Minnie: Home for the Holidays?

Read about wonderful Minnie below! Spread the word about helping us find a Home for the Holidays for Minnie!

In her four years of life thus far, smooth fox terrier mix Minnie has heard a lot of terms she doesnt understand. For instance, shes not sure about economy and recession." Still, words like these are the reason this fun-loving girl has suddenly found herself without a home. The thing is, we dont think dogs like Minnie should have to know these terms. Minnie is energetic, friendly and incredibly affectionate, and she deserves a loving, stable home that's guaranteed even when things hit a rough patch. Minnies love and loyalty is forever, and were committed to finding a home that offers her the same in return.

For more information about Minnie, call (928) 778-2924 or email uafdogs@gmail.com

Sonya: Home for the Holidays?

Next up in our "Home for the Holidays Series" is Sonya!

Sweet Sonya is an expert in close-calls. The one-year-old Belgian Malinois mix is gorgeous, friendly and playful, but somehow, she still found herself on the wrong side of a euthanasia list at the local shelter. The problem was that Sonya had a very slight condition on her eyelid. Even though the problem was easily correctable with minor surgery, Sonya needed to be rescued from the shelter immediately to ensure that her close call was as near as she would ever be to such a scary and undeserved fate. Luckily, thats just what happened. Now recovering splendidly from her surgery, gentle Sonya is ready to leave her past behind and start life anew! With her fantastic attitude, wiggly affection, and infectious positive energy, Sonya is destined to bring a lot of love to a very lucky family.

To adopt Sonya, please call Toby or Ray at 928.899.7269 or e-mail the application to 4lvdch@bullerinetworks.net.

Peanut & Stewart: Home for the Holidays?

Meet two very adoptable UAF dogs! Both are looking for new forever homes or foster homes by the New Year!

Peanut:
Peanut is ready for class! This star student is oh-so-adorable nine-month-old Labrador mix who has already excelled in most of her puppy basic training. She is crate- and house-trained; she loves children and she even knows a few commands. Peanut can be a little uncertain in new places, but once she knows she's in the company of people who like her, she settles right in. Peanut is looking for an active home where she can continue her doggie education. She's hoping for a human companion who will help her learn her remaining few lessons. Once she does, she'll most certainly be a fantastic member of the family!

Stewart:
Get ready world . . . here he comes! Stewart is an ultra-cuddly and lovable Cattle Dog / Australian Shepherd mix whose infectious attitude and spirit rubs off on everyone he meets. We think Stewart is around eight to twelve months old; he has lots of playfulness about him and has no problem showing off those puppy-dog eyes! Hes only around thirty pounds and is exceptionally affectionate. Stewart is currently on the mend from a bit of an eye infection that almost had him euthanized, but he isnt about to let any little malady like that get in his way. He's happy to be gearing up for a permanent stay with a new forever home. Hes got a lot of life to live and a lot of love to give!

Sweet Dolly would sure like to be in a "Home for the Holidays"! Read all about her below:

Have you ever met someone you found to be so wonderful, so delightfully compact and adorable, that you wanted to put her in your pocket and take her with you all the way home? That's pretty much exactly how we feel about Dolly. Nine-month-old Dolly packs an absurd amount of cute-adorable-charisma into her twenty-five-pound frame. From what we can surmise, she's a Heeler / Whippet mix who will likely get a bit bigger as she grows but will by no means be a large adult dog. She's not only pure pleasure to look at either; she's also incredibly friendly to people and dogs alike. As she comes up on her first birthday, Dolly is eager and ready to build some confidence and find her forever home. And one look from those heartfelt eyes guarantees she will be a devoted and loyal member of one very lucky family.

For more information about Dolly, call (928) 778-2924 or email uafdogs@gmail.com

Adam: Home for the Holidays?

The"Home for the Holidays" Series continues with awesome Adam!

In the dog world, there are rambunctious dogs, sweet dogs, handsome dogs and - well, you get the picture. One type of dog we don't get the chance to meet very often are those dogs in the "Exceptionally Well-Mannered" Category. Sounds impressive, right? Well, that's just what we think about six-year-old Adam. A very smart and loving Basenji mix, Adam embodies good manners. He walks well on a leash, respects the nuances of his feline friends, and knows all his P's and Q's in the house. Of course, sometimes other dogs forget the rules about how to be proper, and Adam feels it's his duty to inform them of their impolite behavior. Some people think this is Adam's way of being snippy, but we know he's just doing what he thinks is best - upholding the respectable doggie code! Nonetheless, Adam's character is so refined and special that we think he deserves to be in a single-dog household, where his stellar attitude can be fully appreciated! For more information about adopting or fostering Adam, call (928) 778 - 2924 or email uafdogs@gmail.com

Pep: Home for the Holidays?

