FRIENDS OF THE ALAMEDA Animal Shelter cordially invite Alamedans and their pets to their first SANTA FAAS celebration from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Alameda Animal Shelter.

Come and join in the holiday spirit with the adoptable animals, volunteers and staff who care for them. With a $10 donation you can get a photo of your pet with "Santa FAAS (Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter).

All dogs must be leashed and cats, bunnies and other small critters must be in carriers.

Donations are tax deductible and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the homeless animals. Refreshments will be served to pets and their humans.

The Alameda Animal Shelter staff is very excited to welcome FAAS to its network of people who care about surrendered and abandoned pets. The many animal lovers in Alameda are fortunate to have this new organization, made up of the public and shelter volunteers, to bring their ideas and concerns. FAAS can be contacted by e-mail at f-a-a-s@comcast.net or go to their Web site at faas.bbnow.org.

PET OF THE WEEK: GODIVA, a young female, chocolate Lab mix, is as sweet as her name. Since she arrived two weeks ago she has made lots of friends with her walkers and staff alike. Unfortunately, the shelter was not provided information about her as she was found abandoned at Crown Beach. She

DOG ALLEY: SONNY, the creamy white American Eskimo dog featured last week, is still awaiting her new family — as is BIG ED, the male German Rottweiler who has been in the shelter for many months. PIGLET is a 3-month-old puppy with a brindled and white coat who appears to be a pit mix.

CAT LAIR: There are still many kittens available, most about 12 weeks old and in a variety of breeds and coats.

ROMEO, a neutered male about 4 years old, is still awaiting a new home. He is white with black tabby spots. There are also two small young calico females that are older kittens, or possibly small young adults. MITTENS, a dark colored female tabby with white spots, will be a wonderful family pet. She is very sociable, enjoys playing with children and adults and spending time alone playing with toys.

RABBIT ROW: No bunnies are in the shelter at present. However, should you be seeking a bunny for a pet, contact the shelter and ask for the phone numbers of Alameda rescue groups and foster families.

IMPORTANT reminders: The shelter will be closed today as we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume regular hours Saturday. And, the shelter "two-fur" sale is still in effect. If you adopt one animal, the second animal adoption fee will be waived.

Linda Treml Hallam is an Alameda writer and animal lover. The Alameda Animal Shelter is located at 1590 Fortmann Way. Call 510-337-8565 or go to www.virtualpetadoptions.com., www.petfinder.com. or www.petharbor.com.