Binky Deserves More Than a Backyard

Binky, a purebred Pomeranian puppy, was purchased from a breeder at 8 weeks old by a family who wanted him for their young children. He was the cutest and tiniest ball of fluff you ever did see -- but it only took a few months for him to grow to nearly adult size and just that long for the children to lose interest in the bigger version.

Once the kids stopped playing with him, Binky stopped getting exercised altogether, and because he was a normal bouncing puppy, he was relegated to live full-time in a small concrete backyard. Soon thereafter he was listed on Craigslist for free. A very caring woman saw his ad and, in fear he may end up in the wrong hands, went to get him. She decided to bring him to the Santa Cruz SPCA, where she knew potential adopters would be screened and he would have the best chance at finding the home he deserved.

 

Binky is now 4½ months old and is the most friendly, eager, outgoing bundle of joy! It doesn't appear that he's had much in the way of training, but this happy guy has a wonderful temperament which is a solid foundation to build on. His eyes light up when he sees people -- big or small -- and absolutely LOVES to play with other dogs. Once he's got his giggles out, he'll stretch out on the floor with both legs behind him or hop in your lap for some snuggles.

He'll need some help figuring out how a leash works and may need a reminder that all four feet need to stay on the ground, but give this guy a chance and you will be happy you did! Binky is going to bring a lot of fun and laughs into someone's life.

This little guy is pillow-soft and extremely beautiful. His coloring is rare -- red sable merle -- causing him to have a "freckle-faced" appearance. He's at the in-between stages of puppy fur and adult fur so he has a little of both. We expect his coat to become thicker and fuller as he matures. This breed is known for its grooming needs, particularly the brushing upkeep and shed control. As far as size goes, Binky is now about 8 pounds and should mature to between 10-12 pounds.

The perfect home for Binky would be an active one, possibly with children or another playful dog. Of course, this time around we want to see that the whole family loves him and that he will be a valued indoor member. He'll need daily exercise and play, as well as basic obedience training. Because he's still a puppy, your schedule is something you must consider as puppies his age shouldn't be left alone for more than four or five hours a day.

Come down to the SPCA and you'll go bonkers for Binky in just one bounce!

Offer Abbey Another Someone to Love

Abbey and her previous person were inseparable and did virtually everything together. They shared a very deep bond filled with mutual love and respect for six long years after Abbey was adopted from the Santa Cruz SPCA. Tragically, Abbey's other half was hit by a car and killed while walking in a crosswalk. Not only did this horrific event leave Abbey without her person, it also left her without a home after attempts to place her by friends and family members failed.

This beautiful 12-year-old Wheaton terrier mix is settling in at the Santa Cruz SPCA, and although she is very obviously grieving, her sweet and calm nature is winning hearts already. You would never guess her age; Abbey is extremely able-bodied and loves to fetch balls and take long walks. She's been through obedience classes and knows basic commands like sit, stay, come and down and walks wonderfully on leash. In the home she's mellow, quiet and completely house-trained. She enjoys lying at your feet, by your side or following you from room to room. This is a seasoned house dog who's smart to boot!

 

The perfect home for this sweetheart would be with a kind and gentle person or an adult family with no small children. She prefers a gentle approach when first greeting, as fast movements by strangers intimidate her. After just a couple seconds her tail begins wagging and she'll give a few kisses for good measure. She seems to tolerate other dogs but doesn't enjoy puppy energy or engaging in play. That being said, we could see her doing OK in a home with another older dog or as an only dog.

Abbey is a healthy girl with no history of major medical issues. Due to her age, she does have a few benign fatty tumors that are very common in older dogs and generally pose no health risks or require any treatment. Although they are not painful, Abbey is a bit sensitive about them being touched as well as some other parts of her body, so it's important that her new person be perceptive and gentle when handling her.

Weighing in at around 30 pounds, Abbey is a medium-sized dog with an extremely soft coat. At this time she has a summer cut and has been shaved relatively short while her face and tail remain longer. She seems to shed very little, but it's not known if she would be considered hypo-allergenic. Her hair will grow out long and fuzzy, so she will require regular grooming.

Abbey has a lot of life and love to give a special person. She's lost a soulmate, but that doesn't mean there isn't another perfect someone out there for her. If you think you may be the one to pick up her pieces, please come meet her!

The SPCA's adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipping, an ID tag, collar, a free vet exam, one month's free health insurance and other animal care materials.

Consider donating to the nonprofit Santa Cruz SPCA, which receives no government funding. The Second Chance Fund also helps pay for emergency surgical procedures.

Abandoned Dog Finds New Home Helping Combat Veterans

An abandoned 5-year-old cocker spaniel has found a new home and a new purpose in life helping military combat veterans recover from post traumatic stress disorder.

