Activism, HSNB, Pets

Adopt, don’t Shop

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Today is Puppy Mill Awareness Day

As a board member of the local humane society I encourage everyone to ADOPT, not SHOP for pets. Every rescued pet is another one that breeders and puppy mills will not profit from. Mixed breeds are inherently healthier and make wonderful family members. Although HSNB is a no-kill shelter, many animals are still neglected and face euthanasia due to the lack of forever homes.

We all understand the laws of supply and demand. Let’s save as many animal lives as possible because these pets cannot speak for themselves. This is why I have been volunteering in this field for years. I typically foster and facilitate the adoption of designer dogs that come my way, allowing me to adopt senior and special needs dogs permanently. These decisions have brought me family members and love that fulfill my life.

Fire, Home & Garden

Four Year Vallejo-versary

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Today marks four years since I bought my house and moved to Vallejo during COVID, before the vaccine, and during the fires that made the skies bleak and orange, as you can see in this picture taken at the time!

So much has happened since then, but I have no regrets about moving to this city and community that has been so kind to me. I still love the house I chose, even though it’s in pieces and has months left to be rebuilt since the January fire. I’m looking forward to finally having the housewarming I never got to have, hopefully sometime in 2025.

Shortly after closing on the house in September 2020.
Shortly after fire in January 2024.
Memoriam

In Memoriam Michael Stanley

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This afternoon I attended the memorial for my friend Michael Stanley. I didn’t know him for that many years and we weren’t super close, but I am so glad to have met him numerous times and having him as a dog-loving neighbor. He was a chaplain in the Coast Guard and I saw that he was in the Coast Guard (so dapper in his uniform pictures!) for years in common with my dad, who was also stationed here in the Bay Area, so their paths very likely crossed.

I know Molly and Coco, whom I’ve had the pleasure of dogsitting several times, are missing Michael. I’m sure Miguel is giving them extra hugs.

Oh and FUCK CANCER!

Incredibly, Shea’s aunt had a memorial service the same day, so by the time Shea was arriving from that memorial, Michael’s was ending.

One of the few items that survived my fire in January was my dad’s Coast Guard tie clip so I was very glad to be able to find that and wear it in this veteran’s honor. Is that even legal? I know my dad was a stickler about such things. He wouldn’t even allow us to write with the pens he “accidentally” brought home that said “Property of U.S. Government.” I later realized that’s because he was hypersensitive after he found out that his Navy SEAL brother had been known for stealing military equipment and selling it after he did two tours in Vietnam.

Activism, Hawaii, HSNB, Travel

Back to Aloha

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I think at the Humane Society of the North Bay‘s Pawtoberfest I shocked Shea when during the live auction I bid (and won) a good deal on a one-week stay on the Big Island! I can’t wait to aloha! I’ve been meaning to get back to Hawaii and this way I know it’s helping the homeless dogs and cats in our area.

HSNB, Parties

Pawtoberfest Gala for Humane Society of the North Bay

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HSNB’s biggest gala of the year aligned with Oktoberfest.

Please visit and donate at Humane Society of the North Bay’s website. The Pawtoberfest Gala which was held in Benicia’s gorgeous Clocktower building. We had German caterers and Austro-Bavarian dancers, as you’ll see. We love being able to support our area’s homeless cats and dogs who cannot speak for themselves.

Pictures that other folks took:

HSNB, Selfies

Benicia Clocktower

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We came to the venue early to help set up while wearing our HSNB volunteer t-shirts, but then we had time to go home and doll ourselves up in time for the event. Some of these external pictures are with us after we got cleaned up.

Pets, Street Fairs, Vallejo

Vallejo Flights and Lite Bites Event

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There were some cool drones and kites (visible above our heads in some of these pictures) and we took a nice walk along the Napa River with the darks. We loved some of the food options and both appreciated the “Ube Area” booth.

Art, Friends, Street Fairs

September 2024 Vallejo Art Walk

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Friday night was a Vallejo Art Walk and Visions of the Wild art was on display. My friend Steven Davis had a few entries among the gorgeous environmentally-themed art. We also stopped by the Townhouse for a drink for a lovely and balanced night out in Vallejo.

Hello from Vallejo, California!