PACC Blog

By: Noé Mayotte, Community Volunteer (PACC, TCSS, ARF)

I’d like to offer the following report, as a prime example of how several groups of citizens coming together can benefit the community and actually save taxpayer dollars. 

I’m not sure if you are aware of it or not, but Pima County has recently completed a fairly extensive, and well-needed refurbishment of the Pima Animal Care Center facility located at the intersection of Silverbell Road and Sweetwater.  Pima County installed a whole block of “spanking new” kennels, and updated the older section, making it more attractive and comfortable for our canine guests.  They installed four very nice and clean visitation areas where potential families can interact with their “new best friend.” 

As nice and welcoming as the interior of the facility appears now, the outside area was lacking in “curb appeal,” and was in serious need of some attention.   Formal landscaping worthy of a facility that sees so much public activity, was virtually non-existent.

When I broached the subject with Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) staff, Ed Taczanowsky, the Business Operations Coordinator at PACC, he shared some of the budgetary problems facing the facility.   As much as they felt that the grounds needed some attention, there wasn’t any funding in the budget for landscaping expenditures…so that’s that!  I discussed the situation with some of my fellow Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) volunteers and several of them quickly offered cash donations to cover whatever costs might be involved in getting some native desert plants for the yard.

My next step was to present the challenge to some of my associates at the Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society, (TCSS)…you can visit their website at www.tucsoncactus.org and they decided to lend a helping hand. Their response was, “what’s the big deal…we can get all the plants from one of the sites that would be on our rescue calendar.”  In checking with the Arizona Department of Agriculture, we determined that because these “rescued native plants” would be installed at a County property, the normal tag fees could be waived.  As it turned out, all we needed was a willing donor and the proper documentation from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and we could get the necessary native plants to complete the project.

Granite Construction, a company that we’ve been “partnering with” on numerous cactus rescues was planning to install some solar panels in an area that had some saguaro, barrels, and ocotillo andthey needed to be relocated before construction could begin.  Several volunteers managed to salvage these plants and transport them to the PACC location.

The folks at ASARCO (Silverbell Mine) magnanimously agreed to let us have all the plants we needed, all we had to supply, was the manpower to extricate them from the rocky hillsides found at the mine site, transport and re-install the plants in their new home at the Animal Shelter.  When I put out a call for volunteers from the Cactus Society… Joe Bannon, Kendall Elmer, Jerry Estruth and Bill Ramstad…all neighbors in our development of Tucson Mountain Reserve (TMR)…stepped forward and offered their services.  Jim Drain and Rob Romero, also very active members of TCSS quickly volunteered their services as well.
On a recent bright and sunny Tucson morning this hardy crew of volunteers and Ed (Mr. T) Taczanowsky, piled into his truck and made the 90 mile roundtrip to the mine and managed to extricate a goodly number of native plants from the rocky hillsides at the mine site.  Upon our return to PACC, we rolled up our sleeves and installed about a dozen small and medium sized saguaro, eight golden hedgehogs, ten ocotillo and about eighteen fish hook barrels in and around the beautiful new mural at Pima Animal Care Center.

We’d like to thank the enthusiastic volunteers who provided the “sweat equity” for this worthwhile project and all of our friends at Silverbell Mine and Granite Construction whose cooperation, community spirit and generosity made it possible for us to acquire the plants.

Next time you have occasion to drive down Silverbell…about a mile south of El Camino del Cerro…please stop by the Pima Animal Care Center and take a look at the low/no-maintenance landscaping…that doesn’t require constant irrigation, because it’s mostly “NATIVE!”  We’re justifiably proud of the result.  While you’re there, why not stop in and visit with the puppies and kittens that are in desperate need of a good home.  You’ll be glad you did!

In May of this year, as Pima Animal Care Center’s adoption numbers approached 10,000 adoptions, a special incentive was launched “$10 to reach 10,000 adoption campaign” to stimulate pet adoptions. The campaign began in June and concludes at the annual summer pet adoption event called “Monsoon Muttness” on July 9,
2010.

Little did a dog dodging traffic on Ajo Way know that when he was picked up and brought to PACC during the first week of June he would become the 10,000th animal adopted on June 27, 2010. The little guy has been named “Chance” and has been adopted into a forever home with two other canine pals and everyone gets along famously.

“Chance” with his new owner and a PACC adoption volunteer. Each adoption involves a team of dedicated staff and volunteers working to connect pets with loving homes. At PACC, there are staff and volunteers who walk and bathe the dogs, clean the kennels, assist visitors to find the pet that is just right for them and process all the adoption paperwork.

Having reached 10,000 pet adoptions was very exciting for the team of staff and volunteers, however, there are still many loving animals waiting for the “chance” to be adopted. You are invited to stop by and see the new kennels, shelter improvements and find your forever friend at PACC, located at 4000 North Silverbell Road. We look forward to seeing you soon!

