· 4.30.08 >
Litter Season “Heating Up” at HSSA

Our temperatures are climbing, and spring is in the air. It may be a welcome change from the winter doldrums, but warmer weather means puppies and kittens will soon be flooding the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, and we need your help to care for them all! More >

· 4.16.08 >
Tucson Goes to the Dogs!

Tucson’s finest will be strutting their stuff for the 10th Annual Puttin’ on the Dog event to benefit the Humane Society of Southern Arizona! On April 25th, 2008, the Tucson Country Club will be going to the dogs—all to benefit the wonderful nonprofit that serves southern Arizona’s orphaned animals seven days a week, 365 days a year. More >

· 4.11.08 >
New Hoarding Video Released > Latest Cruelty Victims Available for Adoption

New video is available showing the living conditions of 822 animals taken from a hoarding case in Avra Valley last month. This video was taken on March 12, 2008, when HSSA’s animal rescue team moved more than 800 animals from the property to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. More >

· 4.9.08 >
Could Your Dog Be a Cover Model?

It’s a fun-filled weekend at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for pets and for people! This Saturday, April 12th, Brandi Fenton Memorial Park is going to the dogs with the 2008 Tucson Lifestyle Cover Dog Contest. More >

· 3.20.08 >
Easter Fun and Free Gifts at HSSA!

The staff at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is hopping with excitement for spring’s first adoptions! To celebrate the season, new pet parents can take part in a raffle and will also have the opportunity to get a free doghouse this weekend. More >

· 3.16.08 >
Rescued Dogs Adopted >
HSSA Focuses Care on Severe Medical Cases

Thanks to an outpouring of support from the community, all of the dogs taken from a hoarding case in Avra Valley who are available at this time have been adopted. Since Thursday, adoption counselors with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona have performed approximately 100 adoptions each day, a record in the organization’s 64-year history. The staff of HSSA has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the public and amazed at the generosity of our community.More >

· 3.12.08 >
Over 600 Dogs Discovered in Hoarding Case !

Right now, animal care specialists with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona are accepting and cataloging approximately 600 small dogs and exotic birds in what investigators believe is a case of animal hoarding.On Monday, HSSA accepted 96 animals from the property. Today, teams of animal care specialists are prepared to care for, house and feed up to 400-500 additional animals at HSSA’s facilities. Monday, officers with Pima Animal Care Center responded to the home and found hundreds of the dogs. Some are very ill and some have already passed away. To care for the surviving dogs, HSSA is assembling pens at its shelter to house the dogs as comfortably as possible while permanent homes are found. More >

· 3.10.08 >
Free Surgery at HSSA!

Due to the overwhelming intake from the animal rescue this week, this Friday, March 14th's Pay Day For Pit Bulls has been cancelled until further notice.

This Friday, March 14th, owners of pit bulls and pit bull mixes can get free spay and neuter surgeries at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona! To take advantage of this amazing opportunity, just arrive at the HSSA Spay/Neuter Clinic, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. on Friday morning. No appointment is necessary! Our clinic staff will be accepting patients on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7:00 am. Space is limited to 25 patients, so be sure to arrive early! More >

· 3.7.08 >
HSSA Accepting More Dogs From PACC

Animal care specialists with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona have just transported 22 dogs from Pima Animal Care Center. In the wake of last month’s historic dogfighting bust, HSSA has accepted more than 70 dogs from area shelters. This is causing overcrowding at HSSA’s shelter and stretching resources. More >
Learn More About Dog fighting >

· 2.22.08 >
HSSA offers Seized Animals for Adoption

Right now, several animals seized in Tuesday’s historic dogfighting bust are available for adoption at the HSSA. The victims in this case are not just the more than 150 dogs seized; other animals seized from one of the four properties targeted in Tuesday’s raids are also displaced.

