The lovely dog to the left is Serena, a former long-term resident at OAS, who is now happily in a home with a Dad and Mom who love her! Isn’t it obvious?
Have you adopted a pet from Oakland Animal Services?
Oakland’s only open admissions shelter
Oakland’s only open admissions shelter
The lovely dog to the left is Serena, a former long-term resident at OAS, who is now happily in a home with a Dad and Mom who love her! Isn’t it obvious?
Have you adopted a pet from Oakland Animal Services?
Mark Vigorito says
In April of 2004, we adopted a dog from your shelter. She’s a Shepard mix, and I believe you were calling her Matahari. She was a very shy young dog, scared of everything, and we named her Buffy, joking that maybe being named after a vampire slayer would help her to be brave.
I wanted to write and say what a wonderful friend and family member she is. We’ve had a lot of transitions since Buffy joined the family. We moved to the east coast (and she was much more pleasant on the cross-country drive than I was!)
Last year, we had two more additions to the family, when we adopted two (human!) little boys. It was a big change for Buffy, who was used to relaxing in a very quiet house, but she loves her two new playmates. When my children were confused about what adoption meant, we were able to use Buffy’s story to help explain the concept of adoption and the idea of a “forever family.”
I just wanted to let you know, seven years later, that coming to your shelter was one of the best decisions we ever made. I can’t imagine a better friend.
Alethea O'Dell says
I just wanted to let you know that one more pitbull adopted from OAS is now officially a Canine Good Citizen. Almost three years ago I adopted a timid, shy and shaking pit with a strong heart murmur named Polka Dotty. Friends of Oakland Animal Services helped us and split the cost of an ultrasound for her heart. I’m happy to report that her heart is fine and she is now a mostly confident, highly social, and model pitbull named SweetPea. When I got her we started going to CGC training with BADRAP but I couldn’t continue the program because of a family illness. We still did our work at home and on walks etc everyday. This weekend while at Point Isabelle I saw they were having the CGC test. On whim, we did the test and Sweet Pea passed with flying muddy colors.
Shontell & Jeremy says
We came from Sacramento to the 2011 Adoptathon and were pleased to meet and adopt Goldie. She makes a wonderful addition to our family! It was truly a win-win to adopt her while participating with the Maddies Adoptathon.
Lisa Conrad says
We adopted Tsuki (formerly known as SledRed) on Memorial Day weekend, this year. We have watched her steadily relax into her new life. She completed basic obedience training in August and made Great leaps and bounds throughout, has spent time hiking in the Oakland and Berkeley hills, goes to the beach (but does not care for water!), and is becoming a big snuggler. She’s gentle w/ the many kids in her life, and mellow in general, at least until she heads out into the world, where she quivers with excitement.
We feel so lucky, we got a dreamy, lovely creature.
Thanks.
Julia says
I finally decided that my 8 year old Nino (a shelter dsh cat I adopted 4 yrs ago) needed a companion and, sure enough, I was right! I adopted the adorable, silly, crazy, fun, and incredibly sweet Lella in July. Lella is only 2 yrs old but they don’t seem to mind the difference.
Instead of the typical 1 week separated introduction, it took only 1 day (not normal, nor recommended, but in this case, it just worked)! I just didn’t want to wait and there had been no growling through the door, just sniffs. Sure enough, they had an incredibly easy introduction and now the two couldn’t be happier (and I couldn’t be happier either!).
Adopting an adult cat is great because they show their true personalities (I adore kittens, but they have less of their character formed). I adopted another shy kitty, like Nino, and the results are great–it’s hard to see any power play, neither of them display that “alpha” cat trait where the other just gets intimidated. They bring out the best in each other. Here’s a short video where they share some grooming then follow it up with a little wrestling:
I remember reading a few happy tails before I came in for a visit, hoping I’d have the same great experience. I did, and you will! Amazing animals await. Really observe their characters and know your other pet’s personality well and you’ll be a good match-maker 🙂
Hats off to staff, officers and volunteers! Thank you all at Oakland Animal Services for rescuing Lella from the streets. I’m so grateful. And to Mary, the volunteer who helped me with Lella (previously aka Freya), thank you and she’s doing great!
Charlotte Moon says
We adopted Stoney (#33416) in February 2011, mostly because we were ready to expand our family again after the loss of our beloved Cody (adopted from Lake County Animal Services) and especially because of his adorable Petfinder’s video movie! Stoney was very shy and quiet for the first few weeks, did not even seem to know what to do with toys, but he let us love him to pieces. Now he rules the roost, walks around like a little tough guy and thanks to his favorite cousin Georgianna (adopted from Placer County Animal Services) he gives all of his toys what-for! Thank you OAS for saving Stoney for us.
Amanda says
I adopted Merryweather a little over 3 months ago from the OAS and I couldn’t be happier!
She is a perfect companion for me, playful and fun but also cuddly and loving when we both need it. She is a such a great addition to my life.
And I have to give huge thanks to the volunteers and mentors that helped me select her. There were so many cats to choose from and they, especially Warren, really helped me find just the right cat to go home with me.
Thank you so much for the wonderful friend I now have!
