A happy crowd of well-wishers, volunteers, animal lovers, community supporters, and civic leaders gathered for the grand reopening of the newly renovated Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) facility on Saturday, April 8. Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony—and shared the honors with a little girl who was barely as tall as the giant scissors before giving opening remarks.
FAAS CEO John Lipp and Board of Directors Chair Julie Wasserman also provided insight into the history of the shelter and the recent renovations to the kennels, floors, and parking lot. They gave special thanks to everyone who makes it work, including the staff and all of the wonderful volunteers. Lipp thanked the City of Alameda for funding the renovations.
Visitors lined up for tours of the new kennels and upgrades throughout the facility, as others enjoyed pastries, snacks, and beverages provided by State Farm. See Spot Run gave out free samples of dog food. Meanwhile, volunteers brought out adorable pups—all available for adoption—to meet people. Large and small, the dogs were well-behaved and happy to get so many pets from all who met them.
FAAS’s main shelter, at 1590 Fortmann Way, is open for walk-up adoptions Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. The Cat Experience, a free-roam space where you can interact with adoptable cats, kittens, and a few bunny rabbits, is located at 2228 South Shore Center. Call 510-337-8565 for more information on both shelters.
