You Are Winning if you Pick Charlie

Charlie may have a little hitch in his giddy up but that doesn't stop him from enjoying life to its fullest. He can still run, jump, play and give you all the love in his heart with no hesitation. This three-year-old Beagle/Rat Terrier mix was hit by a car when he was six months old and his injuries, a broken leg/hip and torn foot, were never treated because his family could not afford it. In time, his body healed the only way it knew how which left him with a fused rear leg and half a foot. He can still use his leg when walking but elects to trot or run on three legs. Other than the unfortunate results from the old injury, Charlie is a healthy boy who has a lot to give even though a little was taken from him.

A move forced his previous family to give Charlie up and now he waits patiently for a new home to call his own. He is a very friendly dog who adores attention and closeness. He loves to cuddle and follow his person around the house like a little side-kick. Charlie has done very well with men, woman and even children and would fit into most any household. Because of his old injuries, his athleticism was a bit hampered but he is still enjoys daily walks and is no slacker, he’ll keep up! He would be a good walking buddy for someone who is trying to get out and stay active.

Charlie prefers female company when it comes to other dogs and should either be the only dog in the house or a buddy for a girl. Although he is part Beagle, he is on the quiet side and only occasionally whines when he gets anxious or excited. He is about 18 pounds and has long legs making him appear bigger than his weight might suggest.

If you're looking for a loving dog with a kind spirit, who is mellow and easy to handle to give you years of companionship, then you have easily found that in our boy Charlie. Come meet him and he'll make you feel like a winner!

New Beginnings for our Adoption Center in the Mall

SPCA Adoption Center  in the Mall to Move to a New, Better Location!

The Santa Cruz SPCA Adoption Center and Gift Shop, previously located in the Sears wing of the Capitola Mall, is moving! Our new location will be in the bustling area right next to the entrance to the new Target store, near the food court and Macy's. We hope that a move to such a busy space will mean more exposure and funds for the animals, and more adoptions.

Our Adoption Center and Gift Shop features adoptable animals, and also carries many pet supplies such as dog and cat toys, leashes, collars, harnesses, pet beds, dog fashions, humane training tools, and much more.

The proceeds from all sales go to the animals, and our merchandise is usually priced lower than most pet supply stores! Why buy from a big chain, when you can get the same products for less, with all proceeds benefiting the animals?

So come on in, meet some of our amazing adoptable cats and dogs, and pick up some supplies or an SPCA t-shirt, all for a great cause!

Our new site will be open starting Friday August 17th at 11am.

Dog Blog: Irresistible Bella!



Who could resist this face?

 Bella is 10 years old and is a very sweet and gentle girl who's still got pep to her step! She no longer has any teeth but still has a hefty appetite for wet food and does totally fine with it. However, her tongue likes to make it's way out into a silly grin. Bella gets along with cats and other small dogs. She would make a great companion for a senior looking for a quiet, mellow dog to spoil!

Show Abel the Terrier the Love that he Deserves

We often see extremely heart-wrenching situations with animals that come through our doors but something about what happened to Abel, an 18-month-old Terrier mix, seemed extra awful. Abel was found running the streets with a rubber-band wrapped so tightly around his neck that it had embedded itself deeply into the skin. Witnesses said they had seen him running from house to house frantically for a few days. It became very apparent that Abel had been suffering for much longer than that.

The embedded rubber-band required emergency surgical removal and left a large sutured area across poor Abel’s throat. It’s going to heal up in time and did not do permanent damage to his trachea or other important breathing structures but caused an unthinkable amount of pain. Once the sutures come out, hair will grow over the scar and it will be but a bad memory for Abel. Dogs are resilient and soon forgive.

He has settled in quite well and is showing us an absolutely adorable and loving personality. He is a tiny little guy, around ten pounds, with a fun-loving and spunky air about him. With a dainty little trot and ears that can arrange themselves in all directions, Abel is an instant comedian who is winning hearts left and right. He is extremely social with other small dogs and loves to play. He would be a wonderful companion to another playful small dog but would also be great as an only dog in a home where a lively yet cuddly sweetheart would be appreciated.

He comes when called, is learning to walk nicely on a leash and is never seen without a wagging tail. Although he is active, he doesn’t hesitate to jump up and lounge on a lap or two when all you’re looking for is a little cuddle. Abel would be a kids best friend in a minute and is the kind of dog that could really make any family complete. Come show this dog the kind of love humans are capable of!

If you would like to help animals like Abel and his orphaned friends, please consider donating to the Santa Cruz SPCA. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations to run its many programs that benefit the animals and people of our community.

For more information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA 95065 and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m.

Sponsor a Pet: Amos

Amos is a new arrival at the shelter, but already we can tell that he is a complete sweetheart. When he first arrived, his hair was so matted that it was a solid mass on his body filled with foxtails and burrs. Underneath the mass of tangles, he was suffering from several open sores from the foxtails, which had become infected. After being shaved and treated with antibiotics, our vet discovered that this poor guy was also suffering from a broken pelvis.

He is recovering well and is already much more comfortable and happy.

If you would like to help sponsor Amos's treatment, your contribution will go a long way and will be greatly appreciated! www.santacruzspca.org/donate.html When you sponsor a pet, you not only help the animal listed, you make it possible for us to continue rescuing animals with special needs which would otherwise be euthanized in overcrowded shelters. Your support literally means the difference between life and death for those animals.

The Santa Cruz SPCA is a non-profit charitable organization which receives no public funding. All of our animals and programs rely solely on the generosity and kindness of private donors.