Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Posted By on Tue, Sep 3, 2019 at 11:19 AM

Reid Park Zoo says ‘goodbye’ to Elinor the giraffe
Courtesy photo
The Reid Park Zoo said goodbye to one of its animal inhabitants this week, 20-year-old Elinor the reticulated giraffe. Born in the Knoxville Zoological Gardens on May 29, 1999, Elinor came to Tucson when she was 11 years old in 2010.

According to the zoo, Elinor died Monday, Sept. 2, just a day after “demonstrating signs of respiratory distress.” The zoo’s medical team responded to the situation, but were unable to keep Elinor alive.

She did have a history of breathing problems, and a necropsy performed at the University of Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will reveal more information in the coming weeks.

The median life expectancy of giraffes like Elinor is 19 years. Elinor lived at Reid Park Zoo with two other giraffes: Jasiri, an 8-year-old male, and Denver, a 30-year-old female who is the second oldest giraffe in the United States. Giraffes are listed as a vulnerable species and less than 70,000 animals remain in the wild.

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Monday, August 26, 2019

Posted By on Mon, Aug 26, 2019 at 3:07 PM

Adoptable Pet: Hyalite Needs a Home
HSSA
Hyalite
“Hi friends, my name is Hyalite. I am a sweet 2-year-old girl who LOVES meeting new people! I fall in love instantly with everyone I meet and enjoy giving them hugs. I am smart girl who already knows sit when you have a treat. I am searching for a loving, active family that will take me on regular walks, jogs, runs, hikes, bike rides, or swims!” Hyalite (867787)

For more information give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173, or visit me at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. See you soon!

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Friday, August 23, 2019

Posted By on Fri, Aug 23, 2019 at 1:53 PM

click to enlarge PACC Takes in Over 50 Animals in Hoarding Case
Bigstock
File photo of kittens
The Pima Animal Care Control Center took in 57 cats and one dog late Thursday night during a response to a hoarding case at a home near East Valencia and South Houghton Roads.

The case is currently being investigated by the Tucson Police Department and many of the animals that were removed are undergoing medical evaluations.

According to a Pima County press release Friday, the conditions within the home were poor. There was no visible water left out for any animals, trash and animal waste covered the floors and there was no working electricity in the home.

The PACC’s clinic team said the cats are suffering upper respiratory infections and the dog appears to be in good condition, though it had matted fur.

Once the animals are in good health, they will put up for adoption.

Currently, the shelter has 1,421 animals in need of adoption and takes in between 50-100 animals a day.

To learn more about pet adoption or fostering through the Pima County Animal Care Center, visit their website.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Posted By on Tue, Aug 20, 2019 at 11:54 AM

click to enlarge Adoptable Pet: Paulie Needs a Home
Courtesy HSSA
Paulie the cat
"Hi there, I'm Paulie. I am a 3-year-old boy who is searching for my forever family! I love attention and will stretch out when getting scratches." Paulie (874709) Visit Paulie at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. For more information give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.

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Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Posted By on Wed, Aug 14, 2019 at 9:54 AM

Celebrate Nandi the elephant’s birthday this Sunday
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Nandi the elephant.

How does an elephant celebrate her birthday? At the Reid Park Zoo, the occasion is marked with songs, pachyderm treats and cupcakes for her human friends.

Nandi, the zoo’s African elephant, turns 5 this Sunday, and the whole town’s invited. Learn all about this amazing elephant species, sing Nandi “Happy Birthday,” watch her eat her favorite treats and enjoy some African Music and entertainment.

The celebration kicks off this Sunday, Aug. 18, at 8 a.m. at the Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court.

Schedule of Activities

· 8:10 a.m. Free birthday cupcakes for the first 100 guests
· 8:15 a.m. African drumming and dancing presented by African Diaspora Showcase
· 8:30 a.m. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Nandi and watch her receive her favorite treats
· 8:45 a.m. Elephant dance performance by African Diaspora Showcase
· 9:00 a.m. Elephant-themed activities and keeper chats

“Nandi is an ambassador for her species,” said Sue Tygielski, PhD, director of zoo operations. “We are celebrating her life and birthday, but we are also celebrating the lives of wild elephant herds too.”

Nandi’s Fifth Birthday Bash is free with zoo admission of $10.50 for adults; $8.50 for seniors and $6.50 for children. Zoo members receive free admission. For more information on Reid Park Zoo, visit the website at reidparkzoo.org.

