Sandy Stadler: Animal Advocate

A conversation with Sandy Stadler, Superintendent of Palo Alto Animal Services

by Lisa Van Dusen / Palo Alto Weekly

For more than 14 years, Sandy Stadler has been superintendent of Palo Alto Animal Services, which is located on East Bayshore Road and serves Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

The paid staff takes in more than 3,000 animals each year, including cats, dogs, fish, roosters, guinea pigs, rabbits and more. More than 40 volunteers -- from age 16 up -- help with dog walking, cat socializing, special events and administrative tasks. One volunteer hosted a fundraising party, with the money raised going to a dog trainer to teach the staff and volunteers about handling special behavioral issues.

More than half of the animals that come through Palo Alto Animal Services' doors are returned to their owners and almost all of the rest find new homes. One dog, Ella, an "older" Pomeranian with bone cancer, has been adopted by the shelter and reportedly rules the roost.

Host/Interview, Lisa Van Dusen

Video, Rachel Hatch.