Adoptable Mutt of the Month: Rin Tin

Meet Rin Tin! He is an adorable, energetic and very smart Border Collie / Bernese mix. He's just about a year-old and is currently impressing his foster dad with all his tricks! Rin Tin loves to play, adores other dogs and seems completely at home with just about everyone he meets. He'd make a terrific addition to any family!

UAF Calendars Make Great Stocking Stuffers!

Kudos go to UAF volunteers Joellyn and Gail, and of course, our wonderful friends and sponsors Think4Inc, for collaborating and putting together a truly spectacular 2010 UAF Calendar. Fabulous pictures of dogs and cats who've found forever homes and those still awaiting their families are featured alongside useful pet tips. And the price is right, too! You can pick up the calendars at adoption events for just $12, or buy them online for $15 (including shipping) by clicking here. They make the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life!

ADS Food & Fleece Drive Underway!

Be on the lookout over the next few weeks for the bright red ADS Food & Fleece boxes, located in grocery stores all over the tri-cities. (ADS is UAF sister organization Animal Disaster Services, dedicated to caring for animal evacuees during natural disasters and emergencies.)

The economy is likely to keep donations for the 7th Annual drive a bit on the shy side, so that means we all need to do our part to compensate. The boxes are earmarked for everything from pet beds, food and treats to leashes, collars and bowls - all in high demand for needy pets this holiday season. If you see the box, be sure to pick up a little something extra along with your groceries and help our local furry friends. Recipients of the supplies include homeless shelters, animal sanctuaries and rescue groups like UAF. The boxes are located in Safeways, Olsen's Grains, and other stores throughout Yavapai County. Do what you can to fill 'em up!

Adoptable Kitties of the Month!

Need a little flavor in your life? Check out Sugar and Spice! This brother-and-sister duo isALMOST too darling for words. They're Absynnian mixes who are just under a year old, and boy - are they camera-worthy!

UAF Rummage Sale This Saturday

Be sure to block out some space this Saturday, November 14th, for the United Animal Friends Annual Rummage Sale! Once again, the sale will be held at the Boys & Girls Club in Downtown Prescott (335 E. Aubrey St.). There will tons of great items for sale - from jewelry to baked goods, art, clothing, toys, and more! You don't want to miss it. Doors open at 9AM!

Cat-er-Waul Adoption Event!

Feline lovers, beware! A host of wonderfully adoptable cats and kitties will be at the YHS Adoption Center this Saturday for a spook-erific Halloween event! It's "Cat-er-Waul" and it's coming to the Gateway Mall this weekend. From 10AM to 3PM. Kitties from YHS, UAF and Miss Kitty's will be onsite and ready for their forever homes! Even if you're not in the market for a new feline companion, you'll definitely want to stop by!

Adoptable Mutt of the Month!

Meet Bucky! Bucky is a very sweet, adorable and no-nonsense sort of fellow! He's just around two years old, and we think he's a Doxie - Chi mix. He's very vocal, and loves to purr back at you when you cuddle him! We think Bucky would do best as an only dog, or perhaps with another docile female. One thing's for sure; he is very camera-friendly!

Calling All Potters & Artists!

United Animal Friends is preparing for its second annual "WOOF DOWN LUNCH" with your cat or dog to be held in April 10, 2010 on the Courthouse Plaza. The proceeds of this event will fund our spay/neuter programs. You can help us meet our goal of having at least 500 dog and cat bowls available for purchase by the public.
Laguna Clay Co. has generously donated clay for this event - so call to get your supply.
Lessons are available for those who wish to participate but are inexperienced.
Large bowls are especially needed. Artists are asked to sign their bowls with “name 2010”.
Let us know if you’re willing to share your studios with others to make bowls.
UAF is also accepting fine art and craft specialty items for the fundraiser.
For details or questions, contact Jean Lutz at 928-445-3553 or jlutz@cableone.net

Dogtoberfest 2009!

