The Escondido Humane Society continues to carry out their goal of providing shelter for companion animals who need a lifetime home, in spite of the fire that destroyed the Society's shelter on January 21, claiming the life of more than 100 shelter animals.
The effort to find good homes for these companion animals will take place Saturday, February 10 and include as many as 11 dogs available at two mobile adoption sites. PETCO Escondido located at 1000 West Valley Parkway in Escondido will have seven Pitbull Mix puppies available for adoption from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. In addition San Pasqual High School located at 3300 Bear Valley Parkway will be hosting the remaining shelter dogs available for adoption.
Along with the remaining fire survivor dogs that will be available for adoption, is a litter of seven tiny 'reindeer' born at the shelter on Christmas Day. In celebration of the timely birth, shelter staff members named each of the seven Pit Bull Mix pups after each of Santa's jolly reindeer. The mother, Olive, and her tiny 'reindeers' have been in foster care throughout this tragic time and are considered a blessing to both the shelter and its staff.
"The birth of these pups on Christmas Day has always been considered a small miracle," stated Phil Morgan, the Society's Executive Director. "We are just so grateful that they were healthy and happy in foster care the night of the fire."
Foster Care Programs have kept several newborn animals from becoming sick in the past, this time it literally saved their lives, according to Kalanie Hudson, Society Rep.
This weekend's adoption efforts will include as many as 11 dogs. Some will be available at the Escondido PETCO at 1000 West Valley Parkway in Escondido from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. this Saturday, February 10.
Adoptions will also take place at a fundraiser at San Pasqual High School. Community members have created the "All Sports Challenge" fundraiser designed to help raise money for the Escondido Humane Society. The Challenge features a variety of events including contests in several sports ranging from baseball to golf, a giant rummage sale, raffle prizes in addition to pet adoptions. The 'All Sports Challenge' will be held this Saturday, February 10 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information on the "All Sports Challenge" please call 760-291-6000 ext. 6900.
At PETCO, the "Round UP" fundraising campaign that began immediately after the fire continues. Thus far more than $85,000 has been raised. Customers at the more than 90 PETCO stores in southern California are asked to "Round UP" their purchases.
"We are so grateful on behalf of the animals for the generosity our customers and all pet-loving people have shown," said Paul Jolly, the PETCO Foundation Director. "Our goal is to reach $100,000 in this campaign and we would certainly like to exceed that. The concern we have is that people will say that their support is not needed at this point. That is the not the case," he added.
The "Round UP" campaign gives all southern Californians convenient locations and an easy way to help. The campaign runs through February 17.
SOURCE: Escondido Humane Society
Contact: Leslie Anne Mogul, 760-746-1927, or Lindsey Mesenbourg, cell,
619-987-4212, both for Escondido Humane Society
Website: http://www.petco.com/
