Lilly
Happy Tail: It Takes a Village
Romayne Trudo
Early in April, LOVAR (Lifeline Oro Valley Animal Rescue) came to the rescue of a small, female dachshund that had been previously adopted from them several years ago. LOVAR was contacted because the owner was very ill, and Lil Girl (now called Lilly) was being unintentionally neglected due to the owner’s poor health. LOVAR took possession of Lilly but was in the need of an immediate foster home.
LOVAR volunteers reached out to SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network (SBPRN) for assistance in finding a foster home. Lilly was very ill, needing bladder surgery to remove large stones and dental surgery to include cleaning and the extraction of 18 teeth. SBPRN volunteer Holly Glasier, a retired nurse, offered to foster and care for Lilly while she recuperated from surgery. Recovery was not without its challenges, but through it all, Lilly remained sweet and affectionate. SBPRN was able to cover the cost of Lilly’s surgeries and also donated food to help decrease the financial burden facing LOVAR.
Once Lily had recovered, it was time to place her up for adoption. However, Holly stated that she had become very attached to Lilly and there was no way she could let her go. Through LOVAR, on May 10, 2025, Lilly was officially adopted by Holly and Richard Glasier. She now has a loving home with a little brother to keep her company. It really did take a village to save Lilly. Cooperation and collaboration between LOVAR and SBPRN saved Lilly’s life.
Richard and Donna Webber with Casper
The Happiest of Tails: Casper
Romayne Trudo
My story is all too familiar. I am a handsome, two-year-old male kitty who was abandoned in the desert. I wandered around the SB Preserve for weeks. Kind residents provided me with food and water, but I was not trusting enough to let them catch me. The desert is a dangerous place for a kitty, so the residents called SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network (SBPRN) for help. Volunteers immediately set up a Havahart trap filled with enticing tuna treats. I was very hungry, so it didn’t take me long to seek out the food in the trap. On Nov. 1, 2024, I was safely secured in the trap.
An SBPRN volunteer went to work to scan me for a microchip, but I knew they wouldn’t find one. She then began searching for a temporary foster home to care for me while my owner(s) could be found. At this time, there are not a lot of kitty fosters available, so I was very relieved when Cynthia and Don volunteered to help me. They are wonderful and made me feel safe and cared for.
Although I had been posted on Nextdoor and several other websites, no one came forward to claim me. While waiting, SBPRN arranged for me to be neutered, vaccinated, and tested. Unfortunately, I tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), a common infectious disease that attacks a cat’s immune system. Otherwise, I am healthy and expected to live a normal lifespan with regular veterinary care. FIV can be contagious, so when I am adopted, I need to be someone’s only kitty or live with other kitties that are FIV positive.
I am told that it is difficult to find homes for FIV positive kitties, but Donna and Richard Webber fell in love with my picture and offered to foster-to-adopt me, which is really a trial adoption. Well, I worked my magic and wrapped them around my paw in no time. Six months later, on April 25, 2025, I was officially adopted by the Webbers. I am now living in kitty nirvana. Thank you, everyone, for giving me a second chance at life.
Pet Rescue Network’s Monthly Pet Donation First Friday Drop-Off
May through September drop-off hours are 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Our various pet charities are always in need and are always thankful for your donations. Please consider dropping off only pet-related items in clean, gently used condition. Items such as pet crates (which are broken down), bowls, towels, blankets, and small cat trees under three feet long are accepted. Cash donations are always appreciated. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, so a receipt is available upon request.
We always need pet food. If opened, please label the brand, type of food, and the expiration date.
We cannot accept Poly-fil items such as pillows, as they present a choking hazard. We cannot accept mattress pads, mattress covers, bedspreads, or rubber-backed rugs. We are not accepting sheets at this time. Any items accepted are at the discretion of the volunteers.
Please do not leave items unless volunteers are present.
Please drive slowly and watch for our volunteers at the cones!
SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network thanks you.
Cathy Handrigan and Paul Fuchs with Princess
Happy Tail: A True Survivor
Romayne Trudo
Missy, a precious, eight-year-old little dog, was found on the east side of Tucson by a good Samaritan. She had been attacked by an unknown animal and needed immediate medical attention. Her story is long, but she was taken to Pima Animal Care Center for treatment. She was then released to Ruff Rescue for rehabilitation in a loving foster home.
While this was all happening, a SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network volunteer had been helping Paul Fuchs and Cathy Handrigan look for a new dog. They had lost their beloved Khloe about a year ago and decided it was time to give another rescue a chance at being a privileged SB dog. Many hours were spent surfing the web to no avail. Then the unexpected happened—they heard about Missy who had been through so much and was still scheduled for more surgery and dental extractions. They decided that they wanted to meet her as soon as possible with the hope that it would be a perfect match. This sweet, resilient Lhasa Apso-Terrier mix immediately stole their hearts. At the meet and greet session, still healing from her wounds, she wiggled her way over to them with her tail wagging and her underbite smiling. The dye was cast—it was love at first sight.
Missy, now known as Princess, was officially adopted on June 4, 2025. Cathy and Paul report that she follows them from room to room wagging her tail, and she also sleeps with them at night. A rescue dog knows they have been saved and rewards you tenfold with love and devotion every day.
SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network: Millions for Tucson Raffle—It’s a Win-Win
SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network is excited to announce that they are once again participating in the Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle, which supports 501(c)(3) organizations based in Southern Arizona. Participating organizations retain all proceeds from ticket sales. This means that when you purchase a ticket, it is an actual donation to the network with the added benefit of potentially winning a great prize.
The Grand Prize is a 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige, second prize is two first-class round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the world (restrictions apply), and third prize is $5,000 cash.
Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. The drawing will take place on Dec. 11, 2025, and you need not be present to win. Please visit millionsfortucson.org for the details and raffle rules.
To purchase your ticket(s), you may call or text Romayne Trudo at 520-834-5718. Please help us support the rescue groups and shelters in our area. Thank you in advance for your support.