Paw Prints SUMMER 2015
PUBLISHED FOR FRIENDS OF THE ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY
HURRICANE KATRINA: 10 YEARS LATER
LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Dear Friend, Next month will mark the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. In this issue, you’ll read amazing stories of compassion and heroism from our emergency personnel and staffers who were at ground zero in New Orleans, rescuing animals from certain death, as well as the heartwarming tales of perseverance and triumph from several AHS Katrina alumni pets whose lives have flourished after the devastating storm. I’m so proud of the role our team played in New Orleans and the positive impact our organization has had on so many lives both in Louisiana and here at home in Arizona. It’s just another example of the unwavering commitment we’ve always had to help homeless pets. That’s a core value of ours that hasn’t changed in the decade since. And never will. But we are a much different organization than we were 10 years ago. We now have an admissions model that allows us to give every pet his or her best chance for success. We have a kitten nursery, a working cats program and an expanded TNR program that give more cats a second chance. We have a mobile adoption vehicle, a pair of offsite retail/adoption locations and a foster-to-adopt program that open up more potential homes to pets.
We have a full-service veterinary clinic, pet resource center and training classes that offer affordable services and resources to our entire community and keep more pets in homes. And this year, we’ve begun treating the deadly parvo virus in our shelter – a concept unheard of a decade ago. In the last year alone, we’ve made remarkable strides forward, as we’ve seen a 47 percent decrease in intake and a 73 percent reduction in euthanasia in the first sixth months of this year compared to the same timeframe last year. Our progress has only been possible because of you. Each dollar you give helps erect buildings, launch programs and save the lives of homeless pets who have no one else to care for them. Your support gives the forgotten hope, and we’ll continue to change, innovate and evolve for both you and them. Thank you for making a difference one life at a time. Sincerely,
Dr. Steven R. Hansen, AHS President and CEO
WELCOME NEW AHS BOARD MEMBERS AHS’ Board of Directors is a group of dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to help advance the mission and advocate for our organization. The Board focuses on organizational governance and strategic planning.
Bryan Albue Attorney, Sherman & Howard L.L.C.
Matthew Waller Principal, Clifton Larson Allen, LLP
Gina Apresa Business Initiatives Manager, Wells Fargo
Anthony Alfonso Sr. Managing Director, BDO USA
*For a full Board of Directors listing, visit azhumane.org. 2
LIFESAVING INITIATIVES
TAKING A STAND AGAINST PARVO With a refocused commitment to care for the Valley’s sick and injured pets and a goal to save more lives than ever before, AHS has expanded our Second Chance Animal Hospital™ to begin treating cases of Canine Parvovirus (parvo) – a highly-contagious, viral disease that can often be fatal in puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs. Since launching the program earlier this year, we have already given a second chance to nearly 100 dogs just like June Bug. This brave 16-week-old puppy came to us through our New Hope Program, which in partnership with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, allows us to transport animals from MCACC into AHS’ care. June Bug, who had contracted parvo, was placed on a treatment plan of IV fluids and medication and thankfully made a full recovery and is now thriving in her new home in Phoenix. Thanks in part to a generous gift from Maddie’s Fund, we are now in the process of establishing the state’s largest parvo treatment center that will allow us to save the lives of nearly 250 puppies and dogs in the first year. But we need the community’s support to raise critical funding to purchase medicine, vaccinations and supplies to help give these puppies a second chance. If you’re interested in making a lifesaving gift to our Parvo Puppy ICU, visit azhumane.org/parvopuppyicu.
HOMEWARD BOUND TURNS TEMPORARY CARE INTO PERMANENT HOMES When Casey met Goose, the 2-yearold Welsh Corgi mix seemed like the perfect fit for his home. But by the time Casey was ready to adopt, Goose had unfortunately come down with a case of kennel cough. Sensing a deep connection, AHS’ Alternative Placement team asked Casey if he’d be interested in fostering Goose through our new Homeward Bound program, which allows individuals to foster a pet who is healing from injury or needs respite from the shelter. The program then provides fosters the opportunity to adopt that pet once the furry friend is ready to find a loving home. Several weeks later, Goose had fully recovered and became our first Homeward Bound success story. Congrats to Casey and Goose on their new life together!
AKC REUNITE DONATES DISASTER TRAILER
The way home for lost pets.
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AHS recently received a special Pet Disaster Relief Unit from AKC Reunite through their Canine Support and Relief Fund. As the state’s designated responder for animals during natural disasters, our EAMTs apply their FEMA and Wild Land Fire Fighter training to save lives, and this two-axle trailer containing materials to set up an emergency shelter for pets and service animals will be critical in their efforts. We are so grateful for the Scottsdale Dog Fanciers Association, the local AKC club who selected AHS to receive this gift and worked to raise some of the funding. Eleven other animal welfare groups in Arizona also raised funds, which were then matched by AKC Reunite.
THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING ARIZONA’S ANIMALS The Humane Legislative Coalition of Arizona recently concluded a successful legislative session, thanks in large part to the tireless advocacy of our supporters. Thank you to those who took part in our advocacy survey and provided valuable feedback to help shape our priorities for the 2016 legislative session. Below is a key survey highlight:
We asked what you consider to be the top legislative priorities regarding animal welfare. Your top three initiatives were: Preserving and enhancing anti-cruelty laws. 71% Establishing more uniform animal control laws to prevent inhumane treatment of animals. 61% Developing an Animal Abuser Registry to prohibit ownership 51%
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HURRICANE KATRINA: 10 YEARS LATER
When I look back on Hurricane Katrina, I wonder what became of some of the animals we saved, named and fell in love with: Bella, a Golden Retriever mix whom we caught after chasing her under a house, crawling on hands and knees through crushed seashells and garbage; Balki, a Beagle we rescued off a balcony after we pushed over a flooded car to stand on; Basil, an American Pit Bull Terrier, caught after luring her with a tomato-basil tortilla… And then there was Fate, a black-and-white American Pit Bull Terrier pup in a crate, surrounded by death. Another day and she would have been dead. We don’t know how she survived in the first place. I remember holding this weak, depressed, skinny puppy covered in sticky slime as we rushed, in our boat, back to camp. She smelled horrible. She had a film over her eyes. Her white fur was stained yellow. It was a horrible scene, but we were able to save her. It was fate we found her. She went on to live an amazing life. While I still feel guilty and worry about the animals we couldn’t save, I am so grateful to the people who gave those survivors wonderful homes, love and care. –Liz Truitt, AHS Feline Welfare Specialist
“The teamwork, stamina, heart, and compassion of all those rescuers was amazing. It was an unforgettable experience, with extreme highs and lows. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
10 YEARS LATER: THE LOCAL HEROES AND ANIMAL SURVIVORS OF HURRICANE KATRINA On August 29, 2005, New Orleans was taken by storm as Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city. Thousands of people and pets perished as thousands of others from all over the world descended upon Louisiana to offer support. The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) deployed multiple emergency response teams, including our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ and medical staff, over several weeks to assist in the animal rescue efforts. More than 200 ill and injured animal survivors returned to Phoenix and AHS to receive critical care and love. Ten years later, as New Orleans continues to heal, we pay tribute to our local Hurricane Katrina heroes and animal survivors who made their way out of Katrina’s devastation and into our hearts.
BOOTS “PAWS” IT FORWARD AS A KITTEN NANNY Named for the bandages on his four injured paws when rescued near Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish by AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technicians, Boots, a Retriever/Chow mix was just two years old at the time. As the main emergency shelter in Louisiana reached capacity, he was brought to safety at AHS’ makeshift camp in the parking lot of a Salvation Army. His burnt paws were treated with daily soaking, cleaning and bandage changes, yet the name stuck. A decade later, Boots, now 12, is not only a survivor, but he now “paws” it forward as a kitten nanny is AHS’ kitten nursery, which provides critical care to kittens 5 to 8 weeks old until they are ready for adoption. In addition to the intensive medical care the kittens are receiving, Boots is preparing them for the world ahead during a period when kittens’ exposure to new things in a positive manner can directly impact their experiences later in life, making them some of the most adaptable and adoptable shelter kittens around. Continued on page 6. 4
HONORING HURRICANE KATRINA SURVIVORS
Nola Mohr 10
Noli McKenzie 11
Monique Alvarado 10
Brettie Gurl Wade 10
Archie Peoples 11
Chicory Henning 10
Mardi Gras Hratko 10
Cajun Geislinger 13
Casper Luce 10
Chance Haley 10
Mikey Clanton 13
Chelsea Toney 11
GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Cajun was loved beyond words
Lily lived the life of a queen
Cletus was a tennis ball loving best buddy
Rudy was a great, great friend
Chip loved as much as he was loved
Tune into AHS’ 17th annual Pet Telethon August 29th at 12:30 p.m. on 3TV for a Hurricane Katrina retrospective. 5
MAKING AN IMPACT
Continued from page 4.
BEAGLE BECOMES RESCUE SQUADRON’S UNOFFICIAL MASCOT When the 301st Rescue Squadron of Patrick Air Force Base began their helicopter evacuation efforts on the I-10 bridge in Louisiana, they were met with more than the devastation of the storm. They were met with the watchful eye and helping paw of an attentive Beagle. Throughout multiple rescue efforts, the Beagle never left their sides. On September 1, 2005, Katrina, the Beagle, became the Squadron’s final bridge evacuation. Like many homeless Katrina pets, she was moved around to various shelters prior to making her way via an Air National Guard KC-135 tanker to Phoenix. Katrina was treated for a variety of illnesses, including heartworms, as AHS’ Alternative Placement team tried to locate her owners. Meanwhile, more than 2,000 miles away, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Brasher and his wife, Melanie, couldn’t get Katrina out of their minds, as they searched through more than 500 photos of displaced Hurricane Katrina Beagles before they spotted the sweet girl with the heart-shaped spot on her back. Two months later, AHS’ Alternative Placement team made arrangements to fly Katrina to Orlando to be reunited with her original rescuers, the crew of the 301st Rescue Squadron. For the past decade, Katrina, now 15, has served as the squadron’s rescue wing mascot as well as the Brasher’s loyal and loving best friend.
