December 23, 2009

Celebrate Bambini's One Year Anniversary!

On the surface, it seems like Bambini has had a tough life: falling from a high rise as a kitten, enduring the discomfort of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and losing her mother on Christmas Day, 2008, only to end up in our shelter the next day.

But you wouldn’t know any of that from Bambini’s demeanor, whose perfectly happy as long as she has a lap to keep warm. Perennially perky, this cat knows how to appreciate the good stuff in life.

Her mellow and polite personality is the ideal addition to brighten up a household, and she’s the model cat for those who want to spoil someone rotten with affection.

Bambini celebrates her one-year anniversary at Pets Unlimited this week and we'd love to give her a forever home! If this sounds like you, then the lovely lady Bambini is expecting your visit.

December 18, 2009

Meet Our One-Eared Wonder Meredith

Possibly the sweetest dog you’d ever hope to meet (or adopt!) – this is Meredith, a 4 year-old Cocker Spaniel that was found wandering the roadside with her brother, Baxter, by a good Samaritan in San Martin.

Meredith was found hungry and severely wounded by a wild animal, but while she may be one-eared, she has a heart of gold! Meredith is looking for a quiet, teens and up home with lots of time to spend cuddling & playing. True to her survivor spirit, she has never shied away from animals in our care and would love to be in the company of another easy-going dog or cat.

Ready for a sweet, enduring friend for life? Meet Meredith!

December 11, 2009

She's Out of This World!

Named for the star-like flecks of white dappling her coat of night, Andromeda came to Pets because of an eating disorder.

That is to say, she had swallowed a rubber stopper that needed to be removed from her belly. She’s a keen player who needs a vigilant referee to pick up the toys when the games are over.

But Andromeda has other things on her mind, too, like getting so excited when you come in the room that she gets all rolypoly cute. She pets you until you pet her back, and then she’s the most contented cat the world could imagine.

Andromeda’s ideal home is one full of love for her with a guardian who can manage her, ahem, “diet.”

December 4, 2009

Our Holiday Miracle: T.C. McFluffers

Sweet, dainty, and allergy-friendly - meet T.C. McFluffers, a whimsically named Chinese Crested who came to us by way of Berkeley Animal Shelter.

When we first meet McFluffers, he was in dire need of our medical care with a broken leg and skin infection. Terribly shy, poor T.C. has been working with our Dog Staff to get socialized and is looking for his new home to be a quiet place with owners that are gentle, patient, and long for a lap dog in need! Did we mention that T.C. stands for Total Cuddler?

This little guy has been through quite a lot and, while he only has one eye, looking into it you will see just how special he is. If this sensitive soul sounds like the one for you, come & see him today!

November 27, 2009

Twist and Shout with Checker!

Checker wants to twist again, like she did last summer. Nicknamed “Chubby” Checker, she wants to twist her way right into your heart via your lap. Of course, what she needs is someone to help her shimmy away those extra pounds around her waist.

Docile and affectionate, Checker prefers people to caress her gently instead of scratching vigorously, as she is a true relaxi-cat. What’s the coolest part about Checker, you ask? Her stumpy tail! She still has about half the length of her tail, but she must have gotten into a jamb (get it?) at some point in her life.

Confident and cuddly, Checker could dance along with cats and dogs, but she’d prefer living without small children. Come on little miss, and do the twist!

November 20, 2009

Ava's 30 Seconds of Fame

Well folks, we've got a real ham over here at Pets Unlimited. They've been airing sweet Ava's debut video all over the Bay Area and the fan mail has been pouring in!

But, even though she's famous now, we're sure that she won't let all of this attention go to her head. She's still a good ole country girl at heart after all. We expect her to continue with her characteristic wagging tail and doggie smile for all her visitors.

After watching this video, we're sure that you won't be able to keep away from this city-sized darling! But please, no paw-parazzi.

November 13, 2009

Easter in November

Now you won’t have to wonder if Easter is in March or April this year because this cat wants your loving year-round!

A confident, affectionate girl, easygoing Easter makes her presence known immediately. She’s a greet-you-at-the-door kind of gal because she can’t wait to get to playing. Her enthusiasm for life is unwavering, but her sense of conviction can be a bit much for other felines so any companion cat would need to be fairly confident. She’d probably handle a dog with the same aplomb and rambunctious older kids, too!

