Heartwarming kindness

Clutching his mother's hand, Thomas (pictured here) visited EHS to donate towels, canned food, and toys for our dogs and cats. He included pictures of our animals printed from our website, pasted onto crayon artwork of happy scenes. He excitedly told us that Santa would be bringing us even more food, bedding, and toys for the animals.

We asked him what he asked Santa to bring him. "For me?" he asked, clearly stumped. "Yes, for you," we replied. "Oh, I didn't ask for anything for me. I only asked for things for the animals." With a big smile, he continues to list the many items that Santa will be bringing the animals at EHS.

The holiday season in a shelter can be especially tough on the heart. Almost 600 animals will spend the New Year at EHS, a warm, safe and loving place - but not a home. We wonder how many more animals will be left on the streets in 2011 ... will it be 5,000 like last year? Will it be more?

But the innocent, wholehearted generosity of kids like Thomas - and many other people of all ages who do what they can for the animals - gives us great hope for all of the sweet animals in our care.

Thank you to all of the amazing friends of the animals at EHS for greeting homeless animals with unwavering generosity and for reminding us all of our own power to do good.

Greetings!

In this time of family and togetherness, many of us include our pets in our holiday celebrations. But not all animals are so lucky. Pictured here is Samantha, who lost her family right before the holidays. And while she and the more than 600 animals in our care will not be alone - staff and volunteers make sure of that - nothing can replace the love and warmth that a home and family provide.

Please help make sure animals like Samantha have a warm holiday season by making a tax-deductible donation today.

The Escondido Humane Society's resources - veterinary care, shelter, adoptions, behavioral training, education and pet therapy - are supported solely by our generous donors. As a private 501(c)(3) organization, we receive no funds from the state, other shelters or the ASPCA or HSUS. The animals depend on people like you to care for them.

As you look forward to the upcoming holidays, we wanted to let you know that there are many ways to support the Escondido Humane Society throughout the season:

• Having a difficult time shopping for that special person who has everything - including a big heart? Consider making a gift to the Escondido Humane Society in their name. Sponsor a dog or a cat (or both), and we'll send your recipient a beautiful card notifying them of your gift. A gift of a new, better life for an animal in need - what could be more thoughtful?
• We gratefully accept gifts in kind, including towels, canned dog and cat food, Kong toys, and much more. Click HERE for our Wish List.
• The gift of your time also makes a big impact on the animals in our care. Volunteer opportunities include walking dogs, cuddling cats and bunnies, events, foster care and much more.
• Adopt! We have hundreds of pets in all shapes and sizes looking for new forever homes every day. When you adopt from us, you are giving a homeless animal a second chance at love.
• Consider supporting the animals at EHS through our planned giving options. Your planned gift to the Escondido Humane Society is a statement of your lifelong commitment to animals, and a wonderful investment in ensuring a bright future for companion animals in need. Call (760) 888-2240 for more information.

Every animal, every day, deserves a safe place to call home. For the 5,000 homeless, neglected and abused animals who come to the doors of the Escondido Humane Society each year - and the 155,000 animals we protect in our communities - it's the difference of a brand new life.

Thank you for all your kind support throughout the year. Your generous spirit makes our lifesaving work possible.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season,

The Escondido Humane Society

* The Escondido Humane Society is proud to be rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator - the highest rating offered to exceptional charities that exceed industry standard in fiscal responsibility, organizational efficiency and growth - and the highest-rated animal shelter in California.

Pet Photos with Santa and Holiday Boutique

On Dec. 4, Santa himself will be making a special stop at the Escondido Humane Society to bring good tidings and cheer to animals in need.

Pet Photos with Santa and Holiday Boutique is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the shelter, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. Whether naughty or nice, all pets can meet Santa and have their photo taken with him and their families. For a $10 donation to Humane Society animals, participants will receive a keepsake 4x6 photo; for an additional $10, they can get a CD with the digital file, just in time to create holiday cards with the entire family. Additional packages are available upon request.

Those who don't have pets of their own but still want to bring joy to animals at the Humane Society can stop by the Holiday Boutique and bake sale at the shelter, where gourmet gifts for dogs and cats and homemade presents for people and pets alike will be available.

Walk-ins (and wag-ins) are welcome. For information, call (760) 888-2235 or log on to www.escondidohumanesociety.org.