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ASPCA GRANT KEEPS FAMILIES TOGETHER When Cassandra came to AHS in February, she thought she was saying goodbye to her beloved Chihuahua, Jax, for the very last time. The 1-year-old pup had eaten laminate flooring and a piece was obstructing his digestive track. Cassandra was unable to afford the vet care required to treat Jax, and came to AHS devastated, out of options and with the intent to surrender her best friend. But thanks to an ASPCA grant aligned with our strategic plan efforts to keep pets out of the shelter and with their families, Jax’s story ended right back where it started – in Cassandra’s home. The grant covered the bulk of Jax’s treatment and AHS vets were able to perform surgery to remove the obstruction. Jax has made a full recovery and is doing well in his home in Mesa. To date, the APSCA grant has helped us save the lives of 13 pets – and ensure pets and their parents stay together. Thank you, ASPCA, for your commitment to both the pets and people of our community!
PLANNING AHEAD ALEVIATES PET CARE WORRIES It’s true that pets generally have a shorter life span than their owners. But what happens if your pet outlives you? AHS’ Continuing Care program can alleviate your concerns and provide you with peace of mind. Pets enrolled in Continuing Care will be cared for by AHS until they are placed with a new, carefully-selected forever family. Continuing Care is a benefit to Legacy Circle members, a special group of animal lovers who include AHS in their estate planning. Call Planned Giving Officer Joyce Melter at 602.997.7585 Ext. 1034 or email legacycircle@azhumane.org to request information.
COMPASSION IN ACTION
SUMMER TO SAVE LIVES his original owner beat everything out of him. except his will to survive.
WE ’ R E O N A M I S S IO N TO SAVE P E T S . WI LL YO U H E LP ? G IVE N OW
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S U M M E RTO S AV E L I V E S . O R G
We’re transforming our home into the animal welfare community of the future, with a mission to make happy “after” stories for thousands of “before” pets. So, what’s the story between “before” and “after”? Harrowing rescue, cruelty investigation, advanced medical treatment, tender care, lots of love…and YOU. Your donations make happy endings come true. You put tails back where they belong and bring pets back from death’s door. You can help us save the lives of pets this summer by:
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Making a lifesaving gift to homeless pets at summertosavelives.org
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Accepting the Save a Life Challenge at summertosavelives.org
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Shopping at Safeway during the month of July
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Tuning into the 17th annual Pet Telethon August 29th at 12:30 p.m. on 3TV
To learn more about how you can give second chances to homeless pets this summer, visit summertosavelives.org.
DREAMS COME TRUE FOR 1,670 PETS On March 29th, 1,235 guests gathered together to make homeless pets’ dreams come true! Because of your amazing generosity, we raised over $705,000 to support AHS’ lifesaving programs and services at the 17th Annual Compassion Fashion: Once Upon a Tail. That’s enough to save the lives of 1,670 homeless pets! A special wag of the tail to our noble sponsors PetSmart Charities, Hill’s Science Diet, Midwestern University, the Arizona Lottery, Biltmore Fashion Park, Schmitt Jewelers, 3TV and Trends who made this magical event possible. Be sure to save the date for the 18th Annual Compassion with Fashion April 3, 2016 at The Phoenician. 7
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1521 W. Dobbins Road Phoenix, AZ 85041 azhumane.org
KITTEN NURSERY AHS, AARP TEAM UP FOR PET FESTIVAL In partnership with AARP, AHS hosted our first-ever Mobile Shelter event in April at the Peoria Sports Complex. The Paws for Your Pets Festival performed spay/neuter surgery on more than 20 pets, provided 162 vaccines and microchips for 40 dogs. Fourlegged guests also enjoyed pampering from our friends at Villa la Paws, and a special demonstration from Luke Air Force Base Military Working Dogs. Waggin’ Wheels and Petique Retail were also part of this big event and enjoyed a successful two days interacting with Valley pet lovers. With AARP’s generous support, this event provided free and discounted services to senior pet owners across the Valley. We look forward to partnering with AARP for another successful event this fall.
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 · Retail 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
Kitten season is back and so too is our Kitten Nursery! For the second straight year, AHS’ Kitten Nursery is jam-packed with adorable 5- to 8-week-old homeless kittens who aren’t quite ready to go up for adoption. These feisty felines will receive medical care, socialization and plenty of love from our staff and dedicated volunteers to ensure they get off to a healthy start before heading to a new, loving home.
IMPACT REPORT This past year, you helped us save 8,601 more pets than we did the year before. Check out how you were able to impact so many pets and learn how your continued support is changing animal welfare in our community by viewing our 2014 Impact Report online at azhumane.org/2014impactreport.
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