Hopalong Animal Rescue

Hockey Stars Turned Literary Lions

2011-12-10T15:41:00.001-08:00

When we adopted our kittens in August, their names were Heatley and Setoguchi, after hockey stars Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi. I mention that because I hope their foster family reads this and recognizes the names: I want to extend thanks for the unbelievable job of socializing they conferred on these guys. My son and I decided to re-name the cats after two of our favorite writers, so Heatley is now Roberto (after Roberto Bolano) and Setoguchi is Carver (after Raymond Carver). OK, these writers can deal with some of life's rougher aspects, but these cats are as sweet as cats come. I know how much their foster family must have contributed to that. But I also want to praise Hopalong. The adoption process was great. Background checks were thorough but not unreasonable. And the care that had been taken with these animals was superb, from screening for feline HIV, to ensuring that they had received a full battery of shots, to microchipping. Hopalong's staff and volunteers are
professional, knowledgable, caring, and coourteous. What a great experience, and what great pets we have. Thanks to everyone who helped make Roberto and Carver such wonderful kittens .

A gift from God

2011-12-01T12:38:00.001-08:00

Hopalong staff,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the tremendous gift you have given me.

I adopted my dog Kota from Hopalong in February 2002, he was only 6 months old at the time and was staying with a foster family. When I saw Kota on your website, I just knew in my heart, he belonged with me and my family.

Within a year, Kota was diagnosed with cancer. With my broken heart and Kota's will to survive, he was able to conquer the cancer with surgery and move on….. For the next 8 years, Kota's life was nothing short of entertaining. Whenever he rode in the car, he would constantly paw my elbow so I would throw treats in the back seat for him and my other dog Jake.… Oddly, Kota was under the impression he was a miniature poodle, who just always wanted to sit on Mom's lap. He never quite understood he was a 130 lb Rottweiler Pit-bull mix! One of my fondest memories of Kota was when I would return home from work. Kota would always be there greeting me at the door with his toy chicken in his mouth. If Kota couldn't find his chicken, he would have this goofy grin on his face, snort like a pig, and wag his giant tail back and forth which would shake his entire body. His unconditional love of life and family always shined through.

In June 2010, Kota was diagnosed with kidney failure. With his will to survive and my broken heart, he once again was determined to fight the disease. After 17 months of medications and IV fluids Kota started to lose the fight. Sadly, on November 28, 2011, my family and I all had to say good bye to Kota. Even though his life was short, the amount of happiness he brought us will forever stay in our hearts. He was true gift from God, his memories and spirit will be with us forever.

In telling you my story, I want to thank you again Hopalong, for doing what you do. Your dedication to helping animals has given me the opportunity to experience Kota's unconditional love for nearly the past 10 years.

In memory of Kota.

Pepe and Mattie

2011-10-16T20:17:00.001-07:00

Our family adopted Pepe from Hopalong in September. When our beloved Noche, a lab who we had adopted from Hopalong nine years ago died, our son convinced us it was the right time to get a puppy because both my husband and myself were not working for the next few months and it was a good time to have a puppy at home. Although we were sad, we decided to go ahead and went straight to Hopalong because we knew they were a great organization. We saw a photo of Pepe on the Hopalong website along with his five brothers and sisters. We were lucky to get the last puppy left in the litter.

Pepe is a black and white Pointer mix and now about 3.5 months old. His spots make him the cutest fellow with a Buddha spot on his head and one black eye and and one black ear. He is a bundle of joyous energy. A quick learner, Pepe loves to play and has us always laughing. We gave him the name of the famous cartoon skunk because he is Black and White and so affectionate. No worries- he does not smell like a skunk!

When we saw Pepe, we also saw a litter of cattle dogs posted on the web and told our friend Martha. She had been looking for a puppy for awhile. She adopted Mattie who is an almost six-month old and they now have play dates. Pepe, true to his name is a love bug and a bugger! Maddy is much mellower and when they play together it is hilarious. Pepe loves to crash into Mattie with his shoulder and somersault over onto his back. She stands there watching while he zooms around and tries to pounce on her. She's not having any of it, and shoves him back. It's great fun!
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Wynter--aka Pollyanna

2011-09-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful week with Wynter aka -Pollyanna. My youngest son, Ryland, decided that her name was Wynter because she is dark, just like Wynter. Once we got her home, we started showing her around and she quickly became friends with Shelby, our German Shepherd. Wynter has gone running with me four times already, and she goes on nightly walks with my sons and me. The Fresno heat proved to be too hot for her and we took her to the groomer's for a cool new haircut. She loves her short hair and seems so much happier now. We paid a visit to the vet and she said I was so lucky because Wynter is such a healthy dog. Thank you, Hopalong, for the perfect pet!
Check out Wynter's before and after photos!

Pollyanna comes home

2011-08-28T21:39:00.001-07:00

We just got Pollyanna home this evening and she has already adjusted well to her surroundings. She met her new sister, Shelby, and they ran and ran all over the backyard together. Later, my boys and I took her for a walk and she responded well to leash training. She is super smart and a real joy! She does not bark and just enjoys following my boys around the house. Right now, she has settled down next to me while I work on my laptop. I think we are going to enjoy having Pollyanna in our home. She truly is a beautiful dog with a darling personality!! Thanks Hopalong:)
The Bailey Bunch

12 1/2 years and counting.

2011-07-31T12:23:00.001-07:00

I was a foster mom for Hopalong in 1999 and on. I ended up adopting a dog and two cats.

Unfortunately my beautiful Sylvester, who clawed his way into being an outdoor cat, disappeared about 8 years ago, and I still look for him whenever I see a flash of black and white. He is a dead ringer for the "Sylvester" cat you always see.
Mick and Smoky are still going strong, both of them now 12 1/2 years old. I have since adopted another cat, brought to me as a kitten by one of my students, and he is huge, playful and loveable.

Mick is now a volunteer "listener" for the PAWS to read program at the Castro Valley library.
I loved being part of Hopalong, and I really love what they are doing for our homeless pets!

How Byron Won My Heart

2011-07-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

When I met little Byron, he did not immediately come right to me. He did not reject my advances, but he refused to be held... I was nonetheless drawn to him, which is something I can't quite explain, except that I understood he was afraid. He along with his four brothers and sisters were all being fostered by my roommate. They were all very young, not used to the house, and definitely not used to me, as I had only just returned from a trip out-of-state.

But as I said, I was drawn to him. The time spent with the little pack of five dark furballs involved a lot of care and trust-building, and was easily one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. I've always grown up with cats as pets, and even raised one since she was a newborn, but had been without an animal companion after moving to California. Though the five kittens were not technically my fosters, I helped socialize them now and then. Byron was always the one I inevitably found myself spending the most time with, but it wasn't until a mere couple of days before they were scheduled to return to Hopalong that the extent of our attachment became evident. I offered to take care of their food and litterbox while the fostermother was out of town for a day or two, and in that time, Byron refused to leave my side. He had a fondness for resting on my right knee, and I jokingly referred to him as my Kneebuddy, though as pictures show, he's learned that my lap is much more comfortable.

It was only a day or two, but I knew then and there that Byron wasn't someone I could let slip away from me. He loved me and he won my heart... I suppose the rest of the story is obvious. I adopted him, and brought him back to the home he was fostered in. He was already used to the surroundings, and ultimately was much more interested in me, purring mile-a-minute and giving me little loverubs and headbutts. Since then, he's been renamed to Chococat, after the Sanrio character who is dark-furred, just like him. We call him Choco for short, and he leads a positively happy, adventurous life with his brother, who was adopted by my roommate. Generally his days are filled with rambunctious wrestling all across our hardwood floors and over my bed, and periods of rest, right next to my right hip, if not directly on the center of my chest. He also has a fondness for squeezing into the comfortable spot between my laptop and my lap - admittedly, he's "helped" me out by pushing the space bar
for me - and as pictures show, he likes to reach out and act as my paperweight, from time to time. An easygoing, happy life, which has brought me moments of peace that I haven't felt in a long time. The kind of peace a pet owner shares with their pets, and I have Hopalong and my roommate to thank for that. Thank you for giving little Choco a chance to find me!

Indigo

2011-07-23T10:01:00.001-07:00

Our family adopted Indigo about six weeks ago, and its already hard for us to remember our lives before we had this cuddly little guy. We all smile and laugh a lot more than we used to, and there is a lot more hugging and wet, slobbery kisses.

Indy is very smart and was basically house trained when we got him at 11 months old, and he took to his doggy door immediately. He has also learned to sit, and to walk on a leash without pulling, and he is progressing well on learning to come "here" and to lie down. We are working one on one with a trainer, because Indy did show some aggression after he'd settled into the house for a couple of weeks, which came as a surprise to us -- that such an adorable, affectionate and fluffy pup could cop big dog attitude! He is doing much better now that we all have clearer rules to follow, however, and he has always been very friendly with other dogs and when meeting new people.

We just got back from a few days' vacation in Bolinas, where we discovered that Indy's ideal life is as a beach bum. He loved playing chase with the waves and digging in the sand and running in a pack with all the big dogs off leash. When we came back and went through our photos, we realized that we'd basically forgotten to take any of our daughters -- our new little boy is hogging all the attention! But the girls definitely don't mind -- everything we do together is more fun with Indy along -- he reminds us that when work is done its time to play.

Thanks, Hopalong!