On March 1st we brought home the largest and smallest cats up for adoption at PACC.  The largest was a 3-1/2 year old Maine Coon male we named Samson (Sammy) because he’s big (15 lbs) and has long beautiful hair.  The smallest was a 5 week old female blue tabby tipping the scales at 1 lb 3 oz that we named Indigo (”Indi”).  Sammy is amazingly playful and gentle with the baby and she is absolutely fearless with him, despite they’re extreme size difference.  They’re best friends, bonding as “the new kids” in our now 5 cat household.  In the morning when Sammy gets up, he howls for Indi until she comes running up to him and the playing begins.  Even though they’ve only been with us for two months now, I can’t imagine our home, our family, or our lives without them.

- Happy Pet Owner, Tucson

On August 30, 2009 the saga of a special chocolate lab began when she arrived at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) following a sad and cruel event. Someone had taped her mouth shut with duct tape, shot her with an arrow and was suffering from a very serious eye infection. It was her good fortune that a caring person spotted her and took her to PACC where she received immediate medical care and treatment. This brave and gentle dog captured the hearts of Pima County, as her sad story was told by local news. Her journey inspired her name “Nezbah”,  Navajo for “Woman in Battle”. Even when wounded and in pain, she showed her gentle spirit and expressed her gratitude with a wag of her tail and a lick on your hand. After weeks of care and recuperation Nezbah was available for adoption. A happy and sad day for those who cared for her as a special lottery was held due to the number of people wanting to give her a loving home. This special day was captured by channel 4 and 13 as Jackie Sarik was selected to be Nezbah’s new family. Through tears of joy, Jackie recounted how her daughter had dreamt of soon having a new dog that they could call Maddy. There were other tears that day from PACC staff that had come to love this gentle spirit and kind hearted lab.

There are many loving and gentle animals waiting for a good home, please consider visiting PACC to find your Nezbah. We are located at 4000 N. Silverbell Road on the northeast corner of Silverbell and Sweetwater. For the month of December all adoptions are $25 plus the $15 licensing fee.

Below are a couple of the pictures from the day Nezbah became Maddy.

November 24, 2009 ‐ Tucson AZ: In August we shared the story of the chocolate Labrador found in the vicinity of Kinney Road and Ajo Highway. The female lab, who was found suffering from an old
untreated eye injury, had also sustained a fresh wound to her side from an arrow.

Nezbah, a Navajo word meaning ‘woman in battle’, was treated at the Pima Animal Care Center for her injuries and began her road to recovery. While law enforcement investigated the acts of cruelty taken
against her thereby extending her stay at the Center, she maintained an exceptionally happy attitude hroughout her treatment endearing her to Center staff.

Sadly, Nezbah has lost the use of her right eye. A recent consultation with Dr. Meredith of Southern Arizona Vet Specialty Center confirmed the assessment of the long term injury. Although opaque in
color, the eye is clinically stable and requires no further treatment at this time.

With this good news, Nezbah will be made available for adoption at 12:00 noon this Friday, November 27, 2009, at the Pima Animal Care Center. The Center is located at 4000 N. Silverbell Road.
A special adoption rate of $25 on all animals (plus license for adult dogs) is currently available. The center is open for adoptions, redemptions, animal intake and licensing services Monday through Friday
Noon until 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 5pm. Telephone licensing is available Monday through Saturday 8am to 5pm.

For further information call 243‐5900. Click here for more pictures.

It’s time to get your pets ready for winter!  Our weather is changing and it’s time to make sure our pets are protected from the upcoming cold temperatures.  Consider the following recommendations for cats and dogs that spend a majority of their time outside.

1. Make sure that they have a protected area or space with three sides and a roof.  The space needs to be big enough for them to comfortably fit but small enough that their body heat can help keep them warm.
2. Be sure their bedding is dry and clean. Straw, blankets or bath towels that help to trap warm air are some good choices.
3. Do not use commercial insulation, fiberglass is not good for your pet and can irritate their eyes, nose, and paws.
4. Increase your pets’ food during cold days.  They need extra calories to keep warm during the cold nights and mornings.
5. Outdoor dogs do not need to be shaved during the winter months.  Continue to keep your dogs’ coat brushed.  It helps them to hold warm air better than if their coat is matted.
6. If you bathe your pet, make sure that they are completely dry before you put them outside.
7. For short haired breeds, consider getting them a coat or sweater.
8. Outdoor cats love the heat from the engine and may climb up under the hood by the motor to get warm.  Bang on the hood before you start your car.

In addition to keeping your pets safe and warm this winter, we have one more reminder regarding the coolant system in your car.  If you change out the anti-freeze in your car the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) would like for you to take the following precautions:

• Do not leave anti-freeze open or spilled on the ground, it is extremely toxic to animals.  Not knowing any better, they like the taste of it and will lick it up.

Remember, your pets are counting on you to help them be safe and warm this winter. Make sure they have a warm cozy place to sleep that is up off the ground and away from drafts.  At PACC our shelter is heated, animals are brought in from outside runs, and blankets are provided for puppies and short haired dogs.

Looking for a warm body to keep your feet warm?  The animals at PACC may be just the ticket.  We have lots of wonderful pets for you to choose from. Come take advantage of our new hours of operation and find a pet that is just right for you!

