For the Love of Animals:

Animal Aid Network

Over 5000 animals were euthanized in Yavapai County last year - over 1500 from the Verde Valley.  Animals continue to be abandoned in neighborhoods and nearby deserts by those who didn't have their adult animals fixed in time to avoid unwanted litters.  It's enough to break and animal lover's heart.

A little over a year ago, Judy Belden, Lori Erickson and Deborah Engle made a comittment to the animals of the Verde Valley.  Because of their love of these furry friends, they formed Animal Aid Network, Inc. and to this date, they have assisted 351 animals obtain spay or neuter services at a substancial discount.

"Medically, there is no reason not to spay and neuter," they say, "therefore we must educate pet owners to be responsible and provide the funds necessary to sterilize their pets, so there is no excuse not to."

Their mission statement reads:  Our organization is dedicated to helping animals by:  Education the community about the need to be responsible pet owners, ending the problem of animal overpopulation by promoting and providing financial assistance for spaying and neutering, providing emergency veterinary financial aid to those in need and creating awareness and support for the humane treatment of animals.

Working closely with Dr. Weber and the Verde Valley Veterinary Hospital, the group has been very successful in assisting Verde animals.  In fact, perhaps too successful, as the need is always more than their ability to provide assistance.

In their "Neuter Scooter for a Nickel" campaign last August, they had anticipated assisting 20-40 male cats--- instead, 84 male felines were sponsored, which cost over $2000.

They would like to repeat this offer in February (this time for female dogs and cats) with a "Spay Sally for a Dollar" offer.  Because spaying an animal costs much more than neutering, the Network is in need of your assistance in order to bring these worthwhile programs to valley residents this spring.

As a local non-profit organization that is only a little over a year old, this group is on a roll --- but they need your help.  Patronage of Four Paws Thrift Store on Main Street in cottonwood helps contribute to their efforts.  However, you are encouraged to make donations directly to them or take part in their current fundraising campaign they affectionately call, "Diamonds for Dollars" --- a raffle for a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings!  The initial earrings were donated tothe cause by Shelly Peebles.  Cottonwood Jewelers agreed to help sponsor the raffle and even upgraded the earrings and diamonds to a larger size (a $550 value!).

You can view these lovely earrings at Cottonwood Jewelers.  Tickets are on sale at that location for $1 per ticket or six tickets for $5.  The winner will be announced at the Cottonwood Holiday Parade on December 12.  You do not need to be present to win.

Please help Animal Aid Network this holiday season. It is an all volunteer organization that depends on YOU to assist the needy animals all year long.  In doing so, you will be assisting a family who otherwise would not be able to afford these services.

Be an angel this season . . .Help the animals.  For more information:  Animal Aid Network, P. O. Box 1303, Clarkdale, AZ 86324 or call 639-3980.