New Nonprofit Aims to Save Animals

A committed group of advocates who spent much of 2014 advocating for reform at Oakland Animal Services has just announced they are forming a new nonprofit in 2015 called People, Animals, Love and Support (PALS) East Bay. The new organization will continue to educate the community about No Kill principles, while expanding its efforts to include pet rescue and owner retention.

“I’m so excited to start the next chapter for No Kill Oakland,” explains No Kill Oakland founder and East Bay pediatrician Dr. Maria Steelman. “PALS is the perfect next step, so we can focus on rescuing shelter pets, but also help shelters, including Oakland Animal Services, prevent animal surrender. So many dogs end up in the shelter every day because their owners didn’t have the resources they needed, like dog training, or assistance with vet bills. There is a huge need out there, and I hope PALS can begin to fill it.”

Throughout 2014 Dr. Steelman and No Kill Oakland advocates were an ever-present force at Oakland City Hall, advocating for reform at Oakland Animal Services. “We have turned a corner with the hiring of new shelter Director Rebecca Katz,” explains Steelman. “It is beyond exciting to have a new director who believes in getting healthy and treatable pets adopted, with the help of the community.” Already, PALS has partnered with the new director to host a public holiday party at the shelter to help promote adoptions in late December.

To help more shelter pets get adopted and to help PALS fundraise, local artist Kate Merriman has just unveiled the Shelter Dog exhibit at Bica Coffeehouse in Rockridge. Merriman’s collection features drawings of local dogs available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services and RocketDog Rescue. Proceeds from art sales benefit PALS. “Kate’s drawings really capture the essence and soul of these dogs,” explains Bica co-owner Amanda Harvey.

In addition to rescuing dogs from Oakland and other East Bay shelters, placing them in foster homes, and then into their loving, forever homes, PALS also plans to work with the local community to spur more adoptions. “There is overwhelming community support for No Kill, “explains Steelman. “Now we need to get the community to step up, to help us promote pet adoption, and to open their hearts and homes to foster pets in need.”

--Information and image via PALS East Bay

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