Grouchy Puppy is all about celebrating how the power of the human dog bond is demonstrated by dogs and those who love them. This demonstration is unique and special to each of us which is why it’s our passion to shine a light on it whenever we can. How do you celebrate this incredible bond? 

If you are the O’Donnell family, and you are forever grateful for the timeless experiences you had with your dog, Eli the most cherished Yorkie, then you decide to sponsor the senior dog adoption fees for February (Valentines ❤️ month) at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in honor of her.

This couldn’t be a more perfect example of how people might show the positive influence dogs have on us, or how we too can give fearlessly like they do. With older dogs, imagine being the one who gets to write the last chapter of their life!

All of February, qualified adopters will have their adoption fees waived at Muttville, to celebrate Eli’s Month of LOVE ❤️ 

See the available dogs at Muttville 🐶 https://muttville.org/available_mutts 

Maybe you’ll find the missing piece to your family puzzle, maybe your first heart dog, or maybe just the one true friend you need right now.

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue is excited to join the San Francisco SPCA in hosting a “Saved for the Holidays” Adopt-a-thon Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. Muttville will be offering FREE ADOPTIONS to qualified applicants to help these amazing mutts find their forever homes.

Come on down to meet your new best friend!! They would love new forever families for the holidays.

WHAT: Saved For The Holidays Adopt-a-thon

WHEN: 12pm to 4pm, Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8

WHERE: Rescue Row (a.k.a. Alabama) and 16th Street, San Francisco

WHY: Free adoptions and SENIOR DOGS!!!!

Connie Loves Belly Rubs!

Hail Mary Loves Cuddles!

Come on down to meet your new best friend!! It is going to be an amazing weekend filled with lots of love, sloppy kisses, and amazing connections.

Learn More:

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

San Francisco SPCA

A walk in nature, an art exhibit, the autobiography of an inventive person? Where do you draw inspiration? Have you ever been inspired by a dog?

Ten years ago, a big, older dog, who found her way from the country and into our hearts, inspired the creation of Grouchy Puppy. To many, this may not come as a surprise given how popular dog pages are on Facebook, in Twitter feeds, and how many dog Instagram stars and influencers there are today. However, ten years is a long time ago in dog years and definitely in social media years!

November 9 is Grouchy Puppy Day

There is a special look and expression, even a sound, dogs make when they feel their own rush of oxytocin inside and under the skin. I have witnessed this firsthand many times.

With my own older adopted dog, there are many memories of her contented noises and sometimes boisterous body language. I will always remember the day we both knew she was home, permanently home.

The face she made spoke all the words we needed to know that she was unpacking, and letting go of any lingering doubt, fear or worry about us. We knew that our love, compassion and trust had filled every corner of her being, and squeezed out the tiniest bit of residual uneasiness she may have carried.

She knew she was home. She knew we were her home. That meeting of hearts, rather than minds, is a feeling you never forget. 

Have you ever wondered how many roles a dog can play in your life?

It’s amazing to me when I read about how people see a dog, as just a dog, when they are so much more. The roles they can play in our life is really up to us.

Consider the possibilities when you look at a dog, when you’re thinking about having a dog, or if you are ready to adopt a dog.

We can’t think of a more fun way to celebrate National Dog Day, and a decade of celebrating how the human animal bond is demonstrated by dogs and those who love them than with a free giveaway!!

Starting August 26th, visit Grouchy Puppy on Instagram to enter, and one lucky winner will get a sweet picture book about puppies by animal activist and amazing photographer, Seth Casteel. 

[From Amazon] Follow several irresistible puppies as they play, go for walks, eat, sleep, and romp about adorably. Readers will be captivated by the incredible photography paired with witty text to illustrate a day in the life of a dog. Although written especially for young readers, this book will appeal to kids and adults of all ages, from tweens and teens to hipster parents and doting grandparents. 🥰

WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

A hardback book edition of It’s A Puppy’s Life by Seth Casteel

.

Happy New Year dog lovers and Grouchy Puppy peeps! It’s storming here in San Francisco and it seemed like the perfect time to sit indoors with a cup of tea and return to writing blog posts. 

Have you seen or heard about the #10YearChallenge on Facebook or Instagram? Quite a few adorable side-by-side photos of dogs growing from puppy to adult have filled our news feed. Ten years is a long time and for most people and pups, it’s hard not to see significant changes, though I swear some of the dogs at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue do not seem aged at all.

So this challenge had me looking back at old blog posts and I realized that Grouchy Puppy is ten years old. Can you believe it?! The oldest post I have saved is over on Cleo’s blog because this is where it began, with my overwhelming love and new life with this enormous, fluffy, adopted dog from the San Francisco SPCA — a dog who people thought was a wolf and a boy! 

Today, January 17th, ten years ago, inspired by my dog and our new life together in the big city, I launched a blog and website. The posts and site have ranged from simple, funny, and deep, but always devoted to the human dog bond. Take a look in the archives and you will see what I mean...

