The social networking site Facebook.com has a new member. Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), a new organization established by Alameda Animal Shelter volunteers to help raise funds for the shelter, set up the FAAS page on Oct. 25, and currently has 94 fans, including yours truly.

The Alameda Animal Shelter staff and volunteers take great care to make animals that have been surrendered to the shelter or taken in as strays are ready for adoption.

That process includes examining the animals for trauma, health or behavioral problems. Services and maintenance of the shelter are funded through the Alameda Police Department, the Alameda Humane Society and donations from the public.

Nancy Evans Bianchi, shelter volunteer and president of the new board of directors of FAAS, and other volunteers have also created a new Web site for this charity at www.faas.bbnow.org. The group is planning a number of fundraising events including a holiday party, and is currently accepting donations which will be used only for the Alameda Shelter animals.

Follow Friends of the Alameda Shelter on Facebook.com to see adorable photos of adoptable animals, or to post your favorite picture of you and your pet; or visit www.faas.bbnow.org to make donations using Paypal, keep up with the latest news or to spread the news to others who might be interested.