Sebastian & CJ are home

2011-06-12T18:13:00.001-07:00

Hopalong named them, but they have new names: Jumpin' Jack Flash (Flash for short) and Tigger. It took them about 5 minutes after we opened the carrier in my home office for them to start exploring.

It has been a week and the kitty energy is undiminished. They figured out the cat flap in my study door (a legacy of the former owner of our house) within an hour. They now have full run of the house and are reviving our 14 yr old big cat, Spike, from his mourning since his shelter partner Rags passed from kidney failure.

The 5 of us pile on the bed each night and both kittens love to sit on my lap and walk on the keyboard when I'm trying to get work done.

We were happy to participate in the Maddie's Fund adoption.

Michael

your heart grows back bigger

2011-04-11T15:45:00.001-07:00

I love the line in the movie Must Love Dogs where John Cusack's character says that once it breaks, your heart grows back bigger...

My first Hopalong kitty was the love of my life. Buddy Stone maxed out at 17 pounds, he was a big, beautiful boy who my friend Suzanne always called my 'starter marriage.' Starting with the day I fell in love with him in the window of Your Basic Bird, we had a dozen wonderful years together, and when he passed in October it felt like the end of everything good in my life. Little did I know that two crazy, high-jumping littermates called Carmello and Zephyr were waiting to move in and take care of me, proving that your heart really does grow back bigger when you make room in it.

My new Hopalong kitties love to play and are perfect foils in terms of style and energy, complementing each other as siblings tend to. They love to climb on top of everything, wrestle at the foot of my bed and compete for lap space when I watch movies. Having two is great: I know they have each other for company while I'm at work, and it was nice to keep the kids together.

It took me a while to be ready, but the rush of kitten energy was just what I needed to start a new chapter in life. Everyone at Hopalong was great, and I always recommend the organization to folks who ask or are looking to adopt a pet. I'm so grateful to have my sweet boys, though I can't believe how much they've grown just since the picture below was taken (!)

Hopalong, thanks for helping my heart expand : )

Our Little Diesel Engine

2011-04-08T12:26:00.001-07:00

When we adopted five-month-old Diesel in February, we prepared ourselves for weeks of slow, careful training to acclimate him to our home. He was incredibly sweet, but very nervous and skittish. Just 36 hours after arriving, he was tearing up and down the house, entertaining himself with countless toys, romping with our other cat, talking up a storm, and sidling up to us for regular cuddle sessions. He insists on sleeping on my face at night, and he routinely wakes us up with his loud purring.

Diesel is a wonderful addition to our home!

Lindy & Scarlet

2011-03-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

March 1, 2011

We (John & Linda) recently lost the third of three cats who were with us when we met, got married and bought a house together. All three shared our lives in good times and bad. Sadly, all three died within a 15-month span – two of old age (18 and 15) and the third from cancer at age 13. We quickly realized that we each had not been without cats in our lives for decades, and the silence was deafening. Enter Hopalong Rescue!

Once we were ready to start looking for new kitties, we decided we wanted to adopt two cats, so they would each have a playmate, and hoped that they would already be bonded so that they did not have to adapt to both a new house AND a new friend. Fortunately, a kind volunteer at the Oakland Animal Shelter (thanks Ann!) directed us to Hopalong, which had just rescued two adorable feline sisters and placed them in foster care. In researching these two, we found that they were very bonded and enjoyed cuddling with each other – sounded like the perfect pair for us. We visited with their foster mom and fell in love! After a short wait for them to recover from being spayed, we met with Trisha at Hopalong to do the paperwork. Trisha was awesome and obviously LOVES what she is doing. We were also very impressed with the clean and comfortable Hopalong offices – there's no doubt they all love and respect their animal clients. We were excited to take the sisters home that day, and
after much discussion, renamed them Lindy and Scarlet.

So how are they doing? Fantastic! After a day or two of hiding under the couch, they have warmed up and let their personalities blossom. They're healthy and playful. They love playing hide and seek, running around the house, playing with toys. When it's time to chill, they love to sit in the window watching birds or cuddle together, even grooming each other every night. They have brought much love and joy to our lives, and our house has the pitter-patter of little paws again.

We can't thank Hopalong enough for taking such good care of their animals. Hopalong is an outstanding organization that provides a valuable and important service to the animal lover community. We were able to learn more about our kitties than we would from an animal shelter, and their loving foster mom (thanks Amy!!) cared for them and made the transition that much smoother. Although adopting from Hopalong is a bit more expensive than many animal shelters, it was worth every penny as we felt SO much more comfortable adopting from people who obviously care so much. Most city animal shelters do a great job too, but the sheer numbers of animals prevent them from giving the same kind of personal attention as Hopalong.

So, thank you so much Hopalong – we are very grateful!

John & Linda Waldman
plus Lindy & Scarlet!
Alameda, CA

Photo: Scarlet (L) cuddles with sister Lindy on the couch

Bella Brightens our Life!

2011-02-23T12:21:00.001-08:00

About 8 days ago, my husband and I adopted our darling little Tinker BELLA (formerly known as Fieval) from Hopalong. She has been such a welcome addition to our family of two older dogs, a beagle and a Jack Russell terrier. She seems to have limitless energy and engages with everyone for playtime. As you can see by her picture, she appears to be a border terrier and possibly some schnauzer. We also have two Siberian Huskies (grand-dogs) that come to visit often:, so we were a little nervous about how Bella would be around them. She weighs 8 pounds while the Huskies are 50-60 pounds each. No problem there---the younger huskie just adores her and she actually wears him out with their play!
Last Sunday, I got brave and took the 5 dogs to the Fremont Dog Park---because it has the astro-turf surface I figured that they wouldn't get so muddy from all the recent rain. It seemed like all of the Fremont dog lovers decided the same thing, so the park was crowded. Once I turned Bella loose, she got busy "herding" all those big dogs and chasing them all over the place. She is fearless !
Bella is also very intelligent. She has learned so many tricks and is pretty much house-trained (it helps that we have dog doors for her to use anytime).
I can't thank Hopalong rescue enough for their care and support and a special thank you to the foster mom who did a fantastic job with her! I will happily tell everyone I know about the rescue and I'm sure we will be back to adopt in the future. Linda & Ed Sowell of San Leandro

Happy Tail

2011-01-15T15:59:00.001-08:00

almost a month now ;-D
so a update on Jupiter

like my post below, he went to the vet and is now on "the pill" .

he has met several of the furry guys in the park and very social
ok one big dog ( illegal for the park) came through a screen door an we had a long hard talk and won't happen again, but Jupiter was totally safe !
he is slowly learning i am not the big boogie man ;-DD
and this is a short (35 sec) video of him in the back yard today !

so probably the last post as all is going well here, no problems at all
still too fast to use the front door,, but will come on command and a treat) heheheh

and loves long walks in the rain and cold windy weather ( i don't) but i do get my exercise ;-DD

Clink on this link to see a 35 sec of jupiter showing off ;-D

Happy Tail

2010-12-25T18:42:00.001-08:00

well jupiter has been a experience for me ;-D
i thought i had everything lined up , new dog tag with a way to find home if lost, friend to drive and a cage in the back so no stress on me or the lil guy.

I was putting Jupiter the friendly corgie/terror in the cage and he managed to get out of his collar and took off running down the street ! he was very fast and traffic was faster, i tried but could not get close to him , But then his foster mom saw what was happening and called him and she brought him back !
have you ever tried "self induced CPR"

the Lil guy slept all the way back home, he checked out the yard and came inside and adopted the couch in the other living room. he was very quiet and shy all night long so let him be where he was with water and food if needed.
By the end of day 2 i decided to find a way to feed him ;-D so i "hot rodded" his crunchies with some salt free/no fat beef broth. yep one tablespoon and "poof" bowel empty and Jupiter back on his couch .

well i got his attention and tried a walk with the leash... WOW he is great! no puling, just nice well behaved and walks along my side. They said to watch out for cats, well we walked by a few, he looked and then ignored !

he still has this "6 ft comfort zone" but now he will follow me around the house and wonder where i am at. He learns quick and now will follow me to the bedroom and sleep in his bed.
perfect little gentleman on a walk. i live in a senior community and all the ladies are saying how cute he is and well behaved !

so now being a senior citizen i finally found a cute doggie can also be "date bait" hehehe

He is still a bit nervous so no fresh pictures, but the whole experience has been great !
i had a rescued doggie before but i will say that Hopalong was totally honest and no surprises with him ! Maybe we will go to my Vet next week if he feels comfortable with it? I want to start him on Heartworm pills ASAP !
NOTE to all.... back in the 70's i lost a basset hound to heart worm and not a nice thing ! now they have a pill that will prevent it, so get them on the pill !!!

with him being so fast and quiet i found it is safest to use the laundry room door as a "sally port".
when i enter and leave my house. and when i come back he is waiting at the door, sees me and then does his 6 ft comfort zone with his tail wagging.

I haven't been back to the bay area since 1986, but this trip was worth it !!

Ya Jupiter will fit right in here and i want to thank Hopalong for their good, no GREAT work !

Dennis

A new kitten

2010-10-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

I had been thinking about adopting a kitten. Already having two cats I knew it might not be an easy task to find another cat to fit in with two established cats. I saw some kittens for adoption through Hopalong at a pet store one night. I asked to visit with the kittens not thinking I'd find one to take home. To my surprise the very first kitten I met was a friendly little guy. He had a perfect balance of friendly and playfulness and he was brave which I knew he would need coming into a home with two adult cats. After visiting with all the kittens I went back to the very first one and I knew he'd be perfect.

