Animal enthusiasts to host Christmas bash, adoptions

Paws of the Planet, an animal-themed gift store on the Balboa Peninsula, plans to host a holiday celebration today with photo opportunities, free food and chances to adopt cats and dogs.

“Christmas Celebration for the Animals,” scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature for adoption cats and dogs from the Newport Beach Animal Shelter. A potbelly pig, a Bernese mountain dog and other animals will be available for photos.

The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center of Orange County in Huntington Beach will take donations for X-ray equipment for its new rehabilitation hospital. Donors who give $40 or more can choose between a DVD of Newport Beach’s late black swan Rupert or a stuffed Rupert doll; donors who give $100 or more will receive both items in a gift basket.

Paws of the Planet is located at 2813 Lafayette Road, Newport Beach. Call (949) 673-2347 for more information.

— Michael Miller