Tuesday, April 14, 2009

ADOPTABLE MUTTS OF THE MONTH

HAZEL
Friendly, playful and affectionate . . . what more could anyone want in a canine companion? Darling Hazel is a very attractive, wonderfully colored Shepherd mix who is probably just under a year old. Hazel loves to play, run, jump and spin – all those awesome dog activities that say ‘hey, look at me – life is cool!’ With a great attitude like that, we know Hazel will be an excellent companion for just about anyone. She’ll need basic doggie training to learn the ropes and should definitely go to a home where she can put her cute, striped little paws to work on plenty of walks. Life with Hazel will be all smiles!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

VOTE FOR UAF!

You can help secure United Animal Friends much-needed funds by voting for UAF in Petfinder's "Shelter Challenge." Now through July 26th, Petfinder.com will give away weekly cash prizes and a total grand prize of $20,000 to the winning Rescue Organization! Since UAF uses Petfinder.com to list our adoptable animals, we qualify for the contest. Please click here to go and vote today! And tell all your friends!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Breeder 'Vilified' After Selling GSD Puppy to Vice-President

Many of us have very strong opinions about whether or not buying a puppy from a breeder or pet-store can ever be justified. You can look to this week's poll about intentional breeding for a quick example. After all, as rescue volunteers, we see first hand some of the dogs that come out of puppy mills and some of the pure-breds who end up in city shelters. And of course, there are LOTS OF PEOPLE out there who agree that it's completely counter-productive and at times, downright selfish and greedy to breed dogs or cats when so many die in shelters every year (including many pure-breds). In fact, proof that the plight of the shelter animals may be gaining support can be found in an interesting article recently published on NBC's Philadelphia Newsite. The story discusses how a breeder who sold a German Shepherd Puppy to Vice-President Joe Biden and his family is now experiencing intense backlash from shelter supporters. The story is worth a read and begs the question: what is the right way to go about campaigning on behalf of homeless animals? This breeder has vowed 'never again' to sell dogs to 'high-profile' people, and claims to have even received death threats from activists. But do you think she's convinced she should change her ways? Or does the extremist view of some activists make breeders and their supporters feel even more righteous? What do you think? Is this article a sign that rescue groups are gaining ground? CLICK HERE to read the article.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Coming Soon: The UAF Woof Down Event

United Animal Friends is really excited about a new event we're hosting on May 16th in Downtown Prescott, called "Woof Down Lunch." For $15, folks will get to pick out a really nice, hand-crafted and glazed ceramic pet food dish, and then fill it with lots of samples and goodies. Plus, there will be raffle prices, micro-chipping, and lots of pertinent vendors onsite as well.

FOR TICKETS
Call UAF: (928) 778-2924
Buy Tickets At These Stores:
Jay's Bird Barn
Olsen's Grain
Cupper's Coffee House
129 1/2 Jazz Grille

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Morsels of Goodness!

THIS MONTH'S MORSEL: ZEUS
Zeus (originally named Wendall by UAF) was a VERY shy and timid black lab/heeler mix who hid at the very back of his kennel at Prescott Animal Control. Gabe - an ASU student who saw him online - thought he might be a good fit for this little guy and drove up from Tempe to meet him. As you all know . . . the rest is history! This story is special because many of us work with very nervous and/or frightened dogs, and we know how hard it can be to place timid dogs with the right homes - homes where these dogs can gently come out of their shells at their own respective paces. And sweet Zeus is getting just the right medicine with Gabe!
A note from Zeus' new dad: "Zeus has had a big day, he got microchipped, his rabies vaccine and neutered all in one day. Its terribly depressing looking at him with his E collar on, but he'll be fine. He's really warmed up to my roommate and I and is great with my cat. We've been going out for brisk walks a couple times a day, he's really good on the leash, always stays to my left side and a little behind me. At first he was a little afraid of passing cars and trucks now he just keeps on going. When I first brought him home he was all oily and flaky but I've given him a couple of baths since and his coat is looking much healthier and the flakes have gone away, I'm sure brushing him every couple of days does a lot for it as well. He already learned sit, lay down and come; he's a really smart boy. Other than that right now we're working on his fear of balls and squeaky toys. He's already become a little star at ASU, one of my friends has used Zeus for an art project." Thanks so much for saving a life Gabe!!!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Adoptable Mutt of the Month!

THIS MONTH: KENOE
Looking at sweet, gentle Kenoe may just bring out the adventurer in you! This male Husky mix just has the air of the wild about him, though he is exceptionally well mannered and polite. But because he has the gorgeous coat of a Husky and the wise eyes of a dog who has walked a few good trails, he just seems to exude the beauty of the natural world. Kenoe is around two to four years old, and seems to be in excellent health. He has the beautiful markings of a Husky and the body of a Shepard - what a great match! He's already neutered, and he even walks well on a leash. Our guess is that he would be the best sleeping bag - camping buddy of all time! He may be a bit timid at first but he warms up very quickly. And, if everything happens just right - if the planets align and the wind blows in a certain direction - as you look into Kenoe's eyes and know you've finally heard the call of the wild!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

UAF & The Chino Valley Animal Shelter

Mornin' folks. As some of you may have heard, UAF has been approached by the town of Chino Valley about taking over / supporting the CV Animal Control shelter. If UAF doesn't step in to take over the shelter, the facility and all its animals will "be reduced along with the town's budget cuts." The problem is that the town of Chino Valley can't lend any financial support to the effort, so if it's going to work, UAF will need a whole slew of new volunteers who can help run the shelter. So, what are your thoughts? Should UAF take this on? What would it take to garner all the necessary volunteers? Post your comment below and weigh in on the discussion. To see the entire article about the proposal switch-over in the Chino Valley Review, click here.