November adoption specials

We are bursting at the seams with pets in need of good homes! To help our four-legged friends, like Sally (pictured here), find their forever families, we are having adoption promotions the entire month of November.

All dogs' adoption fees are 50 percent off. Reduced adoption fees are $80 for puppies (up to 6 months), $55 for adult dogs (6 months to 7 years) and $27.50 for seniors (7 years and older).

For our feline friends, we have extended our "$25 for a Lifetime of Love" adoption promotion. ALL cats and kittens can be adopted for a very special fee of just $25. In conjunction with the special, we're having a "Double the Love" promotion: Adopt one cat for the $25 fee, and the fee will be waived for the second cat.

All adoption fees include spay/neuter; microchip with lifetime registration; up-to-date vaccinations; dog licensing (Escondido, San Marcos and Poway areas only); veterinary exam at EHS; wellness exam after adoption; sample bag of food; discounts at local pet supply, grooming and boarding partners; and behavior support for dogs and cats for lifetime of animal.

The Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center, 3450 E. Valley Parkway, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, call (760) 888-2247.

November is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month

Each year, November marks national Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month. Sadly, older homeless pets like Chandler, pictured here, are often overlooked for their younger counterparts, and many people shy away from adopting senior pets because they are afraid of how soon they might lose them. But every animal needs and deserves love - even the older ones. Their lives, and yours, will be richer for helping these precious pets live out their golden years in loving homes.

There are many benefits to adopting senior pets, including:

They have calmer temperaments and better manners. But don’t let their calm side fool you: senior pets are still very active, but they are less likely to have that puppy energy that challenges even the most patient owners. Seniors often enjoy just lounging with their family or going for short, quiet walks.

Senior pets are easier to train and maintain their focus. Younger dogs especially have short attention spans, while older dogs learn quickly and are eager to please.

Older pets settle into your household a lot easier. Dogs are often already housetrained and will know how to ask to be let outside, and cats will know how to use their litter boxes. Older pets also are past the chewing and scratching stages and are content to find a soft place to nap.

You'll have more time for yourself and to enjoy your pet, instead of cleaning up after them, attending to frequent bathroom breaks, teaching them manners, and all the other stuff that's necessary when you have a youngster.

What you see is what you get. You know how big your dog or cat is going to be, his or her temperament and personality, and their activity level.

Senior pets have a lot of love left to give and form bonds easily.

Senior pets usually need less exercise and have less energy than their younger counterparts.

No matter the age, pets provide us with love and companionship and improve mental and physical health. In addition to the benefits of the heart, independent studies have shown that owning a pet can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels and depression, increase physical activity and lengthen your lifespan.

If you would like to make a difference in an older pet's life, stop by the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 E. Valley Parkway, to meet all of the super seniors available for adoption or view them online at www.escondidohumanesociety.org. All senior pets can be adopted for just $27.50 in November. For more information, call (760) 888-2244, (760) 888-2245 or (760) 888-2247. The Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

October adoption specials

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month
The Escondido Humane Society is celebrating Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month in October with half-off adoption fees and fun prizes for all dog adopters. Everyone who adopts a dog, like Thalia (pictured here), in October will be eligible to spin the "Adoption Wheel of Fur-tune" to win fun prizes, including doggie bags full of goodies, waived adoption fees, treats and more!

Reduced adoption fees are $80 for puppies (up to 6 months), $55 for adult dogs (6 months to 7 years) and $27.50 for seniors (7 years and older).

We didn't forget about the cats!

We are bursting at the seams with cute cats in need of good homes! To help these felines find their happy endings, we are having special promotions the entire month of October.

During our "$25 for a Lifetime of Love" adoption promotion, ALL cats and kittens, like Daffodil (pictured below), can be adopted for a very special fee of just $25. In conjunction with the promotion, we're having a "Double the Love" promotion: Adopt one cat for the special $25 fee and the fee will be waived for the second cat.

All adoption fees include spay/neuter; microchip with lifetime registration; up-to-date vaccinations; veterinary exam at EHS; wellness exam after adoption; sample bag of food; discounts at local pet supply, grooming and boarding partners; and behavior support for dogs and cats for lifetime of animal.

The Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center, 3450 E. Valley Parkway, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, call (760) 888-2247.

Tails at Twilight a magical night for EHS

Thank you to everyone who helped make our 17th annual Tails at Twilight Gala a great success!

More than 200 people and their well-dressed canine companions filled the tent at the Old Richland Schoolhouse on Sept. 25. Canine companions were invited to the event for the second straight year, and some even came dressed to impress in their own tuxedos and bow ties.

The event raised funds for animals currently in our care, as well as the thousands more that will come to us this year in need of a safe haven and new homes.

Our VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive sWAG Bag, specialty wines sponsored by Belle Marie Winery, delicious hors d’oeuvres, entertainment by award-winning blues musician Tomcat Courtney, and an auction preview. All guests were treated to a hosted bar of wine and beer, delectable dining options, entertainment, and special shelter guests. Dog Butlers will cater to the needs of our well-mannered, leashed canine friends, and all canine guests with a reserved seat will enjoy an exclusive Doggie Bag sponsored by the Dog Pad.

Event emcee Heather Myers from San Diego 6 and her dog, Capone, joined us in awarding the Humane Hero award to Ross Rose for his leadership support to animals at the Escondido Humane Society. The evening concluded with a show by renowned magician Joel Ward.

Just because Tails at Twilight is over doesn't mean the fun and fundraising have to stop. We will be having a "Second Chance Online Auction" in the coming weeks to help raise more money for animals in need. The auction will include high-end jewelry, artwork and a signed Michael Jordan jersey. Check back here for details in the coming weeks.

Join us for Tails at Twilight Sept. 25

You and your well-mannered, leashed canine companions are cordially invited to join us at the Escondido Humane Society's 17th Annual Tails at Twilight Gala presented by the PETCO Foundation.

Your ticket purchase will help us create magic for the animals at the Escondido Humane Society. Join us on September 25th as we celebrate our cherished companions and make a difference in the lives of those who need us.

Our VIP guests will enjoy an exclusive sWAG Bag, specialty wines sponsored by Belle Marie Winery, delicious hors d'oeuvres, entertainment by award-winning blues musician Tomcat Courtney and an auction preview.

All guests will enjoy a hosted bar of wine and beer, delectable dining options, entertainment and special shelter guests. Dog Butlers will cater to the needs of our well-mannered, leashed canine friends, and all canine guests with a reserved seat will enjoy an exclusive Doggie Bag sponsored by the Dog Pad.

Event emcee Heather Myers from San Diego 6 and her dog, Capone, will join us in awarding the Humane Hero award to Ross Rose for his leadership support to animals at the Escondido Humane Society. The evening will conclude with a show by renowned magician Joel Ward.

Event Details

WHEN: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 (complete event schedule below)

WHERE: Old Richland Schoolhouse, 134 Woodland Parkway, San Marcos (located at the corner of Woodland Parkway and Mission Road)

TICKETS: Seating is limited, so please be sure to reserve your seats today! Click here to reserve your tickets online. Note in the gift memo that your donation is for the Tails at Twilight Gala, and we will reserve your seats! Tickets are $200/pp VIP or $100/pp regular, $2,000/VIP table or $1,000/regular table of 10.

MISCELLANEOUS: Complimentary valet parking; Formal cocktail attire

INFORMATION: (760) 888-2240; (760) 888-2235

Event Schedule

VIP Reception: 4 - 5 p.m.

Exclusive sWAG bag, auction preview, specialty wines by Belle Marie Winery, sampling of hors d'oeuvres, music by Tomcat Courtney and private show by magician Joel Ward.

General admission: 5 p.m.

Silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, hosted wine and beer and entertainment by Tomcat Courtney. Premier auction items include a gift package from The Golden Door, stunning diamond jewelry, sports memorabilia, golf packages, spa packages and many art, travel, dining and pet packages.

Dinner, live auction, entertainment: 6:30 - 10 p.m.

Live auction includes an eco-adventure for two at Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors Program with a stay at the five-star Ritz-Carlton in beautiful Maui, one-of-a-kind artwork created by our very own four-legged Paw-cassos and Jackson Paw-llocks, exclusive cover rights and photography package to the EHS Calendar Cover 2011, Name the Street to EHS for one year, dinner for eight sponsored by our local firefighters, rights to our Spokespet for Paws in the Park 2011, and much more!