I filled out the paperwork and got a call the next day saying he was mine to adopt! I went after work and picked him up. I brought him home and he quickly settled in with the new cats. His foster name was Bee (which I still call him sometimes) but I changed his name to Bowie. It's been almost two weeks and Bowie is getting along great with by other two cats. He was indeed the perfect choice for my other two kitties.

I was surprised to hear that black cats aren't adopted as much as others. Bowie is a very friendly kitten, he's very playful but loves lots of lap and cuddle time with me and the other cats. He settled right in with me the other cats and I can't imagine not having taken him home and hope that other people can find that black cats can be just as wonderful as any other cat.

Thanks, Lauren

Black Cats and Kittens Need Homes Too

2010-10-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Black cats are routinely overlooked by potential adopters for a variety of reasons – superstition, they don’t photograph well, they aren’t distinctive, and there are so many of them in the shelters that they just don’t stand out like the colorful calico or orange tabby.

Black cats have a common characteristic of being easy-going and good-natured. They have so much love to offer and ask for so little in return. Black cats do not all look alike and if you look closely you will see that they are truly gorgeous and regal creatures. The glossy satin sheen of a black cat is unlike any other. When their fur catches the light, it shimmers. There are many different kinds of black cats and all are beautiful – auburn shaded black, blue black, black with tiny white highlights, sleek black, fluffy black and colorful eyes – green, yellow, copper and gray. Some black cats even have tabby markings.

Nevertheless, many black cats never get the opportunity to show people how perfectly they would fit into the family’s household. Shelters and rescue groups encourage potential adopters to give a black cat a chance – their playful, easygoing attitude will charm you into making them a permanent part of your family.

Katrina and Hurricane

2010-09-29T18:57:00.001-07:00

After being handed these two right off the van that late night in Sept. 5 years ago, they have changes our lives. Not to mention how their's has changed. After becmoing "foster failures" we adopted them.

From being hairless and full of cuts and bruises to the beauties we see today, we are very lucky. They didn't know toys, weren't spayed or neutered, weren't house broken and today they are therapy dogs and members of the Paw to Read Program where kids read to them. They travel all the time and sleep on the leather couch. Yep the furniture, their choice.

They live a truly blessed life.

Hurricane Katrina

2010-08-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

5 years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Hopalong responded to the disaster by sending 2 teams of people to the disaster area to assist in rescue efforts. We worked in the makeshift shelters, waded through the flooded streets to pull animals out of houses, and came back with 50 dogs and cats and several goldfish. All the animals were treated for immediate medical conditions including heartworm, kidney failure, skin lesions, and anything else they needed to regain their health. Several were re-united with their families and the rest were all adopted to new homes in the Bay Area.

This is a photo of a mama kitty that one of our awesome volunteers helped recue:

And here she is now in her new home happy and playing with a new toy:

A big thanks to all the volunteers and fosters who opened their hearts and their homes durring this sad time.

Lucky us!!!

2010-07-12T20:15:00.001-07:00

In April, 2010, our beloved lab mix, age 13, passed away, leaving her best buddy bereft and lonely for canine companionship. We waited about a month to let Rowdy - our dachsund/chihuahua - move through his grief (and ours) before vigorously searching for a second dog. We sent to local shelters, but became discouraged when each prospective adoptee had several holds, up to 9, and we knew the chances were small that so many ahead of us would fail to adopt. We found Hopalong online and decided to pursue one of the pups in the 9-week old litter of Border Collie/German Shepherd mixes. We brought Rowdy with us, and though it wasn't love at first sight between them, my husband, David, and I instantly warmed to the puppy who was frisky and calm in turns, cuddly and adorable.

After a week, we felt that the connection between the two dogs was not a good one and thought to bring the puppy back. Rowdy wanted nothing to do with her, rejected all her efforts to play and engage. Like a miracle, the night before we were to bring her back, the two began playing, wrestling, kissing, licking, chasing each other as though they knew it was their last chance to demonstrate the rightness of the new family member in our home.

Maggie, the pup, has become a loving and lovable member of our family, learning how to accommodate us as we learn to accommodate her. We take her to puppy training classes, do a lot at home, and find her so intelligent and wanting to please. With only one more shot needed, we are able to take her to our favorite beaches, trails and fields. We feel so lucky to have found her and she demonstrates her gratitude and happiness constantly. It's exciting to witness her growth and development. At 4 months, she is everything we had hoped for. Thank you, Hopalong, for bestowing this blessing in our lives.

Cher

2010-06-16T14:32:00.001-07:00

I worked at Pets In Need animal shelter in Redwood City as an animal behaviorist and when I had to move to the East Bay I was really sad and knew I could no longer commute to Redwood City. When I moved here I wanted to be active in our local shelters. I decided to foster with Hopalong. I ended up fostering this terrier mix named Cher in 2005, and at the time she was six months old. My wife and I had her for about a month, and when it came time to showing her to the public and trying to adopt her out, my wife fell in love with her and we decided to keep her. It's been about five years now and she is the best dog. She's healthy, fun, and very loving!! Thanks Hopalong for giving us a gift!!

Always'

Christina & Leena Buerdier

Christopher

2010-05-16T11:42:00.001-07:00

Note from a recent adopter: "We adopted Christopher, a 10 month old orange tabby two weeks ago. He is our second cat from Hopalong. We adopted Frankie (now Frank) 7 years ago. Both kittens were in the window @ Your Basic Bird. They also had the same foster Mom (thank you Liz D.) which warmed our hearts.

After a week of negotiation between the two cats, we settled into a routine of sorts. We changed Christoper's name to "Julius", gave him his new name tag and collar and let him have the run of the place. He now sleeps in our bed or on the window seat or on the chair or on the sofa (you see how this goes).

We are very thankful for such wonderfully well socialized cats and for Hopalong's great work.

Keep up the good work!"

Hopalong & Second Chance Spay/Neuter Voucher Program

2010-05-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

What happens when dogs and cats do not get spayed or neutered?
I think we all know the answer to that question…..thousands of dogs and cats surrendered to our shelters.

Hopalong/Second Chance is pleased to announce a new spay/neuter voucher program for community pets. In cooperation with Aborn Pet Hospital in Fremont, we are now able to offer a low-cost alternative to pet owners for these procedures.

Dog vouchers for male or female dogs, regardless of size, are $100.
Cat vouchers are $50.

If you would like more information about this program, please call our voucher hotline at 510-384-0867.

Cloe

2010-04-14T08:34:00.001-07:00

We Adopted Cloe a couple of weeks ago and she is doing great with our other dog and cats. Thanks Erika :-)

We brought Cloe a crate for her self and she refuses to stay in it, she sleeps with Reeko and is beside him all day and night.

Dogs can suffer from season allergies too

2010-04-13T16:23:00.001-07:00

The weather is changing and if you’re like me, you suffer from seasonal allergies. But did you know that your best friend could be suffering from allergies too? Dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies just like we do. They can also have allergies to foods, medications, and can even go into anaphylactic shock.

Signs and symptoms that your dog may be suffering from seasonal allergies:

Nasal discharge
Ocular (eye) discharge
Difficulty breathing/wheezing
Itchy skin
Dry flaky skin
Red, swollen skin
Welts or hives
Biting or chewing at feet and paws
Swollen face

If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, call your vet right away. While true allergies can be difficult to accurately diagnose, it is important to talk to your vet at the first sign of these symptoms. He may recommend that you keep a daily log of your pet’s symptoms along with the corresponding weather for the day. He may also recommend a blood test to determine if there are other underlying conditions. If your dog is diagnosed with seasonal allergies, the treatment is usually simple. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine, or, if the symptoms include secondary infections, he may also prescribe an antibiotic and a steroid.

Since we know how poorly we feel when we suffer from our seasonal allergies, we can imagine how our dogs must feel. It’s important to talk to your vet and get your dog on the appropriate treatment so that the two of you can enjoy the outdoors again.

Introducing Ms Farrah Fawcett

2010-04-09T12:52:00.001-07:00

I didn't expect to fall in love with Farrah. I mean, I knew - as a new foster - that I would love whatever dog came into my home, but I was also looking forward to getting to have friendships with pups that would go out into the world. Also - I'm a senior, crotchety dachshund kind of person - this chihuahua/jack russell/fox terrier un-toilet trained 6mo old couldn't be the one to captivate my heart could she?

But Farrah didn't live up to her breed stereotype - she was quiet when I picked her up from Hopalong but quickly gave her trust to me and fell asleep in my lap on the long drive over the bay bridge. Me and my friend desperately scrambled to rename her - under the threat of my housemate suggesting the name 'Cordelia' - no, no - she was too young and sweet and flirty - Farrah Fawcett she was dubbed before we exited the highway.

I was warned that she would take a while to make friends - seperated from her two brothers - she'd been in the shelter by herself. However, Farrah it quickly became apparent - was a social butterfly! She was enthusiastic but courteous to everyone she met - even the downstairs cat! Everyone was captivated by her - and kept asking me if I was going to adopt. I admitted she was the cutest pup I'd ever met but was holding out in my heart. After all, if you adopt you can save one dog but fostering you can help many more!

