Sharing Stella’s Sparkle: Become a Secret Santa for a Pet in Need
Stella is thriving in a loving home with her adopter, Rhonda. photo: SPCA Monterey County
Those of us who share our lives with dogs know there’s nothing quite as pure as the love they give back. Now imagine a dog who has only known fear and pain, who has never experienced the simple joy of a cozy bed or a gentle touch. That was the reality for a small, brave dog named Stella before she found her way to SPCA Monterey County.
Little Dog, Big Battle
When Stella arrived, she was suffering immensely from a severe chronic eye disease, serious dental problems, and an untreated hernia. Her tiny body had endured so much, yet her spirit was still trusting and loving.
Stella needed expert care to correct all the painful conditions that had been left untreated for far too long. Our compassionate veterinary team performed surgery to remove her damaged eye and provided dental care and hernia repair.
“Stella was such a brave girl,” recalls Dr. Jenn Wernsing, an SPCA veterinarian. “She was so sweet through her surgeries with us. We all just fell in love.”
A Star is Born - and Adopted!
During her long recovery, Stella blossomed. She enjoyed snuggle time with our devoted staff and volunteers, and her loving nature even led her to join our humane education team, meeting children and spreading joy. Once she was finally ready for adoption, her story and adorable, post-surgery photo went viral. Stella became a little star, recognized all over town by people who wanted to celebrate her hopeful new beginning.
Today, Stella is thriving in a loving home with her adopter, Rhonda. “She’s such a love,” Rhonda says. “She and Riley, who we adopted two years ago, are inseparable. They sleep side by side and give each other kisses. I’m so happy we chose each other.”
Stella’s incredible transformation from a life of pain to a future filled with warmth and kisses is the essence of what we do at SPCA Monterey County. It’s what happens when kindness, expertise, and community support come together.
But this life-changing care - mending broken bones and healing broken spirits - is only possible because of community kindness. Your gifts fuel our ability to provide the specialized veterinary attention, comfort, and safety that animals like Stella deserve.
Be Their Secret Santa!
This holiday season, you have the chance to create your own happy ending for a dog just like Stella. We invite you to sprinkle a little magic into a shelter pet’s life by becoming their Secret Santa. When we deliver your gifts, it’s a moment of pure joy that brightens their day and fills their hearts with holiday cheer.
Here’s how it works:
Sign up now at spcamc.org/santa
We'll match you with a pet in need.
You’ll receive their personalized Amazon Wish List, allowing you to send them treats, toys, and comfort items with just a few clicks.
Last year, Secret Santa gifts lifted the spirits of countless pets, volunteers, and our hardworking staff. This year, your generosity will again ensure that every dog, cat, horse, and exotic animal in our care feels your compassion and kindness.
Don’t wait! Your donation of a few special gifts is a fun and easy way to bring the warmth of the holiday season to a dog in need, ensuring their life is filled with the promise of love - just like Stella’s.
SPCA Monterey County is an independent, donor-funded nonprofit that has served animals in need throughout Monterey County since 1905, including those requiring specialized, complex care. Our staff and volunteers support all types of animals, from cats and dogs to horses, wildlife, and exotics. Our home base is about a two-hour drive south of San Francisco, but the work we do transforms animal welfare and offers hope far beyond our county lines.