After you fall in love with her, Easter would revel in the chance to celebrate you every day for the rest of her life. Stop in this weekend and meet Easter or one of her housemates!

November 10, 2009

Fig's Fairytail Ending

Figaro came to Pets Unlimited from the Fremont Animal Shelter after being neglected. We met Fig one Saturday afternoon and knew immediately that he was a special little guy.

Fig has brought nothing but laughter and joy to our house, and we cannot imagine our lives without "the Fig." We have deemed him "sneaky cute" because of his little mischievous ways, and people have told us he is like a Disney character. Needless to say, Fig gets a lot of attention from passers-by when we take him out for walks!

Fig just finished six weeks of dog training, and he is now proficient in his "sit" and "stay." He is an incredibly affectionate and loving dog, and we have nothing but thanks for Pets Unlimited and the wonderful people who gave Fig a second chance. We can't imagine our lives without him!

Thank you so much!
Jessica & JJ

November 6, 2009

Evander, Our Champion of Love

While he may look like a tuff-guy, this little sweetheart is quite the sensitive, gentle soul that is looking for the same in an adopter. Meet Evander – an 11 month-old Chihuahua Mix from Fremont Animal Shelter.

Evander is handsome, playful, and can be a bit shy upon first introductions, but never fear; once he’s comfortable your lap will never be empty again! Friendly with dogs and may a confident cat, Evander hopes his new home includes both dog park adventures, snuggle time, and basic manners class to show off his smarts.

If you’re looking for sweet & sincere, complex & smart, look no further than our Champion of Love, Evander, today!

November 3, 2009

Luke the Wonder Kitty

It was the year 2000 and I was living in San Francisco. I had a wonderful cat named Nikki since college in the late 1980s. She was quite a talker, loved to sit in the sun on the back fire escape, had a beautiful grey coat but was diagnosed with diabetes at age 11. She was my companion for many years and I loved her very much. It came to pass that Nikki was pretty old (16) and got very sick because of her illness. I took her to Pets Unlimited for excellent services and the vets there took good care of her, but it was time for us to put her down as she was too ill to go on. All the staff was very kind and caring. The experience was so draining and sad but necessary and one of the most difficult choices I have ever had to make.

But this is a happy story right?

Well, after a few months of feeling very lonely and missing a feline friend, I decided to go back to Pets Unlimited. I had spent many hours there over the years as a volunteer helping at special events and as a cat socializer on the weekends. I had decided to get an adult cat since they really need to find homes. But as I rounded the corner, a fuzzy male orange and white adolescent cat caught my eye. He had the cutest face and looked very friendly. Our eyes met and I could tell he was interested too. And as I got my face close to his cage to look at him he licked my hand that was touching the metal between us. Oh, that was it! I asked to see him, we got to know each other and I thought about it overnight. Was it too soon? Should I look a bit longer? But I could not get “Duke” (as he was named at the time) out of my mind. I kept remembering how sweet and full of life he was and the perfect sound of his purring. So I adopted him the next day and it’s been a love affair ever since!

Luke the Wonder Kitty, as he is called now, is the most adorable cat I have ever known. He is friendly to everyone, goes crazy rubbing heads, loves to snuggle in bed and is always playful when he is not power napping. Sure he has his quirks - like a bit obsessive on the cleaning (such a neat freak!) and those hairballs upchucking at 2am - but all that is overlooked when I call him for his daily brushing and he raises his paw so I can get his arm pits. Funny, adorable and full of lovin’……that’s my Luke, and I have Pets Unlimited to thank!

I’m so happy with my boy and am looking forward to many great years with him. I hope others will know the same joy as I have when they take that chance and follow their hearts into your shelter.

Sincerely,
Luke's Mama

October 30, 2009

Meet Local Celebrities, Axl and Rose

Meet Axl and Rose, a pair of young Chihuahua mixes running around the outskirts of town with no collar, no ID and nothing in the world but each other. They were brought in together to Pets Unlimited's veterinary hospital and shelter where they were cleaned up, given all their vaccinations and a complete medical checkup.

