PRESS RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Melanie Norton, Public Relations

Office (760) 839-7976

Cell (760) 505-9893

ESCONDIDO HUMANE SOCIETY TO

DEDICATE NEW SITE ON ANNIVERSARY OF FIRE

January 9, 2002- Escondido, CA—The Escondido Humane Society will dedicate the seven-acre plot of land that will house the society’s new shelter, with a ceremony at 2 p.m. on January 20.  The date will mark the anniversary of the fire that destroyed the shelter last year.  In addition to the entire community, the invitation list includes the animals that survived the fire.  Most notably, “Flame”, the Labrador mix who was rescued and later adopted by the Escondido Fire Department.

            According to EHS executive director, Phil Morgan, “The site dedication is being held on the anniversary of the fire so that we can memorialize the animals that we lost as well as show the community what the future holds for us.  The day will mark a closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.”

            The ceremony will begin with a message from Escondido Mayor, Lori Holt Pfeiler, as well as Christine Bellport, anchor for KUSI morning news.  Dawn Danielson, assistant director of the San Diego County Department of Animal Control, and EHS executive director, Phil Morgan, will discuss the future of the humane society.  Reverend J.R. Westen, Doctor of Divinity, will conclude with a prayer in remembrance of the 115 animals who perished in the shelter fire last year. 

            The ceremony will last approximately forty minutes.  Light refreshments will be served.  For directions and an agenda, visit the EHS web site at www.escondidohumanesociety.org, or call (760) 839-0293.