Ohlone Humane Society
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HELPING THE ANIMALS AND OUR COMMUNITY

Our Mission Statement: Ohlone Humane Society strives to inspire respect and compassion for all animals, advocate for their interests and welfare, and instill in our community that all living beings have the right to be treated humanely.

KITTEN CALLIGRAPHY FUNDRAISER!

Join OHS on Saturday, February 7th from 2-3:30pm for a calligraphy class benefitting the Kitten Foster Program! Class includes 1.5 hours of instruction and demonstration, our beginner’s calligraphy kit (two nibs, black ink pot, 2 letter guides, tracing paper, and straight pen holder), and all materials to write on. Everything is yours to keep at the end of the workshop!

MORE INFO REGISTER

LAZY DOG FUNDRAISER!

Support OHS by dining at Lazy Dog! Join us at Lazy Dog Restaurant in Newark on February 14th & 15th from 11am to close. Show the flyer for a 15% donation, or order takeout online using code: 01Newark. 

MORE INFO
Do you need pet food assistance? Visit our PET MEALS-ON-WHEELS page for more info.

WE HAVE KITTENS!

Are you interested in adopting a cat or kitten? Check out our available felines on our Adopt-a-Pet listings. All of our kittens are currently in foster homes, so you will need to make an appointment if you wish to meet an animal. Please visit our Kitten Fostering & Adoption page to learn more.

ADOPTION INFO

Pet adoption and rescue powered by Adopt-a-Pet.com

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER

The OHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center helps more than 800 sick, injured, or orphaned animals each year. We are open Tuesday – Saturday 11:30am-3:30pm and closed Sundays and Mondays.

Our wildlife rehabilitation center is supported by volunteers, memberships and community donations. Learn more about what we do and how you can help.

LEARN MORE

ohshumanesociety

More than a rescue, we are a community! Working toward the welfare of animals in the tri-city area since 1983. 🐾 @ohs_wildliferehab | Nonprofit 501c3

Instagram post 18097696480931931 Instagram post 18097696480931931
Friendly reminder as kitten season approaches 🐾 I Friendly reminder as kitten season approaches 🐾

If there are community cats in your neighborhood, Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) is the most humane and effective way to prevent new litters before kitten season begins.

Through Ohlone Humane Society’s TNR program, community cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their familiar outdoor homes — healthier, protected, and no longer contributing to the cycle of overpopulation.

Acting early makes a real difference. TNR reduces suffering, stabilizes community cat populations, and helps shelters avoid becoming overwhelmed during kitten season.

Prevention today saves lives tomorrow.

🐾 Learn more about TNR or request help through our program website.

#TNRWorks
#CommunityCats
#KittenSeason
#OhloneHumaneSociety
#TrapNeuterReturn
#BayAreaCats
#FremontCA
#unioncityca 
#newarkca 
#HumaneSolutions
The 5th annual OHS Great Schoolyard Bird Count in The 5th annual OHS Great Schoolyard Bird Count in our local schools is February 12 to encourage our local students to contribute to science and appreciate nature. Watch for their comments and artwork in future posts! #greatbackyardbirdcount #celebrateurbanbirds #ohlonehumanesociety #citizenscience  #cornelllabofornithology
Meet Misha 🐱💙 Misha is a sweet senior Siamese (10+ Meet Misha 🐱💙
Misha is a sweet senior Siamese (10+ years) who loves pets ✋ and purrs nonstop 😻💭. She was found on the streets 🏙️, sick and matted (since resolved), but she’s gentle, loving, and just wants a safe, cozy home 🏡✨

Senior cats = calm cuddles + big love 💞
Know someone who can help Misha? Please share 🔁🐾💙

 #seniorcatsneedlovetoo #ohlonehumanesociety #helpushelpthem #petlove
Instagram post 18095541211939379 Instagram post 18095541211939379
Kitten season is almost here — and prevention star Kitten season is almost here — and prevention starts now. 🐾

If there are friendly community cats in your neighborhood, spaying or neutering before kitten season can prevent countless litters and unnecessary suffering.

