JULY 29, 2015
Ten unique pet-friendly day trips in Arizona
Tired of the "same 'ol same 'ol" with your pooch? Looking for a unique adventure that you and your best bud can enjoy together? Arizona offers pet friendly day trips that most pet parents never dreamed they could enjoy with their pup.
Discover day trips that allow you and your four-legged family member to explore Arizona's beautiful and unique landscape, and learn about the fascinating history of this pet friendly state. From historic ghost towns and museums to Navajo villages and pet friendly wineries, there's something for every person and pup in Arizona.
1. Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson
At the Tucson Botanical Gardens, you and your dog can wander through five and a half acres of beautiful greenery, shady paths and blooming cacti, succulents, and flowers. The Gardens are open on Tuesdays in the summer months (May-September). After enjoying the gardens, you can sink your teeth into the delicious Italian food at Dakota Bar & Grill in Tucson, located less than five minutes from the Gardens!
2. Sedona Red Rock Adventures, Sedona
Sedona Red Rock Adventures is a pet friendly tour company, where you and your four-legged friend can explore the red rocks of Sedona together: all tours are dog-friendly, and your guide may bring along Summit, the company guide dog as well. All tours are private and personalized to meet the dynamics of your group. They offer a variety of interesting tours, including backpacking and camping trips, visits to local Indian ruin sites, area winery tours, and Grand Canyon excursions. You don't have to stay in Sedona, either; the company offers tours extending as far as Jerome and Page Springs. After your adventure, you and your pup can grab a bite to eat at a pet friendly restaurant, Rene at Tlaquepaque in Sedona.
3. 1880 Historic Tombstone, Tombstone
You and your leashed dog will have a blast exploring the historic town of Tombstone! This famous mining town is located in San Pedro Valley, on top of a mesa at an elevation of 4,540 feet. Its unique name is a tribute to Ed Schieffelin, a prospector who was told all he would find in the valley would be his own tombstone. You can visit one of several museums in the town and step back in time. At the end of your adventure, stop by Brenda's Chuckwagon Restaurant in Tombstone to enjoy a delicious meal with your best friend.
4. Petrified Forest National Park, Petrified Forest
At the Petrified Forest National Park, you have the fantastic opportunity to walk among ancient history. You and your favorite furry friend can go backpacking or hike the trails together among these awe-inspiring ancient trees. Many of the trails boast phenomenal views of the Painted Desert, and you might even come across fossils in your Petrified Forest adventures! On your way home after a day of exploring the woods with your pup, you can enjoy a meal on the outdoor patio at Macy's Fresh Roasted Coffee in Flagstaff.
5. Charron Vineyards & Winery, Vail
The beautiful Charron Vineyards and Winery is located just 30 minutes south of Tucson in the Empire Mountains. This winery's stunning location in Vail gives you spectacular mountain views to enjoy as you sample the fine wines. Dog and horses are welcome. If you'd like to grab dinner after a day of tasting delicious wines, dining at Ghini's French Caffe in Tucson would be a wonderful way to end the day with your best friend.
6. Peddler's Pass Flea Market, Prescott Valley
Peddler's Pass is the largest flea market in Northern Arizona, and there are many different vendors here and so many hidden treasures to find! Dogs are welcome to join you on your flea market adventure, so if you're looking for unique, one-of-a-kind trinkets or handmade jewelry, bring your four-legged friend out to the Peddler's Pass Flea Market for an exciting day spent shopping! On your way home, you and your pup can enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio at The Lone Spur Cafe in Prescott.
7. Goldfield Ghost Town, Apache Junction
There are many adventures to be had at Goldfield Ghost Town, which is the perfect destination for a summer day trip! In Goldfield, you and your dog can pan for gold, tour the mine together, attend a chili cook-off or ride on the only operational narrow gauge railroad in Arizona. Enjoy a meal with your pup at the Apache Junction Sonic after your adventure.
8. Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson
The pet friendly Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, and boasts more than 300 aircraft and spacecraft, including many of the most historically significant and technically advanced craft ever produced. You and your dog can take a walking tour of the museum and admire the impressive aircraft, and afterwards, you can enjoy dinner together at the pet friendly Delectables in Tucson.
9. Navajo Village, Page
The Navajo Village in Page, Arizona tells the living history of the Navajo people through oral storytelling, music, dance, their art, and even their food preparation. They offer tours from April through October for individuals or groups. Afterwards, mouthwatering pizza awaits you and your pup at NiMarcos Pizza in Flagstaff.
10. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale
At McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, you and your dog can explore the railroad museum and explore the beautiful grassy landscape together. The park is kid friendly as well as pet friendly, with an antique carousel, rides and playgrounds on the premises. A one-of-a-kind xeriscape arboretum rounds out your experience at this unique Scottsdale park. After you've finished your railroad adventure, you and your four-legged friend can enjoy a delicious burger and fries on the outdoor patio of AZ/88.
JULY 29, 2015
Arizona Animal Welfare League waives adoption fees on dozens of dogs and cats
When these animals find their forever homes, it makes room for no-kill shelter to rescue more homeless pets
Adoption special includes free “sushi” (dog and cat named Sushi)
PHOENIX – The Arizona Animal Welfare League and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL & SPCA) is waiving adoption fees for selected dogs and cats.
AAWL & SPCA, the state’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter, has also reduced adoption fees for some animals to only $25. The adoption specials run through Sun., Aug. 9.
Every pet adopted opens up room for AAWL & SPCA to rescue another animal from euthanasia.
All of AAWL & SPCA’s adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped before being placed in new homes.
Shelter’s PetMatch Adoption Counselors help adopters choose the right pet for their lifestyle
Things to consider when adopting a pet:
1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?
Are you looking for the loyal and steady companionship that an animal can offer? Are you hoping to fill the empty place left after a pet has passed? Maybe you want a companion for your child. Knowing why you're preparing to bring a pet home will help you determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle.
2. What is your living space like?
If you're attracted to energetic large-breed dogs, but live in a small apartment, will your pooch have enough room? Do you have a fenced yard for an energetic dog to run and play in? Cats are healthiest and happiest indoors, and should not be allowed to roam free outside. If you rent and your landlord allows pets, there may be some restrictions on having them, so be sure to check the rules before adopting.
3. What kind of lifestyle do you have?
Think about your personality and lifestyle, including the amount of time you spend at home, to determine what pet is right for you. Do you run, hike or bike a lot? Do you want a dog that is an active “go-getter” to enjoy these activities with you? Or are you looking for more of a constant companion or even a “goofball’?
4. Are there any special health considerations in your family?
Do you have a family member with allergies or asthma? Research different breeds and ask shelter staff what animals they recommend — they're experts at making perfect matches!
For more information on all the adoptable animals available through AAWL & SPCA, go to www.aawl.org or call 602-273-6852, ext. 116 (dogs) or ext. 103 (cats).
