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Rescue animals seeking a doggone good home
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Chandler resident Bridget Manning, 11, gets to know Simon, a two-year-old rescued boxer, up for adoption on Saturday from Almost Home Arizona Boxer Rescue during the Purina Pro Plan Rally Across America campaign at Arizona Mills mall in Tempe.
Thomas Boggan, Tribune
Shoppers at Arizona Mills mall in Tempe got a chance to help out man’s best friend Saturday when 10 local pet organizations convened to raise awareness about rescued dogs and hopefully find permanent homes for some of them.
VIDEO: Rescued pets win the hearts of shoppers at Arizona Mills mall
The Purina Pro Plan Rally Across America national tour will continue today in the mall’s food court.
More often than not, when a dog or cat is lost or given up, they are picked up by Maricopa County Animal Control, whose Web site reports there are 55,000 unwanted pets every year in the Valley.
That’s where pet rescue organizations come in, rehabilitating abused animals, saving many from euthanasia and getting them spayed or neutered so they’re ready to be adopted.
Stephanie Lillie, a volunteer for AZ Cocker Rescue — a Phoenix attorney when she’s not caring for animals — is rehabilitating a 2-year-old cocker spaniel named Gracie-Lou at her home, along with two other dogs.
A few months ago, Gracie-Lou was left tied to a tree with no food or water for two days. She was further injured when some children decided to beat her with sticks while she was tied up.
“A lot of them just need emotional support,” Lillie said. “You have to teach them to trust people again.”
Caron Lorber, president of Mixed Up Mutts & Shepherds Too, said all of the dogs her group brought to Arizona Mills on Saturday were strays, and many were on the euthanasia list before being rescued.
“I can tell you there were 125 (animals) on yesterday’s euthanasia list,” Lorber said.
Melissa Heeter, a dog trainer with the national tour, said it’s important to keep a collar and tag on any pet — and maybe even a microchip, so owners can find them when they’re lost.
The Pro Plan event this weekend is raising more than just awareness.
Purina set up treadmills in the food court and donated $5 to rescue groups for every five minutes a person or dog spent on the machines.
While adults and children alike enjoyed the friendly canines in the mall, people couldn’t simply pick their favorite animal and take it home. Heeter said there is an intense screening process to match rescued pets with the right family.
Need a friend?
What: Purina Pro Plan Rally Across America Tour showcases rescued animals looking for a permanent home.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
Where: Arizona Mills mall food court, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe
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