Happy Adoption Tales

In May, the shelter directly adopted 49 animals in May: 30 cats and kittens, 3 birds, 4 dogs, and 12 small animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters). SFACC transferred 251 animals to our rescue partners (53 dogs, 95 cats, and 103 other species). Thank you to all our fosters, adopters, and partner organizations!

Delilah Buttons (adopted April 2020) and Cocoa Pebbles (adopted March of 2021) are both princesses who have settled into their new lifestyles wonderfully. After a week or so of scent swapping, and sight swapping both girls would play “footsie” under the door, and when they started passing toys back and forth, we figured they were ready to meet whisker to whisker.
They play together, chase each other, eat together, and most recently clean and groom each other. Cocoa has been wonderful for Delilah as well. Delilah had been seeing a cat behaviorist for some unhealthy behaviors like excessive chewing and aggressive play. Delilah has been much calmer to both the two-legged and four-legged creatures of the home and we are no longer under constant attack. They love noodle toys that I make for them and lounging on their multiple cat trees and condos. Our house looks like a kitten kindergarten but the love and joy that we receive is totally worth it. Thank you for everything you do, cause what you do matters. I was inspired by Cocoa’s patterns and I wrote a poem about her…

The Coffee House Kitten
I adopted a Tortie kitten named Cocoa
Who has tons of Espresso energy making her loco
Two deep cups of drinking chocolate for eyes
Staring at me looking loving, curious, and wise
Iced coffee tinted belly so soft, round, and warm
Her low roaring purr resembling a quiet storm
Carmel Macchiato dripping from her frothed milk chin
Trotting into the room she gives my heart a big grin
Café Con Leche is the dip of her tail
Don’t feed her on time, and you will definitely hear her wail
Sweet as Mocha with a Café Au Lait soaked leg
She fits in our family like the perfect round peg
Adopt, don’t shop I can’t make it more plain
Love, friendship, and joy there’s so much to gain
Who adopted who, I really can’t say
All I know is that I love her a Latte
~ Chelise Ellis

Big beauty Serafina has found her forever home! Hoppy trails!

A wonderful update! Gorgeous Cocoa Puff is loving life: “We are literally joined at the hip 24/8. She’s amazing. I am in love with her. Much gratitude to ya’ll for allowing me to be her mama. It’s been an honor.”

Chonky sweetheart Kitty has been adopted from our PetSmart adoption center! Her resting grumpy face is in full effect!

“Santa is a very especial Cat! She’s 11 yrs old, Russian Blue. My husband named her Santa, because she started hanging out in our back yard around Easter time in 2020 (Spanish translation for SANTA is “holy week”). She is attached “literally” to my husband! They love each other, so much she takes over my side of the bed! LOL….She is a tough cookie! Once my husband let her inside the house, she never left. No one claimed her and she is now ours forever.”

Arturo was part of our CHAMP Behavior Foster Program last year and he’s thriving in his forever home complete with brother/BFF:

“I adopted Arturo (who goes by “Tito” most of the time) as a companion for myself and my 4-year-old cat, Merlin. When I met Tito, he was a shy kitten who wanted really badly to be brave. During Tito’s first few days, he was skittish and hid a lot, but we started bonding through play. Once I found the way to his heart through toys, he quickly found his way into mine as he started climbing on me for cuddles. I kept Tito in a separate room to give him time to acclimate to his new home, but from that very first night, he and Merlin slept pressed up against the door that separated them. I think they felt their first meeting could not come soon enough. When they did finally meet, both cats were curious and timid with each other, but always gentle.
They are now the best of friends. Merlin provides Tito with grounded guidance, confidence, and patience—so much patience! Of the two, Tito is certainly the instigator. He’s the mischievous little brother who sneaks up and pounces on Merlin, who in turn immediately begins to groom him as Tito melts into a relaxed slumber. Unless they’re sleeping, Tito and Merlin are always playing with and chasing each other. And if his older brother is busy snoozing, Tito is at my side cuddling or bringing me toys to play with. This little guy has truly blossomed into a brave, confident cat whose endearing antics charm everyone he meets. Merlin and I are so lucky to have found him.”

Sweet Clementine (was Bonnie) was adopted in March and we already have an update! “She is doing really well, up to various big puppy shenanigans on the daily (cardboard boxes are a new favorite), enjoys training classes (maybe a B- student, easily distracted, but lots of potential), eats 1lb 2oz of food twice a day (has gained approximately 10lbs in the last 6 weeks), and admired by many wherever we go (you got her where?!). We love her dearly and thank you for all that you do.” …She also had her DNA analyzed and is a Mastiff hodgepodge of seven different breeds!

