San Diego, CA, December 10, 2025
The San Diego Humane Society hosted its annual ‘Toys, Treats and Tail Wags’ event, bringing early Christmas joy to over 600 shelter dogs. The event, organized in partnership with the Karen Cooper Foundation, provided festive toys and treats, highlighting the importance of pet adoption during the holiday season. This year’s efforts continued the foundation’s mission of spreading joy to dogs in shelters, following a successful 2024 initiative that reached thousands.
San Diego, CA
Over 600 Dogs Celebrate Christmas Early at San Diego Humane Society
In a heartwarming event on December 9, 2025, the San Diego Humane Society, in partnership with the Karen Cooper Foundation, provided special holiday toys and treats to over 600 shelter dogs, bringing early Christmas cheer to these animals awaiting adoption.
The “Toys, Treats and Tail Wags” event commenced at 10 a.m. at the San Diego Humane Society’s main campus located at 5500 Gaines Street. This annual tradition, now in its third year, aims to uplift the spirits of shelter dogs during the holiday season.
About the Karen Cooper Foundation
Established to honor the memory of Karen Cooper, a San Diego County resident and animal lover who tragically passed away in 2023, the foundation continues her legacy by spreading holiday joy to dogs in shelters. In 2024, the foundation donated holiday gifts to more than 4,000 dogs across 26 shelters. This year, it expanded its reach, delivering toys to over 8,000 dogs in 56 shelters.
Significance of the Event
Beyond providing festive treats, the event highlights the importance of pet adoption, especially during the holiday season when shelters often experience overcrowding. The San Diego Humane Society currently has more than 800 pets available for adoption, emphasizing the need for loving homes for these animals.
Background on the San Diego Humane Society
Founded in 1880, the San Diego Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare. With campuses in San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, and Ramona, it provides services for 14 cities in San Diego County. The organization is committed to creating a more humane San Diego by inspiring compassion, providing hope, and advancing the welfare of animals and people.
Call to Action
Community support plays a crucial role in the success of such events. Individuals interested in adopting a pet or supporting the San Diego Humane Society can visit their official website for more information on available animals and how to get involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Toys, Treats and Tail Wags” event?
The “Toys, Treats and Tail Wags” event is an annual tradition where the San Diego Humane Society, in partnership with the Karen Cooper Foundation, provides special holiday toys and treats to shelter dogs, bringing early Christmas cheer to these animals awaiting adoption.
Who is the Karen Cooper Foundation?
The Karen Cooper Foundation was established to honor the memory of Karen Cooper, a San Diego County resident and animal lover who tragically passed away in 2023. The foundation continues her legacy by spreading holiday joy to dogs in shelters.
How many dogs were involved in this year’s event?
Over 600 shelter dogs at the San Diego Humane Society received special holiday toys and treats during the “Toys, Treats and Tail Wags” event on December 9, 2025.
How can I support the San Diego Humane Society?
Individuals interested in adopting a pet or supporting the San Diego Humane Society can visit their official website for more information on available animals and how to get involved.
What is the mission of the San Diego Humane Society?
The San Diego Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare, aiming to create a more humane San Diego by inspiring compassion, providing hope, and advancing the welfare of animals and people.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Toys, Treats and Tail Wags |
| Date | December 9, 2025 |
| Location | San Diego Humane Society, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA |
| Number of Dogs | Over 600 shelter dogs |
| Partner Organization | Karen Cooper Foundation |
| Purpose | Provide holiday toys and treats to shelter dogs awaiting adoption |
| Foundation’s Mission | Honor Karen Cooper’s legacy by spreading holiday joy to dogs in shelters |
| San Diego Humane Society’s Mission | Create a more humane San Diego by inspiring compassion, providing hope, and advancing the welfare of animals and people |
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