A look back at 2009, Part IV

As 2009 comes to an end and we take time to reflect on all of our successes this past year, the one thing we are most grateful for is you. Thanks to your support of the Escondido Humane Society, thousands of homeless, abandoned, abused and neglected animals were given a second chance at love this past year.

Our animals' many happy endings are possible because of your support. Unfortunately, our work is never done: At this very moment, homeless animals are coming through our doors in need of safe shelter, loving care and new homes.

As the New Year approaches, we ask that you consider making a special tax-deductible gift toward the Escondido Humane Society and the animals in our care. We had an amazing year saving animals, and we need your help to make next year even better. On behalf of the 155,000 animals we protect each year, thank you for helping to ensure that we have a home for every animal, every day.

Wishing you a New Year filled with love, happiness and joy,

The Escondido Humane Society

A look back at 2009, Part III

The Escondido Humane Society was in the news quite a bit in 2009. Here are a few highlights from the past year:

Burglars target the Escondido Humane Society

San Diego 6 coverage

San Diego Union-Tribune coverage

North County Times coverage


Frightened pets find their way to the Escondido Humane Society after freak thunderstorms

Union-Tribune coverage

KFMB coverage

San Diego 6 coverage

Neglected horses Haley and Sugar

KNSD coverage

Paws in the Park

North County Times event preview

North County Times wrap-up

Tails at Twilight

North County Times coverage

Our pets are on TV!

Our adoptable pets are frequent guests on San Diego 6 and KUSI. Many of the pets have been happily adopted, while some are still waiting for their forever families. Our pets are also featured weekly in the North County Times, The Paper, and the Pomerado News Group.

Click on the video links below to meet some animals looking for good homes!

Bree

Bear

Lola

Angelina

Alfie

Our pets also are featured on 10news.com:

Pet of the Week

Slideshow of adoptable pets

A look back at 2009, Part II

Every adoption is special to us, but there are some that really stand out from the rest. Here are a few of the more memorable adoptions from 2009:

Casey had been at the Escondido Humane Society for nearly two years when she was adopted in September. A lot of people here at the shelter really cared about her, and she loved them all back with gusto! It was hard to understand why such a beautiful dog had to wait so long for her family to find her. All of that was forgotten the day she finally went home for good. Today, she is in a loving home and even has a playmate - Buster, another Escondido Humane Society alum - to romp and run with!

Dolly, another longtime Escondido Humane Society resident who spent more than a year waiting for a home, was adopted in November. She had quite the fan club at the shelter. Anyone who met her was charmed by her goofy antics and fun-loving personality. Her new family reports that she is a joy. She gets to go everywhere with her new dad and goes on walks every day. She has her own bed, pillow, tons of toys - and, best of all, the love only a family can bring.


After 668 days awaiting a home at the Escondido Humane Society, beautiful Sara finally found her forever family on Dec. 23. There was not a dry eye in the shelter as we said our grateful goodbyes. Our staff, volunteers and supporters could not have wished for anything more this holiday season than to see Sara leave us for good ... for the good life she deserves.


Pete went through a lot in his young life. He was hit by a car, resulting in a badly injured leg that had to be amputated. Despite the severe pain he must have been in, he still purred when held in the clinic staff's arms. It didn't take long for his loving, fun personality to shine, and he was adopted in August.


Bentley and Mercedes had to wait two years for their new family to find them, but their patience finally paid off when they were adopted in August.

Horses Haley and Sugar were confiscated from a home in San Marcos in August 2008, extremely emaciated and showing signs of severe neglect. While the road to rehabilitation was long and hard, Haley and Sugar did not have to travel it alone. They went directly into foster care, where they were gently nursed back to health and rehabilitated. Happily, Haley was adopted and recently spent her first holiday with her new family. Sugar is still waiting for her perfect match and is ready to continue on her path to recovery in a new home.

Coming tomorrow: Escondido Humane Society in the news

A look back at 2009, Part I

As 2009 comes to a close, it's a good opportunity to reflect on all of the animals we saved and lives we touched. While there are too many successes to list here, there are a few stories that really stand out here at the Escondido Humane Society. Over the next week, we will list a few here on our blog. First up is Paws in the Park.

Paws in the Park

The year started off with a bang, as we held our Paws in the Park dog walk in March. It's safe to say that the event was a great success! We raised more than $90,000 and had our biggest turnout in recent years, with about 1,200 people and their dogs coming out to help us raise funds for our animals. All in attendance were treated to a day of fun and entertainment, including a wet T-shirt contest – which was a hit with everyone – and a walk warm-up with Tamilee Webb, creator of the “Buns of Steel” series.

