When AHS broke ground on the 72,000-square-foot facility last November — conveniently located near the juncture of the 202 and 143 freeways — it was with a very long list of features and benefits. When completed (projected to be in 2023), a pair of two-story buildings will be connected by a pedestrian “canyon,” all thoughtfully designed for pets and people. On one side, at the Nina Mason Pulliam P.E.T. Center, adopters will have a calm meeting space to get to know the animals, which will come from kennels that are full of light and have easy access to enrichment spaces for out-of-kennel time. Cats and dogs are separated by sound walls and have separate airflow systems to reduce stress. The building on the other side is the Watts Family Medical Center, featuring the trauma hospital. Its size will allow for the treatment of thousands more animals each year, reducing the number needlessly euthanized in shelters across the state. The new campus will support shelters throughout Arizona and beyond. “We’re planning on collaboration, not duplication of services,” Hansen said. In that vein, AHS will now have multiple locations, each serving a critical mission. The new one at Papago Park will replace and improve on the majority of operations at the Sunnyslope location, which will continue to serve as a community hospital with vet services. Meanwhile, the Nina Mason Pulliam South Mountain Campus will continue its critical role in the mission to rescue, heal, adopt and advocate for animals. Equally exciting will be the collaboration with students from the brand-new University of Arizona veterinary program. There’s no teaching hospital on the Tucson campus, but the Papago Park Campus will give them the experience they need. “There’s currently a shortage of veterinarians across the country,” Hansen said. “In addition to other valuable experience, students will receive field training for animal cruelty and exposure to shelter medicine.” Dr. Hansen and the Weils have a bit of a mutual admiration society. The good doctor describes the couple as impactful and passionate. Without them, he feels the project might not have happened. They orchestrated the capital campaign cabinet, have hosted multiple events, and have helped educate other donors. As for the Weils, Daryl said, “Dr. Hansen is a terrific leader. Whatever comes out of his mouth is worth listening to. He’s willing to go anywhere to talk about this project and the animals. I think it was Dr. Hansen’s leadership that really drew Chip into this project.” Or maybe it was Gizmo. Several years ago, at an early capital campaign meeting, one of the other cabinet members came with a small carrier containing a dog she’d been fostering. Daryl asked to see it, and out strolled a fuzzball with fur pantaloons. At about 5 pounds, he had had a rough start to life, found wounded in a gutter with myriad health issues. With a Rottweiler bark in a tiny body, he made Daryl fall in love. So did Chip, and Gizmo has been to every cabinet meeting since. Just as Gizmo found his forever home, the fabulous Papago Park Campus is the Arizona Humane Society’s forever home, made possible through the love and generosity of so many, to transform animal welfare for thousands of pets to come. To learn more, visit azhumane.org .

There are countless philanthropic opportunities in the world. We asked these donors to explain why they chose the Arizona Humane Society for their generosity. Here’s what they had to say. Behind the Gifts Lazin Animal Foundation “Terry Lazin’s mission was to prevent the abuse, neglect, suffering and euthanasia of treatable and adoptable homeless dogs. The Lazin Animal Foundation is honored to have made a gift for the Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital in honor of Terry’s fighting spirit, unwavering compassion and dedication to saving the lives of dogs in our community.” Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust “This gift builds upon the Trust’s over 24-year focus on improving the lives of our community’s dogs and cats, which always had a special place in Nina Pulliam’s heart. We have a longstanding partnership with Arizona Humane Society and are proud to be part of this evolution in animal welfare.” Rob and Melani Walton Foundation “The Arizona Humane Society is a leader in our community, bringing together people and animals, and providing care for those who need it most. We are proud to support organizations like AHS that lead innovative, compassionate programs focused on elevating people, planet and purpose.” FURRY FRIENDS 2022 | 19 |