New & Noteworthy

The San Francisco SPCA turns 140

The clip-clop of horses' hooves and the rustle of long, silk skirts echoed once again at The San Francisco SPCA on Friday, April 18, 2008, as the venerable organization celebrated the 140th anniversary of its founding. SF/SPCA President Jan McHugh-Smith welcomed the guests; officials from the State of California and City of San Francisco mingled with other dignitaries, staff (some in period costume), volunteers and well-behaved dogs, while horses from the San Francisco Police Department Mounted Unit formed an honor guard for the occasion.

Dan Bernal, a representative from Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office, read a congratulatory letter, and also sent best wishes from all the office dogs at Ms. Pelosi's San Francisco headquarters! California State Assemblyman Mark Leno spoke warmly about the Society's lifesaving work, and Leah Rowell, representing State Senator Leland Yee, delivered a congratulatory statement. Finally, Alfredo Pedroza read a proclamation from San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom which lauded the organization and named April 18 San Francisco SPCA Day in the City.

Welcoming San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and Police Chief Heather Fong, Ms. McHugh-Smith noted the Society's long history of caring for the horses of both City Departments, a situation that continues to this day with the organization's Police Horse Retirement Program. Guests toasted the Society and wished it another 140 years (or 980 years, calculated in dog and cat time!) of continuing success.

On Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, The SF/SPCA held an Open House to celebrate 140 years of service to the animals and the community, and to mark the 10th anniversary of the initiation of the landmark Maddie's Adoption Center; since Maddie's opened, over 36,000 dogs and cats have been adopted from the facility. As a special birthday gift, adoption prices on Saturday, between 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., were lowered to 1998 prices - $28! Other weekend events featured canine agility demonstrations and participation, Humane Education activities for youngsters, and an art auction to benefit the Animal Assisted Therapy Program.

Many happy returns to The San Francisco SPCA, and since it has already exceeded the traditional blessing, "May you live to 120," longevity seems a foregone conclusion.  Please click here for more information on the upcoming events.

Photographs © Mark Rogers Photography