PawPrints Magazine: Spring 2023

AIDING A SHELTER IN NEED

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YOUR IMPACT DOUBLED

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LONGTIME VOLUNTEER WINS PRESTIGIOUS PRESIDENTIAL AWARD

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SPRING 2023

FROM DUSK TO DAWN: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR FAVORITE NEW DUO

Dusk and Dawn are two of our Animal Teachers who interact with children at camps, birthday parties and in the classroom. In each issue of Paw Prints, Dusk and Dawn will answer a question we receive from animal lovers like you.

Q: What makes the Arizona Humane Society such a great What work? We don’t work.

Dusk: (Sighs.) What Dawn means to say is that we love what we do so much at the Arizona Humane Society, it doesn’t seem like work at all – and that goes for our human counterparts, too!

Dawn: Oh. Yeah! We’re on a mission to save the lives of our community’s most vulnerable pets, and that is the driving force behind everyone here.

Dusk: Along with enriching the lives of pets and people. Not only that, AHS offers an inclusive culture that reflects its core values of innovation, compassion and excellence each and every day.

Dawn: I mean, just look at us. We’re ferrets working as teachers! (Giggles.) And everyone is super nice.

Dusk: Also helpful and professional, although the humans may be a little pet obsessed. (Both nod in unison.) Ooh, AHS offers competitive pay, paid holidays, a 401 (k), and medical, dental, and vision health benefits.

Dawn: I nearly forgot, if you’re a recently graduated veterinarian, you could be eligible for up to $100,000 in student loan forgiveness if you graduated after January 1, 2023 and commit to working for four years in Arizona, including two at a non-profit shelter like AHS!!

Dusk: Wow! I need to get a veterinary degree! I’m going to check out AZdollars4DVMs.org to learn more about this awesome loan forgiveness program.

Dawn: Lastly, there is lots of room for professional growth. We love hiring from within and cultivating tomorrow’s leaders.

Dusk: So don’t delay…

Together: Join our team today…

Dawn: …and see why Phoenix Magazine voted AHS “Best Nonprofit” and “Best Place to Volunteer.”

Our Mission

We save the most vulnerable animals and enrich the lives of pets and people.

Our Values

Innovation. Compassion. Excellence.

2023 AHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee

Dr. Craig Thatcher, Chair

Bryan Albue, Vice Chair

Julie Johnson, Secretary

Board Members

Anthony Alfonso

Yvonne A Betts

Andrea L. Claus

Ann Damiano

Dyan Getz

Lisa Grayson

Suzanne Hensing

Susie Ingold

Matthew Waller, Treasurer

Andrea Marconi, Past Chair

Suzy Juneau

Chad Makovsky

Christine Mellon

Dr. Edgardo Rivera

Kristin Slyker

Brian Stoll

Patricia Tate

Dr. Steven R. Hansen, Ex-Officio Board Member

Dr. Steven R. Hansen President & CEO

SHOWING OUR LOVE FOR PETS AND COMMUNITY

In February and March, the Arizona Humane Society celebrated pets and people by providing free- and low-cost veterinary services for the betterment of the health and welfare of pets and their owners.

Thanks to the generosity of Food City, Petco Love, and long-time donors Ann Siner and Lori Galvin, AHS offered free vaccines and microchips on February 27th and again on March 20th at Food City locations. Our team provided:

• Services to more than 900 pets

• More than 1,080 vaccinations

• Over 540 microchips

And in honor of World Spay Day in February, AHS offered $20 spay and neuter surgeries throughout the month, thanks to funding from our generous Circle of Friends – AHS’ passionate animal advocates who help ensure pet owners have access to affordable spay/neuter services for their pets. During the month:

• 441 pets received spay or neuter surgeries that are critical to managing the pet population

These events are crucial to helping us keep more pets and people together. Thank you to our amazing partners and donors Ann and Lori who made these successful events possible.

PETSMART CHARITIES® AWARDS AHS AN ACCELERATOR GRANT

The Arizona Humane Society is honored to announce it will receive a $200,000 Accelerator Grant from PetSmart Charities® to help improve accessible veterinary care for owned pets in our community. This grant will support the expansion of AHS’ Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic at its Sunnyslope Campus into a full service clinic over the next year.

Currently, AHS provides more than 10,400 owned pets with spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and microchip services at this clinic location each year and expects approximately 3,000 more pets will be helped annually through its expanded services. The grant will allow AHS to make critical capital improvements including expanded equipment and technology, staffing, medications and supplies, as well as increased outreach initiatives.

“The Arizona Humane Society works to support both pets and people through a number of programs and services including our low-cost veterinary clinics,” said AHS Vice President of Medical Operations, Dr. Melissa Thompson. “We are so grateful to PetSmart Charities for this generous grant, allowing us to not only provide vital services for more pets and their families, but also to help keep pets in their loving homes and out of already overcrowded shelters.”

AHS President & CEO Dr. Steven Hansen works on the front lines at one of our February Food City free vaccination events.

