Paw Prints - Spring 2015

Paw Prints SPRING 2015

PUBLISHED FOR FRIENDS OF THE ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY

ASK THE DOG TRAINER Page 3

SAVING MORE LIVES IN 2015

COMPASSION WITH FASHION

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LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

Dear Friend, In 2014, we made a commitment to save more lives. We were no longer content with the status quo. No longer willing to accept the same shelter methods that could never overcome Maricopa County’s pet overpopulation problem.

We had to change. Tiny paws and wet noses needed us to do more.

So last year, we ventured “outside the box” and thought differently about how we could make a difference in the lives of homeless pets.

• We opened a kitten nursery, where we could care for and socialize young kittens who were not yet ready to go up for adoption.

• We debuted our Waggin’ Wheels Mobile Adoption Vehicle, which allows us to take the Valley’s most adorable pets on the road, opening up new potential homes and adoption outlets.

• We launched our industry-leading Admissions by Appointment program, designed to responsibly manage intake and give every pet surrendered to AHS his or her best chance for success, and rolled out our Pet Resource Center – a compassionate call center that provides resources to struggling pet owners with the goal of keeping pets in homes and out of the shelter environment.

• We began a Working Cats Program that helps us to find homes for cats not suited for indoor living.

• We expanded our Trap-Neuter-Return and Spay/ Neuter efforts to combat pet overpopulation.

And when all was said and done, we saved 8,601 more animals than we did the year before.

I think I can speak for our entire team of staff and volunteers in saying how thrilled we were to have given so many more second chances. And how grateful we are to you for making it all possible.

Your continued support and generosity provided us with the resources to open the nursery, launch the mobile adoption unit and expand our spay/neuter initiatives. Your kindness saved lives.

But our job is not complete. There are still thousands of more homeless pets who are counting on us. And in the coming year, we have new, innovative programs to launch, additional progress to make and more homeless animals to help.

With your continued support, we will make a difference together. We will save even more lives.

Sincerely,

Dr. Steven R. Hansen, AHS President and CEO

2015 AHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Ann Damiano, Chair Eileen Rogers, Vice Chair Michael Napier, Vice Chair Susanne Ingold, Secretary Marla Hummel, Treasurer Melinda Gulick, Past Chair

Board Members Katherine K. Cecala Bryant Colman Mary Frances Ewing Andrea Marconi Adam Miller Kerry Milligan

Suzanne Pearl Kimberlee Reimann Padilla Amanda F. Shaw Ann Siner Mark Solie Andrew Sussman

Craig D. Thatcher – D.V.M., Ph.D. Karlene Wenz Kieffer Ronald Wilson Visit azhumane.org for full bio information on each of our Board members.

AHS PRESIDENT TO SERVE IN TWO NEW ROLES AHS President and CEO, Dr. Steven R. Hansen, was recently named President of the Alliance for Companion Animals and Fix.Adopt.Save initiative. The Alliance for Companion Animals, a coalition of seven animal welfare agencies in Arizona, are working together to spearhead a comprehensive three-year plan to tackle Maricopa County’s homeless animal problem helping both animals and communities in the process.

Dr. Hansen was also appointed to the Arizona State University Community Council, an advisory group to ASU President Dr. Michael Crow that focuses on ongoing transformation of the university.

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EXPANDED SERVICES

ASK THE TRAINER The Arizona Humane Society recently launched public dog training classes to provide affordable tools, resources and training options to help Valley pet owners better manage difficult behaviors that often result in pets being surrendered to a shelter.

Rick Gonzales, a certified professional trainer who heads up AHS’ training program, shared a few tips on the importance of training your dog.

Q: Why is it important to put your dog through training lessons?

A: Dogs do what dogs do, like jumping up, barking, chewing, and digging. So it’s our job to teach them how to live and behave in our human ways of life, so they’ll be well-mannered and safe from danger. Training classes are also a great way to build social skills and a bond with the owner.

Q: Is there a certain age that is best to train your dog?

A: One of the most important times in a dog’s life is between 3 and 12 weeks old.

