Forty-five years ago, a dog named Sido became the face of an animal advocacy movement.
When her guardian passed away in 1979, 11-year-old Sido’s future was uncertain. Concerned that no one else would care for her beloved dog, Sido’s owner included a clause in her will requesting that Sido be euthanized. However, the San Francisco SPCA stepped in, and what followed changed California law forever.
When the San Francisco SPCA learned of the situation, former president Richard Avanzino took a stand. The organization filed a legal challenge to stop her euthanasia and save Sido’s life. The case captured national attention and raised a vital ethical question: Should a pet’s life be ended simply because their guardian is gone?
This June marks the anniversary of landmark legislation that made it illegal to order a pet’s death in a will—an achievement that forever changed how our state values and protects companion animals.
The SF SPCA, led by Avanzino, fought a legal battle that made national headlines. On June 17, 1980, a San Francisco judge ruled in Sido’s favor, sparing her life.
The Sido Program at the SF SPCA
The SF SPCA created the Sido Pet Protection Program to ensure that no pet would ever face Sido’s fate again. This program provides peace of mind to pet guardians by guaranteeing that if their cat or dog outlives them, their beloved companion will receive loving care, thoughtful placement in a new home, and free medical and dental coverage for life after adoption by a new family.
Thanks to this program, hundreds of cats and dogs have been given a second chance—and hundreds more will have the same opportunity in the years to come.
Sido’s story lives on
Sido’s legacy is more than a story from the past. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we combine compassion with action, and it continues to shape our work every day. The SF SPCA continues to fight for animals through advocacy, legislation, and compassion-driven programs like this one. Because every life—like Sido’s—is worth protecting.
Your pet deserves a future as secure as your love. Learn more about the Sido Pet Protection Program and enroll today.