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Smile File

Looking for a little joy? Check out our Smile File, a collection of inspirational stories and updates that are sure to put a smile on your face.

A smiling white dog with black spots stands on a concrete surface. The dog is wearing a harness and looking directly at the camera, showcasing its happy expression. In the background are blurred legs of a person wearing blue shoes.

Want to add a story to our Smile File? We’d love to hear from you!

Smile File Stories

From Street to Strong

June 22, 2026

Inside Joybound’s Coordinated Efforts to Improve the Health of Free Roaming Cats A few humane traps, dozens of dedicated volunteers, and a clinic full of determined veterinarians make a remarkable difference for cats in need. During Joybound’s Community Cat Fix Fest, the veterinary clinic transforms into a fast-paced hub of compassionate care, all focused on…
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Orange County Emergency Response

June 2, 2026

When overlapping emergencies strain public safety systems, true collaboration makes all the difference. In response to a recent chemical explosion threat in Orange County that forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of families, Joybound People & Pets leaped into action. Working closely alongside the ASPCA and Orange County Animal Care, we coordinated the safe…
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Joybound Thrift Store Transforms!

May 14, 2026

Come for the Deals, Stay for the Cats Joybound’s Concord location debuted its newly transformed space in February. Reimagined from its former home next door into a fresh and welcoming environment. Joybound celebrated with an official ribbon cutting hosted by the City of Concord Chamber of Commerce, joined by Chamber ambassadors, community partners, local elected…
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When Partnership Saves a Life

May 5, 2026

Goldie’s Story Sometimes, lifesaving moments happen with little warning. Goldie, a beautiful Mastiff mix, arrived at Joybound on February 26, 2026, from a partner shelter in Tehama County. Her gentle demeanor and aptitude for service work had her designated for Joybound’s Shelter to Service program, offering her a future as a psychiatric service dog or emotional support animal. Goldie was already on the road to recovery…
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Seven Years of Service, One Big Heart

March 15, 2026

Joybound Names Mie Schoolcraft 2025 Volunteer of the Year Sometimes the biggest impact comes from the quietest acts of kindness, and that is exactly where Mie Schoolcraft, Joybound’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, shines. “Caring for dogs comforts me,” Mie shared. Over the past seven years as a Joybound volunteer, that care has taken many…
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Measure X in Action

March 12, 2026

How County Funding Helps Keep Pets Healthy and Families Together In November 2020, Contra Costa County voters passed Measure X — a half-cent sales tax designed to protect the county’s most vulnerable residents. For many families, that includes the four-legged loved ones who share their hearts and lives. At Joybound People & Pets, Measure X…
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An Unlikely Teacher with Whiskers

March 11, 2026

How a Former Rescue Cat Helps Prepare Service Dogs at Joybound At first glance, Spoon might seem like just another friendly office cat. But Spoon’s Joybound journey began long before he ever strolled across a keyboard or greeted a coworker with his signature quiet confidence. Spoon was rescued from an extreme hoarding situation in Hollister,…
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From a Scroll to a Second Chance

March 10, 2026

How Petfinder & Joybound Helped Rio Find His Way Home Sometimes the right dog doesn’t just change your life. He finds you exactly when you need him most. For many families, adoption begins during a moment of transition, when a home feels a little quieter than it used to. That was true for Kate and…
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Your Support Filled the Food Bowls this Winter

January 5, 2026

Full Hearts AND ALSO Full Bellies Late last year, thousands of pet guardians across Contra Costa County found their lives upended due to the government shutdown and pauses in SNAP / CalFresh benefits. Families were suddenly forced to make the heartbreaking decision between feeding themselves and feeding their pets. That’s when YOU stepped in. Thanks…
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From a Scroll to a Second Chance

December 19, 2025

“I like to think of it as we were actively searching for a dog to rescue me.” How Rio Found His Way to a New Home Thanks to Petfinder & Joybound Sometimes the right dog doesn’t just change your life, he finds you exactly when you need him most. For Kate and her husband, that…
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2025 End-of-Year Recap Video

December 18, 2025

The Furry Faces YOU Impacted in 2025 As you can imagine, a whole lot of cuteness, joy, and unbridled love happens here at Joybound every single day. So to share a snippet of that with supporters like you, we put together an annual “End-of-Year Recap Video” featuring the furry faces who you helped by supporting…
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How Measure X Changes Lives Across Contra Costa County

December 2, 2025

“After hearing from many advocates, this funding will improve the welfare of animals across the county.” Shaping the World of Animal Wellness Starts in Our Own Backyard In November of 2020, Contra Costa County voters passed Measure X – a half-cent, countywide sales tax benefiting essential services. The ballot language stated that the funds would…
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