Bella belonged to migrant workers in the Capay Valley north of San Francisco. When time came for them to move on there was no place for Bella, so she was left behind.
Not just left behind but picked up by the scruff of her small neck and thrown across the road.

Charley found Bella and she became a part of his life, and the life of the beautiful Cache Creek Lavender Farm where Charley and Linda grow astonishing lavender. Fields and fields of lavender which they turn into a multitude of items: soaps, oils, creams sachets, bath salts, gift baskets.  All of this is for sale at the little kiosk Charley and Bella set up every Saturday morning at the Downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market where we met them.

Bella curls up on a little bed Charley makes for her under the table bearing his lavender. She is not a friendly little girl so no children stop to play with her as they do with the dachshunds who camp near our table. But Charley discovered that Bella loves the dog biscuits that I bring each week to our Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter table. Charley said we should call it Doggie Crack because Bella loves them so much.

I think my biscuits may have opened a door in Bella. Last week I offered her a little piece of biscuit and though she continued to growl softly she did allow me to scratch her under the chin. That was a special treat for me. Maybe I and my biscuits will lead her to allow me to pet or even cuddle her.

But I fear her memory of the horrible abuse she suffered as a young dog is still too fresh in her mind. So she sits quietly, watches everything and doesn’t engage with children. Maybe time will change that. But when I look into this little girl’s eyes I cry for the sad life she once had. And I am so grateful for Charley and his big heart that have given Bella a safe and loving home.

The post The story of Bella appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.

Every dog that passes gets her attention, and Nina lets each one know she wants nothing more than a chance to cuddle and whisper sweet words in their ears. She pays special attention to Ginger & Peaches, two Dachshunds who snuggle in a soft bed on the sidewalk behind our table. Nina’s joy is infectious.

Meeting Nina and her family is one of the great rewards of our Saturday mornings at the Farmer’s Market. They symbolize our experience of the market, with its constantly passing panorama of children and shoppers and dogs. Nina and her two older brothers also represent young people who love animals. This generous family regularly babysits their neighbors’ dogs, allowing the children to practice responsible animal care. Their parents are impressed and have promised that in a few months they’ll have a dog of their own!

The post Nina Shares Her Joy! appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.

Long-time companions of Nancy Pleibel, a manager at the Farmer’s Market, Ginger & Peaches used to wait in Nancy’s car until closing time. Recently, Nancy asked if she could leave the two dogs tied up to a signpost behind the FoPAAS tables. We said Yes, so she brought out a plush bed and a flannel blanket for the dogs’ comfort and left them watching the activity on the street from their little perch on the curb.

Peaches on the left and Ginger on the right. They are sisters.

Then came the magic. Children stopped to look at the dogs and ask permission to pet them. Others in strollers were lifted out by their parents so they could inspect Ginger & Peaches up close. Parents with toddlers paused and demonstrated to their children how to pet the dogs. The dogs relish the affection and attention. Nancy says that when they get home from the market, they fall asleep quickly and dream of that day’s adventure.

Enjoy these photos of children in love with Ginger & Peaches. To see a full-size version of a photo, click it. The magic speaks for itself.

Note:  We expect to add photos as we capture more of these lovely moments, so check back in the following weeks….

The post Ginger & Peaches appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.

George joined the Army as a Private, and he came home a Captain. He wanted to return to normal life and his family, but he found it impossible. Nightmares, fear, anxiety all led him where traumatized people go for escape: abuse of drugs and alcohol.  George was a troubled man and finding a peaceful, normal life was out of the question. His training as an accountant led to work in industry, but eventually he lost everything and at one point was homeless. His story is not unusual, though each person has his own unique version.

It was years before George was able to seek help, and when he did he was diagnosed with, among other things, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  The psychiatrist who finally got through to George prescribed that he get a dog. And so he did. He was lucky when he found Rocky, a massive and loving Rottweiler who had been surrendered to a shelter.