In case you missed it, Dogtoberfest was a huge success this year! The event - held on the Prescott Courthouse square on Sunday, September 27th - drew hundreds of animal-lovers from all across Arizona. United Animal Friends was onsite and enjoyed a very successful day as well. Overall, eleven loving mutts found forever homes, and UAF volunteers were also thrilled to see several former UAF dogs stop by with their people to say hello. There's nothing better than seeing a dog who was once homeless now in the wonderful care of happy humans!

Pictures: Upper Left: former UAF dog Joey is joined by his new foster pal - Conrad! Conrad was at DDR for MONTHS and desperately needed a home. Now, he'll learn all the ropes with Joey! Upper Right: Kingman puppy Coco with her new people - thanks Lopas family! Lower Left: Happy puppies poop out early. Lower Middle: The UAF Station on the Square. Lower Right: An especially debonaire Alred smiles for the camera.

Adoptable Pups of the Month!

Meet adorable furballs Blu, Cuddles and Jake. These ultra-sweet and mellow lab mixes are around two to three months old, and judging by the size of their little baby bodies, they will be relatively big-sized dogs when they're full-grown. And while they're siblings and clearly love each other, they can be adopted separately.

UAF & Foreigner: Sweet Success!

If you weren't a Foreigner fan before, trust us when we tell you that you will be now! In town for a concert at Tim's Toyota Center last night, the band members followed their tradition of contacting a local charity to get involved with show. The charity - which in this case was United Animal Friends - then gathers volunteers to sell CD's before and after the concert. In return for the efforts, the charity receives $5 for every CD sold! What an awesome idea!

Folks who bought the CD's from UAF volunteers stationed outside the show were also entered to win a signed Les Paul guitar - and to meet the band after the show! UAF volunteer Roger even got to go onstage to promote UAF's causes, and draw the winner for the guitar! An incredible night, for sure, and the best part? UAF received a whopping $1,760 in donations from the CD sales! Everyone's a winner! Kudos to all the UAF volunteers who made this stellar event such a success, and kudos to Foreigner - for supporting local nonprofits and charities where they tour . . . that is truly, truly cool!

Adoptable Kitties of the Month!

Meet Becky and Barry, two adorable eight-week old kittens up for adoption! This brother and sister duo are quite the little adventurers and because they're so close, we'd really like to see them get adopted together so that they can enjoy all the benefits that feline-sibling relationships bring! Little Becky is super-spunky and adventurous, while chill-man Barry seems happy to sit back and take everything in. Both are healthy, playful and BEYOND ADORABLE!

Dandy Dawgs Program Featured on Best Friends Network

UAF & Best Friends Network volunteer Katie recently wrote an article profiling Andy Lloyd and her fantastic Dandy Dawgs Training program. Andy donates her training expertise to a number of local rescue groups here in Yavapai County, and her positive reinforcement training methods have helped countless animals. Click here to read the story on the Best Friends Arizona Network!

Small Dogs = Big Success!

United Animal Friends joined Circle L and Golden Bones Rescue on Saturday for Pixie Pooch Palooza, and as the photos indicate, the event was a massive success! Hundreds of people showed up to get a look at some of the small critters available for adoption. UAF favorites Izzy and Millie got adopted, along with many others from all three rescue groups!

UAF Special Event: Pixie Pooch Palooza!

Join UAF, Golden Bone Rescue, Circle L Ranch and more for our first-ever Pixie Pooch Palooza! This adoption event, held at Petsmart this Saturday, August 29th, celebrates the extraordinarily awesome spirits that come in small canine packages! Home-checks will be required for all potential adoptions. Whether you're in the market for a new best side-kick or not, we're pretty sure this event will leave you smiling. The fun starts at 11AM!

Adoptable Mutt of the Week - Peggy!

This week's adoptable mutt is Peggy! Peggy is an incredibly sweet and loving Jack Russell Terrier mix, probably just a year or so old. This gal is just the epitome of all that is wonderful; she's affectionate, expressive and quite the cuddler! It's amazing this girl is without a home, but we don't think that will last much longer. Because she probably has some Jack Russell in her, Peggy does need a home with a fully fenced yard where she can enjoy regular exercise. Not so much to ask, right? Especially considering all the great companionship and fun Peggy will surely give back!

