Dr. Lani Weiman – SFACC Veterinarian

Getting to know SFACC’s newest veterinarian, Dr. Lani Weiman…

Where did you grow up and how did you come to work at SFACC?
I was born in Taiwan and lived there for 11 years before moving to California. Growing up in Taipei, I saw numerous stray cats and dogs who were mistreated, had nowhere to go, and had no one to care for them. So, at an early age I decided to become a veterinarian to help animals. After graduating from college and working in pharmaceutical research for a few years, I went back to school for my veterinary degree. I then worked in general practice in San Francisco for several years before transitioning to shelter medicine.

What do you do at SFACC and for how long?
I started working at SFACC at the end of February 2020. As a shelter veterinarian, I maintain the health of the animals in the shelter and in foster by performing physical exams, as well as diagnose and manage their medical conditions. I perform routine and some emergency surgeries, and occasionally assist the Animal Control Officers with investigations.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I find working at SFACC highly rewarding. I enjoy making animals feel better, and I like seeing animals without a home move toward their forever home.

Do you have pets of your own?
What do you do when not at work (hobbies, interests)?
Right now, I have four pets. Kea, a 13 1/2-year-old Shiba Inu; Bristol, a 13-year-old cat; Kitten, a 6-year-old cat; and Romeo, an 8-year-old cat.

What do you do when you’re not at work?
I used to travel quite a bit but now I have two human children who keep me too busy for hobbies and interests.

What is the most memorable case you’ve encountered at the shelter?
Every animal who enters the ACC is special and memorable in his or her own way. The cases that are most memorable to me are difficult medical cases where we take a chance on an animal and they have a positive outcome; and there have been many such cases for me.

What impression has SFACC made so far?
I am most impressed by the dedication of the entire shelter staff, volunteers, and our hard-working foster parents. It takes a village to bring even one animal from admission to the shelter to adoption into their forever homes or transfer to a rescue/partner organization. The wonder team at SFACC makes these small miracles happen every day.

Any other comments about your experience at the shelter?
The wildlife, exotic animals, and pocket pets have been a learning experience for me! Prior to working at the SFACC, I worked exclusively in small animal (dog and cat) medicine, so being around the many animal species at the shelter has been both fun and educational.

Heading Back to Work? Prep Your Pet

Dog looking out a window.
(photo c. Embark)

For the past several months, pets of folks who are working at home during the shelter-in-place have enjoyed the extra attention and company. As people return to work, even part-time, some pets might experience separation anxiety. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a few tips to minimize the stress of this change:

  • Start slowly introducing your pet to a workday routine. Get your pet accustomed to new wake, feeding, and walking times.
  • Practice leaving the house and your pet. Start out leaving for short periods and then gradually extend the time.
  • As you leave, give your pet a small treat to help create positive connections to your leaving.
  • If you see signs of anxiety—such as destructive activity—do not punish your pet. Instead, shorten the time you are away and slowly build up to longer periods. Stay calm when leaving or returning home.
  • Before leaving, engage in play and activity. Burning energy can help keep pets calm and relaxed.
  • If you’re planning on using a pet sitter, dog walker or pet daycare, be cautious. Exposing your pet to others can increase your pet’s and your own risk to COVID-19. Follow protocols put into place by the daycare and do not use the service if you or your pets are sick. Keep cats indoors. Do not put face coverings on pets and do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or any other products not approved for animal use.
  • Dog parks are starting to reopen, but you want to maintain, as best you can, a safe distance between your pet and others. Don’t allow people you don’t know to pet your dog and you shouldn’t pet theirs.
  • Keep your pet occupied during your absence with long-lasting treats, food puzzles and automatic feeders.
  • If you typically used a crate when you were gone but haven’t been using it during the shelter-in-place, now is a good time to explore your options. You can decide to do away with the crate or if you plan to use it, start doing so now, while you’re still at home, putting the dog inside for short periods and giving them rewards. Dogs should not be left in crates for extended periods of time.
  • Look for signs of stress, such as excessive barking or whining, agitation, destructive behavior and inappropriate urination or defecation. Consider setting up a camera so you can see how your pet is doing while you’re gone. You also can then show the behavior to a veterinarian, who can help you figure things out.

Four Cats and a Boy Named Finn

Jennifer O’Loughlin is what we call a “repeat adopter.” She’s adopted four cats from ACC over the years. It all started in 2001 with a grumpy green-eyed tortie named Harley that she adopted and renamed Chloe and an orange tabby she named Fig. When her son Finn was born in 2007, Chloe immediately became fast friends with Finn. (Fun fact: Jennifer almost named Chloe “Finn” before she ever knew she would have a child). Says Jennifer, “I was never fearful the cats would scratch or harm the baby.  Of course, I was watchful but the cats just accepted him, especially Chloe who constantly nuzzled him. I called Finn “Chloe’s little kitten” because wherever he was, the cat was there looking over him.”

