New airline for dogs flying out of San Jose International Airport

You read the headline correctly. BARK Air is a new airline flying out of SJC that caters to those travelling with dogs (and deep pockets). Flights are through a charter company with Gulfstream G5s, twin-engine business jets. That means you fly through San Jose Mineta International's Private terminal.

Instead of going in a crate, travelers and pets are greeted an hour before their flight by a concierge that helps get your pet ready for the flight in a spacious cabin. That includes providing things to help dogs stay calm like pheromone sprays, music, and scented refreshment towels. You also get a "just in case" bag filled with calming treats, leashes, poop bags, etc. 

On the flight itself, dogs get served water or bone broth during ascent and descent to ensure they don't experience discomfort due to change in cabin pressure. That's followed by BARK-branded treat, snacks and surprises throughout the flight.

Currently only two routes are offered: SJC to Chicago or New York. However, first class service equals first class prices. Each one-way ticket for a pet plus their owner is $6,000 for Chicago and $6,500 for NYC. 

BARK Air also serves LA, London, Paris, Phoenix, and Miami.

Source: KRON4

Doga comes to St. James Park in July and August

SILICON VALLEY PET PROJECT PARTNERS WITH CITY OF SAN JOSE TO OFFER
“DOGA” – YOGA CLASSES FOR DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS

Doga Comes to St. James Park in July and August

SAN JOSE, CA — Pack up your yoga mat — and your dog — and join Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) for “Doga” in the Park.  For the fourth year in a row, SVPP is partnering with the City of San Jose to provide fun and interactive Doga (dog-plus-yoga) classes twice a month on Sundays, at San Jose’s historic St. James Park.  A certified yoga instructor leads the one-hour class designed for bonding between people and pups of all ages and levels.  The Doga classes are made possible, in part, by a grant from San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services.

Doga sessions will take place in the area near the corner of 3rd and St. John (near the dog park and playground) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with instruction from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Remaining dates this summer are: July 28, August 11 and August 25.

Registration is free but space is limited.  For more information and registration, please click here or go to http://www.svpetproject.org.

“It’s a fun and healthy way to bond with your dog,” said Melissa Lisbon, Silicon Valley Pet Project president. “We can enjoy the benefits of being in a beautiful park while enjoying the benefits of yoga.  We are thrilled to be partnering with the City of San Jose on this project again.”

# # #

 Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is a nonprofit animal welfare organization committed to saving local at-risk shelter pets through rescue, community involvement, and education.  For more information, go to www.svpetproject.org.

Doga in St. James Park...Provided by Silicon Valley Pet Project and a grant from San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services.

Silicon Valley Pet Project opens community center today

The Silicon Valley Pet Project is opening Pup Plaza, our first canine community center, at Cambrian Park Plaza (14408 Union Avenue, San Jose). Today they are having an open house from 3pm to 8pm where you can hang out with other dog lovers and learn about upcoming programs and shop at the new retail boutique with items from local artists. Details are below.

Dog lovers rejoice! Silicon Valley Pet Project opens community center for

dog adoptions, educational events, and workshops

SVPP celebrates “Pup Plaza” launch with Open House on Giving Tuesday, Nov 27, 2018

SAN JOSE, CA - November 20, 2018 - Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is celebrating the grand opening of Pup Plaza, Silicon Valley’s first canine community center, with an open house on Giving Tuesday, November 27, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The new facility is at Cambrian Park Plaza Shopping Center (14408 Union Avenue, San Jose).  Guests are invited to visit the newly renovated space, meet and hang out with dog lovers and dogs, learn about upcoming educational programs, explore opportunities to foster or adopt, and shop at the new retail boutique which features items from local artists.

Programs like Shelter Dog Day Out are already on the curriculum at Pup Plaza.  In partnership with the San Jose Animal Care Center, Silicon Valley Pet Project volunteers will bring adoptable dogs from the shelter to Pup Plaza every Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Shelter dogs will have an opportunity to catch a breath of fresh air and socialize with volunteers and the public. “Doga” – or Dog Yoga – is another program offered twice a month on Sundays starting November 25.  During Community Open Hours, Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy the dog-friendly space (with or without their dogs), ask questions about how to get involved, or be directed to community resources related to pet ownership. Pup Plaza can also be reserved for dog birthday events or any dog friendly social gathering.  For more information, go to Pup Plaza’s website at pupplaza.org.

