Escondido Humane Society uses event to help animals in need

By: PENNY BONNOT - Staff Writer | Tuesday, October 18, 2005 11:10 PM PDT ∞

The enthusiastic crowd went wild when the group Remembrance belted out a few of the Temptations' Motown songs at the Orfila Vineyards and Winery recently. The group was not scheduled as entertainment that night at the Escondido Humane Society's fund-raiser, "Under the Tuscan Moon." It had donated a private performance in someone's home as an auction item and was performing just as a sample of what was to come for the highest bidder.

"The crowd went crazy," said Gary Neiger, the Escondido Humane Society's vice president of development.

Remembrance was so popular, it was asked back on stage three times and garnered $2,400 for the Escondido Humane Society. Three successful bidders will enjoy a performance at their respective homes instead of only one.

I understand the enthusiasm ran high, all evening, which isn't unusual for people connected with the Escondido Humane Society. They are devoted to and passionate about all the animals that end up in the society's shelter.

The funds raised at events like this one go to help animals such as Gollum, a 1- to 2-month-old puppy who came to the shelter with joint problems. A veterinarian at the shelter diagnosed him with a rare genetic condition called swimmer puppy syndrome.

Poor Gollum moved about with both front legs out to the side of the chest, in a paddling motion, with his hind legs splayed behind him.

"He couldnít even stand up," Neiger said.

The shelter is providing the puppy with physical therapy and rehab programs.

"We feel that we can help him become adoptable, but adoptable with special needs," Neiger said. "Gollum has the best disposition. He's a trooper."

The Escondido Humane Society, along with other local Humane Societies, is extending its enthusiastic care of animals to include 15 dogs displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

"We take a digital photo of each dog and post it on petfinders.com," Neiger said. "Meanwhile, the animals will stay at the shelter and be treated there. Then they are fostered."

They will not be available for final adoption until Dec. 31, if the dogs have not been placed with previous owners by then.

The Escondido Humane Society provides animal care, adoption, education and protection services to inland North San Diego County. Its mission is to promote responsible pet ownership by teaching compassion, respect and caring treatment for all living creatures. It advocates the elimination of animal abuse, pet overpopulation and homelessness among companion animals and finds new homes for surrendered, stray and abandoned animals.

Call (760) 888-2275.

Penny Bonnot can be reached at (760) 901-4085 or pbonnot@nctimes.com.