This is the social period where the dog learns his or her life skills. At 5 to 7 weeks, a puppy learns its social skills with people and dogs. Since a lot of us aren’t around during this period (5 to 7 weeks), then the best time to train is the moment we get a new puppy or dog into the home. Learning never stops and can be taught at any age.

Q: What are a few commands all pet owners should know?

A: “Sit,” “down,” “leave it” and “stay” are key. If a dog is sitting, that means he’s not jumping on you. Normally if a dog is in a down position, he or she is settling and most dogs won’t bark while they are in a down. If your dog has a strong “leave it,” it could stop him from getting into things or be a great recall. And “stay” can keep them out of trouble and safe from harm’s way.

Q: What types of behaviors can be easily eliminated through training?

A: I’ve seen a lot of dogs surrendered to a shelter for being out of control. There are dogs that jump on people, house soiling, door dashers, dogs that go crazy in the house because they can’t be walked because they are bulldozers on a leash. All these things can be addressed through training. Training classes can also build social skill and boost confidence for fearful or under-socialized dog.

Rick Gonzales is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who has worked for numerous shelters throughout the years, teaching basic handling skills, canine body language, canine play groups, and counseling people on canine behavior.

OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANASIA SERVICES EXPAND TO CAMPUS FOR COMPASSION In an effort to better serve pet owners who have to make the sad, difficult decision to say goodbye to their furry friends, we have expanded our owner requested euthanasia services to our Margaret McAllister Brock Veterinary Clinic at the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion. We offer a variety of different euthanasia and aftercare options to meet the needs of any pet owner, ranging from communal creation to a resting spot in our peaceful Pet Columbarium . For more information, visit azhumane.org.

AHS’ Pet Columbarium

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SAVING MORE LIVES IN 2015

NEW INITIATIVES, MORE SECOND CHANCES In 2014, AHS ushered in a new era for homeless pets in Maricopa County.

Thanks to the implementation of innovative programs like our Kitten Nursery, Waggin’ Wheels Mobile Adoption Vehicle, Working Cats Program, Admissions by Appointment, Pet Resource Center and Expanded Trap-Neuter-Return, we were able to save the lives of 8,601 more animals than we did a year ago.

It was a truly rewarding feat, and one we could not have accomplished without the unwavering support of compassionate animal lovers like you. But we’re not done.

As long as there are homeless animals on our streets, pets who can no longer be cared for and sad sets of eyes who look to us for help, we must do more.

And this year, with your continued support, here are just a few of the ways we can save more lives than ever before: • We will work together with PetSmart Charities and our Fix.Adopt.Save partners to expand our TNR and spay/ neuter efforts in our continued fight against the Valley’s extreme pet overpopulation crisis.

• We will expand the scope of veterinary services so every pet owner in Maricopa County will have access to affordable, high-quality veterinary care.

• We have launched public dog training classes so pet owners can ensure their canine friends are wellmannered, lessening their chances of developing difficult-to-manage behaviors that could result in the pet being surrendered to a shelter.

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• Our Pet Resource Center will expand so we can offer additional resources and compassionate counseling to struggling pet owners in hopes of keeping even more pets in homes and out of the shelter environment.

• We are expanding our canine behavior modification program so we can work with even more shy and fearful dogs who need a little extra socialization and love before they are ready to go up for adoption.

• We are committing to treating highly-infectious, deadly diseases such as canine parvovirus in our shelter, so we can limit the potential for outbreak and save additional lives.

• We will explore the feasibility of a “mobile shelter” concept that would allow us to take our Waggin’ Wheels mobile adoption vehicle, mobile spay/neuter unit and other shelter services on the road to locations all over the Valley, offering a one-stop shop for animal lovers throughout our community who may not have easy access to our shelter and services.

• We will create new, mutually-beneficial community partnerships that will open up new homes, bring in additional funding and create more second chances for our homeless pets.

IN THE NEWS

AHS, PETSMART CHARITIES TEAM UP TO COMBAT PET OVERPOPULATION AHS has partnered with PetSmart Charities to launch an expanded Trap-Neuter-Return program and step up our fight against the extreme pet overpopulation crisis in the Valley. It is estimated that there may be more than 250,000 outdoor cats in Maricopa County, and thanks to a generous grant from PetSmart Charities, AHS will be able to TNR thousands of outdoor cats, while also providing resources and educating the community on the importance of spay/neuter. For more information visit somanycats.org.

