Marin Humane is caring for 352 animals across its facilities, and the nonprofit's Novato campus is running out of room.

The count, reported Wednesday, July 15 in the organization's volunteer engagement newsletter by Candace Alexander, includes 34 dogs, two puppies, 58 cats, 39 kittens, nine rabbits, 11 guinea pigs, two reptiles, four birds, three fowl, and one pig at the Novato campus alone. That's 162 animals at a single location. Another 13 are at Marin Humane's Oakland office, 27 are at Kitty Corner and the Woodlands stores, and 150 are in foster homes throughout the region.

"Our shelter is jam packed right now!" Alexander wrote. "If you or any of your family and neighbors have been thinking about adopting this summer, pay us a visit!"

Marin Humane has also been managing temporary animal services for the City of Petaluma since April 1, operating the shelter at 840 Hopper Street until a new provider is secured. Whether those animals are included in the 352 count is unclear from the newsletter.

A cat named Artie

The week also brought a rescue with a San Rafael connection. On the evening of Thursday, July 9, CHP Marin Officers Ashley and Vasquez pulled a 14-year-old cat named Artie off the median of southbound Highway 101 in San Rafael after a Good Samaritan called in the report. One officer stopped traffic while the other grabbed the cat.

A veterinary exam found only road rash. Artie's microchip led staff to his family in Vallejo. His owner Jim and son Pierce picked him up the next day. According to the newsletter, the family suspects Artie climbed into a neighbor's truck wheel well and rode from Vallejo to Marin about an hour before he was spotted on the freeway.

Tails by Twilight returns September 19

Residents looking for another way to support the shelter can mark Saturday, September 19 for the annual Tails by Twilight gala on Marin Humane's Novato campus at 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Tickets went on sale Wednesday, July 15 at marinhumanesociety.ejoinme.org.

The evening features a vegetarian dinner, signature cocktails, a live auction, live music by the Dick Bright Trio, a shelter open house, and caricature artists. Last year's gala drew 240 attendees and raised $600,000, according to Marin Magazine.

How to help

  • Adopt: Visit the Novato campus at 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. or Kitty Corner in San Anselmo.
  • Foster or volunteer: Contact Marin Humane at 415-883-4621.
  • Strike A Paws Photo Contest: Enter by July 31. Entry fee is $25; votes cost $1 each.
  • Tails by Twilight gala: Saturday, September 19, Novato campus. Tickets at marinhumanesociety.ejoinme.org.