Valley Humane Society (VHS) creates a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the bond between people and pets. VHS rescues and rehabilitates companion animals, champions responsible caretaking, shares pets’ soothing affections with people in need of comfort, and supports and preserves existing pet-guardian relationships.

In response to community needs, VHS will open a new veterinary surgery center in downtown Pleasanton in December, according to VHS President Melanie Sadek. The Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center will provide one-time, non-emergency surgeries and dental treatment for both shelter animals and public pets. It will also provide financial options to help people ensure their animals can get the treatment they need. The campaign has raised $1.5 million thus far. To open its doors, the center needs an  additional $150,000 in donations, Sadek notes.

VHS protects animals in a variety of ways. In September, it launched a national campaign called Share the Care. “Throughout the country, shelters are overflowing with adoptable cats and dogs,” says Sadek. “The campaign is asking the community to please adopt. If they can't add a pet to their home, please adopt a shelter. You can donate, foster, volunteer, or be a social media champion.”

The organization also runs a remarkable pet therapy program. “We visit schools in all the Tri-Valley school districts and provide two services,” notes Sadek. “One empowers literacy skill growth in young readers who are struggling. By including dogs in the school program, all children have the opportunity to access this service?, which historically was only available after school at libraries. We also provide stress relief on middle and high school campuses. For Hacienda businesses, we do offer corporate stress relief services. We have programs in a variety of businesses throughout the East Bay.”

Those working at VHS often witness the importance of the pet-guardian bond. Rosebud, for example, came to VHS with a broken leg and was uneasy around people. VHS had the dog’s leg repaired and found her a forever home. “She is now named Piglet and is adored by her new family,” according to Sadek. “Though she remained a bit shy in the shelter, her new family reports that she is a super fun and vibrant dog who really loves hanging out with her new feline companions, Boo and Scout. Piglet has transformed her family’s life for the better.”

The organization’s largest fundraiser, Tails at Twilight, will be held this year on October 29 at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton. In addition to other events and programs, VHS frequently holds fee-waived adoption events to help encourage community members to adopt pets. “Valley Humane Society is very committed to the human-animal bond,” notes Sadek. “We recognize how much we need our animals, and how much they need us. Many animal welfare organizations are focused on rescue services only. Valley Humane wants to empower the human-animal bond through a variety of programs that help create a more humane community, keep beloved pets with their families, and provide services for homeless pets.”

For more information about Valley Humane Society, please visit www.valleyhumane.org, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/valleyhumanesociety, or its Instagram account at www.instagram.com/valleyhumanesociety.

To donate to the Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center, please visit www.valleyhumane.org/programs/surgery-center.

For more information about Share the Care, please visit www.joinsharethecare.org.