Home Sweet Home Celebration and Open House!

Join us from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, for our "Home Sweet Home" Celebration and Open House!

We will be offering tours of our facility (3450 E. Valley Parkway) every hour, during which you can meet some of our adoptable pets and learn about our programs and services. We also will be offering a microchip and vaccination clinic.

On that day only, we will be offering NO-COST adoptions for all adult pets ages 6 months and older, and 50 percent off adoptions for puppies and kittens younger than 6 months.

Foods that make you think of home, such as milk and cookies and lemonade, will be served, and there will be games for kids.

All pets are welcome, but they will not be permitted inside for the tours. Cats and bunnies must be in carriers, and dogs must be well-behaved and on 6-foot leashes at all times.

We have many exciting things to celebrate. With your support, we paid off our mortgage and now own our home for all of those animals without one. Thank you to all for supporting the Million Dollar Match for debt relief and growth. Now it's on to preparing for the future.

Calling all Escondido Humane Society alums!

Did you adopt a pet from the Escondido Humane Society? If so, we would love to see you and hear all about our alum's new, happy lives with you. ALL alums are welcome!

Drano update

Above image courtesy of the North County Times

Drano became a media sensation in June after he accidentally slipped down the drain and had to be rescued by a plumber who rushed to his aid. Drano's story touched many, many people in our community - and beyond - and we already have received an overwhelming interest from potential adopters.

He has had so much interest, in fact, that we are instituting a special adoption process just for him and his five siblings, who are scheduled to be available for adoption in mid-August.

Special adoption process:

In order for us to make the process as fair as possible, we will be accepting adoption applications starting now and ending at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15. All applications must be dropped off in person at the Escondido Humane Society, located at 3450 E. Valley Parkway.

All applications will be reviewed by our Adoptions staff, and only approved adopters will be eligible to take a puppy home. Approved applications will be assigned a number, and staff will use a random number generator to choose the adopter.

For more information, please call our Adoption Center at (760) 888-2247

* Please note: Our normal adoption policy is on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of the interest in Drano and his siblings and the influx of potential adopters we expect to see, we are making a special exception in order to be as fair as possible.

Click here for a Drano update from the North County Times

August E-News is here!

Click on the link below for news about our half-off August adoption special, Tails at Twilight, Best Friends 2011 Calendar Contest and much more!

Adoption special, charitable gift annuities and more!

Our adoptable pets are TV stars!

Our adoptable pets are TV stars!

Save the date for Tails at Twilight Gala

Help us make magic happen for all of the animals in our care at our 17th annual dog-friendly Tails at Twilight Gala!

Tickets are on sale NOW. Click here to reserve your tickets today!

The time, date and place are set: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, September 25, at Old Richland Schoolhouse, 134 Woodland Parkway in San Marcos.

Tickets to the gala are on sale NOW. Regular individual tickets are $100; individual VIP tickets are $200. A regular table for 10 is $1,000; a VIP table for 10 is $2,000. VIPs receive early admission, sWAG bag, premier wines, first crack at the silent auction and premier seating. In addition, all table purchases are listed by name in the program.

Hosted wine and beer, delectable dining, a lively auction and our four-legged friends will abound, all in support of the lifesaving programs at the Escondido Humane Society. Well-mannered canines are cordially invited, and dog butlers will be on hand to cater to their needs as they enjoy their evening with their people. Click here for a preview of our silent auction.

This year's theme is "There's Magic in the Air." Magician and master illusionist Joel Ward and blues musician Tomcat Courtney will keep you entertained throughout the evening. Heather Myers of San Diego 6 is the event emcee, and Pierre H. Charmasson will be the auctioneer for our live auction.

Special round of a-paws to the Tails at Twilight presenting sponsor, the Petco Foundation!

Click here to see Tails at Twilight in the examiner.com

Find "Somebunny to Love" this Saturday

Hop on in to the Escondido Humane Society for our "Somebunny to Love" social event this Saturday. Our lovable adoptable rabbits, like Alegra (pictured here), will be meeting and greeting the public in the EHS conference room starting at 10 a.m. The San Diego House Rabbit Society also will be on hand with information about adoption and caring for your rabbit companion.

