Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center

08/29/2026

Your dog called. They’ve made plans for October 24.

Barktoberfest is taking over White Park with craft beverages, good food, contests, plenty of dogs and an afternoon that does a whole lot of good for homeless pets.

And if you’re coming anyway, you might as well save $10.

Early Bird tickets are only available through August 31.

🍺 General Admission: $50
⭐ VIP: $70
🐾 Dogs are welcome
🔞 Humans must be 21+

Get your crew together, grab your tickets and make Barktoberfest plans before Early Bird pricing disappears.

Drink b**r. Bring dog. Help pets. We can work with that.

https://loom.ly/T3DAQ1M

08/28/2026

IT’S THEIR TURN. 🐾

Okay, we really need your help. 🥺

Our center is FULL, and some of these pets have been waiting far too long for someone to choose them.

They’re ready for walks and window naps. Backyard zoomies and sunny spots. Belly rubs, chin scratches, couch cuddles, toys, treats, and most importantly… a place — and a person — to finally call theirs. ❤️

These are dogs and cats who have watched other pets meet their families and head home.

And they’re still waiting.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting, this is your sign. 🏡

As part of our It’s Their Turn adoption campaign, featured pets are available to adopt for just $35 through September 12.

Not ready to adopt? PLEASE SHARE. 📣

It may feel like a small thing, but your share could be the reason the right person sees one of these faces and says, “That’s my pet.”

Let’s get these dogs and cats out of the shelter and into the homes they’ve been waiting for. ❤️

Their turn could start today.

Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
6165 Industrial Avenue, Riverside, CA
Open Wednesday–Monday, 12–7 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays
[email protected]

Somewhere out there, their person may just not know about them yet. Help us make sure they do. 🐾

08/28/2026

This week at our spay/neuter clinic, we had a very unusual patient join us for surgery: a male calico cat named Sundae! 😲🧡🖤🤍

Calico coloring is usually seen in female cats because the genes responsible for the orange and black coat colors are carried on the X chromosome. Female cats have two X chromosomes (XX), allowing them to display both colors.

Male cats typically have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), so they usually can't have the classic calico pattern. But occasionally, a male cat is born with an extra X chromosome (XXY) which allows him to have that beautiful orange, black, and white calico coat!

That makes male calicos extremely rare, estimated at roughly 1 in 3,000 calico cats! 🤯

And here's another important reason today's surgery was extra special: male calico cats with an XXY chromosome pattern are often infertile, but that doesn't make neutering any less important. Neutering can still help prevent certain hormone-related behaviors and allows us to provide the same preventive care and responsible pet ownership services we offer to every patient.

We see a lot of adorable pets at our clinic, but every once in a while, a patient comes along who reminds us just how fascinating genetics can be!

And a special thank-you to Dr. Joyce, pictured here with Sundae, for sharing his story and helping us explain what makes this handsome guy so unusual. Does your pet have a rare color, quirky trait, or something that makes people say, “Wait…what?” Share a pic and tell us about them below!

08/28/2026

Barktoberfest is coming and right now, your ticket costs less!

Early Bird pricing ends August 31, which means this is your last week to save $10 on your ticket to one of our favorite events of the year.

Join us October 24 at White Park for an afternoon of craft beverages, dogs, contests, food, fun and a whole lot of people who love animals as much as you do.

🎟 Early Bird GA: $50
⭐ Early Bird VIP: $70
🐶 Dogs welcome
🔞 21+ event

After August 31, prices go up — so there’s really no reason to wait.

Grab your tickets now and raise a glass for homeless pets.

https://loom.ly/T3DAQ1M

Barktoberfest returns to White Park in Riverside on October 24, 2026. Unlimited b**r tastings, dog costume contest, live music, and food. 21+. Tickets support homeless pets.

08/27/2026

We may have missed Happy Tails Tuesday, but National Dog Day felt like the perfect excuse to celebrate, and apparently, the cats agreed.

This week, 29 pets found homes: 5 dogs and 24 felines! While the cats may have taken over the adoption count, today we’re giving an extra round of applause to the awesomeness of dogs.

Dogs have a way of making ordinary days better. They greet us like celebrities, forgive us instantly, make us laugh when we need it most and somehow always know when we could use a little extra love. We’re so happy that Honeybun, Prince, Frankie, Zeus and Aphrodite now have families who get to experience that kind of love every day.

And, of course, we’re celebrating every single cat who found their person, too. They may not always come running when you call, but they’ll happily supervise your life, claim your favorite chair and remind you that affection happens entirely on their terms.

Here’s to 29 new beginnings, 29 families made more complete and countless happy moments still to come.

Happy National Dog Day, and Happy Tails to all!

Pictured: Jedi, Buri, Bowtie, Frankie, Prince, Trout and Aphrodite

Help us celebrate by leaving some love for our newest alumni and their families!

08/24/2026

Curious About Fostering? Join Us Virtually!

Have you thought about fostering a pet but aren’t sure where to begin? Join our Foster Coordinator for a friendly, no, pressure virtual information session and learn how fostering works at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center!

During the session, we’ll discuss:

🐶 Which animals need foster homes
🏡 What fostering may look like in your home
💙 What supplies, guidance, and support we provide
🐾 What to expect from the foster process
📝 How to apply if you decide you’re ready

There is no commitment required to attend, just bring your questions and your love for animals!