Pima Animal Care Center is taking steps to provide better customer service and greater availability for the community to adopt a pet.  Effective Sunday, November 1st, Pima Animal Care Center will expand their walk-in hours to better serve our community.

The new hours will be Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Center Manager Kim Janes stated “our staff and volunteers are committed to increasing the number of adoptions and we hope the new hours will help make that a reality.”

The addition of evening and Sunday hours will help facilitate adoptions, redemptions and licensing of pets over the weekend. Phone licensing will continue to be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Intake, enforcement and administration hours will remain the same.

With over 300 animals to choose from any day is a good day to adopt a pet.  Take advantage of our new expanded hours and a special adoption rate of $25 and a $15 licensing fee.

The expanded hours will give the public the opportunity to come in after work and on weekends.  The Pima Animal Care Center hopes more animals will be placed in loving homes.  We are located at 4000 North Silverbell Road and look forward to seeing you soon.

One of the most common animal law violations is the unlawful use of animal tie-outs. The only exception is the temporary tethering of horses.  Most jurisdictions within Pima County have laws to protect against animal neglect in reference to tie-outs. 

The tie-out law was enacted because of the extreme heat and dry conditions of the desert we live in.  With temperatures regularly exceeding the 100 degree mark, a dog that is tied out can become entangled and unable to access water and shelter.  This can result in the dog dying in a very short time from heat and/or sun exposure.  Dogs, unlike humans, cannot sweat and dissipate the heat from their bodies to cool down.  Dogs pant to physically cool their bodies and to keep from overheating; therefore, access to shade and water is imperative.

Section § 6.04.130 of the Pima County Code gives a peace officer or Pima Animal Care Center enforcement officer the authority to remove or impound animals found at risk for neglect or physical distress. While acting with a valid search warrant, or by observing an animal in plain view, an officer may remove or impound an animal if it appears to be in distress resulting from mistreatment or on a tie-out.

So, be a responsible pet owner and assure your animals have access to adequate shelter, shade and fresh water while they are in your yard.  Remember, if you live in Pima County, don’t use tie-outs.  The following pictures were taken by Pima Animal Care Center enforcement officers.  These pictures serve as a visual reminder to the dangers of tie-outs.  Don’t let this happen to your pet.

Some of the unsung heroes at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) are the volunteers who selflessly give of their time and monies for the well being of the animals in the shelter.  PACC is grateful for these dedicated volunteers who take an active role helping to improve the stay for the animals.  When you visit the shelter you will find volunteers serving a variety of roles such as, shelter manager, working the front desk at the clinic, walking the dogs and volunteering at off site adoption locations.  The presence of these dedicated volunteers is vital to PACC and the animals.

One of our volunteers, a member of Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), shared a conversation he had had with a guest at PACC.  Someone had asked him about his volunteer affiliation and how many dogs he had and he responded, “about 107.”  Stunned, the person then asked where he kept them all, and he answered “right here at PACC.” This volunteer explained that he cares for each one as if they were his own until they were adopted.  This is just one example of the deep commitment the PACC volunteers have for these animals.  Our Wags and Walkers group not only walk the dogs, but they also take the time to groom them. No dog is too big, too small, or too undesirable for the walkers to handle and groom.

FOUND! are regular volunteers at the shelter, taking pictures of animals, sometimes outside of the shelter, and posting these pictures on their website to help reunite animals with their owners.

Our cat volunteers do a wonderful job petting and playing with the cats awaiting adoption.  Some are more anxious and benefit from this added one-on-one attention.

We can not say enough about the off site adoption events.  Individuals volunteer to host off site adoption events to help animals find homes and to promote PACC’s shelter as a place to find great pets.

PACC volunteers make a BIG difference in the many ways they volunteer whether it be interaction with the animals or helping with paperwork.  Without our volunteers, PACC would be lost.   If you would like to volunteer please go to our website at www.pimaanimalcare.org  and click on the volunteer link.  We have a great cadre of volunteers and would love to have you be a part of it.  Stay tuned for our next installment of animal heroes when we will feature rescue groups partnering with PACC.  Below are some photos of our dedicated volunteers.

FlightSafety International decided last fall that based on the economy, to implement strategies to expand their charitable giving. FlightSafety International is the world leader in aviation training and has over 40 learning centers in the U.S. and abroad and employs over 80 people at their Tucson operation. Because of the strong commitment that many of their staff have for animals, PACC was a logical choice for their third quarter charity.  With another month still to go FlightSafety employees are gathering food, toys and bedding for the animals at PACC.  An instructor, Mr. Leslie Morris a F-86 and Learjet pilot, decided to get a early start and personally bought five bags of high quality dog food, five cases of wet cat food and four bags of dry cat food and delivered them to PACC.  These products will help the animals that have been nutritionally challenges before coming to PACC.  Donations of food, toys and bedding help stretch PACC’s dollars enabling the Center to care for a larger number of animals.  Following are some pictures of Mr. Morris, who informed PACC staff that he has several animals at home and if he adopted another one his wife would have him residing at PACC.

Justin Gallick an Animal Care Advocate for PACC (left) and Leslie Morris from FlightSafety International (right)