Saturday, April 12th was a day of celebration at the San Antonio Humane Society SPCA of Bexar County. Hosting 22 various participants and rescue groups, our adoption event was the heartbeat of Bexar County. People from all walks of life gathered for the largest pet adoption day of the year. Fiesta was in the air as the numerous adoptions began. As in past years, the day also included the coronation and crowning of “El Ray Fido” and his “Royal Court”, a competition designed to raise money for the shelter. This year a total of over ONE MILLION DOLLARS was donated. What an outstanding achievement!!

Once again our hats go off to you San Antonio………..Yee….Ha!!
Next stop: Houston, Texas

Claire and Warren

Ole’ from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Today is Wednesday April 9th, and our event location is the Coronado Shopping Plaza.
“Making families complete” since 1965 is the goal of our host shelter - the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico. Watermelon Mountain Ranch and the rescue groups ANEW and PACA were also on hand.

“Pass the hat for a cat……care,” “A whole hog for a dog…… adopt,” These slogans echo the feelings shared by all. As our day unfolded, the adoptions took center stage. Dogs and cats of all varieties soon found new homes.

Our next destination is San Antonio, Texas. “Remember the Alamo.”

Claire and Warren

Sunday, April 6th finds us on Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California. Looking at the Pacific Ocean, words cannot describe the unique beauty of one of the most breath-taking places we’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing.

Working with the City of L.A. Department of Animal Services was truly a pleasure. Both staff and volunteers were kept busy all day, as the adoptions were in full swing. “Great Work!”

Surfers, rollerbladers, skateboarders, kite flyers, minstrels and assorted entertainers who were on the boardwalk added to the festivities. Our spokesperson, Mya was on hand as well, enthusiastically signing autographs for her many fans.

Our thanks to all who helped in making Sunday afternoon at Venice Beach truly memorable. Our next destination is Albuquerque, New Mexico…….. Ole’

Claire and Warren

Our event to day with the Humane Society of Sarasota County was a great success. Joined by the Suncoast Humane Society, Canine Castaways and a few others, PetSmart was overflowing with dogs. One of our buddies for the day was Koko, a 10 year-old Shepherd mix who was as sweet as can be. Koko found a home today!

The Humane Society’s favorite adoption for the day was Lil Bit. Lil Bit was a beautiful black kitty who had been at HSSC for over a year. A very loving, very cat-friendly couple came on board, saw how long she had been at the shelter and knew she needed to go home with them. The staff was thrilled! All in all, our first ever event with HSSC was a great success. We hope to see them and all the other groups that participated, next year.

Next up – New Orleans.

-Christina & Hank

Today is Friday April 4th, and our event location is the Cesar Chavez Plaza in beautiful downtown Sacramento, California. The City of Sacramento Animal Care Services, the Sacramento County Department of Animal Care, and various rescue groups were all on hand. Dogs, cats, reptiles, snakes, rabbits and rats were all up for adoption. This is the second event in a row on our route that included a rat rescue group.

Many people recognized the North Shore Animal League America Mobile Unit, and thanked us for coming to their hometown.

Many animals found new homes, including a pure bred dachshund, kittens, cats and some of the older dogs, which are usually the last ones to get adopted. Congratulations!!!

Our next stop is Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California.

Claire and Warren

Reuniting with the Jacksonville Humane Society was bittersweet. Last year only a few days after we had our event with them, they had a fire that devastated the shelter. One year later, the shelter is doing quite well and more then that, the staff is still smiling, still as friendly as ever. The weather was perfect for the event. Beautiful blue skies, warm and sunny, although a bit too warm for these two New Yorkers!

We found homes for eight pets including the star of the morning Shelby, an adorable 7 year-old Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) mix and Punkin, a stunning orange and white domestic long hair cat. Punkin’s new owners came specifically for an adult male cat, it was the perfect fit! Finding homes for adult dogs and cats always brings an extra smile to everyone’s face. We spent most of our day with Jazmine, a gorgeous 1 1/2 year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix who was so smart and so sweet and Copper, a medium sized Shepherd-Hound mix who just wanted to be everyone’s friend. It was sad to see that they didn’t find a home at the event, but we know that they are in very loving hands.

Next up, we’re heading southwest to Sarasota. This is a lot of sunshine for one week!

-Christina & Hank

Redding, California

Welcome to Redding, California. The site of our first adoption event finds us at Mt. Shasta mall. From the moment we pulled up, to the time we left, there was a constant flow of people looking to adopt their new “best friend”.

The host shelter, the Haven Humane Society, made us feel welcomed, as always. You name it, we have it. Dogs, cats, pot belly pigs, birds, and even a rat – yes a rat – were all up for adoption.

We’d like to thank all our hard working friends in Redding for making our first adoption event a huge success. In the morning we travel to Sacramento, California…. See you there!!

Claire and Warren

It’s early morning, the moonlit skyline of New York City embraces us as we begin our cross-country “road trip”, Tour for Life 2008 has now officially begun.

The rolling hills of Pennsylvania soon become the “Plain States”, welcome to the “Heartland of America”. Farmland as far as the eye can see. Cows, sheep and horses are the main attraction as the farmers begin to prepare their fields for seeding.

The Rocky Mountains are always an adventure as Mother Nature takes the upper hand. Snow, rain and high gusty winds at elevations of over 8,000 feet make the journey a difficult one. The great salt lake of Utah, hot springs and sand swirls offer a passage way to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Entering Lessen Forest National Park area instantly brings a smile to our faces, knowing we are close to our destination. Welcome to California!!

Claire and Warren