Laddie was adopted recently out of the Santa Cruz SPCA to serve as the house therapy dog at the Paget Center. The 12-bed residential facility helps homeless vets recover from their traumas and transition back into civilian life after serving on the battle field. The gentle, people-pleasing pooch immediately had a positive impact on residents.

"The mood in the house is lighter," said Lino Montes, the manager at Paget Center. "People who were withdrawn are coming out of their shells. They're taking an interest in walking and feeding him. It's amazing to see the transformation."

Laddie languished at the SPCA for months because he doesn't get along with other dogs. But when it comes to humans, he offers nothing but love and support. He has the run of the house at his new home, a large fenced in yard to play in, and has an uncanny knack for detecting when individuals need comfort.

"If he sees you're upset, he puts his head on your lap," Montes said.

The Paget Center is staffed by veterans who have been affected with PTSD, and understand the many challenges combat vets face.

Funded by the Veteran's Administration, the house operates under the auspices of Front Street Inc., a behavioral health agency, and provides 90 days of emergency shelter for homeless vets and a host of services. Along with individual counseling and group therapy, the Paget Center also helps veterans find jobs, housing and provides other services to help them re-engage with society.

The residential facility, which has been operating for 17 months, has a 98 percent success rate in helping veterans get their lives back on track, Montes said. As manager, Montes has the authority to provide any services his residents need.

NEW LEASE ON LIFE

 

When he realized the residents would benefit from a house dog, he contacted Mandi Hart, the assistant manager for the Santa Cruz SPCA and asked her to help. Hart recommended Laddie, who had become a staff and volunteer favorite at the shelter for his people skills, and brought him to the Paget Center for a visit.

Instantly popular, Laddie was adopted a few days later.

"I can't thank Ms. Hart for all the help and support she gave us," Montes said. "Laddie gets all the attention he wants and has a big house to run around in."

With a dozen different beds to sleep on, Laddie also seems to know who needs his company most. One of the residents who has struggled with severe insomnia brought on by PTSD said he was able to sleep through the night for the first time in years after Laddie arrived.

"It's awesome," said Anthony Uzzi. "The first night he was here he slept on my bed. It was the best sleep I've had in years. Having the dog in the room does help me because I'm not constantly listening to sounds. With Laddie, it's an extra set of ears that lets me stay asleep. He's got my back."

Like other residents, Uzzi said just petting Laddie helps reduce his stress. The dog also provides another set of ears for veterans to talk to about their experiences. While there is a 1 to 2 ratio of counselors to residents at the center, and staff members on site 24 hours a day, sometimes the men are more comfortable confiding in the dog.

"You can tell him anything and he's just going to give you that unconditional love," Uzzi said. "It really does help us heal."

Laddie also helps add a homey touch to the residential house.

"This place is about giving back the gift of life," said Kendra Cooley, the center's outreach coordinator. "It's a home, it's a family, it's a safe place and a springboard to the next path."

For a formerly homeless vet who struggled with chronic pain and depression after a traumatic brain injury he incurred while in the military, the center helped him heal, then hired him to help others.

"This place was a Godsend to me," said Ernie Soto. "It gave me back my drive, my desire and a purpose in life."

Hot Dogs! Ten Minutes to Disaster

We understand that many people mean to be kind by bringing their dogs with them as they run errands around town.

But as the summer months are fast approaching, you should be aware that even a mild summer day on the coast can be deadly for an animal left in a parked car.

On just a 78 degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can reach 160 degrees in just a few minutes. Parking your car in the shade or rolling down the windows won’t prevent your pet from getting over-heated.
Be aware of the signs of heat stress:

•Heavy panting
•Glazed eyes
•Rapid pulse
•Unsteadiness
•Staggering gait
•Vomiting
•Deep red or purple tongue

If your animal becomes over-heated, take him/her into the shade or an air conditioned area immediately and apply cool (not cold) water all over their body to gradually lower the body temperature. Apply ice packs to the animal’s head, neck, and chest only. Let him/her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take your animal to a veterinarian immediately.

Help us keep animals cool and safe this summer!

Contact us for a free packet of flyers to carry with you in your car to help spread the word. Call
(831) 465-5000 or send a SASE to: Santa Cruz SPCA, P.O. Box 3800, Santa Cruz, CA 95063.

SPCA Helps Bring Hope to Hoarding Case Survivors

The faces of more than 100 adult dogs and puppies filled the backyard of a Madera home where they were living amidst their own filth and fighting over scraps of food for survival. The man who owned the home said he started out with four stray dogs and they began to produce litter after litter. According to a Madera County Animal Shelter volunteer, “They were attacking each other every minute because there was no food. There were dogs everywhere you looked, in every corner,
under every step, behind every turn.”

