Your unwanted items can help save lives.
Thrifting in itself is a noble thing to do for the environment — not to mention easy on your wallet! And when you thrift at The Humane Society of Southern Arizona Thrift Store you’re going the extra mile by supporting a nonprofit that’s been helping pets and the people who love them for over 76 years.
This unusual year has had many people spending more time at home than anticipated. Decluttering, deep cleaning, tidying up and rearranging furniture have become efficient ways to pass the time. You can make a difference by donating unwanted items to our thrift store. We always accept high-quality donations to sell in-store and every dollar raised goes to homeless pets in need.
Donations are accepted during regular business hours. To make a donation, follow the signs to the designated donation area where an attendant will be happy to help. HSSA Thrift Store is not able to accept donations that are left outside overnight. For questions regarding donations call 520-327-0010.
HSSA Thrift Store accepts the following items:
- Furniture
- Household items
- Electronics
- Toys
- Collectibles
- Art
- Jewelry
- Books
- Pet items
- Designer clothes
- Antiques
- Sports items
To maximize your contribution we respectfully ask that all items donated are in good, functional condition. HSSA Thrift Store reserves the right to refuse items that are deemed inappropriate for resale or included on our list of unacceptable items (see below).
- Non-working appliances
- Console televisions and stereo cabinets
- Giant/large television
- Kitchen/bathroom cabinets
- Toilets, sinks, vanities
- Construction materials (lumber, sheet rock, cement, insulation)
- Outdated computers, dot matrix printers (older than 5 years)
- Outdated electronics
- Large microwaves (small and under the counter only)
- Empty food jars
- Car seats
- Flammable items
- Medical supplies
- Furniture in need of repair
- Waterbeds
- Swing sets
- Hazardous waste such as paint and varnish
- Used bed pillows
- Household cleaners (unless never opened)
- Household trash and garbage
- Copy machines
- Carpeting and padding
- Opened cosmetics (excluding perfumes)
- Pianos/organs/spas (unless transported to site)
- Encyclopedias
- Scrap iron
- Tires and tire rims
- Wall heaters
- Water heaters
- Wet or soiled clothing
- Blinds
- Recalled items
Visit HSSA Thrift Store at 5311 E. Speedway Blvd. Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. To see the newest items and current sales, follow HSSA Thrift Store on Instagram at @humanesocietysoazthrift and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSSAThriftStore
You won’t believe her story of healing.
On a hot day in May, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona was called in to assist with a hoarding situation. Forty terriers were found in various states of malnourishment, with matted hair and rotting teeth. Fifteen of the dogs were immediately transferred to HSSA, including the very sweet and docile Darling. Although she appeared to be in the worst shape, Darling was the only one that did not seem completely fearful of people.
At the beginning Darling was very lethargic and spent a lot of time sleeping. Regardless of what she had gone through, all she wanted was a comfy lap to sit in and snuggle.
Most visibly, Darling was suffering from hair loss and her skin had begun to form crusty scabs. Underneath her damaged skin, Darling was suffering from anemia of chronic disease. This occurs when the body has been forced to use excess red blood cells for so long that the bone marrow cannot replace them fast enough. Anemia of chronic disease is typically caused due to malnutrition because of an iron deficiency.
Darling was starving to death.
Darling’s eyes were also damaged. One eye had lost all vision and the other was severely compromised allowing limited vision. HSSA’s Shelter Veterinarian, Dr. Overton, elected not to remove the eye without vision because it had already undergone pthisis bulbi. This process causes the eye to shrivel and become a ball of scar tissue preventing Darling from enduring any pain. Darling may have limited vision but she hears really well. When people are close by, Darling’s ears perk up and her tail wags.
Darling was put on a regimen of antibiotics and a healthy diet. Over a two-month period, anemia of chronic disease resolved, her skin cleared and her hair grew back. The transformation was truly amazing to witness.
It is hard to tell if Darling’s condition was caused by neglect or lack of veterinary care. What we do know is that it was an honor to help her. HSSA’s shelter medical staff did a miraculous job transforming Darling and giving her a second chance at a better life.