Wonderful bun boy Oreo Pelusa has been adopted and will be living at Friends of Loma Vista Farm! He’ll be getting plenty of outdoor time and attention!

In April, SFACC transferred 195 animals (54 dogs, 51 cats, and 90 other species) to partner organizations. The shelter directly adopted out 38 animals (10 dogs, 22 cats, and 6 other species).

Pepper the poodle has been adopted!

Cuteness overload personified. (Or is that dogified?) Harvey has left with his new family. Yay Harvey!

Kitten Season is here and our first kitten adoption of the season is (drumroll) Waffle & Cupcake. We’re always thrilled when kittens are adopted in pairs!

Adoption update: “I wanted to send a message to you all about Ms. Xena (Ybarra) Coleman. She rescued me and my boys around 5/31/2015. She has been with our family since then and has been a DREAM to be with. She’s an amazing mama girl. She’s loud, hungry, loyal, and just flat out amazing. I grew up loving labs and couldn’t have been more proud to live my years with this sweet girl by my side. My family ADORES her and I think she knows it. She loves swimming, walking and being out doors of course…! Sweet girl…”

Kitten cutie Dolly Parton has been adopted. We will always love you!

Loretta Lynn has been adopted. Looks like she’s no longer a coal miner’s daughter!

Wayne, or Lil Wayne, as he lovingly became known, was surrendered to SFACC. Staff tracked down Wayne’s original rescue and reached out to them to see if they would be in a position to take Wayne back. And fortunately, they were! Transport Coordinator Katy Jones arranged for volunteer drivers and pilots to bring Wayne across 1,300 miles to Colorado where he will have a second chance at a new home. Way to go Wayne (and Katy)!

In March, thanks in large part to the amazing work of Katy Jones, SFACC’s Animal Partner Transfer Coordinator, the shelter was able to transfer 182 animals (52 dogs, 42 cats, and 88 other species) to partner organizations. The shelter directly adopted 22 animals (7 dogs, 9 cats, and 6 other species).

Cocoa…A fluffy, adorable happy tale! My uncle says I’m basically a Dodo story but Mama says I’ve always been kyute! Mama and Daddy brought me home on May 4, 2019 and gave me a medicated bath every three days for about a month. They also added salmon oil to my food and now my coat and tail is super soft and fluffy. I’m the center of everything for my pawrents, as you can see in the photos. Every day, I plop on Mama to wake her and I get pets. My day consists of guarding the house and playing with all my puzzles and toys. Daddy says I’m spoiled but Mama says I’m deserving. I love my pawrents and it’s obvious they love me!” Her Instagram account is @inlovewitdacocoa

Sweet Steve has been adopted.

Hooray! Crawdad has found his forever home!

Here are the 2 happy rabbits we got from your present location around 1-1/2 years ago, we and they are grateful for all your work.

Big handsome senior boy Casper was found roaming in the street. When no one came to claim him, he went to our partner Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary.

Happy 10-year adoptaversary to Minnie Bee!

Handsome hunk Pogi came to us when his person could no longer take care of him. He has some medical problems that made him not suitable for adoption from us. Our partner BRAVE Rescue stepped up and now after a road trip he’s safely in their care. Yay Pogi!

Juniper came to SFACC with a bad case of demodex infection. Now in foster care with our partner Copper’s Dream Rescue she’s recovering and becoming more outgoing—she has even found her voice! She receives medicated baths every other day and is taking antibiotics for her skin infection. She also has a full wardrobe of pajamas and fancy sweaters while waiting for her hair to regrow.

Silly boy Phats needed a place where he can get lots of TLC. Our partner The Heart of Rescue came to the rescue and off Phats went on a road trip to his new foster home.

Coco was very nervous at the shelter and needed somewhere to decompress and gain confidence. Happily, our rescue partner Paddington Station Rescue was able to find her a foster home. After a road trip, Coco is ready to start her new beginning.

In February, SFACC adopted out 21 animals (7 dogs, 12 cats, and 2 small animals). In addition, we transferred 167 (55 dogs, 39 cats, and 73 small animals) to adoption/rescue partners.

Charming Little Fluff came to SFACC last year after his owner was hospitalized and could no longer care for him. He quickly became a staff favorite. Little Fluff is now loving his forever home; he even gets rides in his stroller. Lucky boy!

These pretty young chickens were left outside our door. We’re happy to report that they’re now clucking and pecking at a rescue.

