East Bay SPCA inspires kids and volunteers

The East Bay SPCA has been helping injured, lost and abandoned animals since 1874 and has been voted 'Best Non Profit' and 'Best Animal Rescue or Shelter' by Oakland Magazine. The facility in Oakland is one of two that serve Alameda and Contra Costa Counties with the second site located in Dublin.

The East Bay SPCA offers unique classroom and assembly programs, linked to California State Standards, that provide students with an opportunity to learn about animal welfare, human rights, environmental protection and social justice.

A recent visit to Dougherty Elementary School in Dublin by the East Bay SPCA "Smooches for Pooches Program" made such an impact on the students that it ignited the flames of entrepreneurship.

Humane Education Manager, Tory Davis said “This year, our Smooches for Pooches participants learned all about the importance of having compassion for animals and ways to make a difference in their community,” she said. “We had over we had 52 classrooms across the East Bay participate in the program. With the fundraising creativity of over 1,300 elementary school students, we were able to raise nearly $11,000 for the care of the dogs and cats in our care. We are so proud of our community for demonstrating what a big difference a group of compassionate and determined kids can make!”

Motivated to fund raise after seeing the work that the East Bay SPCA does and the animals that benefit from the funding, several students donned their thinking caps to secure donations. According to the East Bay SPCA, shelter animals cost an average of five times their adoption fees to house, donations that will help fund their food, shelter and care are always welcome.

The pets available for adoption include Peggy pictured above who is an Akita Inu breed. The East Bay SPCA website describes Peggy as a free spirit. "She is intelligent, independent, confident and clever, and would prefer a life were she can be with one person all the time. " Find other dogs and cats available for adoption on the "Adopt Me" section of their website.

A few of the students from Dougherty Elementary School decided to raise funds by baking treats. The fourth-graders, who called themselves "Bakers for Pooches", raised $160 and also secured a donation of toys from Unleashed by Petco in Dublin. Another entrepreneurial fourth grade student took advantage of game day and raised money by selling popcorn. Thanks to the support of neighbors and friends he was able to fundraise $60. His mother, Shweta said "It was a good learning experience and he felt great working for a good cause.”

Jules Shapiro, East Bay SPCA Marketing Manager remarked “The East Bay SPCA is so thrilled that our commitment to the welfare of dogs and cats within our communities is inspiring kids across the counties we serve! Their donations go directly to making a difference in the lives of the thousands of homeless pets we adopt out each year!”

A major annual fundraiser for the East Bay SPCA is the Growl, Meow & Wine event and tickets are currently on sale. The award-winning event is taking place on Sunday, May 6 at the Oakland facility. There will be food, craft beer and wine, and an array of silent and live auction items.

Besides donations that benefit the work of the East Bay SPCA there are a number of ways to help. Volunteer opportunities include animal care, foster care, humane advocacy and special events. There is even a “jog-a-dog” program for weekends where animals can be taken out to local parks for extra exercise.

There are stories to tell about every animal brought to the facility. One of these is Cucumber who was found as a stray in a West Oakland junkyard. He had severe gastrointestinal distress and generalized fear and anxiety. The East Bay SPCA medical team ruled out canine parvovirus and quickly got this pup’s system back on track. However, their behavior team needed more time with Cucumber to help him overcome fear and shyness.

After several weeks of love and attention from a circle of volunteers and staff, he was adopted by a forever family who lives off of Lake Merritt. With your help, the East Bay SPCA can give more animals like Cucumber all the care and attention they need to begin life anew with loving families. Learn more about Cucumber and how to donate to help provide more second chances to pets like him.

If you have a child who is interested in learning about and interacting with rescued animals then there are also the very popular Animal Camps and Youth Volunteering opportunities available.

The East Bay SPCA suggests other ways you can help to eliminate animal cruelty and neglect including, making pet adoption your first option, reporting any animal cruelty and neglect you might see, and teaching humane values to the East Bay community.