SPAY MONTH SUCCESS! For the third straight year, the Arizona Humane Society kicked off World Spay Month on February 3 at Tempe Marketplace. Joined by our Fix.Adopt.Save partners, Altered Tails and the Spay/Neuter Hotline, we handed out nearly 700 free spay/neuter vouchers to Valley pet owners thanks to the generosity of our Circle of Friends donors. Spay and neuter activities continued throughout the month with PetSmart Charities’ Beat the Heat promotion, in which Valley pet owners could have their cats spayed for just $20, and our second annual Spay Up All Night event, in which 80 Valley pet owners received free services for their beloved pets.

NEW PARTNERSHIPS The Arizona Humane Society remains steadfast in our commitment to securing new mutuallybeneficial community partners that help us reach new audiences with our story, share our programs and services to those in need and highlight our brand in an effort to bring more awareness to our mission. This year, we are proud to have renewed our partnership agreement with AAA Arizona, offering members a 20 percent discount on adoption fees and spay and neuter surgeries. AHS is also excited to begin a brand new partnership with AARP Arizona that will help us reach the Valley’s senior community.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE The Arizona Humane Society is a proud member of the Arizona Humane Legislative Coalition, an alliance of the state’s leading active humane organizations and advocates who share the common goals of protecting animals from abuse, neglect and inhumane practices, and ensuring that those who harm animals are held accountable. Leveraging awareness, advocacy and legislation, the Coalition stands together during the ongoing 2015 legislative session to advance animal welfare and ensure Arizona remains a national leader in the humane treatment of its animals. For more information, visit azhumane.org/advocate.

TAKE YOUR DOG OUT TO THE BALLGAME Enjoy a spring training ball game with your canine companion during Dog Day at the Park March 14th at 1:05 p.m. at the Peoria Sports Complex. Watch the San Diego Padres take on the Texas Rangers from the special dog-friendly “PAW-tio” lawn section. One hundred percent of pet ticket proceeds benefit AHS. For more information, visit azhumane.org or call 800.677.1227.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

WHAT IS YOUR BACK-UP PLAN? Pets generally have a shorter lifespan than their owners, but what happens when your pet outlives you?

Such uncertainty can weigh heavily on your mind, but the Arizona Humane Society’s Continuing Care program allows you to rest easy knowing your pets will be cared for and loved. We’re pleased to offer this special benefit to help Legacy Circle members plan for their animal companions’ futures.

Pets who are enrolled in the program and have owners who predecease them are placed with new forever families that are carefully selected by our staff.

Continuing Care is one of the best and most simple ways of planning ahead for animal companions who depend on you for care.

To learn more or join the Legacy Circle, contact Lauren Martich-Duhaime at 602.395.3859 or legacycircle@azhumane.org.

SAVE THE DATE: ARIZONA GIVES DAY TUESDAY, APRIL 7!

Join the Arizona Humane Society for this powerful, 24-hour online giving experience that unites Arizonans around causes they believe in. Hosted by the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and the Arizona Grantmakers Forum, Arizona Gives Day is a great way to give the gift of a second chance to homeless pets while helping AHS win amazing cash prizes! For more information, visit azgives.org.

Compassion with Fashion 2015 Once Upon a Tail | Sunday, March 29th Help homeless pets find their happily ev-fur after at AHS’ magical 17th annual Compassion with Fashion, Sunday March 29, 2015 at The Phoenician. More than 1,000 royal attendees will enjoy a fanciful seated luncheon feast, a spellbinding silent auction and a fairy-tail fashion show featuring AHS’ charming adoptable pets. An enchanting event for the entire family where dreams really do come true!

Tables and tickets for this can’t-miss event are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit azhumane.org/cwf or contact Carrie Hughes at 602.323.8831 or chughes@azhumane.org.

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WE CAN’T CONTAIN OUR GRATITUDE! Lovers of pets and superior home organization gathered February 7th and 8th for the grand opening celebration of The Container Store’s newest location in Glendale. Together, The Container Store helped raise $14,500 for the pets of the Arizona Humane Society, with 10 percent of their weekend sales benefitting AHS. Thank you to The Container Store for being paws-itively amazing partners and to all those who shopped the big weekend and helped support our pets!