LENDING A PAW TO A SHELTER IN NEED

The BISSELL Pet Foundation called on AHS to help a small, rural shelter facing systemic problems during January. As a partner of BISSELL’s National Shelter Alliance network, we were excited to assist the St. Landry Parish Animal Control in Louisiana.

Our small but mighty team of three helped with daily animal care, adoptions, animal control services, and overall shelter operations. Our team received high praise from Kim Alboum, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Director of Shelter Outreach and Policy Development who shared that AHS was, “…instrumental in the changes, including creating a more humane facility, shifting parish philosophy on the function of the shelter in the community, and proving that a community shelter is possible in almost any environment. The shelter would not be in its current state without their expertise.”

This has been an incredible opportunity to help another shelter in desperate need and their pets! It was a wonderful collaboration and we hear their pets are wagging their tails as the St. Landry Parish Animal Control finds another leash on life.

DOUBLE YOUR GIFT TO HELP PETS LIKE GRACIE AND SAMARA IN APRIL

Gracie, an adorable 14-week-old Parson Russell Terrier mix, needed a helping paw after she wedged her way on top of the rear axle of a car’s undercarriage in February. She was running away from two larger dogs who were chasing her when she found the vehicle as her only chance at escape. But after she wedged herself in, it was tricky to get herself out. Our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ arrived on the scene and were able to help this sweet pup out of her predicament. Today, Gracie is living her best life with her new family in Surprise!

Samara came to the Arizona Humane Society as a stray with an injured leg and a terrible kitty cold. Once treated at our trauma hospital, Samara was ready to rest and recuperate with one of our Foster Heroes. The hero’s tender, loving care for Samara allowed her to heal and grow into a confident, curious and snuggly feline. Now, Samara is in a loving forever home in Phoenix.

Throughout April, you can help pets just like Gracie and Samara when you have your gift doubled thanks to our friends at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Every dollar you donate will be matched up to $15,000 to support our lifesaving programs – like our EAMTs who aid sick and injured animals throughout the Valley, and our Foster Heroes who allow us to expand our walls so we can take in even more homeless, sick, injured and abused pets.

It is because of you that we are able to save the lives of pets like Gracie and Samara and there are so many more animals that need your help. Make a gift today to help twice as many animals this spring! Give now at azhumane.org/hillsmatch.

Gracie

Samara

AHS LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

A special member of our Volunteer Pack, Perry Fanzo, received the Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award for his work with the Arizona Humane Society. During his 21 years of service, Perry has become an invaluable volunteer helping with every aspect of pet life at AHS, including working to adopt out pets who came to Arizona after Hurricane Katrina. From dog walking and events to adoptions, advocacy and Pets on Parade, Perry has dedicated over 15,000 hours to championing our mission. Thank you, Perry, for your service to AHS. Our pets are incredibly grateful.

OUR VOLUNTEER PACK NEEDS YOU!

Have you wanted to give back to your community but haven’t been sure how or where your contribution would make a difference or what skills you’d need to get started? Guess what?

The Arizona Humane Society is the place for you! All we require is a love for animals. That’s it – no experience necessary! We need your passion and unique talents and we have something for everyone, from working with pets to assisting people, from one-time volunteer gigs to regular commitments. Plus, when our new Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus opens, there will be even more love (and volunteer work) to share. Come join the team voted “Best Place to Volunteer” by PHOENIX Magazine. Learn more at azhumane.org/volunteer.

Our orphaned kittens need your help...

Just for a little while.

Become a Bottle Baby Foster Hero and open your home to a homeless, newborn kitten. We will provide all training, food, medication and supplies.

Complete our online orientation and become a Foster Hero today!

Go to azhumane.org/foster

DONOR

SPOTLIGHT:

MELISSA WARD AND BILL MUSTER

Melissa Ward and Bill Muster’s love of all animals is the driving force behind decades of dedication and support of the Arizona Humane Society. One of their earliest dates, 20 years ago, was Compassion with Fashion, as one of their first common interests was animal welfare, and being a safety net for Arizona’s most vulnerable pets. A decade ago, they became President’s Club members and have recently joined Circle of Friends.

Melissa is an Arizona native from a family of compassionate animal lovers, who adopted her first of many pets from AHS, and even appeared on an episode of Pets on Parade. Bill is a “near-miss” native, moving to Phoenix at age 10, rescuing, and adopting dozens of cats, many from AHS, and at least one of whom was always a tabby named Rocky Racoon.

Melissa and Bill rescued and adopted four cats of their own (Phoenix, Onassis, BlackJack & Leo), and “accidentally” adopted a fifth at the 2014 Compassion With Fashion event (Sweet Caroline). And their sixth forever kitty was a near-feral Foster diagnosed to lose both eyes, aptly named Braille. After weeks of care, saving his vision in one eye they stepped up to adopt Braille after he was identified with behavioral issues.