In continuing with our "Home for the Holidays" Series, we invite you to meet Pep!

If all the canine world was a basketball team, Pep would undoubtedly be the starting point guard. Just ask Pep himself, and the confident young Cattle dog / Heeler mix will assure you that he is an absolute all-star. This thirty-five pound boy is smart, attentive, and of course, exceptionally athletic. Stars like Pep don't come around very often, so we are hoping to place this boy in a home where he can enjoy the spotlight all by himself. Like all heelers (and athletes, for that matter), Pep requires a regular and healthy means of expelling his energy and working on his moves. After all, he is in training to become the fastest, brightest, and best dog ever!

For more information about adopting or fostering Pep, please call (928) 778-2924 or email uafdogs@gmail.com.

Maya: Home for the Holidays?

Next up in our Home for the Holidays Series is Maya!

Looking for the perfect side-kick? Meet Maya, a one-year-old Black Lab mix with a peppering of Cattle Dog / Heeler thrown in for good measure (take a look at those feet!). Even though Maya can be a tad on the shy side when you first meet her, you'll soon be reveling in the wonderful companionship this beautiful, athletic girl has to offer. Maya truly epitomizes the 'best friend' characterization. She loves toys, other pups and a good dose of silliness, but her number one priority will always be you! She has a wonderfully loyal nature that will surely make her forever human one very lucky person.

For more information about Maya, call (928) 778 - 2924 or email uafdogs@gmail.com.

Chance: Home for the Holidays?

United Animal Friends is hoping to place a number of wonderful dogs in forever homes or foster homes before the end of 2010. Until then, we'll be spotlighting a number of terrific dogs who deserve all the love that the season brings. For information about fostering or adopting any of the dogs you meet on TableScraps, please email uafdogs@gmail.com or call (928) 778 - 2924. First up: Chance!

Found wandering alone in the Valley, Chance is a four-year-old Border Collie Mix who was brought to a local shelter only to give birth soon thereafter (all but one of her pups have been adopted!). We don't know for certain how long Chance was on her own, but one thing is clear: this gorgeous girl deserves a loving home - one that assures she'll never have to go wandering again. Her time on the road left her a little shy, and she hasn't had the chance to fully grasp that domesticated cats make great roommates, but Chance is a quick learner who absolutely basks in kindness and affection. She's incredibly intelligent and eager to please; plus, her journey into motherhood seems to have given her a soft spot for children. Admittedly, Chance needs a little time and effort to become accustomed to living in a real home, but as her name implies, all she needs is that one opportunity! We think what know what Chance was looking for during all that wandering and we're committed to making sure that the forever home she finds is worth her journey.

Making Things Right for Ranger

Ranger would likely be the first to tell you that life isn’t always fair. After all, the young Lab-Border Collie mix knows this all too well. After spending over forty days in the county shelter, Ranger was rescued by United Animal Friends who had no choice but to immediately place him in another boarding facility. The days passed as a foster home or adoptive family was desperately sought after, but things just haven’t worked out for Ranger the way they should have. And it’s now been over 85 DAYS since the lovable, intelligent and perfectly adoptable Ranger has been kept in a kennel. Even though Ranger admits there have been more lemons than lemonade in his short life so far, he hasn’t given up. Life isn’t fair, but Ranger has faith that very soon, someone will step forward and offer him the foster or forever home he so desperately needs and deserves.

If you can help Ranger, please let us know! Ranger is an active and intelligent young dog who needs to get out of boarding as soon as possible and into a home where he start living like a normal dog. He has great potential and will certainly bond with people – particularly women – very quickly. He is truly one of those dogs who will be a superstar in someone’s family; he just needs a chance to get started! Let’s show Ranger that sometimes life IS fair. Please contact Joellyn at uafdogs@gmail.com today.

Adoptable Mutt of the Month: Billie

Meet Billie, a incredibly lovable and huggable Chow Chow mix who's around four years old. Billie is looking for a home where he can enjoy the love and devotion of an owner who truly cares about his comfort and happiness. Though he gets along with most dogs, he can be a little uncertain at first. At his age, Billie really deserves to get all the attention of someone who realizes just how wonderful and special he truly is! For more information about Billie, read his online profile. For questions about adopting Billie, email Ella at ellam@comspeed.net, or call (928) 771-2862.

UAF Holiday Pet Food Drive

This holiday season, do your part to help local animals in need! Support the United Animal Friends Holiday Pet Food Drive. UAF is collecting donations of dog and cat food, blankets, collars and leashes, and other items. Distribution of all items will be through the UAF Pet Food Bank to feed hungry animals in the community. Large, gift-wrapped collections boxes are located in the following locations:

• Safeway on White Spar Road in Prescott
• Safeway in Prescott Valley
• Olsen's Grain in Prescott and Chino Valley
• Boot Barn in Prescott Valley
• Pet Headquarters in Prescott Valley
• Warren's Hay-N-More in Chino Valley
• Run-A-Muk in Prescott
• Fiesta's Country Café in Mayer
• Noah's Thrift Store in Prescott
• Safeway on Hwy 89 in Chino Valley
• Costco (Donation box is located just past the restrooms in the employee room)
  

For more information, call UAF at 778-2924.

