Student raising money for Escondido Humane Society

April 5, 2001

POWAY -- If ever there was proof that one person can make a difference, it is Jessica Davis.

A senior at Poway High School, Davis has single-handedly planned the Poway Pet Picnic, a fund-raiser for the Escondido Humane Society. The picnic takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lake Poway.

When Jessica, 17, heard that fire had destroyed the society's shelter in January, she was determined to help in any way she could.

"The fire was devastating news, and I took it very personally," she said.

Jessica served as a volunteer at the shelter for a year prior to the fire. She helped groom and socialize animals to increase their adoptability, and she exercised dogs. The shelter was a frequent weekend hangout until it was destroyed Jan. 20.

After the fire, Jessica focused her attention on an event to raise funds for rebuilding the society's facilities. The society agreed to donate some items and participate in the event.

The day will include a picnic breakfast and lunch, raffles, demonstrations, and contests. Pet owners are encouraged to dress up their pets for the pet costume contest. Owners who resemble their pets are also urged to join the pet/owner look-alike contest. An obstacle course for dogs also will be set up for guests to try. A nonprofit group, Emergency Animal Rescue, also will be on hand to demonstrate how to rescue endangered animals.

"I thought this would be a good opportunity to help the shelter and pay tribute to all of its volunteers," Jessica said.

After making more than 400 phone calls, Jessica said the picnic is ready. Pets and their owners are invited to attend for $10.

"We have had other high school students volunteer with us before, but nothing to this degree," said Mary Lee Poremba of the Escondido Humane Society. "Her work has been unbelievable; she has been so professional and has put so much of herself into this."

The humane society will have pets available for adoption at the event.

Jessica already has raised $750 by placing donation cans all over North County in stores and offices. A portion of these funds was used to buy food and prepare for the picnic. All proceeds from the picnic will go directly to the humane society.

"Even if we get just 100 people, that's $1,000 toward their rebuilding effort," Jessica said.

Poway Councilwoman Betty Rexford has personally thanked Jessica for her efforts to assist the shelter.

Jessica also is trained to assist in rescues with Emergency Animal Rescue. The group responds to calls reporting animals in dangerous situations. And she is a foster mom for homeless pets. Working with the San Diego Turtle Society, she currently cares for two baby turtles. She also hopes to find a home for a Weimaraner puppy she is fostering.

Her own brood includes Dalmatian puppy Panda, cats Nala and Maximus and an 85-year-old water turtle named Jinx who has been passed down as a pet for three generations in Jessica's family.

"Bettering animals' lives is just as important as bettering people's lives," Jessica said.

In June, Jessica will graduate from Poway High and plans to go to the University of Washington, Cal State Sacramento, Sonoma State University or Boston College.

For more information on the Poway Pet Picnic or to volunteer at the event, call Jessica at (858) 513-1456.