The first thing I noticed at the Silicon Valley Humane Society was it’s size, it looks like a small modern airline terminal. The second was it’s quiet, you would not know there were rabbits, cats, dogs all around. The third was the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff, everyone a warrior for animals, an advocate for their humane treatment, rescue and placement. I have been in raucous intake units where terrified animals are poked, prodded, tagged and crates.

It is not the case at the SVHS, the dogs are examined carefully in quiet well lit rooms by trained and gentle staff members, they are kept from arousing and frightening situations and this is picked up by the people who come into consider adopting them. The animals are calm and focused. This dog had just been brought in and I thought this photo captured the feeling well.