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20 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | NOVEMBER 2025 | Thanks to a special invitation from Haven Pet Center's CEO Jeff Shepherd — PAWS members gathered on Oct. 2 to enjoy a private, "Grand Tour" of the Haven Pet Center AND the nearby Haven Animal Hospital. Both are just 15 minutes from Four Seasons, in San Jacinto. The Haven staff were on board to welcome us, including Jeff (CEO); Nicole (VP Operations); Jose (Volunteer Coordinator), and Miguel (Intake Manager, aka Tour Guide Extraordinaire). Upon our arrival, 30+ PAWS members were welcomed into their Boardroom, serving up coffee, and lots of positive energy and insights into Haven's history and long journey from their origins in 1969 as Ramona, landing where they are now as a NON-PROFIT, NO- KILL shelter named Haven Pet Center. We learned what NO-KILL means and what it takes to responsibly manage a benevolent, NON- PROFIT facility, funded solely by monetary donations. It takes a small but tirelessly dedicated staff, along with volunteers-volunteers- volunteers — as well as all the donations (monetary and goods) that are so needed and so very much appreciated. Following coffee, we toured the Adoption Center, meeting the residents of the Cattery, the Dog House and Puppy Room, as they are nurtured and cared for while awaiting their forever home. As we exited back through the lobby — it's clear that it serves as their hub of busy activity for walk-in's needing assistance for various needs, along with appointments, for Meet-and-Greets, adoptions, fostering, owner-relinquishment and other services and just lots of Q&A. It's busy, but clean and welcoming, and a great place to volunteer (several PAWS team members can vouch for that!). Outside on the extensive property grounds, we met Haven's own family of animals (not adoptable) — Jose and staff are dedicated to their care: the 1,200 lb. cow, two goats to keep the cow company, the giant 35-year-old turtle, and a donkey! It's fun to just stop in and see how they thrive and are loved. There is also a membership-based dog park area — one for small and one for large dogs. Two blocks away on State Street, we toured their beautiful Haven Animal Hospital — a full-service, not-for-profit hospital, offering effective preventive medicine and urgent care services. The Haven adoptable dogs and cats are also spayed/neutered here before being released for adoption. The hospital also provides excellent grooming and boarding services. Questions: Call/text our PAWS Support line (951) 473-3235. Our next meeting is Nov. 6 and will be a BBQ on the Four Seasons Plaza. PAWS