Calling All Potential Fosters!

Maybe you've thought about it briefly now and again, wondered how you might go about it, but now is really the time to seriously consider fostering for UAF! UAF volunteers have been making regular trips up to Kingman to rescue some very lovable and completely ADOPTABLE animals off the euthanasia list. We desperately need more fosters, especially for puppies and kittens. If you've ever wondered what fostering might be like, now is the time to give it a go! And remember, we'll work diligently with you to make sure you don't feel overwhelmed or unprepared for your new foster. Whatever type of arrangement you're in, we can assure you that there's an animal out there who can easily squeeze him or herself into your life -just temporarily!

ADS Featured on Best Friends AZ Website

Sister group to UAF, Animal Disaster Services (ADS) is a nonprofit group dedicated to providing shelter and care for animals and pets in need during natural disaster evacuations. Recently, an ADS profile article appeared on the "Go Local: Arizona" Network website for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Click here to read the story!

Morsel of Goodness: Rocky

This Week's Morsel of Goodness goes to Rocky (formerly Oswald)! While we are lucky to hear from newly adopted UAF animals in the weeks and months after they are adopted into their forever home, it's an extra-special treat to check in on a former UAF animal years later! And that's why we just had to share Rocky's story. UAF volunteer Katie found tiny puppy Rocky in a Prescott Valley warehouse in December of 2007, where he was trekking every day into work with someone who just put him in the back of the truck for the morning ride each day! Rocky was dirty, skinny and in need of lots of love and care. Katie convinced the then-owner to surrender the pup, and fostered him for a few days before finding him a forever home with Vikie and her husband. As Vikie recalls, it was love at first sight!

"My husband and I live on a 5 acres hobby farm/ranch with horses, sheep, chickens and an adopted dog “Mikey”. We felt that Mikey needed a playmate so we decided to adopt another dog. Shortly after we decided to adopt another dog, I received an email and photo of “Rocky” from Katie of UAF. As soon as I looked at the photo, I knew he was the one for us. His adorable face just grabbed my heart. His name was originally “Oswald”; however, we didn’t think the name fit him, so we decided to change it to “Rocky”. We chose Rocky because we felt he had a rough start, but was a fighter and champion like “Rocky Balboa!”
From the first day he came to our home, Rocky loved running and playing with Mikey and the other animals. Mikey looks after him just like a big brother and they get along wonderfully. They even roughhouse and tease each other just like brothers do! Rocky loves people and is very well behaved. He is especially attached to me and loves attention. We could not have asked for a better dog and we love him very much. We are so grateful to UAF for allowing us to adopt him and give him a loving home and family."

Thanks Vikie, for saving this little guy and keeping us updated on his happy life!

Adoptable Mutt of the Week - Conrad!

Conrad is an incredibly sweet and playful teenage pit-bull mix. What's different about him, you might ask? Oh - didn't we mention it? He's a GENIUS! Conrad is like a little scientist: inquisitive, curious and constantly taking samples. You'll see him sniffing around your shoes and legs, checking out what you've got in your hand with his gentle snout, even getting a big ole' lick of the salt off your face - and, it's all for Conrad's very important research! You see, however Conrad ended up without a home has got him curious as to the best way to avoid another similar situation. Conrad's convinced that if he takes enough samples and sniffs out enough people, he's certain to find a gem of a human companion - just for him! And what can we say - we agree completely! (Sadly, Conrad did have a forever home - for just a week! Even though Conrad got along swimmingly with his new family's three chihuahuas, he was able to jump their four-foot fence and escape long enough to chase a woman on a horse. The woman on the horse scared the family into returning Conrad. Conrad is being kenneled at this time until we can find him a foster or forever home. Please help us by donating to his kennel fund. It costs us about $10.00 a day and even a donation for one day helps.)

