Paw Prints WINTER 2015
NEW HOPE FOR HOMELESS PETS Page 4
DONATE HOLIDAY HAPPINESS Page 5
Cookie, currently recovering in the loving home of a foster hero.
PUBLISHED FOR FRIENDS OF THE ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY
LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Dear Friend, Every day, I walk through our kennels and see a Charlotte – a 6-monthold kitten who was rescued by our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ from an industrial plant with burns and a broken leg. And a Boss – a blind, 7-year-old dog who was left homeless when his owners had to move and could not take the loving American Pit Bull Terrier with them. A part of me is sad, recounting the struggles that pets like Boss and Charlotte have been through. But a much bigger piece is so optimistic for their futures, knowing how much they are loved and cared for while they prepare for their happy endings in a forever home. Whether it’s our hard-working staff offering up their offices as a daylong retreat so our dogs can get some crucial socialization time outside their kennels or our amazing volunteer force giving up a Saturday morning with their family to be a homeless animal’s “extended family”, our pets always have a compassionate animal lover helping to make their stay a little warmer and a whole lot happier.
And they also have you and your lifesaving support. Your gifts provide the toys and medical care that keep Boss entertained and healthy, fund the trauma center that saved Charlotte’s life and give every animal who walks through our doors a second chance at happiness. This holiday season, celebrate Boss’s goofy smile and Charlotte’s playful purr, and consider supporting other homeless pets who still need help.
Boss
Some pets don’t realize how great the holidays can be. This year, let’s show them. Make a gift, volunteer your time or adopt a new friend. They’ll be forever grateful and so will we. Thank you for sharing a little holiday spirit with homeless pets in need. Charlotte
Dr. Steven R. Hansen, AHS President and CEO
2015/16 AHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BOARD MEMBERS Bryan Albue
Kerry Milligan
Ann Damiano, Chair
Anthony Alfonso
Kimberlee Reimann Padilla
Andrea Marconi, Vice Chair
Gina Apresa
Eileen Rogers
Suzanne Pearl, Vice Chair
Katherine Cecala
Amanda Shaw
Susie Ingold, Secretary
Bryant W. Colman
Ann Siner
Marla Hummel, Treasurer
Mary Frances Ewing
Dr. Craig Thatcher
Melinda Gulick, Past Chair
Karlene Kieffer
Matthew Waller
Adam J. Miller
Ron Wilson
Visit azhumane.org for full bio information on each of our board members. 2
IN THE NEWS
FURRY FAMILY FIX PROGRAM HELPS COMBAT PET OVERPOPULATION In our continued efforts to combat pet overpopulation through increased spay/ neuter, AHS is piloting a new program called Furry Family Fix, aimed at helping families that have had litters of puppies and kittens. Under the Furry Family Fix program, AHS will waive the surrender fee for litters of puppies and kittens, while offering the pet owner a free spay/neuter voucher for the litter’s mom and/or dad that can be used at one of our public clinics. Furry Family Fix not only helps families who find themselves with an accidental litter of puppies and kittens, but also prevents future litters and helps combat pet overpopulation in Maricopa County.
AHS PRESIDENT AND CEO HONORED AS MOST ADMIRED LEADER Dr. Steven Hansen, AHS’ President and CEO, has been named one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s and Valley’s 2015 Most Admired Leaders. The honor celebrates 25 business and community leaders for their outstanding work within their organizations and the community, and strives to inspire others through their successes. We are so proud to have Dr. Hansen at the helm, leading transformational change in our community.
CALLING ALL PARTY ANIMALS! The Arizona Humane Society invites children ages 5-12 years old to celebrate their birthdays with a unique celebration at our Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion. Our party package includes: printable party invitations, party favors for each guest, a shelter tour, a visit from an animal friend, animal-themed crafts and activities and a staff party host. The fee is just $225 and parties are scheduled on Saturdays at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. If your child wants to party with the animals, please contact us at education@azhumane.org.
ADVOCACY UPDATE The success of the 2015 legislative session, which culminated with Governor Ducey’s extraordinary veto of a bill that would have weakened animal-cruelty laws in Arizona, strengthened our resolve at the Capitol to ensure our laws reflect our shared commitment to protect animals and ultimately save more lives. Based on your feedback from our advocacy survey, we’ve spent the past few months working with our partners and allies – local municipalities, state officials and other animal-welfare organizations – to find ways to increase punishment for animal abuse and eliminate loopholes in existing statutes to further protect all Arizona pets. Some of this work will be introduced as part of the 2016 legislative session and your support will, again, be critical to our success. From phone calls to letter-writing campaigns, your voice makes a difference. We’ll share more details as the legislative sessions take shape in January. Thank you, again, for your ongoing support. For more information, visit azhumane.org/advocate.
