COMPASSION CAN ACCOMPLISH AMAZING THINGS
Guided by our innovative System of Care, we’re dedicated to saving the Valley’s sick, injured and abused pets.
Have room in your heart or home?
Adopt your new best friend, become a Foster Hero, or join our volunteer pack, voted “Best Place to Volunteer” by PHOENIX Magazine.
Together, we’ll give a second chance to pets in need.
There’s Something About Mary
Every year in Furry Friends, I reflect on the love that my amazing Chiweenie brings into my life. But this past December, my family had to say goodbye to our sweet Tuco after a short, brutal battle with kidney disease.
Feeling a dog-sized hole in our hearts, my husband and I recently volunteered with the “Tails Around Town” program to take a shelter dog on a “field trip.” Offered by Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, these outings give dogs an outdoor adventure and a much-needed break from the shelter.
We picked up Mary, a pit bull mix, on a sunny Sunday. A far cry from our 8-pound pup, she was strong, and I felt hesitant when we first met. But as the day progressed, she stopped pulling at the leash and took treats gently from our hands. When we sat on the bench to give her a drink, she lay between us and rested her head on John’s lap.
When we dropped Mary off at the end of the day, she was a different dog — less stressed and infinitely calmer — and so were we. It reminded me that we’re all products of our past, and that a walk outside with a friend can work wonders.
While we aren’t yet ready to bring a new dog into our home, Mary helped heal our hearts as much as we lifted hers. She offered a reminder of how willing pets are to accept and love us as we are.
I’ll take Mary, or another dog like her, on a day out in the future. And when I do, I’ll remember that we never say goodbye to the ones we love. They walk with us, always.
Here’s to the pets that leave paw prints on our hearts, the ones we cherish forever, and the ones still waiting for their chance to love and be loved.
KAREN WERNER EDITOR IN CHIEF
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Karen Werner
PUBLISHER & CEO
Andrea Tyler Evans
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & COO
Tom Evans
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Neill Fox
ART DIRECTOR
Cheyenne Brumlow
FINANCE COORDINATOR
Carly Parkhill
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Zenobia Mertel
CONTRIBUTOR
Julie Coleman
FRONTDOORS TV HOST AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Carey Peña
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Lindsay Green
PHOTOGRAPHY
Scott Foust Studios
FRONTDOORS MEDIA ADVISORY BOARD
Latasha Causey
Russ Dickey
Rusty Foley
Sarah Krahenbuhl
Larry Lytle
Monique Porras
Brad Vynalek
On the Cover
Kate Thoene, interim CEO of New Life Center, with “Chief Happiness Officer,” Frank the Cat
Make-up by Natalie Bock from The Sparkle Bar
Photo by Scott Foust
ONLY 3% OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS
WELCOME PETS — NEW LIFE CENTER IS ONE
At New Life Center, pets reside in the casita with families — not boarded in a separate kennel area — and freely play in New Life Center’s dog park.
50% of assault survivors reportedly delay or refuse to leave a dangerous situation for fear of what could happen to a beloved pet left behind, so welcoming pets eliminates a substantial barrier to seeking safety.
New Life Center needs your help, so we can continue to help others.
Donate today by scanning the QR code!
BY ZENOBIA MERTEL
Fish Aquarium | $235.99 biOrb biorb.com
Maeve™ Pet Car Seat | $600 Roscoe Stroller | $300
Maeve + Roscoe for Tavo nordstrom.com
Catnip-Filled Radish | $12 Lambwolf Collective lambwolf.com
Kitty Cove Bed | $85 BoulderBarks boulderbarks.com
| $29.99
Thrive petsmart.com
Reptile Hide
A PURR-Fect Fit
FRANK THE CAT BRINGS HAPPINESS TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS AT NEW LIFE CENTER
BY TOM EVANS
In the far West Valley lives a cat that’s perhaps the only C-level pet in the Valley, and he’s making a big difference in the lives of people in need.
Frank the Cat appeared out of the blue one day on the campus of New Life Center’s domestic violence shelter. He was a stray with an unknown origin story who just
happened to stumble across what would become a new home for him.
Frank was a little worse for wear, and he’s definitely not a show cat. His coat is scruffy on a good day, he has a noticeable overbite, and his eyes tend to be a bit on the goopy side.
