AFV to host first ‘Howliday’ Open House

Animal Friends of the Valleys invites the community to its first “Howliday” Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 3 to 7 p.m. This free family event features a variety of kid-friendly activities including Cocoa with a Kitty, Caroling at the Kennels, Reading to Rescues and a Name a Shelter Pet contest. There will also be photo opportunities with the shelter’s mascot Rascal and a special holiday keepsake craft activity.

“The holidays are a perfect time to spend some time with our shelter cats and dogs,” said Executive Director Monica Wylie. “Pets need socialization and human interaction to develop physically and emotionally. Reading and singing to the animals is a great way to celebrate the season while giving back.”

Open House participants will also have an opportunity to support AFV by bringing a stocking stuffer for a shelter animal or by selecting an ornament with a need from their Christmas Giving Tree. AFV also will be offering cat and dog adoptions starting at $25 throughout the event.

“There is no greater gift for homeless animals than to open your heart and home to them,” explained Monica. “But for those who are unable to adopt, there are so many ways to pay it forward during the holidays.”

Animal Friends of the Valleys is the sole animal shelter serving the six cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula and Wildomar. The shelter is located at 33751 Mission Trail in Wildomar. For more information or to preview the shelter’s complete holiday wish list, visit animalfriendsofthevalleys.com.