Ramona’s Second Chance: The Tripod Who Brings Joy to FAAS Thrift Stores
Romana is a thrift store queen. photo: FAAS
When tiny Ramona arrived at Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) as a stray, she was in tremendous pain from a badly damaged leg. It couldn’t be saved.
Amputation was the only way to free her from suffering and give her a chance at the life she deserved. Thanks to generous FAAS supporters, Ramona received the surgery and round-the-clock care she needed.
Even in those early days, when many dogs would be frightened or overwhelmed, Ramona showed her remarkable resilience. She was up and running in no time. Nothing kept her down. Her quiet courage and unstoppable spirit inspired everyone who met her.
Before long, Ramona found her forever home with Madden Lockin, FAAS retail manager, and their partner, Sophie. Madden still marvels at her.
“Sometimes I can’t believe how wonderful she is,” they say. “She’s loving, playful, and she completes our family. And even Doris, our cat – who is much bigger than she is – agrees.”
Today, Ramona is something of a celebrity in Alameda. Not only is she the beloved heart of her family – she’s also the unofficial mascot of the Diggity Dog, one of two FAAS thrift stores that support the shelter all year long. She has become a joyful, living reminder of what second chances make possible.
Two peas in a thrift store pod. photo: FAAS
Ramona’s Kingdom: A Day at the Diggity Dog
Walk through the doors of the Diggity Dog and it quickly becomes clear who thinks she runs the place. Each morning she trots across the floor with cheerful authority, as if clocking in for her shift. She offers new visitors a polite sniff and a bright-eyed once-over. The lucky ones get a taste of her beloved snuggly affection.
She skitters between the racks and shelves with purpose – sometimes sniffing new donations, sometimes examining the lowest shelf of shoes or a beautiful piece of furniture, sometimes curling up on her favorite rug to supervise from a distance. Her presence is subtle but unmistakably welcoming, the kind of quiet mascot energy that makes shoppers smile.
Of course, the Diggity Dog itself also makes shoppers smile. The large store is brimming with affordable treasures: delightful furniture, quality clothing, shoes, jewelry, artwork, home goods, pet supplies, and fun surprises of every kind. Prices are intentionally wallet-friendly; there’s truly something for every budget. And every purchase supports FAAS’s lifesaving programs.
Sometimes Ramona graces the Diggity Dog’s sibling store, The Thrifty Kitty, just down the street. It’s a charming boutique-style thrift shop featuring true “pick-of-the-litter” finds: curated clothing, beautiful jewelry, and stellar homeware. Ramona sometimes sees the same customers at both stores and gives them a look that says, “Yes, this is my boutique, too.”
Why Stories Like Ramona’s Matter
At Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, every day begins with a simple promise:
We say yes whenever we possibly can.
Yes to urgent medical care.
Yes to frightened pets who need time to heal.
Yes to families trying to keep their beloved animals through hard times.
Yes to senior pets, shy pets, and pets with special needs who simply require compassion and time.
Yes to both ends of the leash – animals and the people who love them.
FAAS saves lost, abandoned, and homeless animals who enter the Alameda city shelter each year. That level of care – from lifesaving surgeries to specialized foster placements – is only possible because of the people who believe in FAAS’s mission. It takes a village to care for the many animals who come through our doors, and our community continues to rise to the challenge.
The need keeps growing. FAAS is serving more animals than ever, even as the cost of veterinary care, supplies, and staffing continues to rise. Yet our commitment remains unchanged: every animal who needs safety, treatment, and a second chance will get it.
Every adoption, every healed wound, every joyful reunion – it all begins with someone choosing to give. People like you make the turning point possible.
You Can Help Create More Happily-Ever-Afters
Your holiday gift to Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter helps ensure that pets like Ramona receive the medical care, comfort, and compassion they deserve. Your support offers hope - not only to the animals who rely on FAAS - but also to the people whose lives are forever changed by adopting them.
Ramona’s story is one of resilience, healing, and boundless joy. Together, we can create many more second chances just like hers.