September 2020

“Thank you for matching our family with a wonderful kitten! We just adore Buttercup (formerly Petunia) and she is a treasured member of our family. Our daughter adores her and kitty settled in easily to her new home. The cat body language chart included in the adoption packet has been super helpful for our 4 year old–it’s hanging on the wall and we refer to it often.”

Sweet Herman and his new mom! He came to us as a stray; when no one came to claim him, his finder adopted him.

An update from Ripley’s family: “I just wanted to thank you for bringing Ripley into our lives. We liked his name so we kept it. He is such a brave little guy; he didn’t seem one bit scared or hesitant when we brought him home. He has settled right in as if he’s been here for years. We already love him so much! Here are some photos of his first days.”

A newly adopted senior cat and his canine sister! Baxter’s 92-year-old guardian could no longer care for him, so she called SFACC. The officer who picked him up was smitten with his bobcat face and mellow, friendly demeanor, and decided to foster, then adopt him. She and her husband are very happy to bring a cat into the mix, and want to remind everyone that senior cats and dogs make wonderful family members. SFACC grad Tati and her new feline brother, Baxter, love to hang out together. Baxter, a senior gent at 12 years old, has settled into his new home beautifully, playing with his cat toys, batting his paw at Tati when she wants to play and it’s his siesta time, and lounging around. Not pictured is other canine sister Darla, who at 18 years of age makes him the middle child. Darla has welcomed Baxter into his new home by eating his food, smelling him when he walks by, and taking over one of his cat beds.”

Boss is adopted and has three new human playmates.

Sweet Lucy was found running in traffic and brought in by a Good Samaritan. When no one came for her, Lucy’s finder adopted her.

Petree and Little Foot have been adopted together.

Our little guy Rocky has gone home with his new parents.

Cute sisters Schnuffy & Penny are now with our partner Ratical Rodent Rescue.

Some lovely chickens were abandoned when their person moved; kind neighbors helped round them up and now they’re safely at a rescue.

Love cat Otis would like to announce that he’s been adopted! He came to us as a stray. When no one came forward to claim him, his finder adopted him. Yay Otis!

Pretty Mina was adopted a few months ago and has proven to be a great cuddler and an excellent supervisor for working at home: “Here are some pictures from this past month with the sweetest girl.”

We love when kittens are adopted in pairs! We got this update about the kitten duo formerly known as Peach & Plum: “Momo (formerly Peach, Momo actually translates to peach in Japanese) and Louie (formerly Plum) are all settled in in their new home. They are a happy pair, cuddle and play all day. Louie was shy at the beginning but gradually warming up to his new family. Momo, the social butterfly, is helping to bring out the best in him. We’re glad to have them in our family. They sure bring warmth and joy.”

Kitten cuties Mimi & Missy have been adopted together!

We got a great update about Sammy (formerly foster kitten Tito). “Just wanted to let you know that we love Sammy so much, and he’s basically fully integrated into the apartment along with his brothers. He roams freely now! He’s very committed to getting his brothers to play. They don’t always want to, but Sammy has an endless optimism about it all.”

Kittens Carl, Clayton & Cole all adopted from their foster home! Happy tails to all these new families!
We’re so thankful to our foster families, not only for caring for our animals but also helping with adoptions.

“We adopted two kittens from SFACC a few months ago. They are now named Nova (the girl) and Rocket (the boy). They are much bigger but still very playful and loving…We love them so much….We are so happy to have them in our family!”

August 2020

In August, the shelter found homes for 103 animals (80 cats, 10 dogs, and 13 small animals) through virtual adoptions (thank-you foster parents!). SFACC’s partner organizations took in another 299 animals (143 cats, 42 dogs, 114 small animals).
Here are some adoption stories and updates!

Sweet pup Raul has been adopted. Congratulations!

Handsome senior gent Little Fluff arrived at the shelter after his person died. After thoroughly charming our staff, he was adopted before we even posted him! His adopter sent in photos of him relaxing in his new home.

