Parvo Puppies Path to Wellness  ◾ #BettyWhiteChallenge ◾ Staff Favorites

Happy Animal Tails ◾ Social Media Stories ◾ And MORE….

 

Mei the puppy getting her picture taken for her bio.

Veterinary Assistant, Lindsey Kaemingk carrying Boh to his neuter surgery.

Squeals of delight erupted throughout our campus one morning last month. Our Intake Team had just sent an interoffice email (with photos!) announcing the impending arrival of nine puppies from an overwhelmed, overcrowded shelter in the Central Valley.

Big, tiny, young, old, cat, dog or small companion pet - each incoming animal generates a lot of excitement at HSSC: We can’t wait to get to know our new friends, help them heal and match them with loving families. And these puppies were no exception!

“The plan was to send the puppies out to foster homes right away,” explains Nicole Gonzales, HSSC Foster Program Manager. “We wanted to make sure they had ample socialization and extra TLC until they were old enough to be spayed and neutered.”

When they noticed, however, that a few of the puppies were lethargic and clearly not feeling well during their intake exams, our Intake Team quickly pivoted to Plan B. A few days before the transfer, the previous shelter tested them for Parvo and gave them their first round of vaccines. But sometime prior to their arrival to HSSC, the pups broke with Parvo. “One of our quick-thinking vet techs jumped in and ran a test which came back positive,” Nicole shares.

Not only is Canine Parvovirus highly contagious, it can be deadly if left untreated. It can be especially detrimental for puppies given their developing immune systems. Unfortunately, due to its contagious nature and intense treatment protocols, “many shelters will euthanize because they don’t have a veterinarian on staff, staffing to support treatment, or isolation facilities so the virus is not spread to healthy animals,” says Lisa Labrecque, DVM, HSSC Director of Veterinary Services.

Thankfully, our nimble team was able to place these sweet beings in our isolation ward right away and start treatments immediately. A serious intestinal infection, Parvo can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, vomiting and diarrhea - all symptoms presenting to varying degrees within the litter. The puppies were also mildly to moderately dehydrated so our veterinary team administered fluids along with rapid antibiotic therapy and anti-nausea medication.

 

The next morning, we were cheered to see the pups had stabilized and seemed fairly bright. Over the next few days, our intrepid veterinary and animal care staffers would suit up in full PPE to weigh, feed, administer treatment and lots of love to this precious litter. Three of the smaller pups were the least active and still didn’t have much of an appetite, so we continued to monitor their progress closely.

The six strongest pups were eventually cleared to go home with our amazing foster volunteer, Nani, where – with safe protocols in place – they continued to grow big and strong. And what about the three little guys? We continued to provide intensive care and gentle socialization for them here at the shelter. As they began to feel better and thrive, they were soon romping and tumbling around their room like typical healthy, exuberant puppies!

Click the link below to watch Sosuke reunite with Boh and Howl after getting a bath!

Happily, all nine puppies were reunited at the shelter for spay and neuter surgeries and – best of all! – adoption into loving homes. (Since the puppies could still be shedding the virus for several weeks their families are taking the necessary precautions, including avoiding other dogs and public spaces.)

It’s been incredible to help these puppies go from their precarious start to having healthy, happy, full lives ahead. As they grow, bond and bring joy to their families we hope you know what a big part of that circle of love you are!

Thank you for your compassionate support!

Veterinary Assistant Elise Chrisler prepping to feed and medicate the puppies in the isolation ward.

Sosuke, the smallest of the puppies.

Parvo puppies that went to foster: Ponyo, Haku, Mei, Lettie, Totoro and Radish Spirit.

 

❤ Ready to bring home your new fuzzy family member? Click here to see how!! ❤

 
 

#BettyWhiteChallenge

 
 
 

Thank you for being a friend!

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your support! HSSC has been blown away by the out pouring of love and generosity shown in honor of Betty White. We’ve received hundreds of donations totaling over $20,000 for the animals!