With a laugh, Jen adds, “Fig was a little more wary especially when the baby learned to walk- the cat took off for higher ground.” Fig was something of a klepto cat. “Fig was fond of jewelry. He’d pick up rings, and other jewelry pieces and I’d find them in odd places.” Chloe and Fig were a huge part of Finn’s life.

In 2016, when Chloe was almost 18, she became ill and passed away, and Jennifer went back to ACC to adopt a third kitty, 5-year old Greta. Finn renamed her Tinkerbell (was Greta) after a character in his favorite movie at the time (Hook) “because she was the prettiest girl in the world.” They had a very special bond.

In early May of this year, Fig was euthanized at almost 20. Jennifer had adopted him at 5 months old and was devastated—he shared so much of her life. Two weeks later, Tinkerbell was diagnosed with lymphoma of the liver and spleen. Jennifer gave her palliative care and she died a few weeks later, on Juneteenth. “My heart shattered…to lose two in a matter of weeks. “We were both devastated. Our home is not complete without a cat to love.” She knew that ACC was holding virtual adoptions during the covid shutdown and she filled out the online adoption application.

Meanwhile, ACC volunteer Dawn had spent a week fostering a special needs cat named Bella, who reportedly had been left behind in a house, which happens sometimes when people are evicted and don’t know what else to do with their pets.  “She was a special needs foster, because she was a little fearful and bitey.” In the care of her foster home, Bella became relaxed and calm, and reportedly not even afraid of fireworks.

In early July, the adoption stars aligned, and Jennifer and Finn welcomed Bella into their home. Jen decided to rename her Mishka, “it means “sweetheart,” “little bear” or “little white bear” or “Gift from God” in many languages). [photo] She is settling in marvelously: She’s playful, agreeable, very affectionate, and gorgeous. It took her 3-4 days to decide I was safe enough she could sleep on my bed. She snuggles into my underarm, on my shoulder or on top of my head on my pillow every night touching my face with her polar bear paws. She seems a little leary of taking in all the views from our little apartment as if she’s agoraphobic (she looks surprised when she sees people, cars, dogs or hears birds in the park across the street). She’s very content sleeping on the sofa or my bed. We adore her!”

Reflecting on the joy that all of their cats have brought to their family and what they’ve taught Finn—unconditional love, empathy, and caring for a living being–Jennifer decided to make a donation to the Friends of SFACC, in gratitude for the ongoing work of the shelter staff and volunteers. “Mostly, I want to give back to the city agency and its legion of caring volunteers. They’ve given so much to me and my family, and adopting from SFACC for nearly 20 years has been an incredibly positive experience. They’ve saved the lives of countless animals─and that takes money.” ACC provides many services the many residents are unaware of, including temporary shelter for pets of domestic violence survivors. “Having been in two relationships marked by domestic violence, I know pets can be in immediate danger as a means to maintain dominance and control through fear. It’s hard enough to flee especially when you’re afraid to leave your pets behind.”

Jennifer’s gift will help continue the programs that guide adoptable animals to their forever families. We’re so grateful for her generosity and for sharing her story.

July 2020

Ear floof kitten champ Hannah (now Senneca) is now in her furrever home. Looks like she has lots of cuddles in her future!

Happy One-year Adoptaversary to Opal (aka Tippy)! Her dad says, “I can’t believe it’s been a year since Opal’s traumatic street-life existence melted away into a loved-filled one at Clement Nursery, and in mine.”

Foster win! “thanks to some great matchmaking by ACC staff, we brought home this adorable young mama to foster after she finished raising her 9 kittens. Only took three days for us to know she was a keeper. Juliette now has her forever home with us, and is already the queen of the castle.”

Mama, now Cora, has found her forever home! Happy tails sweet girl!

Sweet gray boy Asher was a stray and has been adopted by the person who found him.

Rocky adopted.

A huge congratulations to adopter Geoffrey for adopting Nova, from our partner org Boise Bully Breed Rescue! Geoffrey writes, “Nova is doing great and I couldn’t be happier. We are working well together and have been on a routine, where we walk in the morning and in the evening before breakfast and dinner. We have made trips around town, to the river and beach, doing pretty good in public stores and businesses, and we are improving with her social skills with other pets, mainly dogs.
During our walks, Nova is confronted with many things (people, squirrels, people and dogs, birds, flocks of geese, even cats, dogs behind fencing) she had seemingly learn to leave most distractions along the way, alone. The more we work together, the better she gets. I couldn’t imagine her going away. Yes, it is safe to let others know, she has been adopted!”
A big thank you to BBBR staff member and dog trainer Bill for showing Nova to her new dad! Thank you BBBR Foster/Adoption Coordinator Ashley for facilitating the adoption.

Matias was adopted has already proven himself to be an ace lap cat!

It’s a foster win for sweet Cookie! This sweet little lady arrived at the shelter terribly matted and scared, but has blossomed during her time at SFACC and in foster. Her foster has made it official, “she’s growing more confident and relaxed every day.” Congratulations to both of you!