In situations like these, it’s hard not to let anger or judgment
creep in. However, as an organization dedicated to helping animals, the Santa Cruz SPCA put feelings aside and dove headfirst into the effort to save these precious lives. Time was of the essence because if rescues didn’t step in to get dogs out, the county would most certainly confiscate and euthanize them.

Within hours of discovery, a large group of dogs and even a few kittens were in a van headed to the Santa Cruz SPCA. In anticipation of their arrival, urgent foster home pleas were sent to every single person on our email list. Very little was known about body condition or health, but we wanted to be prepared for anything. Minutes after our emails were sent, an overwhelming show of support and foster offers flooded in. We were simply in awe of the level of compassion and willingness to give time, supplies, money and homes in order to aid our rescue efforts and give these animals
a fighting chance.

The animals arrived completely filthy, flea- and worm- infested, and suffering from numerous ailments from skin and eye issues to upper respiratory infections. They were met by a well- oiled group of staff and volunteers that, in minutes, vaccinated, de-wormed and de-flea’d all of the new arrivals. They were then sent to their foster homes with crates, food, and bedding to recoup, recover and relax.
In those foster homes these animals will live life like they’ve never lived before, and learn what it’s like to be truly loved and properly cared for. It will take time to get them well and a little more time
to get them adopted, but it’s clear that these cats and dogs are the survivors that we exist to save.
The value of a foster home, a donation, and even an adoption can be seen and felt in full force during efforts like these. It truly takes a village to “come to the rescue” and every helping hand is vital no matter how large or small. Our appreciation to all of our supporters runs deep, but to the animals, your support truly means life! This is the third hoarding case in two months from which we have saved animals, and it won’t be the last. We are extremely fortunate to have you by our side through it all.

Teacup for Two!

It's tea time! Why not sit down with Pumpkin, Sweet Potato or both? These two adorable 4-month-old teacup Chihuahuas are very loving, affectionate and sweet. Although they are teeny-tiny, barely 3 pounds, they will bring big love into someone's life.

These two were part of a litter of four that came to the Santa Cruz SPCA with their mom at only 4 weeks old as an unwanted litter. Pumpkin and Sweet Potato are the last two of the group and have literally grown up in a shelter. Although they have been loved by volunteers and staff, been given all of their vaccinations, and been properly socialized with other dogs and kitties, they are in dire need of a real home with a lifelong family of their own.

Sweet Potato is a little boy who is the more confident of the two. He is curious and bold and has the "take-charge" approach to life. He's playful with other dogs, loves his toys, and has the most adorable little upright ears and bright eyes. Pumpkin is a little girl who is a tad more submissive and shy. She is definitely the cuddle bug of the two and will follow a person around until she can figure out a way to wiggle into your lap, arms or clothing! She loves to be carried around and doted on, and although she's shy she will be the first to scurry over to beg you to pick her up.

These siblings are available to be adopted together or separately. They are so sweet with each other and spend hours playing, cuddling and cleaning each other. Even if they don't go together, we are confident that they will adjust to life with other dogs or human family members just fine. They would do great with other small to medium dogs or gentle larger dogs, as well as cats. We don't recommend that they go to a home with small children because their size makes them more delicate and they can be more easily injured.

Call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA, at 2685 Chanticleer Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The SPCA Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop is at the Capitola Mall near Target and is open on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

This Valentines Day, Find Love at the SPCA

What better way to celebrate Valentines Day, than to adopt a best friend for life? Check out the Featured Pets in this newsletter to see just a few of the homeless shelter pets looking for their one true love - YOU!

For a full list of our adoptables check out our website: www.santacruzspca.org/adopt

Can't adopt? Show your sweetheart that you have a heart of gold! Donate to the SPCA and we will send a personalized acknowledgment card that same day. Just go to www.santacruzspca.org/donate

Treat your Valentine to one of these beautiful sterling silver charms! Elegant and simple, these charms will compliment any look.

www.santacruzspca.org/charitycharm

Dog Blog: Meet Cinnamon!

Little Cinnamon here is about as sweet as they come. Her loving nature and sweet demeanor belie her past...her, her "baby daddy" Jackson , and her two pups Max and Ruby, were rescued from death row at another shelter. She's been through a lot, but you'd never know due to her calm temperament and affectionate nature.

Cinnamon is available at the Santa Cruz SPCA located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue on the mountain side of the 1 freeway.

For more information on Cinnamon or any of our other dogs, please go to www.santacruzspca.org or call (831) 465-5000 during business hours.

A Poem For Senior Dogs

One by One, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

- Author Unknown

Dog Blog: Meet Riana!

Adorable little Riana looks more like a gazelle than a dog as she trots around on her stilt-like legs. The happy-go-lucky girl loves being held and will happily sit on your lap for as long as you will let her. She loves playing with toys, especially the smaller, stuffed variety, but doesn't share well with other dogs and would be best as the spoiled only child of a quiet, adult-only household.