· 2.19.08 >
HSSA Assisting in Dogfighting Operation

Right now, staff members with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona are on scene with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Pima Animal Care Center, helping authorities catalog and document evidence in today’s historic operation. HSSA is dedicating personnel, funds and kennel space to support this groundbreaking operation to target a sophisticated criminal dogfighting operation in our community.More >
Learn More About Dog fighting >

· 2.19.08 >
Current enforcement issue underscores the brutality of dogfighting in Southern Arizona

Dog fighting is a vicious crime that has been thrust into the public eye in recent months. The large-scale enforcement action currently underway by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department with animal-handling assistance from HSSA and Pima Animal Care only underscores the seriousness of this crime. More >
Learn More About Dog fighting >

· 2.14.08 >
Celebrate Spay Day USA at HSSA!

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is celebrating Spay Day USA with two great opportunities for you to get your pet spayed or neutered—for free! More >

· 2.6.08 >
Protect your Pet from Thieves

This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget the sweet animals in your life! February 14th is Pet Theft Awareness Day. To help you protect Fido and Fluffy, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is making it even more affordable to safeguard your pet!

During the month of February, HSSA will offer discounted microchips and identification tags:

• $10 microchips
• $2 small identification tags
• $4 large identification tags

More >

· 2.4.08 >
Amy Eades named President/CEO of HSSA

Amy Eades has been named President and CEO of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. HSSA’s Board of Directors selected Eades to permanently fill the position after acting as interim President/CEO since December 15th.

Eades began her career in Washington, DC. She has served the Society of American Foresters as Director of Communications, Marketing and Membership Services, and held the position of Director of Marketing for the National Association of Social Workers. Eades has managed several national organizations with budgets from $250,000 to $11 million. She received degrees in both Business Management and Administration and Business Journalism from Indiana University. More >

· 1.30.08 >
Score a Touchdown with a New Pet!

Football fans around southern Arizona are getting ready for the Super Bowl, staff at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is suiting up for its 1st Annual Pet Bowl. That means big savings for you!

For the rest of the week, all new pet parents will get a $15 discount on adoption fees for all adoptable animals! But the savings don’t stop there. On Saturday and Sunday, HSSA staff will kick off the 1st Annual Pet Bowl with a classic showdown between our most popular pets! Prices will be slashed to just $42 for all adoptable animals, and shelter staff will be updating a score board to show how many cats get adopted versus dogs. More >

· 1.29.08 >
Make February Sweet for HSSA’s Pets!

Valentine’s Day is on its way! Grab the perfect present for your sweetheart—and your sweetest pet—at the HSSA's first annual "We’ve Got Heart" event! On Saturday, February 9th from 5-8 pm, an arty party will take over Dry Heat Trading Co. (6544 E. Tanque Verde Rd.) to benefit HSSA’s wonderful pets! More >

· 1.29.08 >
Act Now to Protect your Pet!

Vaccinating your pet against common diseases is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet. Not only is it quick and easy, but is imperative to protect your precious pets. Now, it’s even cheaper for you to care for your four-legged family member, thanks to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona! For the entire month of February, get your family pet vaccinated against rabies (a fatal disease that has no cure) for just $8.00—nearly 40 percent off! More >

· 1.14.08 >
Fun-Filled Weekend for Furry Friends!

Casas Adobes Plaza is going to the dogs—all to benefit the Humane Society of Southern Arizona! The first annual Paws & Claws at the Plaza (SW corner of Ina and Oracle) will take place on January 25th and 26th. Treat yourself to a weekend of fun and help raise much-needed money for HSSA! More >

· 1.8.08 >
Save a Life with Free Surgery!

We may be seeing chilly winter days, but it’s time to start thinking about spring and the countless puppies and kittens the season brings. To help our community cut down on this serious problem, the HSSA is offering free spay and neuter surgeries! On January 22nd and 29th, pet owners can take advantage of this free service and help keep thousands of kittens and puppies out of shelters every year. More >

· 1.3.08 >
Help Our Pets win $1 Million!

The staff at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is working hard to win $1 million for our shelter animals—but we’re slipping in the competition and need your help to catch the leaders! HSSA has entered an online competition to win this amazing prize, which will help improve our outdated facilities to better serve our community’s orphaned animals. Best of all, helping out is free to you!