Ohlone Humane Society offers spay/neuter assistance for community cats, helping caregivers access affordable spay/neuter and vaccinations through our partner clinics.

Programs like this are only possible through community support. Every donation helps fund spay/neuter surgeries, vaccines, and medical care — allowing us to say “yes” to more cats in need as kitten season approaches.

🐾 Learn more or apply for spay/neuter assistance by accessing the 'SPAY NEUTER ASSISTANCE' tab on our website (refer link in poster).

💙 Support this life-saving work with a donation through our website's 'DONATE' tab.

Prevention today saves lives tomorrow.

#SpayNeuterSavesLives
#CommunityCats
#KittenSeason
#OhloneHumaneSociety
#TNRWorks
#BayAreaCats
#FremontCA
#HumaneSolutions
Posted by OHS Youth Volunteer: Juliette, age 15 P Posted by OHS Youth Volunteer: Juliette, age 15

Please join OHS during the official Great Backyard Birdcount, when the world comes together for the love of birds! The dates are February 13-16. For more information on how to participate in the Great Backyard Birdcount, visit https://www.birdcount.org. 
Happy Birdwatching!

#greatbackyardbirdcount #ohs #humaneeducation #birdwatching #nature
Meet Amore, a sweet kitten living outside someone Meet Amore, a sweet kitten living outside someone noticed wobbles. Suspect FIP as other tests ruled out other things. The Ohlone Humane Society will ensure she can receive the treatment she needs to survive. The cost is high, and we can’t do this without you.

✨ Every donation makes a difference
✨ Sharing helps more than you know

💉🐱 Donate via this link, and note this is for the Kitten Program:  https://ohlonehumanesociety.app.neoncrm.com/forms/ohs-donate

Let’s come together and give Amore the chance she deserves. 🤍

 #SaveAmore #Ohlonehumanesociety #kittenrescue #helpushelpthem  #FIPWarriors
🐾Kittens Need You🐾 We are looking for fosters for 🐾Kittens Need You🐾
We are looking for fosters for kittens too young to survive on their own. 
🍼We provide supplies
🏠You provide love
🐱Together we save lives

Please share!  Look for kitten fosyer application on OHS website!
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ohs_wildliferehab

Dedicated to rehab, release, and education on co-existing with urban wildlife🦝🦆🌱

This Valentine’s Day, skip the roses and buy a wil This Valentine’s Day, skip the roses and buy a wildlife rehab animal dinner instead🍽️💝 Share a wildlife e-card and support our animal patients by donating to Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center🥰 Which e-card will YOU be sending to your loved one/bestie/soulmate/enemy? 🔗Please see our links in bio to donate and view our Amazon & Walmart wish lists💫 Your donations provide food, medical care, and shelter to wildlife in need.
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[Remember: Wildlife are not pets. We are licensed and trained wildlife rehabilitators, whose ultimate goal is to rehab wildlife to be released back into nature.]
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#ohswildlife #ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #bayarea #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #community #nonprofit #raccoon #bird #opossum #squirrel #skunk #hummingbird #valentines #valentinememes #ecard
The first baby bird of the season arrived at our w The first baby bird of the season arrived at our wildlife center at the end of January!😯🐣 Thank you to the Good Samaritan who found this nestling Anna’s Hummingbird on the ground, unable to be returned to its nest, and brought it to our wildlife center to be examined and cared for.