However I dreamed of Farrah every night, tucked underneath my arm - together we adventured in a dream scape. Unconsciously I sorted through all the things in my life I could shift to make this work - to make her permanently mine. I tried to imagine not coming home to her, not sleeping next to her and the sadness I felt was not about not having a dog companion but about not having her. In a couple weeks I'd become so attached to her, all her funny noises and manic evening periods, the way she climbed up me in excitement when I got home, the feel of her head flopped over my arm to sleep.

When I took her in for her parvo shot I knew I wanted to adopt her - but I felt so nervous. I was a failure as a foster parent! A sucker on my first go! The Hopalong team made sure that I understood what a commitment this was, after all the difference between 2 weeks and 15ish years is a whole lot. But I knew I was in love and wanted Farrah to be mine forever.

A week later I signed the adoption papers and I'm so happy I did so. I'm so thankful to Hopalong for introducing me to Farrah - and I hope that other people will step in to become foster parents and maybe meet their own life companion!

Judy Bluesky

2010-03-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

When I first saw her picture, she was called Skye. Her Piercing eyes were so often what drew people to her. I adopted her after losing my Betty, who was remarkable in her own ways as well. I felt that Betty was called out to me 'This little doggie needs you” and within a short amount of time, I would understand why this was true.

I changed Skye's name and she became Judy Bluesky. She actually picked the name herself. How? It was the one she chose to respond to. The 3rd time she acknowledged this name, it was a done deal.

Judy had had an awful start, the people before me kept her crated her entire first year and a half. They called her 'the dog' and she was viewed as 'too pretty to go outside'. And Judy was nearly completely damaged beyond repair. At three months in my care, she still cowered on walks, she still hid and ran at every little sound. Judy would cower and howl, often losing her bowels if anyone approached her too quickly. I accepted that I had taken on a responsibly beyond my control. I accepted that this little girl would spend her life in fear of it all, and that I would do my best to provide her with safety and comfort. I would protect her and care for her regardless of the fear.

And then the Miracle! Boo (a 75lbLabPitX) moved in next door. On our common deck, Judy saw Boo and she ran to him at full bolt. She got behind him and you could sense her complete surrender to him, 'You're a Dog, PLEASE, Protect me! The change in Judy was nearly overnight, in the next two weeks, she would learn what being pet was, she would learn not to fear the noises that Boo just didn't react to. She would learn from him to walk tall and to accept people. Her fears VANISHED, her Sweet Heart blossomed like a cactus flower that explodes as if it were a firecracker - only this flower NEVER wilted.Boo would eventually move away. But when his owner had two children close to each other, when the needs his family had dictated his need to work more than full time - Boo's 'all-days' with Tony turned into two 5 min walks a day. You cannot know Judy's Joy when he returned to live with us. He lives here still and was here for Judy's entire last year. Boo was Judy's Great Protector, her forever partner, her true love.

Judy had seizures and for the most part, we did very well controlling them with medication (Pheno). But once in a while she would still have one. This last Thanksgiving, Judy had a seizure that stopped her breathing - having watched net-vids about Canine resuscitation, I was prepared and was able to resuscitate her in under a minute. On Christmas Day 2009, Judy's last seizure had stopped her heart. Boo was as present as present can be, as he always was when Judy had a seizure. This time was a bit different. While I held her, he jumped up on the bed, he pushed his nose deep against her chest and he kept it there. He breathed deeply into her three times and without retracting. Then to my surprise, he threw back his head and howled in a tone I will never forget, the sound of it reverberated to my very core. This exclamation of Boo's unleashed the true depth of my grief.Dear Reader, you've been so patient. You’ve come along with me on this story that has so much Great Sadness in it. And now I tell you that I can not express to you in words how every moment of pain is countered by a Hundred Times the Absolute Joy I know from my experiences with Judy.Those first days with Boo around, when I saw her Heart Unfold are days I can never forget. They are Memories that flood my heart every time the thought of losing her returns. the way she Pranced, her little 'Girlie' steps. The way she cocked her head to the side, puzzled by the point I was trying to convey. The way she would sit on the sideline while Boo chased ball and that expression she would display, as if to say 'Sports are Stupid!' The way she would lay there on her side, offering me the gentle stroke of her paw and a tender little lick on the hand. The way I woke everyday with her laying there, looking into my face, waiting for just one eye to open and then, bursting into excitement, so happy that I was awake again. I miss these things, sometimes, every single moment. But I am Grateful that they ever happened at all. I am grateful for having known her, in ways I can never explain by language alone. The Great Challenge that Judy's circumstances had presented me with have become the Greatest Privilege I may ever know. This little Rescue, this little nearly discarded life opened a Chamber in my Heart that I didn't know was there.

Litter Box Basics

2010-03-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Urinating inappropriately can be one of the most frustrating things for cat owners to have to deal with. And since there are many reasons why cats eliminate inappropriately it is impossible to always know the exact cause. But setting your house and the litter box up properly is one step in the right direction. Here are some great tips to remember when you are bringing a new cat into your home.

Location, location, location – Cats like to eliminate in private. If the litter box is in a high traffic area of the house, the cat may not feel comfortable enough to go there.

To cover or not to cover, that is the question – many cats prefer covered litter boxes, they are about as private as it gets. But if your cat refuses to use a covered litter box, try removing the lid.

Size is definitely important – cats need to be able to completely turn around in the litter box. It is also important that the box has high sides if it is not covered to prevent accidents over the side. Higher sides also help reduce litter spray.

There are many options out there – clay, pine, corn, clumping, non-clumping the options are endless when it comes to litter types. Since cats don’t like change, picking one type of litter and sticking with it is the easiest way to ensure proper habits.

Keep it clean- this is the most important thing when house training cats. Cats don’t like to get their feet dirty and many will not even go into the litter box if it is too dirty. What is too dirty? That is up to the individual cat! Scooping at least once a day is mandatory, twice a day is preferred by most cats (and it helps reduce the smell too!)

Sharing may not be an option here – The rule of thumb is to have one more litter box than you have cats. But in a multi cat household, that could mean a lot of litter boxes. However, sometimes there are cases when one cat will not allow another to use “their” box. And if there are not any other options, sometimes the poor cat has no choice. This is one of those cases where it is better to be safe than sorry – having too many litter boxes is better than having to clean up accidents.

Talk to your vet – if your cat begins to urinate inappropriately you should call you vet and talk to him about a possible infection. If an infection has been ruled out, and these tricks don’t work, ask for a referral to a behaviorist.

Why Is My Dog Fat And What can I Do About It?

2010-03-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

It’s genetic.

Well, maybe not genetic, but definitely medical. And while it may seem that certain breeds (labs, beagles) put on weight faster than other (huskies, boxers) the truth is that all dogs are susceptible to weight gain. But there are certain medical conditions that contribute to rapid weight gain. The most common of these is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes the dog’s thyroid to produce less hormone which, in turn causes a lower metabolic rate, which means that your dog needs less energy (ie: food). Another possible medical condition causing your dog’s girth could be Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease causes a rise in a certain hormone that increases your pet’s appetite and increases the deposition of fat. Talk to your vet before beginning a diet and exercise routine with your dog to rule out any medical condition. Dogs with certain medical conditions will not loose weight without proper medication.

Too much food

Before the 1950s, and the invention of commercialized dog food, dogs used to eat what we ate – a little bit of protein, a little bit of veggies, and a little bit of starch. Now that most of our pets eat kibble, we don’t know how much of what they are eating. Many people buy food based on ads they see on TV or what their friends recommend without thinking about the caloric needs of their pets. Some of the more popular brands are higher in starch and lower in protein – ok for some active breeds that could use the extra sugars, but maybe not so great for the couch potato sitting at your feet. Just as it is important for us to read our food labels, it is also important to read the labels on the food that we feed our pets. Not only will they tell us what is in the food we feed, but it will also tell us how much to feed based on the ideal weight of our pets.

Couch Potatoes

As we spend more time sitting in front of the TV so do our pets. Dogs and cats used to have to hunt and scavenge for their food, now they have us perfectly trained to bring them their food in nice big bowls. Since the necessity for activity has decreased, so has their desire to run around. It is up to us to exercise our dogs properly. If your dog is friendly and social you might want to try the dog park. If your dog doesn’t really like to play with other dogs, but is still tolerant and is well trained, you can try a local off leash beach or a hike in the woods. If your dog isn’t trustworthy around other dogs, and/or isn’t trustworthy off leash, a nice long walk around the neighborhood should do the trick. Remember to start off slowly and gradually increase the intensity of the exercise so that your furry friend doesn’t injure himself.

Sagging Bellies and Sagging Knees

This one is multifaceted because as our pets continue to age their lifestyle changes make it more likely that they will gain weight. Few people think to change the food they feed their senior pet. Many still feed the same food in the same amount that they fed their dog when he was a growing puppy. Also, senior pets are less active then they were when they were young. It is important to talk to your vet about the dietary needs of your senior pet. Many dogs need less food then they did when they were younger.

One thing its not: Sterilization

Many people blame their pet’s weight on sterilization saying that their pet was never overweight before it was “fixed”. While that may be true, there are many reasons why your pet might not have been overweight before. The first, and most often over looked is that many people get their pets fixed right around the time that they stop growing. People continue to feed them like a puppy when they no longer need it. It is true, however, that intact pets have hormones that help them stay slimmer. Estrogen (female sex hormones) can decrease appetite and androgen (male sex hormone) can stimulate roaming behaviors (ie: more physical activity). Once a pet is sterilized, their metabolic rate will probably lower some and their desire to roam will also decrease, therefore their caloric need will drop. It is up to the owners to adjust their feeding to the proper amount needed for their dog after surgery. It is not the surgery itself, but a combination of factors and a lack of understanding by the owner that contribute to weight gain sometimes seen after a pet has been sterilized.