“We believe that spaces like Pup Plaza will provide the community with resources about adoption and pet guardianship, while celebrating our love for pets in a fun, upbeat environment.” said Melissa Lisbon, SVPP President.

###

About:

Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is a nonprofit animal welfare organization committed to saving local at-risk shelter pets through rescue, community involvement, and education. SVPP is a proud rescue partner of the San Jose Animal Care Center, San Jose’s municipal animal shelter. Since starting operations in 2015, SVPP has rescued and adopted over 975 cats and dogs.

Upcoming Events:

Doga at Pup Plaza

Every first and third Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
First session: Sunday, November 25

Following the success of the Doga in the Park summer series, SVPP will continue to host Doga (yoga with dogs) sessions at the newly opened Pup Plaza. Each Doga session will be led by a certified yoga instructors and is perfect for people and pups of all levels. Each session is $25 and all proceeds go to support the organization. To reserve tickets, register here.

Shelter Dog Day Out at Pup Plaza

Every Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In partnership with the San Jose Animal Care Center, Silicon Valley Pet Project volunteers will bring adoptable dogs from the shelter to Pup Plaza. Shelter dogs will have opportunity to catch a breath of fresh air and socialize with volunteers and the public. Interested volunteers can fill out a volunteer application here. Please mention Dog Day Out Program in the application.

Community Open Hours at Pup Plaza

Every Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Guests are invited to visit Pup Plaza to learn more about the space, upcoming programs, or ask for advice regarding pet ownership and adoption. Guests are also encouraged to simply relax and enjoy the space with their furry critters and friends!

Bark in the Park this Saturday

The largest dog festival in the United States takes place this weekend at William Street Park. Over 15,000 dog lovers and 3,900 dogs are expected to be in attendance. The festival stretches across 10 acres of grass, trees, and water.

Events include a variety of workshops, shows, and contests (dog costumes, pet owner look-a-like, tail and tail wagging. There will also be a kids entertainment zone, low-cost vaccines, microchiping, and vendor booths.

Bark in the Park runs from 10am-5pm this Saturday at S. 16th Street and William Street. The event is free but a $5 donation is encouraged for each dog.

For more information, head over to the Bark in the Park website.

Selma Olinder Dog Park will get a $20k makeover -- volunteers needed

SAN JOSE DOG PARK’S DREAMS COME TRUE WITH $20,000 MAKEOVER AND HELPING HAND FROM BENEFUL®

Beneful Dream Dog Park Project Team, Dog Lovers and City of San Jose Revamp Selma Olinder Dog Park During Volunteer Day

WHAT: On Friday, November 4, the Beneful Dream Dog Park Project team will join forces with the City of San Jose’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services to spruce up Selma Olinder Park Dog Park for its dog loving community. Interested volunteers are welcome to work alongside City and Beneful teams in exchange for a morning of tail-wagging fun, doggie swag and a sample of the new Beneful Originals with Real Beef recipe. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. the day of the event, at the park entrance.

The $20,000 donation will be accompanied by a new piece of dog park equipment, a Beneful Doxie Tunnel – the only one of its kind in the area. The donation and volunteer day to Selma Olinder Park Dog Park come as part of the Beneful Dream Dog Park Project, a year-long program to support more than a dozen community dog parks across the country.

For more information about the Beneful Dream Dog Park Project, please visit DreamDogPark.com and follow on social media with #DreamDogPark

WHEN: Friday, November 4, 2016 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
o    Volunteer and media check-in at 8:30 a.m.
o    Check presentation at 9 a.m.
                                                                                                                                               
WHERE: Selma Olinder Park Dog Park
848 E. William St., San José, CA 95116

New Downtown San Jose Dog Park opens on October 11th!