Amanda says
After the loss of my 19 yr old cat last year tore me to shreds a friend of mine gave me a great piece of advise, ” Open your heart and home to a new someone in need. You will never replace Katherine, but there are many others in need of a loving home. It will help you beyond what you can imagine.” Reluctantly I searched on petfinder for a new friend to share my home. I found an all white cat at OAS and headed down there with my friend to check her out. After meeting her I realized although she was a sweet cat her personality would not fit in with our other resident cat and dog. We looked at several animals and were ready to give up when Boogsy ( then Carla) reached her paw through her cage and snagged my jacket. After spending 10 mins with her in the play room, I knew she would fit in great. We learned alot about each other the first week. She loves contact cases on the bathroom counter and hates cardboard carrier, and I love watching her do crazy things and don’t like putting her in cardboard carriers. She also likes riding in the front seat of cars not the back. My friend couldn’t have been more right although my pain was still there from my loss, Boogsy brought alot of laughter to my heart and home in a difficult time. She is an amazing addition to our family. Thank you OAS
Roberta and Denis says
It took a long time for us to get over having to put down our beloved cat, Oscar at age 17, due to kidney failure. It hurt so bad to have to let go. Sometimes it’s hard to open up your heart again for fear of feeling that hurt again.
One day I spotted an ad from OAS on Craigslist for a very precious kitty named “Church” (he had ad some orange on him but mostly white), who had been hit by car (seriously injured) and found near a church. For some reason I was really drawn to him and felt like he should be my cat.
We made arrangements to visit Church one Saturday afternoon. Church was young and quite rambunctious. One look at my husband’s face and I knew he wasn’t going for it. So I suggested maybe we take a look at an older cat.
Megan left the visitation room and when she returned she was holding a huge, orange kitty cat (she knew our previous cat was an orange kitty) – she said “Look what I found out back.”
My first thought was I didn’t think I wanted another orange cat because it would be a painful reminder of our cat Oscar.
When she put the kitty down he immediately came to us and rubbed our legs. He let me pick him up no problem and was so relaxed and loving.
We decided (with a little reluctance not really having had a lot of time to spend with him) to take a chance and take him home. I was still feeling really sad about leaving Church behind. I think it showed in my face as Megan said “Maybe the reason you were drawn to Church so he could lead you to this kitty instead.”
It turns out Megan was right. We could not be happier with our beloved “Chance”. I named him that on the way home from OAS to Mtn View (where we live). Chance has a curly, bobbed tail that resembles a question mark. We think he’s a Japanese Bobtail.
The chance card in Monopoly is orange and has a question mark on it. For that reason, and that it was “by chance” we found this kitty. And … that we were giving him a second chance … made the name fit him perfectly!
Chance has had some health issues. He recently had an issue with his eye (which seems to have been resolved after having gone to an animal eye specialist – at the cost of $700 – ouch)
About a year after we adopted him, he became diabetic and required 2 insulin injections per day.
But after 6 months of injections and diet change (only wet food, no dry food as that probably caused it!) he self-healed and is no longer on insulin at all and remains in remission.
When we initially took him to vet (when he was diagnosed diabetic) and Vet found out he was a rescue kitty he told us “He’s lucky.” My response was “So are we!”
Chance had been dropped of in OAS’s night slot only a few days before we were there and had not yet been named. I can only imagine how scared he was when that happened.
As well-behaved as he is and how well taken care of he seemed to be, we figure perhaps his owner passed away and family members dropped him off at OAS. I’d love to know his story but that’s something we’ll probably never know.
We also would love to know whatever happened to Church. I’m sure by now he’s found his forever home. He was really a beautiful kitty and I’m thankful he led us to our beloved Chance.
Sometimes you take a chance and that chance pays off. We gave “Chance” a second chance after finding him “by chance” at OAS. We love him to pieces. Someone’s discard became our precious treasure!
It took us 4 years to open up our hearts again. A few days after Chance came to live with us my husband said “We should have done this a long time ago.” It felt good to love another cat again.
Thank you to Megan and OAS for our beloved “Chance”
We’ll always hold a special place in our hearts for OAS.
Here’s a silly picture of “Mr. Chancey Pants” … he never fails to make us laugh and is so patient even when I gave him some kangaroo feet!
Arlyle and Paul says
We adopted Artermis and Minerva (formerly Tabitha and Roxie) from OAS three years ago. I’ve never been around such gentle and sweet cats. They love to play in our yard and chase toy mice and lasers inside. We cannot express how much happiness they’ve given us. Thank you to Oakland Animal Services!!!
Patricia Wu says
I adopted a sweet and gentle big eared puppy, who I renamed Cayenne, in May from the Oakland Animal Services Shelter. The goofy looking pup has blossomed into a majestic beauty and everyone who meets her falls in love….including my mother.
So my mom asked me to help her find her a dog just like Cayenne. Cayenne is special and unique, but I was sure we could find her a great dog looking for a forever home, so we returned to OAS. There we found Mercy and Dymin. Mercy was quickly adopted by someone else, but Dymin had been waiting for a new home for almost 6 weeks.
My mom decided to pass on Dymin. I didn’t want to leave her there but I wasn’t so sure I wanted to take on the additional responsibilities of a new puppy so soon after Cayenne. But Cayenne was so well behaved that perhaps another puppy wouldn’t be too much.
So I decided to bring Dymin home and it’s been a non-stop party ever since. Dymin, now called Brooklyn, became Cayenne’s instant bff. The two spend all day wrestling, playing tug-o-war, chewing each other’s ears, and stealing toys from each other. Everyone knows toys are much more fun when someone else is playing with them. My older dog Chloe joins in the fun sometimes, but usually tires quickly and is content to watch the two rough house like an indulgent grandmother. At night, the three collapse on each other in an exhausted furry pile.
