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.