Hart's Dog Park is located in the Downtown core at 194 W. Santa Clara Street (between San Pedro St. and Almaden Avenue). To launch the new park, there will be an opening celebration on Tuesday, October 11th at 10:30am complete with dog treats.

The Downtown PBID worked with the SJ Downtown Association to create this urban park for the rising number of Downtown residents with dogs. The 2,000+ high-rise apartments built in the last five years are all within a quarter-mile of the new park.

The park is 2,000 SQFT with a double gate, artificial turf, benches, planters, and tree stumps. A mural by local artist Tom Colla will adorn the wall and honor one of San Jose's most famous department stores. The park will also be maintained by Groundwex.

This is a fantastic way to re-purpose abandoned/vacant space. A fire destroyed the previous structure and this space has sat empty for a decade. Much like the small park next to Axis, this is a great way to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors while also filling up the gaps in our streets.

Largest dog festival in the US takes place this weekend in Downtown San Jose

I actually had no idea that Bark in the Park was the largest dog festival in the country. This year 15,000 dog lovers and 3,900 dogs are expected to attend. There will be food, drinks, 75 vendors for dog-specific goods and services, demonstrations, shows, and tons of contests (dog costume, dog/owner look-alike, tail wagging, etc.).

Proceeds will benefit local organizations including the Humane Society, San Jose Animal Care Center, and the Campus Community Neighborhood Association.

The event takes place on William and 16th Street in Downtown San Jose this Saturday, September 17th and runs from 10am-5pm. There is no cost of admission for humans or dogs. For more info, head over to the Bark in the Park website.

First annual "Bark in the Park" at Notre Dame Park

A new community-building event for Downtown residents, workers, visitors, and their pets kicks off this Sunday from 4-8pm at Notre Dame Park (intersection of Almaden Boulevard and Carlyle Street). This park exists today thanks to a group of Downtown residents that started a grassroots effort to clean out the unused lot and add some greenery.

The "Bark in the Park" event will have music, food trucks, wine, beer, an animal petting zoo, and art projects. Proceeds will go towards upgrading the park and helping with the maintenance for Andy's Pet Shop. With so many new residents comings into the Downtown area, we need to encourage more projects like this to improve the quality of the Downtown neighborhoods and create a stronger sense of community in the area!

The Dancing Cat pops up again

Silicon Valley's first cat adoption lounge is back at its original location, 702 E. Julian Street. The Dancing Cat is a great place to relax, have some snacks, and play with adoptable cats. The cat lounge opens on May 29th and will remain open until the fall. The organization is currently looking for a permanent location in the San Jose area and is seeking suggestions. For more info, read the release below or head over to The Dancing Cat website.

Announcing the Return of San Jose’s Creative Community Space for Felines and Those who Love Them 

SAN JOSE, CA - Silicon Valley’s first cat adoption lounge, The Dancing Cat, is back better than ever with the announcement of its re-opening in its original location of 702 E. Julian, San Jose.  From May 29 through the fall of 2016, Silicon Valley will have a fun venue for the community in which to relax, meet, and mingle while enjoying the company of adoptable feline friends.

The Dancing Cat is the perfect place for cat lovers and potential adopters who are looking for a place to socialize with friends, or just a respite from a hectic day.  Visitors can have fun with other guests, read, study or just lounge with adoptable cats in a comfortable, open room.  Guests are invited to bring their own food and beverage. A small selection of drinks and cookies from local bakeries is available for purchase. Wi-Fi and catnip are on the house.

Building on the organization’s success, The Dancing Cat's founders Mary Rubin and Ann Chasson have joined with Silicon Valley Pet Project to establish a permanent space for The Dancing Cat. This initiative expands Silicon Valley Pet Project’s mission to save at-risk shelter pets through rescue, community involvement and education. The Dancing Cat will showcase adult cats who are looking for loving forever homes in order to reduce the number of cats euthanized in the South Bay.  Additionally, this initiative seeks to present a unique venue for cat-centered social and educational events in the community.

“The Julian-Saint James neighborhood is thrilled to have The Dancing Cat back for a few more months” said Robert Wright, local resident, cat lover and member of the 13th Street Neighborhood Association.  “I love the idea of stopping in, relaxing and hanging out with friendly cats.”