This baby hummingbird has begun self-feeding and testing its wings!🪽 Next, this little one will be moving into a small flight enclosure to continue its rehab & recovery❤️🧡💛

As we prepare to kick off baby animal season, we kindly ask for donations to help provide food, medical care, and shelter to the influx of injured and orphaned baby wildlife we anticipate in the coming months. 🔗Please see our links in bio to donate and view our Amazon & Walmart wish lists💫
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[Remember: Wildlife are not pets. We are licensed and trained wildlife rehabilitators, whose ultimate goal is to rehab wildlife to be released back into nature.]
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#ohswildlife #ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #bayarea #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #community #bird #hummingbird #babybird #babyanimal #annashummingbird
This gorgeous visitor is a male Common Goldeneye w This gorgeous visitor is a male Common Goldeneye who came to Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center after spending two days grounded in a backyard. Goldeneyes have trouble getting around and taking off from solid ground. After a physical exam to be sure he did not sustain any injuries while grounded, he was released to the appropriate environment💙 A beautiful reminder that sometimes wildlife just needs a little help getting back to the right place.

Thank you to the Good Samaritan who rescued this Goldeneye from their own backyard and to our community for showing what care and compassion truly look like.
—-
[Remember: Wildlife are not pets. We are licensed and trained wildlife rehabilitators, whose ultimate goal is to rehab wildlife to be released back into nature.]
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#ohswildlife #ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #bayarea #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #community #bird #duck #waterfowl #seaduck #goldeneye
So grateful for the incredible hearts behind Ohlon So grateful for the incredible hearts behind Ohlone Humane Society💫 We loved celebrating our amazing volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Lunch last weekend, which was made extra special thanks to the wonderful hospitality of @billyroysburgerco 🍽️🌮

Volunteers: Your time, compassion, and dedication make a real difference. You always step up to the plate, flock together to lend a paw, and help our mission soar. We are endlessly thankful for all that you do. This day was for YOU💐🐾

Shoutout to our Wildlife Rehab Center crew (3rd slide) for being the largest program in attendance that afternoon🤩🙌🏽 Can you tell we had a fun time?🫨🤭➡️
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#ohswildlife #ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #bayarea #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #community #VolunteerAppreciation #CommunityStrong
Happy National Squirrel Day! 🐿️🎉 Did you know you Happy National Squirrel Day! 🐿️🎉
Did you know you know that Squirrels play a valuable role in forest regeneration? Squirrels plant a certain percentage of our world’s forrests🌳 They disperse seeds and nuts in when hiding caches, then ✨POOF✨, those seeds and nuts can grow into trees! Squirrels’ accidental “set it and forget it” mentality contributes to forrest ecosystems and biodiversity!

🌳 Some squirrels can remember hundreds of hiding spots… unless they get a little too scatter-brained.

🐿️ Their front teeth never stop growing, so they’re always ready to gnaw what’s next.

🏃‍♂️ They can jump up to 10 times their body length. No gym membership required!

🍃 Their nest is called a drey (rhymes with tray), which is a cozy bundle of twigs and leaves high in the trees. 

So today, let’s give these tail-flipping, acorn-hoarding, tree-planting pros the ap-PAW-laud they deserve👏🏽

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[Remember: Wildlife are not pets. We are licensed and trained wildlife rehabilitators, whose ultimate goal is to rehab wildlife to be released back into nature.]
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#ohswildlife #ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #bayareawildlife #savebayareawildlife #bayarea #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #community #squirrel #nationalsquirrelappreciationday
Boy Scouts of America Troop 449 has poured heart, Boy Scouts of America Troop 449 has poured heart, skill, and teamwork into transforming the old retaining wall at the Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center💙 What began as a thoughtful design for Tom’s Eagle Scout project became a hands-on mission🙌🏽, resulting in a beautiful new structure that welcomes visitors and reflects the spirit of stewardship we hold dear.

🔨These scouts didn’t just build a wall, they built community. Their dedication reminds us that the values of scouting—service, leadership, and care for the natural world—are alive and thriving in the next generation.