Our "Somebunny to Love" event is part of National Rabbit Week July 14-21. The campaign aims to promote responsible rabbit ownership and focuses on communicating the fact that, while they make the most fantastic companion animals for children and adults alike, bunnies require the same high levels of care, attention and commitment as dogs, cats and other animals.

Click HERE to meet all of the wonderful bunnies available for adoption at the Escondido Humane Society.

ALL adoption fees reduced in July!

During the summer months, we see an influx of animals coming through our doors. To help find homes for our furry friends, like Petey (pictured above), we are reducing adoption fees by 50% in July. Animals included in the special are dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and bunnies.

Reduced adoption fees are $80 for puppies and kittens up to 6 months; $55 for adult dogs and cats (6 months to 7 years); $27.50 for senior dogs and cats (7 years and up); and $22.50 for all bunnies. All adoption fees include spay/neuter; microchip with lifetime registration; up-to-date vaccinations; dog licensing (Escondido, San Marcos and Poway); veterinary exam at EHS; wellness exam after adoption; sample bag of food; discounts at local pet supply, grooming and boarding partners; and behavior support for dogs and cats for the lifetime of the animal.

Meet our wonderful animals in person at the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 E. Valley Parkway, or visit them online at http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/. The Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

We reached our goal!

Project Purr-fect update: we reached our goal of 100 cat adoptions in June! As of this moment, 103 cats have found new homes at the Escondido Humane Society this month. Still, many wonderful cats like Diva, above, are looking for a home of their own. Our cat adoption specials will run all month, so visit us soon to meet your purr-fect companion!

Check back at the end of the month for our final adoption total.

Your cats' stories

My husband and I came in just over a year ago and adopted a pretty little black kitty with piercing green eyes. She was called "Happy" at the shelter but we thought she needed a more distinguished name, so she now goes by "Charlotte" (named after Jane Eyre author, Charlotte Bronte!)

She is 'mama's little girl' and follows me nearly everywhere, and she always finds a spot to nestle up beside me in bed. She now has a 'brother' who she wasn't so sure about at first, but who she thinks is okay now! She is a very calm little girl who will brush against any hand that is hanging down, and jump into any box or laundry basket left on the floor. Charlotte is mostly an indoor cat, but she sure loves to go out on our balcony and 'sight see' or just take a snooze on the chair we have out there.

Her favorite things are chasing her laser pointer, lounging on her cat tree, giving licks, and eating "Greenies" treats! She also loves the movie 'Homeward Bound' (she tries to hop into the TV screen every time it's one! Her least favorite things are car rides, being pestered by her brother, and pets on the tummy!

She is loved very much in our home, and we couldn't imagine my life without our pretty kitty!

- Shannon and Aaron Eastham

* * * * * * * * * *

Just wanted to give you all an update on our adoption. My Mom and I came to the Escondido Humane Society on August 27, 2009, in hopes of finding a kitten. We met a few cute kitties, but when we met Biscuit we knew we had found the one. We were helped by the lovely adoption counselor, Barbara, and in no time we had a new addition to our family.

At first Biscuit, whom we renamed Luna, was very timid and scared, but in no time her true personality emerged. She is a very sweet, playful, and curious kitty. She is quite unlike any cat we have ever had. For instance, her favorite thing to do is to play fetch! A close second is lying on laps. Luna loves to be around people and is very friendly. She is quite the diva and loves to be the center of attention.

Her only fault is that she is very mischievous and likes to find things to get into that she's not supposed to. But even then, we can't get mad at her because she is so funny and cute. To be honest, she has us wrapped around her little paw.

We are so happy to have her in our lives, and she seems to be very happy too. She runs to the door when we come home, and we can't wait to see her. We love her so much, and we want to thank all of you at Escondido Humane Society for giving us Luna, our treasure.

- Andrea Lopez and Nina Adams

* * * * * * * * * *

Contrary to popular belief, cats and dogs can get along great! Rocco (dog) and Molly (not the dog) are BFFs. We adopted Molly from the Escondido Humane Society and Rocco from the Carlsbad Animal Shelter. Cats can be just as affectionate and playful as dogs, but in a different way.

- Enrique


Tell us your cat's story

In celebration of Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, we are asking all cat lovers to submit a photo of their cat or cats, along with a short story about your special bond, for us to post here on our blog.