Even The Dancing Cat needs a forever home. While The Dancing Cat will return to the East Julian location through November, Silicon Valley Pet Project is currently searching for a suitable permanent location for the lounge in the San Jose area.  A larger space will allow for the expansion of Silicon Valley Pet Project's mission and programs. Anyone with information about a possible available location can contact thedancingcat@svpetproject.org. Financial donations are being accepted on The Dancing Cat’s website.

 “It was exciting to see how welcoming the neighborhood and the surrounding cities were to us last year.  Cat lovers from all around the Bay Area visited us and were inspired. We had many wonderful cats adopted, and we are eager to showcase even more this year.” Chasson said.  “We look forward to continuing The Dancing Cat with Silicon Valley Pet Project's contributions of both talent and support.”

About
The Dancing Cat is a passion project developed by a small group of cat lovers and creatives who work to improve the quality of life for the cats in Silicon Valley. We are dedicated to connecting these valuable members of our community with their forever homes in a responsible way. Recognizing that there are many cat lovers among us, we also hope The Dancing Cat will provide opportunities for new partnerships among people who are contributing to the vibrancy and creativity of our community. www.thedancingcat.org

Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of volunteers committed to saving local at-risk shelter pets through rescue, community involvement and education.
www.svpetproject.org

Downtown for Dogs

Our friend Mark from Think Bigger San Jose has an interesting article on the benefits of dogs in Downtown San Jose. He knows this firsthand as he has three of them himself. Downtown dogs have to go out several times per day to use "the facilities" and stretch their legs. This means residents have to go out more frequently as well, and in turn that means more eyes on the streets and lower chances of people doing stupid things (graffiti as an obvious example). This contributes to a safer and nicer community. It's an interesting point.

Plus dogs are great conversation starters. Who doesn't like running into a friendly pup at the San Pedro Square Market?

Check out the post right over here.

The Dancing Cat is Extending Its Stay in San Jose

Cat lovers of Silicon Valley, you can rejoice. The area's first pop-up cat adoption lounge, The Dancing Cat, is extending its stay!

The lounge, run by Ann Chasson and Mary Rubin, will be extending its stay for 6-8 weeks funded by several donations courtesy of San Jose City Councilmembers Raul Peralez, Pierluigi Oliverio, and Ash Kalra in addition to donations from several individual community members.

“The Dancing Cat brings together communities, and serves as an inventive business model that creatively reuses blighted space and provides an important service. I encourage residents of San Jose to visit the Dancing Cat right now so we can help it become a permanent local business in District 3.” - Councilman Raul Peralez, City of San Jose Council District 3

The other day I made a reservation to visit the lounge with a friend. I already have a cat at home, but I wanted to check the place out for myself as well as play with the kitties! I had a great time taking photos of all the cats and gorgeous decor.

When you walk in you sign a waiver in a little foyer room (blocked off so the cats in the other room don't make a break for it.) Then you're granted access to the lounge! And wow.. what a wonderfully decorated space. Modern decor, white walls, and beautiful pops of color fill the room. There is a long picnic table in the middle of the room and couches and chairs at the end. Cat toys, trees, and other lounge-y spots fill the nooks and corners so the cats have plenty of places to sit as well.

You are free to bring in food and drink for yourself, or you can purchase a soda, have a cup of tea or coffee (I spotted a Keurig brewer - so maybe you can just bring your own cups if you wish!)

The building itself used to be a liquor store, so there are a series of glass doors that used to be the fridge. Each glass panel holds wonderful cat-themed paintings done by the group over at The Arsenal.

There is no need to rush to hang out with the cats either. Bring a book or your laptop, sit down and just hang out. The idea isn't to just pet/play with the cats here, it's also a cafe/lounge atmosphere. The day we went there was a mix of people, a couple sat on the couch and hung out with a sleepy kitten. Several older teens sat in a group on the floor and played with an older cat (while they stalked the spot on the couch near the kitten - that was amusing to say the least.)

