Friends for Life Animal Rescue

There is usually some aspect of an animal rescue group that sets them apart from others. For this local organization, Friends for Life Animal Rescue (FFLAR), their name says it all— for life. “We truly make a lifetime commitment to every animal we rescue,” said Barb Savoy, FFLAR’s director of public relations and marketing. “Our contact information always remains on an animal’s microchip. And, we have traveled as far as Florida and Alaska to return an alumni relinquished to an animal control to the safety of our care.”

Originating in 1993, FFLAR is operated by three staff, 400 volunteers, and 60 fosters. Their adoption center includes 16 indoor/outdoor, climate-controlled dog runs and four community cat rooms. “We can accommodate approximately 16 dogs (a few more if we have bonded pairs that we can house in a single run), and 20 cats,” said Savoy. “We typically have 100 animals in our care at any given time, which is about 64 in foster homes.”

To acquire a pet from FFLAR, prospective adopters must complete a consultation form. They are then partnered with an adoption counselor who takes them through the process of creating a match with a dog or cat. Determinations are based on the responses provided relating to age, activity level, household members, other animals in the household, etc.

Friends for Life offers several community service programs. There is a low cost ($15 co-pay) spay/neuter service for low-income families, and the popular program Mia’s Mission offers free DAPP vaccines and/or boosters for dogs. They also conduct an annual, free Microchipa-Thon each May and October, provide education about animal safety, and give school presentations as well as adoption center tours.

Help Local Rescues

In addition to a dire need for foster homes, most rescue organizations are in continual need of supplies to maintain their day-today operations.

Below is a list of items that rescue groups frequently need. Perhaps you already have some of the items around the house—like extra dog collars or bath towels. Or, you are willing to grab some of the needed items the next time you are shopping—like an extra gallon of bleach or additional bundle of paper towels.

Last year, 1,142 previously homeless dogs and cats joined the tens of thousands of animals who found their forever families thanks to FFLAR.

All animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before they are available for adoption. If FFLAR is aware of an animal having an illness or medical condition, the animal must be cleared by the medical team before becoming available for adoption.

A 501(c)(3) organization, FFLAR is privately funded through the generous support of the community and fundraisers. Their largest single-day fundraising event is a celebration of all things dog called BARKtoberfest, held annually in October. The fun-filled event features a lure course, contests for the best trick and costume, a demonstration by the Gilbert Fire Department accelerant sniffing dog, vendor booths, food trucks, and more. Mark your calendar for BARKtoberfest to be held on Saturday, October 21, 8:30 am to 1 pm, at the adoption center on Melody Avenue in Gilbert, Arizona.

Topping this rescue’s list of immediate necessities are money and people to adopt pets. You can view their “wish list” of additional needs at https:// azfriends.org/support/wish-list/. W

480-497-8296

It takes just a few minutes to contact a rescue to find out what they need most and how you can help. Your contribution(s) are greatly appreciated as these organizations strive to save lives.

✓ Blankets (gently used)

✓ Bleach

✓ Collars

✓ Crates/carriers

✓ Envelopes

✓ File folders

✓ Dog food

✓ Gift cards

✓ Grooming supplies

✓ Harnesses

✓ Kleenex

✓ Labels (files & mailing)

✓ Laundry detergent

✓ Leashes

✓ Money

✓ Paper towels

✓ Pill pockets

✓ Postage stamps

✓ Printer paper

✓ Towels (gently used bath size)

✓ Trash bags

✓ Treats