Have You Met?

Dolly, a 3 year old hound mix, has been chosen as a temporary spokes-dog for the Arizona Animal Welfare League, about to celebrate its 35th year of existence. Dolly has been a resident at the shelter twice--after being adopted out, her new owner died, leaving Dolly ownerless once again. People have likened Dolly’s impressive appearance to an Egyptian pharaoh, perhaps showing traces of Great Dane or greyhound in her lineage. She is extremely friendly with humans, and is solicitous around the puppies at the shelter, but has a decided intolerance of cats!

The Arizona Animal Welfare League was founded in 1971 by Amanda Blake, best known for her long-running role as Miss Kitty in the Gunsmoke series. She was an animal lover who endeavored to make a difference in the community by starting this no kill shelter. This largest and oldest of Phoenix’s no kill shelters is well known throughout the Valley as a successful and dedicated protector of animals.

One of AAWL’s greatest strengths is their ability to make successful matches between the prospective owner and the animal they wish to adopt. The animal residents of AAWL receive a large amount of human contact; in fact, so many volunteers interact with the animals at the shelter that everyone becomes quite familiar with the personalities, quirks, likes and dislikes of the dogs and cats up for adoption. Claire Simeone, community relations manager for the shelter revealed, “Animals are welcome in all the offices here. I’ve had a little Chihuahua with me all morning!”

Among Dolly’s favorite people is Bea Siegel, a longtime volunteer at AAWL. Bea comes several times a week to the shelter to walk, play with, groom, and interact with the animals, and has a particularly soft spot for Dolly. Occasionally Bea will walk Dolly past Franks A Lot, letting her enjoy a beloved hot dog en route.

Dolly also appreciates Dr. Kit Hoffman, the resident veterinarian at the Arizona Animal Welfare League. Dr. Kit handles all aspects of animal health, from dental health to spaying, neutering, performing numerous surgeries, and administering blood transfusions and x-rays as needed.

Over 100 families volunteer throughout the year as foster homes for animals too young to be put up for adoption. Last year 1,275 AAWL animals were fostered in private homes before being put up for adoption. In 2005, AAWL adopted out approximately 2,300 animals. In addition, the shelter can house 70 dogs and 150 cats at any one time.

While the AAWL realizes that many people buy their pets from shops or backyard breeders, Claire Simeone says, “We’re always encouraging people to adopt from shelters instead. One thought is to get a second companion animal for the purebred from a shelter.” The AAWL will be hosting its premier gala this year on April 1st. The theme is “My Fur Lady”, and promises to be an elegant evening of dinner, auction, and dancing. This largest fund raising event of the AAWL will celebrate the 35th anniversary year of the shelter’s founding. Dolly is hopeful that many animal lovers in Phoenix will attend to show their support for the Arizona Animal Welfare League!

Email: Check me out at aawl.org! Phone Number: 602-273-6852

What are your volunteer activities? I love playing with puppies, taking people on long walks, and sharing my love by giving lots of kisses.

Which social event is your favorite? That’s a tough one. It’s really a tie between the Arizona Animal Welfare League’s Walk to Save Animals which is held each November and AAWL’s Evening to Paws which is held every April. Both are lots of fun and help out a cause that is very close to my heart.

Favorite Restaurant? Franks A Lot at 40th Street and Washington - it is within walking distance from where I live so I go there with friends every chance I get!

Who is your hero and why? Dr. Kit Hoffman - she is so smart and what a fantastic smile! Dr. Kit is the Veterinarian at the Arizona Animal Welfare League and spends each day caring for dozens and dozens of animals.

Who is your favorite celebrity? Marlin Perkins who was known for his work on Wild Kingdom. He was such an animal lover and really helped educate people about all different types of creatures.

If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Lady - from Disney's Lady and the Tramp

What gives a woman/man style? Their attitude, how they hold themselves, their posture.

Do you have any Pets? No, I need to get settled into a new home before I start thinking about getting any pets.

When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? My current home is a place filled with lots of love. It is always clean and inviting. Everyone who visits remarks on what a happy place this is and how happy everyone who lives here is. I think this says that I'm content, but ready to move on!

What words describe you best? Independent, yet sweet. Easy going and relaxed. Very polite.

What words would you like others to use to describe you? Charming and elegant!

What was your first job? Couch potato J

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I can't stand cats - I wish I could change that.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? People who don't like animals.

What is your greatest indulgence? That’s another tough question. I love eating hotdogs but I also love curling up in bed and napping.

What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? The greatest gift I have ever received is the gift of life. The greatest gift I have ever given is devotion and loyalty.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? Bea Siegel – she has given me so much love. Bea is a long-time volunteer at the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

What is your current state of mind? I'm itching for adventure!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My ability to make people smile.

What is your most treasured possession? My soft, cozy bed.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Gentleness and kindness.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Gentleness and kindness.

Favorite books / Writers? Good Owners, Great Dogs - by Brian Kilcommons; All Creatures Great and Small - by James Herriot

What one thing would you change about yourself? I wish I could get over my issues about cats.

What is the best advice you have ever received? To sit and stay.