Adopt Don't Shop

Photo Essay by Katelin Richardson

Located in a quiet neighborhood in Pleasanton, California, Valley Humane Society is a lively animal shelter, housing dogs and cats of all sizes. The nonprofit organization has been helping animals in the Tri-Valley since 1987. In 2023 alone, Valley Humane Society had 639 total adoptions, 5,546 spay/neuter surgeries, 202,644 pet meals distributed, and 483 active volunteers. When looking for a pet, Valley Humane Society has many loving options.

Frank is an adult pug mix. He has a shrunken left eye that may be from a previous injury or infection, but at this time is not giving him any problems. Frank’s background is unknown, as he was abandoned, but he is a very friendly dog who loves getting pets from humans. Frank has been at Valley Humane for about a month after being transferred from East County Animal Shelter.

Eddie is a one and a half year old, medium sized, domestic shorthair mix. Sporting both a green eye and a blue eye, Eddie has a scar on his right eye, but it is not causing any pain. Eddie was surrendered about a month ago by his previous owner, who ended up with too many cats, giving thirteen cats to Valley Humane Society to find a new happy home. Eddie gets along well with the other cats and loves to play.

Merv is a medium-sized mixed breed young adult. Merv is currently being fostered and loves spending time with adults, kids, and other dogs. He loves playing with toys and fetching balls. Merv enjoys time outside, going on walks and running with other dogs at the dog park. He has a cloudy right eye from a previous injury but it is healthy and not causing him pain. Merv has been at Valley Humane Society for three months after being transferred from the Stockton Animal Shelter. Unfortunately, Merv was surrendered when his previous owners stopped feeding him after having a baby. When he was first taken in he weighed 20 pounds, but he has now grown to 35. He came in with another dog as well, who has now been adopted.

Maguire is a one year old medium domestic shorthair cat. He gets along well with other cats and loves to lounge outside. Maguire was found stray and transferred to Valley Humane Society from the Tri-City Animal Shelter one month ago. He stands out against the current crowd of cats, as he is the only orange cat at Valley Humane Society at the moment.

Ahsoka is a young adult mixed breed small dog. Not much information is known about Ahsoka, but she is timid around new people, although seems to be growing more comfortable as time goes on. Ahsoka arrived at Valley Humane a week ago, from the Stockton Animal Shelter after being surrendered by her previous owner.

Watson and Sherlock are one year old medium domestic shorthair mix brothers. The two were surrendered to Valley Humane Society in February when they were kittens. They got adopted, but were then brought back. The two are a bonded pair and will need to be adopted into the same house. They make friends with other cats easily, but are a bit more reserved when it comes to new humans. Sherlock is more outgoing and curious, but Watson will follow his brother's lead and loves attention. 

Rickey and Rolie are three month old large mixed breed brothers. The two were found stray and transferred to Valley Humane Society one month ago from the Tri-City Animal Shelter. Rickey and Rolie are both highly energetic and friendly, loving treats and playing with toys. 

Adopting pets is a great way to give a loving animal a forever home. Although shelter life can be stressful, Valley Humane Society does a great job in caring for its furry friends and making their transitions as easy as possible. Glenalyn, the content marketing coordinator for Valley Humane Society states that in her two years of working there the most fulfilling part has been, “when animals that have been with us for awhile finally get adopted… I love it when we can find them a new home.” To support Valley Humane Society you can donate, or find out volunteering information through their website valleyhumane.org. They also hold events to support the animals, such as their annual Tails at Twilight gala. The tenth annual gala will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024 at Casa Real in Pleasanton, CA.