We’re so proud to have partnered with Troop 449 and grateful for their lasting contribution to our center. Your work inspires us all🌟
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#ohswildlife #ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #bayarea #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #community #BSA #boyscoutsofamerica #troop449
Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Cent Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s own Wildlife Wrapped finally just dropped 🦉🎶

🎤 Biggest hits of the year: rescues, rehab, and releases. From tiny songbirds to resilient raptors, 2025 was a year of healing and giving wildlife a second chance❤️‍🩹 Every rescue was made possible by our community, and every rehab & release was faciliated by our volunteers🙌🏽 Thank you to everyone for supporting our animals, gardens, and wildlife center all year long.
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Please consider donating to OHSWRC! Your generosity allows us to continue providing food, medical care, and shelter so injured and orphaned wildlife can be safely returned to their natural habitats❤️‍🩹🌱 Link in bio🔗 to donate at https://tinyurl.com/SupportOhloneHumane
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[Remember: Wildlife are not pets. We are licensed and trained wildlife rehabilitators, whose ultimate goal is to rehab wildlife to be released back into nature.]
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#ohswildlife #ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #bayareawildlife #bayarea #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #community #spotifywrapped #wrapped2025
Forget mistletoe, this little green bird is the re Forget mistletoe, this little green bird is the real holiday magic!✨💚 Green, festive, and full of surprises, the Green Heron is ready to sleigh with some wild facts!🎄 #MarysFunFacts (📷Photographs on 2nd slide are from our Memory Book photo albums📗)

🌿 These birds live in North & Central America.

🤲🏽 A smaller heron with an average weight of only 8.5oz.

🪶 Like many birds, the male is colorful while the female is more drab—brownish in color.

🫣 With all heron, a face shield or goggles are required for eye protection. They have strong, straight beaks—good for gouging eyes!

🔆Average lifespan of 5 years.
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[Remember: Wildlife are not pets. We are licensed and trained wildlife rehabilitators, whose ultimate goal is to rehab wildlife to be released back into nature.]
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#ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #bayareawildlife #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #bird #heron #greenheron #animalfacts
We’re sending a huge thank you to the incredible B We’re sending a huge thank you to the incredible Boy Scout Troop 132, who showed up in full force—over 20 strong!—to help beautify the side garden at the Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

With rakes, shovels, and a whole lot of heart, these young leaders took on the task of cleaning up the garden and laying down fresh wood chips throughout our outdoor spaces🪏 Their hard work has transformed the area into a safer, more welcoming environment for our volunteers, visitors, and the wildlife that uses this garden for food and shelter.

It’s inspiring to see youth stepping up to serve their community with such enthusiasm and teamwork💛 Troop 132, your efforts made a lasting impact, and we’re so grateful for your time, energy, and commitment to service.

Thank you for helping us grow something beautiful together!🌱
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#ohswildlife #ohlonehumanesociety #wildliferehab #wildlife #rescue #animal #hospital #nature #gardening #gardenproject #newark #fremont #unioncity #volunteer #community #BSA #boyscoutsofamerica
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ADVOCATING FOR ALL ANIMALS

Ohlone Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) animal welfare nonprofit. We serve Fremont, Newark and Union City. OHS advocates for all creatures, from native species to companion animals, through our humane programs.

While we don’t operate a shelter, OHS provides a rehabilitation center for urban wildlife.

We invite you to help give animals a voice by Volunteering, Becoming a Member, or providing Donations. Your support truly makes a difference!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OHS

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Sign up for emails to get the scoop on OHS, our events, and, of course, the animals!

We value your privacy and will never spam you. Unsubscribe at any time.

OHS MAILING LIST OHS NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE

GET YOUR OHS GEAR!

Keep warm this winter with a new sweatshirt or long sleeve. Prepare for warmer spring weather with some new t-shirts in bright new colors.

All proceeds benefit OHS programs. Thank you for your support!

BUY NOW

NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET?

We offer low-cost vouchers to low-income residents living in Fremont, Newark and Union City who want to spay or neuter their pets, including dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Read more about how to qualify.