Frank’s story, in some ways, mirrors the journey of many who come to New Life Center. Like Frank, who arrived at the shelter seeking refuge, individuals and families arrive here in need of a safe haven where they can find support and begin to heal. New Life Center provides that safe space, offering a path toward a new life, just as it has done for Frank.
New Life Center is one of Arizona’s largest domestic violence shelters, supporting more than 1,200 survivors last year alone with a trauma-informed approach designed to start a true healing process for those who have endured violence and abuse.
“We understand that domestic violence survivors not only need immediate shelter but also require long-term healing from trauma,” said Kate Thoene, interim CEO of New Life Center. “This healing process can begin a month after leaving an abusive relationship — or even 20 years later. No matter where someone is on that journey, we offer services to support them.”
Children make up 70 percent of the individuals served at New Life Center, so the organization works to ensure that the campus and services are child-friendly, creating a space where kids can heal. One of the unique aspects of the
shelter is its casita-style campus, where every family has its own private living space.
“We view our shelter as a temporary home for survivors, so we strive to make it as comfortable as possible,” Thoene said. “That’s why we allow pets — and even embrace the presence of a small colony of cats on-site, including Frank.”
Only 3 percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide allow pets, and even fewer allow them to live alongside survivors. Thoene said that animals are often a barrier to leaving a dangerous situation. Some survivors refuse to leave because they don’t want to abandon their pets, while others are manipulated by abusers who threaten harm to their animals.
This brings us back to Frank, who wandered into the shelter one day and never left.
“Over the years, we have cared for him, and in return, he has become an integral part of our community,” Thoene said. “Unlike many cats who tend to be wary of strangers, Frank welcomes everyone. He is known and loved by all — children, adults and even the other animals on campus.”
Frank’s temperament is what could best be described as “chill.” He doesn’t spook easily and enjoys the company
Kate Thoene, interim CEO of New Life Center, is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where survivors can begin their healing journey.
of almost all people and creatures. And that chill attitude creates a soothing and healing effect for those who interact with Frank.
“We recently named Frank our ‘Chief Happiness Officer’ because of the positivity he brings to our shelter,” Thoene said. “He is just this really sweet, friendly guy. A lot of times, he’s in the front of the shelter, sitting on this bush he likes to perch on. It’s really kind of funny. He walks around and brings people joy.”
Thoene cited two examples of Frank’s impact. One was a teenager at the shelter whose favorite activity became
petting Frank on the porch of the family’s casita. Another was a woman in her 80s who connected with Frank and often welcomed him into her living quarters.
“She was here for a couple of months, and Frank was her little companion. She let him right into her casita, took care of him and gave him baths, and he was very sweet to her,” she said.
It’s not lost on anyone that Frank’s story mirrors that of many survivors.
“He arrived at the shelter rough around the edges, having been neglected, yet he found a home here —
New Life Center’s pet pantry, playground and private Casitas ensure that survivors and their pets have the things they need for a fresh start.
just as many families do,” Thoene said. “No one expects to end up in a shelter, but we strive to make the experience as safe and supportive as possible.”
The pet-friendly policies of New Life Center have resulted in collaboration with local nonprofits in the animal rescue space, including the Arizona Humane Society and Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. Those interested in supporting Frank — or any of the pets at New Life Center — can do so by donating pet supplies at Hope’s Closet, the center’s thrift store in Goodyear. And, of course, financial donations are welcome as well.
Frank’s presence is a confirmation that pets can be an integral part of the healing process.
“Healing takes many forms,” Thoene said. “Some survivors gravitate toward traditional therapy, while others find comfort in music, art or animal therapy. Whether people realize it or not, Frank provides a form of therapy. He has never been a source of complaint — whether someone loves cats, is allergic or is indifferent. Frank simply roams the property, checking on everyone and spreading happiness.”
That uplifting presence is exactly why he earned his special title. “He may just have the most important job here,” Thoene said. “If we achieve nothing else but make people happy, I think that’s a success.”
To learn more, visit newlifectr.org
The garden where Frank likes to sit is a source of comfort and beauty.
