Nursery Nannies program needs volunteers

With kitten season in full swing, we are seeing more and more babies come in who need one-one-one attention. We will be holding two training sessions for our Nursery Nannies program to teach volunteers how to take care of the kittens in the program. Nursery Nanny volunteers will be cleaning the nursery and bathing and socializing kittens.

Training sessions are:

3 p.m. April 29

10 a.m. May 2

To sign up, e-mail stacif@escondidohumanesociety.org.

We also need foster families for the kittens. Nursery Nannies volunteers can foster kittens in the program, so be sure to ask how you can become a foster parent for these cuties. You don't have to be in the program to foster, so anyone interested can e-mail Staci at the above e-mail address to learn more.

$100,000+ Shelter Challenge

Vote for the Escondido Humane Society every day, and we may receive a grant to help our animals! Organizations with the most votes could receive a weekly prize or a grant. More than 60 grants will be awarded for a total of $100,000 going to eligible Petfinder.com members by the end of July 2009.

Click on the below link to vote for the Escondido Humane Society.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

Ben Stein is a genius

Most of us know Ben Stein as a political and economic commentator, speechwriter, and game show host, but he's also an animal lover. Click on the below link to hear his words of wisdom, and have the tissues ready!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmHmksXPnug

Thank you volunteers!

It's Volunteer Appreciation Week, so what better time to honor the more than 500 volunteers who give their time, energy, love and compassion to our animals every day. On behalf of everyone at the Escondido Humane Society - especially the animals - THANK YOU!

Simply put, the Escondido Humane Society would not be a success without our volunteers. Our dedicated team helps with all aspects of the shelter, from animal care and fundraising events to adoption outreaches and off-site care. Because of our volunteers, the shelter saves hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in staffing costs. Not to mention all the loving attention and countless hours they give to our animals, who are truly the reason we are all here.


Thank you volunteers! You rock!

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Did you know that April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month? The campaign, which is sponsored by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), is designed to raise awareness about animal cruelty. If you suspect an animal is being abused, report it to your local Animal Control or police department immediately. If you suspect abuse in the cities of Escondido, Poway or San Marcos, report your concerns to the Escondido Humane Society Animal Control Department at (760) 888-2275. Be sure to include as much information as you can, including dates, times, locations and what you saw.

Below are some physical and environmental signs of animal abuse:

• Collar so tight that it's caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet's neck.


• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn't being treated.


• Extreme thinness or emaciation - bones may be visible beneath the skin.


• Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water.


• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them.


• Other signs and symptoms include: tick or flea infestations; patches of missing hair; limping; an owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal; animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners.

Animal Abuse & Human Violence: The Connection

An upcoming class at the Escondido Humane Society will explore the link between animal abuse and human violence. Animal Abuse & Human Violence: The Connection will be presented by Jayne Reinhardt, a community health educator and animal welfare advocate, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the shelter, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. During the class, participants will learn potential signs of future problems as well as the different types of animal abuses and their consequences. Also learn about statistics and case studies of children abusing animals and adults abusing children and other adults, and ways to prevent or intervene in these situations. The free presentation is for adults only. Call Ina at (760) 888-2261 for more information.

Check us out on Flickr

The Escondido Humane Society is officially on Flickr! Go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/escondidohumanesociety/ to check out our sets ... OK, we have only one set right now, but I hope to build more in the near future. Some of our Paws in the Park 2009 photos are up now, so head on over and take a look!