Chloe’s Patience: A Forever Home At Last

Most people don’t realize it, but as seasoned rescue volunteers will attest, rescue stories don’t often end when an animal is taken out of a shelter or saved from euthanasia. In fact, this is usually where the real work begins. Pit bull mix Chloe knows this all too well.

When Chloe was ten months old, she was turned into United Animal Friends of Prescott, Arizona as a stray. Almost immediately, United Animal Friends placed the young dog into a foster home. Once into her foster home, however, it became apparent that Chloe had some trouble getting along with other dogs. As the weeks and months progressed, this issue became so much of a problem that it prevented Chloe’s foster and UAF volunteers from feeling comfortable enough to show her at adoption events.

So, there she was: in a troublesome situation. Chloe wasn’t quite predictable enough around other dogs to be shown in public, but without the chance to show off how smart and loving she was, she lingered in her foster home. Soon, months turned into years, and Chloe was ultimately relinquished to her foster home. But that foster home just wasn’t meant to be Chloe’s forever home; she shared the home with other dogs, and she really wanted to be an only dog. She needed special attention, and her foster knew it. Luckily, things were about to change for Chloe.

Soon after Chloe was relinquished to her foster came a blessing in disguise. Her foster parent had to leave the country and Chloe desperately needed a place to stay. Knowing Chloe wouldn’t survive in a shelter, independent rescuer Ella Hess stepped in. Ella honed in on Chloe – taking her under her wing. She put Chloe into boarding and got straight to work on publicizing her adoptability. When the rescue money for boarding ran out, Ella raised donations to keep Chloe safe. She was so enthusiastic about Chloe’s potential, she even convinced friends to visit Chloe on a regular basis – giving her the exercise and interaction she needed during her stay in boarding. All the while, Ella was working every angle she could find, putting up flyers and repeatedly sending out notices to the local rescue community. Eventually, Ella even elicited the help of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, who sent out a special notice about Chloe.

After five long weeks in boarding, Ella’s tireless determination paid off. Somehow, Chloe’s story had made the journey down to Phoenix. There, a kind man named Leon found her picture on a bulletin board at work. He took down the contact information and called Ella. It wasn’t long before a meeting was set up, and Chloe was taken down to Phoenix to meet Leon and his wife Diane.

As the story goes, the rest is history. Leon and Diane saw in Chloe the honest, genuine goodness she had to offer, and they fell in love with it. They knew she wasn’t perfect – but they didn’t care. They were willing to give her the life she needed and in the end, Chloe gave them what they needed as well.

Enjoying the good life in Phoenix, Chloe now enjoys regular swims in her backyard pool and the devoted attention of her forever mom and dad. She serves as a reminder of the many difficulties rescuers face when trying to place a dog. Every dog is different; there really is no ‘perfect’ or ‘push-button’ dog. And the story doesn’t end when a dog is rescued from the streets or from a shelter. It takes the persistent efforts of compassionate people and organizations who share one common goal: saving lives.

If Chloe could speak to us, Ella imagines she might look at her with more than a little relief and exclaim, ‘finally!’ But rescuers like Ella don’t wait for that type of moment. They enjoy a special kind of thank-you that truly marks the end of a rescue effort. It often comes when they’re all alone, driving away from a successful placement – when behind them, they see a happy dog looking up at a new owner with a gratitude that goes beyond words, getting smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror.

Faces of the UAF Food Bank Program

As many of you know, part of the United Animal Friends mission is to reach out and help our fellow community members. So, while we're constantly striving to help place homeless pets in forever homes and foster homes, we're also committed to assisting the local pet owners who struggle to feed their own animals. This is precisely where the UAF Pet Food Bank comes in. Organized and managed by volunteer extraordinaire Andrea, the Food Bank provides free food for residents from all across Yavapai County. As the recipients of the program will attest, the donations couldn't come at a better time. In fact, at a recent Food Bank distribution event, UAF met with over 45 residents in need of food. Volunteers ran out of food just half way through the day.

UAF is committed to helping all those who request the services of the Food Bank program; we don't ever want to turn away an animal in need! But we need your help. Please donate to the program; monetary and food items are gratefully accepted. Importantly, UAF only provides Food Bank donations to those animals who have been spayed or neutered (we also provide low-cost spay-neuter options for residents seeking to qualify for the program). This ensures we stay true to our mission to reduce the number of homeless animals in Yavapai County, and it provides added motivation for residents to do the right thing by spaying and neutering. For information about donating to the UAF Food Bank Program, or for details about how you can receive Food Bank donations for your pets, click here. Whatever you do, be a part of the solution. Animals across Arizona will thank you for it!