Morsels of Goodness: Chloe

This week's Morsel of Goodness . . . Chloe! Sweet Chloe was a shy and timid girl who came into Prescott Animal Control and immediately impressed UAF volunteers with her gentle personality. Soon, she won the heart of a wonderful local family; her new mom Deb says this about rescuing Chloe:

"My family and I had decided to adopt a 2nd dog. We had spent 6 weeks looking for a dog that would fit in with our menagerie of 2 rescue cats and a 14 year old Border Collie mix named Maia. It wasnt as easy as it sounds. The dogs we saw either snipped at or had energy levels to high for Maia, or werent cat friendly . Exhausted, our family had decided to discontinue our search for a few months. But before that decision, Katie had sent me a picture of a dog and I had already agreed to do an intro with Maia. The dog, a female heeler mix, was a stray that had been picked up in Ashfork at the end of May and taken in by Prescott Animal Control in early June. When I walked in she was the only dog in the kennels that wasnt barking, spinning or jumping. She was just sitting, shaking. She was extremely fearful and shy, but the introduction with Maia and I went well. Joellyn from UAF told me she probably wouldnt have done well at an adoption faire because she was so timid . I adopted her couple days later on July 8. It took her a couple weeks to settle in to our home, but she got along immediately with our dog Maia, my 8 yr old daughter, and even the cats! They love her! She is still pretty timid - Im sure it will take months to come out of her shell, but every day she takes baby steps. We named her Chloé, which in Greek means "blooming". She's a very sweet, loving dog and the perfect addition to our family. Thanks to Katie and Joellyn for assisting me in adopting Chloé. Also thanks to Prescott Animal Control who put up with me looking at dogs for 6 weeks before finding her. It really is true........ sometimes the right dog does find you!"

Thanks for saving this sweet girl, Deb!

Summer Adoption Events

Just a reminder to all you animal lovers out there, UAF adoption events are going strong through the summer! We've had excellent showings at Petco, Petsmart and the YC Farmer's Market the past few weeks. Check out the fun at Petsmart this past Saturday!

To the upper left, Katie and Orbit enjoy a special cuddle. Little pup Gunnar is clearly pooped out above; foster mom Lisa sits with Gunnar's sister Ginger in the upper right. Below right, a UAF Handler handles the gorgeous Hope. And surprise visits from UAF dogs now living happily in forever homes always makes us smile! Below left is Mitzy (formerly Pixel) with her new dad, and below center is Brewski (recently rescued from Kingman) with his happy new parents!

United Animal Friends' Mel on Local Radio!

A little while back, stellar UAF volunteer Mel sat down with Sue Sammarco of "Sue's Corner Pet Shop" Radio Show. We've included some of the highlights from that interview here. Great work, Mel! "Sue's Corner Pet Shop" airs every Sunday at 10:30AM on KJZA 89.5 FM.

And The TableScrap Goes To . . .

Andrea! Yet another 'Volunteer We Can't Live Without!' Everybody who volunteers or works with United Animal Friends surely knows Andrea well . . . she does SO MUCH! Among her many, many roles with United Animal Friends, Andrea most notably is our Adoption Events Coordinator and our Pet Food Bank Coordinator / Delivery Person. These are massive, huge roles! Each week, Andrea organizes volunteers and transport for all of the UAF adoption events. She transports, handles and manages events too! Andrea's work with the UAF Pet Food Bank is also a very intense job - one that takes her all over Arizona and allows her to meet people who are struggling to feed their animals and help them relieve that burden by providing them with free, donated pet food. Andrea's also a member of the new UAF Volunteer Committee and actively participates in all fundraising campaigns. Finally, Andrea is in charge of updated the Petfinders database with all incoming and outgoing dogs. Whew! She calls herself a 'failed foster,' but we think that just means she loves too much too let go. Here's how Andrea sums up her motivation for volunteering:

"I do what I do because of my love and compassion for animals. I have always had animals in my home. As a small child, I would bring home anything lost or hurt including kittens, puppies, rabbits, rodents, birds - anything that needed someone to help it. I joined PETA and Green peace back in the 70's because I was saddened by the horrors of whale and seal hunting & laboratory testing. I was a 4-H member at age 8, until I was told I needed to slaughter my rabbits. I never understood how you could raise an animal to trust you and then kill it.