Beethoven was adopted about 2 years ago. His adopter reports “I wanted to send in some pictures to show how he’s doing. The first picture is a few days after I adopted him, and the other two are how he looks now! When I was told he was returned twice, I knew we had to keep him!
Hope you guys are well! And thanks again for letting me make him apart of my family!”

Bunsen (was Boo) came into the shelter as a teeny pup with his mom and siblings and was adopted last month. “Bunsen (formally Boo) is doing really well! He loves belly rubs, chasing balls, and is very cuddly. We are anxious to get his final shots in a couple of weeks so he can get out and explore the world. I’ve taken him to a couple of puppy play groups and he is super social. He is also very brave and confident with bigger dogs. He is really behaved and has already learned sit, shake, lay down, etc. We love him so much!”

Happy 5-year adopta-versary to Isabelle! Her adopter says “Here is my beloved and cherished girl Isabelle celebrating her 5-year adopta-versary from SF ACC in July. We love You guys and are very grateful for the wonderful care u gave her while she was in your care. Isabelle is enjoying her life, her healthy homemade diet, back massages, nearby park and a rather extensive wardrobe of shirts, sweaters, dresses and tutu skirts. She is the best girl, a kitty worshipper and a wonderful California Assistance Dog. So smart, kind and loving. I cannot imagine my life without her.
We are me looking forward to many many more happy years together”

Cutie pie Stumpy McGee was adopted last month and we already got an update! He’s settling into his new home, enjoying trips to the park, lounging on comfy dog beds and supervising work at home.

Matias was adopted recently and he and his new brother are already starting to be furriends!! His brother Grayson was adopted from a cat cafe in Portland.

Nemo adopted!

Scruffimuffin Lentil has been adopted. Her new name is Muffet; here she is on her “tuffet” in her new home!

Sushi was adopted as a puppy in 2018 and has grown up to be a big handsome adventure dog! He loves exploring, boating, and posing like a super model.

Clever SFACC alumna Claire has found an exciting way to experience nature: bird videos!

Gorgeous house panther Carmen was adopted earlier this month, and we already have an update: “We wanted to let you know that Kokoro (formerly Carmen) is adjusting well to family life. She has supervised visits with her canine sister and intros are going really well. She’s a wonderful little chatterbox and loves to sit in the window overlooking the yard.”

Pretty Plum has found her forever home!

Sylvester the parakeet was recently adopted and is doing great in his new home! His adopter made this great portrait of him and his beloved disco ball!

Former foster Libby is now named Bagheera, the little panther: “she is doing fantastic, an incredibly smart cat, super playful and always looking for our company wherever we are in the house.”

Dinnertime for five guinea pig cuties, all ACC alumni! Belle, Black Ears (now Bea), and Sandy (all three adopted together in July) with former ACC adoptions, Adilita (brown; adopted 2016) and Luna (crazy haired gray and white, adopted 2018) are one happy family now and enjoying each other’s company.

Bubbles was one of our early virtual adoptions. Her adopters share: “I just wanted to take a moment to thank you again for bringing miss Bubbles into our lives. Today marks two months since we picked her up from you! She has really settled it in well. I’m learning more about her every day. She is still nervous sometimes but trusts Alex and I and we are enjoying new routines and rituals. I’ve attached some photos of our girl. Thank you for bringing this love into our home. We love this little goon.”

A belated adopt-a-versary over here, but just dropping a note to send you pics of the former Bramble Pie – today known as Lorraine “Lolo” Hansberry – living her best life and bringing energy and big joie de vivre to our lives.  She’s a regular circus trick dog, with many awesome things in her repertoire. She loves to jump through hula hoops, sit in boxes, hunt for squeaky toys and climb all things, including the occasional window that she should really stay out of. She loves to learn new things and is a training maniac. 
Thank you so much for bringing her into our lives,
AJ, Christine and Lolo

Cricket!

Ferris and his new family.

Louise!

Petunia!

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”