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Pinal Pupdate

September 2025

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September Adoption

Fees & Specials

September Animal Care & Control Events & Clinics

Learn About Fostering a Pet

Director Update - Director Michaels Channels Her Inner Animal Control Officer

On Saturday, August 16^th, one of our long-stay dogs, named Alaric, was placed in a foster home located in Copper Basin. Unfortunately, he was able to hop her gate and make a run for it. This often happens, but this time was different. Not only was Alaric an extended-stay dog, but he also came in with his mom, dad, and brothers as a feral pack of dogs caught in Hidden Valley. Alaric was about 6 months old at intake in July 2023.

Director Michael started working with him, and he started to learn to walk on a leash, loves being petted (by Director Michael), and has turned out to be her office buddy several times a week in her office. They had a special bond, so when it was communicated that he had escaped, Director Michael, two Animal Control Officers, Phoebe Green and Mercedes Florez, as well as San Tan Valley resident Kim Powell, who is very involved with animal welfare, having her own rescue called Samson's K9 Search and Rescue. Unfortunately, after hours of searching on Sunday, they had no luck. Fast forward four days, and he was spotted! Everyone already knew he would not approach a stranger, so Director Michael rushed to the area. After calling his name a few times, there he was coming out of a ravine! He ran over to Director Michael, where they were quickly united and happy to see each other.

Alaric was a little dehydrated and hungry, but he survived the heat. He was safely transported back to the shelter (after a stop at McDonald's), where he is now back to being Director Michael’s perfect office buddy. He is available for foster or adoption, but would do best with some stringent rules that would have to apply to his transition. Happy tails all around. It takes a village, and San Tan Valley, as well as Kim Powell, delivered!

- Audra Michael, Pinal County Animal Care & Control Director

Pictured above, Director Michael being reunited with Alaric

September Volunteer Spotlights

Both Becky Cole and Paul Berney began volunteering in March of 2025. Becky saw online that the shelter needed people to walk dogs, she asked her neighbor, Paul, to come along with her, and here they are, still helping to walk dogs over a year later.

Becky really likes both the staff at the shelter and the other volunteers. She enjoys dogs, and she gets her fill here! While Paul likes the exercise, he gets his steps in by walking the dogs. Becky really likes the amount of outdoor space for the dogs to exercise, and Paul likes bringing baked goods for the staff.

Becky wants to say that there are so many wonderful dogs here waiting for their chance at a forever home.. Please consider fostering or adopting! 

Ever since we started the "Read to a dog" program a year ago, Zander and his mom, Ashlee, have been visiting quite often to read to various dogs as a sense of calming for them in a very noisy environment. Zander is a shining star! Zander even asked for donations to the shelter in lieu of birthday presents and has single-handedly had his class do a donation drive for our fur babies. "He is one amazing kid, and do I sense a future Animal Protection Officer?", stated Director Michael. "The dogs and our shelter are lucky to have his help."

If you are looking for a fun and meaningful way to encourage your child's love for reading, look no further! Bring them to our shelter to read to our adoptable dogs and cats — anytime during business hours. Whether it's a tail-wagging pup or a purring kitty, our animals love the company, and kids get a chance to practice their reading skills in a calm, non-judgmental environment.

• No appointment needed
• Bring your favorite book
• All ages welcome with adult supervision



Contact us to learn more!

Shelter Location:1150 S Eleven Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85194

Phone: 520-509-3555

Email: animalrescue@pinal.gov

Zander is pictured with one of his favorite dogs, Buddy

Jones is three years old, 50 pounds, and has been with us since April 29, 2024, from a hoarding case involving 150+ dogs.

Jones has frequently been overlooked due to his timid nature, but did go out on a brief foster, where they reported he did very well with their small dog and meeting children, was housebroken, and rode well in the car. Jones can be timid meeting new people, but does very well with other dogs and relies on them to come out of his shell! 

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