Well, to sum it all up I have not changed very much. I still want to help everything, now even people. Education is the key to helping more animals. Its so rewarding taking pet food to people who are struggling to feed their animals and knowing it really helps. Also, seeing a dog get adopted that wouldn't have the chance without the networking of UAF. It's a great feeling. Rescuing puppies from a shelter e-list with one day to spare is the best!

I wouldn't change what I do for anything. I love UAf and its strong values. If I could wish for something it would be for more fosters and more adopters to help us save more animals. All of us as part of the community need to be responsible for the well being of the animals in this community."

The UAF Wishlist!

As United Animal Friends proceeds forward with the development and publishing of our brand new website, we've found ourselves polishing and revising things here and there. One part of the organization that we've gone over in the past few weeks is the UAF wishlist. This list will be available on the new website; please make yourself aware of these items and spread the word. One person's trash is another's treasure - as we know! If you have any items you'd like to donate, or if you know of someone who might, please let us know! Contact Joellyn via email at joellynaz@yahoo.com

• Fold down metal Crates folding tables for events
• A few new canopys
• A VAN, in good condition that we can use to transport animals from shelters, supplies, etc.
• Gas Cards to use for VAN refueling
• Staples rewards cards (if transferable) for copies, printer ink, etc.
• Indestructible beds (like Kuranda http://kuranda.com/donate/)
• Minolta D200 SLR digital camera
• Petsmart/Petco/Olsen's/Costco/Sam's Club Gift Cards
• Leashes/Collarscat/dog beds
• Mobile Vet Clinic
• Dog/Cat food

Morsels of Goodness: Bristol

Some of you may remember Bristol . . . a gorgeous, quiet Pointer who spent a whopping 11 WEEKS at Prescott Animal Control. A couple down in the Valley saw her on the UAF website and made the trip to PAC just for her! She has been renamed "Hina" and is yet another wonderful success story!

A note from Bristol's new mom to ACO Larry: "I just wanted to thank you for all of your help in the adoption process. We named her Hina, a japanese word for sunshine. She loves her new home with us and we couldn't be more pleased with her either. She is learning new commands every week and has put on a few needed pounds since her adoption. She was the perfect addition to our home and I am very greatful to your facility and the volunteer group that posted her on the website, without which we would not have found her. She was well worth the wait and the drive! I've attached a photo of her if you are interested in sharing her success story on your board, mostly though I just wanted to express our gratitude and say thanks once again." We never get tired of these stories!!!

Adoptable Mutt of the Month: Rainer

As Rainer will tell you, life isn’t always easy and it’s certainly not always fair. But according to Rainer – a sleek shepherd mix with a very beautiful spirit – you have to keep movin.’ We don’t really know what Rainer’s past life was like. He is incredibly affectionate and clearly loves people, but there’s a timidity to him too – just a little bit of uncertainty. He’ll sit, for instance, before you’ve even had the chance to ask. He just really wants to impress you is all, and wants you to know that he – Rainer – is a really good dog. He’s getting up in the years – probably around three to five years old now, so he’s really ready to settle down and enjoy the quiet life. Sure, he’d still love to go out for a daily stroll around the neighborhood, but his galavanting days are behind him. Now, he seems to really understand that what matters most in this life – fair and unfair – is having someone to love you unconditionally. If there was ever a dog who deserved love like that, Rainer is without a doubt, without even a smidgeon of doubt, that dog.

Kitten Cruelty Case Continues in Prescott

Sometimes, it's frightening to learn how close to home vicious acts of animal cruelty often occur. United Animal Friends has been closely following the criminal trial against Laura Ann King, a Prescott Valley resident accused of killing her six-month old kitten. King has since attempted to blame the death of the kitten on her rottweiler, despite witness reports of hearing King with the kitten inside her apartment. Thankfully, the reports of these responsible witnesses did not go unrecognized by Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Ralph Hess, who denied the defense motion concerning the rottweiler, and set King's animal cruelty court date for September 1st. The details are gruesome enough, but it is importnat that we realize what type of animal cruelty issues we're likely to have in our own community, and thus equip ourselves with better resources to combat the criminals and values behind those heinous acts. Yes, it's hard to read and acknowledge this type of flagrant disconcern for animal life, but if we are to make our community a safer place for animals, we have to first be informed. See the full Daily Courier article here. (Thanks to Linda H. for supplying the picture - to the right - of Laura King when she first adopted the cat . . . animal abusers are certainly not always obvious from the get go!)

