Photo by Paul McKay
By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
This beautiful Eurasian Collared Dove was extremely close to death when it was brought to the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center on Halloween. It had been attacked by a feral cat, which inflicted deep wounds on the bird’s breast and wings, and all of its tail feathers were violently pulled out.
W.E.R.C. treated the dove with antibiotics and pain medication for 2 weeks. The bird was very weak and lethargic for the first few days and wouldn’t eat or perch. Within a week, the wounds began to heal and the dove developed a good appetite for birdseed. After 2 weeks, tiny tail feathers could be seen sprouting from the rump. In another week, the tail had grown out half-way and the dove was transferred to an outdoor aviary for flight exercise. By December 6, the tail was fully grown, there were no signs of wounds, and the bird was pleasantly plump. It was a clear morning when the dove was joyfully released at a local backyard where a flock of Collared and Mourning Doves (and other species) congregate daily at the feeders and where cats are not a part of the scene.
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Photo by Jeff Howell
by Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Look closely. Can you spot the real raccoon rascal? This photo by Jeff Howell was taken outside W.E.R.C.’s facility as a family of raccoons scurried among the trees at night. The raccoon head on the right, all four legs and paws, and the tail are fake. Only the head on the left is from the genuine masked marauder.
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Hi there! My name is Tosh (81532) and I’m a very handsome fella searching for my forever home and family. I can be very shy when it comes to being in new places, and before I seek out attention, I prefer to explore my surroundings. After I’ve gotten my bearings, I’m very affectionate and love to cuddle close to people. If I sound like the purrrfect pet for you, come meet me at HSSV today! Visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, or call (408) 262-2133.
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Meet Mason (85137), a 1 year old Border Collie/Kelpie mix who is ready for adventure and a loving home this holiday season! Mason is one super smart dog whose savvy in sit, down and shake and he can’t wait to learn more. He would thrive in agility or dog sports since he loves activities that challenge his mind and strengthen the bond between him and his people since he loves to please. If you’re looking for an active, intelligent and loving best friend Mason is the guy for you. Meet him at HSSV’s Animal Community Center today! Visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, or call (408) 262-2133.
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By Pet Talk
Unlike their barnyard brethren, pot-bellied pigs are commonly found as pampered pets living indoors with their owners these days. Native to the country of Vietnam, a full grown potbellied pig averages roughly around 120 to 150 pounds.
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May your holy-days and holly-days and just plain holidays
be full of love, peace, family, and fun!
Best wishes to you all!
While you’re doing your holiday shopping and getting into the spirit of the season, take a few moments to consider the wild animals that are waiting to be healed so they can be released back to their native habitats. A gift sponsorship to W.E.R.C. (www.werc-ca.org) goes a long way to ensuring that these birds, mammals, and reptiles will stay alive and healthy.
A sponsorship will make a heart-warming, deeply appreciated gift and will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling of goodwill (and a tax deduction, too). The recipient will receive a full-color certificate of the sponsored animal, information on the animal, and a letter acknowledging your generous gift.
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This week’s Pet of the Week is Luna (84576), a 5 year old pit bull mix who just loves to play ball. Don’t let her couch potato look fool you, this girl is fast when she’s fetching! Check out her video and see why HSSV Animal Care Technician, Guy, thinks Luna is one special girl. Visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, or call (408) 262-2133.
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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
This American Coot was rescued on November 8 after being found stranded near a major South County expressway. Its examination at W.E.R.C. showed no wounds or fractures, but the left wing drooped. The wing was kept wrapped for a week to aid in healing and the underweight bird was fattened up on a diet that included mealworms. After one week, it transferred to an outdoor enclosure to evaluate its flying capability and it could be seen perching in high branches, calling out in what one volunteer described as “a duck that smoked cigarettes”; in other words, a scratchy clucking voice.
On November 21, the coot was released to a prime water-bird habitat, a large pond filled with favorite coot foods, including aquatic algae, duckweed, eelgrass, wild rice, plus beetles, snails, and tadpoles. The bird happily took to the water, paddling across and diving for a tasty snack.
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By Pet Talk
Your cute puppy is usually a wonderful little bundle of joy. However, when lightning flashes and thunder strikes, she transforms into a terrified bundle of fear and bolts straight to your lap knocking down your grandmother’s favorite china along the way. Before wondering if your pet is unusual, wait a minute; you are not alone.
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Hi there, I’m Bento (83608)! I’m a dignified older gentleman looking for my forever home. I enjoy being petted, and I have a soft purr. I’m a laid back kitty and I think a quiet home would be ideal for me. If you’re looking for an affectionate and calm cat to bring home, ask to meet me today! Visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, or call (408) 262-2133.
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Vince (85071) is an 8-year old Maltipoo who is stinkin’ cute, and has one of the best mustaches we’ve seen! This charming boy is a big fan of belly rubs, long walks on the beach, and squeaky toys. Come and meet him at HSSV’s Animal Community Center today! Visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, or call (408) 262-2133.
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Photo by Mark Grzan
by Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Bobcat Crystal was a starving, 8-week-old kitten when rescued in June on a hiking trail between San Andreas Lake and Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir (near Hillsborough). For one month, she was cared for in a “nursery” by volunteers who wore a bobcat costume and brought small rodents for her to eat. After a month, she was transferred to the bobcat enclosure to join Morty (from Monterey) and Tilden (from Berkeley). The three young bobcats became good friends, sleeping together on the high shelf and chasing each other around playfully, until Tilden was released Sept. 6 and Morty on Oct. 11. Crystal grew from a tiny 1-1/2 pounds on arrival to a robust 15 pounds when released November 12 near the area where she had been found. The rain had cleared up and the sun was shining brightly as she cautiously stepped out of the carrying kennel, looked around at her new surroundings, then bounded away to freedom.
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The little puppy you brought home is adorable. She saves the best of her sweet looks and affectionate gestures for you. In turn, you want her to have the best of everything you can give. In this mutual exchange of love, you also need to ensure that the pet doesn’t give you something you may not want to take — a zoonotic disease (a disease that can spread from animals to humans).
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Hi there, I’m Mugsley (84372)! I’m a low-key 5 year old dog looking for a mellow place to call home. My favorite things to do are snuggling and snacking! I would probably benefit from some regular walking around the neighborhood to keep me fit and trim. For an older (and chunkier) guy, I still have quite a bit of pep in my step! My ideal home will be one where I can be the center of attention (I’m not a big fan of sharing). If you’re looking for a laid back dog, ask to meet me today! Visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, or call (408) 262-2133.
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Meet Finney (83821)! , He is a 5 year young domestic short hair kitty who simply cannot get enough love. Whether in your arms or on your lap Finney will drown out the noise around you with his melodic purr and massage you with his gentle kneading. If you’re looking for a cuddle bug of a kitty you can’t pass up this opportunity to adopt staff and volunteer favorite Finney. Come meet him today at HSSV’s Animal Community Center! Visit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, or call (408) 262-2133.
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