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

PHOENIX MAYOR GREG STANTON HELPS LAUNCH BRIDLE PATH PROGRAM Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton joined AHS President and CEO Dr. Steven R. Hansen, and AHS volunteers and adoptable dogs to help launch our new Bridle Path Program in January.

The program will give AHS volunteers the opportunity to take adoptable dogs housed at AHS’ Sunnyslope Campus out of the shelter and for walks along Phoenix’s Murphy Bridle Path. The 2.5-mile path offers a shady, tree-lined trail in central Phoenix which runs along the eastern side of Central Avenue from Bethany Home Road to the Arizona Canal north of Northern Avenue.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton (left) and AHS President and CEO Steven R. Hansen (right) help launch AHS’ Bridle Path dog walking program.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in our community to get out and get fit while having a lot of fun,” Mayor Stanton said. “As much as it means for the walkers, it means even more for dogs and raises awareness about the Valley’s homeless pets.”

NEW VIRTUAL WORLD FOR KIDS TEACHING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP The Arizona Humane Society has partnered with kuboo.com, a virtual 3D game environment, to create an online pet rescue adoption game where children can adopt a dog and learn how to be a caring and responsible pet owner. Children will pick out their virtual rescue pet and then must care for their new friend with regular feeding, bathing, brushing and more. The game will even feature video tips from the Arizona Humane Society’s veterinarians and staff!

Kuboo Rescue Adoption is a pilot program designed using the Arizona Humane Society’s principles, with a focus on empathy, compassion and respect for animals. As we strive to become the animal welfare community of the future, the Kuboo partnership will introduce innovative, multi-dimensional learning that teaches younger children through the virtual practice of pet care.

Your child will love learning about pets in this amazing virtual world. Try it out at kuboo.com.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: PENNY Before arriving at the Arizona Humane Society, Penny was forced to live on the streets as a starving stray. This curly-coated cutie was quickly adopted and now enjoys the casual lifestyle of a California beach bum. This easy, breezy Cockapoo enjoys playing with other dogs, running in the sand and mud and accompanies her owner off the beaten path while hiking in the mountains. Her owner Tracie said that Penny “has brought nothing but joy into my life since the moment I brought her home.”

Each and every day, we are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of animals just like Penny thanks to you. As we transform animal welfare in our community, we invite you to join us by becoming a Constant Companion monthly supporter. Every month, your gift helps provide nutritious food for our animals, gas for our EAMT Rescue vehicles and medical treatment that gives a pet in need a second chance at life.

Thank you for considering this convenient way to make a sustaining and impactful gift to help thousands of animals just like Penny find their own happy ending.

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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

HELP OUR PETS WHILE YOU SHOP AT FRY’S Did you know you can support the Arizona Humane Society just by shopping at Fry’s?

It’s easy when you enroll in Fry’s Community Rewards!

To get started, just sign up online at frysfood.com (under the “Community” tab) with your V.I.P Card, and select the Arizona Humane Society (74708). Once you’re enrolled, you’ll earn rewards for AHS every time you shop and use your V.I.P Card!

AHS SCORES AT PUPPY BOWL CAFÉ AHS puppies put on the cutest game in town during Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl Café in January. More than two dozen pups squirmed out of tackles and wiggled their way to scores, treating thousands of animal lovers to a live replica of PUPPY BOWL XI. Best of all, more than 20 puppies found their forever homes following the event! It was a touchdown for homeless pets!

Pet-Friendly Plates 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 · Pet Emporium 1521 W. Dobbins Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85041 602.997.7585 SUNNYSLOPE CAMPUS Admissions · Adoptions · Veterinary Clinic Thrift Store · Second Chance Animal Hospital™ · EAMT™ 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

Help drive pet overpopulation out of Arizona by purchasing a pet-friendly license plate! Pet-friendly Arizona plates are available for only $25 per year, and $17 from each plate helps to pay for spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout Arizona.

Order your plates at azpetplates.org or call the ADOT Motor Vehicles Division Offices nearest you.

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