2009 isn't even over yet, but we are already planning for next year's Paws in the Park, which will be held on March 28. Registration opens on Jan. 1 at www.firstgiving.com/ehs! Check our Web site (http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/) for details as the event approaches.

Coming tomorrow: Special adoptions and some happy tails from 2009

A rescue pet’s Christmas poem

Written by David, the Dogman

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!
But now we sit here and think of the days
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways.
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew,
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children”, "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew,
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse - left to roam,
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye,
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."

So now here we are, all confused and alone,
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer,
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads,
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears,
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn,
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year,
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

Jax and Bree on TV

Escondido Humane Society adoptable dogs Jax and Bree made their TV debuts on Monday morning. Jax really showed off his personality on San Diego 6, and Bree was the perfect little lady on KUSI. Click on their photos below to watch the video clips. Special thanks to Darlene White and the San Diego Animal Support Foundation for giving these two sweethearts the exposure they need to find good homes.

You can meet Jax and Bree in person at the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. For information, visit us online at www.escondidohumanesociety.org or call (760) 888-2247.

Please give to the animals this holiday season

Two days before Christmas 2008, Bella huddled under a warm car in Escondido. She was 1 year old and weighed only 15 pounds, far from the 50 pounds she would weigh if she had a kinder life. She was alone, cold and starving. A Good Samaritan noticed a white tuft of fur poking from under the car and was shocked at what he found. He frantically called the Escondido Humane Society and stayed by her side, comforting her, until a Humane Officer arrived at the scene.

Bella, named for her beauty despite her shocking condition, was gently scooped up by our Humane Officer and rushed to the Escondido Humane Society. EHS medical staff, working for hours, stabilized her as best they could. Even with medical intervention, Bella was not expected to survive. A caring Humane Society foster home was located, with the understanding that the best we may offer her was medical care to ease her pain, tenderness, companionship, and a warm, safe bed so Bella will at least know some love in her short life. She would not be alone again, especially on Christmas.

Bella survived the night. And the next. She made it through the holidays. Bella often laid curled up on a blanket on the couch, gently nuzzling her foster family and eating a spoonful of special food every hour. She ate, and ate ... and ate, gaining 15 pounds in less than four weeks. Soon, she started trotting along the yard and playing. She quickly learned about tennis balls ... how to make them bounce, how to fetch, and how to jump in the air for the sheer fun of it. She approached people for affection and praise. She gave even more love back.

When her foster mom went back to work after New Year's, she took Bella to doggy daycare so she could continue to receive round-the-clock care. It was on her first day there that Bella would find her forever family, who fell in love with her at first sight. Her family came to see her every day until she was strong enough to go home. Bella is now living near the beach with her family, including a black Lab brother, and they never leave each other's side.

We hope that Bella does not remember the first year of her life. We hope that she does not even remember us. As her new family celebrates their first holidays together, we wish for Bella - and all animals - to only know the life they deserve, the life that is now hers.

Bella is one of 5,000 homeless, neglected and abused animals who come to the doors of the Escondido Humane Society each year, and one among the 155,000 more we protect in our community. Every day, for every animal, we are here, faithfully devoted to giving them the life they deserve. No matter their age, their health, or their intensive needs, we welcome all homeless animals in our area, offering them shelter, safety, medical care and love. Our door is always open.

For animals like Bella, we are often their very last hope. Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, they don't give up on us. Nor do you give up on them. You have faith that you can make a difference for animals, however big or small. Donors, volunteers and adopters like you don't simply give up on animals because it's easier to walk away. You know it's worth it. You know they deserve it. And through your support to the Escondido Humane Society, one by one, we give these precious animals the life they deserve.

Please support the Escondido Humane Society this holiday season so we can continue our lifesaving work. Every animal, every day, deserves a safe place to call home. They depend on all of us. And we depend on you. They don't ask for much, and every bit makes a difference. For animals like Bella, it's the difference of a brand new life.

Wishing you and yours a holiday season filled with love, joy, and faith.

Sincerely,

The Escondido Humane Society

Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays

The Escondido Humane Society has joined Petfinder's "Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays campaign, which is similar to the program that was portrayed in the movie "A Dog Named Christmas."

Through the program, you can make a difference in some little (or big) critter's life by giving a dog a break from shelter life and the opportunity to be in a loving home to enjoy holiday festivities. You can take a dog as early as December 21 and keep him or her (unless they should get adopted in the meantime!) until December 31. You can hardly top that for imbuing yourself with Christmas spirit!

If you have any questions or would like to participate in our Home for the Holidays Campaign, please contact Julie Herman, Foster Care Coordinator, at julieh@escondidohumanesociety.org or (760) 594-7605.