Obesity is quickly becoming one of the largest issues facing our pets today. And is it any surprise that as our waist lines grow, so do our pets. Most pets become obese the same way that people do – they eat too much and exercise too little. And the complications they face as they grow rounder are the same that we as humans face: diabetes, respiratory difficulty, higher risk during surgery, joint pain, and shorter life span. It is important that you get your pet’s weight under control so that you can live long happy lives together.

What Should You Do If You Find An Abandoned Kitten

2010-02-19T15:52:00.001-08:00

You should never assume that kittens have been abandoned by their mother just because you can’t see her right then and there. Mother cats often leave the nest to hunt for food. They also move their nest frequently and might be in the process of moving from one place to another. Feral mothers are often afraid of humans and will not come around if people are present. If you come across a litter of kittens, you should keep an eye on the nest for a few hours to make sure that mom is not coming back. The same is true if you find one kitten – make sure that mom isn’t moving more kittens into that space.

If you find a kitten that has truly been abandoned, the first thing that you should do is to get him somewhere warm and safe. If you cannot care for him yourself, you can call a local animal rescue and see if they have room to take him in. Rescues get many calls every day asking for help and they may not have the resources to take in every orphaned kitten. If rescues cannot take him in, then your next option would be your local animal control. Do not assume that they will be automatically euthanized upon intake. Many animal control agencies work very closely with rescues that have resources for orphaned kitties. Some animal control agencies might have a lactating mother cat that might be willing to take on an additional kitten. Never leave an orphaned kitten to die outside hungry and cold.

If you can care for the kitten yourself you will need to create a warm, cozy place that is away from other pets. He will also need a litter box with non-clumping litter. The kitten will also need age appropriate food. If the kitten is very young, it will need to be bottle fed with KMR (kitten meal replacement) – sold at most pet stores, along with bottles. Never give kittens cow’s milk. If the kitten does need to be bottle fed, he will need to eat every 2-4 hours around the clock. If the kitten is a bit older and can lap from a dish, you can mix KMR and kitten wet food and make a very soupy mixture. Kittens at this age will still need to eat every 4 hours. Kittens between 6-8 weeks old can usually eat dry kitten food with wet food being weaned off gradually.

Once the kitten is around eight weeks old, he can be placed up for adoption. Before that happens, make sure that you get him neutered so that you aren’t faced with the same problem all over again next year! But, since different vets recommend surgery at different ages/weights, make sure that you follow their advice and have them fixed at the appropriate time. Many veterinarians will offer low cost neuters for rescue kitties. If you can’t find a vet who offers low cost surgery options, call your local animal control and see if have services for low cost spay/neuter.

Pets: The Gift that Keeps on Taking

2010-02-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

Many of us know that pets make terrible gifts. But it never fails that someone, somewhere thinks that this is a splendid idea. Many of us who have had the opportunity to actually go to the shelter and choose a pet (as opposed to one choosing you one day on your walk home from work) know exactly how difficult it can be to choose a companion that is going to be with you for the next 10+ years. Long hair? Short hair? High energy? Low energy? Pure bred? Mutt? These decisions can be exhausting, and most of us have some sort of idea of what we want. But could you imagine making these decisions for someone else? Do you know your friends, family, spouse well enough to pick out their best friend for the next decade?

Five reasons why pets make bad gifts:

1) Pets are very expensive, and the recipient might not be able to afford proper veterinary care for the animal. The average yearly cost for owning a pet (between vet care, food, toys, boarding, training) can be upward of $1000.

2) Timing is everything. Just because someone wants a pet someday, does not mean that they are ready for that kind of commitment today.

3) It’s all about the chemistry. Just because you fall in love with a particular personality, does not mean that your friend will have the same feelings.

4) Pets require a lot of time and energy. Most people with dogs spend a minim of an hour a day exercising and training their dog; the recipient may not have a schedule that allows the time necessary to properly train, exercise, and socialize a new dog.

5) Housing always needs to be considered. If the recipient rents a house or apartment, pets may not be allowed. And if they are allowed at that particular place, is your friend ready and able to pay the $500 pet deposit? Also, when they move, are they prepared to spend the extra time and energy (and money) it takes to find a new place that allows pets?

If you are sure that your friend is ready for the commitment and you still want to give them the gift of a furry companion, here are a few ways to make sure that it is works out for everyone involved:

1) Make a donation to a local shelter or animal rescue in the person’s name.

2) If they offer it, buy a “gift certificate” to a local humane society. Then the recipient can either adopt an animal or the gift certificate can be used as a donation.

3) Give a gift basket full of pet goodies with a note offering to go with the recipient as they go to the shelter to pick out a pet, and pay the adoption fee

4) Offer to pay for the first vet visit (or a pay for a training class, or for the first grooming) for their chosen pet.

Tales From A Kitten Foster

2010-01-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 8th I got an email from Hopalong asking if I would be willing to foster another litter. My last litter had left for adoption just the day before and it seemed a little too quiet at home so, why not? Everyone at Hopalong knows that I always say yes. I can't resist kittens.

The next day I got 3 beautiful females and, within a few days, I also got their 3 brothers. The reason I call them my "literary litter" is because they are all named for famous writers: Shakespeare, Chaucer, Steinbeck, Lee, Dickens, and Irving. Very fitting names for such smart little kittens.

I was able to keep them for a month and I enjoyed (almost) every moment with them. They were all so sweet, affectionate, and comical and they always made me smile. My adult cats also enjoy having the kittens. My 2 year old cat loves to play with them. Two of his favorite games are "Whack a Mole" and "Chase me, chase you". My female cat mothers them by cleaning and cuddling them. She instantly accepts every litter I foster and she really seems to enjoy her job.

I am happy to say that all of the "Literary Kittens" have been adopted into loving homes. Now, I wonder when Hopalong will call about my next babies......

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please fill out an application

Why You Should Adopt an Adult Cat

2010-01-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

Adult cats are often diffiult for rescue orgainzations to adopt out because most people want kittens. I'll admit that kittens are cute and cuddly, and that they are always good for a laugh; but there are many wonderful and loving adult cats that need great homes too. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adopting an adult cat.

1) Adult cats are less destructive Adult cats are often more relaxed and easy going than kittens. They don't have as much energy as kittens either. While it is common to find kittens on top of your lamps and climbing your curtains, adult cats are more content sleeping in the window and watching the birds fly by.

2) Adult cats are litter boxed trained Many kittens will go through phases where they will need to confined to teach them how to properly use the litter box. Adult cats have been using the litter box properly for years. They are more likely to use covered litter box containers which cuts down on the mess and the smell. THey are also less likely to use the litter box as a play pen or a sleeping spot.

3) Adult cats have better sleeping patterns Ask any kitten foster what they miss out on most when fostering a litter, and the answer is almost always SLEEP. Kittens are awake all hours of the night and often crash hard just when you are ready to play, but adult cats are more likely to sleep through the night. They are also more likely to cuddle up next to you on the couch for the mid-afternoon nap!

4) What you see is what you get when it comes to adult cats Many people think that by adopting a kitten that they can shape and mold the kitten's personality to match the needs of the family. But this is seldom the case. Just like parents can't force their teeneagers to have a specific personality, neither can adopters force their kittens to have one either. If you adopt an easy going, sweet adult cat, you will have an easy going sweet adult cat for years and years to come.

5) Adult cats are often cheaper in the long run When you adopt an adult cat, you are most likely getting an animal that is already spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, tested for FeLV/FIV and microchipped. After you pay the intial adoption fee, there is very little medical costs for the next full year. However, when you adopt a kitten, most often it will be necessary to have more vaccines as they require a series of shots over a period of a few months. On top of the shots, you might have make vet appointments for sterilization, and you may have to pay for a combo test yourself.

Like I said earlier, kittens are fun, but all kittens turn into adult cats after a few months anyway. Why not adopt an adult cat to start with - it will save you much frustration, and could possibly save your couch and curtains!

Holiday Household Pet Poisons

2009-12-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

As most of us with pets know, it is extremely important to "pet proof" your house. Our dogs and cats can easily hurt themselves if they ingest many of the things we come in contact with daily.

Most of us are familiar with many of these items, such as antifreeze, pest control baits, garden fertilizers and pesticides, human medications, household cleaners and chemicals, and certain foods like chocolate and onions.

But this time of year brings other potentially dangerous items that many owners don't know about:

Holly, lillies, mistletoe, and poinsettias are common holiday plants that are fun to have around, but could be dangerous to your pets.

Christmas trees pose many dangers. The needles of the tree are mildly toxic as well as the water that the tree sits in. Other concerns are the cords for the Christmas lights, the ornaments themselves, and tinsel.

Many of us are careful throughout the year with watching our pets around "people food"; however, busy holiday parties are a great place for pets to snack on many things that can hurt them. Alcohol, coffee, chocolate (and other sugary sweets), yeast bread dough, and turkey bones are just a few of the food to watch out for.

Despite our best efforts to "pet proof" the holidays, many animals still become sick from these common holiday items. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous or toxic substance, call your veterinarian or poison control immediately. They might be able to give you tips that could save your pet's life.