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LIFESAVING INITIATIVES
NEW HOPE FOR HOMELESS PETS When Lena arrived at the Arizona Humane Society, this sweet 2-yearold Pug mix was suffering from a case of cherry eye. Our skilled team of veterinarians determined that Lena would need extensive surgery and repaired her eye at our Second Chance Animal Hospital™. Following several days of recovery, Lena went up for adoption, and the loving ball of energy eventually found her forever home in Phoenix. Lena came to AHS through our New Hope Program, through which AHS partners with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control to transfer in animals from County shelters. In the past, Lena’s story would have been rare. With overrun kennels, limited resources and more than 30,000 animals coming through our doors in years past, there was seldom space to bring in pets from outside partners. But thanks largely to our Pet Resource Center, an empathetic team of trained professionals who provide resources to struggling pet owners in hopes of keeping pets in homes, and our new Admissions by Appointment model, we have celebrated a dramatic 47 percent decrease in the number of animals we have taken in thus far this year. This drop in intake has opened up space and resources for pets like Lena, and we’ve been able to increase the number of animals we bring in through New Hope by an astonishing 750 percent. Additionally, we’ve revived a dormant Project Reach Out program, through which we transfer in pets from animal welfare organizations throughout the state. After transferring in less than 100 animals a year ago, we’ve already given a second chance to more than 1,000 animals this year, just like Lena, who have been brought in from outside agencies.
GIDGET Gidget came to AHS from the Central Arizona Humane Society through our Project Reach Out program. Central Arizona Humane spent two months trying to catch Gidget, who had been abandoned in a field, and was completely shut down upon her arrival here. After two months of work with our Behavior Team, Gidget’s true personality began to shine through and she was adopted into a loving home in Phoenix.
DELLA Della transferred in from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control through our New Hope Program. When she arrived, she showed aggression with food, but worked with our Behavior Team to graduate through our food modification program with honors. She’s now enjoying life in Scottsdale.
TAZ’S TALE OF SURVIVAL Our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ found Taz abandoned in a recycling bin with wounds on his chin and abdomen and a fractured leg. The little 7-month-old kitten was brought to our Second Chance Animal Hospital™ where we stabilized his leg and he then spent several weeks recovering with one of our foster heroes before finding his forever home in Scottsdale. Thanks to a dramatic decrease in intake by nearly half this year, we are now able to refocus our mission on helping the sick, injured and abused homeless animals like Taz who need us most. Like Taz, 63 percent of all animals we take in are now being treated in our Second Chance Animal Hospital compared to 33 percent a year ago. Many of these pets have suffered severe injuries and need extensive care and recovery time in one of our loving foster hero homes, which is where you can help. If you’d like to join our foster hero force and help give a second chance to pets like Taz, visit azhumane.org/foster to learn more. 4
DONATE HOLIDAY HAPPINESS
SHARE A LITTLE HOLIDAY HAPPINESS This holiday season, as AHS shelter pets patiently await their loving families, you can help share a little holiday spirit. Your holiday gift provides food, medicine, toys, care and hope for the homeless pets who will be spending the holidays with us. Some pets don’t realize how great the holidays can be. Donate holiday happiness today and show them!
HOW YOUR GIFT HELPS Provides a “mercy groom” for a neglected animal with a painful, severely matted coat.
Puts one dog through AHS’ specialized Behavior Modification Program to overcome mild aggression or extreme fearfulness.
GIVE HOLIDAY LOVE THROUGH OUR SHELTER WISH LIST Can’t make a monetary gift this year but still want to help our pets celebrate the holidays? Donate items through our Shelter Wish List! Whether it’s a simple donation drive at the office, putting gifts under the company tree for pets in need or a holiday celebration in honor of AHS, the dogs, cats and critters we serve will have a happier holiday thanks to your support. Visit azhumane. org/shelterwishlist for our complete Shelter Wish List.
Finds a loving home for one animal through AHS’ mobile adoption vehicle, Waggin’ Wheels.
Fills the gas tank of one EAMT™ rescue vehicle for one week.
Saves the life of one critically injured animal in AHS’ Second Chance Animal Hospital™.
WHY I GIVE When my 95-year-old Mom begged me to get her a kitten, I was reluctant because of the presence of coyotes in the neighborhood so, sadly, had to say no. When Mother’s Day rolled around, I received an email from AHS suggesting I join the Constant Companion monthly giving program in remembrance of a loved one, and I thought it was a perfect way to honor my Mom’s memory while supporting animals in need! Monthly giving is such a convenient, easy way to ensure that the homeless animals at AHS are getting all the care and love they need each and every day.
I
- Joni Davis
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COMPASSION IN ACTION
1,200 PETS BROUGHT BACK FROM DEATH’S DOOR DURING SUMMER TO SAVE LIVES Through your compassion and generosity, we were able to raise more than $500,000 during our Summer to Save Lives campaign and 17th annual Pet Telethon. That’s enough to give a second chance to nearly 1,200 animals who had nowhere else to turn. Truly remarkable! A special thanks to each of our Summer to Save Lives sponsors: 3TV, VCA Animal Hospitals, Casino Arizona & Talking Stick Resort, Safeway, Hill’s Science Diet, AAM, Safelite Autoglass, ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings, UNION Biltmore, Harkins Theatres, Phoenix Magazine and CBS Radio. Their generous support helped put tails back where they belong and made happy endings come true for homeless and helpless pets.