I didn’t even use any photos of her yet, just this sentence that I imagined she would say based on the look she gave me after she did the dramatic drive-by around the foot of our bed. Hahaha, dogs are such expressive creatures! Every week at Muttville, there is at least one dog whose face or body language is speaking volumes about how they feel or what they want to do, or don’t do. I love deciphering or at least trying. 

MAGIC

When I look back, is it any surprise the first blog post is titled Magic? For me, all dogs are magic. I’m as passionate today as I was ten years ago about dogs, and our unique connection with them. I am fascinated by the evolution of our relationship. With that in mind, I am thinking about how to celebrate this wonderful decade Grouchy Puppy has officially been in existence. 

#GrouchyPuppy10

How does a giveaway of some fun dog books sound? To celebrate ten years of all things Grouchy Puppy, I have some ideas but would love to hear from you instead. We have 11 months for festivities!!

Share any and all suggestions in the comments below, go to the Contact tab above, or send your email to [email protected] — or use hashtag #grouchypuppy10 and Tweet or Instagram us your ideas! 

Thank you for sharing our dog-filled journey!

Rain or shine expect a line when it comes to adorable adoptable pets! Celebrate the season by joining the San Francisco SPCA and Macy’s Union Square for the 31st unveiling of the iconic Holiday Windows on Friday, November 17, at 5:00 p.m. The window displays, which have become one of the most beloved symbols of the holiday spirit in San Francisco, will once again feature adorable – and adoptable – cats and dogs who need loving homes. San Francisco pastry chef Yigit Pura will partner with Snoopy to unveil the windows, and children from the De Marillac Academy Choir will provide the holiday soundtrack.

This year’s windows celebrate the bonds between family and friends. Titled “The Perfect Gift Brings People Together,” the theme centers on the joy of sharing holiday season festivities with those we love. Generations of visitors will delight once again, seeing the cuddly adoptable faces ready to share the holiday in a new home.

In 2016, 257 animals found homes during Holiday Windows and nearly $100,000 was raised to provide year-round support for the SF SPCA’s lifesaving programs. Over the last 30 years, Holiday Windows has made it possible for more than 9,000 animals to find loving, permanent homes.

“Combining the magic of holiday giving and finding these animals new homes, along with the importance of being with those we love throughout the season, makes these windows one of our favorite projects all year,” said Macy’s Visual Manager, Rise Hixson. “Guests from all over the Bay Area and the United States love watching the adorable animals in these windows. Spreading that cheer at this time of year is magical.”

SQUEE

This year, the magic will expand beyond the windows with a special space on the 6th floor where visitors will be able to see more adoptable animals and even schedule time in the wildly popular SF SPCA Cuddle Experience. Cuddle sessions will be available from 11am – 1pm and 5pm – 7pm on weekdays and 10am – noon and 4pm – 6pm on weekends.

WANT TO HELP?

Holiday Windows relies on volunteer support. The short two-hour shifts involve greeting the public, collecting donations, and directing people to the SF SPCA adoption center inside Macy’s. No prior training is required, and groups are welcome to volunteer together. Learn more at sfspca.org/holiday

“Thousands of lives have been saved through the Holiday Windows event, thanks to our partnership with Macy’s,” explained Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, SF SPCA President. “Every holiday season the San Francisco community comes together to help our animals find new homes. This is our biggest event of the year, and the tradition truly brings out the magic of the holiday spirit.”

November 9th is a big day around here! Today is the day one fluffy, large, adult, husky-shepherd dog changed our life forever. Thanks to her mere presence, Grouchy Puppy was conceived, slowly blossoming over the years into an incredible community of dog lovers!

In 2013 we threw a fun virtual party that is still whispered about. In 2014 our beautiful muse passed away and November 9th that year turned into a tribute.

This year, we invite you to celebrate with us again, in a way that embraces all the ways dogs give fearlessly and influence positively!! We invite everyone to share the spirit of Grouchy Puppy this weekend by contributing a six word story about dogs, a dog you know, a fictional dog, or your own dog(s). 

Share Six Word Stories Celebrating the Dogs We Love All Weekend Long

Tell a story consisting of just six words. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s famous challenge and first six word story, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

What: Share a six word story about dogs, a dog you know, a fictional dog, or your own dog(s).  

How to join in the fun? Email us at [email protected] your stories and photos, we'll share them across our social media channels. Leave a comment below. Tweet us @grouchypuppy your photo and story, or message us on Facebook.

Giving Tree: November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month. We've had a soft spot for the oldsters for years, and since the passing of Cleo we've been spending hours every week helping the sugar faces at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. If you buy anything from our Zazzle store until the end of the year ALL proceeds will go to Muttville as our way of paying it forward

Join us! It's easy! Above are two stories that are endearing and funny six word stories reflecting our grouchy puppy muse. We hope you'll contribute your own six word stories in celebration.

We'll close with our deepest thanks for sharing these years with us and for your steadfast support!