Riana walks well on a leash, but, as with most dogs, needs some behavior and potty guidance. When she was fostered, she only had 1 accident in the house and after some simple but consistent instructions, she began going outside.

More information on Riana is available by clicking here or by going to the Santa Cruz SPCA website(www.santacruzspca.org) and selecting from the "ADOPTION" toolbar at the top.

Beautiful Photography

Gorgeous photography taken by volunteer and friend, Simone Anne...

www.simoneanne.com

Dog Days of Summer!

A tail-wagging good time was to be had for all down at the San Lorenzo Benchlands on Saturday, August 21st as the Santa Cruz SPCA hosted its first annual “Dog Days of Summer” festival. Over 400 families and their four-legged companions flocked to the event to frolic in the sunshine and participate in a whole host of activities.

The public and their pets were invited to peruse local vendors and artisan booths, participate in a raffle and silent auction loaded with awesome prizes, and strut their stuff in doggy pageants! Agility and Search and Rescue demonstrations were performed throughout the day in the lower arena, while CBS’s Survivor star, SPCA board member and Event MC Lex Van Den Berghe kept everyone entertained with his wise-cracks and enthusiasm in the main ring.

The festival coincided with the 5th anniversary of the Hurricane Katrina airlifts in which the Santa Cruz SPCA, thanks to generous donations by Doris Day and countless volunteer, airlifted over 180 animals to safety and new homes. Many of these animals and their families turned out to support the event by participating in a beautiful and touching “Katrina Remembered” survivor pageant. It clearly demonstrated the power of love and determination embodied by “The Little Shelter That Could”. SPCA Director Lisa Carter was present to welcome the very survivors she once helped rescue and was overjoyed to witness the difference she made in their lives.

Volunteer event coordinator Heather McCurdy led an impressive group of SPCA Staff and Volunteers through the biggest event in Santa Cruz SPCA history which succeeded not only in raising much needed donations for the SPCA, but provided dog lovers from all over the Bay Area with a wonderful and fun weekend activity that will be remembered for years to come!

Many, many thanks to all the sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff who made this event everything it was.

Please support the SPCA by patronizing the local businesses who have given so much to the Santa Cruz SPCA.

Also, be sure to check out Portia Shao's blog of Positive Vista Photography Studios for more awesome photos of this incredible event! (My personal favorite is the one of the pony meeting the Great Pyranees!)

Dog Days of Summer!

A fun, doggy day of activities, events and demonstrations, including a celebration of the fifth anniversary of Katrina -- the people who rescued dogs and the dogs that survived the devastation.



JOIN US FOR A FUN-FILLED, DOG-FILLED DAY

At the San Lorenzo River Benchlands in Santa Cruz, and all around the County Building

♥♥All Proceeds Benefit the Santa Cruz SPCA!♥♥


August 21, 2010

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Activities include:

Dog-A-Thon walk, Parade of Katrina Survivors, vendor booths, scent tracking demonstration, dog psychic, agility course, doggie free style demonstration, donor raffle, doggie fashion show, bobbing for hot dogs, plus fun and games, and much much MORE!



How to Help:

Be a Sponsor, a Vendor, a Participant, a Donor, a Walker, a Volunteer!

for more information, including volunteering to help at the event, please go to our Santa Cruz SPCA Website or email Cathryn at Cathryn@santacruzspca.org

Whole Foods Birthday Bash!

Whole Foods Capitola turned 1 this year, and what better way to celebrate than food, fun, free cake and adoptable doggies!



Santa Cruz SPCA Volunteers and adoptables mingled with the crowd on July 24, 2010, for this birthday bash of epic proportions. Food vendors from all over the bay area packed the parking lot with yummy (and often times healthy) treats, a massive Whole Foods birthday cake was shared with everyone and there was even a Zumba lesson at noon!

Taz and Marigold were adopted from the event and several other dogs adopted as a result.

THANK YOU FOR INVITING US, WHOLE FOODS!!

Rick's Barber Shop Supports Santa Cruz SPCA!

Santa Cruz SPCA volunteers brought adoptable dogs to the sidewalk in front of Rick's Barbershop on June 18, when the salon hosted an all-day fundraiser and adopt-a-thon. Rick, Rochelle and their staff of stylists snipped their way through more than 30 heads of hair and donated the proceeds to the Chanticleer Avenue shelter. SPCA Event Coordinator Cathryn Boult spearheaded the event, which raised more than $800.

Much thanks to Rick, Rochelle and the entire crew down at Rick's Barber Shop for donating their time, talent and tips to this event (not only did they donate the cost of the haircut, but their tips too!!!)

SPCA Volunteers had an amazing time and 2 of our volunteers got snazzy new haircuts...like they weren't fierce enough already!!!

Here are some photos from the event...