Fostering Aria

By Dawn Horrell

SFACC first came into my life when I had to surrender my grandpa’s cat, Pat, almost 15 years ago. It was a heart wrenching life event, but I had a senior cat at home with her own health problems and just couldn’t keep poor Pat. Luckily Pat was soon adopted and I was forever indebted to SFACC. Years later when it was time to get another cat, a friend and SFACC volunteer, accompanied me to the shelter where I found Marshmallow─quite possibly the best cat in the world (do we all think that about our cats?). Sadly, Marshmallow died just a few years later from cancer─she wasn’t even seven years old. It was heartbreaking and months later I still miss her more than I can express with words.

When I saw that SFACC needed foster volunteers during Shelter in Place, I knew I had to help. Although I’m still not quite ready for another full-time cat, I knew I’d be able to foster. How could I turn my back on the organization that so kindly took in Pat and helped me find Marshmallow! Through a Facebook post, I went to the site and signed up. I figured that I’d never get a call… there must be hundreds of people reaching out to help. I guess I was wrong because the shelter emailed me just a week or so later.

That’s when Aria came into my life. Her owner had to surrender her due to health issues. A situation that was very similar to how Pat and Marshmallow ended up at the same shelter─I knew it was fate. Aria is 11 and, I’m guessing, lived in her last home her entire life. She wasn’t doing well at the shelter and had a hard time acclimating. I was more than happy to bring her into my tiny apartment where I live alone; nice and quiet for a shy older lady. Although my apartment is so small that I don’t have any rooms that have doors that properly shut (yep, even the bathroom) I made sure I had plenty of hiding places for her in closets and under the bed where she could feel safe. Her favorite hiding place, however, was under my down blanket on my bed. I joked that it was her “job”─she’d climb up under the covers at around 9am and not leave until after 6pm; this happened Sunday through Saturday. She is a real workaholic! Every few hours I’d climb under the covers with her to give her some pets and receive some purrs for myself. She was warm and cozy and I loved cuddling with her under the fluffy blanket.

She stayed with me for just under a month. During that entire month she “worked” every day and would come out at night to hang out with me in the living room to watch some TV. She’d cuddle up right next to me and purr. I loved it. We’d also spend a little time playing. She was pretty lazy, but was really good at her version of the “Sit and Be Fit” workout where she’d lay on the floor and just bat at her feather toy ─not actually getting up or moving─just swinging her little arm and paw around trying to catch the feathers. The one game we would play that got her to move a little was Catch the Treat. I’d throw a treat and she’d sorta run/walk to catch it. It was a little counterproductive, but at least she got some steps in.

When the virtual adoptions opened up I was torn. “Do I adopt her?  Do I adopt her?” Every day, all day, it was all I thought about. However, a potential adopter surfaced after only a couple of days. We spoke on the phone and she told me about her love of cats and her need for a special little friend, and I immediately knew that Aria had a new home. I’m not going to lie and say it was easy, because it wasn’t. I was growing very fond of my little, senior cat, but I also knew that Aria’s new owner was ready for the love Aria could give her. I gave Aria lots of snuggles, hugs, and kisses during that last night and day. Knowing that she is safe in her forever home where she can live out a comfy retirement was all I needed to feel better. Let’s just hope she stops working so hard!

Foster Adventures

Freckle-face cutie Scrappy: “He seems really comfortable living here, and has come out of his shell… He absolutely loves getting attention and being around people, even if it’s just me sitting next to him (he makes sure at least part of him is touching me) while I work. He seems more interested in people and dogs than objects/environments, and would rather have a good cuddle session than go for a run. But we still have a lot of fun playing fetch indoors. He’s a wonderful walker (in ideal conditions), and generally quite attentive to me which makes it easier to train him. He’s such a sweet boy and I feel so lucky to be able to look after him during this time!”

“Pecan Sandy has been such a joy to have in our home these past 3 weeks! She has perfect manners when we’re making our food, rolls over for belly rubs, cuddles in our lap, and naps with her favorite stuffed toy. She has become much more confident in the house and seems to be overall loving life!”

Nala and Bella…Both of these little ladies have the sweetest of dispositions! Bella (the bigger sister) is more adventurous while Nala (the petite sister) is a bit more reserved. Though they are both on the shy side, they quickly come out of their shells for food and treats! Some of their favorites include romaine lettuce, parsley, cilantro, fennel, pear, strawberries, and, of course, carrots! They love to snuggle together in cozy spots, groom each other, and loaf around, but will explore the house when given room to roam. They are skittish (as prey animals tend to be in general), but allow gentle pets especially while snacking on treats. They’ll thrive in a home that provides continued socialization to help them get comfortable with human companions. They are gentle and completely non-aggressive (no biting, growling, etc.), have not chewed on any non-food items (like wires, furniture, etc.), and are litter-tray trained. They are also pretty much the cutest little furry beings on the planet!