The bond between man and dog was instant.  They became constant companions, and now George had someone in his life for whom he was responsible. He had to provide a stable home, food, and exercise for Rocky, and in exchange the dog gave his greatest gift, unconditional love. As anyone knows who has lived with a dog, this love can heal a broken human being.

George and Rocky were together for nine years. Listed as a Companion Dog with the National Registry of Companion Dogs, Rocky was allowed to live in places that usually do not accept animals. When Rocky finally died, the grief George felt was almost more than he could bear.

It took two years before he could consider another dog, but then a friend introduced him to a white faced pit bull named Smoke.  Now when George drives anywhere, you see Smoke’s handsome face poking out the rear window of the Jeep, sniffing the wind, and smiling.

George says he’s been called the poster boy for PTSD because it took him so long to seek help and get the treatment he needs. He takes his meds faithfully, he attends AA meetings (sober 18 years), and he can always be counted on to reach out to anyone needing help. He walked a long road himself before he found Rocky; now he is a strong voice telling other veterans, “Get a dog.”  George has learned that devoting yourself to another being who loves you just as you are–no conditions, no judgment–changes your life.

Companion dogs are waiting for adoption at local animal shelters. There are many pit bulls looking for homes, and they seem to be a perfect match for a strong person willing to give these powerful, loving dogs the exercise they need.

The good news for veterans and for shelter dogs is that there are organizations whose mission is to unite a companion dog with a veteran seeking help. These groups work carefully to choose the right dog and give the veteran and the dog all the training and support they need. George is not only a poster boy for PTSD, he is also an example of how a good man was able to find his way again with the help of a loving, loyal companion.

The post Soldiers With Dogs appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.

Sadly Toby has left us. Here is a video made by his human, Jim Martin, in loving memory of Toby.

I miss you so much; my four-legged friend
I ask myself each day; if the pain will ever end
Your loss is so hard; for one person to bear
because we were a team; an inseparable pair

You were by my side; when I got up each day
waiting so patiently; to go out and play
You were there each night; when I got home
waiting to go to the park; where you could roam

You always knew; if I was having a bad day
so you’d snuggle up close; and try to get me to play
If that didn’t work; you’d put your head in my lap
then make yourself comfortable; and take a nap

One way or another you; would brighten my day
like only you could; you had a special way
You gave me a lifetime; of memories to hold
through all the years ahead; till I’m gray and old

I promise I’ll see you; again one day
when we’ll be together again; to go run and play
Your loss is a cross; I will just have to bear
because you and I know; we’re an inseparable pair

John Quealy

Two years ago Jim and Toby came to the Bay Area to care for Jim’s elderly father who was in frail health. They thought the visit would be brief, but that was not to be. When Toby began to show signs of illness, tests revealed spleen cancer.  Toby was given just a week to live. The veterinarian was not optimistic, saying Toby might not survive spleen removal, and even successful surgery would not buy him much extra time.

But possibly the veterinarian had not counted on Toby’s stout heart and the deep love between this dog and this man.  In spite of all the cautions, successful surgery was performed and has prolonged Toby’s life.

We recently introduced ourselves to Jim with Toby riding happily in his cart along the Bay Trail, where the two can be seen every single day.  Almost 3 months have passed since surgery, and Toby sometimes walks alongside the cart as Jim pushes it; they usually stop at the creek and Toby will paddle around, as Labs love to do, and when he’s tired, he gets back into the cart for the ride home.

No one can know how long Toby and Jim will walk the Bay Trail together, but as long as they do, they remain a perfect example of love between a man and his dog.

About the Author
Jeremy Lindston Robinson, our Vice President

The post What Love Looks Like—A Dog Named Toby appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.

A crisp, sunny autumn day — what a perfect afternoon to host our inaugural Dog-O-Ween! Last Saturday, October 26th, FoPAAS held the very first of our annual Dog-O-Ween fundraising events. The sunny day was much improved by the cheery, festive atmosphere emanating from the Bowl at Rinconada Park, where Dog-O-Ween was held. Happy barks and yips of the numerous participants could be heard interspersed with the merry chatter of the participants’ owners.

