NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 29, 2006

(Gilbert, Arizona) Valley Fever isn’t just a concern for humans. Our animal companions get it too. Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary has several cases of dogs testing positive for Valley Fever than at any one time in the past. This could possibly be due to the long span between rains and dry, dusty air. The organization is in need of sponsors and foster homes for the dogs in their care being treated for Valley Fever.

Valley Fever is a fungus that lives in the soil. When the soil is disturbed the spores become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs. Valley Fever is not contagious from animal to animal or human to human. Most that breathe the spores won’t get sick at all. Some will get pneumonia-like symptoms, and others that get the disseminated form of Valley Fever will get seriously ill and often the disease is fatal. There is no vaccine currently available for Valley Fever.

The company that evaluates blood tests for Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary has noticed an increase in positive results of Valley Fever for canines in our community.

Each animal reacts differently to the disease as well as treatments following diagnosis. It is important that people know that this disease is not exclusive to humans and they should speak to their veterinarian about how this disease can affect their animal, what symptoms to look for, and what they can do if they believe their animal might have Valley Fever.

Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary is currently providing Valley Fever treatments for these wonderful dogs:

Devo
BJ
Jolie
Jethro
Hope
Claus
Gonzo
Elvis

Just when the organization thinks enough is enough … another dog tests positive for Valley Fever and another waiting bloodwork results however symptons point to Valley Fever. The treatments for these dogs and the extra supplements they receive to help them along in their recovery can become costly, quickly, with so many dogs in need. The Fluconzaole alone runs between $25 and $38 a month per animal (depending on the dosage determined by weight). That cost doesn’t include vitamins, supplements, Rimadyl, blood draws, and rechecks that add $60 to $80 per animal.

To help pay the bills Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary is participating in two yummie fundraisers at two well-known East Valley eateries.

El Paso Barbeque on the SW corner of Stapley and I-60 is hosting Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary night on Wednesday, May 3rd. Present the event flyer (found on Friends for Life's web site) to your server between 4 p.m. and 9 pm. 20% of the bill will be donated to Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary.

Bostons The Gourmet Pizza (Warner & Gilbert Rd) is also hosting Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary night Wednesday, April 5th between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Simply get your "meal ticket" for just a $10.00 donation from Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary. Present your meal ticket at this restaurant on this date and time and you get a personal pan pizza and soda or personal pan pizza and a beer.

Both fundraisers will raise much needed money to pay for medical care for these Valley Fever canines as well as other animals in need of funding for their medical bills.

Historically Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary sees animals on medication get better faster when they reside in foster homes. Devo, BJ, and Jolie are in immediate need of foster homes. Foster homes are the minimum goal as far as housing for these animals. Adoptive homes are, of course, the ultimate goal.

Those interested in helping these dogs find their way to wellness should contact Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary at 480-497-8296 or visit them on line at www.azfriends.org. If not in the position to adopt a homeless dog in need of a home, sponsors to cover their medical costs are also in urgent need.

Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary is a registered nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill organization established in 1993. Friends for Life maintains an adoption center in down town Gilbert along with a network of foster homes. Friends for Life also offers a low-cost spay and neuter program for those that qualify. For information on the organization visit their web site at www.azfriends.org or call them at 480-497-8296.