His hind legs have a hard time supporting his weight, and his feet slide from beneath him when he tires. Our doctors gave Kingsley a full medical check-up to treat and stage his heartworm disease, along with x-rays and an orthopedic examination to further investigate his wobbly hips.
It turns out Kingsley does not have hip dysplasia, he has a non-painful condition called Degenerative Myelopathy, which is somewhat similar to muscular dystrophy in people, and causes a degeneration of the spinal cord which ultimately results in hind leg paralysis. Though it is not curable, there is a holistic approach to management with nutritional support, medication, and physical therapy which has been reported to slow the progression of the disease.
Kingsley is a young, sweet, and very handsome boy. His quality of life is undeniable and his eagerness to love and be loved is infectious. As a greeting, he will bury his huge furry face into you - just looking for the return of attention. He is a gentle spirit who is friendly and loving with everyone he meets. At 82 lbs he is just a big love bug and he has won all of our hearts. We feel he deserves every chance to live a full and happy life for as long as he is comfortable and able to get around- which could be 2 - 3 or even more years.
Help Kingsley
In order to treat Kingsley's heartworm disease and provide him with the integrative care he needs to ensure he lives as long and comfortably as possible, we are asking that you, our supporters, help us raise the funds necessary to cover the medical costs, which are estimated at $3,000.00 . Additionally, we are looking for the right person to open their homes and hearts to Kingsley as a fospice parent, providing him with love and care for the final years of his life.
Help even more, by or posting to Facebook and spread the word to help Kingsley.
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To learn more about our Foster and Fospice programs, contact Aiko Love at alove@sonomahumane.org or 707-577-1919

Kiska Ic ard
Executive Director
Sonoma Humane Society
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HAPPY TAILS
From Nico's new family....with love.
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Nico "sitting pretty" in his forever home. We miss you!
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When asked if they would like the photos we all took during Nico's stay (he was loved by every soul here at SHS), this was the response from his new family: "I would love to see all the pictures of the best dog ever. . . alive now:) I have millions of photos on my phone. I will email them to you later today. He is so sweet and so mellow we just can't believe it. We love him and literally hang all over him. I find myself at work pining for him. Nico is lovely and so easy. We are still working on behaving our best on walks but it's only been 3 days and he is already better. We take him on a morning walk and evening walk so, with 2 walks a day he is getting a little slimmer. Have a good day. And thank you soooo much for Nico." Are we there yet? I just can't believe it! My new family saw my picture on the internet (is that some kind of fancy lettuce?) and traveled all the way from San Jose because I was just what they wanted. This tiny-"Timmy" is ready for his road trip! Cassandra has landed. At 14 pounds I can be a little too much cat for some, but as you can see I've landed in the right arms. I'm only 7 but it took some time (8 months) to find my forever home. I want to send a message to everyone looking for a wonderful feline companion...don't let a slightly older cat deter you! We are savvy, experienced and know our way around. We've typically given our entire lives to be your companions, now it's your turn to give us the care and love we so desperately need - especially in our later years. Gary has found his soul-mate.  I served my country 15 long years and am happy to retire to my forever home. My wounds have healed from the hours of cuddling I received at the Sonoma Humane Society and I'm ready to embrace my final chapters with my new family. My new companion didn't let my age scare her away. I'm a healthy and hearty boy ready to spend my days with her enjoying the paper, napping in her lap and sharing the stories of our life adventures.
Life is like a box of chocolates...
Who say's life isn't full of little surprises? First I was saved by the veterinary staff at the Sonoma Humane Society's Hospital, then treated by their veterinary shelter staff and finally placed under the care of their adoption counselors....only to find my sweet new life. I may be the smallest morsel in my new family, but I'm certainly the sweetest!
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| Lost and found.
 Little did we know that a lost dog could help us uncover the true dedication of our adoption counselors here at the Sonoma Humane Society! Gabe Rathmann was bringing a stray dog to safety in our holding area when he found himself on the wrong side of the "law" with no way out. Being the dedicated guy that he is, he refused to let go of the lead attached to an incoming stray! After being sprung, Gabe returned to the adoption desk only to receive a cell phone call from fellow adoption counselor, Alice Bunting, who tried to outmaneuver Gabe and found herself in the same predicament. Here at the Sonoma Humane Society, our staff members really go the extra mile to try and understand how the animals feel!