It was no surprise that shortly after becoming available for adoption Darling found her
forever family.
Help HSSA provide for a pet in need by making a donation at www.HSSAZ.org/Donate
Learn more about dogs like Darling by by visiting www.HSSAZ.org/Adopt or by giving an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.
Darling's Forever Home
“Daisy (previously Darling) has been such a blessing for me. I lost my husband of 59 years last year on the 14th of July and my 15 year old dog six months before that. I thought I was holding up very well, but Daisy has been a Godsent. The doctors say that the best tranquilizer has four paws and fur. They are right. She was very quiet the first week, but has settled in very well. It is now her house in which she allows me to live. She was house trained when I got her, but that is about all. She is now leash trained, and knows several commands. We are working on others. She is a real cuddle bug and has wormed her way into my bed at night. That’s okay, we both sleep better. I am so happy we found one another.” -Carol S.
Arrive early and sign in to assure we will have room for you!
HSSA’s Clinic offers affordable walk-in vaccinations twice a week. It’s a great way to make sure your pet gets the protection he or she needs, and the recommended vaccinations to help them live a long and happy life. HSSA’s Vaccination Clinic offers core vaccinations (Rabies, DAPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Canine Flu, Feline Leukemia, FRCP), deworming treatment, flea and tick treatment, heartworm medication, microchipping and heartworm/FELV/FIV testing.
When preparing for your visit, bring proof of your pet’s prior vaccination history. Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Cats need to be brought in a secure carrier. Cats can escape easily if not properly contained. It is best to bring multiple cats in individual carriers. If you do not have multiple carriers, for your convenience we offer sturdy cardboard cat carriers for $8 each.
HSSA’s Vaccination Clinic is a great affordable option for Tucson families. In order to ensure the safety of all pets, there is a limited waiting area indoors. No more waiting in line! We can text you when we are ready for you! Outside of the clinic there are benches and shade, wait in your car, or feel free to shop in our PAWSH retail store while you wait for your text.. Clinic staff will provide individual water bowls and ice water for patients, as needed. During the summer months it is recommended that you wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring a drink for yourself.
HSSA’s Clinic has added several precautions to keep families safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. When signing in there are pre-measured markings on the sidewalk that are 6 feet apart to maintain social distancing. At this time only one pet owner per pet enter the lobby. While on HSSA property all
visitors must wear a face covering.
HSSA’s Vaccination Clinics are held twice a week on Wednesday and Saturdays, with sign-in hours from 8:15am to 11:15am. For more information on HSSA’s Clinic services visit www.HSSAZ.org/Clinic or call 520-881-0321.
Stop animal cruelty in its tracks.
All too often we at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona see victims of animal cruelty and neglect show up at our doorstep. We do everything we can to provide care to pets who have been abused, but we don’t stop there. We work hard to hold abusers accountable and to stop the abuse from happening in the first place.
HSSA’s animal cruelty investigator, Mike Duffey, works with law enforcement, including local agencies, fire departments, Arizona livestock investigators, and local animal services agencies to provide a seamless response to cruelty calls. Services through this branch of HSSA include professional training seminars, public outreach, law enforcement support services, emergency medical care and fostering for abused animals, and evidence collection.
Our program allows the public to share information on suspected cruelty and neglect, as well as concerns about irresponsible breeders, animal vendors and other related issues. Our educational program provides a variety of programs for adults and youth to attack the roots of animal cruelty. We also offer court-mandated courses about proper care and treatment of animals, a critical step in stopping the cycle of harm to pets.
In order to expand our reach and make even more of a difference, Mike and HSSA helped to convene the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona (ACT) in order to:
- Review and increase awareness of animal cruelty laws in southern Arizona
- Enhance and coordinate enforcement of animal cruelty laws
- Educate law enforcement, animal care professionals and other interested agencies in aspects of animal cruelty and the relationship of animal cruelty to domestic and other forms of human abuse and violence
ACT is not an investigative organization, although many of its member organizations are. The taskforce’s primary purpose is to provide public education and training to professional organizations. ACT may assist existing police, animal control agencies and other investigative organizations with their public mandate to protect animals from neglect and abuse.