JOIN US IN PARADISE: COMPASSION WITH FASHION 2016 Help the sun shine on homeless pets at AHS’ lifesaving 18th annual Compassion with Fashion: Paws In Paradise, Sunday, April 3, 2016 at The Phoenician. More than 1,000 guests will indulge in a seated island feast, surf a silent auction filled with treasures and take in a splashin’ fashion show featuring AHS’ adorable adoptable pets. Purchase your tickets now at azhumane.org/cwf. Contact Carrie Hughes at chughes@azhumane.org or 602.323.8831 for information on how to join our 2016 sponsors.
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GIVING BACK
LIFESAVING PARTNERS Each year, the Arizona Humane Society is fortunate to partner with outstanding foundations who help us to implement innovative programs and save countless lives. Their support is critical to the success of AHS and for that we are so grateful! •
Thanks to an amazingly generous $250,000 grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, AHS is fully implementing and expanding our Pet Resource Center (PRC), providing information and solutions to help more pets and customers through compassionate counseling, and increasing the size of the staff. This expansion has not only improved the customer service experience of pet owners calling AHS and actively engaged them as part of the pet overpopulation solution, but the grant has allowed AHS to keep more pets in loving homes. Thank you for this transformational gift.
•
Saving more lives takes a team, and thanks to Petco Foundation and Maddie’s Fund, AHS’ Project Save More Lives has the support of a dream team! Together, these generous groups have helped to underwrite two critically important programs: Puppy Parvo ICU and Behavior Modification. Combined, these programs will provide lifesaving treatment to more than 500 dogs in need every year.
#ThankstoMaddie
FIX.ADOPT.SAVE’S #MIMASCOTA CAMPAIGN TO TARGET HISPANIC COMMUNITY Currently in its third year, the Fix.Adopt.Save campaign, which is funded through the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and PetSmart Charities, has made great strides in tackling pet homelessness in Maricopa County by decreasing euthanasia Valley-wide by 47 percent. That lifesaving work continues through a new partnership with the Cesar Chavez Foundation and La Campesina Radio to raise awareness within the Hispanic community of the Valley’s pet overpopulation problem and encourage the community to be part of the solution. The “#mimascota” or “my pet” campaign launched in August 2015 and utilizes grassroots events and community awareness to promote the importance, and affordability of, spay/neuter services; pet adoptions and responsible pet ownership. For more information on Fix. Adopt.Save or #mimascota, please visit www.fixadoptsave.org or www.campesina.net/mimascota.
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Phoenix, AZ Permit No. 456
1521 W. Dobbins Road Phoenix, AZ 85041 azhumane.org
GET YOUR AHS CALENDAR The cutest calendar of the year is now on sale! Get your copy of AHS’ first-ever, full-size calendar, and keep up-to-date on your 2016 schedule with the Valley’s most adorable pets. Calendars are just $15 at our Petique locations or can be purchased online at azhumane.org/shoponline for $17 (includes shipping and handling). Proceeds from calendar sales go toward supporting AHS’ lifesaving programs and services and caring for homeless animals while they wait for their loving homes.
Emergency Ambulance EAMT™ Service SICK & INJURED RESCUES REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY
Daily 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. · 365 days a year 602.997.7585 Ext. 2073
Locations | Services NINA MASON PULLIAM CAMPUS FOR COMPASSION Adoptions · Veterinary Clinic · Retail · EAMT™ · Pet Resource Center 1521 W. Dobbins Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85041 602.997.7585 SUNNYSLOPE CAMPUS Admissions · Adoptions · Veterinary Clinic · Thrift Store · Second Chance Animal Hospital™ 9226 N. 13th Avenue/ 1311 W. Hatcher Road Phoenix, AZ 85021 602.997.7585 TEMPE THRIFT STORE Shop · Donate 755 W. Baseline Road Tempe, AZ 85283 480.366.4617
CAVE CREEK THRIFT STORE Shop · Donate 13401 N. Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ 85024 602.765.4497 PETIQUE AT BILTMORE FASHION PARK Adoptions · Retail 2502 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 167 Phoenix, AZ 85016 602.957.3113 PETIQUE AT THE SHOPS AT NORTERRA Adoptions · Retail 2460 W. Happy Valley Road, St. 1149 Phoenix, AZ 85085 623.582.2513
BOTTOM’S UP FOR HOMELESS PETS!
AHS is teaming up with Scottsdale Beer Company to support the Valley’s most adorable dogs and cats. Through December 31st, you can purchase an AHS limited-edition Copper Club growler and 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward supporting AHS’ lifesaving programs and services. Then every time you lap up a growler full of our special AHS custom Pale Ale, you raise even more money for our pets, as $1 from each pint purchased will support our homeless animals. It’s a tasty ale for a tasty cause!
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