Silicon Valley non-profit celebrates 75 years in pet business

Humane Society Silicon Valley president Christine Benninger unites with Judy and George Marcus of Los Altos Hills at last year’s “Fur Ball.”

Los Altos-area residents and business owners will be among the attendees at the Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) second annual “Fur Ball” gala event, scheduled 6-11 p.m., March 26, at Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose.

Paul Callary and his wife Ruby, owners of the Five Paw Bakery in Los Altos, have donated a dog gift basket for the silent auction and will be attending the event.

Los Altos Hills resident Judy Marcus, on the Humane Society’s board of directors, also will be a major presence at the event. She has donated “An elegant meal for eight wine connoisseurs” to help raise money for the organization, now in its 75th year.

The elegant evening includes a sit-down dinner, silent and live auction, and dancing to the music of the Martini Brothers. The event will also feature an awards ceremony that recognizes three outstanding animals from the shelter for their courage, strength and remarkable spirits. The emcees are Brent Cannon and Laura Garcia-Cannon, co-anchors of NBC11 “Today.”

“The Fur Ball is the perfect venue for Humane Society Silicon Valley to celebrate our 75-year journey of compassion, kindness, companionship and education,” said Christine Benninger, HSSV president. “Humane Society Silicon Valley focuses on strengthening the human-animal bond because when people bond with their pet, tremendous health and companionship benefits are received and with greater commitment, fewer animals are surrendered to our shelters.”

Over the years, Humane Society Silicon Valley has improved the standards of practice in animal care, built community support to protect animals from mistreatment and emerged as a leader in the field, inspiring the formation of other animal welfare organizations.

Benninger noted that the issues facing the shelter have changed quite a bit in 75 years.

“In 1929, the major concerns in Santa Clara County were roving packs of wild dogs and the health of horses used to pull commercial wagons,” Benninger explained. “The shelter housed 80,000 animals a year. If an animal wasn’t adopted in a few days, it was euthanized due to lack of space,” Benninger said.

These days, HSSV houses far fewer animals due to its successful spay/neuter medical program and humane education outreach efforts.

Adoptable animals are kept until they are found a home, and animals with special needs are kept in foster care until they are ready for adoption.

The organization’s lost and found service has reunited thousands of pets with their human companions, and the animal behavior helpline has helped thousands of pet owners deal with behavioral issues.

Tickets to the Fur Ball are $125 per person. All proceeds benefit the shelter.

For ticket information, or to make a donation, call Joe Romagna at (408) 727-3383, ext. 883.