Nala and Bear play as they wait for Ana to check in.
Keep reading to find out how Humane Society Silicon Valley is helping to keep at-risk animals like Nala and Bear out of shelters and where they belong – with the people who love them most.
Note: The client’s name has been changed to honor her request for anonymity.
HSSV’s Wellness Waggin’ parked in front of Capitol Park Neighborhood Center in San Jose
It’s a beautiful day and HSSV’s Wellness Waggin’ is parked outside of a small but colorful building in Capitol Park, San Jose. Inside, Dr. Sanders and his medical team are waiting patiently for the next client to arrive. On some tables the team has laid out a variety of supplies used to treat common illnesses and ailments in cats and dogs, along with vaccines and flea and tick treatment to protect them. At the end of the table, there is an open can of pet food and some treats used to keep patients distracted and fear-free during their examinations.
Ana walks in with her two dogs, Nala and Bear. Active and playful, she apologizes for their rambunctious behavior, pointing out that they had all just completed a long walk. As she goes over Nala’s medical history with a veterinary technician, the dogs sit for their person and let loose some adorable howls before she quiets them gently. Relaxed and happy, it is clear the two large dogs are well-loved.
Nala and Bear let loose a synchronized howl!
As she tells her story it becomes clear that Ana, Nala, and Bear have faced challenges. “They were always up to date on their vet visits,” she says, but lately things have been difficult. “Right now, the three of us are living out of my car – and sometimes I have to choose whether they eat, or I do… and they always come first.”
Stories like Ana’s are unfortunately common in Silicon Valley. The population has tripled since 1960 – nearly 2 million people live here today. Over the past decade housing costs have skyrocketed, with the median home price rising to $1.7 million. Today, 40% of local families make less than $80,000 a year. “Nearly 1 in 3 people are living paycheck to paycheck and often run out of money before the end of the month,” says President Kurt Krukenberg. “It’s not uncommon to hear people coming in who use our services say, ‘This helps me avoid the decision of who’s going to eat tonight, me or my pet. [Because of this support], I don’t have to choose between making rent and taking care of my animal.”
Ana checks in, and Dr. Sanders examines Nala for a possible injury to her leg.
Financial challenges and unaffordable veterinary care are common reasons why many people make the difficult decision to surrender their beloved pets. One of our three strategic priorities is Keeping Families Together – and we help to accomplish this through community programs like Vaccine, Wellness, and Essential Care Clinics and the Pet Pantry program, which are designed to help to narrow the accessibility gap when it comes to providing food, basic supplies and veterinary care to the pets of those in our community experiencing hardship. We are committed to keeping animals like Nala and Bear out of shelters, and where they belong – with the people who love them most, when their companionship is needed more than ever.
“Ana has been a client with us for a few years,” says Community Services Supervisor Kyoko. “This is her third clinic visit, and we’ve also been able to support her by supplying food and basic care supplies for her dogs through the Pet Pantry program. Through her involvement with us, we’ve been able to ensure her dogs remain healthy and well cared for despite her financial challenges.”
Nala is examined by the medical team, while Bear patiently waits with Ana.
Today, Ana has made an appointment because she suspects Nala may have a urinary tract infection. She waits patiently with Bear while Dr. Sanders examines Nala.
Veterinary Technicians administer vaccines to Nala – along with some essential love and snuggles.
After the exam, the team weighs Nala and administers vaccines to help keep her healthy. As Ana speaks to Dr. Sanders about Nala’s medication and gets ready to check out, they provide Nala and Bear with the most essential care of all – love and snuggles.
A veterinary technician gives Ana instructions for administering flea and tick preventatives for both dogs.
Before she leaves, Dr. Sanders gives Ana flea and tick preventative for both dogs, and a tech explains to her how to apply it. She walks out of the clinic with medication to help treat Nala’s UTI, and peace of mind in knowing that her beloved dog is getting the care she needs.
Learn more about how HSSV is Keeping Families Together in this short video:
You can be a part of Keeping Families Together in Silicon Valley. Make a gift to support our efforts today.
