Why a Dog Community Center?
This past #GivingTuesday, Pup Plaza, Silicon Valley Pet Project’s latest initiative, had its official opening to the public. We are excited about the potential of Silicon Valley’s first dog community center and the positive impact we hope to achieve. The new facility is located in the Cambrian Plaza Shopping Center in San Jose and we welcome visitors!
Mike Colgan of KCBS Radio came to our event and was tickled by the concept that dogs should have their own community center. By the time he left, he understood SVPP’s vision: a community center that helps dogs in need! KCBS Radio’s video can be seen here.
So, why a dog community center? The better question is: why not? We seek to offer a space for the community to celebrate the special bond between humans and canines, all with a mission to help dogs that need homes.
In the short month since Pup Plaza opened, we have already made an impact.
We have provided some much-needed stress relief for 25 shelter dogs through our Shelter Dog Day Out Program (in partnership with the San Jose Animal Care Center).
We have hosted 4 weekly dog adoption events in a comfortable, relaxing environment and provided guidance on adoption.
We have offered 2 Doga Sessions (Yoga + Dogs) where people and their dogs enjoyed some quality time together and a deeper bond.
We have hosted 2 weekly free behavior meet-ups with our certified dog trainer to help keep dogs in their homes and out of the shelter.
We have welcomed individuals who don't have dogs of their own to join us at our weekly Community Open Hours for a little unconditional love.
We have proudly worked with an Eagle Scout group to provide custom built dog houses for Pup Plaza's outdoor space.
Our one-of-a-kind dog community center would not be what it is without the captivating mural by Phuong-Mai “Mai” Blasich. Mai's depiction of some of our beloved rescue dogs provides a joyful backdrop to a space dedicated to dogs and the community who cares for them. Read more about the mural at Pup Plaza here.