My mom had passed on Brooklyn because she was nothing like Cayenne. But Brooklyn has her own adorable traits. She does everything with full gusto, especially when giving kisses. She even licks the screen door if she knows you’re standing on the other side. She inhales her food like a mini vacuum and dunks her whole head in the water bowl before taking a drink. I thought a puppy with so much enthusiasm would be hard to train, but she is remarkably well behaved. She even knows how to stay, even though I can tell it’s killing her.
She loves to sleep on her back with her tongue hanging out. Cayenne has started to copy her sleeping style, and I often find the two of them sprawled out, belly up, snoring noisily like drunk piglets.
My only complaint is that she is difficult to photograph. She rarely sits still for very long and she finds the sight of my camera irresistable. She interprets my attempts to take her picture as invitations to shower me with kisses. Most of the images I’ve captured are extreme close-ups of a wet nose, pink tongue, and blurry tail.
Brooklyn is all black except for white toes and a squiggle on her chest. The feature that makes her most distinguishable are her large bat-like ears. The right ear likes to sleep in and tends to droop early in the morning but gradually stands at attention by noon.
Brooklyn has already stolen my heart and I can tell Cayenne is delighted to have a playmate her own age. I can watch the two of them play for hours. Every morning my day begins with a hurricane of wagging tails and frenzied wet tongues, and my nights are filled with soft sighs, grunts, and whimpers as my pups dream of chasing rabbits and hot dogs in their sleep.
It’s hard to believe that she sat at the shelter for so long. But I guess she was destined to come home with me. And now my two shelter babies will spend the rest of their lives playing and doing what dogs do best, enjoying the moment. They will never know what it’s like to be unwanted ever again.
Jesse McGill says
My girlfriend and I had been looking for a dog 2-3 months prior to coming to OAS. We were sure on size and breed types, but had a really hard time finding “the one.” Upon one day looking at Petfinder.com one day we had seen a dog that caught our interest so on our day off we drove down to OAS to see this dog. Unfortunately, for this dog is wasn’t the one, but we did find one there not listed on Petfinder.com. My gf had placed her hand near the kennel and quickly backed away, freaked out thinking some how this dog would bite her. I laughed and came over and did the same and this dog licked the back of my hand. This beautiful Belgian Malinois/Lab mix, named Smiles at the time, quickly caught my attention and my Girlfriend and I wanted to take her outside. Once outside she stretched, pee’d, and poop’d, laughing, I picked up a ball and threw it across the lawn. She chased it and teased me with the ball, letting my hand get close, but never really allowing me to touch the ball. I new immediately we had found “The One”. I wasn’t going home with out here in my car. We filled out the adoption papers, but found out that we had to wait 5 days before we could actually take her home with us. She needed to be fixed. Those 5 days were so hard for me, kinda like waiting for XMAS. Well, we’ve had her home with us for 2 years, her name is Missy now, and has been the best thing to happen in my life since I met my Girlfriend. We like to take her everywhere with us. We’ve moved 1200 miles to Albuquerque, NM and back. Does great in cars, loves to be tromping around in lakes, and LOVES the snow OMG she loves the snow. I wanted to say thank you, OAS, for everything you’ve done for me and my girlfriend.
Cal says
We adopted Lily at the Maddie’s Matchmaker Adoptathon 2011 and have absolutely fallen in love with her. She was a stray on the streets that had been brought in and was only 12 weeks old when we picked her up. Hard to imagine such a little ball of concentrated love and happiness left on her own, but someone else’s loss was our gain. My wife and I simply adore her already, and our first dog Ginger LOVES having a buddy around to wrestle with and share body heat with at night. Lily is a Basenji mix who gives our Australian Shepherd/Husky Mix Ginger tons of exercise and keeps her on her toes.
We were very impressed with the event held to raise money for the shelter, and hope it was a HUGE success for you all. You run a top notch shelter, and the number of people adopting animals that day was truly astounding. We know you were all very busy and running around like crazy, but it was certainly worth it for many people who brought home a new family member that day.
Keep up the great work! Lily sends her love and thanks for placing her in a great new home where we love to get outside and explore the headlands and many other areas in beautiful Northern California!
Cindy Douglas says
I have been a foster for OAS for a couple of years and could not imagine a better run shelter anywhere in the United States then what Megan, Willow, Martha and all of the many, many volunteers have created in Oakland!
I want to encourage anyone who is thinking of volunteering, fostering, donating, or adopting to get involved and make a difference in the lives of these wonderful animals!
With two of my own rescue dogs at home, I wasn’t really planning on adopting a third, but decided to foster Molly (formerly known as Macaroni when she was at OAS) because I figured one more wouldn’t make much of a difference! After fostering her for a couple of months, my husband and I decided that she was such a great dog, we really didn’t want anyone to have her, so we ended up adopting her ourselves! I guess you could say I’m a “failed foster”!
Molly has been with us about six months now and loves long walks, playing in the pool and fetching her ball and all of her toys! One of my older dogs, Bogey, has since passed away, but he had a great 14 1/2 years and the last four months of his life, he was like a puppy again with Molly in the house)!
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone at OAS for finding great homes for these wonderful animals and to tell you all how proud I am of all of the good work you are all doing! I am so happy to be involved with your wonderful organization and hope to encourage others to do the same!