As AHS Foster Heroes, they have housed nearly 100 foster pets in the last two years, with three or four fosters at all times, filling two bathrooms and a critter-guest room. Their love affair with fostering began with an overweight, adult cat with health issues named Monkey. Once healthy, Monkey was not adopted quickly, but Melissa’s Aunt Carole stepped up as an adopter. They were so impressed at the effort AHS put toward Monkey, this tour de force duo has worked tirelessly on behalf of each foster cat, dog, puppy or kitten they welcome into their home (currently fostering three kittens: Birdie, Billie and Fox).

By networking and educating to help find each animal a forever family, they are creating a ripple effect throughout our community.

Thank you, Melissa and Bill, for helping to create a better Arizona for our pets.

THE ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY PARTNERS WITH PHOENIX FRIENDS SCHOOL

AHS’ Education & Outreach program is pleased to be working with the Phoenix Friends School, an independent school opening in the fall of 2023, to create an in-depth curriculum in biology, stewardship, and life science. This partnership will provide students with hands-on experiences with our Animal Teachers, encouraging future generations to thrive as empathetic and responsible citizens throughout our community and the world.

Melissa Ward and Bill Muster

IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Summer will be here before we know it, and with it, the grand opening of our new Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus! This state-of-the-art, innovative campus will usher in a new era of pet care, further transforming animal welfare throughout our state. With only months to go, construction crews and sub-crews are busier than ever, with over 120 people working on-site across dozens of specialties daily. And the growth is staggering. To date, construction is already more than 50 percent complete in these key areas:

• HVAC is 90% complete

• Plumbing is 78% complete

• Electrical Systems are 86% complete

• Gypsum Board is 65% complete

• External Walls are 82% complete

• Fire Protection is 89% complete

Our pets (and humans!) cannot wait until this vision is 100% reality. In the meanwhile, our pack has developed a transition plan to make our move into the Papago Buttes as seamless as possible, and we are tirelessly working behind the scenes to prepare for every eventuality come moving day. To learn more about how this lifesaving new campus will transform animal welfare in our community, visit azhumane.org/transform.

AHS LEADING THE CHARGE FOR VETERINARY TELEMEDICINE

In 2022, the Arizona Humane Society helped bring about real change for Arizona veterinary care with the passing of SB 1271 (the Arizona Veterinary Loan Assistance Program). This law provides student loan reimbursement of up to $100,000 to new veterinarians who obtain a veterinary degree after January 1, 2023, and work in Arizona for at least four years with two years at a municipal, county, or nonprofit shelter like AHS or in an agricultural practice experiencing a shortage.

In 2023, AHS again finds itself on the forefront of animal welfare, spearheading new hope for veterinary telemedicine with SB 1053. This critical legislation – known as the virtual vet care bill – offers pet owners and veterinarians a virtual option to receive safe and effective veterinary care and appointments through telemedicine, helping to alleviate the immediate veterinarian shortage issue that currently plagues the state and provide greater access and benefits to a wider range of people and pets.

SB 1133

WOULD ALLOW FOR INCREASED

SPAY/NEUTER FUNDING

Spay/neuter is critical to our mission and our efforts to prevent pet overpopulation. We are strongly in support of SB 1133, that would allocate $450,000 from the AZ General Fund to the Spaying and Neutering of Animals Fund. Funding currently distributed by this fund is only able to cover about half of all current requests from more than 100 organizations across our state, and this additional funding would help greatly strengthen spay/ neuter efforts in Arizona.

To learn more about either of these bills and AHS’ advocacy efforts, visit azhumane.org/advocacy.

1521 W. Dobbins Road

Phoenix, AZ 85041

azhumane.org

ULTI-MUTT CAR RAFFLE FEEL THE WIND IN YOUR FUR

The Arizona Humane Society Car Raffle has kicked into high gear thanks to our amazing partners at Valley Toyota Dealers, and you could drive off with an all-new 2023 Toyota RAV4, valued at $32,000! Purchase tickets at azhumane.org/toyota.

SUMMER FUN WITH AHS’ AWARD-WINNING CAMPS

AHS’ award-winning Summer Camp programs are back! This June, get ready for another year of fun, learning, and lifelong memories. The Arizona Humane Society offers a variety of summer camps for kids and teens ages 5-17 who are interested in learning more about animals and animal careers while having fun with pets. Registration for summer camp is going on now! Sign-up today at azhumane.org/camp.

DON’T KIT-NAP

KITTENS

When you find a litter of kittens, your kind-hearted nature probably tells you to help them. But did you know that human intervention is often not required? In fact, the best thing we can do is leave the kittens alone. Their mom will likely return in a bit and it’s critical that the kittens remain in her care as she offers the best chance for survival. If you find kittens and are extremely certain that they’re orphans, you can step in. Then, you can help by caring for the kittens until they’re old enough to find homes. Learn more at azhumane.org/foundkittens.

IMPACT REPORT IS ONLINE NOW

The Arizona Humane Society’s impact report is now available online. Learn all about the success our pets and community experienced in 2022 because of you and your support of our lifesaving programs. Visit azhumane.org/impactreport2022 to view the report today.