Greetings Volunteers,
Tomorrow is National Hug Your Dog Day! So, what are you waiting for, go hug your dog! And if you’re without a dog currently, it’s OK to go hug your kitty, rabbit, guinea pig, chicken, or horse! It’s the hugging that counts! Hugs are known to release oxytocin, a hormone known as the “love hormone,” which promotes feelings of calm, contentment, and bonding!
Shelter update: We currently have 227 animals in our collective care. 184 are at Marin Humane: 69 animals in foster and 115 animals in the shelter/Kitty Corner, including: 23 dogs, 4 puppies, 55 cats, 6 kittens, 8 rabbits, 9 guinea pigs, 1 rodent, 5 reptiles, and 4 birds. 43 animals are with the Hopalong Foster Program: 7 animals are in the Oakland office and 36 are in foster or offsite adoption sites!
Adoption update: We hope you’re having a good week. We’re here to make it a little happier with some of the animals who were adopted last week! 
. Here’s the Adoption Report April2-8, 2025 if you’d like even more smiles!
Hopalong Volunteer High Five! We wanted to give a big high five to one of our long-term volunteers, Carol Heard, for driving our feral cats all the way from our Oakland office to a cat sanctuary in Parlier (in Fresno county). These three cats have been living in one of our free roam rooms for an extended stay. They even became favorites with a couple of our dedicated and patient volunteers who dedicated an immense effort to coax them out and helped them feel a bit more comfortable around people. Everyone involved worked tirelessly to find a place that would be the right fit and eventually a cat sanctuary agreed to take them. On short notice, we put out a desperate plea to all our volunteers looking for anyone willing to make this all-day drive starting in the early hours of the morning to take these three to their new home. Carol answered the call, and we are so grateful! Thank you so much, Carol, for going above and beyond to help these kitties on their journey to their perfect place! We’re also grateful for all those who reached out to offer to help, put us in touch with others, or to tell us a story about what these cats had meant to them during their stay! We hear the kitties are settling in wonderfully to their new sanctuary!
Volunteer High Five to Emma Clifford! “We would like to recognize Emma for her incredible dedication and hard work in volunteering with our rambunctious puppy, Dexter, every day. Emma’s patience, energy, and unwavering commitment has made an immense impact on Dexter’s manners. Despite Dexter’s playful and energetic nature, often involving the use of very sharp puppy teeth, Emma consistently provides the care, attention, and training needed to help guide him toward becoming a well-behaved and happy dog. Emma’s positive attitude, compassion, and ability to manage the puppy’s boundless energy are truly appreciated. We’re so grateful for Emma’s efforts and for being such an integral part of Dexter’s journey. Thank you for all you do, Emma!” ~ Virginia Grainger, Shelter Behavior Manager
Calling all vendors! We’re seeking vendors for Woofstock, our upcoming music festival! Get in front of 750+ animal-loving, music-loving guests at this family-friendly festival on Sunday, May 4. Voted Best Charity Event in Marin, it’s a day of cute dogs, rockin’ bands, tasty food, cold beer, cool prizes – and vendor booths! Booth spaces (including table and chairs) range from $175 to $300 depending on location and need for a tent. Contact development@marinhumane.org or call 415.506.6265 for more info. You can download this vendor application.
Animal Advocacy Day: Are you concerned about puppy mills? Is access to veterinary care important to you? Do you think pet-friendly housing is crucial to your community? Want to support other animal welfare issues facing our state and country? Join us for Animal Advocacy Day in Sacramento on on Tuesday, April 29th! You’ll meet with legislators, speak up for animals and their people, and connect with others who share your passion. Don’t worry—we’ll provide everything you need to feel prepared. It’s a fun, energizing day, and together, we can make a real difference! Register here.
Tails of Marin: Most people in Marin don’t realize that when they call for help from “animal control,” that help comes in the form of one (or more) of the highly skilled and dedicated animal services officers at Marin Humane. Next week is National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, so we think it’s the perfect time to honor these amazing, hardworking heroes. Enjoy this week’s Tails of Marin article, “Celebrating Marin’s ‘animal rescuers’.”
Volunteer Appreciation Party: If you haven’t already RSVP’d, let us know if you can join us for the Volunteer Appreciation Party on Saturday, April 26. The festivities begin at 11am in the pavilion on the Novato campus with a delicious brunch, mimosa bar, fun games & raffle, and the company of your fellow volunteers. RSVP at VolunteerParty@marinhumane.org. We look forward to raising a glass in your honor!
Have a terrific week!
Candace