FIND OUT MORE

CONTACT US

Information Line
p: (510) 792-4587

Mailbox
39120 Argonaut Way, PMB 108
Fremont, CA 94538-1304
***THIS IS NOT A SHELTER***

Email
info@ohlonehumanesociety.org

 

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION

37175 Hickory St
Newark, CA 94560

p: (510) 797-9449

CALL US for wildlife emergencies. DO NOT LEAVE MESSAGES on the Info Line or our Facebook page.

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CONNECT WITH US

  @OhloneHumaneSociety
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 @ohs_wildliferehab
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© Copyright - Ohlone Humane Society 2025
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TNR TRAP RENTALS

BOGIES DISCOUNT PET FOOD & SUPPLY

37085 Fremont Blvd Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 795-6000
https://www.bogiespetsupply.com

2022 Shelter Animals Count

2023 Shelter Animals Count

2024 Shelter Animals Count

2025 Shelter Animals Count

Honey & Cynthia

Honey & Cynthia are now retired members of the OHS Pet Therapy Team. We thank them for their many years of bringing smiles to those who needed it most!

“For six months straight, I was looking to adopt a small female adult dog. Then, one morning, Rebecca, a volunteer from Underdog Animal Rescue, contacted me to tell me that I was their first choice to adopt Honey! I was overjoyed.

I was struck by Rebecca’s description of Honey being a very special dog. Rebecca works with adults with disabilities and told me that Honey was wonderful with these adults. She would make a great therapy dog one day. That was all I needed to hear.

I drove to meet Honey and instantly fell in love. Honey had only one big brown right eye, and it was uncertain what had happened to her left eye. A few months later, a vet would tell me that she was born with no left eye.
In May, she and I were registered as a Pet Partners Therapy Dog Team. Rebecca had been right, this was Honey’s calling! By August 2021, Honey has visited three assisted living/memory care units in the area, and we have been asked to become a regular part of their activity programs. The residents love petting her soft fur, feeding her little treats, and asking all about what happened to her eye. She doesn’t need to do much of anything other than allow them to cuddle her.

Honey is indeed special, as every single dog is. This month she flew with me on a plane to Seattle to stay with my son and his young family for a month. She adores my grandchildren and it’s mutual. When we get home, it’s back to therapy work for Honey!”

– Cynthia

Bentley & Karen

“Bentley is a nine-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever. He is a very mellow dog and loves people and kids in general. Bentley started visiting the Centerville Library for the “Read to Dogs” program about eight years ago. The kids love him. It’s very rewarding to see kids who had never been exposed to a dog suddenly fall in love with him.”

– Karen

Sophie & Noel

“After we lost our 14-year-old Aussie, the house just wasn’t the same without an Aussie. We’ve had almost every color but never a red tri. So, I got on to adoption web sites looking for a red tri. Luckily, Sophie was available from Animal Friends in Santa Cruz, CA.

We had a few requirements before we went through the adoption, must get along with cats and be good around people.

Little did we know that she would be the perfect dog, not only around cats, but she loved everyone. Sophie loves to be petted, talked to, groomed, whatever can be done by putting hands on her.

My wife suggested that she might be a good candidate as a therapy dog. We got an appointment to take Sophie to the Ohlone Humane Society for testing. Once again, she was in her element and passed with ease. She has been active in the Fremont Library’s program “read to the dogs” on the 4th Tuesday of every month. She has become popular with a number of children that come every month, and it is heartwarming to see them seek her out.”

-Noel

Kodi & Selma

“Kodi is an 11 year old White Shepherd Husky mix with the most mesmerizing blue eyes and ears that just never seem to stop listening. I noticed right away that he just had something special about him when he was around other people, especially kids. The calmness and the way he leaned into people. Do not get me wrong he can outrun the fastest and has tons of energy. But he just seems to know that when he is surrounded by kids or adults he is needed. Even if it is just the briefest encounter. I know that all animals are special but every once in a while you encounter one that just seems to have a calling to be a therapy dog. ”

-Selma

Tate & Ellen

“I have always been a dog owner and when my time with Rosy came to an end, it wasn’t long before I felt the need for a new companion. I was looking for a pound puppy but the COVID shut down had just begun and I couldn’t connect with any shelters. I started to look at different breeds and settled on Australian mini labradoodle. None of the Bay Area breeders returned my call. My daughter who lives in Boise found a local breeder near her and that is how Tate (aka Tater Tot) came to me.