UAF Rummage Sale!

Nothing compliments Halloween weekend like a bit of thrifty shopping! Great bargains will be a'plenty at the UAF Rummage Sale, scheduled for October 29th and 30th. Visit the Banana Tree building in downtown Prescott to check out a host of items for sale. The Rummage Sale will be open for business from 8:30AM through 4PM on both days. Of course, all sales proceed United Animals Friends' efforts to help animals in need. And, donations are still being accepted! Call (928) 778-2924 or email sandymc106@msn.com for information.

2011 UAF Calendar!!!

Attention United Animal Friends volunteers and fans! The 2011 UAF Calendar is finished! The fabulous wall calendar will be available on the UAF website in the next few days, so get ready to order your copy! Did we mention these calendars make the perfect holiday gift? Well, they really do! It's the gift that animal lovers can enjoy all year long. The calendars cost just $12 each, plus $3 for shipping. Extra special thanks go to Joellyn and Gayle for doing such a tremendous job! Remember, check the UAF website in the coming days to order your calendar!

The Perfect Job: Jasper's Story

It's not every day that United Animal Friends helps the unemployed, but that's just what happened in Jasper's case! We first met Jasper when he was relinquished to UAF by a family who had just adopted him from Yavapai Humane Society. The family thought Jasper was just too high-energy for their lifestyle, but they were reluctant to return him to the shelter. UAF took him into the system, and boarded him at Run-A-Muk in Prescott so that he could enjoy some doggie socialization and work off some of that excess energy during the day. Although Jasper enjoyed running around with the other dogs at Run-A-Muk, he knew what it was like to be with a family, and living without that kind of companionship just didn't suit him.

Just as Jasper began to show signs of weariness, UAF volunteer Kim in Peeples Valley stepped into the picture. Kim knew of a goat and sheep herder in her area who was in need of the boundless energy and focused determination of a herding dog. When Kim told the folks on the farm (a wonderful couple named Tony and Melody) about Jasper, they agreed to foster him. So, it was all up to Jasper at this point . . . would he be interested in a ranching career?

He sure was! After just a bit of time on the farm, it was perfectly clear that Jasper not only had what it took to herd Tony and Melody's sheep, but that he absolutely loved doing it! UAF is happy to report that Jasper has founded his forever home – and from what we understand, a great-paying job – on the ranch!

Dogtoberfest 2010!

Attention all dog-lovers! United Animal Friends is happy to be participating in the upcoming 2010 Dogtoberfest! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 3rd, from 10AM to 4PM on the Courthouse Square in downtown Prescott. The events include fun contests, informative sessions, various demos, and much more! A number of services will be offered as well, including micro-chipping, nail-trimming, low-cost vaccinations, and pet tag purchasing. Most importantly, UAF will be on hand alongside numerous other rescue groups - working to find our wonderful dogs forever homes. This great event is also free to attend! Visit The Prescott Dog publication website for more on the details, and be sure to check out this year's commercial!

An 'Arlo' Update!

Some of you may remember a very special story about Arlo the Aussie. Earlier this year, UAF volunteer Joellyn rescued Arlo from the local shelter, where he was in dire trouble; Arlo had what appeared to be severe sarcoptic mange. After pushing through countless hurdles, challenges and obstacles, Joellyn and other UAF volunteers were able to get Arlo's initial treatment covered, and they even found a foster facility for him down in the Valley (Aussie and Friends) where he would receive the medical treatment and care he needed to recover. Joellyn recently got an encouraging update about Arlo that we wanted to share. Arlo's improvement continues; we understand that he is "much, much better." After thousands of dollars worth of medical treatment (even a bit of radiation for a benign tumor), the loveable young dog has almost conquered all of his mange! In fact, his coat has even grown back! It is likely Arlo will always need a bit of extra care due to a potentially weakened immune system, but then again, Arlo's attitude suggests he's got more than enough spirit to get him through any other challenges he'll face. We're sure - above all else - that the worst is over for this young fellow! Kudos again go out to Joellyn and all the other gracious, compassionate UAF volunteers, who never - ever - give up!

UAF In need of New Fosters!

United Animal Friends is at full capacity! We've got lots of dogs in paid boarding, and even more that we'd like to pull out of the local shelter and get into foster homes. Fostering for United Animal Friends can be an incredibly rewarding experience. For more information about fostering, please call Toby at 928-899-3942.

