AUGUST 8, 2012
State’s largest no-kill animal organization tapped for national challenge to save more lives
Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA competes for $100K from ASPCA; Aims for more than 1500 pet adoptions from Aug. 1 through Oct. 31
Upcoming AAWL & SPCA Adoption Events
As part of its quest to find homes for more than 1500 dogs and cats in the next three months, AAWL & SPCA will hold or participate in several special events offering adopters the opportunity to find the right pet for them:
• Sat., Aug. 4: AAWL & SPCA will kick off the challenge with a special adoption event at its Trendy Pets & Rescue location at Scottsdale Fashion Square (top floor, next to Dillard’s), 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sat. and Sun., Aug. 11 and 12: PetSmart Charities Community Adoption Event, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sat., Sept. 15:Empty the Shelter Adopt-a-thon, AAWL & SPCA’s Sonia Breslow Adoption Center, 25 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sat. and Sun., Oct. 20 and 21: PetSmart Charities Scottsdale Community Adoption Event, Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day
• Sat., Oct. 28: Scottsdale Street Fair, Scottsdale Pavilions, 9175 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PHOENIX – The state’s oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter – the Arizona Animal Welfare League & Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL & SPCA) – is competing in a nationwide challenge that could win it $100,000 from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
But the biggest winners in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge will be the homeless dogs and cats that get a second chance at life during the next three months. The $100K Challenge runs Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, and AAWL & SPCA is trying to find homes for more than 1500 pets during that period.
If AAWL & SPCA can save the most lives among the 50 rescue organizations competing nationwide, it will win the $100,000 grand prize, which would allow it to further increase the number of lives saved by more than 1200 next year.
During the three-month Challenge, Kai, a puppy with a broken leg that got a second chance at life thanks to AAWL & SPCA, will help find homes for his friends at the shelter. Now healed, healthy and active with his adoptive family, Kai will serve as “spokesdog” for the organization, urging people to adopt a pet. He also has inspired contests for children, teens and adults to win prizes while helping AAWL & SPCA win the Challenge; for details, go to www.aawl.org.
Maricopa County has one of the highest rates of homeless animals in the United States because of the recession, home foreclosures and reluctance by some owners to have their pets spayed or neutered. As the state’s largest no-kill animal welfare organization, AAWL & SPCA rescues adoptable dogs and cats from “open-intake” facilities like the county shelter, saving them from euthanasia, and finds permanent homes for them. All adoptable animals at AAWL & SPCA are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped, and have received any other medical care needed.
For information about adopting a pet, go to www.aawl.org or call 602-273-6852.
Meeka was found as a stray with her kittens in October of 2007. She can be a little shy in busy situations but is a sweet-as-can-be kitty when things are calm. Meeka is a polydactyl cat which means she has extra toes. She appreciates gentle attention and she does fine around other cats. Call to meet Meeka at 480-488-9890. Adoption fee $35. 