6 MONTHS AND OLDER, COURTESY OF BISSELL PET FOUNDATION:

Special Runs Through May 15th to Help Critical Capacity Needs, AHS Currently Caring for 1,100 Pets

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) continues to face critical capacity issues in several areas of the shelter as it cares for more than 1,100 sick, injured and abused pets within its shelter and Foster Hero homes, with upwards of 75+ homeless pets rescued by AHS each day. To create lifesaving kennel space in its trauma hospital and ICUs, AHS is hosting an adoption special where all AHS adoptables 6 months and older have WAIVED adoption fees through May 15th, courtesy of BISSELL Pet Foundation!

Adoption Special Details:

WAIVED FEES!

Pets 6 months and older!

Both AHS South Mountain & PetSmart Scottsdale (Miller/Camelback) adoption locations!

View AHS’ adoptable pets at azhumane.org/adopt, the site updates hourly!

AHS currently has more than 170 pets available for adoption, with dozens more behind-the-scenes waiting for an adoption kennel to open up and even more that become available each day. Pets like Phyllis and Angela, pictured above and left respectively, three-year-old Poodles who were rescued by AHS Cruelty Investigators with six other dogs in March of this year after they were found abandoned with no food or water. Treated in the shelter’s trauma hospital, these sweet girls are hoping this special will help them find their forever homes!

Adopting from the Arizona Humane Society helps save not just the life of that pet but also allows space for even more, sick, injured and abused pets to be cared for. Not only are all pets spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, but adopters also receive a free VCA pet exam and discounts in AHS’ Petique Store and more.

For more information and to see AHS pets currently looking for adoption, visit azhumane.org/adopt! Additionally, AHS is in need of Foster Heroes – those who are not able to adopt are encouraged to learn more about fostering a pet in need at azhumane.org/foster!

A different way of thinking

Do you remember the story about the farmer who was seen whacking his mule in the head with a 2 x 4? When questioned, he replied “he’s a good worker, but first you have to get his attention.” Guess what, I’m kind of like that mule. This escalation in rates is like getting hit with a 2 x 4. Where did all the business go?

Since I have been dealing with Reverse Mortgages, I have told my borrowers that although you qualify at age 62, you may be better off waiting until you are a bit older because you qualify for a bigger payout as you age. That is true. But there are a lot of advantages that might be eliminated by waiting.

By considering the equity in your home as part of your retirement strategy instead of a “means of last resort,” you open up a lot of possibilities. Just suppose that at age 62, you have enough home equity to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage. You may not end up with a big cash surplus but what if you could pay off your current mortgage with little or no cash out-of-pocket and eliminate your current mortgage payment? This is like getting an instant raise equivalent to the principal and interest payment on your current mortgage.

This strategy includes the intention to refinance this loan when it makes sense. With the extra income there are options. One possibility is to delay your Social Security income. The longer you wait, the more per month you will receive when you finally elect to start the distribution. Another possibility is that you may not have to dip into your retirement stash, especially when the market is down.