Kibble & Bits
Fight practice? Find out at Reindeer Romp
Compiled by Cindy Beckman

The SF/SPCA

   Santa Paws is coming to town: The 2008 Santa Paws pre-holiday photo-op for people and their pets is on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Maddie’s Adoption Center lobby (250 Florida Street). The first hour is reserved exclusively for cats (though cats are welcome throughout the day). Capture the spirit of the holidays with your pets at this special SF/SPCA benefit.

   The Giving Tree: The SF/SPCA’s Adoption Department hosts the 2008 Giving Tree from Nov. 3 through Dec. 31 in the lobby of Maddie's Adoption Center. Visitors are asked to decorate the tree with different colored balls designating their donations in the amounts of $10, $20, $50, $100, and $500 (or more). Donations help buy a variety of gifts and services for the shelter animals, from cat beds to Kongs, or funds actually sponsor an individual animal. In return, donors will receive a special gift tag.

   22nd Annual Macy’s Holiday Windows: The popular Petropolis window display will return to Macy’s Union Square from Friday, Nov. 21 through Thursday, Jan. 1. Last year’s Holiday Windows found homes for 277 kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs, and raised $37,000. This year’s goal is to place at least 300 companion animals. Holiday Windows is organized by the shelter staff, but volunteers are a vital component of the event. There are over 1,000 two-hour shifts, 7 days a week, from early morning until late evening. To help at this heartwarming event, contact Volunteer Services manager Norma Wood-Metcalf at nwood@sfspca.org.

   Posh Pets Challenge: Pierre Deux, a French furnishings retailer, challenged 20 designers to create an original pet product to win a donation to their chosen animal charity. San Francisco designer Jean Larette has chosen The SF/ SPCA as her intended beneficiary – visit www.pierredeux.com to see and vote for your favorite design  through Nov. 14. Pierre Deux (3228 Sacramento Street) will also host the Posh Pets Launch Party on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ten percent of sales during the evening will benefit The SF/ SPCA. You may also purchase a $20 Cadeau gift card (with $15 benefitting The SF/SPCA) for a 20 percent discount on purchases from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6. RSVP for the party to 415-269-2333.
   For more information on The SF/SPCA and its events, call 415-554-3000 or visit www.sfspca.org.

San Francisco Animal Care and Control

   Small Animal Adoption Fair: Come to the Noe Valley Farmers Market (3861 24th St., between Sanchez and Vicksburg Streets) on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to meet and greet some of ACC’s smallest, most adorable and adoptable animals. You can learn about the care and training of small pets, and find out that big surprises really do come in small packages. The Small Animal Adoption Fair is planned for the last Saturday each month. 415-554-6364, www.sfgov.org/acc

GGNRA Big Year

   Presidio Hike: Join local naturalist Matt Zlatunich on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a 5-mile hike through the Presidio's diverse habitats in search of endangered species including the brown pelican, western snowy plover, San Francisco lessingia, and southern sea otter. Bring food and water. RSVP required: e-mail mbzlat@yahoo.com. Hikers meet at the north parking lot of Baker Beach.

San Francisco Zoo

   4th Annual Reindeer Romp: Holly, Velvet, Belle, and Peppermint will be landing once again to bring the spirit of the holiday season to children of all ages. Meet the live reindeer, take a spin on the zoo’s holiday ice rink, and even watch the zoo animals enjoy holiday treats, daily from Nov. 22 to Jan. 1 (closed Christmas Day). 415-753-7080, www.sfzoo.org

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