If you can't foster, please consider donating to our emergency kenneling fund so that we can get more dogs out of danger and into our system. Go online to www.unitedanimalfriends.org or call 928-778-2924 to donate today!

Latest Update for Bear!

The good news just keeps getting better about young Bear, the Shepherd mix rescued by UAF. See what foster mom Cindy has to report!

Bear has had his second surgery for his extreme cruciate ligament damage and is doing remarkably well! He has a great attitude and should be back on all four paws very soon. Bear is a wonderful, patient patient and very gentle, kind and loving. UAF, with their "above-and-beyond" efforts, saved an absolutely wonderful dog from euthanasia. Now Bear is on his way to becoming what he should be: a regular dog. His surgeries are behind him now; he is well on the road to recovery and whoever adopts Bear will never regret it. He will be a loyal best buddy. We will start taking applications for Bear with the understanding that we have to wait a couple of weeks until he gets his stitches out and that Bear will have to go through some gentle home rehab (several small walks daily to start and some Glucosamine daily). He is one happy guy now and thanks everyone for their love, generous support and his new life!

Special Alert for Joanie the Cat!

We're issuing a special 'Adopt Me' alert for sweet Joanie, a Joanie a lynx-point Siamese-X with lovely blue eyes. Joanie has just had a difficult time recently, so we thought she deserved some extra attention. Not long ago, Joanie was abandoned in Prescott by her family, and a wonderful UAF volunteer befriended her, fed her sardines and salmon, and made a bed for her in the carport shed to hopefully keep her safe from coyotes.

After being checked out by a local vet, Joanie's prognosis is excellent! The vet said she's perfectly healthy, FELIV/FIV negative, and probably around two years old. A faint scar on her abdomen also indicates she may have already been spayed. Joanie would be best as an only cat but she is tolerant of dogs. She's got a great attitude and is incredibly friendly and loving; she just needs that special person to give her all she's been missing out on!If you would like to add some sweetness to your life by fostering or adopting little Joanie, please contact Jan below. If you would like to meet Joanie, please download the questionnaire, fill it out and email it to Jan. If you have questions you can call Jan at 928-772-7210 or email her at the above address.

Pawtentially Yours: Bear

For all of us who've been paying close attention to Bear's recovery, here's a little something to really brighten your day! Recently, Bear stopped into the CableONE studios to film his very own "Pawtentially Yours" spot. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that Bear was an absolute star! This friendly fella is just such a great example of the power of the animal spirit that we had to share. His story is also a noteworthy showcase of the potential of humans to answer the call of animals in need. See what type of awesome energy Bear exudes in the video below!

UAF "Friends for Life" Telethon!

The UAF "Friends for Life" telethon is just weeks away! The event, scheduled for August 14th, promises to be a truly great one for the animals. From noon to 6Pm, the telethon will run on ACCESS 13 for cable subscribers in Prescott. A host of fun activities, events and informational segments will keep you entertained, and of course, the phone lines will be open for donations! Plus, volunteers are still needed. Check out the details at the UAF homepage.

Bunny Fosters Needed!

Please see the note below from Dori with Tranquility Trail, and contact her at bunnylovept@gmail.com if you can help!

"Tranquility Trail in Scottsdale was contacted on Friday by a woman with a backyard bunny situation that had gotten out of control. We were told there were 40 bunnies. When we got there we realize the situation was a lot worse. The first day we counted 80 bunnies as we caught, sexed and separated the bunnies. Day 2 we were over 100 bunnies. There are still many more in underground burrows. Many of the girls have gone underground to have there babies trying to escape the 110 degree heat of the Arizona summer. And many more of the girls are pregnant.
Our sanctuary is already full as this has been an exceptionally bad after Easter dump season. We are trying to find any rescues that may have room for some of the bunnies, even 1 or 2 bunnies would be a tremendous help! Also if anyone in the Phoenix area has an empty business, warehouse or house we can use temporarily to help get the bunnies out of the heat we would be so grateful. We can also use short term and long term foster homes. Spreading the word would help us out so much too!"

Morsels of Goodness: Iris

Part of a gorgeous lab-mix litter born last year, little Iris was lucky to find a great UAF foster home right away. Along with her sister and best pal Vesta, Iris received lots of loving attention from her foster parents and because of her great demeanor, she was soon adopted into a happy, active forever home. Now home with her adoptive mom and dad in the Verde Valley (and beyond!), Iris is a happy-go-lucky gal who gets to camp and hike to her heart's content! Here's an update from her mom, Barbara:

"Iris is doing great! She is such great company. She is pretty protective of me...barks when people come near me and stands in the way. I just love her to death! Robert misses her so much already but he is glad that she is getting this time with me to enjoy the northern mountains. She is becoming quite the mountain dog! She weighs about 42 lbs...crazy! She is pure muscle too . . . Well, I know I sound like a bragging mom...I guess I am. Everyday I am more and more in love with her and so grateful to have her in our lives. Thanks so much for letting us adopt her from you guys! You have enriched our lives more than you will ever know! Here are a few pics and some video of her both at home in Arizona and now up here in Idaho."

