Duter: Caring for pets in emergency is important in Sun City

In the past month, we’ve lost several cherished volunteers, and we have witnessed some who are struggling with serious illness.

It has given me time to reflect on what is really important, what we can do as an organization to help and what needs to be addressed as we navigate our declining years. I am dedicating my usual column of thanking volunteers and telling them how much I appreciate them to providing information about things that may affect them or our clients.

Tending to what is important

Our friendships, and commitments to others, are certainly important. So is our commitment to our pets. In the past month, I have personally been involved in a death where a cherished pet was left with no plan in place to take care of that pet. I also witnessed a client who was taken by ambulance to the hospital and her cat was left alone in the house with no one to care for it. A month later she was still not home and she has no relatives or friends.

I am aware of other cases where the individual is no longer able to properly care for their pet.

Often our clients are in no condition to seek a solution to what may become another dire situation. As I watched these situations resolve, after actually becoming personally involved, it made me realize that there are sparse resources out there.

When we are capable of making choices and leaving directives as to our pets, we don’t. So it is left to our survivors, if there are any. When the need is urgent, the resources are limited. There are waiting lists, and in most cases a donation is necessary. I decided that I would canvas my pet loving friends to find resources to help not only my wonderful volunteers, but our clients. So here is some information that I would like to be shared to those who may need some guidance.

1. Sun City 4 Paws has a loving legacy program for cats. If you or someone you know signs up for this program, their cat will be cared for the rest of its life. There is a cost associated with this program, so it is best to call and set it up well in advance. They have a Surrender to Foster program, and it takes 4-5 weeks, includes a vet visit prior to being surrendered. If the paperwork and a donation have already been made, it is a lot quicker. Their Legacy Circle enrollment provides continuing care, with a gift donation of $1,000 per pet. Call 623-583-1824. The email address is office@4pawsrescue.org.
2. Lost Our Home Pet Rescue has a Lifetime of Care option. There are levels of care based on the amount you wish to donate. A Bronze $2,000 donation guarantees placement through the rescue and medical care. A Silver donation of $10,000 guarantees placement through the rescue into a carefully chosen home and lifetime medical care. A Gold $25,000 donation guarantees placement in a foster home, lifetime support including medical, food and supplies. They accept cats and dogs. In the event of a serious illness, they provide foster care for up to 90 days. Their number is 602-445-7392.

3. Arizona Animal Welfare League. There is a surrender fee, and it is on a space available basis. They take cats and dogs, but an evaluation must be scheduled before the animal is accepted for surrender. They do not take walk-ins. Their address is 25 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034. Phone is 602-273-6852. Their email is intake@aawl.org.
4. HALO Animal Rescue. They will take surrendered pets on a space available basis if they are adoptable. Their address is: 3227 E. Bell Road No. D-151. Their email address is info@halorescue.org. Phone 602-971-9222.
5. Adopt-a-Pet.com. They will help you re-home your pet, but it requires an online application.
6. Pethousinghelpaz.org. Another resource that you can only explore online.
7. Arizona Humane Society. Arizona Humane is a great organization, and they have many programs available. They have a program to help people keep their pet in their home if possible. This would be a good option if the individual could no longer afford to pay for medical care and food. Arizona Humane would provide food and medical services and the individual would keep their pet. They also have a Legacy Circle, and as long as you agree to make a donation, they will enroll your pet in a Continuing Care program. The contribution can be a car, a portion of your life insurance, a cash donation — there are many options. It does not have to be a huge donation — probably $1,000 per pet would suffice. Their phone number is 602-997-7585. They ask for a pet profile form to be completed, and it is best to do this in advance.
8. Arizona Animal Rescue. ROAR is an animal rescue, and they take pets into foster homes and then try to place them in a permanent home. Their number is 480-600-7281. Their website is info@roarAZ.org.

Now that I have addressed finding homes for pets, I want to discuss another important subject.

Lock boxes

Many of our clients don’t have them. As a matter of fact, the client who was taken to the hospital did not have one.

Not only does a lock box provide entry to fire and medical staff in an emergency, it could save a pet’s life. Low-income residents can get a free

lock box by calling Sun City Community Assistance Network. Their number is 623-933-7530. The cost is normally $70 for those who are not low=income. To schedule the installation of a lock box, please call the Sun City Fire and Medical Department at 623-974-2321.

Editor’s Note: We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.