Morsels of Goodness: Bear

Just a few weeks ago, they were the infamous 'feral, KOA pups.' After being presumably dumped and consequently picked up at a KOA campground, a group of feral puppies - fifteen to be exact - were taken to Prescott Animal Control. Originally, United Animal Friends PAC liasons and volunteers were extremely worried for their survival, but as soon as word got out that we needed volunteers to help socialize the pups, well - you all came to the rescue. Just a few weeks passed before ALL FIFTEEN puppies were placed in foster homes and/or adopted! This month's Morsel of Goodness features the story of Bear, the very last of the feral pups to be adopted. Bear was a very, very frightened and timid young fella when we met him, but according to new dad, Jeff, he's re-adjusting splendidly now! (Special thanks to Barb C. for facilitating this adoption! Nice work, Barb!)

". . . he is just the happiest little pup. He sleeps all night but right away I get him out of his crate in the morning and hussle him outside so he can do his business. He then always wants hugs and kisses before running around outside and sniffing everything. He found a rawhide the other day and it is his new best chew thing! Yesterday he stayed in the outside kennel for the morning. I let him out at lunch to run around. I went inside to grab a bite to eat and when I came back out to find him he had gone back into the kennel all on his own - he likes it in there . . . all nestled in the straw and chewing his rawhide. He spent the afternoon inside the mudroom as it was raining heavily and I wanted him to stay dry! He is quite the snuggly pup - loves hugs and kisses!"

Prescott Animal Control Vote Postponed

As many of you know, earlier this week the Prescott City Council postponed a voting session that would determine the future of Prescott Animal Control. Both Yavapai Humane Society and United Animal Friends are currently bidding to manage the animal control center in the coming fiscal year (2009-2010), but operations will continue as normal until the vote is rescheduled, presumably in a few weeks. Yesterday, the Town of Prescott Valley voted to accept their portion of the Yavapai Humane Society's proposal. Read the full Daily Courier article here.

Picture Perfect: Dandy Dawgs' Spay Neuter Walk

Well, suffice it to say, it's been a long week. Here at Table Scraps, we thought everyone could use a bit of a breather, and we've got just the thing for the occasion. Last weekend's Spay / Neuter Dog Walk (hosted by Dandy Dawgs) was a huge success, so we've put together a slide-show recapping the fun. Hopefully, this'll remind us all why we do what we do. (Special thanks to Krys's husband for great pictures!)

YHS To Take Over Prescott Animal Control

Well, it's finally out! In what is surely some of the most controversial news ever to hit the tri-cities rescue community, Prescott's Daily Courier reported today that the Yavapai Humane Society is attempting to take over management of Prescott Animal Control at the start of the 2009 fiscal year. According to the Courier report, Prescott City Council members will vote this week on whether or not to proceed with proposed two-year contract. Per the agreement, YHS will receive $49,334 a year to handle issues "pertaining to housing, care, adoption, disposition and return of unwanted, lost and aggressive dogs."

City Manager Steve Norwood cited public confusion about the difference between the neighboring facilities as part of the impetus for the contract, in addition to stating that ultimately for the City, "it didn't make sense to have our facility there." Interestingly, the article also mentioned that the City would keep on three animal control officers as staff, though the three officers (there are currently four ACO's) would not work in the animal control center. It has yet to be revealed how the proposed contract will work out in terms of space management, staff allocation on the Humane Society's part, or public awareness about the merger.
Currently, PAC works with the Humane Society for some medical and re-homing purposes, but many of the dogs who find their way out of Prescott Animal Control do so via the adoption processes of United Animal Friends. United Animal Friends also runs an extensive dog-walking volunteer program at PAC, and maintains a database of incoming animals at the pound, updated weekly. How these programs will be affected by the take-over is yet to be determined, but we may assume they will in the very least change dramatically, if not altogether cease.
So, we know some of you have some opinions about this - how it will change rescue operations here in Prescott and what it will do to the many stray and abandoned dogs who find themselves at Prescott Animal Control on any given day. Let's hear it!