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Monday, August 12, 2019

Posted By on Mon, Aug 12, 2019 at 9:35 AM

"Hi there. I'm a four-year-old boy named Jake! I love tennis balls and am learning how to play fetch. I sit before being asked and am working on shaking hands. I'll be a loyal boy to a family that's willing to take me on regular walks and hopefully give me a massage afterward." - Jake (858235)


Bring your family to meet Jake at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.

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Thursday, August 8, 2019

Posted By on Thu, Aug 8, 2019 at 12:37 PM

A survey by Innovet Pet finds that 20% of Arizona couples are picking their four-legged companions over children.

According to the company's release, research found that pet-owning couples are 60% more likely to prioritize their pets' diet over their own, and take six unpaid days off work on average to care for their furry companions.

The pet supplies company found that their survey of 3,800 pet owners showed that some 22.2% of couples that own pets in Arizona have prioritized animal 'parenthood' over having brats of their own.

The days off work that pet owners take cost them an average of $404.46 in salary, the survey said, with men taking slightly more time away from work (3.8 versus 3.5 days) than their female companions.

For more information on pet ownership, visit the company's website

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Monday, August 5, 2019

Posted By on Mon, Aug 5, 2019 at 4:11 PM

Farewell, Wonderpup: Help Gil Give Back With Pet Food Drive
Courtesy photo
Gil the Wonderpup
The paralyzed dog that united the Tucson community last year has found his forever home and will soon leave for Durango, Colorado. A public farewell party for Gil will take place this Saturday, Aug. 10, at Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

Team Gil is holding a pet food drive during his party for dry dog, puppy, kitten and cat food to replenish the shelves of Cody’s Friends Charity, a local pet food pantry, as a show of appreciation to the Tucson community that did so much to help Gil.

More than 40 human services organizations that serve people in need with pets depend on Cody’s for more than 35,000 pet food meals every month. Increased need this summer has left their shelves bare. Any kind or sized bag of dry dog and cat food would be appreciated, especially Purina and Pedigree.

For those unable to attend the party but who still want to donate to help, donations may be brought to one of several locations listed on Cody’s Friends Charity website, or monetary donations to purchase food may be made at https://codysfriends.org/wheretodonate/.

Gil was found paralyzed last July on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and was brought to Tucson where it was discovered he’d been shot point-blank in his spine. The Tucson community and others donated thousands of dollars to provide surgical care, physical therapy and medical equipment to help Gil regain the use of his hind legs. Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries, Gil will never walk again, but gets around very well with his wheelchair.

Gil’s new family saw a video that Gil’s team sent to the “Walkin’ Pets” company and contacted his foster mom, Kim Kelly. Gil will have other animal friends, including dogs, cats and Alpacas, and lots of room to roam.

“I’m in awe of how much has been involved to repair and nurture Gil through his life so far,” said Alena Alvarez-Mroz, Gil’s adopter. “It truly amazes me how much he’s come through and is now thriving. Gil inspires me, and I feel truly lucky to have found him.”

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Posted By on Mon, Aug 5, 2019 at 1:09 PM

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) will begin offering American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen training starting Wednesday, August 14.

The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training Program is designed to recognize dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. This program stresses responsible dog ownership for owners and basic training and good manners for dogs. The CGC TEST consists of 10 skills needed by all well-mannered dogs including meeting new people, grooming basics, walking on a loose leash, and commands such as sit, down, stay, and come.

“I love teaching people and their dogs. It’s amazing to witness the bond that forms when people are able to better communicate with their dogs. Canine Good Citizen is a great way to connect, bond, and learn how to interact with your dog so you can have a rewarding relationship with your dog as a well-mannered family member and community member. I hope that through CGC training that we are able to avoid any issues in the home and have more dogs stay with their forever families,” said Veronica Zimmerman, HSSA’s CGC Trainer.

Classes will be held each Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for six weeks. Upcoming programs will be held on different days and times. The cost per dog is $150, or $125 for dogs adopted from HSSA. Each dog must be partnered with their own handler. All dogs who pass the 10 step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

To register, or get more information, visit www.HSSAZ.org/CGC.

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Posted By on Mon, Aug 5, 2019 at 9:51 AM

“I am a sweet 7-year-old girl. I came to HSSA shortly after my owner passed away and I can’t wait to be back in a comfortable home. In my previous home I did great with other cats. Great news, because of my age my adoption fee is only $50. Visit me at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.” - Lazarus (874019)

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