Celebrate the holidays with HAVA's special events

From December 1, help decorate our trees by purchasing a handmade ornament and writing the name of your best bud, either as a memorial or for your cat or dog who is in your life now. The trees are at Petsense in Aberdeen and Vetters Animal Hospital and Willapa Veterinary Service in Raymond. Stop by and help fill the trees and check out our wish list as well.

On Saturday, December 6, from 10-2 p.m. Santa will be popping by the Raymond Dennis Co. for photos with your dog or cat. HAVA will have cookies and punch and the Dennis Co. will be offering deals on pet supplies and food.

For $15 you'll get a professionally edited photo and a link to a photo site where you can download all the pictures our photographer takes of your best friend. After your photo session, visit HAVA's cat shelter at 431 2nd Street and check out all our kitties and cats up for adoption.

Thank you to everyone in our community who donated to HAVA this year, either volunteering your time at the shelter or by making a contribution. This year HAVA will spend more than $100,000 on the animals and people we help. That includes spaying/neutering more than 150 stray cats in neighborhoods throughout Raymond, South Bend, Tokeland and Westport. Our Pet Food Bank has helped feed hundreds of animals in our community and our Frisky Fund has paid for medical expenses for more than 15 stray animals this year.

Finally, by the end of the year, HAVA will have adopted out more than 300 cats and dogs. We couldn't do it without your help and we are grateful to you for your generosity.