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DON'T MISS OUR ANNUAL WAGS, WHISKERS & WINE GALA ON AUGUST 17! Indulge in fine wines & brews, a gourmet dinner and enchanting desserts while you bid on the silent and live auction, visit the puppy, kitten & bunny smooch booth and enjoy live music. This is an event you don't want to miss!
Friday, August 17, 2012 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Trentadue Winery 19170 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, CA Tickets are on sale now! Open Seating: $125
VIP Seating: Sold out

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URGENT HELP NEEDED Our Fospice Program was designed for our shelter animals diagnosed with a life-limiting, non-contagious illness with poor prognosis. Even though they are not suffering, their conditions prevent us from seeking adoptive homes for them. Fospice is a compassionate alternative to euthanasia for animals who still have quality time left. Won't you help a few who still have time?
Eleanor...don't worry, be happy. I'll admit it, I'm depressed. After all, I'm 12 and I've been waiting for a home for over 6 months. Sometimes I miss people so much that I don't want to eat. I'm really no trouble, though I do require a blood test every 6 months to keep tabs on my kidney disease. Won't you take me home so I can be happy together with you? Sweet as the day is long. I'm Myrtle and at 14-years-old I found myself struggling on the streets. When I was brought to the Sonoma Humane Society I was severely matted & emaciated. The kind Dr. told me I have early stage kidney disease and a non-progressive neurologic condition giving me facial tremors. I just need a loving home that will take me for re-checks at the Sonoma Humane Society's public hospital every 3 months. If you need a little extra "sunshine" in your life, I'm your gal. |
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Help us save the whole kitten-kaboodle!
Through the entire March-to-October breeding season, Sonoma County is "littered" with unwanted kittens, many of whom are left in boxes on our doorstep or brought here by compassionate souls who've found an abandoned litter. Without our wonderful Foster Parents, these little newborns would perish.
If you can help to support them through a donation - now is the time to come forward. Please donate online at or call 707-577-1903 today.
Foster parents are also desperately needed. Last year our Foster program saved the lives of more than 500 kittens and puppies. During peak season, as we are right now, care givers are needed for many litters who have no Mother. These kittens are dependent upon the kindness and support of human
guardians.
To become a foster parent, please contact Aiko Love: email: alove@sonomahumane.org,
phone: 707-577-1919, or attend one of our upcoming foster orientations.
2012 NEW FOSTER VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION / TRAINING
August 7th, Tuesday 5:30 --- 7 PM
September 13th, Thursday 5:30 --- 7 PM
October 9th, Tuesday 5:30 --- 7 PM
If you are interested in Fostering please fill out the foster application and contract and contact: alove@sonomahumane.org, phone: 707-577-1919 |
NEW!!!
SpayPAL: Low Cost Cat Spay/Neuter program for Sonoma County residents.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Salatko Animal Welfare Fund of Community Foundation Sonoma County, we are now able to offer low cost services. All cat spay/neuter surgeries are just $30 and include a free rabies vaccine. Surgeries are offered by appointment at the Sonoma Humane Society's Spay/Neuter Clinic.
Please remember, spaying or neutering your cat has many benefits including reduction of unwanted births and the influence of hormones on your pet's behavior. Unspayed and unneutered cats are responsible for hundreds of unwanted and abandoned kittens every year. Some of these animals find homes but many more end up in shelters, or on the street, where they face a very uncertain future. By spaying or neutering your cat, you do your part to prevent feline over-population and suffering.
Please call (800) 427-7973 to schedule your appointment and help us spread the word!
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Tips from the Vet
Christi Camblor, DVM, is the shelter medical director for the Sonoma Humane Society, and is also co-founder of the international animal welfare organization Compassion Without Borders.
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Are you feeling ready for a new pet? Do you think your household would benefit from having a furry companion to brighten your days and bring you the incredible gift of unconditional love? Take this self quiz and find out if the time is right for you!