Why I Don't Foster. . .And Why I Do

2009-11-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

There are so many reasons why I don’t foster dogs. For one, I have three of my own dogs. That is three dogs with very different personalities and tolerance levels. Another reason I don’t foster is because I don’t own my own home. . .and I have a (slightly intolerant) roommate. I’m also too busy to foster most of the time. Between dog training, dog events, and friends and family, it doesn’t leave me a lot of extra time to work with a foster dog. Having a foster dog can be very disruptive to your lifestyle, your dogs, and your home.

But with all those reasons (excuses) why I don’t foster, I still had 5 foster dogs in my home this past year. I had some very young, and some not so young. I had some very small, and some not so small. I had some very calm and some not so calm. Even with all those differences there was one thing that all those dogs had in common: they needed a place to go.

One of my jobs is to visit local animal shelters and access the dogs for intake into the HAR program. Of all the things I do, this is one of the hardest. Not only do I see the abused, sick, starving, and aggressive dogs at the shelter, I also see what these dogs could become if given a second chance. With a warm place to sleep, some good food, and a little training, many of these dogs could make great family pets. And knowing that, it is difficult to leave one of them behind just because we don’t have an open foster home.

So when I go into the shelter and I encounter one of these dogs that I just can’t leave behind, I scoop them up, give them a kiss and say “you’re coming home with me, kid.” And even though they don’t understand my words, I know by their wiggles and kisses that they understand the meaning behind them. And that makes all the “disruptions” worth it. Because, in the end, you can replace your furniture, your carpets, and your dogs (and roommates) will eventually forgive you, but you can’t replace LIFE.

Follow Us on Twitter!

2009-11-23T16:40:00.000-08:00

The times they are a changing! Remember when we used to comunicate with hand written letters? Now we email, blog, text, and . . .TWEET!!!!!!

Twitter is a quick and easy way to find out who has been adopted and who needs a foster. If you already have a twitter account, search for us as HopalongRescue If you don't already have an account, create one! You can see updates easily on your phone or computer. But don't let your boss catch you tweeting at work!

What Can You Do With A Rescue Dog?

2009-11-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

Dog sports have become all the rage lately. People are joining sporting groups in higher numbers then ever before. There is dock diving, for those that love the water and to fetch. Fly ball for those that love to fetch but prefer to stay on the ground. Frisbee, doggie dancing, Rally-O, agility, etc. The list goes on and on. And with so many options, it’s easier then ever to find something that both you and your dog like to do.

One of the best things about these sports is that you don’t have to have a pure bred dog to do them – or to compete. In fact, some of the best dogs for these sports are found in your local animal shelter/rescue. They are the “throw-away” dogs. The dogs that are too energetic for the family. The dogs that are “ball obsessed”. The ones that jump the fence and bother the neighbors with their barking. These are the dogs that excel at sports because they are the ones that need them most – the ones that need a job to do.

But if a drive-y Border collie mix isn’t your idea of a great companion, have no fear – you can do these sports with the couch potato types too. All you really need is good relationship with your pet and some extra time. Don’t believe me?

Meet mole: Mole is an 11 year old Chihuahua mix who started agility training earlier this year. Yes, an 11 year old Chihuahua. I had been looking for a sport to do with one of my younger dogs, and while searching, I found out that my little old man had an interest in agility obstacles. Who would have thought that I would be doing tunnels, dog walks, and teeters, with this dog? But he loves it, so we do it. But due to his age, we have to make some adjustments in order to ensure that we continue our working relationship for years to come.

Meet Mac: Mac is a 7 year old pit bull mix who enjoys dancing – but not late into the evening. Mac is a true couch potato and bed hog. He would rather be sleeping then fetching, and eating then swimming. But Mac has just the right amount of energy for the one hour class each week and 15 minutes of training most nights. And Fred Astaire has nothing on this sweetie when he is doing his thing to the music on the dance floor.

Meet Q-Tip: Q is a 2 ½ year old poodle/lab mix wonder dog! She enjoys agility and obedience but her favorite sport is Rally-O. Rally obedience is very similar to the stricter obedience that most of us have seen at dog shows, but rally-o has a bit of a twist – you and your dog follow signs directing you around the ring by doing different behaviors (sit, down, turn), and the best part, is that you get to talk to your dog while you do it! This is why Q loves this sport best! Her mom can encourage her throughout the mix breed dog club trials they attend making them even more fun. And when they aren’t training together, Q is pretty easy going and shares her mom with two other dog siblings.

A Halloween Warning

2009-10-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

"It's not just an urban myth black cats if left outside can be prey to animal abusers particularly around Halloween time. I know this because of a small kitten, named Rowan, who was rescued shortly after Halloween. I was volunteering at the Hopalong office 3 years ago when a call came in from an employee at the Pet Food Express store in San Leandro. The employee stated that a woman had rescued a kitten from some boys who were abusing him in the parking lot. I volunteered to go and pick him up and bring him back to the office. When I picked him up another store employee mentioned that he was missing hair on his back legs.

Back at the office Andy checked him out and diagnosed that his back legs had been burned. I volunteered to foster him and give him lots of love and TLC. Hoping that I could help him to heal physically and emotionally. When I brought him home he allowed me to put aloe vera gel on his hind legs and to cuddle him, but he seemed to be in shock. When I let him down on the carpet he ran under my bed and I rarely saw him for the next 6 months. He still came out to eat and to use the litter box but then would run back under the bed. With time and patience he ventured out into the living room but would run whenever I got near him. He also avoided my cats. But one day things changed and I found him cuddled up with my senior cat, Hannibal, in one of the cat beds in the bedroom. It' has been three years and he's come a long way. He enjoys playing with the many kittens I've fostered and comes up to me occasionally to be petted. He also likes to smell whatever food I'm eating. Recently he's let me brush him a little bit. But he's still easily startled and at times still runs from me. I don't know if he'll ever feel totally safe but that's my wish for him."

Many people have heard anecdotal stories like these around this time of year. But this one is true. And this little kitten was lucky enough to survive and to find a loving home where he will never suffer from abuse again.

Lemon - Remember this Little One?

2009-10-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Despite facilitating the adoptions of over 1000 animals each year, we somehow find ourselves falling in love with each and every one of them. A particularly special bunch was Remy and her puppies. Remy came to us back in April from the Oakland Animal Shelter with 8 puppies - and they were all just as cute as can be. Naturally we were thrilled when we got this email from her fosters earlier this month:

When our dog of 11 years died, we were devastated. We went back and forth whether we wanted to get another dog for three years. We began to look on the Internet at the rescues and shelters. We found so many animals needed homes, and decided we would get a puppy from a shelter/rescue. We looked for a long time, and finally saw a litter of puppies on Hopalong, and knew that we wanted one. We applied, and they called us back right away. After reviewing our application, checking with our vet, we were approved to adopt. They recommended a certain puppy out of the litter for us (Lemon), one they thought would fit in with our family. We went to meet the puppies, and fell in love with Lemon right away. She was the runt, and very timid. We've had her six months now, and she is better than we ever hoped for. We get so many compliments on her, and on how Hopalong did a great job matching her up with us. She was clean, well-taken care of, and very sweet. We could tell her foster family also did a great job with her. We can't say enough good things about Hopalong and the people who work there!

We were even more thrilled when we got this picture to go with it

Lemon (now Cali) and her big brother taz!

You CAN move with your pet

2009-09-30T13:22:00.001-07:00

“we ‘re moving”

Is the number one reason people give when they relinquish a pet. However, with a little time and effort, you can move with your pet. And when all they give us is their time and their love, we owe it to them to consider their needs when we move. After all, pets are a part of the family. And you wouldn’t leave grandma behind when you move, would you?

Even though moving with pets can be difficult, it can still be done. In the past, I have moved with both cats and dogs – one time I moved with 3 small dogs, and one pit bull – I KNOW it can be done! And here are a few things that you can do to make it easier to find housing that allows dogs/cats:

Check on-line for housing: there are many agencies on-line that make it easy to find pet friendly housing. There is a box for it right next to items such as one bedroom or two; or walk in closest; or washer/dryer in unit. These are basic necessities when looking for a new place – just like our pets should be.

Make sure that your pet is up to date medically. This means that you should make sure that all necessary vaccines are up to date. That your pet is spayed/neutered, microchiped, and licensed with the city. It is also a good idea to have your vet write a letter of recommendation saying what a wonderful pet you have and what a responsible owner you are for making sure that you pet’s medical needs are always taken care of in a timely manner.

Make sure that your pet has good manners: landlords are more willing to accept pets if the pet is friendly and well-behaved. Obedience classes are not only fun for you and your pet, but they also ensure basic manners. If you can, you should look into getting a canine good citizen certificate for your dog. It does require more training, but helps to show the dedication that you have for your dog.

Clean up after your pet: many landlords are afraid that dogs and cats will soil the carpet and will chew on the walls. Ideally your pet will be housetrained before moving into your new place. If not, you should look into crate training your pet. This will not only help reduce accidents, but will also keep your pet from committing any other destructive behaviors. Also, talk to your landlord about paying a pet deposit, and also offer to have the carpets cleaned every 6-12 months. And this goes without saying: clean up after your pet outside too. Landlords do not want to hear complaints from other tenants about your pet’s potty habits. If you have rented before with your pet, ask your previous landlord if he will write a letter of recommendation stating how your previous house/apartment was cared for.