Moon was one of the Hurricane Irma pups. His new full name is Hamilton Moon and his family loves him dearly! 

Kitten boy Biga has happily joined the family of ACC grad Bomboloni (adopted last year; was Shiva)( their dad is an Italian baker). Bomboloni’s mom was worried he’d get lonely when they went back to work after having been home during SIP, so she applied to adopt another cat. She thought he might like a feline sibling since whenever she watched cat videos on her computer he’d come up to the screen and touch his nose to it. She didn’t care about age/sex/color as long as it was a good match for Bomboloni. Our adoption adviser thought of a kitten whose adoptions kept falling through and the match has worked out better than we could’ve hoped! He’d just been waiting to go home to his new big brother! Check them out enjoying a kitchen playfest!

Max (was Palmer) was adopted this month and is loving his new home: “The dog brothers are getting along great.” His husky brother is clearly giving him some modeling lessons!

Scrumptious pup Dora (was Fruity Pebbles) was adopted in March and is thriving in her forever home! Her adopters report “Here are some new shots of our favorite dog in the world. She couldn’t be better and we couldn’t be happier.” Yay Dora!

Guinea pigs Blythe and Gwenyth adopted.

Butterbean adopted through Beyond Rescue.

Duke Ellington recently had his 10-year Adoptversary!

Kobe

Petunia then (sweet pup at SFACC) and now (gorgeous and happy in her forever home)!

Handsome Stumpy McGee adopted!

Rescue road trip! Thor and Loki were backyard dogs who were surrendered to us a month ago with terrible dermatitis. They responded really well to basic care and treatment from us, came out of their shells, and had a fun road trip (complete with a stop for doggie ice cream) up to their foster home with Wigglin’ Home Boxer Rescue-WHBR. They are now blossoming in their foster home in rural Oregon. They’ve already got several interested adopters and are having a blast. Thank you to our new rescue partner, and all our transporters and rescue partners!

Tippy and Spotty were adopted together. Yay!

Topsy and Turvy went to our rescue partner, Copper’s Dream. Thank you!

June 2020

In June, SFACC had 101 virtual adoptions and 250 animals were transferred to partners–rescues and other shelters. Here are some adoption highlights and updates…

Sweet boy Scrappy has been adopted! He’s got a big forever family, including canine sister Billie, who was adopted from SFACC in 2018.

Bonded pair update: Meo Meo and Miu Miu! “We adopted this bonded pair back in February and I wanted to let you know how happy and healthy they are together in their new home! Thanks for the joy they bring!”

“This is Shaunday (it’s a nickname that means ‘Little’ in Kiowa). You may remember him as Steve McQueen. He has been with us for five years, and we are so thankful to you guys for giving this scared little dental disaster a new shot at life. He is a senior now at 11 (not that you could tell beyond the very slightest cloudiness in his eyes), living in Oklahoma City with his own backyard and a big sister and an endless parade of foster siblings that he rules over from the back of the sofa. He is safe and loved forever.”

“Here is Trey (formerly Geneva), 4 yrs old on June 15. She came to my house at 3 months old from SFACC. All kitty fun all the time. Fetches. Ruins chairs. Best cat ever.”

“This is Tory. We adopted her in 2013. Our little blind chi/pug. She can’t wait for the day she can start visiting her favorite SFACC staff!” 

Two ACC alumni, both May 2019 grads, meet on the streets! Chuy (Malcolm) and Theo (Joaquin) had a surprise meetup. After a brief hello they got down to some fun sidewalk playtime!

A guinea pig happy tails update with extreme cuteness! Guinness was adopted back in April and just had his first birthday party with his brother Niko. What a great pair they make!

Hooray! Cutie pie Mr Buttercup is headed home with his new mom.

Good boy Kimchi has gone home with his new family! Happy tails sweet boy.

Update about ginger gem Sprinkle! “I adopted this 6-year-old sweetie a little a year ago. He is the nicest chillest cat who tolerates his grumpy older sister with grace. He loves telling me about his day and getting in a good snuggle. But generally, he’s a low key independent little guy. He came with the name Sprinkle and I couldn’t change it because it suits him. I’m lucky to have this ginger boy in my life. Thanks ACC!”

Jones (ACC grad) went to his forever home with Michelle and Guido through adoption partner Muttville and we couldn’t be happier for him! We know he’ll be the perfect first dog for them and they’re all looking forward to going on weekend adventures together!

“Just wanted to take a minute to say thanks. I worked with NASRN (National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network) to foster “Hunter” now Bubba one year ago tomorrow. He fell in love with our same age Anatolian mix girl. …He was said to be Anatolian/Pyrenees… He grew more and was a handful at first but I knew he had a good heart. We kept working with him and now he is an AWESOME MAGNIFICENT dog. Thanks SO MUCH for doing what you all do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”