Collar-Up Campaign!

As the 4th of July weekend approaches, United Animal Friends (UAF) announces its "Collar Up" campaign. During 4th of July celebrations many dogs and cats go missing each year because fireworks send them into a panic. The best solution is to keep pets safely inside. However, if Fido runs off, a good fitting collar with ID tags and micro-chipping will improve his chances of a fast and safe reunion with his family. A permanent black marker can also be used to write his family name and phone number on a collar.
Anyone wishing to donate or pick up a gently-used collar can go to a UAF weekly adoption event, Saturdays, 8 A.M. – Noon , at Prescott Farmers Market at Yavapai College ; or Sundays, Noon–3 P.M., at Petco in Prescott. (Special thanks to Andrea and Krys for the write-up and organization!) For more information call UAF at 928-778-2924.

Adoptable Mutt of the Month: Alfred

Okay, so not everyone knows this, but Alfred is actually a name reserved only for the most well-behaved, polite and HANDSOME dogs out there. So, just the fact that we’ve now named a dog Alfred should get some folks off their bums pretty fast! Alfred is a border collie / lab mix who is utterly lovable. Alfred is around five to seven years old, and though he’s a very big boy, he’s extremely gentle, friendly and affectionate. He’s also very laid-back and just seems totally at home in his own skin, with a sort of ‘that’ll do’ attitude that’s just infectious. Because he appears to be house-trained and walks so well on a leash, we think Alfred has definitely lived in a home before, and at some point along the way, he got neutered too! All this guy is waiting for now is someone worthy enough to take him home. It won’t be easy living up to the standards we think Alfred deserves, but if you ask him, he’ll tell you ‘that’ll do’ just fine!

Gaining Ground Against Breed-Banning

Score! Last week, opponents of breed-ban legislation achieved a significant victory in Denver, Colorado. Backed by the AKC, three individual pet-owners took their case to the United States High Court of Appeals for the 10th circuit, where they argued against the constitutionality of Denver's pit-bull-ban. The city-limit ordinance, first instituted in 2005, outlaws "ownership or possession of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier." What's most outrageous to breed-ban opponents, though, is the standing bill's inclusion of any dogs who appear to display a "majority of physical traits of one or more of these breeds." (Read a summary of the events here.)
The recent ruling overrides a 2007 dismissal of the same suit, which means the plaintiffs can proceed with their case against the city of Denver, and continue their plight to overturn the breed ban - which is responsible for the deaths of at least 1,000 dogs since 2005.
While this is great news for those of us standing against breed-specific legislation, what we here at Table Scraps find even more inspiring is the AKC's involvement in the case. When one works or volunteers regularly in rescue, the importance of breed-specific regulations and standards falls to the way-way-wayside, and it becomes all-too-easy to disregard the importance of organizations like the AKC. But this is an excellent and extremely note-worthy example of the potential for partnership amongst groups who share a solid ideological foundation despite wildly disparate missions. Just think of the difference we might make by applying that type of mentality to the work of animal protection in general. Here here, to putting aside lesser grievances for the sake of a far more important cause.

Morsels of Goodness: Earl

When we first met Earl, he was an incredibly sad little soul, picked up as a stray near the local Costco and taken direclty to the pound. No one ever came to rescue him, though, and Earl was just beside himself with fright - pacing back and forth in his kennel constantly. The animal control officers at the pound were worried about the old guy, so they called on United Animal Friends to help. UAF volunteers then called on someone just perfect for Earl . . . and the rest is history!

Earl's mom Susan gave UAF a recent update on this very special old soul . . . "I thought you would like to see the "new Earl" . . . as you can see he is just a part of the gang. He is getting very pretty with the brushing. And yes, I know he is spoiled but he deserves it! This is just another wonderful example of the great work that you all do at UAF . . . thank you for letting me be a part of it."

