
Both the San Francisco SPCA and the Marin Humane Society have some pretty special dogs who are looking to move in with you. Who better than a dog to make your home that much happier this holiday season. Make sure to adopt long before Thanksgiving and Christmas, giving you and your new canine family member time to acclimate before the relatives arrive.
This week, we have Summer, Gertie, Spike and Brando eager to wear bells and ribbons as part of the holiday celebrations:

San Francisco SPCA:
Gertie I am a 3 year old lab mix. I am an easygoing lady who loves going on walks and sniffing everything in sight. Like many labs, I absolutely love to eat. I need a family who is committed to helping me lose weight by limiting my food intake and taking me for long walks to get in shape. Other dogs are sometimes a bit annoying to me – especially small, pushy ones! Don’t get me wrong – I love some dogs; I’m just a bit selective about who my friends are. Let’s go on leash walks instead of playing in enclosed dog parks. If I’m feeling active and you want to let me run and frolic, I would prefer a big open area, such as the beach, where I can do my own thing and I don’t have to play with other dogs if I’m not in the mood.

Summer: I’m a nice teenage hound mix, looking for a home with a ton of love and oodles of activities to keep my mind working. I’m not one to shy away from a good cuddle, oh no! But what really gets me going is a brisk walk around town, where I can sniff and peek at all the people and dogs around. Since I’m still just a young lass, I’d love to enroll in some dog training classes, so you and I can learn my potential together!
The Marin Humane Society:
Sprite
3-year-old
Spayed Female, 10lbs
Spaniel Mix
Sprite is a little girl that doesn't trust people right away. But she can learn that people are trustworthy if they practice patience and guidance and earn her trust. She has not learned how to politely walk on leash and she barks at other dogs when she sees them. But she can learn to ignore them and to be with her person. She also has a tendency to want to bolt, but when a relationship is established, that should diminish. She is a diamond in the rough and will become polished with the right owner.
Ideal Home: Best in an adult only home

Brando
2-year-old
Neutered Male, 59lbs
Sharpei Mix
Brando must have had the big dogs in the sky watching his back, since he was found wandering around Fairfax. He is an unusual mixture of Sharpei, Labrador and probably several other breeds. Brando can be a little unsure and sensitive meeting new people but warms up nicely and wants to be your best friend. He is just now learning to play with toys and would enjoy your encouragement. If you have a sweet, playful resident dog ask our Adoption department to set up a dog-to-dog meeting. Brando met a couple of dogs, and was quite social. In fact, he lifted his paw up to elicit play with other dogs. It's so cute! This is a sweet, big boy and his new home could easily be with children (10+) along with parental supervision. All Brando needs is structure, plenty of exercise, a regular routine and you!
Ideal Home: Best in a home with children 10 years or older
A lifelong dog and animal advocate, Shelley Frost wrote Your Adopted Dog: Everything You Need to Know about Rescuing and Caring for a Best Friend in Need (The Lyons Press, 2007) with coauthor Katerina Makris.
Email Shelley: shelley@youradopteddog.com, and visit www.youradopteddog.com