Greetings Volunteers,

It’s been eight months since all our lives changed in dramatic ways. I’m sure we’ve all experienced some peaks and valleys along the way. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, let’s focus on one or two things you are thankful for. I’ll start: I’m thankful to the incredible staff at Marin Humane who work every day to take care of the shelter animals and get them adopted! I’m also thankful to my shelter dog, Boomer, for getting me out of the house and onto the hiking trails where I can remember to breathe deeply and be grateful for where we live. Anne Oliver adds, “I am grateful for all of the people who have adopted animals since mid-March and to the Adoption department team that has worked tirelessly to make so many lives happy! And, I am grateful for our two kitties, Hobbes and Benny, who love me and keep me smiling every day.” Ok, who’s next?

Shelter update: We currently have 104 animals in our care: 47 animals in foster and 57 animals in the shelter. The shelter residents include: 33 cats, 3 kittens, 19 dogs, 1 rabbit and 1 turtle. 

Adoptions update: The adoptions keep rolling along, yeah! This week was no different. Enjoy this slideshow of adoptions. We’ve had 1,361 happy adoptions since we started doing virtual adoptions during this pandemic, a 2% increase in adoptions from last year. 

DOTUS! This week’s Tails of Marin celebrates the upcoming arrival of the first-ever shelter pet in the White House! Major, the dog, is being referred to as “DOTUS.” 😉. The White House has long been home to furry, feathered, scaly and hoofed pets. Having an adopted pet living in the home of the president of the United States sends a powerful message that shelter animals are indeed treasured! It’s a progressive step that represents true acceptance and is a validation for those of us who have long known the special joy an adopted pet can bring to our homes. Enjoy the article.

Holiday Pet Food Drive: The annual Holiday Pet Food Drive started yesterday. We are asking people to help us fill our shelves with pet food for hundreds of Marin pets whose guardians are facing especially tough times. We’re helping over 600 Marin families through our Pet Safety Net and Pet Care Assistance programs, and with the many donations we hope to receive, treasured pets will get to stay in their loving homes. If you’re interested in learning more about the easy ways to give, please click here.

Paint Your Pet Workshop: Our ever-popular Paint Your Pet Workshop is back and going virtual this year which means we’re opening it up to painters and pet-lovers of all ages! Create a one of a kind piece to hang on your own wall or paint a friend or family member’s pet to craft a handmade gift from the heart this holiday season. Join us on December 5th where our experienced instructor will provide you with a canvas complete with a sketch of your pet, plus painting supplies, and plenty of instruction throughout the workshop. All you need to do is provide a photo of your pet ahead of time. Get all the details and register here.

Columbia Sportswear Holiday Sale! This will be the last chance for Marin Humane staff & volunteers to shop at the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store this year and just in time for the holidays too! You’ll have exclusive access the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store from November 27th – December 20th only! See the Columbia Sportswear Holiday Flyer for details and find more information on the safety precautions they are taking due to COVID with this Columbia Sportswear FAQs. Happy shopping.

Temporary Travel Policy: As we approach the holidays, Marin Humane issued a memo to its staff regarding travel outside of the Bay Area. In part, it states “Nonessential travel, including holiday travel, outside the Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma) is not recommended. If you must travel outside the Bay Area, it is strongly recommended that you self-quarantine for 14 days and be tested 3-7 days after your return.” Please refer to the temporary Policy On Traveling Outside Of The Bay Area During COVID 19. Your health and safety are important to us!  

With gratitude to all the volunteers,

Anne and Candace