Frank is there to give love to those in need, despite a somewhat grumpy face.
A Day With
ELAINE STARKS
Executive director of Power Paws Assistance Dogs
AS TOLD TO JULIE COLEMAN
6:30
A.M. >> WAKING TO WHISKERS
My significant other, Kevin, brings me coffee to start my day while my dog, Leonard, puts his face right up against mine to see if I’m awake. After I’ve had coffee and Leonard has his breakfast, I check my schedule for the day.
As long-distance caregiver for my 94-year-old mom, I talk to her on the phone every day, and it’s something I look forward to. She lives in Chicago and talks to me when it’s convenient for her. If she’s watching television, she will not answer the phone and ghosts me! Serving in an executive role at Power Paws has provided me the focus and strength needed to manage both responsibilities.
10 A.M. >> TAIL-WAGGING IMPACT
Power Paws is one of two service dog training agencies in Arizona accredited by Assistance Dogs International. ADI has worked with correctional facilities on training service dogs for 24 years. Ninety-nine percent of dogs trained using ADI’s outline and curriculum are placed into service. In 2019, I started to look for correctional facilities that would engage with Power Paws, and in November 2024, we began working with female inmates at Perryville. This program will increase Power Paws’ capacity to train and place service dogs by approximately 400 percent.
The dogs are housed at Perryville in a dormitory-like setting. Our trainers are on-site twice a week, and the inmates are assigned tasks for the remaining days, allowing the dogs to receive about 15 hours of training a day. The engagement and return on investment for both Power Paws and the inmates have been huge, and I’ve seen the animal-human interaction play out in a way that’s just stunning.
Elaine Starks celebrates the opening of the Power Paws program at Arizona State Prison Complex – Perryville, where women are transforming lives, both theirs and the dogs they train for service and therapy.
11:30 A.M. >> PUPPY LOVE
I intentionally outline components that will build our capacity. We need more trainers and volunteers, so I’ve started working with Arizona Workforce Development to post jobs for those interested in service dog training programs. Once a month, there is a meeting of employers and prospective employees, where we talk about our job prospects. This is a good pipeline for people seeking employment who don’t know where to look.
It boils down to the more volunteers we have to train service dogs, the more dogs we can place. We now have a more structured program that includes training that has been compacted into a focused process every day. Streamlining the training puts each dog on a 12-to-16-month trajectory of being ready to be placed as a service dog or a companion animal.
1 P.M. >> FETCHING SUPPORT
I spend the majority of my time fundraising, which is more than just writing a grant. It’s about relationships with those who have supported us in the past, funding we’ll look for in the future and maintaining relationships with those currently providing support. Power Paws makes sure we can show donors the return on their investment.
I meet with volunteers and companies to help us with our program. I’ve recently requested financial support to build a small satellite Power Paws at Perryville that includes a workroom, administrative office and playground for our dogs.
2:15 P.M. >> PAWSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS
We have recently expanded our program to include training shelter dogs as service dogs or placing them as companion animals. Our first partner is the Arizona Animal Welfare League, and we have plans to partner with Almost There Rescue and Maricopa County shelters in the future. We are moving dogs out of shelters into forever homes by providing them with the tools that make them good canine citizens.
This spring, we are launching a simulated clinical setting as part of a program at Midwestern University. Students across 12 disciplines will learn about the importance of service dogs and how a healthcare professional can engage with a patient who has a service animal.
5 P.M. >> POWERING DOWN
I always watch world and local news when I get home. I enjoy travel but haven’t had a vacation in five years. I am making plans to visit Napa, Italy and Scotland this year. I power down and watch TV with Leonard. I am passionate about old movies, “The Gilded Age” and have a subscription to BBC TV. After a few hours of watching TV, Leonard brings out his toy for a little tug time. Then it’s lights out for him, and I continue to watch movies until I fall asleep.
To learn more, go to azpowerpaws.org.
Starks and her dog, Leonard
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking deserve safety and support and so do their pets That is why we offer a pet-friendly shelter where families can heal… together.
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-Melissa Steimer, Chief Executive Officer, Gabriel’s Angels
2025 RESOURCE DIRECTORY:
ADOPTION, CARE, RESCUE & SUPPORT
ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY
Our Mission: To save the most vulnerable animals and enrich the lives of pets and people.
