Despite all the challenges COVID-19 has posed to animal rescue organizations, United Animal Friends (UAF) had quite a successful year, as the non-profit organization continued to fulfill its mission, which is to provide rescue programs and services to animals and those who care for them. UAF has a two-pronged purpose: to help animals and to help humans. Representatives say the pandemic further affirmed this objective and provided more opportunities than ever to help those in need.
In 2020, UAF exceeded its 2019 achievements in the number of dogs and cats rescued (441 vs. 434), pounds of pet food distributed to qualifying low-income residents of Yavapai County (44,674 vs. 39,596), and number of qualifying low-income residents given financial assistance for emergency medical care of their pets (297 vs. 287). While UAF’s spay/neuter number was lower than in 2019 as a result of some veterinary clinics being closed because of COVID-19, the organization is on track to have paid all or a portion of the cost of altering more than 1,000 animals in 2020.
What these numbers can’t reflect is the difference their small, all-volunteer organization has made in the lives of so many animals and humans by rehabilitating animals and preparing them for adoption, and providing pet food and emergency medical assistance.
The work is made possible by donations, fundraising events, grants and dedicated volunteers. In a typical year, The annual Woof Down Lunch, Rummage Sale, Spring and Summer Dog Washes and Easter and Halloween photo shoots were all cancelled because of the pandemic. However, the inaugural Hike for Hounds got pups and people trekking to raise money for UAF. The organization also conducted its first virtual 50/50 Fundraiser that generated $5,000 for programs.
The organization plans for the canceled events to return in 2021, especially the Rummage Sale, which is UAF’s biggest fundraising effort. Eager customers come from all over Yavapai County and beyond to shop for treasures, including clothing, furniture, electronics, holiday décor, books and pet supplies.
Another component of UAF’s success is its volunteer foster families. These individuals bring into their homes dogs and cats that are unsettled from changes in their circumstances. The animals benefit from having a stable environment to prepare them for their new forever homes.
In addition, two UAF volunteers – Stephanie Whetten and Suzy Ball – were honored in 2020 by Prescott’s Finding and Making the Good for their work as fosters. Whetten is a puppy foster, having cared for 74 of them in 2020 and more than 250 through the years. Ball, a nurse, has renovated her home to take in UAF’s cats in need of medical care.
UAF representatives say they look forward to resuming all adoption and fundraising events. To find out more about volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, visit unitedanimalfriends.org. QCBN
By Mary Naismith and Jen Casey
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