While we were there, two cats were adopted! Rhett and Butler went to a happy home together. And that's the great thing about this place - people are able to hang out with these cats and kittens in a home-like environment to get to know them. Since opening on May 21, nearly ALL of the cats at The Dancing Cat, have been adopted - this includes typically difficult to adopt cats like senior cats, black cats, and bonded pairs.

The Dancing Cat is open from noon to 6 pm Wednesday through Sunday with extended hours on Friday and Saturday.  A limited number of people are admitted to the space at any one time in order to maintain a comfortable environment for both people and cats. Visitors are encouraged to reserve a spot online at www.thedancingcat.org.  The Dancing Cat collects an admission donation of $10 per hour and $5 for children under 10 years of age. A limited number of walk-ins can be accommodated as space allows.  

Cat Cafe Now Open in San Jose

Meet "The Dancing Cat." Billed as San Jose's first creative space for people...and cats, this is a limited-time pop-up shop that only runs until June 14th. Cat Cafes began in Taiwan and Japan, places where many people are not able to have pets. You get to come in, have some coffee, and play with cats. Here, you can actually take a cat you fall in love with home.

The Dancing Cat is being run by Marilyn Krieger (a cat behaviorist known as The Cat Coach) and her friend Mary Rubin to promote adoptions for local shelters. They found an abandoned liquor store on North 15th Street and Julian and turned it into something that looks like your living room (an environment cats likely prefer over a shelter). The owners of The Arsenal art supply store on The Alameda even came in and panted a series of panels featuring their own cats.

The cost to come in and play with your new feline friends is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. The fee gets waived if you end up adopting a cat. If the pop-up goes well, they may end up opening a permanent location!

You can find The Dancing Cat at 702 E. Julian Street. It's open from noon to 6pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and from noon to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more info, peek inside The Dancing Cat website.

Photo by Greg Ramar

Source: San Jose Inside, Hat-tip to Payge Lyn for sending this in!

Map of San Jose Pet Rescues and Shelters

The maps below were created so that the public can be made aware of how many homeless pet organizations are available in the San Jose area. Many of these pets will be euthanized if not adopted, so if you are looking for a pet please start with a local shelter!


Find San Jose Dogs & Puppies


Find San Jose Cats & Kittens

Local Vet and Animal Rescue Organizers Team Up to Save Life of Obese Cat

“Shirley” Gets a Second Chance at Life Thanks to Pinnacle Animal Hospital,
Foster Family, and Two Animal Welfare Groups

SAN JOSE, CA – Obesity can affect felines in the same way it can affect humans: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and respiratory disease, joint degradation and more.  It has one additional impact on shelter animals:  it can prevent them from being classified as adoptable.

So goes the story of Shirley, a 7-year-old domestic shorthair tabby, who was surrendered to a San Jose shelter last November.  Despite a sweet disposition, good general health and young age, Shirley was classified as unadoptable due to her weight.   The 15.7 pound tabby, about 30 percent overweight, was considered too unhealthy to “re-home.”  

Enter St. Francis Animal Protection Society (APS) and San Jose Animal Advocates.  The two organizations working hand-in-hand determined that Shirley could and should get a second chance.  St. Francis APS rescued Shirley from the shelter and San Jose Animal Advocates found her a great foster home.  Once Shirley settled in with her foster family, the goal became getting her healthy so she could find her forever home.  

Veterinarians at Pinnacle Animal Hospital in San Jose learned about Shirley’s situation and donated their help.  They enrolled Shirley in the hospital’s “Chub Club,” where vets work with pets and their owners to address and eliminate animal obesity.  Dr. Michelle Forgy screened Shirley for other potential illnesses, designed a food program for her feline patient, and provided the structure of regular monitoring and monthly weigh-ins.   A local representative from Hill’s Pet Nutrition heard about Shirley’s rescue and donated the dry food prescribed by the vet.

Last week – after four months of disciplined diet and active play – Shirley reached her goal weight of 12.5 pounds.  She has been cleared by Dr. Forgy to find her perfect forever home and is ready to start the next healthy chapter in her life.  Thanks to Shirley’s foster mom, her progress and story have been documented here. 