It's a great opportunity to celebrate the felines in our lives and to raise awareness about the many, many cats that are waiting for their forever homes at the Escondido Humane Society, and at shelters across the country. Send your photo and story to media@escondidohumanesociety.org and we'll post it here on the blog.

EHS is celebrating Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month

The Escondido Humane Society is going to the cats (and kittens) in June! To shine the spotlight on all homeless felines, we are celebrating Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month with an adoption promotion, specials and giveaways.

Our feline-oriented "Project Purrfect" adoption promotion is based on the hit reality TV show "Project Runway." Strut down the EHS "catwalk" to our cat adoption rooms and hallways. Several featured felines will have special tags on their kennels designating them as our "catwalk" stars. Anyone who adopts our featured cats will go home with a "kitty bag" of goodies.

During the promotion, which will be good from June 1 to 30, adoption fees for all adult cats will be discounted by 50 percent: adult cats (ages 6 months to 7 years) can be adopted for $55, while seniors (ages 7 and up) can be adopted for just $27.50.

As an added incentive, all cat adopters in June are eligible to receive a "Pawpurrazzi" photo shoot with their new four-legged family member with professional photographer Ali Helseth of Skyy Blue Photography, a package valued at more than $200! Ali took the above photo of adoptable cat Cindy and does beautiful work.

Please help us reach our goal of 100 cat and kitten adoptions for the month of June. Pass this on to your friends and co-workers. Put it on your blog or social media sites. Spread the word about all of the wonderful felines we have available for adoption ... and maybe even take one home yourself!

The Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more information about adoption, call (760) 888-2247 or log on to www.escondidohumanesociety.org.

Tell us your cat's story

In celebration of Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, we are asking all cat lovers to submit a photo of their cat or cats, along with a short story about your special bond, for us to post here on our blog.

It's a great opportunity to celebrate the felines in our lives and to raise awareness about the many, many cats that are waiting for their forever homes at the Escondido Humane Society, like Chandler (pictured here), and at shelters across the country. Send your photo and story to media@escondidohumanesociety.org and we'll post it here.

Adopt a "classic" pet this weekend at EHS

The Escondido History Center's annual American Heritage Classic Car Show is this Saturday, so we thought now would be the perfect time to show off our beautiful "classic" pets here at the Escondido Humane Society.

To make it easier to adopt a classic pet and new cruising buddy, like Sophie (pictured above), we are discounting all seniors' adoption fees by more than 50 percent over the Memorial Day weekend. This Friday through Monday, all pets ages 7 and older can be adopted for just $25!

Some of our senior pets showed off their sparkling personalities on Fox 5 this week. Click HERE to see them in action!

Please note that the Escondido Humane Society Adoption Center, located at 3450 E. Valley Parkway, is OPEN on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Adoption Center is always open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Senior pets often are overlooked by their younger counterparts, but they have just as much love to give and are just as deserving of good homes. Please call (760) 888-2247, (760) 888-2244 or (760) 888-2245, or visit www.escondidohumanesociety.org to learn more about our "classic" pets ... and maybe take one home!

Have you seen Petopia.tv yet?

Petopia.tv is a Web TV show dedicated to pets and the people who love them. The site celebrates the human-animal bond and provides a place for pet lovers to connect.

The site is a wonderful resource for pet lovers because it offers a one-stop shop for pet-related news - locally and nationally. Petopia.tv has been a wonderful resource for and friend to the Escondido Humane Society and has included our news on their site. They even joined us at our Paws in the Park dog walk in March and made a really fun video of the event. Click on the link below to check it out:

http://www.petopia.tv/tvandpics.html

Be sure to bookmark Petopia.tv and check back often, as they update their news and videos on a regular basis. And thank you Petopia.tv for all you do for our animals in need!

Escondido Humane Society Pet of the Week

This week's Escondido Humane Society Pets of the Week are Scarlett and Rhett. Here's what you need to know about them:

Meet Scarlett and Rhett! They are a cute bonded pair of 2-year-old male and female dwarf mixes, ID #s 41949 and 41950. Because they are so bonded, Rhett and Scarlett must be adopted together. Rhett has a cataract in his right eye, but it doesn't affect his personality, although it would be best to approach him on his left side so he isn't startled. He's a nice bunny and really loves Scarlett. She has a bit of attitude and definitely wears the pants in the family. But her personality has really sweetened up and they are ready to share their love with their new family. Rhett and Scarlett are available for adoption from the Escondido Humane Society and are currently living in foster care. They are available for a special adoption fee of $45 for both bunnies, which includes microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, spay and vet exam. For more information, call (760) 888-2247, e-mail jmclaug@prodigy.net 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.