Question 1: Where do you see yourself in a year? Five years? Fifteen years?
Healthy pets can lead wonderfully long lives, often times well into their teens. Be sure you are at a place where you feel you can definitely commit to keeping the animal for his or her full life.
Question 2: Do you have time for a pet?
Animals do require time and attention. Ask yourself how much time you can realistically give. Don't have a large amount of time to invest into an animal? Then a puppy definitely isn't right for you, but perhaps bringing an older animal or cat into your home would be a better fit for your lifestyle. Be sure you look at your schedule and determine when you will fit in walks, trips to the vet, daily snuggle time and TLC for your new companion.
Question 3: Can you afford to have a pet?
Being a responsible pet owner does come with a price. Animals need annual veterinary exams and vaccinations. Pets, like people, get dental disease and may need to have their teeth cleaned. Pets get injured and sick and require veterinary attention. Dog and cats need good quality food and flea and tick control. Take a hard look at your budget and be sure you have the resources to properly care for a four-legged member of the family
Question 4: Is anyone in the household allergic?
This seems like a no-brainer, but shelters are full of animals turned in because of pet allergies. If you do have pet allergies, consider non-shed breeds of dogs that are much less allergenic or talk to your doctor before bringing an animal into your home.
Question 5: Where are you going to go?
If you have asked yourself these questions and determined that you are indeed ready to bring a dog or cat into your home, the next step is picking one. Where should you go? Should you call that ad for a puppy in the back of the newspaper or buy one from your neighbor's backyard litter up the street? No,
you should go to your neighborhood shelter!
I personally recommend always adopting one of the many homeless animals in a shelter. Shelters are full of animals in need of loving homes who are already vaccinated, health checked, spayed and neutered, micro-chipped and eager to make you a happy, healthy companion.
Even if you have your heart set on a particular breed, there are loads of breed specific rescue organizations who adopt animals in need of homes. You can easily find them by doing a quick internet search or calling your local shelter to inquire.
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Gooood Dog!
JULY-AUGUST
DOG AND PUPPY TRAINING SERIES
Bond at both ends of the leash with our group training classes for beginner to advanced stages. Or book a private lesson and consultation with
our trainers.
The Sonoma Humane Society Dog and Puppy Training classes are based on rewards and positive reinforcement providing a safe, happy and healthy environment for you and your canine companion. Each class is 6 sessions. Register now!
For schedule of classes
and further information, click here.
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OLIVER'S COMMUNITY CARD
Support our local market and they support the Sonoma Humane Society
Oliver's will donate up to 5% of your purchase (any day, any store) when you show your Oliver's Community Card at checkout. You can p ay any way you want. Just complete the short registration form, take it to any Oliver's checkstand and get your new - Community Card. When you support them, they support us!
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Tail Waggin'
Mobile Adoptions
JULY20-22nd Adoption event at SOCO Scooter Festival (Dogs only); Parkers Resort, Guerneville 11-3pm 28th Adoption event at Frizelle-Enos Feed Store; 265 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol 12-3pm AUGUST 11th Adoption event at Sebastopol Pet Center and Harware; 618 Gravenstein Hwy, Sebastopol 11-3pm 11th Adoption event at the Gravenstein Apple Festival; Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol 10-5pm 17th Wags Whiskers & Wine Gala; Trentadue Winery, Geyserville 5:30-9:30pm
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Love lavender but hate paying $7 for a small bundle? One of SHS's supporters has an acre of french lavender that will be blooming all summer. She is inviting other lavender and animal lovers to come harvest flowers for a minimum $10 per person donation to SHS. Bring someone special and transport yourselves to Provence for a song.
Lavender lemonade or tea provided.
Please contact Nancy Hair at doghairnancy@yahoo.com to arrange a time for your party.
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Donate Your Vehicle Help homeless animals by donating your vehicle (car, boat, trailer, etc.) " I didn't think our car was worth anything! I called the Sonoma Humane Society's Car Donation Program and could not be happier. It was super easy and I'm astonished to learn that over $3,000 was raised by my donation."
-DeDe; SHS Volunteer
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
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