He is the best dog I ever had. So smart. His favorite things are bubble chasing, ball fetching, running free along the creek and sitting on any available lap! I am so happy to have found this program, a place where both he and I can volunteer and bring cheer into the lives of people who need cheering up.”

– Ellen

Woobie & Andie

“Woobie is a 4-yr-old Newfoundland who became certified with Pet Partners and a registered Ohlone Humane Society therapy team in May of this year. Woobie’s sensitive and lovable demeanor seemed to make her an ideal candidate for therapy. When she is not ‘working’ and giving back to her community, Woobie enjoys hanging with her rabbit, camping, and riding around in her VW bus. Her advice for others that are thinking about becoming a therapy team…don’t give up! It took her (and more importantly her handler) three attempts to pass the Pet Partners certification evaluation. Janine Weston, OHS Animal Assisted Interventions Director, provided encouragement and guidance throughout the entire process to ensure our success.”

– Andie

 

Summer & Alisa

“We are first time dog owners. I’ve always been afraid of dogs. For years, my kids asked to get a dog but I would always say no. Then Covid hit and we were all stuck at home like the rest of the world. In May of 2020, I finally gave in. We got a dog and fell in love with her right away! All my dog fears went poof and away! Our dog is from a breeder in Michigan. We picked a 3 month old puppy girl. She is a Cavachon (half King Cavalier, half Bichon). We had a family vote on names and the name Summer won the votes!

As all of my three children have different personalities so does Summer. She’s sweet, friendly, can be shy at times, loves to play with ropes, crinkly toys, her pink bouncy ball and sleep with her Snuggle Pup in her crate. I did an online training program called Baxter and Bella. Amazing program since nothing was open for in person training back then. My proudest “first time dog owner training moment” was teaching Summer how to ring a potty bell! It has been quite a useful tool to avoid accidents in the house. Ha ha.

I met Constance and Molly at Washington Hospital while I was volunteering. She told me about OHS. Within a couple of weeks she came to my house, evaluated Summer and here we are volunteering with the OHS Pet Therapy program. Summer and I are excited to be here and look forward to meeting other peeps and dogs through this program. Summer has been such a blessing to our family and hope she can touch other lives on this new journey too.”

– Alisa

 

Molly & Constance

“Molly is a beagle and a ‘Covid’ puppy. Since the pandemic kept us at home, it seemed a perfect time to add a puppy to our family. She came to us in June of 2020 at 8 weeks old. And so cute! But her true character was revealed when she was 6 months old. My husband had a serious accident, coming home to recover after 2 weeks in the hospital. Molly was his constant companion, calmly cuddling with him in bed, riding with him in his wheelchair, and accompanying him when he started using a walker.

My husband recovered, and we took Molly camping and hiking with us. She was a big hit with everyone we met and enjoyed all the attention. I started doing some agility training with her, but she made it clear that she preferred meeting people and being petted to jumping through hoops!

One day, I was online looking for volunteer opportunities for myself when I noticed that the Ohlone Humane Society was looking for pet therapy animals. I thought I’d look into it for Molly since it seemed like something she would be good at. We did the Pet Partners training and evaluation in November and had our first facility visit in December! Molly was a star!”

- Constance

 

Mason & Marian

“I had a wonderful tuxedo kitty for 14 years, and he was healthy until his last day. I was really sad and I heard there was a tuxedo kitty up for adoption and we had an instant bond. Once we got Mason the car, we noticed he wasn’t fretting, and was really calm. When Mason was 6 months old, we started taking him places on a leash. We got a stroller, and we even took him bowling with us! He wasn’t scared, just curious that we were knocking things over like he does.