When HSSA joined the competition in October, our wonderful friends helped skyrocket the shelter to 13th place. But now, we’ve fallen to 39th place with just 62,255 points. That’s well behind the leaders, who have more than 305,000 points!

Helping us is easy—and free! All it takes is a few minutes of your time. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Go online to www.zootoo.com/makeover and set up an account.
2. Pick the Humane Society of Southern Arizona as your local shelter.
3. Reply to the confirmation email sent to your inbox in order to complete your registration.

· 5.9.08 >
“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 5:
ENFORCING THE LAWS, SAVING MORE LIVES

For years, animal cruelty was a crime that was seen but rarely acknowledged.  In Pima County alone, probably thousands of animals suffered in silence due to a societal belief that animals-as-property were completely at the mercy of their owners in terms of care and consideration.  In the late-1970s, however, several ground-breaking studies by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other organizations resulted in a chilling conclusion – animal crimes, so often overlooked or ignored, were a reliable gauge of a potentially violent personality.  Although most of these early studies centered on extremely violent serial offenders, we now know that animal cruelty occurs on a much smaller scale, day in and day out, by very ordinary people.  Whether it is the kitten that is crushed during a fight between her human owners, or the bored teenager who decides to take pot-shots at wild birds with a bb gun, animal cruelty is part of the larger societal violence issue. More >

· 5.8.08 >
“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 4:
TURNING THE TIDE ON PET OVERPOPULATION

Consider the national statistics on animal overpopulation for a moment:

--There are approximately 66.2 million cats and 58 million dogs in the United States.

--Approximately 8 to 12 million animals enter shelters every year.

--The national adoption average for shelter animals is only 25 to 35%.

--The national average for animals being euthanized due to lack of homes is approximately 30 to 60 % depending on the geographical region.
 
[Sources include the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, American Humane Association, Humane Society of the United States and the American Kennel Club.] More >

· 5.7.08 >
“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 3:
CHANGING HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH HUMANE EDUCATION

· 5.6.08 >
“BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK, PART 2:
THE QUIET CRUSADE OF CHILDREN HELPING ANIMALS

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

· 5.5.08 >
THE HUMANE SOCIETY CELEBRATES “BE KIND TO ANIMALS” WEEK WITH LOCAL STORIES THAT
WILL INSPIRE AND CHALLENGE US ALL!

This year, “Be Kind to Animals Week” runs from May 4th through the 10th, 2008.  Originally created in 1915, the week is designed to recognize and celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals. Over the next four days, the Humane Society will be providing examples of some of the inspirational ways that people all over this community have worked to help animals of all kinds and offer some suggestions on how we can continue build a compassionate community for all living things. More >

· 4.14.08 >
TWO HUMANE SOCIETY SUMMER PROGRAMS OFFER CHILDREN LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WITH ANIMALS

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is pleased to announce the return of their educational summer program for kids, Dog Days In The Desert.  This fun and instructive four-week program utilizes classroom activities, individual and group projects, arts and crafts, field trips, guest speakers and hands-on projects to teach children about animal care and their humane responsibilities toward animals.  A large part of the daily curriculum will include the foster care of Humane Society shelter animals, particularly puppies and kittens. The program has a different emphasis each year.  This year’s theme is “Operation Animal: A Kid’s Law Enforcement Academy.”  Operation Animal will provide unique lessons for kids interested in how animal cruelty detectives solve crimes and protect non-humans from harm.  Although the program will be age-appropriate, due to the subject matter, parents and guardians are encouraged to think carefully about the sensibilities of their child(ren) before registering them. More >

· 4.8.08 >
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? MORE CHIHUAHUA CRUELTY! > Humane Society staff members find a crate loaded with small dogs next to a garbage dumpster just outside the shelter's main entrance. 