These two are as affectionate and playful with people as they are with each other but what they're really looking for is that forever home that could use a snuggle buddy or two!

To find out more about these adorable siblings, check out our website or watch this short Road to Rescue video, produced in partnership with cbs5 and DogTime.

October 27, 2009

It's time to celebrate London's 2 1/2 Year Adoption-versary!

In May of 2007, Pets Unlimited presented me with London, a 5 month old terrier mix. I had waited for many weeks to be chosen from a variety of different families who wanted the very cute and cuddly puppy. After that long wait, we bonded quickly and I am lucky enough to be able to take him with him to work every weekday. People laugh at us as he follows me everywhere, even when I get up from my desk just to make a copy! He is right there outside the ladies room when I emerge too.

He doesn’t like to be alone, but even when he is, he is well behaved and just sleeps on his loveseat in OUR bedroom. He is calm and full of personality. My daughter says he is the perfect pet for me as he is quite lazy and doesn’t require much exercise only loads of love!

He lives a life of comfort and love and we are a team. I thank you for making the right choice.

October 23, 2009

Meet Our Malinoi-rgi, Ava

This lovely city-sized Corgi / Malinois mix is Ava, a 5 year old gal from Fremont Animal Shelter. While she looks like a pocket-sized Rin Tin Tin, Ava is a good ole country girl at heart and is learning how to deal with urban life, including other pups.

While we are currently working to socialize her with her canine neighbors, she is looking for a mellow home ready to continue her social skills & leash training, as well as appreciate Miss Ava for the independent spirit she is! A beautiful, sometimes sensitive lady, Ava hopes to be the only furry love of your life. We think that once you meet her and see that big grin, you’ll understand love.

Our shelter is open all weekend long, so head on over and meet Ava today!

October 20, 2009

Ernie Williams - A Fairytail Ending


We were nervous when we adopted Ernie...an adorable little orange tabby cat. We did not consider ourselves "cat people" but wanted a family pet for our children's sake. Charlotte (10.5 months) and Jayke (6 years) were so, so excited the day we brought Ernie home. My husband and I were cautiously optimistic.

Happy to report...Ernie is the coolest cat on the planet. So very playful, sweet and gentle. I truly think he thinks Charlotte's a kitten. They play together for hours. He is in love with Jayke and follows him around like a puppy would.

This cat is smart, respectful and a pleasure to hang out with. We couldn't be happier and thank Shannon in the Adoption Center for all her help and guidance in this process.

With the Warmest Regards,

The Williams Family

October 16, 2009

The Perfect Pair: Puff Daddy and Norman


Puff Daddy and Norman are two big beautiful boys looking for love. They met at Pets Unlimited and have been close companions ever since. They needn’t necessarily be adopted together, but they sure do make a perfect pair!

Named for his manly, tom cat cheeks Puff Daddy is not as menacing as his imposing figure may seem. In fact, Puff Daddy is very gentle and appreciates gentleness in return. Mellow is the name of the game with P. Diddy, who is FIV + along with his best friend Norman. While Puffy is an around-the-clock cuddly type, Norman is an investigative athletic type who loves a good play session before some lap time. Once he’s convinced everything is as is should be, he likes to settle down for a mutual grooming session with his BFF, Puff Daddy.

If you can open your heart, mind, and home to one (or both!) of these fabulous felines, contact our adoption center today—they’re waiting for you!

October 9, 2009

Snuggle up with Leroy


Meet sweet and bashful Leroy - a 3 year-old Chihuahua mix from Hayward Animal Shelter. Bad, bad Leroy Brown has nothing on this good,good sable-colored muffin!

Little Leroy, while sometimes shy and dainty with people, can also be quite the rough and tumble doggie playmate and would love a home with another dog to show him the ropes and increase his confidence! He’s looking for a home that would like a pup that is super cuddly,would like to go to clases, and loves park adventures!

Are you the one for this pocketful of love and adoration? Meet lovely Leroy today & find out!

October 2, 2009

Puff Daddy in the House!


