When Jasper first came to SHS in late February, we couldn't begin to imagine what the little Westie Terrier mix had endured. He was transferred to us by our rescue partners from another shelter where he'd arrived covered in motor oil. A severe skin condition was causing him to be itchy and uncomfortable, but even more troubling was the pain he seemed to be experiencing during bathroom breaks.

Upon intake, our medical team noted that Jasper was deaf - possibly the result of an untreated ear infection. Further examination and a biopsy revealed that he had a very serious, yet non-cancerous colorectal polyp. We helped Jasper manage his pain, but the mass would need to be removed in order for him to have any real quality of life. When our veterinarian reached out to local specialists, our friend Dr. Gurevitch, DVM from Petaluma stepped up and offered to perform Jasper's surgery at a very significant discount to us.

After a successful surgery, Jasper spent a couple weeks recuperating...

What does a no-kill community look like? When a cat like Ned gets adopted like this: A kind-hearted woman originally came in looking for a kitten to adopt. However, she couldn't ignore the immediate connection she felt with Ned, who happened to be the oldest cat at our shelter! When she learned that Ned was 18 ½ years old and FIV+, her mind was made up - she wanted to give him all the love he deserves for the rest of his life! This commitment to compassion makes all the difference for animals with health or behavior challenges - and we are so grateful to our community for making it happen!

River arrived at SHS as a stray, fearful and undersocialized. Our training staff and volunteers worked with the growing adolescent to make sure he felt comfortable with new situations, people and dogs. We couldn't be happier to report that River has found an amazing family to love! River's life now includes a human sister and brother and outdoor activities like camping and RV'ing. In an email to friends and family, his new owner writes: "We adopted River on Easter Sunday. The most awesome match ever. We were all meant to be together." From the looks of things, River agrees!

Last week Sonoma Humane Society staff and board members mixed and mingled at the Healdsburg Center to celebrate moving out of the trailers and into the beautifully restored building! We ooh'd and ahh'd over the welcoming space and roomy habitats. Sponsored by our wonderful supporters Pat Callahan and Carmen Stuhlmuller, artist Randall Jahns has painted the ceilings in our cat rooms to look like cheerful blue skies, a motif that speaks of the promise of hope for all animals who will now come through these doors.

Getting the doors open this week has been a major community effort - from the original donors to the support we received at our Give Me Shelter event - we are honored and grateful to be serving the Healdsburg Community.

Please save the date for our Grand Opening on June 18th!
Learn more about our Healdsburg Center by visiting
sonomahumane.org/hbg

Looking for a legitimate excuse to wear a leotard and  legwarmers? Sonoma County's 2016 Human Race is your chance to have fun and raise funds for the animals of Sonoma Humane Society!!! Celebrating 35 years of fundraising for our community, this year's race theme is "Totally Awesome 80s"! We'd love to have you join Team SHS and walk (rad!), run (tubular!), or fundraise (to the max!) on behalf of our furry friends! 

Calling all green thumbs! Wildwood is hosting Maple Mania at their gorgeous nursery in Kenwood! For 3 days only: buy one maple and receive a 50% discount on the second one.*
20% of the proceeds of all sales from Maple Mania will go to the animals of Sonoma Humane Society!

Looking for a fun activity on Mother's Day? Bring a picnic and enjoy their lovely picnic area. Well-behaved dogs on leash welcome. Lemonade, iced tea, and doggie treats will be provided.

Can you dig it? Click here for our yard and garden pet safety tips!

Get your name in front of some of the smartest, nicest, most discerning folks around - North Bay Pets readers! Sonoma Humane Society's biannual publication is distributed to more than 14,000 animal lovers and pet owners.

Build your animal care business or show your support, all while helping homeless animals in our community.