**Handsome Oscar**
Photo credit: Kirsten Voss

As Silicon Valley Pet Project marks its 10-year anniversary, we’re reflecting on the stories that define our mission — stories of resilience, love, and second chances. One of those stories is Oscar’s.

Oscar, a soulful pitbull rescued by SVPP in 2015, didn’t just find a home — he found a purpose and a family who adored him beyond measure.

“I wasn’t looking for a dog,” Oscar’s adopter Ann recalls. “But every time I scrolled through Nextdoor, I saw his face — and something in me said, you have to meet this dog.”

That meeting changed everything. What started as a simple walk turned into a life-changing moment. “We sat in the grass at the park, and instead of lying down next to me, Oscar plopped himself right in my lap. It was clear — this sweet, sensitive boy was ours.”

From day one, Oscar stole hearts — starting with a gentle paw on the couch and a look that asked, “May I join you?” Of course, the answer was yes. That couch would become one of his favorite cuddle spots, sandwiched between family members, dishing out kisses and soaking up love.

Though Oscar’s time with his family was just four years, it was filled to the brim with joy, connection, and healing. “Everyone who walked through our front door fell in love with Oscar. I run a healing practice from home, and clients swore he was helping them heal. He was my partner — nestled under the Reiki table or curled up in his overstuffed purple chair, doing what he did best: loving.”

**Ann and Oscar at Pup Plaza in San Jose**
Photo credit: Kirsten Voss

Oscar left paw prints across the community. After his adoption, a simple Facebook post about him went viral — friends, volunteers, and strangers came forward to share how Oscar had touched their lives. People would stop the family on walks and say, “Is that Oscar?” Even the local vet had his photo pinned on the bulletin board. “We were so impressed by the dedication of SVPP. They never gave up on him — and we’ll always be grateful.”

Oscar had a gift for turning ordinary moments into memories. He loved long meandering walks where he chose the route, though he was a clever actor — as soon as they turned toward home, he’d limp dramatically or lay down in protest, earning himself a break (and probably a treat).

He wasn’t a fan of car rides at first, but that all changed with a clever trick involving Wendy’s burgers. “Eventually, he’d ride like a pro — sitting upright in the back seat, smiling with the sun on his face and wind in his fur.”

Oscar may have crossed the rainbow bridge, but he is still very much part of the family’s daily life. “We talk about him all the time. We miss his sweetness, his silliness, and his never-ending kisses.” For SVPP, Oscar is one of the many special SVPP dogs that were beautifully depicted by artist Phuong-Mai “Mai” Blasich on Pup Plaza’s mural. He will always be remembered for his calm demeanor, wisdom and love.

**Pup Plaza Mural**
Photo credit: Kirsten Voss

**Pup Plaza Mural with Oscar (far left)**
Painted by Phuong-Mai Blasich

Oscar’s story is one of thousands SVPP has helped write over the past decade — stories made possible by a community of volunteers, fosters, adopters, donors, and animal lovers who believe that every pet deserves a chance at love.

As we celebrate 10 years of lifesaving work, we carry Oscar’s legacy with us — a reminder of what’s possible when compassion meets commitment.

Here’s to ten years of rescue, love, and stories like Oscar’s. And here’s to many more.

A Decade of Second Chances: Oscar's Legacy of Love

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