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 FINANCE COORDINATOR Carly Parkhill LIFESTYLE EDITOR Zenobia Mertel CONTRIBUTOR Julie Coleman FRONTDOORS TV HOST AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Carey Peña SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lindsay Green PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Foust Studios FRONTDOORS MEDIA ADVISORY BOARD Latasha Causey Russ Dickey Rusty Foley Sarah Krahenbuhl Larry Lytle Monique Porras Brad Vynalek 3104 E. Camelback Road, #967, Phoenix, AZ 85016 480.622.4522 info@frontdoorsmedia.com | frontdoorsmedia.com On the Cover Kate Thoene, interim CEO of New Life Center, with “Chief Happiness Officer,” Frank the Cat Make-up by Natalie Bock from The Sparkle Bar Photo by Scott Foust Frontdoors Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Mike Saucier. Magazine There’s Something About Mary Every year in Furry Friends , I reflect on the love that my amazing Chiweenie brings into my life. But this past December, my family had to say goodbye to our sweet Tuco after a short, brutal battle with kidney disease. Feeling a dog-sized hole in our hearts, my husband and I recently volunteered with the “Tails Around Town” program to take a shelter dog on a “field trip.” Offered by Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, these outings give dogs an outdoor adventure and a much-needed break from the shelter. We picked up Mary, a pit bull mix, on a sunny Sunday. A far cry from our 8-pound pup, she was strong, and I felt hesitant when we first met. But as the day progressed, she stopped pulling at the leash and took treats gently from our hands. When we sat on the bench to give her a drink, she lay between us and rested her head on John’s lap. When we dropped Mary off at the end of the day, she was a different dog — less stressed and infinitely calmer — and so were we. It reminded me that we’re all products of our past, and that a walk outside with a friend can work wonders. While we aren’t yet ready to bring a new dog into our home, Mary helped heal our hearts as much as we lifted hers. She offered a reminder of how willing pets are to accept and love us as we are. I’ll take Mary, or another dog like her, on a day out in the future. And when I do, I’ll remember that we never say goodbye to the ones we love. They walk with us, always. Here’s to the pets that leave paw prints on our hearts, the ones we cherish forever, and the ones still waiting for their chance to love and be loved. KAREN WERNER EDITOR IN CHIEF Karen | 2 | FURRY FRIENDS 2025 STYLE UNLOCKED

FURRY FRIENDS 2025 | 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