[caption id="attachment_4440" align="alignnone" width="600"]Michael with his beloved Simon[/caption]
by Lisa Stanziano Newsletter Editor
“I go by Hernandez most of the time.” Michael H. told me when we sat down to talk on a sunny afternoon in front of SFACC. His enthusiasm is as warm as his smile as he told me how much he enjoys talking with people and helping them. He’s the first person folks see as they walk into the lobby and the first impression from (Michael) Hernandez is a friendly one. “I’ve been working at SFACC almost a year. I started last May. I love people. And I love to talk. So, as a Service Representative I get to do what I love all day. The team works together in an amazing way. Sometimes the situations are very difficult. But for every bad thing, are good things happen. The staff has a huge amount of collective knowledge. Mara has been my mentor and I’ve learned so much from her. …I literally wake up and cannot wait to go to work.”
Originally from Manteca, California, Hernandez graduated from Fresno State, and then joined the Army. He served 8 years and was able to travel widely, spending time in 14 countries, and 21 states, including a 6-month tour in Afghanistan. Settling in the Bay Area, he wanted a job that would engage with the public and his love of animals drew him to volunteering for 5 years with the SF SPCA’s Macy’s holiday windows adoptathon. This last December was like a dream for him—working at Macy’s windows again but this time as an SFACC staff member. He was on site at Macy’s Union Square site at least half of the program days (mid-Nov. 2019 to Jan. 1, 2020), helping with the adoptions of 60 SFACC animals.
Hernandez tells me that his favorite conversations are with veterans. “One of the special adoption programs at SFACC is that adoption fees are waived for veterans, and many folks don’t know that. And SFACC works with ARF (Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Organization), which has a special program, Pets and Vets, that places service dogs with veterans. …It makes me happy to share this information with veterans. They can relate to me because I’ve served.”
When he’s not on duty, Hernandez spends time outdoors and with family. He recently lost his beloved dog Simon, who was with him every day for many years. They went everywhere together and the adjustment has been hard. “He was a great dog who outlived all the predictions by the vet (he had a congenital heart condition).” Most of us know that loss, and how being at SFACC, surrounded by like-minded animal lovers, can help us grieve. For Hernandez, joining the SFACC community feels like his destiny. “I’m meant to be here and I hope to be at SFACC until I retire.” …We hope so too!
Sweet Ava is adopted!!! We’re so happy to congratulate Boise Bully Breed Rescue adopter Jenna for choosing Ava as her new adventure mate! Jenna reports Ava is settling in wonderfully and Ava is a big cuddle bug. These ladies are about to have so many fun memories together! Ava is an ACC grad who was at the shelter for months and then transported by ACC dog vol. Chloe Jager to Reno where she was met by a BBBR volunteer and brought to Boise for a change of scene, where she has been adopted at last. A big thank you to BBBR peeps: Transport Coordinator Elizabeth for coordinating Ava’s transfer to rescue; Home Inspector Joan for completing the home visit; and Volunteers Matt and Kelly for introducing Ava to Jenna. And thank you BBBR Foster/Adoption Coordinator Ashley for facilitating the adoption!
Here’s a recent update from Jenna… “Just thought I’d give you an update! Mildred “Millie” is loving her new home! She comes more and more out of her shell every day! She’s a huge cuddler, likes walks (although the cold morning pre-work walks aren’t her fav), and her most favorite pass-time is to sit at the window and watch squirrels. She also loves her sister Butter (the blonde dog in the pics) and is learning that unfortunately play time isn’t 24-7. I love her so much and am so happy that she never again has so spend time alone in a shelter in a kennel, instead she can cozy up with one of her many blankets throughout her house. Thank you so much for running such a great organization, hope you enjoy the pictures!”
Tiny adopted.
Luna Star adopted after available for one day!
We had a visit from Chuy (was Malcolm) and his dad. He’s such a good boy and we were thrilled to see him!
Happy trails update! Orange tabby gent George was adopted in July of last year from our Pet Food Express adoption center (his name was Oliver). He’s as handsome as ever and enjoys his toys and lots of love!
Sasha was adopted in July from our Pet Food Express adoption center, when she was a kitten named Daisy. “She’s a chatty, quirky, and very sweet cat. I’m happy to have her.”
Small animal celebration: One mouse (Prune) and three guinea pigs (Pushkin, Dostoyevsky, and Cowboy), plus a parakeet (not shown) were all adopted on the same day!
Cooper was available for all of 30 minutes before his new dad, and his doggie brother who he adopted from ARF, scooped him up.
Pita just got adopted by a new dog volunteer. She just couldn’t resist! So Pita will be staying in the ACC family.
Big boy Thomas is settling in quite nicely in his new home. He is living the life and has a wonderful dog sister Marlee to play with. They’re like two peas in a pod.
A happy reunion story. This couple came in to meet some birds after their parakeet was lost and they’d been unable to find her. Who did they see in our small animals room? Their lost parakeet, Sparkles, who’d been brought in as a stray and was very happy to see them!
Nikita might look grumpy, but she was very happy to go home with her new sister!
