AN ONGOING JOURNEY It is always exciting when we realize anew how many other people share our feelings about this great organization. On two consecutive days in June, the esteem in which the San Francisco SPCA is held was once again made apparent to staff and volunteers. On June 28th The SF/SPCA Hearing Dog Program was honored by the City of San Francisco. To mark the 25th anniversary of its founding, the Mayor's Office issued a proclamation declaring that henceforward, June 28th will be known as SF/SPCA Hearing Dog Day. The proclamation was read aloud by Mr. Tyrone Jue, Special Assistant to Mayor Willie Brown, and has been noted in the records of City Hall. In his speech Mr. Jue pointed out that probably everyone in San Francisco has a connection to The SF/SPCA, either first hand or through their family or circle of friends. It is an astonishing reflection, and represents a ripple effect of ongoing goodwill. The next day, The SF/SPCA contingent of staff and volunteers led our historic horse ambulance, up Market Street in the 2003 Annual Gay Pride Parade, the connection between The SF/SPCA and the people of this city was again made clear. The warmth with which we were greeted, the enthusiastic, spontaneous applause and raised thumbs, the shouted compliments, all illustrated for me the extensive recognition and acknowledgment that The SF/SPCA enjoys in San Francisco. As an organization we are respected and appreciated, but we are also viewed with great affection. The entire contingent experienced that warmth and we were all very proud to represent the Society. The SF/SPCA horse ambulance is itself a symbol of this organization's 135 years of service to San Francisco's animals, a historic reminder of how The SF/SPCA's lifesaving mission has now spanned three centuries. The rear part of the ambulance dates from about 1896, when it was horse drawn and used to transport sick and injured draft horses. Some time in the early 20th century a chassis was attached, and in 1974 the existing front cab was added. Like The SF/SPCA, the horse ambulance has made the long journey from its first to its third century with tenacity, innovation and strength. We are both still strong, and our journey continues. We hope you will join us on this journey.