Tuxie brothers update: “Three years ago we adopted Rambo and Tootles (then Rodney and Bruce) from SFACC and they’ve made us laugh every day since. They love crinkle toys, lounging in warm laundry and cuddling each other. We’re so thankful to have them in our lives.”

Baby rattie cuteness! A person adopted 2 rats from a friend, not realizing they were a male and female. You can guess what happened next: baby rats! They’re now with our partner, Ratical Rodent Rescue

This lovely domestic pheasant was found in a San Francisco yard. Now they’re enjoying life with our partner One Living Sanctuary.

Kitten pair happy tails update, with bonus canine content. “We adopted these adorable siblings back in August, and they have fit in perfectly. Ollie (lilac point) is very playful and curious, and Zoey (white) is a little less curious but always willing to follow Ollie into trouble. Both are very social! They have adopted some pretty silly dog-like behaviors since they grew up with our rescue dog, Mondo…one interesting behavior includes eagerly checking out the mailman (as shown in one of the photos).”

We had some special guests recently: ducklings! So fuzzy! So cute! They were found alone in front of a house and are now with our partner One Living Sanctuary, complete with new names, Tilde and Umlaut.

A big thank you to our partner Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) for helping San Francisco animals in need! Because we were moving, we tried to find rescue placement for as many of our animals as possible. ARF stepped up and took 10 dogs and 3 cats in February!

In January, 32 animals were adopted directly from SFACC (13 dogs, 14 cats, and 5 others) and 136 animals were transferred to partner organizations (48 dogs, 37 cats, and 50 others). Here are some of those adoptions, plus updates, and a happy reunion.

Milo went missing and the shelter received many sightings of a white fluffy dog running in the streets of San Francisco. SFACC officers responded to several of the sightings. Meanwhile, a wonderful citizen on a scooter and friend were able to follow Milo, and coax him to them. They took him home for the night and the next day brought him to SFACC. Milo’s owners had also contacted SFACC, posted on Paw Boost, Nextdoor, Facebook and other social media platforms. That afternoon, SF ACC was able to reunite Milo with his family. Watch their reunion on Facebook!

Beautiful senior lovebug Trixie was a stray who showed up at a Good Samaritan’s front door. After no one came to claim her, her finder adopted her. They’ve previously adopted senior cats from us. Yay for Trixie!

This gorgeous Golden Pheasant was found as a stray. Because it’s a domesticated species, it wouldn’t survive in the wild, and it definitely couldn’t hide well from predators. It went to a rescue partner and has since been adopted.

Hooray! Sweet Lemon (was Emoji) is jumping for joy as she goes home with her new family.

Our playful little pirate panther has been adopted (and has inspired some fun Photoshop art)!

Handsome sweetie Grant has found his forever family and a new name, Finn.

Sweet puppy boy Barnaby has gone home with his forever family.

SFACC grad Charlie blissfully enjoying some gentle brushing with a toothbrush is the kind of soothing content we can all use. Enjoy!

Chicken in a bush? Yep! That’s where this lovely was found. No one came in to claim her, so she’s now pecking and clucking away at a partner rescue.

Lovely lady Daffodil came in as a stray when she showed up on a Good Samaritan’s porch. No one came to claim her, so her finder adopted her.

Sweet girl Friday was adopted before we even had a chance to promote her. Go Friday!

Gorgeous fluffy Jackson, adopted before we got him posted (via a virtual adoption application). You can see why!

Sweet little Kiwi has been adopted! Her new family includes a 13 year old doggy brother and two cat siblings.

“Four years ago on January 7th, I met and adopted this tiny, chatty, velvety-soft old lady cat, then called Noelle and now named Opal. At 16 years old, Opal is the matriarch of the household and spends her days snuggling on her mama’s lap or chest, voicing her deeply-held opinions on any and all topics of conversation, pretending to be irritated by her secretly beloved dog sister Minnie, and reminding the world at large that it’s time for her next meal. Opal is a constant source of cuddles, hilarity, and comforting purrs, a caring and attentive nurse when any of her family members are under the weather, and in every way the perfect shelter-in-place companion. Endless thanks to SFACC and Toni’s Kitty Rescue for taking such great care of her during her time with you and for bringing the two of us together!”

Adorable Winnie has been adopted!

Reya (formerly Remi) Update: “We adopted Reya last year–on New Year’s Day, 2020. Reya has fit into our family perfectly and brought us so much joy during this difficult year…Thank you for taking good care of her when she was there!”

Double senior Westie happy tails update! Senior cuties Lafawnduh and Dillinger went from our shelter to a foster home with WRAP Westie rescue. In November they were adopted by one of our fosters and are now leading a happy life, complete with an Instagram account: @westies_of_sf