YHS Rebounds from Break-In

With so much good news pouring out of the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS), it is disappointing that a sad but true story hit the press this past weekend. YHS is typically a place where happiness abounds as we lovingly bring pets and people together for the first time and caringly reunite lost pets with frantic owners every day.

But as the Daily Courier reported this past Saturday, there was a sad disturbance in this life-affirming force. I repeat the word "sad" because I can think of no other word to describe deliberately putting homeless animals in harm's way.

As reported, a break-in at YHS occurred over the weekend of Feb. 22. Although the burglary did not result in the theft of anything valuable, it did cause about $900 in refrigerated animal vaccines spoiling because the burglar maliciously turned the power off. The police are still investigating the crime.

YHS has a $1,000 deductible per incident, so the loss cannot be recouped through insurance. YHS must rely on the generosity of our community to help us recover from this crime against the animals.

The good news is YHS is quickly recovering. The same day the aforementioned article appeared in the Courier, over a dozen volunteers came together in my office to help nearly 40 animal lovers sign up for this year's Walk for the Animals. The joy and enthusiasm for our mission to create happiness for pets and people quickly rebounded without missing a beat.

YHS Volunteers welcomed nearly 40 animal lovers who
signed up for this year's Walk for the Animals at last Saturday's Kick-off Party.

It is my hope that this year's Walk for the Animals will serve as a rallying cry for animal lovers protesting the unkind actions of misguided souls who don't share our commitment to creating and sustaining a community that is safe for all pets, including our homeless pets.

If you haven't registered for the 3rd annual Walk for the Animals already, please accept my invitation to join the many animal lovers who already have. This year's Walk for the Animals is presented by Renewal by Andersen and sponsored by nearly 30 local businesses.

You can walk (or run) your pooch on the 5K- or 1-mile course, or if you prefer, you can sit the Walk out by signing up as a Lazy Walker. Whether you walk or sit, you won't be bored. In addition to the wonderful fellowship of like-minded animal lovers you'll also be able to peruse the wares of many local vendors in our Barketplace.

If you like to show off your dog (and who doesn't?), you can enter the Magic 99.1 Strut Your Mutt contest for just $5. There will be three opportunities to win a grand prize: the dog/owner look-alike contest, the best dressed dog, and the best trick contest.

You can also visit the YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic booth for low-cost animal care. There will even be a special area for the kids! There will be something for everyone as we come together to raise money to help the thousands of homeless pets YHS saves each year.

When you participate in the Walk for the Animals, you not only receive the satisfaction of helping homeless pets, you receive fabulous gifts for yourself!

Register for $30 until April 1, $35 after April 1 and $40 on event day. Youth walkers (11-17) are only $20, and kids 10 and younger can walk with a registered walker for free.

You'll find all the information you need concerning the Walk, the Strut Your Mutt contest, registering as an individual or a pack leader, or signing up as a vendor at www.yavapaihumane.org/walk or by calling 445-2666 ext 12. Let's walk together this year in support of the safe, pet-friendly community we all want to maintain.