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!