ACT is not an animal rights organization. ACT is a non-political coalition of organizations who share the mutual goals of protecting animals and human beings from violent crime through the enforcement of existing laws, prosecuting and rehabilitating offenders, and providing education and services to the animal and human victims of violent crime.
Membership in the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona is limited to personnel from law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, personnel from organizations with existing programs that aid law enforcement and the prevention of animal cruelty, and personnel such as veterinarians or related professionals who are trained in detecting and diagnosing animal cruelty, treating animal victims and human offenders, and providing public education.
ACT members are available to provide educational presentations to Neighborhood Watch members, homeowners associations, school groups, church groups, and other organizations, sharing how the public can act to protect animals in our community. Regular outreach programs on the subject of animal cruelty are available through the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Community Outreach Department. For more information, or to schedule a presentation, call 520-327-6088, ext. 121.
We can all do our part to protect animals and report signs of animal cruelty or neglect - the biggest difference between the two is intention. Learning what to look for can be the difference between life and death for an animal in an unsafe situation. The humans living in those homes may also be at risk of mistreatment.
Know the signs:
Knowing the physical signs and symptoms of animal cruelty and neglect can help save the lives of animals in need.
• Tick and flea infestation
• Untreated wounds of the body
• Hair loss or patches of missing hair
• Extremely thin, “starved” appearance
• Continued and excessive limping
• Pets that cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by a person
• Pets that are showing signs of injury or illness without veterinary care
• Encrusted eyes
• Matted hair
• Excessive number of animals in the home
• Deceased animals
• Animals tied outside and left unattended
• Animals left in hot cars that are in distress
• Animals living in filthy conditions
Report acts of animal cruelty or neglect:
- Emergencies: Please call 911
- For tie-out and other neglect violations, call Pima Animal Care Center at (520) 724-5900
- For Crimes against animals in Pima County, call the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at (520) 351-4900
- For Crimes against animals in Marana, call Marana Animal Services at (520) 382-8020
- For Crimes against animals in Sahuarita, call Sahuarita Animal Services at (520) 520-445-7877
- For crimes against animals in Tucson city limits, call Tucson Police Department at (520) 791-4444
- To leave an anonymous tip, call Pima County Attorney’s Office at (520) 882-7463 or 88 –CRIME
- For emergencies related to wild animals, illegal hunting, trapping etc., call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (520) 628-5376
For more information on becoming an ACT member visit www.ACT-AZ.org
To request an educational training session visit www.HSSAZ.org/ACT
Bowser’s Story
Bowser came to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) when he was 7 months old. Upon his arrival, Bowser was visibly underweight at only 38 pounds.
HSSA’s medical team went to work caring for Bowser and getting him back to a healhty weight. After two weeks Bowser had gained a healthy 27 pounds and began to come out of his shell. Once Bowser was comfortable he became a playful pup who was full of life.
The Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona (ACT) is responsible for investigating these unfortunate circumstances. HSSA is proud to have them as a partner in keeping pets in Southern Arizona safe. Thanks to their dedication, innocent pets like Bowser are given a voice.
To help HSSA give a second chance to pets in need make a donation at www.HSSAZ.org/Donate
Advice from HSSA’s Medical Director and Veterinarian, Dr. Kathryn Halstead
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) encourages all pet owners to have an emergency plan in place for their pets. Below are recommendations for pet owners from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV):
- Make sure you have a pet emergency kit prepared
- Keep at least 2 weeks of your pet’s food and medications on-hand in case of home-quarantine
- Keep your companion animals with you if you are self-quarantined
- Designate a family member or friend to take care of walking, feeding and playing with your pet if you become ill
- If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet while you are ill, wear a face mask; don’t share food, kiss or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet or service animal
- You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people or pets in your home
- Keep cats inside
We at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona wish good health for you and your pets.
“Kellie is a bulldozer of dirt, a TV-watcher, a chair Hopper, and a pick-up stick-and-run-with-it kind of rabbit.”