Thank you, Barbara, for giving this loveable gal the home she deserves!

Update on Bear - Post Surgery!

Here's a great update for Bear, the wonderful lab mix with a heart-wrenching shelter story. Thanks to all for contributing (we had over 85 donations!) and to Cindy for sharing his update! "Thanks to all the wonderful contributions, Bear had his operation on the worst knee on May 7th and is doing very well! He is starting to use that leg again and is an excellent patient and has a great attitude! I think he knows how much everyone is trying to help him and is doing his part like a true champ! As soon as this knee heals well enough, he will have the operation on the other knee and if he recuperates from that operation as well as he is doing now, he will be ready for his new home in no time! Bear sends licks and kisses to all that are helping him. It has made such a difference in this wonderful guy's life!"

Woof Down Lunch a Huge Success!

United Animal Friends is celebrating a huge success with this past weekend's excellent turnout at Woof Down Lunch. Held on the Courthouse Square in downtown Prescott, the second annual event boasted twice as many ticket sales (over five hundred!) and five times as many onsite vendors as last year's showing (approximately 60!).

The vendors represented businesses and nonprofits from across the animal spectrum. Among many others, groups like Animal Disaster Services, Prescott Dog Newspaper, Run-A-Muk Boarding & Day Care, Dandy Dawgs Training, Horses with Heart, and Rescue-a-Golden hosted booths where patrons could pick up information and materials, chat with organizers and ask questions.Two local animal hospitals - Prescott Animal Hospital and Chino Valley Animal Hospital - were onhand to answer medical and health-related questions and even perform a few services! And of course, there were plenty of booths featuring pet food, treats, and accessories. Charlotte, co-owner of the Pet Depot Barkery in downtown Prescott, handed out freshly-baked treats all day, along with free samples of premium pet food. She explained her motivation for sponsoring and attending the event; "[UAF] is a great organization and they do wonderful things by finding homes for all these animals. We're happy to be here in support of this!"

In addition to picking up free samples, learning about animal-related services and meeting plenty of like-minded animal-lovers, all Woof Down Lunch patrons were also able to pick out a hand-crafted pet food bowl and purchase tickets for a variety of great raffle prizes. Some patrons were even lucky enough to go home with the best prize of all: a new member of the family! That's right; UAF's adoption center processed two successful on-the-spot adoptions (from past UAF adopters) and took in a number of applications for other dogs as well. Local resident Nicole and her boyfriend adopted their gorgeous chocolate mix named Yeager from UAF a year and a half ago, and were thrilled to take home Josey - a lab-sharpei puppy - to round out the family. "We wanted to get a best friend for Yeager," she said. "And we definitely wanted to rescue again!"

Overall, the event garnered nearly $10,000 in donations and proceeds for United Animal Friends - money the organization will use for spay and neuter and emergency efforts for local animals. Importantly, the entire day's effort showcased the work of a dedicated group of tireless volunteers who worked for months to put the event together. As UAF President Nancy Vargo remarked, "we couldn't have done it without each and every person who helped." And if this year is any indication of a growing trend, then next year's Woof Down Lunch promises to be even bigger and better.

This Month's Adoptable Mutt . . . Pixel!

Sweet little Pixel is a gem of a dog! At a year and a half, she is just twenty pounds and most likely a Shepherd - Whippet mix. Pixel has come back to UAF after being returned from a family who cites her inability to get along with their other small dogs as the problem. But we're convinced that Pixel in fact really does like other dogs, and that she only needs a bit of confidence-building to get over some of her (very treatable) anxiety issues. Check out Pixel's 'Pawtentially Yours' spot for more!

Update: Finn Is Found!

It sure does feel GREAT to share good news! The lost UAF foster named Finn has been found and secured! The little terrier Finn first disappeared from his foster mom's home on April 24th. He stuck to downtown Prescott for the first few days before heading up Senator Highway into the Sweet Acres / Groom Creek neighborhoods. He eluded volunteers and traps for weeks, and he even survived several very, very cold nights (especially in those higher elevation neighborhoods).

In recent weeks, Finn was visiting one house in Sweet Acres, drinking from the resident's pond and even sleeping on the deck one night. Despite how hungry he surely must have been, he ran each and every time the resident - Mike - or anyone else spotted him.

But today was different! Finn somehow found his way into Mike's fenced hard, and this time, Mike caught him! Despite being bit by the terrified Finn, Mike happily called Joellyn to report the good news. He even refused the reward money!