Keep your cat indoors: If you have a cat, keep him or her indoors. Not only is it safer for your pet and the local wild life, but it also keeps neighbors from complaining to your landlord about your cat wandering.

Be honest: be honest with future landlords about what kinds and how many pets you have. Also, if your landlord does not allow pets, do not get them, or try to sneak them onto the property. This makes it difficult for them to trust you later on.

FUR BALL

2009-09-29T14:21:00.001-07:00

Great Adoptions!

2009-09-24T10:37:00.001-07:00

Since our last blog post we have adopted out 10 (TEN!) Black / Black and white kittens!

Here they are (in no particular order)

Vigilence

patience

curiosity

marley

milton

alice

sammy

ricky

leon

chuckie

Our total September adoption numbers (so far. . .)

dogs/puppies : 12

cats/kittens: 26

and that is in the middle of a move!!!! A big thanks to our fosters and volunteers who help us make all this happen! You guys rock!

Get Lucky - Adopt a Black Cat

2009-09-01T15:45:00.001-07:00

Studies show that black cats are about half as likely to be adopted as other cats. On average, they stay several months longer in shelters than any other cats. Black cats are frequently left waiting in shelters hoping to find a home only to be euthanized when their time is up.

Black cats are routinely overlooked by potential adopters for a variety of reasons – superstition, they don’t photograph well, they aren’t distinctive, and there are so many of them in the shelters that they just don’t stand out like the colorful calico or orange tabby.

Black cats have a common characteristic of being easy-going and good-natured. They have so much love to offer and ask for so little in return. Black cats do not all look alike and if you look closely you will see that they are truly gorgeous and regal creatures. The glossy satin sheen of a black cat is unlike any other. When their fur catches the light, it shimmers. There are many different kinds of black cats and all are beautiful – auburn shaded black, blue black, black with tiny white highlights, sleek black, fluffy black and colorful eyes – green, yellow, copper and gray. Some black cats even have tabby markings.

Nevertheless, many black cats never get the opportunity to show people how perfectly they would fit into the family’s household. Shelters and rescue groups encourage potential adopters to give a black cat a chance – their playful, easygoing attitude will charm you into making them a permanent part of your family.

BARK-gains Galore!

2009-08-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hopalong Animal Resuce is having a moving and bake sale!

When: Saturday August 22nd

Where: Corner of 2nd & Webster in Jack London Square

What time: 10am-3pm

What are we having:
 Dog and Cat Toys
 Leashes/Collars
 Pet Supplies
 Office Supplies
 Much more

And don't forget the COOKIES!!!!

For more information visit: http://www.hopalong.org/

Jackson Update

2009-07-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no pictures in this one. . .

Jackson is doing great, thanks to all who have so generously donated to his medical fund. He still has a long way to go before he is completely better, but he is starting to look (and act) more like a dog every day. His skin infection is finally starting to clear. He still has some areas that need daily treatment, and he still needs regular baths, but most of the yellow crustiness is gone. His treatment for the demodex (non-contagious skin mite) will be on-going for quite some time, but he takes his medication faithfully. It seems that his eye infection is cleared up, but he continues to need artificial tears as the skin around his eyes is still badly scarred.

Jackson's personality has really started to show in the past few days. It seems that he is not a "morning person" and would prefer to sleep past the alarm buzzing. Once he is awake, he has a voracious appetite! This little guy LOVES food. Its nice to see him putting some much needed weight onto his skinny little frame. Jackson has a tail that just won't quit wagging. Now that the hair is starting to sprout back on it he wags it proudly! He seems to like everyone he meets and doles out kisses to anyone who gets close enough. Jackson does well with the hustle and bustle of the office and doesn't seem to mind the frequent comings and goings of all the dogs. He also doesn't seem to mind the cats! (Actually, I think that he likes the cats because they always seem to be spilling bits of food for him to clean up!)

Just like the majority of the animals that come through our door, Jackson has brought more joy to us then we could ever give back to him. He is a constant source of amusement and fun. And his willingness to cuddle comes in handy when "rescue work" gets overwhelming. I know that Jackson will be with us for a while more, bit I am already a bit sad that he will eventually leave us. But Jackson deserves a great family - one that will take care of him and treat him like the little king that he is deep down inside. I just hope that his new family understands that we will *require* regular Jackson updates and frequent visits! We want Jackson kisses!!!!

2009-07-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

Jackson is an amazing little guy with a story I wish I knew. I found Jackson on Wednesday at the Berkeley Animal Shelter while I was out temp testing dogs. While there were many available dogs at the shelter, there were none that fit into our program at the moment. And while I did not take Jackson home with me right away, I made a mental note to tell my ED about him. Once she heard about him, I knew that HAR would take him in! Little did I know that she would fall in love herself and foster him in her own home.

Jackson is somewhere between 9 months and 1 1/2 years old. He is probably a pure bred Yorkie, but it is obvious that he was purely bred. He has a genetic (non-contagious) skin condition called Demodectic Mange. This is what has caused his massive hair loss. And while demodex doesn't itch, it still causes skin irritation which has contributed to his secondary skin infection. This mite/infection has made it's way to his eyes causing some corneal scaring. Jackson also has a malformed jaw which caused him to retain many of his baby teeth and which also causes his tongue to hang out constantly.

Jackson looks like a mess. . . and probably feels like a mess. His medical bills are adding up quickly and he still has a long way to go before he gets better. If you would like to read more about Jackson, or if you would like to donate to his medical fund, please click here.

Adopt-a-ton

2009-07-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

Our friends over at the East Bay SPCA are hosting a HUGE adoption event. It is called the

Summer of Love Adopt-a-thon

It will be helf Sunday, July 19th in Jack London Square from 10am-3pm.

We, at Hopalong Animal Rescue, will have cats and kittens, and dogs and puppies.

We hope that you will stop by and say hi. . .or will perhaps meet and fall in love with a new furry family member.

Economy In Crisis

2009-07-07T16:13:00.001-07:00

One day a father and his daughter are walking on the beach. They come across thousands of starfish washed up on the shore. The little girl begins to throw them back into the water. Her father says, "Don't bother, dear, it won't make any difference". Surprised the little girl looks at her father and then down at the starfish in her hand and says,"It will make a difference to this one."

Everywhere we look, we see the effects of the economy. I am getting more and more requests from people who are loosing their homes asking us to take in their animals. We are also getting more and more requests from shelters asking us for help. We are trying our best to help as many people, and their animals, as we can. But we often find ourselves turning people away. We simply cannot help everyone. And it is during these times that it is easy to become depressed. We easily forget all the happy stories of the hard luck animals finding their forever homes. But, the truth is that HAR has adopted out almost 250 animals this year. That is two hundred and fifty cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies that have found wonderful loving homes that wouldn't have been able to do so without the help of the staff and the dedicated volunteers and fosters. And while it is true that we can't help everyone, we are still making a difference in the lives of MANY animals each and every day.

Two Kittens are Better than One

2009-06-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Many people who work with cats and kittens will tell you that it is better to adopt two kittens instead of one. There are probably a hundred good reasons why this is true, but here are my top 5:

One kitten can become lonely
A kitten left alone during the day can become lonely and bored, which sometimes can lead to mischief. Two kittens will never be lonely, especially if they are siblings. In fact, you'll often find situations in shelters and rescue group adoption where a cage will contain two kittens with a sign, "These kittens may be adopted only as a pair." Shelter volunteers recognize that siblings really need to stay together. And since shelters are often frightening, unfriendly places to small creatures, unrelated cats often form close bonds that should be respected when adoption time comes.

One kitten can just drive an older cat nuts
Although it might sound contrary, an older, established cat will probably accept two kittens better than one. One kitten will seek out the older cat as a playmate, or worse, tease and pester the senior cat which can cause stress to an older cat. The kitten in return, will be "rewarded" for his playful efforts with hisses and swats. Two kittens will expend their energy in play with each other, leaving their older "uncle" to relax in peace.

They help each other burn off energy.
Even the most devoted human caregiver can quickly become exhausted by trying to keep up with the energy of a single kitten. Two kittens will wear each other out, leaving their human parent free to just enjoy watching them.

Fewer behavior problems with two kittens
Many people who experience behavior problems with kittens find that some of them go away when they adopt another playmate. What may be perceived as mischief is often just the result of boredom. Much like their human counterparts, kittens sometimes misbehave because "negative attention is better than no attention."

They will each have a friend for life.
Two kittens who grow up together will almost always be lifelong friends. Although they will sometimes have their little squabbles (what friends don't?) you will more often see them engaging in mutual grooming, playing together, and sleeping with their best pal. If you are considering adopting a kitten, think about your best friend and consider whether you would deprive your kitten of the enrichment a friend brings to life.

Mama Kitty

2009-05-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Kitten season is stressful not only for us animal workers, but also for the mama kitties. These cats were often once someone's family pet that they neglected to have spayed and then left to roam the neighborhood. If she is not caught and spayed, a female cat can have roughly 3 litters per year, with an average of 4-6 kittens per litter.

If a mama cat finds her way into a shelter with her babies, she will inevitably stay in that shelter longer then her babies. Many people will often over look mama cat and instead choose to adopt one of her cute and cuddly babies.