The brainchild of Kristen DeStafano, FoPAAS’ Paly High School Youth Board Liaison, Dog-O-Ween featured dog costume contests, a theme that coupled well with October’s Halloween festivities. The attendees dressed their dogs up in their clever Halloween costumes, and some owners wore their own getups as well. Participants could enter five contest categories: Scariest Dressed, Best Family Theme Dressed, Best Couple Costume, Best Dressed, and Cleverest Dressed. Attendees could also enter the Dog-O-Ween raffle, for which there were twelve drawings and prizes. Also available at the event were goodies and treats for owners and pets alike. FoPAAS booths offered dog treats, collars, and catnip toys, all home-made, as well as FoPAAS T-shirts, Emergency Animal Notification stickers, and dog licensing forms. The Pet Place, one of Dog-O-Ween’s sponsors, also hosted an information booth of their own.

The event was kicked off with an outstanding acoustic performance by the Paly High School student band, Remi and Chloe  . After the crowd had had ample opportunity to enter the raffle, DeStefano drew the first ticket: Zoë Limbrick was the lucky winner of a $25 Pet Food Depot Gift Certificate. Then, the party really got started with the first costume contest. DeStefano boosted the festive spirit by enthusiastically introducing each contestant, then turned it over to the five judges, Lydia Kou, the founder of Quakeville and an Alain Pinel realtor, Marilynn Goldberg, a dedicated Dog Yenta, Carole Hyde, the Executive Director of the Palo Alto Humane Society, Rhonda Abrams, Columnist for USA Today and owner of PlanningShop (a publisher of content for entrepreneurs), and Maggie Schoenholtz, a Manager for the City of Palo Alto Aquatics. Although obviously having difficulty favoring one contestant over all the other adorable costumes, the judges were clearly enjoying themselves, engaging in lively but friendly debates. For each contest category, one winner was awarded a Samyama Yoga Center Journey 5 Gift Certificate and a box of dog treats, donated by Samyama and Trader Joe’s, and an honorable mention also received a box of delicious dog cookies.

Looking into the Bowl was a quirky but adorable sight. There were mingling Mexican dancers, alligators, Giants fans, footballs, angels, clowns, crossing guards, cows, skiers, and even a Superman, all enjoying the warm autumn day. A seriously spooky Halloween music track gave the venue a festive air, while the smiling faces of all the FoPAAS board members, volunteers, judges, and attendees brightened up the day even more.

And even though admission to Dog-O-Ween was free, FoPAAS reached their goal of raising over $500 for Palo Alto Animal Services (not including the generous donations from our many sponsors, totaling three times the amount raised at the event). Most of the donations rolled in from attendees purchasing raffle tickets, but the home-made goodies were also a hot topic. Much to the delight of FoPAAS, Dog-O-Ween proved to be a reputable success. The money raised at Dog-O-Ween will go toward Palo Alto Animal Services projects, including replacing gravel in the dog run with artificial turf, renovating the cat cages, building a new roof over the dog kennels to prevent flooding, providing low-cost spay/neuter vouchers, and creating a program that will benefit senior animals.

Aside from the visible smiles and audible laughter radiating from the Bowl, numerous attendees came up to FoPAAS board members to commend us for our auspicious event. Many were delighted at winning raffle and contest prizes, while others simply enjoyed the festivities. Dog-O-Ween proved a profitable outing for both dog and owner, as the canines loved meeting and greeting new friends. “This was just so fun, my dog loved it,” commented one attendee. The judges arguably had the best time, as they all left the event laughing and thanking FoPAAS for inviting them. “I had so much fun, just seeing all of the costumes!” one judge remarked.

View the complete photo gallery »

Being an undeniable success, Dog-O-Ween will definitely be coming back next year — bigger, better, and just more “pawesome!”

