Sam Spade's San Francisco

Feline Fees Reduced in August

The San Francisco SPCA has reduced its adoption fees for adult cats - six months of age and over - to just $20 each. At the same time, people who adopt a kitten - under six months - for the regular price of $100 can receive a second one for only $25! The new fees apply only during the month of August.

"The San Francisco SPCA is in the middle of kitten season, when large numbers of kittens are coming into our shelter," said SF/SPCA President Jan McHugh-Smith. "One of the consequences is that wonderful older cats typically wait longer to be adopted at this time, while cute little kittens fly out the door! We want to level the playing field this month and give the adult cats an equal chance to find loving homes." McHugh-Smith further noted that adult animals make delightful companions. They require less time and energy than younger ones, and usually adapt very easily to their new homes.

And adoption of an animal from The SF/SPCA is always a great deal! All fees include medical and behavioral evaluation, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and micro-chipping. Adopted animals also come with a free, first medical exam from a local veterinarian, and a medical assistance plan. Kittens are at least eight weeks old and weigh two pounds or more before they are eligible for adoption.

Happy Tails

Lucky Charm

Life didn't seem very promising for Charm, a 3-year old, black and tan Chihuahua held as a stray at the Madera Shelter. Charm's back legs were almost completely crippled - she held one up in a bent position, and she walked on the other with great difficulty. But The SF/SPCA LifeLinks Program, which accepts adoptable animals from overburdened regional shelters, saw beyond her physical challenges to the sweet, friendly little girl who deserved a chance in life. Charm was brought to The SF/SPCA where veterinarians diagnosed her as having Level 4 (out of 5) luxating patellas. This is a condition in which the patella, or kneecap, dislocates or moves out of its normal location; it's frequently found as a congenital condition in toy and miniature dogs. San Francisco Veterinary Specialists (SFVS), which provides a certain amount of charitable work for The SF/SPCA, performed bilateral patella surgery on the tiny dog, and although Charm will never win an award for speed, she'll be able to walk comfortably using both back legs. This plucky little dog recovered quickly and was soon adopted into her forever home

Tigger Time

12-year old Tigger was a big orange cat who knew that, in time, the perfect human would find him. But Tigger was not only a senior cat, he was also FIV+, and to be an elderly homeless cat with FIV can often mean a very long wait for a new home.

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is the feline equivalent of HIV which affects humans. There is a great deal of unfounded fear and misinformation out there about FIV+ cats. The following are some reliable facts about FIV:

• FIV is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.
• FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
• FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.
• FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually, through such items as litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing, and it is rarely spread from a mother to her kittens.
• FIV can be spread through blood transfusions, a cat being bitten by an FIV+ cat with badly infected gums, and penetrating bite wounds. Bite wounds of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, un-neutered tomcats.

In July, a client from PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), a San Francisco-based organization that provides for the comprehensive needs of companion animals for low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses, as well as senior citizens, came into The SF/SPCA. He was interested in adopting an older cat, was introduced to Tigger, heard his catstory, and voila, Tigger had found his perfect person!

Looking for Love in all the Right Places Senior Center The SF/SPCA is currently home to a group of wonderful senior dogs who are looking for loving homes in which to spend their "golden" years. Here are the Ten Top Reasons to adopt older dogs, listed by The Senior Dogs Project, an organization devoted to rescuing senior dogs: They won't chew inappropriate items. They can focus well to learn. They know what "no" means. They settle in easily with the "pack." They're good at giving love. What you see is what you get. They're instant companions. They leave you time for yourself. They let you get a good night's sleep. Katsy Cline (A006979) Katsy Cline is a 9-year old gal with a huge presence and a mind of her own. She's very affectionate and loves attention, but on her own terms, so let her come to you and let her be if she walks away. She doesn't like other cats so she'll need to be a single kitty. Katsy is singing the blues and looking for a loving home!

Pet Trust Bill Signed Into Law On July 22, California Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 685, the Pet Trust Bill. The Bill, which will officially become law on January 1, 2009, makes pet trusts valid and enforceable in California and helps protect companion animals after the death of their guardians. Authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), initiated and sponsored by The San Francisco SPCA, and spearheaded by Legislative Liaison, Dr. Renée Pittin, SB 685 brings California into line with the majority of other states which already have enforceable pet trust laws. "This is a great step forward in protecting companion animals throughout California," said Jan McHugh-Smith, President of The San Francisco SPCA. "We encourage people to think about their animals in their estate planning and we offer them sample trust documents." McHugh-Smith also commended Senator Yee for his endeavors on behalf of the State's companion animals. SB 685 is expected to reduce the burden on animal shelters, conserve public services and funds, protect defenseless animals, and guarantee that people's wills are carried out as intended.

Animal Planet Expo The SF/SPCA wishes to thank the makers of Fresh Steps Litter for its donation of $5,000 to the Society. SF/SPCA Vice-President, Dori Villalon, accepted the check from Fresh Steps at the 2008 Animal Planet Expo, July 26 and 27, at the Santa Clara Fair Grounds in San Jose. In addition, the Fresh Steps Sniff Test brought in an additional $250 to the Society. Wild!