The Arizona Humane Society focuses on saving the Valley’s most vulnerable pets. Guided by our Ethical No-Kill Philosophy™, we save thousands of sick, injured and abused pets every year. Our state-of-the-art Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus supports our community-based System of Care, which includes one of the largest shelter-based trauma hospitals in the nation. That, along with intensive care units, foster programs, animal ambulances, cruelty investigations, behavior intervention, adoptions, a Pet Resource Center, affordable veterinary care, community outreach, and partner collaboration, helps keep more pets in loving homes where they belong.
5501 East Van Buren Street | Phoenix, AZ 85008
call: 602-997-7585 visit: azhumane.org
GABRIEL’S ANGELS
Our Mission: Nurturing youth and their well-being by connecting them with the healing power of pets and compassionate adults.
Since 2000, our structured pet therapy programs have served kids and teens ages 5 to 18 at schools, in shelters and other youth-serving organizations across Arizona. Our services are always free, ensuring every child has access to the support they need. With the unconditional love of therapy pets guiding the way, children build essential life skills like teamwork, emotional regulation and healthy communication. More than just petting dogs, our programs provide lasting lessons that help youth develop the confidence and resilience they need to thrive. Visit our website to learn more and bring pet therapy to more kids in need!
7878 North 16th Street, Suite 130-02 | Phoenix, AZ 85020
call: 602-266-0875 visit: gabrielsangels.org
HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY
Hospice of the Valley’s pet therapy teams bring joy to everyone they meet.
As soon as pet therapy teams walk into a room, our patients and families feel better. There is something very comforting about the unconditional love pets freely give — not to mention all the precious cuddles, handshakes and tail wags. Our cheerful teams visit our patients in homes, group homes, independent and assisted living communities, inpatient care homes, nursing facilities, trade shows and expos. Suitable pets include dogs, cats, bunnies and miniature horses with a current pet therapy certification.
1510 East Flower Street | Phoenix, AZ 85014
call: 602-636-6336 visit: hov.org/volunteer/pet-therapy
LIBERTY WILDLIFE
For over 40 years, this volunteer-driven wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization in the heart of Phoenix has had a national impact.
When Arizona residents find animals in trouble, Liberty Wildlife is there with a 24-hour hotline and intake window open seven days per week. Every year, over 10,000 animals are cared for through the wildlife hospital, while hundreds of thousands more people participated in our high-quality environmental education programs, including many dozens of K-12 school groups. Liberty Wildlife also provides conservation services and works to preserve Native American culture through our acclaimed feather repository.
2600 East Elwood Street | Phoenix, AZ 85040
call: 480-998-5550
visit: libertywildlife.org
LOST OUR HOME PET RESCUE
Our Mission: Helping people, saving pets, changing lives. We provide compassionate services to pets and pet parents in crisis.
We believe no one should have to choose between their safety and their pet’s well-being. We rescue pets facing homelessness and euthanasia, provide a pet food bank and offer 90 days of temporary pet care for people escaping domestic violence, experiencing homelessness or undergoing medical treatment. Our Tempe First Responder Program ensures first responders have 24/7 access to our shelter for pets in urgent need. Partnerships with domestic violence shelters ensure survivors don’t have to leave pets behind. Lost Our Home steps in when no one else can, keeping pets safe and families together when they need it most.
2323 South Hardy Drive | Tempe, AZ 85282
call: 602-445-7387 visit: lostourhome.org
PAWSITIVE FRIENDSHIPS
We support individuals with special needs by using the special bond of pets to help them reach their full potential.
Pawsitive Friendships redefines special needs therapy by utilizing the powerful bond between pets and children. Founded in 2014 by Tosha, whose son has autism and showed progress when she incorporated her dog, Zoe, she developed an occupational therapy-focused curriculum using pets in adaptive activities. Our mission is to help individuals with special needs achieve their goals through these unique connections. We collaborate with special education schools and adult day programs. Contact us to learn how your pet — whether a dog, cat, pig or even a reptile — can pawsitively impact the special needs community.
