Pig News

Meet Matilda, this week's Pet-of-the-Week at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. She's a gorgeous young Rottweiler, and she's as Rottweiler as you can get: Slightly wary of new people or situations at first, but then she's quickly friendly, sociable, bouncy, a bit rough-and-tumble in play, and, with some positive guidance and training - the potential to be a lovely and fun companion, with an easy-care coat and sturdy composition.

Matilda has already lived with several different people. We're not sure where she originally came from, since she had no microchip and no detailed back story, but the person who contacted us about her had gotten her from someone else who couldn't afford to keep her and he, in turn, reached out to us because he couldn't afford to feed her AND his current dog. Each person passed her along in hopes that a BETTER home could be found for her - and that's what we're hoping to do, too - find someone ready and able to commit to a large, young, "very Rottweiler" Rottie and give her a loving, consistent, lifelong home.

She's treat-motivated and LOVES positive reinforcement training. Like a lot of Rotties, she can be a little boisterous, silly, and a bit rough when she plays - whether with toys, with people or with other dogs, and not everyone is up for that... She also pulls on a leash at first or when excited, and she IS a large, strong dog, so all those characteristics are important to consider, but during her time at the shelter she's really started to show how sociable and friendly she is with everyone she meets, which is a key personality trait for a wonderful canine companion. She may do best without small kids, and if you've already got a dog, a sturdy, rough-and-tumble dog will be the best fit.

ADOPTION SPECIAL
Through December 15, ALL of our adoption fees are reduced to just $50, thanks to our Bissell "Empty the Shelters" event!! Our adoption fees are always low and an amazing bargain for all the services included, but thanks to the Bissell Foundation, we're able to reduce them even further to help more of our wonderful pets find new homes before the December holidays. So whether you're looking for a big, beautiful dog like Matilda, a demure older cat or playful kitten or puppy, the selection of pets we have available changes every day, and our staff and volunteers can help you find a wonderful, promising match.

Our Santa Cruz Shelter's hours are 11-6 pm, 7 days a week. You can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours but be aware we end "meet and greets" (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you'd like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Out in the community, the Shelter has some very fun events in the coming weeks!

•     Sat Dec 6, 12-4 "3rd Annual Pet Food Drive" for community pets at the Santa Cruz Shelter
•     Sat Dec 6, Evening, The Expendables show at the Catalyst will benefit the shelter
•     Sun Dec 7, 2-4 "Books & Bunnies" at Bookshop Santa Cruz
•     Sat Dec 13, 12-4 "Winter Wine Stroll" benefit event at Staff of Life Market
•     Thur Dec 18 & Sun Dec 21 - "Paint Your Pet" fundraisers at The Painted Cork, Andy Warhol style and classic style, respectively - register at The Painted Cork's website

For more info, listen to Pet-O-Rama this Thursday on the pig, read the full post or visit the shelter, located at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz and open from 11am to 6pm every day

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