For more information about Petfinder's Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays campaign, click on the following links:

http://www.petfinder.com/foster-a-lonely-pet

http://www.petfinder.com/blog/2009/11/17/foster-a-lonely-pet-for-the-holidays/

Buffy's letter to Santa Paws

Dear Santa Paws,

My name is Buffy. I have been a very good girl this year. Some people might think I am naughty, but I'm just young and feisty. I have all kinds of spunk and love to play and be silly. I'm looking for a family that is just as fun-loving as me and who will appreciate my zest for life. Can you and the elves find me my own place to call home?

P.S. I would probably do best in a cat-savvy home. And if you could find me a new home with no other cats, that would be purrrfect!

Love,

Buffy

** Buffy is a 2-year-old female orange tabby mix (ID #37419). She is available for adoption at the Escondido Humane Society. For more information about her, call (760) 888-2247 or log on to www.escondidohumanesociety.org.

Roxy and Rex's letter to Santa Paws

Dear Santa Paws,

We're Roxy and Rex. We've been waiting for a new home for more than 800 days now. Everyone here says we are sweet and kind, so we definitely deserve to be on your "nice" list. Our holiday wish is to find a home together where we will be loved and taken care of. We know we will warm up our new family's hearts and home with our delightful bunny personalities.

Love,

Roxy and Rex

P.S. Please be sure to tell everyone that we are part of the Escondido Humane Society's "Dreaming of a White Christmas" adoption special. That means we can be adopted together for a special adoption fee of $45 from Dec. 19 to Jan.9!

** Roxy and Rex are 1-year-old bunnies available for adoption from the Escondido Humane Society. They are two of the featured bunnies available for adoption at the San Marcos Petco, 141 S. Las Posas Road. For more information, go to www.escondidohumanesociety.org, call (760) 888-2247, or e-mail jmclaug@prodigy.net.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

A White Christmas in Escondido? It sounds unlikely, but the Escondido Humane Society is making the impossible possible with a special adoption promotion for white bunnies!

During the “Dreaming of a White Christmas” adoption special, all white bunnies can be adopted for just $22.50! If you adopt a pair of bunnies and one of them is all-white, the pair can be adopted together for just $45.

The special includes only bunnies that are completely white, such as Cuddles (pictured right). It is valid from December 19 through January 9. For more information, call (760) 888-2247 or log on to www.escondidohumanesociety.org. The Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

In addition to our Adoption Center, the Escondido Humane Society also has bunnies available for adoption at the following off-site locations:

Petco Escondido: 1000 West Valley Parkway; (760) 781-1600
Petco San Marcos:141 S. Las Posas Road; (760) 471-1501
Petco Carmel Mountain Ranch: 11160 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego; (858) 451-8347

Alfie's letter to Santa Paws

Dear Santa Paws,

I'm Alfie. When I first came to the Escondido Humane Society, I was a shy, quiet dog. I'm now in foster care, where I'm learning that there is love out there in the world. I have blossomed into a happy dog and am ready to be someone's companion in my very own home. Maybe you can help me find a good home and a loving family who will be patient with me and help me continue to blossom into the dog everyone here knows I can be. When you find my new family, please be sure to tell them that I am not a barker, I'm crate-trained and potty-trained, I don't shed much, I enjoy my doggie bed and toys, and that I'm gentle and easy to have around.

P.S. If you could find me a home with older, dog-savvy children or teenagers, and a doggie playmate where I don't have to be the Alpha dog, that would be great!

Love,

Alfie

** Alfie is a 1-year-old male pit bull mix (ID #37838). He is available for adoption from the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. If you are interested in adopting Alfie, please contact the Escondido Humane Society Adult Dog Foster Care Coordinator at julieh@escondidohumanesociety.org or ehsfosterjulie@aol.com. Or just call her at (760) 594-7605.

Click on the following link to see Alfie on San Diego 6's "Animal House:"

http://www.sandiego6.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=710829@xetv.dayport.com&navCatId=2510

Letters to Santa Paws

Several Escondido Humane Society adoptable animals have written letters to Santa Paws that we will be sharing here. All of the animals come in different shapes, colors, breeds, species and backgrounds, but they all have the same holiday wish: A new family to love them forever. We will be posting their letters frequently, so check back here often. First up is Sara, who has been at the Escondido Humane Society for 656 days as of Dec. 11.