Playful gent Shakespeare is looking for love! His foster says: Shakespeare is a fun-loving and affectionate guy! He has a lot of playful energy and is capable of some high-level gymnastics when he is motivated to catch his toy. He loves to curl up next to his foster for affection and love, which really gets his purr motor going. He enjoys scratching posts and interactive wand play as well as independent game playing with pom poms and mouse-shaped toys. By day, this clever 3 year old cat prefers to be busy and active. By night, this little sweetheart prefers to sleep in his foster’s bed.
Shakespeare can get overstimulated, so he’ll do best with an experienced adopter ready to play, play, play, in an adult only home. Per his previous owner, he’s not a fan of dogs. Shakespeare is FIV+ but is still positively adoptable!

Shaka is easy going and a joy to be around! He is known to spend most of the day curled up in his bed next to one of our desks while we are working, either sleeping or chewing on one of his toys. He’s very loving and affectionate. He often thinks he’s a lap dog and will try to crawl into your lap whenever he can! He is energetic during play and generally well-mannered on walks, usually wanting to stop and sniff though on occasion has shown favorability towards a brisk power walk. Shaka knows “sit” and “come” and has been making some progress with learning “stay” and “down”. Shaka has been very friendly with everyone he meets, dog and human! When he sees a dog on the street he generally gets excited and wants to say hi. He can be a little mouthy during play but is great when given the option to channel his energy into chewing toys. He’s been a well-mannered boy in this home which is quiet to moderate in activity. He’s a smart and loving boy likely to make a great addition to a home prepared with consistency and some structure for his day-to-day.

Chrissy and her adorably huge ears are comfy cozy in her foster home!

April 2020

Foster Win: Playful Lady has a permanent home with her foster family!

Louisa‘s adopter sent an update: “She’s slowly coming out of her shell and getting comfortable in the apartment. She tends to hide under the bed during the day, but she can sometimes be coaxed out with treats. At night she’s super playful (and loud!). We’re working on getting her sleep patterns more aligned with ours with regular feedings, evening playtime, and good old-fashioned earplugs! She gets more outgoing every day, and I’m sure she’ll be running the place in no time. I’m so happy to have her!”

A wonderful group adoption: All three of our pigeons, Marzipan, Fondant and Sabah, have found a home together, where they’ll be living with another bird, Sophie, who survived being shot with a BB. “Sophie and Sabah have become great friends! Sabah chases Marzi and Fondant off if they’re bothering Sophie. We found out that Sabah is actually 11 years old. Her band says she was born in 2009! The birds are lovely additions to our family, thank you so much! “

A purrfect Happy Tails update! Autumn and Harvest (previously known as Princess & Rusty) were adopted on 9/28/19 and are doing great: “we’re all glad to be together during the Shelter in Place!”

“Juneau, formerly known as Marsha Mellow, is doing great! She’s been learning a lot from her new big sister Juliet and there is a hilarious big sister/little sister vibe between them. She has taken well to crate training and is learning some sign language commands for sit and good girl. Follow their adventures on Instagram @juneau_and_juliet”

Sweet Gwendolyn was adopted by a lovely family with an adorable little girl ready to shower her with love and affection!

“I adopted Pablo and Smokey almost five years ago from ACC at Pet Food Express. They were a bonded pair of kitten brothers and they have been glued to each other ever since. They love to play, cuddle, and sleep together. My favorite is when they jump on the toaster together to warm their butts each morning after the toast is made. I’m a dog walking volunteer at ACC but that doesn’t mean I’m not in love with the best cats in the world!”

Cutie pie Ewok was adopted a year ago next month! He’s enjoying spending quality time with his family and copying one of his all-time favorite basket players, Steph Curry, with his raw hide. His adopter says “Thank you all for everything! Ewok been the best addition to our family.”

Triple update: “Florence (left) was adopted from ACC in August 2018. She had been abandoned in Stern Grove. She is a big girl! Rizzo (middle) and Sandy (right) were bonded and adopted together from ACC about 6 weeks later when they were 4 and 5 months old. Rizzo was a runt but she has gotten perfectly chubby and is super-fast when doing zoomies around the cage. They are the one consistent part of life in SIP. They still squeal like clockwork for their veggies (no alarm clock needed) and they are enjoying more treats now that mom is around during the day.”

Handsome hunk Dermot has found his forever home!

Guinea pig cutie Guinness went home with his new family today! This is the first pet for new brother Nikko, but mom Annia has had guinea pigs all her life.

Kingsley Albus, formally known as Prince Harry, came into a household already full of fur children and a human one too. We have all been waiting excitedly to meet him: two moms, one small child, one cat, two dogs and 65, 7th grade students (who helped to name him)! At first meet, he was curious about the puppy, who wanted to give licks, and the old lady dog, who didn’t care at all. Then came time to meet Dean, an older guy who was rather grumpy at first. The first night was rough, similar to bringing a new child home from the hospital! We thought he needed space, so we gave him his own room. But he decided that wasn’t going to work, and opened the door himself. In fact, he managed to get out of a bedroom, the bathroom and the bedroom again. Kingsley was not to be contained. So one of the two moms decided to sleep with him on the couch that night, while the other mom and fur children slept in the bedroom, and the human child slept in her own. Most of the night he cried, bounded about, and explored, often jumping up to see the human and get cuddles. …The next day, he had fully moved in but was still feeling a bit shy. He spent some time under the couch, but eventually came out and explored more. On Sunday, he didn’t go under the couch at all and was ready to nap in sight and share his treats with his new kitty brother!