3317 South Higley Road, #114-778 | Gilbert, AZ 85297 call: 480-269-0124 visit: pawsitivefriendships.org
PHOENIX ANIMAL CARE COALITION (PACC911)
PACC911 brings together over 140 animal welfare organizations throughout Arizona to create a potent animal rescue community that works together under a unified umbrella. PACC911’s outdoor adopt-athons have placed over 11,200 homeless pets in loving homes since 2004.
PACC911 unites Arizona’s animal rescue groups, shelters and advocates to save homeless, injured, neglected and abused animals. Programs like the Chuck Waggin’ Pet Food Pantry and Critical Care Program provide lifesaving support where it’s needed most. The annual Glimmer of Hope event and Rescued Treasures Thrift Store help raise essential funds to sustain these efforts.
10645 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 200-516 | Phoenix, AZ 85028 call: 602-402-1946 visit: pacc911.org
POWER PAWS ASSISTANCE DOGS
Power Paws provides service dogs for disabled children and adults.
Power Paws provides trained service dogs for individuals with Type I Diabetes, PTSD, mobility challenges and facilities offering victim advocacy programs for sexual/domestic abuse.
Our community outreach includes:
• Reading programs for kids
• Social engagement visits with seniors/veterans
Power Paws is one of two Arizona agencies accredited by Assistance Dogs International to train service dogs for individuals with disabilities. 5025 East Washington Street, Suite 204 | Phoenix, AZ 85034
call: 480-970-1322 visit: azpowerpaws.org
SOUTHWEST WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Our Mission: Saving wildlife, one life at a time.
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center rescues Arizona native wild mammals that have lost their homes to development, or are found injured, orphaned or abandoned. The animals in our care are rehabilitated and released — healthy and wild — back where they belong. Animals that could not survive in the wild live out their lives at our accredited sanctuary. Reach our 24/7 Wildlife Rescue Line at 480-433-5656.
27026 North 156th Street | Scottsdale, AZ 85262
call: 480-471-9109
visit: southwestwildlife.org
TWO PUPS WELLNESS FUND
Our Mission: To provide financial aid from the heart for the care and health of our four-footed friends who give us their hearts.
Two Pups Wellness Fund was launched in 2017 to help save the lives of ill and injured animals. We provide financial assistance directly through shelters and rescue organizations. Acting quickly, we address immediate, emerging and/or critical needs. Our vision is to stop unnecessary suffering and euthanasia of treatable animals by helping to alleviate financial burdens on the rescue community and allow pets to receive the care they need to return to a healthy, pain-free life. To date, Two Pups has helped more than 12,000 animals. Through funding for medical care and microchips, we are saving lives.
thepack@twopups.org | Scottsdale, AZ 85251
call: 480-490-7136
visit: twopups.org
WHISPERING HOPE RANCH — A PROGRAM OF CHILD CRISIS ARIZONA
A transformative haven where campers of all abilities are celebrated, supported and encouraged to dream big.
Whispering Hope Ranch is a 45-acre all-ability facility located in the cool pines of Payson, Arizona, designed to accommodate children with physical, mental and sensory disabilities and welcoming groups for uniquely adapted camp sessions. The heart of the Ranch experience is the healing that happens between campers and our gentle animal residents, many of whom also live with disabilities. These powerful experiences let campers enjoy the human-animal connection, build strength, improve medical compliance, and feel less alone.
424 West Rio Salado Parkway | Mesa, AZ 85201
call: 480-834-9424
visit: childcrisisaz.org
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WHERE RESILIENCE ROAMS
Tucked away in the cool pines of Payson, Arizona, Whispering Hope Ranch is more than a retreat — it’s a sanctuary where healing happens in unexpected ways. Operated by Child Crisis Arizona, this 45-acre haven welcomes children and youth with physical, mental and sensory disabilities, offering them a space to connect, grow and experience the power of unconditional love.
A defining part of the ranch experience is the bond that develops between campers and the animals — many of whom have overcome challenges of their own. Whether it’s a miniature horse with a prosthetic limb, a goat with a crooked smile, or a bunny that’s learned to navigate the world a little differently, each animal serves as a testament to resilience. In their presence, children find comfort, confidence and an understanding that obstacles don’t have to define them.
To learn more, visit childcrisisaz.org