Foster Care Helps Animals Find a Forever Home

By Mim Carlson, FAAS Executive Director 

Foster Care Program: The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Foster Care Program allows shelter animals to have specialized care in a comfortable home setting. Foster homes are needed for animals ranging from puppies to grown cats for health concerns and to aid development of normal social skills. In some cases we want the animals to be away from the shelter for a small period of what we call “spa time.” Underage puppies and kittens go to foster parents because they can not be spayed or neutered before they are 8 to 10 weeks old. We have received kittens as young as one day old who need human care until they are ready for adoption.

FAAS retains responsibility for the animal’s welfare through the foster period. Foster parents with any concern about the pet’s health may contact FAAS staff who will make arrangements for veterinary care.

By fostering an animal you commit to a small period of time and allow FAAS to have healthier and happier pets to transition to permanent homes. Thanks to foster parents, some animals have let go of their fear and are ready to become a member of a family that will care for it forever. If you are interested in fostering animals, please contact our volunteer manager at volunteer.faas@gmail.com.

Volunteers needed: In our first hundred days of operations, 103 sheltered animals have been adopted and 55 lost animals returned safely to their homes. Every day we have fed, cared for and sheltered between 60 to 70 animals. Our 100 dedicated volunteers allow us to keep the animals happy and healthy until they find permanent homes. If you are interested in volunteering, contact us at volunteer.faas@gmail.com

The importance of microchipping: In early April, a beautiful gray pit/mastiff mix wandering the streets of Alameda was brought to the shelter. We checked for a microchip or any other ID, but couldn’t find anything. We named him Lancelot. During his time here, he was neutered and got surgery to treat a problem with his eyes. A few weeks later, we saw a flyer of a missing dog that was clearly Lancelot. We immediately called his owner in Concord who rushed to Alameda to be reunited with his beloved companion who, it turned out, goes by the name Zeus.

Of the over 180 stray animals we have sheltered this year, only a small number had a microchip ID. A microchip can allow you the peace of mind that if your pet goes missing, any shelter that finds it will be able to contact you and you will quickly be reunited with your pet. It takes just a minute for a veterinarian to implant the microchip between the blades of the shoulder and most animals do not seem to feel it being implanted. Most veterinarians do this procedure for $25 to $75. If Lancelot had a microchip, he could have been reunited with his owner within hours rather than weeks. Please take the time to microchip your pet.

Wiggle, Waggle, Walk: On June 3^rd, FAAS will have its first annual dog walk fundraiser at Wind River Campus, 500 Wind River Way, Alameda. This walk is about meeting our supporters, showing our labor of love for the animals, but most important, having some fun! The walk will start at noon. After exercising we will have games for the kids, food from local vendors and contests. Registration is $25 and you can also make pledges and raise more money with your friends. If you want to participate in our walk, please register at www.eventbrite.com/event/3345888643. 

Mojito Mondays:  Special thanks to Angela’s Bistro at 2301 Central Ave. for hosting Mojito Mondays that benefit FAAS. During our last Mojito Monday, we raised over $600 in tips given to celebrity bartender, FAAS Executive Director Mim Carlson. The next Mojito Monday is May 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with celebrity bartender CDR Jim Ridway, Commanding Officer of the Navy Operational Support Center. Monday Mojito Pride Night at Angela’s Bistro on June 18 will also benefit FAAS. 

Wish list: Every month we need supplies and special items to keep the animals healthy, happy and well-kept. The following list of items will allow us to keep caring for the animals as well as we have done so far:

Natural Balance food rolls

Soft dog treats

Jars of meat baby food (no onion or garlic)

String cheese

Kongs

Premier Martingale collars

Premier gentle leader head collars

Premier Easy-walk harnesses

Avery stamps number 32204

6’ Long/ ½ wide leather or cloth leashes

Gift certificates from:

• Office Depot
• Office Max
• Costco
• Paganos
• Home Depot
• Pet Food Express

Please follow us on Facebook for updates and more information about our shelter animals. For more information about FAAS or to donate, visit our website.