Pawsome November Newsletter

ACC Holiday Header

 

Hello Subscriber,

 

Dr. Robyn Jaynes

I am thrilled to launch our first director’s newsletter. My goal is to communicate with you monthly on our progress and programs here at MCACC – we have a lot going on!

I have now been in my role as Director for a little over four months, and I am inspired by the work that MCACC is doing on a daily basis. Our numerous departments continue to work together to provide quality services to the residents of Maricopa County while caring for the more than 300 homeless pets that are currently in our shelter. Our save rate continues to be in the 96% range, all while managing the new terrain that the COVID-19 pandemic brings. We have been busy updating and revising many of our programs and have made improvements to our facilities for the benefit of our shelter pets, staff, volunteers, and the members of our community.

I know that I can speak for all our staff in expressing gratitude to everyone who has stepped forward to donate, adopt, foster, and partner with us during this challenging year!

I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

With gratitude,

Robyn Jaynes, DVM

*Dog in photo was a shelter pet and has found a new home.


Adopt a Senior Month

During the month of November, we hosted our first ever month-long senior adoption promotion "It's Okay to Be Grey", placing 124 dogs and 22 cats in new homes! All pets 5 years and older had their adoption fees sponsored by 4 Paws and Friends. This generous promotion included licensing, microchip, vaccinations, treats, collar, leash, name tag, and a free grooming.

One special senior that found a home was Mufusa, an injured stray who was hit by a car and rescued by our field team. Our clinic staff was able to perform surgery and get him on his road to recovery, while our adoption counselors worked on finding him the perfect home. We heard from his new owner that he loves toys, rub downs and playing catch in the yard.

Check out a few more special seniors that are still with us on our Facebook Page. Eggplant, Luna, and Darth, are still waiting for their perfect match. Will it be you?

If you are interested in partnering with us on a adoption promotion, please contact our Communication Officer.

Photo: Mufasa in his new home awaiting the holidays. 

Mufasa Senior

Beds and exterior

Shelter Improvements 

With the weather cooler, we have been able to make progress on a number of shelter improvement projects at the West Shelter. This includes the addition of xeriscape plants, cleaning and clearing out old storage, recycling scrap metal, adding additional spaces for pet enrichment, and plans to add shade structures and pavers.

The dog bed repair crew was excited to be back at the shelter for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown. This small but mighty group of volunteers repairs broken kuranda beds for our shelter pups, and they also took on a special assignment – thoroughly soaking and cleaning the Kong toys in preparation for the Thanksgiving treat.

Photos: dog bed crew volunteers and updated exterior. 


Spay and Neuter Events

Thanks to our partners Fix Adopt Save, Dr. Neufeld's MASH vet care, and Purrfurred Pets, our Pet Help program had a successful month of spay and neuter clinics. Working together, we were able to spay/neuter a total of 66 pets (49 dogs and 17 cats), and 62 of these pets were also microchipped! Read more about the benefits of microchipping.

Cat Fix Adopt Save

Saul Soto

Staff Spotlight 

In November, Saul Soto retired from MCACC after 42 years of service. Originally hired as a compliance officer, Saul worked in the community educating and supporting our license and vaccination programs. Saul also had the role of Animal Control Officer, helping to train over 100 officers. We would like to congratulate Saul for his compassion, dedication, and commitment to public service, spending over four decades building positive relationships with the residents of Maricopa County. We wish him a peaceful and enjoyable retirement!


Enrichment and Walking

Appaws for our volunteers

We had a sigh of relief when we were able to open our doors again to our volunteers in September. We started with dog walking, cat gallery, enrichment distribution, and laundry volunteer shifts. We will be adding more roles for current volunteers this month while continuing to balance our needs and adhering to social distancing guidelines. 

We would like to recognize and honor five very special volunteers who have each given over 5,000 hours of their own time to supporting MCACC, our shelter pets, and our mission of serving the animals and people of Maricopa County!

  • Frank Holmes has been volunteering with us since July 2011, and given 5,557 hours to our shelter. He is not only a volunteer but a foster with MCACC.
  • Tina Barton has been volunteering with us since August 2016, and given 5,875 hours to our shelter. She loves spending her time with our big dogs.
  • Bill Jacobs has been volunteering with us since May 2009, and given 6,553 hours to our shelter. Bill is currently our only reserve officer in the field.
  • Susan Hamilton has been volunteering with us since February 2011, and given 9,848 hours to our shelter. She spends most of her time working with our behavior team and photographing our shelter dogs.
  • Michael Mendel* has been volunteering with us since May 2009, and given 11,275 hours to our shelter. Michael is the only volunteer with over 10,000 hours! 

Volunteer photos: kennel enrichment Kim and dog walker Michael*. 

 

Bon A-pet-treat!

Despite all the challenges this year has brought, our volunteers and partners still made it possible for all our pets to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving treat. They donated supplies, mixed food, filled Kongs and lick mats, and handed out over 300 treats to all the dogs and cats who had to spend their holiday in the shelter. 

Kongsgiving

New Years Eve Reminder

Pawsitive Reminder

As the New Year gets closer, make sure that your dog's license and microchip are updated. Fireworks and rowdy New Year's festivities are loud and scary sounds for pets. Licensing your pet helps us get them back to you if they get lost. If your pet is wearing a collar with their up-to-date license, they will get a free ride home from our shelter! More information on licensing can be found on our website at license your dog.


Upcoming Events and Holiday Hours

Click each event to view details.

Mobile Adoption

Dec 5
Mobile Adoption at Petco

Wag N Walk

Dec 5
Wag N' Walk at Estrella Mountain Park

Bissell_ETS

Dec 9 -13 Bissell Empty the Shelter Adoption Event