Karyle Steele
On Jan. 8, 2020, several pet rescue groups, shelter volunteers, members of the SB Pet Rescue Network board, and concerned SaddleBrooke residents attended the Pinal County Board of Supervisors Meeting in Florence. SaddleBrooke resident Mera Laureys, a volunteer at Pinal County Animal Care and Control (PCACC) and liaison for SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network, spoke for the group in requesting immediate funding for a full-time veterinarian and vet tech. She also raised concern about the poor condition of the shelter’s facilities.
The Network has become aware of a growing frustration by rescue groups that are called upon by PCACC to rescue animals in need. Their frustration arises from the limited and, in some cases, complete lack of medical care provided to the many sick and injured animals that are surrendered to or brought into the shelter. Many of these cases could be handled by a full-time veterinarian on staff to provide immediate palliative or curative care. However, without a veterinarian on staff, the animals suffer and deteriorate in the shelter. Often when this situation arises, the shelter puts out an urgent medical plea to the rescue groups to remove the animal from the shelter and seek veterinary care. This puts undue financial burden on the rescue groups that rescue these animals. There have been numerous instances where a rescue group has taken an animal that was ill, but due to the length of time without treatment, the veterinary costs were exorbitant or it was sadly too late and the pet could not be saved. The outcome of most of these cases, and most importantly, the suffering of the animals could have been ameliorated with a full-time vet on staff to provide immediate care. This past year alone, the network has provided over $3400 to help cover the veterinary costs for 25 specific animals that were pulled from PCACC by local rescue groups.
The Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and District 4’s Supervisor (who covers SaddleBrooke), Anthony Smith, requested that the County Manager investigate these concerns and requests for funding and get back to the Board. The network is appreciative of Supervisor Smith’s willingness to address our concerns and we are hopeful that our efforts will ultimately lead to an improvement in the quality of care and conditions at Pinal County Animal Care and Control.
Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon
Carole Rossof
Save the date! Wednesday, June 3rd and Thursday, June 4th are the dates for SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network’s annual luncheon and fashion show. Due to the success of last year’s event, Calle Rose will be returning with her wonderful line of clothing and accessories, plus she’ll be adding a second day. Without your support we wouldn’t be able to help the many homeless animals in rescue shelters receive the much-needed medical care in order to begin their journey towards a forever home.
Third Annual Howl at the Moon Dog Walk
Beth Conquest
Join us for the third annual Howl at the Moon Dog Walk on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. This event has been such a howling success the past two years that all the SaddleBrooke pups requested we do it again. So, leash them up and meet your neighbors and their furry friends at SaddleBrooke One Tennis Center for a one to two-mile twilight stroll on the SaddleBrooke golf course. Check-in is at 5:45 p.m.
Registration fee is $15/family. There will be prize drawings and the first 100 families will receive a goodie bag. Water and a snack await you mid-way.
Registration deadline is April 6th. A registration form is available on the SB Pet Rescue website, www.sbpetrescue.com. Print and mail form and check to: Pet Rescue, 38860 S. Moonwood Dr., Tucson, AZ 85739. There are also forms available for pick up at these two locations: 38860 S. Moonwood Drive (Unit 32) and 38224 S. Samaniego Drive (Unit 3S).
Further details will be provided to you one week prior to the event.
Contact Beth at [email protected] or 810-2418730 for info.