Humane society holds tree-lighting ceremony and adoption event

University Heights joined with Richmond Heights and the City of South Euclid to form a collaborative. The cities now share an animal warden. Finding homes for homeless animals has been the work of the South Euclid Humane Society for some time. It was founded in 2002 by Sunny Simon, the newly elected County Council District 11 representative.

The society does not have its own shelter and relies on foster homes to  take in and care for stray animals until forever homes can be found. Volunteers face an overwhelming increase in the number of stray animals desperate for assistance. 

Without the society's help, the abandoned animals would be taken to the already overcrowded county kennel. Inevitably, many dogs and cats are euthanized. In order to provide veterinary care, and ensure that all animals taken in are spayed and neutered, the society must raise money through private donations. It does not receive public funding.

Simon began the annual Pets Light up Our Lives tree-lighting ceremony, now in its ninth year. The event raises over $1,000 each year, and has resulted in the adoption of many animals into new homes in time for the holidays. It has become a community tradition, which now includes the City of University Heights and its residents.

The Humane Society will present the Pets Light Up Our Lives ceremony and Home for the Holidays Adoption event, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the garden area on the northwest corner of Green and Mayfield roads. A tree will be decorated with lights, honoring living and deceased pets. Rabbi Susan Stone, of South Euclid, will offer a blessing for pets. The public is invited to bring their pets to this free event. Donations of $5 per named pet will benefit the South Euclid Humane Society.

Adoptable pets will be available to good homes at a reception following the ceremony at South Euclid City Hall, 1349 South Green Road. There is an adoption fee. For more information, call 216- 291-8773.

Anita Kazarian is a marketing professional, founder of Noah’s Landing, LLC and a long-time resident of University Heights.