Kibbles & Bits
Compiled by Cindy Beckman

SAN FRANCISCIO SPCA
243 Alabama Street (at 16th)
415-554-3000, www.sfspca.org

Food Drive for Pets of Homeless: To mark Be Kind to Animals Week, The SF/SPCA is holding its sixth annual Food Drive for the Pets of Homeless People through May 10. The food is given to VET SOS, a volunteer project that provides free veterinary care for the pets of the homeless, for distribution to its clients. Unopened bags, packets and cans (no glass, please) may be deposited in collection bins in the lobbies of Maddie’s Adoption Center (11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) and the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center (8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.). For more information, contact tpore@sfspca.org.
Art for AAT Auction: The second annual Art for AAT Auction will be held at the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center on Saturday, May 16. This spectacular art auction is hosted by the Society’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program and features the work of dozens of Bay Area artists and collectors who have donated their work. Art viewing and silent auction is from 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; the live auction begins at 3 p.m. All proceeds benefit The SF/SPCA AAT Program. Admission is free, but please RSVP by May 10 to Laura Gretch at lgretch@sfspca.org or 415-522-3564.

Adoption Outreach: The Mobile Adoption Outreach program brings adoptable cats and dogs to many areas of the City throughout the week. Stop by an outreach location to receive free animal care and behavior advice. You will find them at Catnip & Bones (2220 Chestnut Street at Pierce) on Sunday, May 3 and 31, from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Hats Off: The sixth annual Hats Off Fashion Show & Luncheon, benefiting The SF/SPCA Cinderella Fund and hosted by CLAW (Critter Lovers At Work), will be held on Thursday, June 4 at Postrio Restaurant (545 Post Street at Mason) beginning at 11:30 a.m. Attendees will enjoy an elegant three-course lunch, delight in a fashion show of fabulous hats from the Hat Generation of Tiburon, stylish clothing and jewelry (all of which are for sale), and an exciting live auction. For more information contact CLAW at 415-522-3535 or claw@sfspca.org.

SAN FRANCISCO ZOO
Sloat Boulevard (at 47th)
415-753-7080, www.sfzoo.org

Free Admission Day: The Koret Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary with Koret Museum Day on Sunday, May 10, offering free admission to the zoo from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. As one of 17 grant award recipients, the zoo stands alongside Koret’s entrepreneurial spirit, which addresses societal challenges and strengthens Bay Area life. 415-753-7080, www.koretmuseumdays.org.
Mother’s Day BikeAbout: The mom in your life will love this special Mother’s Day outing on Sunday, May 10. The leisurely hour-and-a-half tour starts at 11 a.m. and is followed by a relaxing continental breakfast. Bring the whole family along for the fun! SFZS members $25; all others $30. Children piggy-backing on their parents’ bikes $7. Preregistration required.

IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE BIRDS …

Heron Watch at Stow Lake: The Great Blue Herons have returned to Stow Lake, ready to court, mate and raise their young. Join naturalists with spotting scopes from San Francisco Nature Education at the Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden Gate Park on Saturdays, from 10:30 a.m.–noon, through May 16. 415-387-9160, www.sfnature.org
Endangered Species Day: Our nation will celebrate America’s commitment to protecting and recovering endangered species on Friday, May 15. The goal of Endangered Species Day is simple – to educate people about the importance of protecting endangered species. Every year, thousands of people throughout the country celebrate at parks, wildlife refuges, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, libraries, schools, and community centers. To view events around the country, plan your own local event, or learn more about endangered species, visit www.stopextinction.org and do a site search for “May 15, 2009.”