A FRONTDOORS MEDIA PUBLICATION FurryFriendsAZ.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Karen Werner PUBLISHER & CEO Andrea Tyler Evans CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & COO Tom Evans CREATIVE DIRECTOR Neill Fox ART DIRECTOR Cheyenne Brumlow DIGITAL EDITOR & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Abby Petersen FINANCE COORDINATOR Carly Parkhill LIFESTYLE EDITOR Zenobia Mertel CONTRIBUTOR Julie Coleman FRONTDOORS TV HOST AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Carey Peña SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Grannis Lindsay Green Robyn Lambert Morgan McClellan Michelle Schneider PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Foust Studios FRONTDOORS MEDIA ADVISORY BOARD Latasha Causey Russ Dickey Rusty Foley Sarah Krahenbuhl Larry Lytle Monique Porras Brad Vynalek PHILANTHROPIC HONORS EVENT ADVISORS Deborah Bateman Linda Herold 3104 E. Camelback Road, #967, Phoenix, AZ 85016 480.622.4522 info@frontdoorsmedia.com | frontdoorsmedia.com On the Cover Special thanks to Triss and Taven from Valley Youth Theatre for being a part of our photoshoot. Triss is featured with Gabriel’s Angels therapy dogs Ziggy and Lacey on the cover. Photo by Scott Foust Frontdoors Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Mike Saucier. Magazine EDITOR’S NOTE Unleash the Love! According to a new Pew Research Center survey, most Americans (a whopping 62 percent) own a pet, and about a third (35 percent) have more than one. And these pets aren’t just companions; they’re cherished family members. A staggering 97 percent of U.S. pet owners say their pets are part of their family. It’s no secret that the bond between humans and their pets is special. Pets provide constant love and contribute significantly to a healthier and happier life. The animals in our cover story are doing that on a grander scale. The dogs of Gabriel’s Angels — a local pet therapy program — are traveling to Valley schools to make a paw-sitive impact on kids. Speaking of impact, don’t miss our selection of pet products. From stylish collars to cozy carriers, we have great options for pampering your pets in style. Ever wonder what a day in the life of a dedicated animal advocate looks like? Meet Heather Allen, the president and CEO of Helping Animals Live On (HALO) Animal Rescue. Join us as we tag along with Heather on her mission to create a better world for local dogs and cats. Finally, don’t miss the 2024 Animal Care & Rescue Resource Directory . Whether you or someone you know is looking to adopt, volunteer or support local organizations, this resource is a great place to start. Warmest wags, KAREN WERNER EDITOR IN CHIEF Karen Photo by James Barker on Unsplash | 2 | FURRY FRIENDS 2024
FURRY FRIENDS 2024 | 3 | At New Life Center, pets reside in the casita with families — not boarded in a separate kennel area — and freely play in New Life Center’s dog park. 50% of assault survivors reportedly delay or refuse to leave a dangerous situation for fear of what could happen to a beloved pet left behind, so welcoming pets eliminates a substantial barrier to seeking safety. ONLY 3% OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS WELCOME PETS — NEW LIFE CENTER IS ONE New Life Center needs your help, so we can continue to help others. DONATE TODAY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE! newlifectr.org