Click here to see Rhett and Scarlett in the North County Times

Pet First-Aid class this Saturday

When pets have a medical emergency, being prepared can be the difference between life and death. The Escondido Humane Society’s upcoming Pet First-Aid class will ensure pet parents know what to do should an emergency strike.

Topics will include instructions for creating a pet first-aid kit; how to recognize symptoms and care for common pet ailments and emergencies; and tips on maintaining your pet's health and well-being. The class will be taught by Sue Lockhart, an American Red Cross-trained instructor.

Our Pet First-Aid class is from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. Cost is $40. To enroll, call Ina Shookhoff, director of education, at (760) 888-2261 or e-mail education@escondidohumanesociety.org.

Calendar Contest opens TODAY

Enter our "Best Friends 2011" Calendar Contest, and your pet just may be the most famous feline or pooch (or even fish) in San Diego ... who knows how far they'll go!

Even better, your tax-deductible entry donation of $25 supports animal rehabilitation and adoption programs at the Escondido Humane Society. Every entry means a happier life for a pet still waiting to become someone's special "star."

Every completed entry receives a complimentary high-quality calendar - a perfect holiday gift for your animal-loving friends and family! Keep it for yourself and display it proudly in your home or office to show your love and support of animals. The regular suggested donation is $20 per calendar.

Eleven winning photographs will appear as the famous Pets of the Month. Pictured here is Sara, an EHS alum and last year's cover winner. The first 50 entries that meet contest guidelines will be featured in the calendar's Community Collage.

Completed entry forms and photos can be e-mailed to calendar@escondidohumanesociety.org. For contest guidelines and printable entry form, log on to http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/ehs_056.htm. For more information, call (760) 888-2235.

Put your kindness on display

Barons The Marketplace is teaming up with EHS to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week May 2-8. During the week, you can put your kindless on display at Barons The Marketplace in Rancho Bernardo, 11828 Rancho Bernardo Road. For a $1 donation (or more if you like!), they will provide a paw print for you to sign that they will proudly display to show the world how kind you are to animals. Your generous donation will help ensure that homeless animals have a safe, loving place to call their own until they find a permanent home.

Special thanks to Barons The Marketplace - you demonstrate the true meaning of Be Kind to Animals Week!

Thank you volunteers!

The theme for National Volunteer Week, commemorated April 18-24, is "Celebrating People in Action." In no other place is that theme more appropriate than here at the Escondido Humane Society.

Simply put, the Escondido Humane Society would not be a success without our volunteers. Our dedicated team accomplishes extraordinary things for our animals on a daily basis. They care for the animals in many ways, from dog walking, cat cuddling, cleaning kennels and behavior support to events, supporting fundraising and public relations efforts and so much more. Not to mention all the loving attention and countless hours they give to our animals, who are truly the reason we are all here. The animals' lives are enriched immeasurably through their time and compassion.

Join us in applauding the 800+ volunteers at the Escondido Humane Society who donate their time to the animals every day. We thank you for your commitment, energy, kindness, enthusiasm, compassion and, most importantly, for always being there when the animals need you the most.

Volunteers have a hands-on role in changing the lives of animals all year long. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at EHS, please contact Mary Ellen Kuhn, Volunteer Director, at volunteer@escondidohumanesociety.org.

EHS pets are on TV

Several Escondido Humane Society adoptable dogs have gone on TV in the past few weeks to show off their wonderful personalities. Some of our dogs went on a few months ago and are still looking for good homes ... they are included here as well. Meet Boss, Bella, Shelby, Gabe, Robert, Sophie and Sweet Pea by clicking on the links below. If you are interested in adoption, please call (760) 888-2247 or log on to http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/ for more information.

Special thanks to Darlene White and the San Diego Animal Support Foundation for giving our adoptable dogs the exposure they need to find good homes!