CHARITY DOG WALK & COMMUNITY ANIMAL FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 23 - 11 am to 3 pm
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with the whole family! Join us Sunday, September 23 from 11 am to 3 pm at Amador Valley Community Park in Pleasanton (behind the aquatic center) for Paws in the Park. Thrilling canine demos like flyball and Frisbee, pet contests, animal-themed shopping, animal rescue groups, raffles and tasty gourmet food trucks are the day's schedule for this free community event.
Be sure to join us in the morning for a nearly one-mile trek around the park's perimeter to raise money for VHS! Register to walk today with or without your dog, form a "dog pack" with family and friends for added inspiration, print a pledge form to carry around your neighborhood. You can even participate virtually!
Paws in the Park is presented by the Pleasanton Weekly and sponsored by Four Paws Veterinary Center and The Dog School. Lace up your sneakers and leash up your dog...and meet us in the park!
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EMERGENCY HOMES NEEDED for
40+ ANIMALS WITHIN the WEEK
Calling all foster homes, potential adopters, family, friends, and neighbors! VHS needs to find placement (temporary or permanent) for all animals in our care by Friday, September 21, in advance of a floor replacement project beginning the following week.
As a result, we are seeking able-bodied foster homes to care for cats and dogs for approximately two weeks. We have also extended our August Name Your Own Price adoption event to encourage potential adopters to act now!
We have been anticipating the floor replacement project for some time, but actual dates for the work have only recently been confirmed. A defect in one of the products used to lay the original floor caused unseen bubbles which have opened over time, exposing the underlying layers to create miniature bacteria and dirt-harboring crevices. No animals may be in the building while the new floor is laid, and VHS will be temporary closed for the duration of the project (1-2 weeks).
If you are able to help by taking a VHS animal into your home temporarily, please contact Operations Manager Yayoi DaCosta at (925) 426-8656. If you would like to adopt a VHS animal...come on down!! (Standard adoption criteria apply.)
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SPECIAL KIDS NEED SPECIAL DOGS:
VHS CANINE COMFORT VISITS CAMP ARROYO
In August, several of Valley Humane Society's Canine Comfort teams made a very special trip to Camp Arroyo in Livermore as ambassadors of our Paws to Heal program. The dogs and their handlers brought their unconditional love and acceptance to campers from the Exceptional Needs Network (ENN). Children were able to pet and snuggle the visiting dogs to their heart's content.
ENN helps families deal with the tremendous demands of raising a child with Autism, Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or who is developmentally delayed. They are provided a typical summer camp experience at Camp Arroyo, created from a partnership between The Taylor Family Foundation, the East Bay Regional Park District and the YMCA of the East Bay.
As joyous as a Paws to Heal visit is for the children, it is equally rewarding for the dogs and their handlers. If you are interested in becoming a Canine Comfort volunteer with your dog, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming orientations. Thank you to Carol Weldin and all the teams who participated!
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PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP OFFERS HEALING HELP
Losing an animal companion is a heartbreaking experience. Find the support you need by attending a free Pet Loss Support Group, offered through our partnership with Hope Hospice.
Facilitated by Michele Shimamura, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the group meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Ave., Ste. 100 in Dublin. It is free and open to all, but newcomers are asked to participate in a phone interview prior to attending. Please call (925) 829-9770 or (510) 439-4917 to schedule. |
CRITTER CAMP KEEPS
COMPASSIONATE KIDS COMING BACK
Critter Camp was a barking success! More than 30 returning campers joined us for camp this summer, making 90 kids in all who enjoyed a fun-filled humane education. In addition to learning all about feline behavior while socializing VHS cats and kittens, Campers made new friends, played games, made crafts to take home, and assembled enrichment toys for the animals. Special visitors included Canine Comfort therapy teams, a Pleasanton Police Department K-9 service dog, and a local Animal Services Officer, who gave campers a sneak peek at the job of keeping animals and people safe.
It's always exciting to see how our future generation of pet guardians exercises their compassion and generosity to help animals. Many campers saved or raised money to donate to VHS, and two lucky kids were able to adopt the animals they worked with during Critter Camp. Keep up the good work...and we'll see you again next year! |
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SHOP & GIVE
September 19-25
Double your donations at Gene's Fine Foods in Pleasanton. For one week only, the store (located at Valley Ave. and Hopyard Rd.) will match up to $5,000 in customer donations to VHS. Add us to your shopping list now so you remember!
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SHARE THE LOVE
Team up with your dog to spread the love where it's needed most. Sign up to attend a Canine Comfort volunteer orientation today!
September 19
6-8 pm
October 6
10 am - 12 noon
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Honor your loved ones with a VHS Tribute Wall Tile.
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PET FIRST AID WORKSHOP
October 21
11 am - 2 pm
Be prepared to help your
pet in an emergency.
$50 per person
Register today! |
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