Happy Summer! Cindy, Tom, Lucky & Molly
Patricia Wu says
I had been thinking of adopting another dog for quite some time. I hesitated because I was afraid that my older dog would resent sharing my affections. But after dogsitting other people’s pets, I felt that she could handle another dog in the home. I wanted to rescue an older dog, past it’s cute puppy phase, that no one wanted. But at my first visit to the Oakland Animal Services shelter I saw a cute big eared puppy named Buttons. She looked like a black rat with giant ears. She was super friendly but I resisted the urge to adopt her. She was so adorable that I knew she would have no trouble finding a new home. I went on to visit several shelters and rescues and socialized with many dogs, but none of them felt right. When I returned to the Oakland shelter to visit with a dog I saw on PetFinders, I saw that Buttons was still there. I decided to bring my older dog to visit with Buttons and they got along well. I ended up adopting Buttons and renaming her Cayenne.
I did not know it was possible for me to fall in love so hard and so fast. She is the sweetest and most affectionate cuddlebug. The best part is how my new puppy and my older dog Chloe have bonded. They are inseparable. And Chloe seems rejuvenated. At over 13 years old, Chloe didn’t play anymore, slept a lot, and wet her bed while she slept almost every night. But the puppy has put a spring in her step and I see her play with Cayenne and run around the yard with renewed energy. Most surprisingly, Chloe has not wet her bed since the puppy came home.
I know that I will eventually have to say goodbye to my best friend Chloe. But it squeezes my heart to see my old friend jump around like a puppy again. I am forever grateful to Cayenne for bringing joy into my life and restoring the mischievous light back into my Chloe’s eyes.
I don’t know why Cayenne wasn’t adopted by someone else, but I’m so glad she wasn’t. I can’t imagine my life without her now. It’s amazing how much happiness 18 pounds of wriggling puppy can bring. My life was full before, but it’s now overflowing with laughter and bliss.
KT&Bo says
We came in just about two years ago looking for a puppy of our own. Petey, formally “Peter Rabbit” could not press himself against the cage hard enough reaching for our love. I did not want to leave him. And two weeks later was able to bring him home. Petey has been my sidekick while my husband was deployed and our sanity through some tough times. His energy is contagious.
OAS’s staff was wonderful with us then and I am still thankful for how they treated us and our Petey while he was with them. We are now looking for a home of our own to buy with a bit of land for Petey and his playmate we will soon be back to OAS to find.
Much love and admiration.
Kt, Bo & Pt
Adam and Leora says
It is now over 6 months since we brought home Buckaroo (formerly Buccaneer), and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. We needed someone who wouldn’t be too bothered by our existing cat, a very people-loving but kinda old and grumpy prima donna, and who would hopefully bring a little more playful energy and goofiness into the mix. And it’s as if Buckaroo was genetically designed by a top-secret team of government scientists to fill that role.
From the day we brought him home, he was the easiest, most comfortable, funniest, boldest, most adventurous little bugger that ever lived. He just wanted to play and play, with himself, and us, and the other cat. He got no response there but vicious hissing and posturing, but he didn’t care — it didn’t even seem to register, which made us wonder if he might not quite have all his marbles. But no, all it is is, he is a completely happy, confident, issue-less little boy, and cannot be upset or traumatized by anything. He’s amazing.
His only issue (as far as we were concerned) was being a humongous biter, bite bite bite all the time, even when we tried to gently pet. But after a period of crazy all-out wrestling matches, with him trying to get his teeth on anything he could (while purring madly — he thought it was great fun) as we kinda manhandled him into submission and gave him good scratching & petting, he’s finally learned to love and seek out the snuggles and is much less bitey.
Thank you for our beautiful, wacky, happy-go-lucky boy.
Miccaela & Wayne says
We adopted this handsome beast Tank (formerly named Cuddlebug) from OAS last week and could not be happier. We are so lucky to have him in our lives! Shelter dogs are just awesome and Tank is no exception. Everyone he meets falls in love with his happy spirit & soulful eyes. We love seeing his happy dance whenever we come home and taking him out on long walks & hikes. Did we mention Tank was already house-trained when we brought him home? Here’s a picture of Tank taking a little break from some off-leash trail running, one of his favorite pastimes. Thank you OAS for introducing us to this sweet & handsome fellow.
Terry says
I adopted Ava (aka Cupcake) this last Saturday (6.4.11) and she is doing fine – no pictures yet but we will send them later. Cupcake is doing very well – she is affectionate and we will see everybody when we come to training class 6.12.11.
Dwan and Jesse Easterbrooks says
We are thrilled that so many pets were adopted over the weekend adopt-a-thon! We are even MORE thrilled with Carys (formerly Milly), who came home with us on Saturday! She loves her new home, her new bed, her toys, and us! We are so happy; she is incredibly sweet, playful, loving, and smart! After only 2 days, she is well on her way to being house trained, sits and stays, and is learning the new house rules very quickly. She is having fun in the back yard, going for long walks, and playing like the perfect puppy she is (she already knows how to fetch a ball, bring it back, and drop it in Mommy’s hand)! Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Robin Stevens says
We currently have 3 OAS alumni:
Ditto was adopted almost 12 years ago at the previous OAS location, she is the big shep mix in the photo.
Gibl was adopted 4 years ago, she is the pit mix.
Goodmonson was adopted a year ago at the Maddie’s event last year, he was the 100th dog adopted.
All three dogs are living the life of luxury now, as all dogs should. 🙂
Thank you OAS for all you do!
The Stevens Family
Robin, John, Kelly, Dexter
Ditto, Gibl, Goodmonson
Frannie Waldron says
My dear friend Amy who is a volunteer at OAS has been posting photos and stories of adoptable dogs on her Facebook page. I have often joked that if only I lived closer (I live in New Hampshire) I would take one. Then came Nina. I couldn’t resist the face, the story and the video of her at the shelter. I knew she was the dog for us (myself, my 13 year old daughter Julia, and our 4 year old cat Paco). When I told Amy I wanted her and asked if there was any way to get around the actual shelter visit, she made some calls. She also told me that she thought of us when she met Nina…it was kismet. So with the personal reference of a volunteer extraordinaire, a scanned application, everything was moving in the right direction. The big question remained: How to get Nina from California to New Hampshire? In comes volunteer #2, Emily who happened to be flying from San Francisco to Boston on May 6th. YAY EMILY! Then comes volunteer #3, Erin who served as Nina’s foster family, Thank you Erin!. So our little Nina (all six pounds of her) has had quite a journey.
She is the most loving little girl you could ever meet. We hope she is as thrilled to be part of family as we are thrilled to have her. She and Paco check each other out, chase each other round, and share the front window when it is open to watch the world pass by.
Nina seems to love her car seat and rides in the car really well. She is very friendly, loves people, getting used to seeing more dogs out and about.
Welcome home Nina!
Dan says
A little over a month ago I brought home Kerney (then Mandy) from OAS. She was listed as a “special” adoption because of her timidity, and indeed during our visit she was a little scared of my older dog and a lot scared of me. But within about 20 minutes of being home she settled in and showed us her true personality of a fun, playful, crazy, and affectionate puppy. She still has some scary moments and still struggles when strangers talk to her, but all told the world is a fun place and she’s a happy dog. My many thanks to all the workers and volunteers at OAS who spent time with her and started her on the path to feeling secure and confident.
This picture is a rare time when Kerney was following Noodles – typically she leads the charge and big brother falls in line.
Nancy says
After many years of wanting a dog, my friend Amy brought me to Oakland Animal Services to meet a potential new “best friend.” Amy has been a dedicated volunteer at OAS for several years after finding much happiness with her puppy pals.
I went hoping just to suss out the available dogs, but I fell in love with my little Cookie. Her full name is “Tough Cookie” since she was found as a little 8 week old puppy wandering the streets of Oakland by herself. Despite her dramatic start in life, she is a happy, playful little girl. She loves to fetch and long walks out at Fort Funston. My life has totally changed for the better because of Cookie. Thanks, Amy and OAS, for bringing us together!
Kim and Ben says
I have always loved dogs and recently decided to get one of my own. We looked at several different shelters, but after coming to OAS fell in love with a 6 month old puppy (who we think is a Vizsla/Pit mix). Harrison (formerly George) has been such a joy. He’s laid back and his favorite activities include chasing his stuffed giraffe and following closely at our heels wherever we go. He loves hiking, the dog park, walks and best of all, loves to snuggle.
Penelope (Penny) says
Hi my name is Penelope, before i was adopted I went by the name Marla. I was picked up by the shelter after roaming the streets of East Oakland and was adopted by my mommy and daddy (Heather & Todd)in August 2010. I am really happy in my new home for many reasons. I love to snuggle in the morning, mommy says I lickle her, because I really like to give lots of morning kisses all over her face. We go on lots of walks and lately play ball outside pretty much everyday I LOVE BALL!! They say I am obsessed with fetch. I am just really good at it and like being outside. We enjoy going on lots of trips together either locally (lots of Napa valley wine tasting trips) or out of state, I have been on 3 plane trips (business class of course)! My parents say they are so lucky to have me in their lives because I am sweet, smart, fun and full of love. My parents tell me not to let it go to my head but I was Ms. February for a wine calender. Life is GOOD!
Thank you OAS for saving me! 🙂
aviana says
i adopted tesla (formerly beyonce) a few months ago, so that my other cat, merlin, would have a friend to keep him company. i’m so happy i did! it took a little while for them to get used to one another, but now they play together, and chase each other around the house. 🙂
thank you oas! (and an especially big thank you to volunteer warren, who helped me throughout the adoption process. he was super supportive and positive!)
Patrick Chu says
Count your woof’ings! I have had dogs in the family since I was a toddler, but my latest blessing came from OAS. The noble one-year-old “Benton” is too sweet and cuddly, so he is now known as The Jester, because he brings joy and laughter to my family and my neighbors. Being a Chow-Retriever, he is calm, intelligent and definitely stubborn at times. See how Jester relaxes with Sheila, our other rescued pup! Thanks to all the very helpful staff/volunteers, on behalf of Jester, along with all the dogs, cats, bunnies!
Linda says
One cold and rainy weekend I decided to go to Oakland Animal Services to look for a dog to be a companion to my other dog and me. Sadly, I had to euthanize our Pembroke Corgi, Staff Sgt Sparky in July and really missed having her. I had looked at other shelters and dealt with a number of rescue groups but hadn’t had any luck. But lucky for me on that dreary November day last year I found the best little dog. I spent almost four hours at the shelter that day. The two volunteers who helped me (sorry, I don’t have their names but I know they were a married couple) were so kind and patient with me. I had a list of dogs that I’d seen on the website to look at and then I saw different dogs while walking through the kennels. Each time the volunteers had to swab down the visiting room. This one little dog kept watching me very intently and quietly from his kennel. We had a visit and then I asked for a few more dogs to consider. When I saw that the little guy known as Greco was getting beat up by his “cellie” my heart went out to him. I asked to see him again as now he was in my final running. He was so sweet and then looked up at me with his ears, which normally fold over, flipped up making him look like a canine ET. That was it—the beginning of a beautiful relationship! Oh, and he has a new name, too. GySgt Scruffy, a.k.a, Scruffy, a.k.a., Gunny. OohRah!
J says
Thank you so much for my two wonderful cats! I adopted Clementine (formerly Hannah) in late January intending her to be a single cat, but she was so bored and lonely that I came back and adopted Grover (formerly Perry) a month later. Things were a little tense at first, but now they’re best buddies, and Grover follows her like a duckling — it’s pretty funny because he’s twice her size. They get along so well you’d think they were littermates.
Clementine is the bolder of the pair and will walk right up to strange visitors to say hi. She also opens all my cabinet doors, gets into the trash, knocks over the bag of cat litter and plays in it… the list goes on. Grover is a little shyer but his affectionate head-butts could knock out teeth, and he loves belly rubs. He’s a little overweight, but we’re working on it, and he’s lost a pound already.
I can’t tell you how happy I am to share my home with this pair, and what great company they are.
cassie says
Last year we adopted this beautiful dog called Delia. She now lives with us in SF, where she loves to go for long walks in the park and through the city. She also loves going to doggy daycare and playing with other dogs. At first she needed some training and suffered from separation anxiety, but we were surprised at how quickly she adapted to her new life. She is such a good girl, never an accident, and she only chews on the toys we give her. She is calm and polite indoors until every evening when her favorite person gets home from work. Then she gets so excited she grabs her favorite toy of the moment and runs around the house wagging her tail furiously and making funny little groaning, yodely sounds of happiness. She is rather spoiled, but that’s OK because this sweet girl deserves to be happy. Thank you OAS for keeping this beautiful dog safe until she could find her family, and for caring for the many other animals in need.
Donna de la Perriere says
And one more photo of Dickinson (left) & Whitman (right)
Donna de la Perriere says
Thank you, thank you, OAS, for bringing Whitman (formerly Gino, on the left) and Dickinson (formerly Rain, on the right) into our lives in November of 2010. They are utter sweethearts–smart, gentle, & tremendously funny–who have enriched our lives immeasurably. We’re so happy to have them in our family.
Susan says
It has only been ten days since Pia (formerly Pirouette) came home with me, and already she seems to enjoy supervising while her new mom works. She is such a sweet kitty! She has adopted my office as her room, and clearly feels secure there. Introductions to my other cat are going slower than I had hoped for, but I am confident that with time, these two older gals will adapt. Many thanks to her foster mom, Joy, for letting her come home with me – and to Mary & Jen at OAS for facilitating this adoption!
Katie says
I first saw Jasper (formerly Nina) on Petfinder and was smitten by the photo of her lying down under a chair and the video of her happily eating treats. I went with my roommate and sister to OAS in September to meet her. She was very shy, but quickly charmed us with her sweet demeanor and hilarious but dangerous ability to prance casually between the vertical bars of the fence in the outdoor play area into the shelter parking lot. Fortunately, she came right back when called. The volunteer who helped us was very patient, answered many of my questions, and provided some information that, as a first-time dog companion, I didn’t know to ask about.
Jasper was initially wary of her new home and didn’t pee or poop for the first day, despite several long walks. We weren’t even sure that she was able to bark for the first couple of days. It has been very rewarding to see her become comfortable and she now enjoys playing with her toys and running with other dogs, instead of just hiding behind my legs. She has become part of the family and has even charmed my mom, who used to not like dogs but now gets out a ball for Jasper to play with when we come over. We’re still working on some separation anxiety and the occasional accident, but are learning.
Thanks, OAS!
Joan says
Sherlock and Monty (formerly Moby) are doing very well in their new home. It didn’t take long for them to get over shyness. They are both jumpers. Monty climbed to the
top of my closet on top of stash of pillows and sashshayed down to the floor using my clothes as a guide. He’s the calm one. Sherlock is as curious and confident as the famous detective. He can leap to the top of a dresser and tip-toe over knick-knacks without hurting a thing. Either cat would be a wonderful companion on his own, but they are buddies and I’m so glad they are here together. Thanks especially to OAS volunteers, Anne and Warren for their valuable help.
Leslie & David says
Tomorrow will be 3 weeks to the day since we brought home our wonderful little tabby kitten Thai-tay (used to be Shiloh) from OAS. After a full week living in our bathroom linen closet, he’s gradually expanded his territory out to the bedroom, hallway, kitchen… and tonight, he spent his *first* full evening with us in the living room! David and I were *so* excited that Thai-tay has come such a long way in such a short time… He’s sure a brave little guy.
There’s nothing in the world quite as gratifying as when you know a tiny animal truly trusts you. And Thai-tay now strolls through the house with his tail high, flopping over now and then for a belly rub. We can’t thank the OAS volunteers enough for keeping our little guy loved up during his long incarceration (Thanks, Willow!). Lil’ Thai-tay is becoming a “love bug,” indeed!
Katy says
Bonnie and Clyde lived at OAS the first 6 months of their lives. Then they were transferred to Pet Cottage Rescue and re-named Posey and Buster. It was during a visit that I met them and fell in love. They were shy. We adopted them right before Xmas and have had them a little over 3 weeks.
I renamed them yet again- but already they answer to their names! Monique and Oscar (Wilde).
A house and carpet was a new experience for them at first. As soon as they were out of their cage and in the house they rolled and stretched and rubbed on the carpet. Then, being shy, they found a safe place under a lounge chair.
I wanted them to sleep on the bed that first night so I brought them down to the bedroom. Oscar didn’t know what to make of the blankets and softness so he peed and purred at the same time. I wasn’t mad but understood that that was too much too soon. After two nights in the bathroom , smart kitties that they are, they knew that was where they should pee.
Oscar tends to run away rather than be petted whereas Monique stretches out for a good tummy rub. As I write this, Oscar and Monique are sharing my chair w/ me, sitting behind me all curled up.
We’ve come along way. Last night they both went under the covers to snuggle up near my legs as I read a book. While watching movies Oscar likes to be on my lap under a cover.
Although he watches Monique for clues as to what is ok and what is safe, he is stepping out on his own too. My husband and I marvel at there bravery and courage. They are so loving and playful, galloping up and down the stairs, tackling each other, always playing.
Thank you Volunteers at OAS for not giving up on them. They have found a loving, good home and our lives are richer for them being in it.
mel says
Our newly adopted kitties Ash and Ember (formerly Dandy and Amber) are settling in well. They are sweet and gentle and love to play. We are so happy we decided to stop by the shelter.
Hope, Travis and Zigsa says
We went to the shelter just to look and found a white furball that resembled at snow leopard — We decided to take him home after only a few minutes with him! We decided to name him Zigsa as its the tibetan word for Snow Leopard. He’s been the best cat we’ve ever owned and we couldn’t be happier! Thank you to all the volunteers and employees at the Oakland Animal Shelter for saving our little kitty so we could meet him and make him part of our family! We’re forever greatful and may just be by in the future to get another family memeber or volunteer our time!
Simone Odom says
Thanks to Willow, on a rainy Sunday, this last October 2010, my husband and I adopted Ariel from OAS but now we named her Lili (Lee-lee). We had recently lost our beloved Lua (2 years old) to a car accident in front of our house. The loss pain is still in our hearts. Lua was very cuddly, very talkative little girl and we had such a special connection with her… So we thought that Tuka, her sister needed a companion and so we found Lili at the shelter. Lili is a vibrant young girl with energy boosting through the walls and she has quite a genius, very determined. We love our new ‘gwirl’ and so does her sister Tuka ! (Lili with red & green elf hat)…HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Leslie says
Yesterday, December 20th I ventured into OAS looking for a cuddly cat. I had seen Morris on line and was certainly taken by him, but in real life he was even better. A snuggle bug of a bit.
I got him home, to my little studio cottage and opened the carrier; out he ran straight under the bed. Wouldn’t look at me, wouldn’t come out. So to give him time in the house alone I went out. When I came back he was still under the bed so I laid down on the floor and he came right over and gave me a big head butt. He then took his own adventure out into the rest of the house. I sat down and watched. The next thing I know he is opening the drawers on the bathroom vanity! Next he’s back in the bedroom rolling on the scratch pad. Then he’s back with me standing on the ottoman getting a neck rub. I took the opportunity to pick him and carried him to the bed. Plopped him on the be and there has been ever since. He’s been purring up a storm, kneading the pillow and looking at me. It’s clear he ate and used the litter box over night but when I woke up there he was with his paw on my shoulder and purring some more. I am the luckiest human on earth to make this cat friend. Thank you OAS!
Gail says
We went to the Oakland Animal Shelter on Tuesday and found the perfect dog for our family – Louie! This pic is from our get acquainted visit – you can see he loves to snuggle.
Rebekah DeHaven and Morgana Powell says
Our sweet little girl Safari came to us after we saw a desperate Craigslist posting that the incredible volunteers at OAS posted. Safari had been deemed “cage crazy” and the staff feared she was unadoptable because she hissed and bit at anyone who tried to pet her. At the same time, she rubbed and purred–obviously craving attention. All this sweet girl needed was some patience and a home to feel secure in. A few months later, and she curls up next to us in bed and demands hugs and kisses. She’s still working to get over her cage trauma, but she’s come a long ways. Safari is proof that even those “unadoptable” animals can make a loving addition to a home! Doesn’t she look adorable in her Halloween bandana?!?
Vamessa Godinez says
All the school stress and college applications were getting to me and I didn’t know what to do. I’ve been an animal lover all my life and finally my mother suggested taking me down to the shelter and looking at some animals. That’s when I met Kerrigan. As I browsed through the cats, he reached out to me with his paw and immediately stole my heart. It’s been one year now and I can’t imagine life without him! He’s a ball of energy that never ceases to make me laugh. He never leaves my side, always there to give me unconditional love with purrs and headbutts.
Everyone who sees him agrees that he is the most handsome and sweetest cat. I swear, he can communicate without words.
