Help make a difference in an animal’s life
“It’s a great day to be alive; I know the sun’s still shining when I close my eyes. There’s some hard times in the neighborhood, but why can’t every day be just this good?” Travis Tritt was spot on when he wrote this song. It’s one of my favorite country songs, and also a song that applies to life at the Humane Society of Central Arizona.
News from Rim Country Friends of Ferals
The mission of Rim Country Friends of Ferals is to humanely control the area’s population of feral cats through the Trap, Neuter, Return program. The group of volunteers also strives to find loving, forever homes for healthy rescue cats like these. Chelsea is a spayed female about 12 weeks old. She is a little scared, so will need some patience. But she is very cute and wants to love you.
Low-cost spay, neuter clinic coming
The Humane Society strives to bring fresh, animal-related topics to the Payson community, but we sure do have a passion for good old spay and neuter initiatives. Adopting or fostering an animal is no doubt a life-altering experience, but spaying and neutering is the solution to the pet overpopulation issue drowning our nation’s shelters.
News from Rim Country Friends of Ferals
The mission of Rim Country Friends of Ferals is to humanely control the area’s population of feral cats through the Trap, Neuter, Return program. The group of volunteers also strives to find loving, forever homes for healthy rescue cats like these. Bandit is about 12 weeks old, he is neutered and has had all his shots. He’s greyish white with a grey mask, and he’s very cute. He needs a forever home.
Peanut butter popsicle keeps dogs busy
Whether it is a chewed-up shoe or leg of an antique dresser, chewing and other types of destructive behavior can be quite aggravating. The good news is that destructive behavior can be modified with several different methods of training. Many people may think that lack of exercise is the sole reason for unwanted behavior when left alone, but sheer boredom may be the culprit for your canine’s destructive behavior. Fortunately there are many behavior modification techniques that can mediate the situation.
February adoption special — all pets just $25
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. There are many kinds of love, but the greatest of all is unconditional — the type of love many say can only be experienced by owning a cat or dog. As a mother, I feel it’s also something you experience with your children. For many pet owners, their dog or cat is their child, so I think pet owners and parents can relate. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Humane Society of Central Arizona is running an adoption special. For the month of February, all adoptions are just $25. This includes cats, kittens, puppies and dogs. We have an unconditional love for the animals in our care and would like for them to find their loving, forever homes so that you can experience unconditional love too. Stop by the shelter at 812 S. McLane Road, open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Adopt or rescue your next pet, don’t buy or breed
In last week’s article, I discussed the importance of spaying and neutering. We are all aware of the millions of animals euthanized each year due to pet overpopulation, and unfortunately there are not enough homes for the vast amount of animals in shelters across the country. So, I’ve found another way you can help reduce these euthanasia numbers…ADOPT OR RESCUE! Too many times I’ve heard people say they just want to breed their dog one time because “she’s just so cute,” or because “he’s the best dog I’ve ever had.” Though that may be the case, there are still millions of animals looking to find their forever home. You’d be surprised at the types of cats and dogs that make their way into shelters and rescues each year. So you want a purebred? Not a problem. There are purebreds that end up in shelters, including ours, as well as rescue groups who focus on primarily one breed.
Remembering a beloved supporter
On Dec. 15, 2011 the Humane Society of Central Arizona lost a beloved friend and supporter — Mr. Thomas Tainsh. Tom served on the Payson Humane Society Board of Directors for many years as president and vice president. He and his wife, Velma, spearheaded the Spay and Neuter program and also the Save Our Shelter plan by calling for matching funds. The people of Payson responded generously and saved the shelter. The amount of love and support Tom had for the humane society and its lost, abandoned and unwanted pets is remarkable. We have been truly blessed to have such a strong, dedicated man and of course his wife, Velma, be a huge part of something we all believe in. He will be missed, but never forgotten. So here’s to you, Mr. and Mrs. Tainsh; thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for everything.
Shelter has many pets in need of homes
There are dozens of wonderful dogs and cats in need of homes at the Humane Society of Central Arizona animal shelter, located at 812 S. McLane Road, just south of Main Street. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 7 days a week. For more information, call (928) 474-5590 or visit www.humanesocietycentralaz.org.
Cat fanciers have plenty of adoption options at HSCAZ
Many people have a household full of furry friends. Whether it is a group of canine companions or an entourage of feline friends, animals are known to make a household more entertaining. Some people are “dog people” while others are “cat fanciers,” but our society does have a population that enjoys the companionship of both.
2011 a successful year at HSCAZ
As 2011 comes to an end, I believe my premonition about how this year would be came true. 2011 was a successful year for the Humane Society of Central Arizona. This year we welcomed Kat Knauff as our new Animal Services Manager. Kat has proven to be a huge asset to HSCAZ. This year she helped place 175 animals into rescue; versus last year’s number of 40. Kat also helped set up and successfully complete the first mobile Spay and Neuter Clinic to take place in the last 2-1/2 years. I think it’s safe to say we are glad to welcome Kat aboard.
Pet owners should be mindful of holiday hazards
Beautiful lights and decorations are up now and you can hear some of your favorite carols on the radio. It’s getting colder in Payson, and Christmas is just around the corner. This is personally my favorite time of year. It’s time to bake cookies and wrap gifts and spend time with the family. The season can be a little hectic at times, but the warm feeling in your heart and the wonderful memories you create sure pays off. As Kat said in last week’s article, having a companion sure does make life more enjoyable. For those of you who do own pets or are planning on adopting this year, there are some holiday hazards we want you to be aware of. Treats, decorations and the weather can be harmful to your pets, so here are a few things to watch out for this time of year: Chocolate, especially dark and other human food is bad for your pet. If they get into these things, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea or even more severe problems.
Keeping pets safe during holidays
As the pages of the calendar flip and we move closer to the holiday season, pet owners should be aware of common, but hidden, dangers to their pets as we transform our homes for the celebrations to come. “The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy for our families, but in preparing for the season, many pet owners run the risk of exposing their pets to household dangers that could present potential life-threatening hazards to their pets,” said veterinarian Lori Pasternak, of Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery and Dental Care (www.helpinghandsvetva.com). “These latent hazards could derail a family’s holiday season if their pets become ill as a result of these hidden perils.”
Let us spice up your life with a pet
The holidays are filled with excitement. The weather is crisp, and holiday music is in full swing. With so much to be thankful for this time of year, people can ironically be a little stressed during the holidays. Whether it be the pressure of entertaining, finding the perfect holiday gifts, or cooking for a full house, tension can occur this time of year. HSCAZ has the answer to your “holiday pains,” though. Simply sit down and enjoy the company of a furry friend. Animals can offer an enormous amount of joy to your life. The sheer fact that companion animal’s guardians have lower blood pressure is astonishing, putting them at a reduced risk of heart disease. Animals are not only beautiful and entertaining to be around, but they know when you’re upset or in a time of need. I can’t count how many times my dogs have been the “first responders” when I’m upset or simply in a gloomy mood.
Christmas wish: a loving home for all
Despite the recent winter storm, freezing temperatures and slick, icy sidewalks, things are going pretty well here at the Humane Society of Central Arizona. This past weekend, we participated in Petco’s “Think Adoption First” program and adopted out three of our adoptable dogs! Our new building is under way and every morning we hear them out there making progress. Today, I watched the guys putting in frames for the windows; it was pretty exciting. And even though we are still full, our numbers aren’t that bad. We are able to house all the dogs inside to keep them warm at night. This is a good thing, but finding each of them a forever home is even better.