After retrieving him from Mike, Joellyn had Finn checked out at the vet's office, and she now reports that he is perfectly healthy - though very skinny from so many weeks on the run. We're so very happy to have Finn back, and so very appreciative of volunteers like Joellyn and everyday heros like Mike from Sweet Acres - people who set aside extra time and effort that made a world of difference. A very special shout out is owed to Joellyn, who tracked Finn constantly and never gave up hope of retriving him. Without a doubt, it is because of her dedication that this little guy is alive. The adventures of Finn have hopefully come to a close, but to commemorate the story, Joellyn is considering renaming him 'Wiley!'

Upcoming Event: Spay & Neuter Walk - June 5th!

Mark your calendars for the annual "Spay & Neuter Walk" in Downtown Prescott. The event - scheduled for June 5th - is sponsored by Dandy Dawgs, Prescott Dog, and Streets of New York! For just $20, you and your canine companion can strut your stuff all over town and all for a good cause! All proceeds go to Lucky Club and United Animal Friends Spay & Neuter funds. Meeting time will be at 9AM at Streets of New York! Registration entitles you to a Dandy Dawgs T-shirt, bottled water, and a 'slurpy bowl gift!' If that weren't enough, participants will enjoy a spot in the day's auctions, entry in gift drawings, and yummy Streets of New York Pizza! Don't miss this great event! For more information, call Dandy Dawgs at (928) 778-2033 or click here to register!

Bear's Chance to Heal - We Need Your Help!

It’s not everyday the UAF is able to save an animal who is in an absolute medical crisis and yet acts as though the world is in perfect working order. And that’s exactly the scenario we find ourselves in with Bear. At three years-old, those who first met the lab-shepherd mix at YHS described him as a “quiet soul,” a dog with an incredible “calming effect.” Sure enough, there is something about this dog that seems to radiate peace and hope – despite the awful condition he’s found himself in. Both Bear’s back knees have cruciate ligament damage. What is perhaps most sad of all is that Bear knows YHS all too well; in the past year he would find himself and another canine cohort caught by animal control and held at YHS until his owner would bail him out. Eventually, Bear’s owner decided that the sweet dog wasn’t worth the bailout money, and he surrendered him to YHS permanently. There, Bear was moved to the e-list because of his leg injuries – until UAF heard his story and pulled him out of the shelter.

Now, he’s a UAF dog; he’s been given what every dog and cat so desperately deserves – the simple chance to heal. We want nothing more than to see Bear running through the hills, walking with a loving new family, and getting a little piece of the world he’s always been so good back, but we need help. Bear’s medical bills will likely cost around $2,500. We’re calling on all the animal lovers in this community to help us heal this special dog. If you can help, please let us know.

LOST! UAF Foster Dog!

Please help UAF find a new foster who recently slipped away from his handler. This little guy is extremely shy and skittish, so we need ALL the help we can get! We are offering a reward for his return. He's around 18 pounds and has just been neutered. He slipped away last weekend (4/25) and has been on the run since. The latest sighting was near the Sweet Acres subdivision off Senator Highway (towards Groom Creek). Please canvas this neighborhood if you can and call UAF if you spot him! (928) 778-2924.

Adoptable Mutt of the Month!

Meet Charlie! Charlie is an uber-lovable Basset Hound mix who's looking for a foster home or his forever home. As the video below demonstrates, Charlie has a bit of a weight problem, but he's actually well on his way to a slimmer, happier size! He's already lost nearly twenty pounds! Turns out all Charlie needed was love, exercise and the right diet. If you or anyone you know could foster Charlie or welcome him into a new loving home, you'll have a diet and workout buddy for life!

Coming Soon: Woof Down Lunch 2010

Spring in here, and May is just around the corner. That means it's nearly time for UAF's second annual "Woof Down Lunch" event on the Courthouse Square. This year, the day of fun will take place on May 22nd, from 9AM to 2PM. For just $20, folks can enjoy a special lunch, select a hand-crafted dog or cat bowl, and enjoy a host of festivities all geared toward pets! Plus, all proceeds go directly to UAF's Spay & Neuter Fund. UAF is still looking for artists and vendors to sponsor booths during this fantastic event. If you know of anyone with a pet-related business or venture, be sure to tell them all about this great opportunity.

New UAF TNR Program

United Animal Friends is starting up a new TNR (trap-neuter-return) program, and invites anyone interested to participate! An informational meeting will take place Thursday, April 22nd at 5:30PM, at 129 1/2 - An American Jazze Grille (on Cortez Street in downtown Prescott).

UAF seeks volunteers to help get this program underway; the mission is to help humanely control the population of feral cat colonies in the quad-cities area. Volunteers willing to trap, transport, feed and foster are needed - along with folks who can contribute organizational and phone work. For more information about this great new program, contact Nancy Vargo.