Sweet senior Aria has been adopted!

Sammy was one of our first virtual adoptions!

“My partner and I adopted Goose (formerly Stormy) and Tilda (formerly Josephine) 9 months ago on 7/22/19. Goose and Tilda are so affectionate and adorable and love each other very much. They have been a wonderful addition to our family and we feel very lucky to have found them. Thanks so much ACC!!”

“Here is Mimi – I got her from ACC @ Pet Food Express in March 2017 at 1yr 8mo. of age. Here is her first pic at home: First night she investigated the whole apartment…. ran up and down the hallway and the look on her face was like “This is all mine?!?!” (mind you I only have a one bedroom and her history was not known or disclosed) She was super stoked!
She is goofy, sweet and super playful. Is extremely good at playing catch (and brings it back!) she takes the “sport'” very seriously and we can play for like a solid 30 min at a time!
She’s a lady who knows what she wants and is very vocal about it. And when it gets dark out she is the first to snuggle right beside me or cuddle under the covers. Adopting her was one of the best things I could ever do! She’s a joy!”

Nietzsche the MotoCat is a world traveling adventure cat and SFACC alum who now lives in Spain! Always dressed for a formal occasion, Nietzsche loves to explore and cuddle. You can follow Nietzsche on Instagram: @nietzsche_motocat

Heijro has been adopted! His new name is Bruno and he looks super comfy cozy with his new sister! 

Gorgeous Sky has found her forever home, where she’s looking quite comfy and happy!

Fun Activities for Kids & Adults During SIP

Train your cat to high-five!
You know your cat is smart. They can read your mind and manipulate you to serve their goals. Why not spend some quality quarantine time training them to impress your friends with tricks? If your cat loves treats, you can probably teach them to high-five in no time. A great activity for kids and kitties!

 

         

Match the dog to their person!
For those who enjoy a good coloring book and love dogs, download and print this Dog Activity Book, shared by the SFACC B&T team. Includes, word games and loads of great info about dog behavior. A fun learning tool for kids and adults!

Changes in SFACC Procedures During COVID-19


Starting on April 11, 2020, San Francisco Animal Care and Control will provide special “Kitten Care Kits” to people who find underage kittens on their property and have the ability to care for them. 

 

Update from Executive Director Virginia Donohue…

As we are all aware, the world has changed dramatically in the last three months. The urgency of the pandemic requires that we rethink how we operate to keep staff, volunteers and animals safe. In light of the seriousness of the pandemic, University of California at Davis and University of Wisconsin have teamed up to make a broad set of recommendations on how animal shelters should operate in these tumultuous times.

As with every other aspect of the pandemic, information and best practices evolve. We pledge to stay up-to-date on it all for the best possible outcomes for the animals in our care, our community members, volunteers and staff. Most importantly, we must take the shelter in place order seriously. Every time you leave your home, you put yourself and other people at risk. As an organization, we cannot support or promote any activity that jeopardizes human health.

These recommendations run counter to the soul of any animal welfare organization and are staggering to contemplate. However, with shelter-in-place orders in much of the country, we are placing a premium on human health and safety.

Spay/neuter surgery has been deemed not essential at this time. Shelters are being asked to place animals in homes and ask adopters to return for surgery when normal activity resumes. Veterinarians stress that while our mutual goal is population control, at this time elective surgery takes valuable protective equipment away from human health providers. It also exposes staff members to unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. SFACC is developing a system for virtual adoptions and for tracking animals who will need to be brought back for surgery.

Also, the national recommendation is that shelters no longer take in healthy kittens of any age. Advocates should not be leaving their homes to trap cats and kittens. This is not an essential function and violates the health orders that are in place. SFACC will continue to take in all animals who are ill or injured.

The guidance is based on concern for everyone involved and the extraordinary number of human interactions that take place in the care of kittens. We recognize that this will result in a surge of intact, homeless kittens. Even worse would be a surge in COVID-19 cases amongst the trappers, foster homes, kitten advocates, volunteers and shelter staff. All of the guidance can be found HERE.

If San Francisco residents find kittens in their yards, they can call SFACC and describe the situation. We will prepare customized kitten kits that can be picked up outside the shelter by appointment. This will allow residents to care for the kittens in place. If kittens are sick, injured, orphaned and unweaned, in immediate danger or the caller is unwilling to provide care, they can bring the kittens to the shelter.

SFACC is the only shelter in San Francisco that will take in animals whose guardians are hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections. We currently have three in-house, and are planning for more as the number of cases increases. To make room for them, we have more than 60 animals in foster care with fabulous volunteer families.

We expect the guidance to continue to evolve and we will adapt accordingly. Meanwhile we will be making plans for how to move forward after the crisis eases. We realize that we will have a lot of catch up work to do and hope that all of you will be there to help us.

Please stay in your homes and be safe.

Virginia Donohue, Executive Director

You can help SFACC keep Kitten Care Kits supplied by donating items from the shelter’s Amazon Amazon Wish List.