Cutie pie Jimmy (in the middle) went home with two brother dogs who got along great with Jimmy. Dad is smitten, and roommate is thrilled to have a new housemate!
Check out Luigi’s new family; this boy was another ACC graduate adopted after a transfer to Boise. He is one lucky dog and looks so happy. We thank the Boise Bully Breed Rescue group for taking some of our pitties up to the country where they are getting great homes!
Volunteer Victory! A sweet adoption love story for Remus, who was adopted by ACC volunteer Spencer Rennerfeldt. She fell in love with his charming, drooling personality while walking him, taking him on field trips, and hanging out in his kennel. Remus did his share of purring and giving it right back, and he knew he had it made when she took him home. Now we’re getting lovely updates from Spencer…
“It’s been a couple weeks and I wanted to share an update about our favorite chocolate hippo, Remus!! Since leaving the shelter, this boy’s personality has continued to shine, and he continues to show me how wonderful and perfect and hilarious he is. He has happily made 4 new doggy friends so far, met and been adored by my friends and family members, and gotten to explore many new neighborhoods. He is perfectly patient and calm out in the world and happy to lay at his people’s feet while they eat a meal on a restaurant patio, even in crazy busy neighborhoods like the Mission with so many interesting things going by. His favorite game is chase, and he got such intense zoomies once that he picked a pumpkin from the garden and ran around with it. He wants only to be near you and receive his cuddles and snore and drool right in your face. He is just the most perfect boy and I couldn’t be happier. ”
We’ve had a great Caturday of cat adoptions: Bella, bonded pair Lilicoy and Taylor, Miss Whiskers and some kittens have all been adopted! …Sweet teenage kitten boy Pepper has gone home! He’ll have a new cat sibling.
Jax just went home with his new mom who works at Pet Camp.
Tabby charmer Comet has gone home with his new mom, traveling in an excellent cat carrier backpack!
“She was a rescue from the SFACC five years ago; she was named Ruby but we changed her name to Bailey and she is a big part of our family. Love her lots.”
Happy Tails! Update from an ACC alum named Rigby (formerly Jet). Her adopters say, “We adopted Jet (A431448) this past July. She’s such a sweet girl who loooooves all other dogs, camping, hiking, and snuggling. She lives with us up in Sonoma.”
Cutie pie bonded pair Bogart & Ernie went home today! Congratulations!
Long-time resident senior has been adopted. Hooray! She’s joined a home with another senior cat who’s missing his recently departed senior cat buddy!
In January, SFACC adopted out 73 cats, 18 dogs, and 26 small animals, and transferred 175 animals to rescue organizations for a grand total of 291!
Sweet Nelly and her family were reunited after 6 months! Nelly was brought to SFACC and a microchip allowed the shelter to contact the owner in a matter of minutes. Their dog had been lost in SF, and they had moved to Nevada. When they heard that Nelly was here and safe, they jumped in the car and made it in 3 hours. Moral of the story is that it’s so important to register your pet’s microchip, and keep the contact information current. The owners did that. The reunion was amazing!
Lupin (formerly known as Patty) was adopted in January 2019 and is enjoying her forever home! Here she’s modeling a Korean traditional costume.
Low-riding cutie Jack Jack was recently adopted we already have an update. His name is now Morty – short for Mortadella and he’s clearly settling/snuggling in.
“We met and adopted Einstein (a German Shepard puppy SFACC shelter had rescued last August) and he is a joy and a wonderful dog. Einstein is much loved and my entire family is very grateful for him. We will stop in to say hi one of these days soon. He just weighed in at 80 lbs (we think is is nearly 8 months old). His temperament is wonderful, amazing actually and he is also quite handsome. Thanks for all you do. Here’re two photos: one at the park and one with my daughter and granddaughter the other day.”
A happy update, complete with some amazing refrigerator modeling! “This is Siouxsie (@siouxsieisabanshee). I adopted her in August from ACC when she was named “Jessica Aguirre.” She was found alone in Candlestick Park and now she’s a spoiled little lady living in the Richmond District!”
Sir Thomas has been adopted!
One of our longest residents, Morrison the bun, found his forever home today! Congratulations!
Kitty was adopted last week and we already got an update “Just wanted to show handsome Kitty all settled in to his new home. We brought him home Sunday and he settled in immediately and gets along with his new sister (the black lab). He’s been so friendly and a total purr machine! Thanks to the team for helping us bring him home!”
Alegria, a long-time pittie resident has been adopted!
A pigeon adoption update, complete with an impressive collection of pigeon pants! … “I adopted Sophia the pigeon in August of 2016 on a bit of a whim, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. She’s the sweetest, most darling little companion and I’m just so thankful that I just happened across her the way that I did.” (The adopter volunteers with our partner Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Rescue (pigeonrescue.org)!
“A couple of weeks ago, I adopted a very timid kitten named Harlow. Just want you all to see that he is quite happy in his new home albeit still a bit shy. If something scares him, he hides–but for less than a minute and then he’s out exploring what bothered him in the first place. We don’t have much of a view out the window, but they love the sun and each other. Thank you for allowing me to bring him home.” …Harlow also has a canine big sister adopted from ACC in 2017!