Mason is now 4 years old. We got involved with Pet Partners, I took their course, and he passed with a purr-fect score! There aren’t a lot of therapy cats out there. We had one visit in person before the pandemic, and we’ve had a couple of virtual visits, one with a school teacher and their kids. They had fun asking questions about Mason.”

-Marian

Lilly & Marilyn

“Lilly is a huggable all American bundle of joy. She was born on Valentine’s Day and came to live with us in March of 2015.

She loves road trips – the longer the better! Her favorite drive was to Medford Oregon. Lilly had lots of time to sleep in her car seat, conserving her energy for our arrival.

We attempted to train Lilly to run agility, but she refused to play that game. Since she never gets enough of love and adoration, we decided she should share her love doing pet therapy.”

– Marilyn

Jessie & Constance

“Jessie has been a wonderful companion since we brought her home as an 8-week-old puppy in January of 2018. She is a very active beagle and has earned titles in Agility and AKC trick dog. She even enjoys kayaking! But we soon found her real passion – Jessie loves people! When we travel, everyone wants to meet her. I especially like taking her to visit large groups because she has enough energy to say hello to everyone. She is a great “big sister” to Molly, and I occasionally take both of them on pet therapy visits.”

-Constance

Haruki & Sandra

“When we lost Halo, our beloved first Shiba in August 2023, our hearts were heavy with grief. Seeking solace, we turned to a rescue shiba site and serendipitously encountered Haruki and his brother Akira. In Sept 2023, we adopted both Shiba Inus at 3.5 months. Amidst our mourning, they were both steadfast companions, offering a source of comfort and healing, though we were also figuring out the nature of puppies and training aspects.

Haruki’s gentle demeanor and his affinity for nature is evident as he enjoys basking in the sun together with his brother, including chasing runaway leaves and butterflies. He possesses an innate love for humanity, delighting in every belly rub and shared moments of affection.

The notion of Haruki becoming a therapy dog took root after my son shared images of therapy pets visiting his college during finals week in 2023. Inspired by watching a documentary several years ago where kids were reading to pets, plus Haruki’s calm and empathetic nature, I was driven to explore opportunities for him to positively impact others.

As an educator who deeply believes in the transformative power of literature, the prospect of Haruki participating in the Read to a Dog program ignited my enthusiasm. I was elated to have found OHS to be part of the community I live in. Combining the therapeutic benefits of companionship with the joy of reading, it seemed perfect for Haruki and our family to give back.

Haruki’s innocence and serene presence bring immeasurable joy into our lives. We are hopeful that his gentle spirit will not only continue to uplift our spirits but also spread happiness to all those he encounters.”

-Sandra

Hana & Bridget

“Hana is a golden retriever who came to us at the start of the pandemic after we lost our second golden. She spent her first year playing with her siblings as we got together weekly in our “puppy pod”. I had done pet therapy work with my first golden over 30 years ago and always knew that I wanted to get back into it and Hana was a perfect candidate. She loves people, especially kids and teenagers, and will happily roll over for belly rubs.

We walk every morning on a horse trail so she sees lots of horses, cows, wild birds and occasional foxes as she walks with her large pack. She loves to start off her mornings cuddling in the chair with me as I enjoy my morning coffee. She is also a fantastic first mate for my husband on his sailboat and enjoys being out on the SF bay 2-3 times a week.

While full grown, she is on the smaller size for a golden so I call her my petite golden. She is the perfect size for cuddling!”

– Bridget

Grinch & Ken

“Grinch is a 1.5-year-old Golden Retriever. He was 9 months old when I first met him in August 2023. Grinch is an intelligent and affectionate dog, he loves to greet people & enjoys being petted, so I figured that he would be a great therapy dog. He has a lot of energy but is very gentle, especially with children & small animals. He gets along very well with cats – he grew up with 3 cats.