What is the #BettyWhiteChallenge? In celebration of what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday (January 17th), an internet challenge was created urging fans to honor her through charity. The #BettyWhiteChallenge has inspired so many to donate to their favorite animal shelters and rescues in tribute to Betty White's lifelong advocacy for animal welfare. We are truly grateful to have been included in this amazing outpouring of love! 

It’s been wonderful seeing our community come together to celebrate Betty White’s love and advocacy for the animals. You’ve reflected that giving spirit and have made a true and lasting difference for our shelter animals. From all of us at HSSC, thank you for being a friend!!

If you would like to take part in the #BettyWhiteChallenge, please visit our giving page and note that you’re giving in her memory. ❤

 
 

Healdsburg Staff Favorite

 
 
 

Tigger, the Fan Fav! ❤

Tigger has been a resident of our Healdsburg shelter for over six months. She is an 8 year old FIV+ kitty who's been diagnosed with kidney disease. She has a prescription renal diet and receives subcutaneous fluids weekly to help her stay healthy and hydrated. 

We wanted to shine a spotlight on Tigger in the hope that you will share her story and help her on her journey to find a forever home.

Healdsburg's Animal Care Coordinator, Ciara Pegg told us why Tigger is her favorite animal at the shelter:

"Tigger may be a longtime resident of the shelter, but it took no time at all for her to become a favorite among staff and volunteers. There is truly no one better than Tigger at reminding us to appreciate the simple things in life, whether it be soaking up a sunny spot, taking one (...maybe two) afternoon naps, or just enjoying the company of good friends. 

On an early morning, being able to pop-in and just say hello to Tigger is a highlight of my day. She greets you with a long and slightly gravelly meow, followed by a morning stretch as she gingerly meanders her way down the tower to say hello, stopping for chin scratches along the way. If you're fortunate enough, she'll hop in your lap and lean into pets as she purrs herself to sleep. Needless to say, we've developed a bit of a routine, but what better way to start your day than with a furry companion. At the end of each visit, she makes her way back up the cat tower to enjoy the sun and survey the morning bird activities. 

I cannot ​wait for the day when she sees from her cat tower perch, that special someone come through our shelter doors looking to give her the loving home she so deserves."

Look for more information about sweet Tigger HERE.

 
 

News from our Shelter Medicine Team

 
 

Jack hit the Jackpot!

Jack is a playful young Husky who was transferred into our care with a fractured and dislocated elbow in his right front leg. For his comfort and very best outcome, amputation was determined to be the best choice.

Jack traveled to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine where his surgery was performed by a student. This program benefits the education of future veterinarians and supports shelters by providing much needed surgeries free of charge! We are deeply grateful to UCD for including us in this remarkable, lifesaving program.

Once Jack was all healed up - it didn't take very long at all before he was whisked away by his loving, forever family! He now even has a new Husky sister named Olive to play with! We are so happy to be a part of Jack's amazing journey. ❤

 
 
 

News From Our Community Vet Clinic

 
 
 

Pictured: Elizabeth Berliner (right), Dr. Ada Norris (left), and one of our furry CVC clients (center).

 

CVC and E.B.

Last month we were thrilled to host Elizabeth Berliner, DVM and DAVBP, at our Community Veterinary Clinic! Dr. Berliner (AKA "E.B.") is a professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine/Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program.

Our CVC’s Dr. Ada Norris says, “Dr. Berliner is a clinician and leader in the emerging field of access to care clinics - especially from the context of shelter medicine.”

E.B. shared her expertise and perspective from observing and working with other access to care clinics, helped shine a light on how the CVC serves our community and our shelter, and guided us toward improved processes for evaluating efficiencies and documenting protocols. Her visit infused new energy into our plans for the future!

It was our honor to host Dr. Berliner at our shelter and Community Veterinary Clinic, and we look forward to future collaborations!

