Nothing says summer like ice cream for dinner. This is the time of year you’ll find me with my dogs, Jake and Betty, at the Tierrasanta Dairy Queen on Sunday afternoons. The look on their faces while they split a vanilla soft serve is one of many reasons I feel lucky to live in San Diego. I was struck when I moved here by just how pet-friendly this city is. Not only do restaurants and breweries around the county welcome our four-legged friends, we even have several beaches just for dogs, from Coronado to Ocean Beach and Del Mar. What other city has official dog beaches?
Whether you’re into surfing with your dog or strolling along one of our many parks or beaches, we’ve brought you the ultimate guide to enjoying summer with your pet in San Diego, starting on page 21. With all these great tips and events, it’s impossible to be bored this season.
If you do find yourself with extra time on your hands, consider volunteering with our wonderful staff at Project Wildlife. We couldn’t rehabilitate 10,000 wild animals without the help of our volunteers, and we’re always looking for more. Think you’d like to help out at the Project Wildlife hospital or even rehab an animal in your own home? Turn to page 12 to find out how. After all, what’s cuter than a litter of baby skunks? (Okay, maybe baby bunnies.) Summertime means plenty of babies: We take in nearly 5,000 kittens every year, so fosters are always needed. With 23,000 other animals coming in for rehoming/release, space is at a premium.
I hope you enjoy this special summer issue. We’d love to hear about your favorite summer pet tradition. Tag your photos with #sdhumane, and I’ll do my best to share a few of mine.
Lastly, the most important question of the season: Which of your dogs are you bringing to the Fur Ball? Our annual fundraising gala is September 9, and I’m always humbled by the show of support for our organization, and wowed by the fun, festive attire everyone dons with their pets. Unfortunately, Jake and Betty have to stay home. With all the activity, it’s too busy a night for me, and we don’t serve ice cream.
Gary Weitzman, DVM, MPH, CAWA
President and CEO
San Diego Humane Society