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.