On behalf of our team here at Gila County Animal Care & Control, we extend our deepest gratitude to those who have provided support as volunteers, as well as donating supplies during the Telegraph and Mescal Fires. We appreciate your continued support to help us with displaced animals and assist their owners with supplies, compassion and a safe place for their animals.
When evacuations first began, we took in 72 animals within a 12-hour period, at which time the Arizona Humane Society sent reinforcements to Globe - a team of six emergency response personnel to assist with care of animals displaced by the fires. The Arizona Humane Society provided their time, supplies and experienced assistance in caring for this rapid, unprecedented influx of animals. Governor Doug Ducey responded to our need for more space and generously donated $100,000 towards the rental of two large, air-conditioned tents. The Central Arizona Humane Society and the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) brought approximately 100 large wire kennels. AAWL transferred six animals and Central Arizona Humane Society transferred four dogs and 12 puppies, who will all be adopted from their facility.
The Salvation Army also set up a Community Resource Center at the old Safeway building in Claypool, where citizens affected by the fire could pick up nonperishable food for both people and pets, cleaning supplies and hygiene kits. Residents from Gila, Maricopa and Pinal Counties donated a variety of supplies to care for pets. Additionally, many Gila County residents have provided donations along with encouraging “Thank You!” posters for our staff members.
Businesses from Maricopa County such as Pet Planet College, Pet Plan Boardwalk and Tradition East have brought several donations from their stores. The Superstition Mountain VFW post in Apache Junction donated $15,000 worth of supplies in addition to a cash donation of $2,145. We had 10 volunteers and a borrowed trailer to assist with collecting, loading and unloading the supplies. Timothy Ralston, with Capstone Mining Corporation’s Pinto Valley Mine, donated a generous $50,000 for continued care. Doug Lara, with AGS Safety & Supply, donated four pallets of water and 200 plastic food and water bowls. Local businesses such as The United Fund of Globe and Tri-City Furniture collected donations from the public.
We are a small staff here at Gila County Animal Care & Control, and we are beyond grateful for the continued support from all who donated! Again, we say “Thank you!” to every person who has donated and shared their appreciation. It takes a community, and we have an amazing one!
Sincerely,
John Castaneda
Gila County Animal Care & Control
