April 2000

Animal Aid Network, Inc.

Every year U. S. shelters euthanize between 11 and 19 million cats and dogs, yet the pet population continues to grow. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 2,500 to 3,000 puppies and kittens are born every hour. There are so many unwanted pets in the United States that the shelters have been overflowing for years. The Verde Valley is not immune to the animal overpopulation problem. There were over 1800 animals euthanized at local shelters in 1998. Unfortunately, not all unwanted animals make it to the shelters. For whatever reason, people also abandon their unwanted pets in the desert. The majority of domestic pets cannot survive in the wild; they die slow agonizing deaths from starvation, thirst and disease. The ones that enjoy a quick end to their suffering will be eaten alive by predators. Those that do survive will live dismal lives feeding on wildlife, damaging the ecosystem.	There are no quick or easy solutions to the problem of unwanted pets numbering in the millions. Spay/neuter programs appear to be working . . . slowly. Medically, there is no reason not to spay and neuter, therefore we must educate pet owners to be responsible and help provide the funds necessary to sterilize their pets, so there is no excuse not to. Only by reducing the number of animals capable of breeding will we be able to reduce pet overpopulation. Animal Aid Network (AAN) is a local non profit organization formed by volunteers who are concerned about the pet overpopulation crisis that exists in the Verde Valley. AAN provides a low cost Spay/Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP) for all Verde Valley residents. AAN keeps costs at a minimum by providing their services through voice mail and a post office box. There are no paid employees; the administration of our programs and all fundraising is done by volunteers.	AAN is supported through the Four Paws Thrift Store, donations, memberships, grants, corporate gifts and fundraisers. Members will receive our newsletter, “DeTails” free of charge. Volunteers are always welcome. To become a member, participate in SNIP, volunteer or for more information call our voice mail at 639-3980. Our address is P O Box 1303, Clarkdale, AZ 86324. For a virtual experience, visit our web site at www.animalaidnetwork.org. Please shop at Four Paws Thrift Store at its new larger location at 927 North Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood. Four Paws exists solely through the dedication of its diligent volunteers, to assist you in your shopping needs. All donations of gently used quality items are fully tax deductible. Call Four Paws at 649-0036 for more information. Animal Aid Network is having a Spring Bake Sale Fundraiser in front of Safeway on Saturday, April 15 from 11 AM to 3 PM. So after you have performed the sour chore of preparing and mailing your tax forms, treat yourself to a sweet and donate to Animal Aid Network, so you can take a bigger deduction next year!