Adopt Spot, he’s so eager to please!
Tia!
Friends of Oakland Animal Services ‘Mickey’s Medical Fund’ Donating X-Ray Machine to OAS
Mickey’s Medical Fund has saved the lives of many shelter animals since it was founded in 2015 by Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS). But who is Mickey?
A stray collie, found wandering with a chewed off rope around his neck, was brought to the Contra Costa County Animal Shelter in 2005. He was too thin and had multiple medical issues, but his gentle nature shone through and he was soon taken home by a loving family. Mickey was nursed back to health and then spent the rest of his days walking on the beach, sleeping on the sofa, and enjoying his nightly treat of chopped hot dog, heated to the perfect temperature. He had other doggy siblings over the years, but Mickey remained the darling of his human mother’s heart and he, in turn, was utterly devoted to her.
Mickey’s passing in May of 2015 inspired his family to make the founding donation to Mickey’s Medical Fund in order to help homeless pets at Oakland Animal Services receive the medical care they need. The fund was established just in time to save numerous puppies that were sick with parvovirus during one of the worst outbreaks the shelter has seen. Without the funds for treatment (and foster families who helped the dogs recover), these puppies would have been put to sleep to prevent spread of the highly contagious disease in the crowded shelter environment. Happily, each one was treated, and most survived the treatment and went on to find loving adoptive homes.
Through Mickey’s Medical Fund, FOAS has been able to help many other animals, paying for everything from medical tests and dental cleanings to necessary amputations and other surgeries. Over the past year, FOAS has been raising funds for a digital x-ray machine so that vet staff can quickly diagnose and treat injured animals in-house. This is especially important to reduce suffering and risk of further injury when animals are transported to an outside veterinary clinic. FOAS is delighted to announce that Mickey’s family has made this dream come true by donating the remaining funds required to purchase the x-ray machine.
The animals (and humans) at Oakland Animal Services are truly grateful to Mickey for inspiring his family to continue helping others in his memory. You can be part of our lifesaving work by making a donation to Mickey’s Medical Fund.
Merlin’s Magical Transformation: One dog’s journey from juvenile delinquent to search-and-rescue star
![Merlin Pallet Search LO 8-15 Bollinger](https://www.oaklandanimalservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Merlin-Pallet-Search-LO-8-15-Bollinger-1024x683.jpg)
Merlin Pallet Search
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2016
Merlin’s Magical Transformation: One dog’s journey from juvenile delinquent to search-and-rescue star
Oakland, CA– It’s a little-known fact that dogs need jobs to succeed. But if you think about it, some are the guardians of their humans’ laps, some herd sheep and round up cattle, others provide comfort to hospital patients, some keep intruders away, while some watch over the youngsters in their families.
Merlin, a gangly black Labrador Retriever who arrived at Oakland Animal Services’ shelter in 2014, seemed to have the job of driving everyone crazy. This adolescent’s behavior was cause for worry: Who would want to adopt a dog that went from timid and fearful to bad-mannered and aggressive?
![Merlin at Oakland animal shelter in Dec 2014](https://www.oaklandanimalservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Merlin-at-Oakland-animal-shelter-in-Dec-2014-1024x739.jpg)
Merlin at Oakland animal shelter in Dec 2014
At many shelters, staff and volunteers would have given up on him. But not long-time volunteer Jamin Hawks, who saw a special spark behind the naughty boy’s façade. She began to work intensely with him, enlisting the help of other volunteers who specialize in obedience-challenged dogs.
“Our volunteers are invaluable for the animals in our care,” said Rebecca Katz, OAS Shelter Director. “They socialize and train our animals while we try to find homes or rescues for them. For Merlin, Jamin made it her mission to rehabilitate him, working on his behavior and, ultimately, for his transfer to one of our partners.”
![Merlin working the rubble pile](https://www.oaklandanimalservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Merlin-working-the-rubble-pile-1024x768.jpg)
Merlin working the rubble pile
Meanwhile, Merlin improved – a little. He began to warm up to people and went from an assessment of “unmanageable” to “trainable.” But at a municipal shelter, it’s almost impossible to give the dedicated attention it takes to really change a dog with severe issues. Luckily, partner group Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue (GGLRR) stepped up and took Merlin into its program.
At GGLRR, the young dog became kind of a punk, especially when it came to other dogs. So a professional trainer worked with him and noted that he was obsessed with balls and had an almost insatiable search drive. Bingo! Just the traits for his new resume. Next step was to contact the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF), hoping to get Merlin a new job.
Not only did SDF accept Merlin – they did such a good job that the former juvenile delinquent graduated from the program and is now working with a hazardous-materials technician at the Unified Fire Authority.
“There is a severe shortage of Certified Canine Disaster Search Teams in the U.S. Dogs like Merlin are trained through Search Dog Foundation to provide a precious, lifesaving resource” said Kate Horwick, Program Manager at SDF.
Well hot dog!
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![Frankie - Merlin - Emily at graduation - 1](https://www.oaklandanimalservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Frankie-Merlin-Emily-at-graduation-1-1024x811.jpg)
Frankie, Merlin & Emily at graduation
Oakland Animal Services is the city’s only open admissions shelter: OAS accepts all of Oakland’s homeless, injured and mistreated animals (both wild and domestic), regardless of age, breed, temperament or medical condition. Visit the shelter to adopt, volunteer or donate. OAS is located at 1101 29th Ave., Oakland. For more information: www.OaklandAnimalServices.org
Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue is a nonprofit organization that fosters, rehabilitates and houses Labrador Retrievers in the Northern California. For more information: www.labrescue.org
Search Dog Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening disaster preparedness in America by partnering rescued dogs with firefighters. For more information: www.searchdogfoundation.org
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OAS Awarded $90,000 Grant, Featured In Upcoming Episode of National PBS Series Shelter Me
The latest episode of the nationally televised Shelter Me series, sponsored by the Petco Foundation, premiered in Oakland on Wednesday April 27th, featuring the partnership between Cat Town and Oakland Animal Services (OAS), the only open admission animal shelter in the city of Oakland. The episode highlights the collaboration which, along with other programs and partnerships, resulted in a 93% Live Release Rate for cats in 2015.
“With a mission to find great homes for homeless cats that don’t thrive in the shelter environment, Cat Town has helped almost 1,400 cats since 2011, redefining what’s possible for shy, senior, and other at-risk cats in need of a second chance outside of a cage” said Ann Dunn, Executive Director and Founder of Cat Town.
In addition to the sold out screening, the Petco Foundation awarded Friends of Oakland Animal Services a generous $90,000 grant to continue the work of supporting the animal service needs of Oakland residents, treating sick and injured animals, and finding families for homeless animals.
“With the assistance of a dedicated group of volunteers and the support of Friends of Oakland Animal Services, OAS saved the lives of more than 5,000 animals in 2015 alone” said Rebecca Katz, Director of Oakland Animal Services. “This grant will help us continue our service to the animal and human residents in our community.”
By volunteering, you can be part of the nationally recognized life-saving work in your community! If you are interested in donating your time and/or resources or adopting a new family member, please visit our new website at www.OaklandAnimalServices.org
“Shelter Me: Hearts & Paws” airs on KQED on May 25th at 8 p.m. Please check ShelterMe.tv for other broadcast dates.
Oakland Animal Services is the city’s only open admissions shelter: OAS accepts all of Oakland’s homeless, injured, and mistreated animals (both wild and domestic), regardless of age, breed, temperament or medical condition. Visit the shelter to adopt, volunteer, or donate. OAS is located at 1101 29th Ave in Oakland. For hours, services provided and more information please visit www.OaklandAnimalServices.org