📅 Sunday, September 13, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
💻 Virtual Information Session

Register today:
https://loom.ly/vUcCv3s

Can’t attend this session? We plan to offer virtual Foster Information Sessions monthly, so stay tuned for additional dates!

08/22/2026

From Wyatt to Hank…and very clearly somebody’s baby. ❤️

We recently received an update from the family of one of our alumni, Hank — formerly known around here as Wyatt. Apparently some things haven’t changed much.

Hank still loves being held. Belly rubs are so valuable they can be used as training rewards. He prefers his people involved in everything he does, and he remains fairly convinced that being hand-fed is a reasonable expectation. 😂 What has changed? His confidence.

Hank recently finished basic obedience and is now moving on to his “big dog” classes. His family says he’s smart, sweet, people-obsessed and has brought an incredible amount of love and laughter into their home. But his mom said something that really stayed with us:

“You help so many dogs, but for me, Hank isn’t just one of those dogs — he’s my baby.” That’s what adoption can do.

To us, they may begin as one of the many animals who need us. Somewhere out there, though, is the person who will look at that same dog and see family. If you’ve been thinking about adopting, maybe your Hank is waiting here, too. 🐾❤️

👉 Come meet our adoptable pets:https://loom.ly/84vV5-w

08/22/2026

🐾 IT’S THEIR TURN: MEET MARINA 🐾

Marina’s friendship application has three stages:

Stage 1: “Who are you, and why are you in my space?”
Stage 2: Cautious investigation—with possible commentary.
Stage 3: Congratulations! You’ve unlocked chin scratches, snuggles and Marina’s social-butterfly era. 🦋❤️

Marina is a 5-year-old window-watching enthusiast with a curious mind, a playful side and plenty to say. She loves Churus, chin scratches and keeping an eye on everything happening outside.

She arrived at our Center on June 16 after being left in a trap with kittens. Understandably, Marina was frightened and unsure of everyone around her. She would hide, hiss and do everything she could to make herself feel safe.

But look at her now.

Marina may still hide or hiss when she first enters a new home. That isn’t rejection; it’s simply her way of saying, “I need a little more time.” Give her space, move at her pace and let the Churus work their magic. Once she feels secure, you’ll meet the vocal, snuggly and playful girl underneath.

Marina isn’t asking you to win her over immediately. She’s asking you to give her the time to choose you—and when she does, it will be worth the wait. 💙

Her turn to feel secure.
Her turn to fully bloom.
Her turn to go home.

As part of our It’s Their Turn campaign, Marina is available through our Name Your Price cat adoption program through September 12.

📍 Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
6165 Industrial Avenue, Riverside
🕛 Wednesday–Monday | 12–7 p.m.
🚫 Closed Tuesdays

Do you have a sunny window, and a little patience, waiting for Marina? 🪟🐾

08/21/2026

🐾 IT’S THEIR TURN: MEET BRUNO 🐾

We absolutely need to talk about Bruno, especially his signature dance move. 🕺

The choreography is simple:

Step 1: Scratch Bruno’s butt.
Step 2: Watch the wiggles begin.
Step 3: Enjoy your own private happy-dance performance.
Step 4: Repeat as needed. 😂

Bruno is a 3½-year-old Boxer mix with a goofy personality, a playful spirit and a whole lot of love to give. He came to us on March 12 after his owner’s health made it impossible to continue caring for him. Now, he’s searching for a new family who will give him the love and stability he deserves.

When Bruno isn’t performing his famous butt-scratch dance, you’ll find him chasing stuffed toys, playing with his dog friends or looking for a comfortable couch to claim as his own.

“What I love about Bruno is how patient he is. He will sit and wait for me to put on his harness. He’s very gentle.” —Foster Coordinator ❤️

Bruno may start his walks with plenty of enthusiasm, and some pulling, but once he gets that initial energy out, he settles in and walks very well.

His ideal home would include a comfy couch, plenty of playtime and perhaps another friendly dog to enjoy it all with. He does well with other dogs and with children who can respect his space. His only firm request is a cat-free home.

Bruno’s family starter pack:

✅ A couch with room for one more
✅ Stuffed toys ready for chasing
✅ An available butt-scratching hand
✅ A sense of humor
🚫 No cats, please

If you’re looking for a gentle love bug who also provides free in-home entertainment, Bruno is your guy.

His turn to dance in a home of his own.
His turn to be someone’s love bug.
His turn to go home.

As part of our It’s Their Turn campaign, Bruno’s adoption fee is just $35 through September 12—regularly $125.

📍 Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
6165 Industrial Avenue, Riverside
🕛 Wednesday–Monday | 12–7 p.m.
🚫 Closed Tuesdays

Could your couch use a little more Bruno? 💙

08/20/2026

Our Pet Adoption Center Thrift Store has gone to the dogs… and we’re not mad about it.

Every pup who stops by is eligible for a little celebrity treatment — a photo for our growing Thrift Store Dog Wall of Fame!

We love seeing all the four-legged shoppers who come through the doors with their humans. And while they’re busy becoming famous, you can hunt for bargains, uncover treasures, and support homeless pets at the same time. Already have a pup on the wall? Tell us in the comments! 👇

Haven’t visited yet? Stop by, shop, donate — and bring your dog along for their big photo-op.https://loom.ly/a4hgxAg