Mama Kitty (MK) was destined to be one of those over looked mamas

Mama Kitty came into a near by shelter with four beautiful Siamese and Russian blue babies. Because the babies were too young to be on their own, the entire family went into one of our amazing foster homes. Once the babies were old enough to be separated, they were placed into loving families. Mama Kitty needed some time after her babies left before she could be placed up for adoption. It was during that time that her foster family decided that she had already found her home! She was such a good attentive mama to her babies and yet still found time to play with the resident boys. She won the entire family (the two leggers, and four leggers) over with her sweet and gentle disposition.

Luckily for Hopalong, the fosters still continued fostering and Mama Kitty has proven to be an asset with the subsequent litters. She takes charge of them, shows them the ropes, and even gives them their daily baths! And right now, she is anxiously awaiting her next litter of youngins to play with.

Mama Kitty was lucky to find her forever home quickly because many mama cats often stay in the shelter or in foster homes for a few months after their babies are adopted. So, if you are looking to add another feline friend to your house, consider the fact that kittens only stay small for a little while. Please take the time to consider adopting a mama cat.

Pet Survivor Program

2009-04-24T17:08:00.001-07:00

Nikko and Gypsy are two very sweet senior dogs that came into Hopalong through our Pet Survivor Program. Nikko, the white 15 year old male, and Gypsy, the black 11 year old female, became part of the Hopalong family when their ailing owner had to move into an assisted living facility that didn't allow pets. Because he made arrangements for them prior to entering the facility, we ensured that these two sweet, family dogs never entered a public shelter.

Many people love their pets like family, but few people actually create a plan in the event of tragedy. It can be difficult to think about these things, but it would be even more difficult for these (often older) pets if they ended up in the shelter system.

Kittens Are Here!

2009-04-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

It seems to be that time of year again: the days are longer, the weather is warmer, the flowers are in bloom and kittens are popping up everywhere. As a rescue worker, kittens always bring mixed emotions. All year long we work with people educating them about the importance of spay and neuter; but every year, we see kittens in shelters by the hundreds. And while it saddens me to see all these kittens, I also get that warm fuzzy feeling when I pick them up and they start purring in your ear.

Meet Paul:

Paul is one of the first kittens of this year. We estimate his birthdate to be at the end of January. Both paul and his brother Bert, were born to a feral mom. They were rescued early and with the help of some great foster moms, we were able to socialize them. We neutered them, tested them for Feline Leukemia and FIV. They have been de-wormed, vaccinated and microchiped. Both are now available for adoption.

The first kittens are always exciting. And I always have to remind myself that we wouldn't have so many great kittens if we didn't have so many great foster parents to care for them until they are ready to be adopted out.

Oh, yeah. . .we were able to get mom fixed too.

Crafty

2009-03-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Crafty came to us from a shelter that we don't visit very often for dogs - the Hayward Animal shelter. HAS has a wonderful group of volunteers and rescue groups that help out weekly to ensure that the most adoptable animals find great new homes. We help out when we are needed with the dogs, but our help is most needed for the cats.

One day while visiting the shelter looking for some cats/kittens, I came across two 3 month old pit bull puppies. They were everything that you would expect from the breed: they were happy and active with goofy personalitites - plus they were just adorable. After spending some time with them, I knew that they would be perfect for our program. I brough them back to the office and everyone here fell in love with them too- we even had some staff members fostering them for awhile!

Crafty and Spring were spayed and Neutered; they were also vaccinated and given microchips - we don't take any chances with our babies! Eventually they went into "regular" foster homes where they were taugh basic manners and attended some obedience classes. They started going to mobile adoption events where they were the stars of the show.

Crafty was eventually adopted from our website, but his sister spring is still available for adoption. So if you know anyone who is interested. . .

Have them fill out an application

The Story of Dusty and Daisy

2009-03-27T10:41:00.001-07:00

My best friend and I were having a writer's day early in November. We heard cats crying and we went out to see if we could help. The cries led us to a home on my street. In the back of the house was an abandoned chicken coop behind a tangle of used auto parts, beer cans and spare wood. We could see Daisy and Dusty locked into a 1 foot by 4 foot section of the coop.

There was no evidence of food or water and no litter box. The cats looked panicked and dirty and smelled terrible. I could not reach in to pet them through the chicken wire. We talked to the children who lived in the home, and they told us Daisy and Dusty belonged to an uncle who had to give them up when he moved. They said the cats had been there for about a month. I asked if I could talk to the uncle and talk to him about signing the two girls over to me so I could re-home them. On Thanksgiving day, the children came to the door saying their uncle had come to visit and would we come down to get the cats. The cat's owner did not speak much English, but he told me he was very sad this had happened to the cats, and cried and kissed them goodbye when I packed both girls to bring them back to my home. Daisy was so friendly and so sweet, she took to our family right away. Dusty was shy for the first few weeks, sitting far away and watching me with her sapphire eyes. It took about a month to get the girls back to a decent weight, and smelling better. A pre-adoption physical revealed serious dental issues for both Daisy and Dusty - with Daisy having a great deal of teeth removed. She had 1 remaining fang and all the teeth on one side removed. Daisy also had a bad case of ear mites that had scarred her ears. After their surgery, both girls recovered quickly.

Daisy is a total people cat and sweet love bug. Even given all of the pain she had to be dealing with, she was generous with her purrs and affection. Dusty had grown comfortable enough to regulary demand belly rubs. We knew it would difficult to find forever homes for the 7 year old girls, as they did not show well in the cages at the mobile adoptions. We were fortunate to have found wonderful homes for both ladies. Dusty used her sweet deep blue eyes to win the heart of her "soul mate". The lucky new adopter had said that she and Dusty belonged together because they had so much in common. Daisy met her new life companion at Your Basic Bird in Berkeley. She is now the benevolent alpha cat in a four cat home full of love and kitty perks. She has been re-named Ruthie, and her new mom posts pictures of her on facebook.

Pearl Found a Home

2009-03-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

Pearl, a beautiful white lab/shepherd, has been with HAR since the winter of '08. She came to us through a joint rescue effort to help with a horder situation in Gabbs, Nevada. There were 58 dogs living in deplorable conditions after their owner died when a neighboring racher contacted the Nevada Humane Society. To help ease them of this huge burden, HSUS EARS and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary were able to trasport some of these animals to Contra Costa Animal Services in Martinez.

Hopalong/Second Chance took in Pearl and Pawl (a sweet, 6 year old, black lab boy). Once here, they were seen by a vet where it was determined that pearl had a severe heart murmer and was deaf. After some time in a foster home, it was also apparent that she was also almost blind. Pearl was clearly a special needs dog and it would take just the right owner to care for this girl.

Here at HAR, we believed that the perfect home was out there, and we kept our fingers crossed that one day we would get a call asking about Pearl. And, recently, we did.

Pearl, now Zuma, was adopted into a quiet household with another dog - Enzo, a 7 year old black chepherd mix. The family reports that Enzo has taken the big brother role quite seriously and is teaching her the ropes on their daily walks. Zuma is even getting trips to Point Isabel where she is getting to meet other dog friends and gets to visit with her foster family.

Zuma's new family says " My husband and I are very thankful for [the fosters'] dedication to this special dog, and that the timing worked out for us to be the lucky ones to give her her forever home"

Long Time Lexi

2009-01-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Lexi has been with us for an entire year. She came to us from the stockton shelter as a youngster - an energetic and crazy youngster! While Lexi was at the office, she would hang from the top of one of our two story cages and howl to get out. It was obvious that she had been in the shelter for a while before we came to get her. But we figured that some time and stretching room in a foster home would help quell some of that energy and that she would be quickly adopted; who can resist her princess-like beauty?

Lexi went into a foster home where she eventually had the run of the house. She could often be found climbing the curtains and taking flying leaps off of the refrigerator. It became very obvious that it would take a while before she was ready to go into a cage again at one of our sites or for a mobile adoption event. But then her foster got a job offer in another state and had to move. Luckily one of the foster's friends decided to take on the "Lexi Challenge". Again, lexi would be found in places she shouldn't and also got a little fiesty from time to time - what woman in her right mind wouldn't? And so it was that Lexi became a long termer. She was quite happy in her foster house and the foster family was glad to have her - but we weren't ready to give up on her yet.

Its funny how things work out in the end: One of our staff member's family was visiting the office on the day that Lexi came in - and she regulary asked about her. Lexi just stuck in her mind as something special - despite her caged craziness. The staff member figured that Lexi would be too much cat and tried to steer her towards calmer/older cats to no avail! After a lot of discussion and preperation, the family member decided it was time to bring lexi home and to make it work.

Lexi - renamed Frankie - spent the next two weeks in the office where she was able to get used to the house's sounds and smells. . . and the pitter-patter of little doggie feet. Eventally she was given more and more freedom and introduced to the rest of the pack. Frankie is enjoying her canine companions more then any of us thought possible. Frankie's mom even had a cat-safe fence built so she can romp and play with the dogs safely in the yard. It seems to be doing her a world of good because she hasn't not climbed the curtains once! (does it still count if they are verticle blinds???)

We Are On BLOGGER!!!!

2009-01-22T09:08:00.001-08:00

After much prodding by some well-meaning volunteers we have decided to create a blog. This will be a place where we post updates to our "goings on" at Hopalong. It will be an easy place for our volunteers and foster parents to keep track of some of the animals that have touched our lives throughout the year. We have so many great stories to tell that we really need an outlet to do so.

We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we do.