The San Francisco SPCA Hosts the Animal Film Festival during Third Annual Clear the Shelters Adoptathon Weekend

Visitors will enjoy free adoptions and award-winning films

August 7, 2017 – The San Francisco SPCA will be offering free adoptions for all animals during NBC Universal’s third annual Clear the Shelters, a national pet adoption event. The free adoption weekend takes place August 19 – 20.

“Last year we set a new record during Clear the Shelters – 167 animals were adopted over the weekend with 101 animals on the Saturday alone, the most ever in a single day!” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, SF SPCA President. “Hundreds of shelters across the country participate in Clear the Shelters, and since 2015 the event has helped more than 70,000 animals find new homes."

Animals can be adopted for free all weekend from both SF SPCA locations – in the Mission at 250 Florida Street or Pacific Heights at 2343 Fillmore Street. On Saturday both shelters will host volunteer bake sales and No Worries Cuisine food truck will be at the Mission Campus. Plan to spend the day at the SF SPCA and leave with a new family member!

With the goal of educating and entertaining, the SF SPCA will also be hosting the Animal Film Festival on Saturday, 12pm – 4pm, at its Mission Campus. The film festival, which is produced by the Center for Animal Protection and Education (CAPE), will feature award-winning animal films that are joyful, funny, and thought-provoking.

“These films explore different aspects of animal welfare, including animal rights, the human‐animal bond and programs dedicated to improving the lives of animals,” said Shelley Frost, director of the Animal Film Festival.

Tickets range from $10 – $25 and proceeds benefit the SF SPCA and CAPE. Details, tickets, and a full film line-up can be found at animalfilmfestival.org

To round out the day, those interested in learning more about estate planning are invited to join for a free seminar on August 19 at 10am. Topics will include estate planning basics, pet trusts, and creating a secure plan for your pets should they outlive you. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to this Mission Campus event by emailing [email protected]

Both adoption centers will be open 10am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

To view the SF SPCA’s adoptable animals, visit sfspca.org/adopt

######################

About the SF SPCA

The San Francisco SPCA is an independent, community-supported non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill or in need of an advocate. The SF SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions. The organization does not receive government funding and is not affiliated with any national organization.

For more information call the SF SPCA at (415) 554-3000 or visit sfspca.org.

Hey Bay Area dog lovers!! It’s that time of year again…time to #cleartheshelters! Local shelters nationwide are offering free adoptions this weekend, July 23-24 thanks to NBC and Telemundo.

 

A photo posted by grouchypuppy (@grouchypuppy) on Jul 20, 2016 at 10:39am PDT

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, as a participating shelter will be waiving fees all weekend for qualified adopters. Come down to 255 Alabama on Rescue Row, 10:00AM to 4:00pm!

The San Francisco SPCA is throwing a street fair on Rescue Row with games straight from the midway, delectable sweet treats, vegetarian nibbles, oodles of fuzzy new friends to take home with you, and the return of the notoriously creative dog costume contest!

This is a contest of Olympic proportions, so get your glue gun fired up and strut your dog’s stuff on the runway at 1pm. At stake, bragging rights and prizes from NBC.

Last year it was the SF/SPCA's most successful adoption weekend ever, finding forever homes for 111 animals! All animals adopted from the SF/SPCA will go home with their new families for free. *

Events on Rescue Row:
1pm Saturday Only
Dog costume contest (Registration 10:30am-12:30pm)

All Day Saturday and Sunday
FREE adoptions at SF SPCA Mission and Pacific Heights Campuses
Big Jenga!
Colossal Connect Four!
Crowd-art watercolor wall
Midway games
Selfie station
Bouncy obstacle course
And more!

*SF residents will be required to pay SF dog license fee.

Related articles

Protect dogs from escalator-related paw injuries

SF SPCA Hosts "Dogs on the Catwalk" Fashion Show & Cocktails on May 29!

Wherever you are, wherever you travel, around the block, or across the world, be kind to animals. Your heart will thank you, and if you're like me, you get a sweet puppy kiss from an Anatolian Shepherd in the Turkish countryside. Now that's my kind of Turkish Delight!!

The first week of May is Be Kind to Animals Week.

This week the American Humane Association invites us to be kind to insects, rodents, bats, and all animals! As a self-declared dog lover, I find that this week is a wonderful opportunity to focus on young adults and children getting a compassionate and humane education. Raising compassionate children is a key to improving the lives of animals, and reducing the homeless pet population.

When you welcome a roaming dog while on vacation..

You don't have to get a puppy for your child to teach them about life, or to build empathy. Exposing young people to senior dogs is a great way to have important conversations about life, compassionate care, and respect for our elderly citizens. 

Get ready for a spectacular evening of dancing and dining in support of San Francisco SPCA animals!

The Bark & Whine Ball is presented by Critter Lovers at Work (CLAW), an all-volunteer nonprofit with the mission to support the SF SPCA. All proceeds from the evening will benefit homeless animals.

“Dress yourself and your furry friend in your finest and join us,” invites Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, co-president of the SF SPCA. “Your contributions will help homeless animals in need of urgent and extraordinary care get the treatment they need.”