Costume Contest Winners

Scariest Dressed

Winner   Itchy — devil	Honorable Mention Chico — mummy

Best Family Theme Dressed

Winner   Manina & Charlie — pig & cow owners — farmers (Old McDonald theme)	Honorable Mention Gypsy & owners — Hawaiian dancers

Best Couple Costume

Winner   Wellington — plane owner — flight attendant	Honorable Mention Mojo & Julia (owner) — bananas

Best Dressed

Winner   Ozzie — ballerina	Honorable Mention Oski — banana split

Cleverest Dressed

Winner Andnettie — racing horse	Honorable Mention Pepper — piñata	Honorable Mention Chase — Woody (from Toy Story)
	N/A

View the complete photo gallery »

Raffle Winners

Thanks again to all of our generous donors and sponsors!

Donors

Sponsors

About the Author
Joanna Tang, our Youth Board Liaison from Gunn
High Scool

The post Dog-O-Ween 2013 appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.

We listen to stories about animal rescue, answer questions, and encourage comments and suggestions. We also learn how positive people are about having a beautiful and generous city shelter, where animals are welcomed and made to feel safe and loved while waiting for new homes.

If you leave your dog with us while you shop, let us snap his photo as he shares our shady spot. Then, with your OK, we’ll post the photo on the FoPAAS website. Just look for “Farmer’s Market Goes to The Dogs.”

October 24, 2015

September 12 and 19, 2015

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August 29, 2015

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May 30, 2015

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November, 2014

October, 2014

September, 2014

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July, 2014

June, 2014

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November, 2013

October, 2013

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August, 2013

So please do stop by and visit us. Our A-Frame sign marks the spot. Encourage us, make suggestions, sign up as a FoPAAS member. If you have a skill or talent you would like to offer, sign up as a volunteer.  We are all volunteers ourselves and we share the same passion we hear expressed every Saturday morning.

About the Author
Jeremy Lindston Robinson, our Vice President

The post Farmer’s Market Goes to The Dogs appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.

Every day Sophie walks over to Jasper’s house and gazes at him through his window. Jasper settles close to the window and follows Sophie’s every move with his large green eyes. They would love to be together, but that is not allowed, so they are left gazing adoringly through a barrier of glass.

About the Photographer
Jeremy Lindston Robinson, our Vice President

The post Star Crossed Lovers appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.

Along came an interesting couple: a beautiful young woman with big sunglasses and straw hat; her husband laden with large bags of fresh produce. They introduced themselves as JJ and Marco Graziano and asked what they could do to help.  Scottie and I immediately said, “Help us create a website?”

JJ grinned and said, “I can do that!”

And so commenced the most delightful journey for us as we began to work with this amazing woman who has proved to be the best friend anyone could have.

JJ was eager to learn WordPress, and she claimed that this work on our website was as much a benefit to her as to us. I hope that is true because there is no way our tiny budget at FoPAAS could have paid her for the hours she spent working on this project. What she created is so much more than any of us expected or hoped for that we hardly know how to express our gratitude.

We met with her frequently to ask questions and make suggestions, and she always listened to us carefully. Then, thanks to JJ’s magic, each thought or suggestion found itself magnified into a reality that was even better than we imagined.

Her husband Marco suggested she was suffering from OCD because as we neared our launch date JJ would postpone the big day—more than once—for one more tweak or another refinement.  Finally we received a message from her that said,

“After tossing 3 coins 6 times and looking up the I Ching, it tells us that our website is ready to go live. And according to Chinese Lunar Calendar, Tuesday Aug 20 is a good day to launch our site because it will bring us luck. (No… not true, I made it up.)”

How did we get lucky enough to find someone with that sense of fun and adventure?  And how grateful we are to call JJ and Marco Graziano our friends.  JJ has promised she will stay connected, nourishing our site and our organization, and we have tried to guarantee that by electing her to our Board of Directors. We look forward to an exciting future with these two wonderful people as we work together to increase the breadth and value of the offering FoPAAS makes to Palo Alto.

About the Author
Jeremy Lindston Robinson, our Vice President

The post Queen of Our Website appeared first on Friends of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter.