Humane Society Silicon Valley
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I have volunteered for the HSSV for about a year and a half as a dog socializer and assistant to behavior staff. They have a fabulous training program to promote consistency in handling of dogs across all the volunteers, and although many dogs are adopted quite quickly, I have seen the incredible difference HSSV staff and volunteers can make working with an animal over time. One dog in particular went from 75 pounds of jumping up, dragging people on leash, overwhelming exuberance to a dog who could sit to be leashed, walk nicely, knew basic commands, and was a pleasure to be around. And it was all done with only positive reinforcement, and a dog with only positive associations with people. These folks take in overflow from other shelters, and dogs that need more work than other shelters can give (medical or behavioral), and love them till they can find their "forever homes." The facility itself is marvelous, with two dog parks (for big and little) and daycare, and summer camp programs, and lots of beautiful animals to visit. I love having "TLC a dog" as part of my volunteer duties!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Teaching dogs how to be good canine citizens in a loving, postive, fun way, and teaching people how to understand a dog's perspective and to encourage desirable behaviors without punishment.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand access to the dogs in-person for potential adopters. There is often a waiting list for people to meet a dog they're interested in, and the new facility, while fabulous, doesn't allow people to interact with dogs without an appointment.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Learning how to interact with all kinds of dog breeds and personalities, and helping to improve their quality of life with TLC and walks and treats and games...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Other dog socializers and the Behavior Staff, and the volunteer coordinator Kris Gunderson.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Save more animals! Expand access to training for volunteers and the public! Do more public outreach on how to be a great pet owner (spay and neuter, train your dog to be a good citizen, socilialize with people and other dogs).
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to volunteer!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding and public education.
One thing I'd also say is that...
This shelter does not euthanize for space reasons, only for safety or health reasons.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I've volunteered for HSSV for 6 years. The staff and other volunteers are there to save and enhance lives, not only for the animal guests, but for people, too. With the new Animal Community Center in Milpitas, they are creating new bonds with people in the community. Because they have so many different volunteer opportunities, there's something for everyone. And the animals that are up for adoption are behavior and medically tested and microchipped. Come experience it for yourself.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I adopted my own dog from them 14 years ago. When I retired from teaching, I wanted to follow my passion for animals. The animals at HSSV fill my heart.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The animials fill my heart.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
A diverse group, but all with the mission of saving and enhancing lives foremost in their minds.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have never seen such a loving and well organized volunteer organization. I am a dog socializer with HSSV and from the very first day I felt the love and sincerity the team of employees and volunteers feel for the animals. The wonderful conditions the animals are kept in, cared for and how each person involved with this organization feels responsible for the animals. The dogs have individual rooms with music playing to calm them, clean quarters with food and a great deal of TLC. The cats have their own royal rooms with amply space and corners for them to feel comfortable. I am extremely impressed and honored to be a part of such a noble organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the way the animals are very well kept and treated with amazing humanity and love.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I am a volunteer at HSSV. I have never seen an organization so committed to animal welfare. Our family has a personal experience to share. About 6 years ago we finally gave in to our 12 year old and agreed to adopt a pet. We went to HSSV and out of all the loving animals my daughter fell in love with a 9 year old mutt. She had her own story. She was at her third shelter and had not been considered adoptable by the other shelters because of her age. HSSV saved her from euthanasia by giving her a chance at their shelter. Our dog is now 15 years old and she has grown old with us. She walks slowly, sleeps most of the day, but she loves us with all her heart and we are glad that HSSV saved her for us.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
adopting my own pet
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
how committed every one is to animal welfare and finding the best homes for all those in need of the right loving family.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
These people are seriously dedicated to their mission - To Save and Enhance Lives! Positive spirit and enthusiasm are matched by their appreciation for their volunteers. As a volunteer dog socializer they provided training, resources, and flexibility to allow me to help these wonderful animals at my own pace, and on my own schedule. I've been able to make a difference in my community (four-legged, and two-legged), and I sincerely thank Humane Society Silicon Valley for that!!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the wonderful positive energy in a field that some think is depressing
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
appreciative of my help and support
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Save and Enhance more lives. People are saved and enhanced by our relationships with their pets. HSSV understand this animal/human bond.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I've volunteered for HSSV for almost a year now. The physical shelter itself is what every shelter should strive to be: a community center. It's certified green and everything has been designed with the animals' happiness in mind. For example, the cats aren't cramped in little cages, but have huge rooms to explore and live in. I mentioned the facility first because I think it is representative of the organization as a whole: progressive, professional, and a leader in the community. While other shelters get by doing what they've always done, I truly feel that HSSV is always looking towards the future. The animal community and it's problems aren't static - they are constantly evolving. We need more animal welfare agencies like HSSV, who constantly innovate to stay in tune with what is going on in the community. The one thing I think HSSV should continue to improve is its live save rate, the percentage of orphaned animals who leave HSSV alive. Congratulations to HSSV staff for December 2009's highest live save rate of 91%. Now let's get it into the upper 90's, where an organization of HSSV's caliber should be. My wish is that this review inspires you to donate, support and volunteer for HSSV, and--as you should with any animal shelter--critically examine the organization's save rate and ask tough questions about it.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the professionalism of the staff, and the level of care and consideration given to the animals in their care.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
provide the medical care and rehabilitation necessary to save even more lives.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Mouser was the first kitten I adopted from HSSV and that was over 30 years ago. Most recently I adopted one of my foster kittens, Wiggums. Since adopting Wiggums, he's had some play aggression issues. I contacted the Animal Behavior team at HSSV and they gave me great ideas and tips on how to handle his behavior. Their advice has been invaluable and Wiggums' behavior has improved. I'm also a volunteer at HSSV, socializing cats, fostering kittens and helping out during special events. HSSV is a great organization. They go the extra mile to care for and love every animal that enters the facility. The highly educated and trained staff has created a unique environment dedicated to educating the community and saving lives. My life has been enriched through my involvement with HSSV.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my volunteer activities over the past 4 years.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the professionalism of the organization. They are deeply concerned about and committed to the well being of animals.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
wonderful, caring individuals.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I started fostering kittens for HSSV 10 years ago. I have seen first hand how much care, both loving and medical these animals get. Many shelters would not spend the time and money to save some of these who are weakened by parasites & illness. The animals they adopt out are sweet, loving & playful. Both my cats came from hssv.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing sad, sick, and/or frightened kittens become healthy, friendly and gregarious.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
kitten love!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
wonderful, caring, devoted.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I adopted my first dog from HSSV about 6 years ago. I am grateful everyday that I have her in my life. I was very impressed with the staff at HSSV during my adoption process. The staff is professional and cares about their animals. I recently started volunteering and see from the inside how much work goes into caring for the animals.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
volunteering my time and services.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
all very dedicated to caring for the animals.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I've been a volunteer since 2001. I started because I just wanted a "dog fix" and I stayed because of the incredible commitment to animals that this organization has. They are professional and caring. The new animal community center was built not just to look beautiful, but to turn the concept of animal sheltering on its ear and really get ahead of the homeless pet problem. I really appreciate that they make quality adoptions a priority, and give animals extra time and care when they need it.
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
make enormous progress in animal welfare in the bay area. Not to mention educating our children and communities to be more compassionate.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2001
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