“We’re grateful to all of the people and organizations that have helped give Shirley a new lease on life.  As she enters this new phase, we’ll find her a good home, loving family, and a partner in health,” said Melissa Lisbon, co-founder of San Jose Animal Advocates.

Shirley is available for adoption through St. Francis Animal Protection Society (see Petfinder Profile - http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/24781908).  For more information about Shirley, San Jose Animal Advocates or St. Francis Animal Protection Society, call Melissa Lisbon at (408) 637-1282, email  sjanimaladvocates@gmail.com, or go to www.sjanimaladvocates.org.

# # #

Shirley’s Veterinarian
Interview with Dr. Michelle Forgy, Pinnacle Animal Hospital, San Josehttp://pinnaclevets.com/about-us-2/about-the-doctors/

Q. How many pets – and what kind -- are enrolled in Club Chub? A. We have about 25 cats and dogs in the program right now.

Q. How long has the program existed?
A. Dr. Andrea Moore and I formed the Chub Club soon after we opened in July 2012.

Q. Why is it so important that animals have a managed and methodical weight loss approach?A. Weight loss that is too rapid can be unhealthy, especially in cats. Cats can develop a potentially serious liver condition called hepatic lipidosis if they lose weight too quickly. For some of our severely obese cats (we have two of them over 25 pounds), we plan for the weight loss program to take almost a year.

Q. How important with animals is the combination of play/activity/food management, versus one or the other?
A. Just like in people, they are all important. Calories eaten should not dramatically exceed calories expended. And for cats, the type of calories is especially important.  Many cats do not handle carbs well and do better on a higher protein diet.

Q. What stands out to you about Shirley and her situation? A. What strikes me about Shirley is that she could have so easily been passed over and not made it out of the shelter system, simply due to her weight. She is a beautiful cat with so much personality. But what is so gratifying is that with a few simple steps, we have been able to transform her. She looks healthier, she feels better, and she is now adoptable. I think she and her foster mom can be a great inspiration for other cat owners.  One other thing I'd like to touch on about Shirley and our other Chub Clubbers is that our Facebook community has been a great source of support for them. We do monthly weigh-ins with the primary vet, reassess the diet plan, and get a picture for Facebook. We post the picture and provide a short update, and our followers tend to chime in with words of encouragement. It also gives many of the owners a sense of accountability, since their pet’s progress is tracked for others to see. It's all in good fun, but it keeps people motivated.

Axis Howl-O-Ween Event

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live with a pet in Downtown San Jose, this may be the event for you. You will be able to tour the Axis residential high-rise with man's best friend, learn which services such as dog walking and training are available locally, and then explore Downtown with your companion. There's even a Doggie costume contest. To participate, just head over to 38 N. Almaden Boulevard on Saturday, October 27th between 11am and 1pm. More details below.

Artist's For Andy's Pet Shop Event

Unfortunately the only pet store downtown is in trouble and it's up to help keep them around and servicing local pet owners. They'll be doing a benefit show at O'Flaherty's this Thursday, full details below:

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

Andy's Pet Shop and Adoption Center needs our help or they will not be able to keep their doors open to the community nor to the local animal rescue centers they partner with.

To help raise awareness of their situation, a benefit show will be held at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub.

You're invited to O'Flaherty's Irish Pub on Thursday 9/22 at 9:00 p.m. for a special evening of music, comedy and art to benefit Andy's Pet Shop and Adoption Center. 100% Rescued Animals since 2007 and featured on A&E program "Hoarders".

There's a great line up of very talented artists including NY jam fusion electric guitarist John Ford Winter from the Woodstock Guitar Festival making his West Coast debut in downtown San Jose. Also performing are comedians Dan St. Paul and Mike Meehan. Portraits of animals and a custom painting of the famous building sign will be created by artist Crystal Wade.

A percentage of the bar sales will be generously donated by O'Flaherty's Irish Pub.

Show your support for the animals, the arts, and for downtown businesses!

For more information, please visit the Facebook event page here.