Dear Santa Paws,

I’m Sara. I’ve been a very good kitty this year. I have been so patient waiting for my new family to take me home, but it's been almost two years and I'm starting to wonder if they will ever find me. And while everyone here at the Escondido Humane Society has loved me and taken care of me, two years is a long time to be without a bed, food dish, toys, treats and family of my very own. The holiday gift I’d love most would be a loving home, a family to cherish me forever, my own box to sleep in (I love boxes!), and a window where I can soak in the sun and daydream. Could you make my holidays wishes come true?

P.S. If you could please find me a home with no other cats that would be purrrfect!

Love,

Sara

** Sara is a 7-year-old female domestic shorthair mix (ID #23671). She is available for adoption at the Escondido Humane Society. For more information about her, call (760) 888-2247 or log on to www.escondidohumanesociety.org.

Escondido Humane Society Pet of the Week

This week's Escondido Humane Society Pet of the Week is Kermit. Here's what he wants you to know about him:

Hi, I'm Kermit, a 3-year-old male Chihuahua mix (ID # 36830). I have a very sweet temperament, but I can be shy upon first meeting new people. I do love attention and spending time with people. I will do best in an adult home or with older children. I am available for adoption through the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. I am currently in foster care at Dogtopia of San Marcos, 925 W. San Marcos Blvd. My adoption fee of $110 includes microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, neuter and vet exam. For more information, call (760) 888-2247 or log on to http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/. The Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

See Kermit in The Paper by clicking on the following link:

http://www.thecommunitypaper.com/pet.php

See Kermit on 10news.com by clicking on the following link:

59

http://www.10news.com/kgtv/178848/detail.html

Pet Photos with Santa highlights

Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa himself made a special stop at the Escondido Humane Society on Dec. 5 to bring holiday cheer to animals in need.

Whether naughty or nice, all pets who stopped by got to meet Kris Kringle and have their photos taken with him, all to help homeless animals during the holidays. Escondido Humane Society adoptable dog Liddy, pictured with St. Nick above, is definitely on Santa's "nice" list this year. Can you give her a new home for the holidays?

Check out some of the photo highlights by clicking on the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/escondidohumanesociety/sets/72157622838660591/

Pet Photos with Santa and Holiday Boutique is this Saturday

St. Nick is coming to town tomorrow to bring good tidings and cheer to homeless animals here at the Escondido Humane Society. Pet Photos with Santa is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the shelter, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. Whether naughty or nice, all pets can meet Kris Kringle and have their photos taken with him. For a $10 donation to EHS animals, you will receive a keepsake 4x6 photo; for an additional $10, you can get a CD with the digital file, just in time to create holiday cards with the entire family!

If you don't have a pet of your own but still want to bring joy to our animals, stop by our Holiday Boutique and bake sale, where gourmet gifts for dogs and cats and homemade presents for people and pets allike will be available.

Appointments can be made by calling (760) 888-2235, but walk-ins (and wag-ins!) are welcome. For more information, and to meet all of the wonderful animals waiting for good homes at the Escondido Humane Society, go to www.escondidohumanesociety.org.

Escondido Humane Society Pet of the Week

This week's Escondido Humane Society Pet of the Week is Crystal. Here's what she wants you to know about her:

Hi, I'm Crystal, a 2-year-old spayed female New Zealand White mix (ID # 36723). My eight babies and I were turned into a shelter near downtown Los Angeles after Easter. I bravely cared for my babies in the L.A. shelter near barking dogs until I was rescued by the Escondido Humane Society and placed into foster care. I am a little bit shy but a very sweet and calm girl overall. I'm good with gentle dogs and cats and have done well when meeting male bunnies. I am available for adoption from the Escondido Humane Society. My adoption fee of $45 includes up-to-date vaccinations, spay and vet exam. For more information, call (760) 888-2247 or log on to http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/. The Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

See Crystal in the North County Times by clicking on the following link:

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/community/article_38e11b24-4399-55d3-9b22-de7ec2607e4a.html

See Crystal in The Paper by clicking on the following link:

http://www.thecommunitypaper.com/pet.php

Presents for Pets

Here at the Escondido Humane Society, we are brightening our pets holidays with a Presents for Pets food and toy donation drive. During the entire month of December, you can bring joy and love to homeless pets by dropping off new or gently used toys, food, blankets, towels and more in designated bins in our Adoption Center and Animal Control lobbies. The Escondido Humane Society is at 3450 E. Valley Parkway.

Click on the following link to see what our animals need the most this holiday season:

http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/ehs_028.htm

Escondido Humane Society E-News

Click on the following link to access the Escondido Humane Society December E-News! This month's newsletter includes holiday greetings from EHS, Pet Photos with Santa and Holiday Boutique, Presents for Pets, and more!

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs055/1101206429639/archive/1102834733001.html