Adoptable Mutt of the Month!

Sweet Roscoe is one of those dogs who simply doesn't deserve the life he's lead thus far. Adopted and abandoned TWICE, Roscoe's only fault is something he can't help at all: a completely manageable case of epilepsy. In this case, Roscoe's epilepsy is well under control; he just needs medication every day to ensure he doesn't have seizures. The even better news is that the medication Roscoe needs is quite cheap, and with this medication, Roscoe lives as normally and happily as any dog out there - maybe even more happily because he realizes how good life is when he's loved and healthy. Roscoe's only four-years-old and he's an extremely amicable, friendly fellow. If any dog deserves a third time that really is a charm, it's Roscoe!

UAF Wins Big, and Arlo is Saved!

Recently, United Animal Friends was selected as the recipient of the Best Friends Network Charities "St. Patrick's Pot O' Gold" Giveaway! UAF was able to get our Network Charities page up in time for the deadline, and now, we've won $500 to help rescue more animals! One lucky dog named Arlo has already benefited from this prize, thanks to the help of dedicated, tireless UAF volunteer Joellyn. To read more about how Joellyn worked with other rescue groups to save Arlo, and how that Best Friends money came in right at the nick of time, click on this link. Arlo had a terrible case of mange, but thanks to inter-rescue partnering and what is surely just plain old-fashioned good luck, his future is looking much brighter. Also, be sure to check out the new UAF Network Charities page on the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary website! Please sign up to become a fan, tell all your friends and check back regularly for more updates.

UAF Pet Food Drive This Weekend!

Let's fill up that great-looking trailer! Please come out to the UAF Food Drive & Pet Foodraiser this weekend, from 12PM to 3PM at Petco in Frontier Village. Our Food Donations program provides food and resources to animals all over our community - animals who wouldn't otherwise receive the nourishment they need!
Show your support by donating dry or canned puppy, kitten, dog and cat food, along with collars and leashes, and toys and treats. Petco gift cards and cash donations are also always welcome and appreciated! Click on the flyer for additional information, and remember: EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!

Local Animals In Need of An Angel . . .

Katherine was known for her love of animals and when she tragically died in a house fire last week, her three rescue dogs amazingly survived. United Animal Friends and Yavapai Humane Society are teaming up to honor Katherine's name and try to help her dogs. UAF is sponsoring their move into new forever homes and YHS is seeing to their care. Dulcis is a shy young ausie mix who was adopted when Katherine volunteered at YHS. Dulcis blossomed and bonded with Ruby, a shepherd mix who helped Katherine nurture her. Dice is an older shepherd mix, who is also dog and cat friendly and would love another chance. All three are available and, because of their special bond, YHS would love to see Dulcis and Ruby go together. If you can help, please call Toby at UAF at 899.3942. They sure need another angel right now.

The New UAF Pet Food Trailer!!!

Big thanks go to Andrea and Chuck Peterson Graphic Design of Prescott! All Andrea's incredibly hard work paid off when Peterson Design kindly donated the wonderful design work on our gorgeous new pet food bank trailer. The new trailer will store food for the UAF Pet Food Bank, ultimately helping hundreds of needy, hungry animals in our community get the nourishment they need. Look out for Andrea at local adoption events and around town! And send some business to Chuck Peterson Graphic Design of Prescott if you need any design work. A friend to animals is a friend to us!

Sweet Success!

United Animal Friends enjoyed a truly wonderful adoption weekend. Check out Andrea's recap of these successful past few days . . .

Wow! Valentine's Day could not have been sweeter! The United Animal Friends Valentine's Bake Sale and Cupid's Cat Adoption Event was a great success! UAF took over Petco- literally... Sweets were everywhere, we even had coffee. In addition to five kitties finding their forever homes, We made over $160.00 from the baked goodies!!! A BIG HUG and Thank you goes to Gayle for decorating everything and making it look so beautiful. Thank you to our wonderful UAF bakers, helpers & cat fosters for making this so much fun- Toby, Gayle, Codi, Mel, Lynn, Ruthann, Katie, Ruth, Karen, Jan, Dawn, Kathy, Krys, Joyce, Linda, Allie, Ray, Joan, and our new volunteers Jessica and Ashley - who rocked! (And apologies and extra thanks to any we may have forgotten in this list!) Gayle would like to add a special thanks to her trusty V-Day Bake Sale Helpers: "A special thank you to my four footed helpers for bringing in the money from the outside table and to our new volunteers Ashely and Jessica, they were a great help!"
Between yesterday at Petsmart and today at Petco we helped 11 of our wonderful UAF animals find true love with their new forever families. UAF has very high standards of adoption and with that said, we hope to find the perfect matches for our foster animals. Again, thank you to everyone who helped make this weekend happen. Happy Valentine's Day!