In these challenging times, your support helps HSSC's Shelter Medicine and CVC programs provide lifesaving procedures and surgeries for animals in need. 

Any gift you can spare right now will do a world of good for our shelter animals and allow our medical and animal care teams to continue saving these precious lives.

❤ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! ❤

 
 

Community Partner Spotlight 

 
 
 

The Press Democrat

The Press Democrat, our cherished local newspaper, is a beloved sponsor of HSSC.

“At The Press Democrat, we are dedicated to keeping our community connected and informed,” said Karen DeLuca, Community Relations Manager. “Like the Humane Society of Sonoma County, our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of residents."

“The connections that we share with our animals have been especially important over these past couple of years. We always encourage our readers to support local, and when it comes time to add a furry new member to your family, please visit our friends at the Humane Society of Sonoma County. Adopt, don’t shop.”

Thank you so much to The Press Democrat for your ongoing support!  ❤

(Pictured is Ollie the kitten, one of the many cats adopted from the Humane Society of Sonoma County by Press Democrat employees.)

 
 

Social Media Spotlight

 

Did you see this on our social media? In case you missed it...

 Here's a fantastic story involving a stray cat, microchips, surgeries and a big reunion!

 
 

Follow us for more amazing animal stories on our socials!

 
 

How You Can Help

 
 
 

Amazon Smile with HSSC!

Did you know you can designate the Humane Society of Sonoma County as your charity of choice on AmazonSmile? It's true!!

When you sign up and choose Humane Society of Sonoma County, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to us!

It's an easy and totally free way to support your local shelter!

 
 
 
 

Help Us Raise the Roooof!!

All the rain we've had this season has been so great to see! But it's taken a toll on our old roof - we've experienced many leaks, visable damage and it sometimes has required us to temporarily re-locate an animal. 

The good news is our roof is currently being replaced!! But we need to continue on our path to raise $200,000 to cover the cost.

We’re turning to you to help us keep a roof over the animals’ heads – literally!

Our animal-adoring friends at ARS Roofing have pulled out all the stops to get us an amazing "cool roof" with a lifetime guarantee to protect the animals from ever more severe weather, save energy and significantly lower our utility bills.

Please help us keep our promise to the animals: to protect them and keep them safe, no matter what.

 
 
 
 

Thank you to our loving community!

We have been honored with one of the first Top-Rated Awards of 2021 from GreatNonprofits!

We appreciate all of your contributions! Read inspiring stories about us and add your own here.

 
 

❤  Was our eAnimail forwarded to you by a friend?  ❤

Did a fellow animal-lover send our newsletter your way? Sign up here to make sure you get HSSC's amazing animal stories and shelter news delivered directly to your inbox! 

 
 
 

First and foremost, we want you all to stay safe and healthy. As we work toward safely re-opening post-pandemic, we will continue to post updates about
our programs and services on our website
here and on our Facebook page.

Your ongoing support enables us to continue our lifesaving work for the animals during changing times.

Together we are providing every animal protection, compassion, love and care. We are so grateful for this
connection which inspires so much hope. 

 
 
 
 

HSSC's Santa Rosa Shelter:
5345 Hwy 12 West
| Santa Rosa, CA 95407
707-542-0882 | info@humanesocietysoco.org

HSSC's Healdsburg Shelter:
555 Westside Rd
| Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-431-3386 | info@humanesocietysoco.org

 
 

Humane Society of Sonoma County
Board of Directors 2022

 

Kati Aho, President
Kristen Trisko , Vice President
Vee Wright, Secretary

Kelly Stromgren, Treasurer


 Jim Barnes, Darlene Brazil, Sandy Chute, Johnny Drake, Sophia Grossi, Chris Kittredge, Grace Lucero, Steve Maass, Marty Olhiser, Robert Quail, Dorothy Rodella, Danielle Sandoval, Tim Wingard

Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved.

The Humane Society of Sonoma County never shares any contact information, including email addresses, with other organizations. Your privacy is always protected and very important to us. 

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