WAG Newsletter | October 2026
ReTails Member's Night - November 2
The elves at ReTails have been hard at work preparing for another holiday season. Throughout the year, our staff and volunteers have sorted, priced, organized, and displayed thousands of donated holiday items to create a shopping experience unlike any other. From sparkling ornaments and seasonal décor to holiday dinnerware, linens, and Christmas trees, the Holiday Store will be jam-packed with festive treasures waiting to find new homes.
What began years ago as a small holiday shopping destination has grown into one of ReTails' most anticipated traditions. Today, holiday merchandise can be found throughout the store, transforming entire departments into a winter wonderland for shoppers looking to decorate their homes or find unique gifts. Whether you're searching for vintage finds, holiday collectibles, or classic seasonal décor, there will be something new to discover around every corner.
For those who simply can't wait to start shopping, our exclusive Member’s Night offers the opportunity to explore the Holiday Store before it opens to the public. Guests will enjoy early access to the season's best finds while kicking off the holidays with fellow thrifters and holiday enthusiasts. It's the perfect chance to get a head start on decorating, entertaining, and gift-giving.
Join Us
ReTails Holiday Store Member’s Night
Monday, November 2 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
ReTails Thrift Store | 5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
Tickets: $20, space is limited.
The Holiday Store officially opens to the public on November 3 at 9:00 AM and will remain stocked throughout the holiday season. Our staff and volunteers work continuously to bring out fresh inventory, so no two visits are ever the same. That means you’re guaranteed to find plenty of holiday magic waiting for you at ReTails.
And while you're shopping for holiday décor, don't forget to explore the rest of the store. ReTails is filled with unique gifts, collectibles, home goods, toys, and one-of-a-kind treasures that are perfect for everyone on your list. Every purchase supports Humane Society for Southwest Washington and helps provide care and second chances for animals in need.
Stay tuned for more details! As we count down the days to the Holiday Store opening, we’ll share a map of the store, a shopping guide, and more.
A Million Reasons to Celebrate
On October 3rd, more than 500 animal lovers came together for this year's Unleash Your Heart Gala & Auction. It was truly an unforgettable evening! From the moment guests arrived, the room was filled with excitement, inspiring moments, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to helping pets in need.
Our community's generosity was on full display from start to finish. Throughout the night, supporters enjoyed lively bidding, visits with puppies and kittens, and exhilarating dessert dashes. Stories of hope and second chances brought our mission to life and highlighted the lifesaving impact of HSSW's work.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when HSSW Board Member, Jason Fish, announced a $500,000 gift from Linn Dee Stein in memory of her beloved husband, Craig Stein. This extraordinary contribution will carry the Craig Stein Yappy Hour into another year, extending the impact of a program that has already helped more than 1,400 animals find loving homes. Linn Dee's generosity ensures that Craig's legacy of compassion will continue changing lives for pets and the people who love them.
By the end of the evening, our community had raised more than $1,000,000 for the animals of Southwest Washington. These funds will provide vital shelter, medical care, and other lifesaving services for thousands of pets in the years ahead. The support raised through this Gala allows HSSW to continue expanding its impact and being there for animals when they need us most.
The Unleash Your Heart Gala was more than an event. It was a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish together. To everyone who attended, donated, or supported from afar: thank you for helping create a community where every person loves and cares for animals.
Our Presenting Sponsors
Cowlitz Indian Tribe
The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is committed to building mutually supportive and long-lasting relationships with the organizations, communities, and people supporting the vast philanthropic and charitable activities within the State of Washington. Through intentional and careful planning and economic development, the Tribe plays a key role in the economy of the Pacific Northwest. HSSW is a proud partner with the Tribe and deeply grateful for their generous support.
ilani
Our friends at ilani are generous hosts who truly go the extra mile to make Gala such a special evening. And their support extends well beyond Gala - they also host our Mobile Veterinary Clinic, helping us meet pets and people where they are and expand access to low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services. The partnership between ilani and HSSW is one that benefits the animals of Southwest Washington today and well into the future. And we're just one of the many organizations fortunate to be the recipient of their generous support.
Gala Photos
Want to relive the excitement of the evening or see what you missed? Our Gala photo gallery is now available and filled with memorable moments from the night. Take a look at the people, pets, and celebrations that made this year's Unleash Your Heart Gala & Auction so special.
Keep Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving
As the spooky season comes to an end and we trade jack-o'-lanterns for turkey dinners, now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead to Thanksgiving. While the holiday is still over a month away, a little preparation can go a long way when it comes to keeping pets safe and stress-free. From busy households and visiting guests to tempting table scraps, there are a few common holiday hazards worth keeping in mind before the festivities begin.
Visitors and Busy Households
Many pets thrive on routine, which can make holiday gatherings a little stressful. A house full of guests, unfamiliar scents, and extra noise may leave some pets feeling anxious or overstimulated. Make sure your pet has a quiet space where they can retreat if they need a break from the festivities.
If you'll be welcoming visitors into your home, remind guests not to leave doors open unnecessarily. Holiday arrivals and departures create more opportunities for curious pets to slip outside unnoticed. Ensuring your pet's identification tags and microchip information are current can provide extra peace of mind.
Beware of Table Scraps
Thanksgiving dinner may be the highlight of the day for people, but many holiday foods can cause problems for pets. Rich foods, fatty meats, butter, gravy, and other indulgent dishes can lead to digestive upset or even more serious conditions like pancreatitis. While it may be tempting to share a special treat, sticking to your pet's normal diet is often the safest choice.
Turkey bones deserve special attention. Cooked bones can splinter easily and create choking hazards or cause serious internal injuries. It's also important to keep trash cans secure, as many pets are willing to dig through leftovers in search of a holiday snack.
Foods to Avoid
Cooked turkey bones
Turkey skin and fatty meats
Gravy and rich side dishes
Onions, garlic, and foods seasoned with them
Chocolate desserts and candies
Alcoholic beverages
Bread dough and uncooked baking ingredients
Kitchen Safety
The kitchen is often the center of Thanksgiving activity. Hot ovens, sharp knives, heavy pots, and dropped food can create hazards for curious pets looking to investigate the action. Consider keeping pets out of the kitchen while meal preparation is underway to avoid burns, injuries, or accidental ingestion of unsafe foods.
Food left unattended on counters or tables can also be tempting. Even well-behaved pets may seize an opportunity when no one is looking. Keeping food secured and cleaning up spills promptly can help prevent problems before they happen.
Preparing for Emergencies
Even with careful planning, accidents can happen. Before the holiday begins, make sure you know how to reach your family veterinarian and the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Having important phone numbers readily available can save valuable time if your pet gets into something they shouldn't.
It's also a good idea to keep these pet poison resources handy:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with the ones we love, and that includes our pets. By planning ahead and keeping a close eye on potential hazards, you can help ensure the holiday is filled with happy memories, full bellies, and plenty of tail wags.
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