Beverly Brown

Elizabeth Cooper shows Hyacinth a toy on the new Pooch Patio at the Alameda Animal Shelter. Citizen Canine donated the funds for the patio.

In the months since Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) assumed responsibility for the shelter, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of critical support from the community. Special thanks to the following individuals and businesses:

• Pat Payne of Alameda's Big Bird Studios for generously donating one of her sculptures for a fundraiser that netted FAAS $1,300.

• Citizen Canine for donating a beautiful meet-and-greet area where potential adopters can spend some time with their new best canine friend prior to adoption.

• Angela's Bistro and Bar for hosting a Mojito Monday on June 18 to celebrate Pride Week and support FAAS. The event raised $956 in tips for FAAS.

Angel Fund helps defray medical costs

Recently, a beat-up orange cat was rescued from the golf course in Harbor Bay. He was trying to join a colony of feral cats living there, but they were using him as a kitty version of a punching bag.

When he came in to the shelter, FAAS staff rushed him to Park Centre Hospital where they cleaned him, patched him, neutered him and gave him some much needed food. FAAS staff named him Ace (a golf term, of course) and both volunteers and staff showered him with attention until he was adopted.

Mia came to the shelter as a very pregnant stray. This little tan Chihuahua was underweight, sick and about to deliver six puppies. Veterinarians provided the medical care she needed while a foster family gave Mia and her pups a temporary home. Mia and the puppies are now healthy and happy in new homes.

One of our priorities is to see that pets like Ace and Mia are healthy before they are adopted. Medical care can be expensive, so FAAS has established the Angel Fund to pay for it.Visit our website at www.alamedaanimalshelter.org and make your donation (marked for the Angel Fund), or send your donations to FAAS (Angel Fund), 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501.

Also on the website is a "wish list" of supplies and special items to keep the animals healthy, happy and well-kept. Check it out.

Special events in July

Our annual photo contest begins later this month. Submit one or more photos of your favorite pet(s) and get friends to vote on the photo. The 13 winners will have their pet's photo on the 2013 FAAS calendar. Learn more on our Facebook page and our website at www.alamedaanimalshelter. org.

July 21 — The First FAAS Mobile Adoption will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at See Spot Run, 2510 Santa Clara Ave.

July 28 and 29 — Visit our information table in front of Dog Bone Alley during the Art and Wine Festival.

July 30 — Angela's hosts an Alumni Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with guest bartender Police Chief Mike Noonan. Bring your former Alameda Animal Shelter dog and sit on the patio sipping Mojitos!