Animal Friends of the Valleys placed nearly 3,500 dogs and cats in homes during 2025, the most adoptions in the nonprofit shelter's history.
The organization, which serves Murrieta and five other Southwest Riverside County cities, plans to celebrate that milestone at its annual Wines for Canines & Kitties Fundraiser Gala on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, according to Valley News.
AFV took in roughly 8,600 dogs and cats during 2025, plus about 1,000 other animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, reptiles and small farm animals, Valley News reported. The record adoption total topped any previous year.
Mo Middleton, AFV's executive director and chief animal control officer, told Valley News that the most fulfilling part of her work is watching neglected and abused animals regain trust in people and find permanent homes. She described one case in which a severely abused dog whose survival was uncertain was rescued, rehabilitated and placed in a safe home while the person responsible was arrested and charged.
"There's not a day here that doesn't hurt and at the same time make me happy," Middleton said.
Founded in 1987, AFV operates a shelter on Mission Trail in Wildomar and runs a low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic adjacent to that facility. The organization serves Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Wildomar, Menifee, Murrieta and Temecula.
The Nov. 7 gala runs from 6 to 10 p.m. A champagne reception and silent auction open the evening from 6 to 7 p.m. Dinner, an AFV program and a live auction follow from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Connor Wilson, AFV's event manager, said the gala gives the community a chance to recognize the staff who work on behalf of animals every day. Proceeds support shelter operations, veterinary care, adoption services and outreach programs.
Individual tickets cost $175. A reserved table for 10 is $1,750. Tickets and event details are available at afv.org/wines.
Upcoming community dates
- Saturday, Nov. 7 — Wines for Canines & Kitties Fundraiser Gala, 6–10 p.m., Wilson Creek Winery, 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. Tickets: $175 individual, $1,750 table of 10. Info: afv.org/wines
