The Leader of the Pack Speaks

Welcome to the holiday season! Dogtoberfest 2022 was a huge success, thanks to our amazing sponsors, guests, and my invaluable Tucson Dog Volunteers. Special thanks go out to Erin Christiansen for joining us, helping me on stage, judging contests, and being the animal lover that she is. Because of all of you, many more dogs are now happily out of the shelters and into their new forever homes.

I am very happy to introduce to you Scruffy! The winner of the Holiday Cover Dog Contest! Not only did he win the title of The Tucson Dog Cover Dog but he is also one of the winners of the Smallest Dog contest at Dogtoberfest. He’s a tiny little guy with a huge and happy personality.

The Holiday season is joyful and busy and sometimes extra stressful. Remember to relax and enjoy the comfort and the love that your furry friends readily share without condition. Unfortunately, many pets are relinquished to shelters often because a “new and younger” pet is introduced into the family. Our shelters are again overwhelmed with senior pets who are confused and brokenhearted, so this year please give the gift of a loving home to the most grateful companion you will ever know. I was blessed with Sandy, my 13-year-old girl whom I shared 2 full and happy years with. I have written about Sandy before but I cannot help but share her sweetness again and again. She was quirky, funny, and happy and loved deeply. I miss her as if she was a part of my family her whole life. Sandy, like all senior pets, deserve the last years of their lives to be carefree and secure.

As 2022 winds down, 2023 is upon us. I have many plans for the new year and I’m excited that The Tucson Dog will grow beyond our wildest dreams thanks to YOU. The Tucson Dogs’ mission is not only to raise awareness of shelter and rescue animals but also to promote the respect and care that all animals deserve. I am proud that Tucson is voted #1 as the most dog-friendly city in the US, conversely, Arizona is ranked 30th in Animal Welfare. Underrepresentation of animals’ interests is something that we as a community have the power to change. In the next 6 issues, together we will discover ways to become a voice and create change for the welfare of those who don’t have a voice of their own.

WHO’S WITH ME?!

Yours, Heather McShea Owner, Publisher & Editor In Chief