It was last October when the pure-white rabbit, Kellie, was brought to HSSA’s Admissions Department. A member of the public had found her outside and recognized that this stray, domesticated rabbit needed help. In fact, upon her medical exam, it was discovered that Kellie was pregnant and could be expected to deliver her bunnies at any time. Just a few hours later, she was in a foster home where she could be safe and comfortable as she nested and prepared for what came next.
By this point in Kellie’s life - living as a stray, entering the shelter, and delivering her young in a foster home – she had experienced more hardship than most pet rabbits face their entire lives. After delivering her young, Kellie returned to the shelter to await her own adoption. And wait she did, despite one amazing fact about this big, beautiful rabbit: Kellie brims with personality. She leaves an impression on everyone that interacts with her. For some, encountering a strong, alpha-female rabbit can be daunting.
Strong-willed and in-charge, staff and fosters quickly came to know that interacting with Kellie was to be done on her terms, not yours. She had a reputation of being somewhat temperamental and would charge and huff at anyone who tried to pet her or pick her up. It can be a shock to hear a rabbit growl at you! This reputation was well-earned and respected by everyone who cared for her. Of course, this also hurt her likelihood of adoption.
Concerned for her prospects of finding her forever home, HSSA Adoption Counselor Rick Givens worked with Kellie while she was in the shelter engaging her with a new treat each day. He was one of the very few she trusted enough to handle and pet her. HSSA’s Lost and Found Technician, Jennifer Stone, developed a ground-breaking pocket pet socialization program to help pets like Kellie. Through this program, Kellie further improved her interactions with people. It was also evident to those that spent any time with her that Kellie was intelligent and keenly aware, and that proper patience and respect would reveal her deeper, gentler nature.
The pocket pet socialization program was suspended with the arrival of COVID-19. Luckily, Kellie had shown tremendous improvements by this time. It was again up to selfless foster care volunteers to provide Kellie with the love and faith (and treats!) she needed and deserved. Her fosters each told the same story of how this grumpy girl bunny had touched their hearts deeply and personally. They each talk of her intelligence and soulfulness.
Each also describes with pride and wonder the little victories of having Kellie trust them enough to playfully nudge them, or take food from their hand, or – greatest of triumphs – give permission to be petted.
Kellie is a very special rabbit. The very next day after her foster Aerielle brought her to the shelter for her Humanely Speaking photoshoot, Kellie was adopted by an experienced pet owner who was able to provide her with her perfect forever home. She would have never made it there if not for the efforts of so many people on each step of Kellie’s journey, giving her their love and earning her trust along the way. Kellie touched many people with her unforgettable attitude and rich and unique personality. Fosters and staff keep detailed behavioral and medical notes on file for each pet. Reading through Kellie’s from the beginning of her stay until her happy adoption, one note can be seen over and over: “She’s a little sassy.”
Kellie was given a second chance to find her forever family thanks to HSSA’s dedicated staff and volunteers. Make an appointment to meet other adoptable pocket pets today.
To learn more about adopting a pocket pet, like Kellie, visit www.HSSAZ.org/Adopt
or give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.
HSSA Clinic offers income-based financial assistance to qualifying households
As a non-profit organization focused on caring for and placing homeless pets into loving homes, HSSA is able to offer a diverse range of programs and services for homeless pets, privately-owned pets, and adults and children. This includes the crucial HSSA Spay/ Neuter Clinic. For decades, the HSSA Spay/Neuter Clinic has provided the public with preventative surgeries and essential vaccinations. The clinic offers affordable services to the general public and provides income-based financial assistance to qualifying households.
It is important for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to provide affordable medical care to pet owners who may need a little extra help – especially now, as more and more pet owners and households can benefit from income-based assistance. For many, necessary veterinary services may be out-of-reach without this program. Through the HSSA Clinic Wellness Program low-income preventative care, assorted medical treatment options, minor surgeries, diagnostic procedures, digital x-rays, and most recently dental procedures, are made accessible to households who may otherwise not be able to afford these essential medical services.
