In The Spotlight
In Honor of Betty
As if there weren't enough reasons to love Betty White -- her pioneering work in radio and early TV, her bawdy sense of humor, her dimples -- she loved animals, too, and by all accounts spent her life as a passionate advocate.
To celebrate Monday, Jan. 17, which would have been Ms. White's 100th birthday, the internets have given us the fan-fueled #BettyWhiteChallenge: donate $5 to your favorite animal organization.
If you would like to honor Betty's remarkable life and positive influence on animal welfare, consider taking the challenge. Read more.
Wear Your Support For FAAS
Is there a FAAS hero in your life? (Maybe you?)
FAAS Hero t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and more are back, just in time for the holidays. All styles, sizes and colors - and the proceeds go to care for the homeless pets at FAAS. Get your gear now!
Score bargains at The Thrifty Kitty
Retail shop for a cause! 100% of net proceeds from FAAS's thrift store, The Thrifty Kitty, go to help fund our life-saving programs for homeless pets.
The Thrifty Kitty
Hours: Wed-Thurs 12-5; Fridays 12-7; Sat-Sun 11-5. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Where: 1509 Webster St., Alameda (across from Cafe Jolie)
What else: The Thrifty Kitty is pet friendly, so bring a leashed furry friend when you shop.
Foster A Pet
Can't adopt but still want to help a shelter pet?
Consider fostering a pet in your home.
Sign up today for what can be an incredibly rewarding experience - helping a pet reach its forever family!
Pet Loss Support Group
You don't have to struggle with your grief alone. Join us at the free FAAS Pet Loss Support Group Zoom meeting held every third Monday and led by licensed therapist Suzanne Hayne. Come to share or just listen; all are welcome. FAAS also offers a Facebook Group for those who have lost a pet. (Note: January and February meetings have been moved to the fourth Monday to accommodate Martin Luther King Day and Presidents Day, respectively.)
Next Meetings:
6-7PM, Monday, January 24, 2022.
6-7PM, Monday, February 28, 2022.
Email Suzanne@suzannehayne.com for the Zoom link.
COVID-19 Message From Our Director
To all the great humans who make our work possible:
Since putting out a call for help more in March 2020, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) has been overwhelmed with your support for the homeless pets of Alameda. In the beginning of the pandemic, we were able to send more than 70 of our dogs, cats and rabbits home with foster families -- effectively clearing the shelter. This incredible success story still warms our hearts during a time when we all needed encouragement, and we thank everyone in our community for making this miracle possible.
Moving animals into loving foster homes is still helping to keep our volunteers, staff and community safe, ensuring that we can stay open with minimal staffing to provide essential services only, such as sheltering stray animals and reuniting lost pets with their families. We need foster families now, especially for adult cats. If you can foster, please contact Nanou Ballou at nballou@alamedaanimalshelter.org
As we continue our COVID-19 journey, here are a few important things you should know:
* Both FAAS South Shore and our main shelter at 1590 Fortmann Way remain closed to the general public until further notice.
* We are taking appointments for "virtual" adoptions -- accomplished mostly over the phone and email, culminating with a distance-appropriate in-person adoption in our parking lot. To start the adoption process, check available animals and submit an application.
* Our Fortmann shelter is staffed seven days a week from 11 a. m. to 5 p. m. to receive and shelter stray animals found in Alameda. If you find a stray animal, or if your pet becomes lost, please carefully read instructions before filling out the appropriate form. If necessary, call 510-337-8565 for instructions.
* Licensing is being done by phone or mail only. To license your pet, please call 510-337-8565 during business hours.
* Please follow FAAS on Facebook and at www.AlamedaAnimalShelter.org for updates, such as the need for additional foster families.
Finally, we've received an outpouring of love from people wanting to support FAAS during these uncertain times and to make sure we stay strong when the COVID-19 crisis passes and we can return to normal operations. The best and safest way to make a donation to FAAS is through our secured, online donation form https://www.alamedaanimalshelter.org/s…/make-a-donation.html
From the bottom of our exhausted but grateful hearts, thank you for helping FAAS care for the pets of Alameda -- and the people who love them.
With hope and faith for a healthy future for all of us, - John Lipp, Executive Director, FAAS
Pet Food Pantry
During the pandemic, our Pet Food Pantry is open to Alameda residents twice a month. Families in need may pick up one month's free supply of cat and dog food. Please park and have your trunk open for safe distancing. Supplies are limited to up to three dogs and three cats per family. Visits per family are limited to once a month.
If you would like to make a donation to the Pet Food Pantry, we welcome unopened dry cat food and cans of wet dog food. Thank you!
When: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 2nd & 4th Saturdays
Where: Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501