Late yesterday afternoon, April 7th, staff members with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) found a small plastic animal crate loaded with seven Chihuahua-mix dogs next to a garbage dumpster located about fifty feet from the shelter's main entrance.  The discovery comes on the heels of the largest animal rescue in Pima County history when over eight hundred animals – most of them Chihuahuas – were found living in horrible conditions at a residence in Avra Valley.  To our knowledge, none of the animals found yesterday are related to the Avra Valley hoarding case. More >

· 4.8.08 >
HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS KIDS’ WORKSHOP
ON PUPPY SOCIALIZATION

· 3.26.08 >
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY ON PROCESSING ANIMAL CRUELTY EVIDENCE

The Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona (ACT) is pleased to announce a unique training opportunity for law enforcement, criminal justice and animal protection professionals.  The Evidence Handling on Animal Cruelty Cases seminar will be held on April 16, 2008 from 9am to 5pm.  The seminar will include an overview on how to collect, process and understand the evidence gathered at felony-level animal cruelty crime scenes in order to build a successful prosecution.  Participants will learn about proper documentation, photography, impoundment procedures, evidentiary needs of the courts, vet reports and necropsies, and DNA evidence.  Additionally, the seminar will address concerns specific to animal hoarding, dog-fighting, cock-fighting and livestock cases.  The seminar will be held at Pima Community College District Office, 4905 E. Broadway. This seminar is not open to the public. More >

· 3.4.08 >
NEW PUPPY SOCIALIZATION CLASS OFFERED

Early training and socialization are both essential to raising a well-behaved puppy. 

Every Sunday from 9-10am, puppies age 8 weeks to 7 months are invited to “drop-in” to the Companions For Life Center for an hour of safe off-leash play and socialization.  CLC trainers will offer basic training advice and techniques and facilitate games and interaction between owners and their puppies.  Bring proof of current vaccinations, your puppy, a collar, leash and some soft puppy treats.  Cost is $8 per puppy per class.  Reservations are not required, but space is limited! More >

· 2.22.08 >
HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS “PETS IN THE DESERT” EDUCATIONAL SERIES OF TALKS

· 1.25.08 >
HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS KID’S WORKSHOP
ON CATS OF ANCIENT EGYPT

· 1.14.08 >
Protect Pets From Deadly Rattlesnake Threat

Humane Society Continues Life-Saving Training
Spring is rapidly approaching and with the warmer weather, rattlesnakes are becoming active.  The HSSA urges dog owners to protect their pets from venomous snakebites by enrolling in Rattlesnake Avoidance Training at their Companions for Life Center.  Each year several hundred Southern Arizona dogs are bitten by rattlesnakes. Luckily, most victims will survive, but many will suffer permanent tissue damage and unfortunately, others will die.  The best prevention is rattlesnake avoidance training.  Many people who have taken this class have reported that their dogs have saved them from being bitten by recognizing and warning them about rattlesnakes. More >

· 1.3.08 >
HUMANE SOCIETY & RED CROSS OFFER EMERGENCY FIRST AID CLASSES FOR PET OWNERS

Tucson - Many of us worry about the health and safety of our pets.  What do we do if our dog or cat is stung by a scorpion or starts to choke?  Here is a chance to learn some basic pet first aid. 

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, in cooperation with The American Red Cross, offers ongoing pet first aid classes.  Developed by veterinarian Michael Lent of Pantano Animal Clinic, this class can teach pet owners what to do, what to look for and what to avoid in the event of an emergency.  For only $35.00, the class instructs owners on:

How to recognize an emergency.

• Important information to give your veterinarian.
• How to administer animal CPR.
• Poisons and other dangers to your pet. 
• How to safely handle an injured animal without getting bitten
• Lots and lots of prevention!

Participants must pre-register and prepay for classes as they fill quickly. 

Upcoming class dates:

• Tuesday, January 15th, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.,  at Red Cross – 5305 E. Broadway
• Saturday, February 23rd, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Humane Society.
• Tuesday, March 18th, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.,  at Red Cross – 5305 E. Broadway

To register for a class, please contact Pennie Liebig at 881-7406. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.