Everything you hold, Grinch will always check out. He is curious about everything he has not seen and is very open with absolutely no fear of checking it out. Grinch brings a lot of joy and happiness to my family, and I would love to share his affectionateness, tenderness, and love with others.”

-Ken

Fiona & Tiffany

“Fiona joined my family at 8 weeks old In 2014. She loves to be active running the agility course, chasing balls, and fetching nerf darts. Fiona is a great love always looking for a pet or cuddle and willing to give a kiss.”

– Tiffany

Dinah & Alex

“Dinah is a 4 year old SphynxieBob who was brought home on July 19th 2020. Named after singer Dinah Washington she too has great pipes, especially around food! She loves traveling in the car and getting to meet new people who she can solicite pets and attention from. Her hobbies include rollerblading, walks in the pet store and is looking to pick up biking and kayaking. She looks forward to giving back as a therapy cat and meeting new faces.”

-Alex

Clay, Christine & Patty

“Clay is an eight-year-old poochon (poodle and bichon mix). He became part of our family at 9 months when his first family could no longer care for him, as they left the country unexpectedly. We feel so blessed that Clay came into our lives. His favorite daily routine is to find the softest, coziest spot in the house to lounge, whether it is on a bean bag chair, a pillow that fell on the floor, or a pile of fresh laundry. Although he is friendly with dogs and cats, he prefers socializing with people both young and old. This is because he loves to be petted, scratched behind his ears, and get belly rubs. He will communicate that he wants you to pet him by nudging your hand with his nose.

We thought he would be a good therapy dog because he would brighten up those around him and bring a smile to their face. Someone once mentioned that he gives off “positive vibes.” Clay’s journey to becoming a therapy dog began when our family took the Canine Good Citizen training class every Sunday evening for six weeks, with Clay, to hone his skills. On the first day of class, Clay was so shy that he hid under our chair, and it took some coaxing for him to participate in class. However, he learned quickly and passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification test on the first try. We met Constance and Molly for an evaluation, and Clay was accepted to the Ohlone Pet Therapy Team. As a team, Clay, Christine (junior pet therapy handler), and Patty are committed to spreading joy and smiles in our community!”

– Christine and Patty

Burnie & Amy

“Burnie Kotsubo was a rescue of sorts. He was brought into the family to be a companion to my elderly grandmother, but he failed his training because he was too happy and too much puppy! As he’s grown up over the years and continued to work on his training and behavior, he has grown to follow most orders while retaining his love for everything that moves. He loves to snuggle and he loves to be pet, but he also loves to play.”

-Amy

Barkley & Bob

“Barkley came to live with us in January 2020 at the ripe old age of 10 weeks. He was a small puppy, which we had picked out so we could travel with him. The first thing to grow were his feet which became large. While he was supposed to be 35 to 40 pounds we have a 60 pound Australian Labradoodle to love.

He has lots of energy, is quite smart and a bit mischievous when not getting the attention he believes he is entitled too. He is friendly with both dogs and people. He loves to go to doodle romps and play chase with the others. He takes great interest in stalking and treeing squirrels. While very curious and excited about all things, he is gentle with people and loves to be petted and scratched.

When we strap on our therapy team stuff he is all business. He knows he will get lots of pets and back scratches and he will unconditionally provide comfort and a moment of joy to all he visits. We enjoy visiting schools, hospitals, senior living facilities and hospice facilities.”

– Bob

Hunter & Sandi

"Hunter came into our lives 6 years ago after we lost our Sheltie. He has brought such joy to our family with his good natured personality and loving nature. We couldn't imagine life without him now. He loves to be around people and will greet just about anyone he meets. He enjoys his   walks to the park, rides in the car, and can't wait to eat and have snacks. He is getting used to our new kitten, Maisy. He loves cats, but hasn't quite figured out the energy level of a new kitten! He is the definition of a best friend!"

-Sandi