Adoptable Mutt of the Month!

BRISTOL

Like all Pointers, Bristol knows exactly what she's after ... the scent! With a wonderful disposition, this two or three year old Pointer is a real sweetheart! She's about the size of a beagle - rather small for a Pointer - but everything else about her leaves little doubt what breed she is. Bristol came in with her pal Bijou, who has already been adopted. This gal needs a home where she can get plenty of exercise and stimulation; Pointers are incredibly athletic, smart dogs, so this girl wants to put those taut muscles to work! But just give her a chance, and she'll sniff her way right into your heart!

And The Table Scrap Goes To . . .

Allie Werhan! Many of you know Allie as UAF's kitty angel! In the past month alone, Allie has found fosters or homes for 48 cats and kitties! That's a lot of feline success! Allie works the UAF Cat Adoptions at Petco every Sunday from 11AM to 3PM, along with fellow volunteers Linda and Kathy.

Allie explains her motivations: "I started with UAF by adopting a cat , moved on to scooping up a batch of kittens in front of Safeway that were being mistreated by some little kids, signed up to work the dog hotlines, worked

my way up to the cat hotlines and before I knew it, I was up to my UAF logo in alligators. I am a failed foster, having kept several of the kittens I have fostered. The kittens are the part I love best about my UAF life, then the friends I have made."

A Reformed Man?

As some of you may know, Michael Vick was released from federal prison yesterday, May 20th, after having served 19 months for operating an illegal dog-fighting ring and committing a slew of utterly heinous, unspeakable acts of cruelty to dogs. And now that he's out, it's certainly no surprise that he's claiming himself a reformed man. What does come as a surprise, however, is the fact that Vick has managed to align himself with the Humane Society of the United States, purportedly in an effort to educate the public about the horrendous - and illegal - nature of dogfighting.

So, can we really be expected to believe that Vick is a changed person? An L.A. Times journalist who wrote a feature on the news event posed the question well: "Is Vick, who not only financed a dogfighting ring but also reportedly "enjoyed placing family pets in the ring with fighting pit bulls and ... laughed as dogs ripped each other apart," really reformed? Is his desire to help the Humane Society simply a public relations move designed to get him reinstated in the NFL? "

And on another note, is this a wise move for the Humane Society? Interestingly, PETA entertained the notion of working with Vick in an anti-dog-fighting campaign before his release, but ultimately 'rescinded the offer.' And a blogger for PETA is now calling for a psychiatric exam to be taken by Vick before he starts this publicity crusade - to ensure he really does believe that dog-fighting is cruel and, importantly, morally wrong.

Certainly, the subject of second chances is one we frequently encounter in the rescue field. But does Vick deserve a second chance? And is Vick taking advantage of the Humane Society to mend his tarnished reputation, or is the Humane Society using Vick to push a more important message? Sadly, as always seems to be the case, the only real victims are the dogs - those rescued from Vick's infamous compound and those that didn't live long enough to see that day of reckoning arrive. The entire partnership, though, is an interesting precedent nonetheless, so what do you think?

Woof Down Lunch

Today's Woof Down Lunch on the Courthouse square was a great success! Good money was raised for rescue; plenty of folks strolled through the area with their animals, and a lot of great vendors lended their support.

Here's a photo snippet of some of the day's fun:

To the upper left, some of the beautiful bowls event-goers went home with. To the upper right, CVAC's Arby showcases some serious talent.

Below left, UAF / PAC dog Olive with her new mom - attending the event after her first week at home! Below center, one of Hannah's (the BMD / Aussie mix) puppies - Mike - with his new forever family (a family who drove from CA to adopt him). And below right, a truly happy ending. Luke, formerly known as Chevy - the Prescott Animal Control dog who came in with an enormous tumor on his leg - with his new forever mom Hannah. And tumor free, at last!

All in all, a great day full of sweaty, giddy volunteers and vendors totally excited to share with the animal-loving public how great canine - and feline (there was that cat in the stroller!) - companionship truly is.