Billy the French bulldog adopted!
Sheru the Golden Retriever pup was so popular, he was adopted through a careful lottery process at SFACC.
Little Scooter adopted!
Sweet Jeannie adopted!
Pretty pittie Plum adopted!
Handsome Dexter (was Daxter) was adopted from us a year ago, in January of 2019. He’s living his best life, full of love and fun, and looking fantastic while doing it!
Malcolm (formerly Mohawk) is an ACC grad who went to Muttville and is headed home with David and Mary and dog brother Bruce to Pacifica where he will join their blended family that includes 5 children! He will be hanging out with David at work during the day and enjoy hikes and camping with the family.
Connie and Roland had been checking Muttville’s website daily to find just the right mutt. They saw ACC grad Chadwick and wanted to meet him right away. After some quality time together they knew he was the one! Off to Daly City they go for snuggles and adventures! Thank you to Muttville for taking so many of our senior dogs.
Transport angels SFACC volunteer Terri (L) and Boise Bully Breed Rescue Jasmine (R) brought Luigi to Idaho to give him a change of scene and more adoption exposure…Thank you SFACC staff member Kathryn Jones for arranging everything. Good luck, Luigi!
Adopted Blue Lacy pup, now named Selkie, is off to a great start in her new home: “She’s doing great and we are excited for our future adventures! We’re moving back to the farm where we’ve lived before to manage my kid’s allergies that unexpectedly cropped up after having lived with other dogs, but never a puppy who likes to be a lap dog with kisses. So, we’ll have a dander-free area that can be closed off as well as 40+ acres of farm and forest with two other families with dogs, cats, and various livestock. She’s met all the critters – and has done exceptional all around, even the toddler who she approaches on her belly very gently. We have a trainer who’s working with us – specifically with her & my kid together as part of a homeschool project that we’ll film. Also, after reading all the Lacy forums and articles I could find, I’ve found that Lacys excel in Search and Rescue. So, we found a SAR trainer who’s nearby and after an initial consult, she’s found that Selkie’s aptitude is over the top. So, as she grows, she’ll have a good foundation in the SAR skills and hopefully can be a working dog that way as well as a general farm dog. Here are a few pictures from her new life … we’re so grateful to have her. Every rescue animal is special, but to have a chance with a dog like this is pretty amazing. Thanks for all you do!”
Thanks to everyone who came out to Pet Camp’s Pittie Party 2020 last night (Feb 11) to support Friends of San Francisco Animal Care and Control. We raised some serious $$ and had a blast!
Adoption is always in style! Our hats are off, and our t-shirts and sweatshirts are ON in salute to SFACC grad cat Belarus and his amazing mom, Rachel Krall, who contributed $4,000 to SFACC in 2019 from fundraising projects and her own corporate matching gift. Her idea for a Belarus t-shirt fundraising drive came to her in July, 2019 after she adopted lovable, cross-eyed Belarus from the shelter the year before. She teamed with a company called Bonfire to create t-shirts with Belarus’s adorable face and and the tag-line “Love isn’t blind; it’s cross-eyed” and sold them online, with the proceeds going to Friends of SFACC. The shirts were so popular that Rachel decided to expand to winter wear—a delightful sweatshirt with Belarus’s adorable face on the front and the message “Adoption: The Best Pedigree” on the back. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sweatshirt drive were split between SFACC and Cat Town in Oakland.
…On a roll, Rachel also initiated a donation to SFACC of needed supplies from litterbox.com, which she hand-delivered to the shelter in December. We’re so grateful to her for channeling her love of beloved furry companion, Belarus, into a creative way to share that love and help the shelter too!
More about Belarus and Rachel…
Belarus was rescued from San Francisco Animal Care & Control in June 2018, when his googly eyes and winning personality caught the attention of many and won Rachel’s heart. This furry gray boy was surrendered to SFACC by his previous family because of landlord issues. He was at the shelter for about a month before a series of his photos by Josh Norem (@furrtographer) went viral after being posted on SFACC’s Instagram account. Rachel saw them and immediately knew she had to meet him. She is a big-time animal lover and had been following shelter pages for three years, hoping to find the perfect companion to offer a loving home. When she saw Belarus and heard more about him and that he needed a quiet and loving home, she knew it was meant to be.
Rachel rearranged her schedule and made a special trip to the shelter to meet Belarus. She was informed later that evening that she could take him home! “He’s now the king of his 1-bedroom castle in San Francisco. Belarus has continued to catch the eyes of many admirers on his new Instagram account @My_Boy_Belarus. He is a very active and oh so curious cat. He loves to play with balls and can even give high-fives for treats! He seems highly intelligent and doesn’t let his wonky eyes slow him down, in fact, he seems to see just fine minus a few quirks (like pawing at his water).”
Many mews and thanks to fundraising superhero Rachel Krall! Her passion for animals and her creative efforts in helping SFACC go far beyond adoption and inspire us all.
Belarus’s now has an Official Merchandise Store where you can order two shirt designs in a variety of fabrics and colors. Both designs donate 50% of proceeds to SFACC. Check them out HERE!
Michael with his beloved Simon[/caption]