Sadly, many pets silently endure the nonstop pain of dental disease because their owners can’t afford the high cost of cleanings and extractions. Starting this summer, the HSSA Clinic is proud to offer affordable pet dental services to ease that pain.
HSSA’s Medical Director and Veterinarian, Dr. Halstead DVM, explains further, “The Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Wellness Program offers a donor-subsidized veterinary preventative care clinic to serve income-qualifying folks and their pets. Our goal is to help make veterinary services such as diagnostic testing and medical procedures (beyond vaccination) more accessible to the members of our community that need it the most”.
HSSA’s Clinic and Wellness Program demonstrates our commitment to provide quality services and support to all pet owners in Southern Arizona, regardless of income level. It is only through the support of caring donors like you that this program can exist. To learn more about what the Wellness Program offers, or to see if your household may qualify, visit www.HSSAZ.org/Wellness
Throughout this uncertain time HSSA is here for pets and the people who love them.
Many things in the world are changing and there seems to be something new to consider and adjustments to make every day.
HSSA recognized in the early days of the pandemic that the safety and well being of not just the pets we serve, but also the people who love them would require huge and quick shifts in the way our organization operates.
Under the leadership of our new CEO, Steve Farley, measures were swiftly taken to ensure that every pet in our care would continue to receive the shelter, food, medical treatment, and nurturing that they needed while at the same time safeguarding the health of our staff, volunteers, and clients.
We made the decision to institute adoptions by appointment only. Many other programs and services had to be suspended as our PAWSH retail operations and HSSA Thrift Store was temporarily closed. Major fundraising events like Puttin’ On the Dog were postponed or canceled.
HSSA’s CFO Al Clark describes some of the proactive strategies that enabled us to be able to successfully carry on our vital work:
“As HSSA went into the COVID period, we were very concerned about our ability to fund operations because our major annual fundraiser had to be postponed. However, our special fundraising efforts and additional community and donor support substantially closed the gap and have allowed us to hold on to all employees and to fund operations that have continued throughout due to our essential service designation.”
That is not to say staff have had it easy. Frontline staff has been tasked with additional cleaning duties, implementing new safety precautions, and ensuring each and every pet is provided with the utmost care. Every single day, these staff members have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of this crisis.
Meanwhile, staff in other departments within the organization had to quickly adapt to working from home for the first time, important fundraising events like Puttin’ on the Dog had to be postponed, and our clinic services had to be put on hold. Several of our outreach initiatives had to be canceled or re-imagined as digital alternatives. In short, very little at HSSA has been left untouched by the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, but quick action by our staff and the generosity of our donors and volunteers enabled us to move our mission forward.
After instituting thorough deep cleanings and extra safety precautions for staff and customers alike, including the requirement of face coverings in the stores, HSSA’s recently renovated Thrift Store and PAWSH Park Place have re-opened. HSSA Spay/Neuter Clinic has resumed providing important surgeries and vaccinations to the public. HSSA has also redoubled initiatives like the pet food distribution program and partnered with other local non-profit organizations in order to help as many pets and people in Southern Arizona. Thanks to the amazing support HSSA has received from caring individuals, the unwavering commitment of frontline staff members and the dedication of volunteers, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona has weathered this storm and is here to help.
Throughout this uncertain time HSSA has been here for our pets and members of the public through adoptions, end of life services, lost and found, and more. Thank you to our totally dedicated staff for continuing our mission. If you would like to show your gratitude to HSSA’s essential workers please make a donation at www.HSSAZ.org/DONATE
Support homeless pets at HSSA by purchasing a dog, cat, or rabbit themed face covering at PAWSH Park Place or online at www.HSSAZ.org/Store
*Face coverings available in adult and children sizes.
You can prevent separation anxiety in your dogs
By Steve Farley
CEO, Humane Society of Southern Arizona
This past spring, as we all hunkered down in our homes, many of us rightly felt it was a great time to bring a new, forever friend into their lives. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) saw an increase in adoptions of dogs, cats, and pocket pets.
Our new pets loved our companionship, and we loved the relief from social isolation and the time to bond with our new animal friends while we worked from home.
