Happy Tails

PEPE LE PEW (now PRINCESS PEPITA)

Pepe Le Pew and her two siblings arrived at our shelter last year in rough shape. We treated all three kittens for common health issues but, while the others improved, Pepe did not. After reviewing her radiographs and consulting with specialists, we diagnosed Pepe with Vascular Ring Anomaly — a congenital condition that was restricting her esophagus and making it hard for her to keep food down. We placed her with one of our dedicated foster volunteers while Dr. Labrecque, our Director of Veterinary Services, found a surgeon at U.C. Davis who could perform a special corrective surgery. We are pleased to report that Pepe pulled through and became the CUTEST foster fail! Her foster/forever mom Sharon sent us the following update: “Princess Pepita is a love. She always wants to be with me and loves to be pet. At night she curls up alongside me and lets me wrap my arm around her cuddly body. I love her. After what she went through, it’s great to see her thrive.”

RYKER (now RYDER)

Ryker was found as a stray dog roaming the streets of Bakersfield and came to us through our ASPCA Closer to Home partnership. Despite coming in as a stray after living on the streets, we knew this handsome boy with his puppy-like antics would find his forever home in no time. The calls of interested adopters poured in. When Davin gave us a call inquiring about Ryker, we knew we had found a perfect match! Davin tells us, “Ryder is a great addition to our family. He still has that strong puppy energy and a love of play and activity. He’s become a frequent guest at the Sebastopol dog park and really, really enjoys his weekly trips there. So many friends he has made! He is fantastic with dogs of all sizes. We are excited to start training sessions now that Covid restrictions are loosening up!”

CHELSEA (now NAPA)

This adorable little mini lop came to us from our friends at Sonoma County Animal Services. It didn’t take long for this cutie to find her forever home with a family that just adores her! Her family tells us, “Since adopting her, we changed her name to Napa (like the cabbage) and she never fails to surprise us. The minute we brought her home, she hopped right out of the carrier and began to explore. She is an excellent companion and eats so well — who knew such a tiny body could hold so much food! She has met our family and friends with no trouble at all — she warms right up to everybody. She brings a lot of joy into our lives. Just coming home to see her sitting at the edge of the room brings a smile to my face every time.”

HEF & BUNNY

Hef and Bunny are a loveable pair of German Shepherds who were transferred into our care heartwormpositive and in need of treatment. Heartworm treatment involves several months of medications, a series of injections as well as exercise restrictions, which can be the most challenging part of the treatment for big, active dogs like Hef and Bunny! Luckily, their adoptive dad Allen was not deterred! He tells us, “Hef and Bunny wasted no time in working their way into my heart. It didn’t take long to realize that Bunny was the cuddle bug of the two, but I was surprised how quickly Hef became an absolute cuddle MONSTER! Heartworm treatment has been a tough road for these troopers, but we are having as much safe fun as possible!” “Thank you so much for allowing me to give these amazing, loving and beautiful dogs a forever home!”

CHARLES

Charles, a sweet older gentleman of a cat, was brought to our Healdsburg shelter as a stray. His jaw was significantly misaligned but our medical team determined it was due to an old injury and was not causing him any pain. When they tried to assess if he was able to eat, he quickly polished off an entire can of food — then politely requested more! James, his adopter, tells us, “Charles immediately made himself at home — sitting on our laps and snuggling in bed. In spite of his jaw, he really enjoys eating and getting some cat treats. Since we knew he was basically an outside cat, I put up a plastic deer fence material around our deck. It keeps him enclosed but allows him to be safe and outside with us. After only 3-1/2 months with him, we feel like he’s been part of our lives forever. We love him dearly.”

DULCE (now CLOVER)

Dulce came to us as a recent mama and, despite being scared and shut down, we could tell she desperately wanted to connect and bond. She just didn’t know how… yet! We knew she’d be an incredible companion once trust was established with her adopter. Enter Katelyn, who changed Dulce’s name to Clover and changed her life for the better! Katelyn tells us, “Clover is amazing. I can tell she’s been through a lot, but she’s eager to trust and learn. She’s attached to me at the hip, hopping up and giving me kisses when I get home and greeting us with big full body wags. She’s already learned basic cues and walks so politely on leash. She loves to snuggle on the couch, play with her ducky toy and race around the yard. She makes me laugh throughout the day with her goofy personality. She completely has our hearts and we want to give her the life she deserves.”