Named for his manly, tom cat cheeks Puff Daddy is not as menacing as his imposing figure may seem. In fact, Puff Daddy is very gentle and appreciates gentleness in return. He’d love an affectionate household who doesn’t mind that he has FIV (come on in to find out what that means). Do you already have an FIV+ cat at home already? Puff Daddy gets along with other cats, and he particularly likes to groom his feline friends. Mellow is the name of the game with P. Diddy, so if you want a cool cat with a huge head (not the ego, but literally a very large head), he’s your cat. Every time you leave the house, he’ll look at you and say, “I’ll be missing you.”

It's kitten season at Pets Unlimited!
So, when you stop by to visit lovable Puff Daddy, be sure to pencil in time for a play date with our gaggle of kittens across the hall.

September 25, 2009

Meet Zorro



Well, hello handsome! Meet Zorro, a sweet puffy Pomeranian ball of all things wonderful and quirky! Originally found as a stray by Antioch Animal Shelter, Zorro is a hilarious little man who got a second chance from Pets Unlimited, where he got fancied up, a nice dental cleaning, and has created quite a following amongst our staff & volunteers.

Like the masked bandit, Zorro steals hearts with his wide-eyed play bows & bouncy walks around the neighborhood. He is looking for a home that is wants a lap dog who loves greenies, doggie playtime, and occasionally a confident feline friend! Come in & meet zealous little Zorro today!

Think Zorro's cute, but maybe he's not quite your type? Take a tour of our virtual adoption center and see all the dogs and cats we have waiting to meet you! Or better yet, stop by this weekend and see them in all their furry greatness.

August 11, 2009

Welcome to Pets Unlimited

Welcome to our new Pets Unlimited blog. We hope to fill this blog with content that you will find both interesting and informative about both our Veterinary Center and Adoption Center. We appreciate any comments and feedback you have, or any suggestions for future topics.

I'm Tom Mason, Director of Veterinary Services, and I have been a part of Pets Unlimited since 1991. I joined this practice as a relatively new Associate Veterinarian, just 2 years out of veterinary school. I was new to San Francisco, a city I had always dreamed of making my home. What I have found over the past 18 years is that Pets Unlimited has offered me a rare and unique opportunity. I get to practice state of the art veterinary medicine with a compassionate and committed group of colleagues and support team members while working with amazing clients and patients to promote heath, longevity and quality of life. I also get the additional reward that this work directly supports an adoption program that takes dogs and cats that are in need, rehabilitates them and finds them new, loving homes. Both personally and professional, who could ask for more? And this is the reason that I look forward to continuing to be a part of this amazing organization as we move toward our next stage of growth and development.

At various points along the way, every organization has to stop and reflect and ask certain questions: What keeps us doing what we do? What guides us in why we do things and how we do them? As part of these challenging economic times, we recently asked ourselves these questions as part of our strategic planning process. Part of the answer involved our developing a set of Core Values that have become our guiding principles. Simply put, they form the foundation for what we do, why we do it and, most importantly, how we interact with each other. I offer them to you not only because of the resonance they hold for me personally, not only because of the beauty that I think exists in the words and their meaning, but also in the hope they help to inform you about the nature of our organization and the people that are a part of it. We hope that you will join us by adopting from us, volunteering with us, donating to us or using our Veterinary Center.

Pets Unlimited's Core Values

Our most precious resource is you-client, patient, volunteer, board trustee, donor, team member. You are our partner. These are our core values which we will demonstrate in our goals, words and actions at all times.

Compassionate Client Care

We will always ask how we can be of service to you. We promise always to listen to you, to empathize with you, to celebrate with you, to sympathize with you, to support you and to help you in any way we can.

Teamwork

Our success depends on all of our efforts. We acknowledge that we do not know everything but that by working together from a place of trust and good intentions we can find a solution to almost any problem.

Respect

Our success depends on listening to each other and communicating openly and honestly. We will value you and your contributions through our words and actions at all times.

Integrity

We keep our promises and honor our commitments. You can count and depend on us.

Humility

We are human, and we are therefore fallible. We highly value and ask for your feedback, whether it is to tell us that we were helpful to you at a difficult time, or to let us know how we should handle things better and differently, and be of greater service to you in the future.