When the Humane Society of the White Mountains in Lakeside, Arizona, was inundated by last week’s flooding, the Arizona Humane Society answered the call. On Wednesday, a team of ten staff members traveled to the eastern‑Arizona shelter, safely removed 29 dogs and cats, and drove them to the organization’s Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus in Phoenix.
Why the rescue matters for the community
The White Mountains shelter, which serves the Pinetop‑Lakeside area, faced extensive damage to its facilities and animal‑care spaces. By relocating the rescued pets, the Arizona Humane Society is giving the flood‑hit shelter the breathing room it needs to repair its kennels, restore supplies, and focus on rebuilding. The rescued animals now have a temporary home where they can receive food, veterinary care, and the attention they need while their original shelter recovers.
Adoption discount encourages new homes
To accommodate the additional 29 animals, the Phoenix shelter, which already has more than 300 pets available for adoption, is offering a 50 % discount on adoption fees for all adoptable pets from Friday through Sunday. Prospective adopters can view the rescued animals on the Arizona Humane Society’s website, where each pet’s photo bears a special “White Mountain Flood Rescue” logo.
“One of the most meaningful parts of who we are at the Arizona Humane Society is our commitment to showing up when animals and communities need us most,” said Arizona Humane Society President and CEO Dr. Steven Hansen. “When our friends in the White Mountains needed help, our team answered the call. By welcoming these pets, we’re giving their shelter the opportunity to focus on recovery while giving these animals a chance to find loving homes. Now, we’re inviting our community to be part of that lifesaving effort.”
How to adopt
Interested families can browse the rescued pets at azhumane.org/adopt. The discounted adoption fees apply to all animals in the shelter during the weekend promotion, not just the flood‑rescued group, making it an ideal time for anyone looking to add a new member to their household.
Adoption counselors are on hand at the Papago Park Campus to guide prospective owners through the process, answer questions about pet care, and ensure each match is a good fit for both the family and the animal. The Arizona Humane Society emphasizes responsible pet ownership, encouraging adopters to consider long‑term commitments and to provide a safe, loving environment for their new companions.
Supporting the broader recovery effort
The rescue highlights the collaborative spirit of Arizona’s animal‑welfare community. Local volunteers, donors, and partner organizations have rallied to provide food, blankets, and medical supplies to both the White Mountains shelter and the Phoenix campus. Residents are encouraged to contribute donations—monetary or in‑kind—to help sustain the ongoing recovery and to support the increased demand for shelter space.
For more information about volunteering, donating, or adopting, readers can contact the Arizona Humane Society directly or visit their website. The organization’s swift response serves as a reminder that when natural disasters strike, community‑focused nonprofits stand ready to protect both people and the animals that bring joy to their lives.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
