Humane Society of Ventura County

Americans often hear warnings of rising obesity rates among humans, but pets are equally affected. The Association for Pet Obesity estimates that the U.S. is now home to over 100 million overweight or obese dogs and cats, up from 80 million in 2013. Some owners think the extra pounds make their pets just a little cuter but in fact, the consequences of overweight and obesity can be quite staggering. These include a higher risk for problems with joints, as well as the liver, kidney, and heart. One study has already shown that at least in the case of Labradors, even being moderately overweight can significantly reduce their life expectancy by nearly two years. If you have a pup who is getting a little round in the sides, what can you do to help them get leaner and fitter?

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 Humane Society of Ventura County Santa Paws holiday photo sessions recently. Between the two dates, we had over 115 families photographed with Santa. This was our 34^th year providing quality photographs to celebrate the Holiday Season. This was our first year hosting an Ugly Sweater Contest with winners in both the human and pet categories. Judging was done by HSVC staff. Congratulations to the winners and Happy Holidays from the HSVC. See you and your ugly sweaters next year at Santa Paws.

This past Saturday The Humane Society of Ventura County celebrated Dr. Lewis and his 33 years of service to the shelter at his final low-cost shot clinic. Dr. Curtis Lewis, who has been on the HSVC team for nearly 33 years and has performed an estimated 70,000 alterations as well as hosting the low-cost shot clinic at the Shelter on the first and third Saturday of each month, semi-retired this past spring.

As the holidays draw near, so does the Humane Society of Ventura County’s charitable shopping event of the season! The Humane Society will host its 8th Annual Purrs & Paws Holiday Boutique and Marketplace on December 14th at the Chaparral Auditorium in Ojai. Proceeds from the Boutique will be used to upgrade our “Adoption Meet-and-Greet Yard.”

On the evening of Sunday, December 1st, the Humane Society of Ventura County was broken in to, and a kitten has gone missing, presumably stolen by the unidentified subject who is still at large.

Animal portraiture is a very special field of photography. Animals are always on the move, and it can be challenging to get their attention with their different likes and personalities. The Humane Society of Ventura County is very lucky to have volunteers who dedicate their skills to getting the best possible photos of our animals to help improve the chances of them being adopted into loving homes. One such volunteer is Leslie Lange, who does the color profile shots of our dogs and cats.

Giving Tuesday is just around the corner! Next week the world over kicks off the charitable season by celebrating Giving Tuesday. Starting on December 3rd, and continuing through the end of the year, individuals and communities selflessly show their support for organizations worldwide that offer services to those in need. We invite our supporters to participate in this global movement by making a donation to help improve the lives of animals right here in Ventura county.

It is the season for giving and here at the Humane Society of Ventura County we are already feeling the love! Thank you to Jake, Elizabeth, and Charles with Rolls Scaffolding for dropping off an entire truck bed of dog food for our Pet Food Bank!