I’m extremely grateful to OAS for putting me in touch with my little purr machine (who apparently has no off button ;P )
Jenny and Fumihide says
We adopted Choco, a 2 year old Chihuahua/Terrier mix from OAS about a week ago. When we adopted him they told us he’d been picked up as a stray and had been in the shelter a long time. We honestly have no idea why this amazing, sweet little dog hadn’t been adopted by someone. Choco is super friendly, playful, cuddly, sweet, well-behaved, and unbelievably smart. He loves playing tug of war with his stuffed animals, chewing on his rawhide bone (which he likes to “hide” under his bed), playing with other doggies in the park, and snuggling up under the covers with us at night. He loves all people and animals and wags his tail excitedly when he meets someone new. He’s just a bundle of love and joy and we are so thankful to Amy and everyone else at OAS for helping us find the PERFECT little boy!!!!
As a fun side note, we kept the name Choco (short for Chocolate), which was given to him at OAS. My husband is Japanese and interestingly enough, the word for chocolate in Japanese is “choco!!” We thought it was a cute name, and very fitting since his fur is the color of chocolate and he’s super sweet! He’s also learning commands in both Japanese and English so he’ll be a bilingual doggie 🙂
Sara LeWinter says
I fell for this gal Yuki as soon as we met. She’s the perfect companion for a busy dot comer like myself. What a wonderful holiday surprise Oakland Animal Services can be!
Rosie da Silva says
I just wish to say Very Happy Thanks Giving! To all the volunteers and staff at the OAS, to the law enforcement officers, who diligently rescue and free animals from abuse and all the vicissitudes that come with homelessness, and also, to all the folks who come and offer a place in their homes to the animals. I have a lot to be thankful for this year, and a lot has to do with this wonderful group of very special people, who dedicate their lives to help some of the most vulnerable creatures among us. This year my life became a lot richer, thanks to the new additions to my family. Of course I am talking about my petite Sarah, who still looks like a baby, due to her small size and adorable personality; and the very special and inseparable duo portrayed in the picture_Clementine and Adeline. They continue to bring a lot of fun to the household! I am positive that if you are looking to adopt or even foster an animal, you will also find a special someone that will make you laugh and be grateful you visited the Shelter. May you all feel like everyday is Thanksgiving Day, as much as I do with my very special companions!
Toby and Lessa says
I adopted Toby and Lessa who are now Toby and Lyla on October 26th. At four months old and feral I knew that I had a challenge ahead. And a challenge it was! Hissing, scratching and running away became a daily routine in my house. It really discouraged me as their new owner.
Being confined only to the bathroom was a good first step in getting them use to the new environment though every thing became a toy. From the bath soap to the toilet paper. Constantly cleaning up messes. Luckily for me, they soon became bored with those things.
About 4 days in, Lyla hurt her right hind paw. She wouldn’t walk on it and so I immediately brought her and Toby to the vet. While there, we got their first round of vaccinations. Lyla was prescribed some medicine and a few, quick short days later she was back to “normal”.
After two weeks, I allowed them to roam between my room and the bathroom. I figured they had been “good” and or bored with the bathroom. Thit allowed plenty of space to run and play. Definitely sounded like miniature galloping horses during the night. They soon found new and exciting things to run their paws across. Think of anything that could be in a room and they touched or bit (including my feet as I slept). They knocked over countless items of mine and used the underside of my bed as their new hiding place when running away from me.
I continued to lose hope that my Tasmanian kitties wouldn’t turn into lovable little Angels!
4 weeks after the adoption, on a very very cold night. Lyla jumps onto my bed and lies down right next to my feet and Toby soon followed. They slept there the entire night. I woke up the next morning and I still was not able to pet them but I could tell that things were changing. They no longer ran away as i walked about, I was able to keep the toilet paper in the bathroom without it getting destroyed and hissing was no more!
They continued to sleep on the bed and each night I noticed they slept closer and closer toward my torso.
One night I laid awake and I could tell Toby and Lyla were awake as well. Lyla ventures up to my face and I put my hand out to pet her and I got a gooooood stroke in. She didn’t run, in fact she placed herself under my hand for another pet! Toby came up as well and I started to pet him. Boy did the purring began! Toby has an enormous and beautiful purr and hearing that sound made me feel soooo good inside. At that point I KNEW that the hard part was over. My Tasmanian kitties were now little Angels! They had learn to trust and love me! It feels so good to walk into the room and to be greeted by Toby and Lyla rubbing up against my legs. I definitely prefer that over the scratch marks I obtained weeks prior.
I honestly believe that an animal can complete a home and now that I’ve reached the “calm after the storm”, I couldn’t be more happier now that I have Toby and Lyla in my life. Such complete joy.
They are such brave kitties too. We had a thunder storm two nights ago and they were perfectly okay with it.
I want to thanks Christin New (OAS volunteer) for making me come down to OAS and Warren for being my cat volunteer during both visits that I made. And especially OAS for providing a safe place for animals who need it. Without OAS I wouldn’t have experienced the joy and gratefulness to have them in my family.
Annette says
I am a former OAS bunny volunteer who fell in love with two adorable sisters, Lexi and Reba. After meeting these wonderful girls and bringing them into my home I knew I couldn’t live without them. So when I had to move to New York I knew the girls were coming with me. I think they’ve settled into life in the Big Apple and I’m so glad we made the cross country trek together. Thanks to all the wonderful bunny volunteers for teaching me so much about rabbits and introducing me to my new family.