No act of Mother Nature - animals found abandoned and starving in East Valley

(Gilbert, AZ) In recent weeks, there has been a great deal of media coverage and public concern over abandoned animals being rescued in the New Orleans area, and rightfully so. For most people, their animal companions are family members therefore the stories of animals left behind really touch our hearts.

Sadly, that is not the case for everyone. Here in our very own backyards animals are abandoned. In our deserts and rural areas every day animals are left to fend for themselves. This is not an act of Mother Nature or due to an emergency situation. It is time to address the acts of simple neglect and abandonment happening in our very own community.

Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary is working on a rescue project in the far East Valley. Several dogs, some with puppies or expecting puppies any day, living in drainage pipes and shrub brush in an abandoned area are struggling to survive. Without rescue they will not endure the challenge of living without food, water, or care. They are also in danger of becoming prey for coyotes.

Friends for Life has rescued 4 moms and 25 puppies (ranging in age of 5-8 days old to 12 days old) from the area over the last two weeks. It is clear that these dogs are not feral and were once domestic animal companions. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control notes that it is not only cruel to deliberately abandon an animal; it is also illegal. Domestic animals do not know how to fend for themselves and frequently fall victim to cars, desert elements, and native predators.

This week Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary volunteers are attempting to humanely trap three more adult dogs from this same area.

“Stray animals are the focus of Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary’s rescue efforts” says Jannelle Cosgriff, organization spokesperson volunteering with the organization since 1995. “Companion animals are not meant to fend for themselves in our community. The homeless animals suffer a horrible end when not lucky enough to be rescued. These rescued momma dogs have a long way to go to regain their normal body weight. Another week out on their own and they surely would have perished”.

Donations of premium puppy food, adult food, Epsilac, and puppy pens are being accepted by this registered nonprofit organization. Sponsors to cover expenses through to their adoption are also welcomed.

These animals reside in foster homes. Friends for Life is also in need of foster homes so that additional rescues can occur.

Upcoming fundraisers for Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary will help the organization sustain rescue efforts such as those mentioned.

October 15th – BARKtoberfest
9-2 p.m. at Baseline & Gilbert Roads
Vendors, dog wash, raffles, contests, games, and entertainment will fill the day.

October 22nd – Yearly Yard Sale
Donations are being accepted now. No clothing needed.

For more information phone 480-497-8296 or click in to http://www.azfriends.org/. To see photographs of these recent rescued animals visit this slide show: http://http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dogcatfriends2003/album?.dir=/efa9&.view=t

BARKtoberfest 2005 …an event where BARKing is music to our ears!

(Gilbert, AZ) Share your day with the likes of super heroes, kings, bikers, clowns, and jokers at Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary’s 7th annual BARKtoberfest.

This event is a celebration of our friendship with our loyal canine companions.
Funds raised from BARKtoberfest 2005 will contribute to the care and housing of homeless cats and dogs.

Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary hopes to raise at least $7,500.00 at BARKtoberfest 2005 – half of one month’s expenses to care for the homeless animals.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to participate, with their humans, in games, costume and talent contests. Dirty dogs can clean up their act at the dog wash; artistic dogs can express themselves at the DOGvinci painting booth. Vendors, dog adoptions, entertainment, raffles, food, and fun complete the day. There is no general admission fee however some activities may require a donation to participate.

Do one of three things today!
1) BARK your calendars for October 15th 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for BARKtoberfest 2005 hosted by Starbucks at 2048 E. Baseline Rd. (Baseline & Gilbert Rds. in Mesa)and join us in the park for a howlin’ good time.
2) Inquire about sponsoring this fido/family-friendly event.
3) Inquire about joining the fun as a vendor.

For more information on BARKtoberfest contact Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary in Gilbert at 480-497-8296, e-mail info@azfriends.org, or visit www.azfriends.org.

Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary is a registered nonprofit, no-kill, volunteer based organization. Established in 1993, Friends for Life has placed more than 10,000 cats and dogs into loving homes. The organization promotes spay and neuter as the answer to animal overpopulation and offers a low-cost spay and neuter program to the public. To contact Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary call 480-497-8296 or e-mail info@azfriends.org. Additional information can be found on their web site at www.azfriends.org.