Now that the stay-home requirements have been lifted and many are returning to the office, some people are thinking about surrendering their dogs, often due to the effects of “separation anxiety”. HSSA was prepared for this possibility and is ready to help dedicated owners and deserving pets keep their families together through education and guidance to turn this stressful situation back into a loving companionship.
Many owners may have inadvertently accustomed their pets to a routine that disappeared overnight. Pets had been comforted and delighted to see their favorite people working in their home offices or snuggled up on the couch with their laptops at all hours of the day. There was more time for playtime and head scratches. The sudden transition to spending hours each day alone has left many pets distraught.
The HSSA Behavior Team has put together a list of helpful tips for dogs that can help ease this transition and correct the unwanted behaviors.
First off make sure your pet’s basic needs are being met each day BEFORE you leave them for hours on end. These include mealtimes, snuggling and playtime as well as exercise, leashed walks, training and enrichment. This can be a brisk walk around the park and a 15-minute snuggle on the couch each morning before starting your off to work. Any amount of dedicated engagement to your pet before asking them to take an emotional hit will be helpful in growing their self-esteem and reducing their anxieties.
Dogs love routine and are creatures of habit. Make their daily routine predictable. If your pet knows that each morning they will spend uninterrupted time with you before taking a long, lazy snooze by themselves they will become happy with their independence.
To increase your pets' sense of security while you’re away from home we recommend crate training. Crate training is a beautiful thing but often gets a bad rap. Once your pet is comfortably enjoying the crate they will happily relax there while waiting for their favorite people to return. For details on how to crate train please visit our website at www.hssaz.org/behavior
Step up the training and canine enrichment to see a decrease in anxiety and destructive behavior. Dogs love to learn and they love to please you. Teaching your dog new tricks and skills are a great way to expend that mental energy they have stored up while strengthening their bond with you. Invest in some durable dog puzzle toys that encourage independent play time as well. If you have questions on which toys our Behavior Team likes best, email us at adoptions@hssaz.org
Gradually prepare for the upcoming transition. Spend time away from your pet each day — even just a short errand. Putting your one-on-one time and exit routine in place now will help them gain independence in the upcoming weeks. Start with short intervals of only a few minutes and increase until you are confident they can handle the time you’ll need to spend apart in the future.
HSSA’s goal is to support pets and people who love them for a lifetime. Our Behavior Team of Danielle Hagedorn and Stephen Szostek goes above and beyond to spend individual time with each dog who comes to our shelter and the results are astonishing. The more training and individual attention we offer, the better chance they find a forever family.
This is just part of our larger goal to end pet homelessness. If you would like to support the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in our efforts to find loving homes for our pets and keep them there, please visit us online at www.hssaz.org.
September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month!
Here at Letters from the Kennel, we will be celebrating by featuring a series of four blog posts containing tips, tricks, and trivia about dog ownership.
No one loves us like our dogs, and no one loves our dogs quite like we do. But just like with our human children, dog parenting is hard! It's easy to make mistakes, and oh-so-important to be educated. Owning a dog is a big responsibility! Making sure that you are fulfilling the role of responsible dog owner is critical to the health and well-being of your four-legged friend. As dog owners, there are also tangible benefits to our own health and well-being. Keeping your dog happy can help keep you happy.
So, how can you participate?
Have you had your sweet boy neutered? The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) is neutering male dogs for a $25 co-pay (plus a mandatory $5 e-collar) during the month of September. Call the Spay and Neuter Clinic at 520-881-0321 and leave a message requesting an appointment. There are many benefits to spaying and neutering your pets, so don't miss out on this great deal!
Are you a responsible dog owner? Take this quiz to find out, and let us know in the comments how you scored!
[os-widget path="/hterpening/are-you-a-responsible-dog-owner" of="hterpening"]
Stay tuned to our blog throughout the month of September, so you don't miss our upcoming posts on what it means to be a responsible dog owner!
Did you like this quiz? Check out Does Your Dog Need Training? and Summertime Pet Safety Quiz.