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Pets on Wheels makes a difference in the community

By Brendan Quealy

In a rehab facility in Scottsdale, there was a depressed, despondent patient who would not come out of her room. She did not say a word. She barely ate or drank. She was recovering from a serious attack, which resulted in the loss of her eyesight. The worst part: it was her own son who assaulted her.

The staff feared the patient’s downward spiral was the beginning of the end. But then one day, a Golden Retriever with a bounce in his step, and a smile on his face, showed up at her door.  “There’s a lovely, big dog here to visit you,” they told her. The woman stood up, found her way to the door, and reached out to the dog. He lifted his head to her hand, and she smiled for the first time in weeks. There was not a dry eye in the house.

These are the moments that keep Neal Jennings going. Jennings is the founder of Pets on Wheels, an organization established in 1990 to enhance the lives of the elderly and infirm through regular visits from some of the friendliest four-legged volunteers in the Scottsdale area. “I loved the idea of using a pet to help enhance the lives of others. The people in homes, the people preparing for cancer surgery, or anything else, are just in a bad state—physically and mentally,” Jennings says.
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HALO Rescue
602.971.9222
HaloRescue.org

Hello, I’m Gizmo, a happy and sweet boy who loves people. I am warm and accepting, and we will be fast friends from the moment we meet. I do love to be the center of attention, and will do best in a home where I can be the only pet. I enjoy being rubbed, especially scratches behind my ears! Playing with my cat toys makes me purr, and I love my cat tower. I climb, play, and nap like a rock star!

What is your favorite board game?
Checkers. I love all of the pieces. They are fun to bat around, and make a great sound!

If you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
I think a cherry tree would be perfect, since everyone would gather around to admire me, and I could offer yummy treats in return!

Why should YOU go home with a family right now?
I am such an affectionate boy. I need an outlet to channel all of the love I have in my heart, just waiting for the perfect family!

HALO Rescue
602.971.9222
HaloRescue.org

Hi, my name is Marshmallow! I’m a very friendly boy who adores attention from my human friends! I will rub my head against you to show my love. I enjoy a good back rub, chasing toys, and cuddling up for a good nap. I may do best as an only pet, but I have met other dogs and cats that I get along with. I am just a bit slow to warm up. What I really want is a forever home, I promise I will adjust!

What movie star would you want to portray you in a movie of your life?
Steve Carrell is really funny, and he seems like a genuinely nice guy. He would be the perfect choice!

If you won the lottery, what would you do?
I would make sure my forever family is happy, and donate the rest to animal shelters around the country. Oh, and I’d buy a lifetime supply of catnip too.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
The cat you who is sitting in a picture frame on your desk. Being your favorite cat is my dream job!

Why should YOU go home with a family right now?
I deserve a second chance with a nice family. I have so much love to share, and will be the perfect addition to your home.

Arizona Adopt A Greyhound
602.971.6935
ArizonaAdoptAGreyhound.org

Hi! My name is Dante and I am a wonderful 6-year-old, 80-pound brindle lad. I’m well behaved and walk nicely on my leash. I get along well with other large dogs but am not so great with cats or small dogs. I adore people and would be ecstatic if you pet me all day. I know we will be perfect together, so pop on down for a visit. And be sure to check out some of my other shelter pals—we’re all great!

What is your favorite board game?
My favorite board game would be Chutes & Ladders ‘cause those curvy slides look like fun!

What do you dream of at night?
I dream of playing with my Greyhound friends and sleeping in your bed!

Who is your best friend?
I’m saving that spot for my human. I will love you forever.

Hamburger or hot dog?
If you are offering, I’m happy with a couple of burgers. Skip the bun though!

Arizona Adopt A Greyhound
602.971.6935
ArizonaAdoptAGreyhound.org

Hello! My name is Saint. I’m a gorgeous 9-year-old white and brindle boy who does not like cats! I am playful and love to give kisses. I have great manners, and would love to expand upon my basic obedience training. Teach me some new tricks—I’m definitely up for that! Let’s have fun together. I am a great friend!

What is your favorite board game?
My favorite board game is Cranium, ‘cause I am so smart!

What do you dream of at night?
I dream of getting a new family soon, and smiling when I go to bed at night.

Who is your best friend?
My best friend was my sister, Twister, who found a new home.

What do you want to be when you 
grow up?
In a nice home where I can enjoy life with good friends.

From entrepreneur to therapy dog trainer, Jaime Van Wye answers the call

Opportunities come along every day. Some we recognize, some we don’t. Opportunities to do good may not come along often, but when one presents itself—as it did to Jaime Van Wye—you know you’ve got to make something of it.

Van Wye is the owner and creator of Zoom Room, an indoor canine agility and obedience facility in Los Angeles. She created this center after being frustrated by the lack of available agility classes.

“I thought it was ridiculous that there was no place offering this,” says Van Wye. “I had some open warehouse space, and within the first few months I was slammed with requests. I had no idea it was going to be this big.”

But once Zoom Room expanded across the U.S., Van Wye saw another opportunity—an opportunity to help.  She began training therapy dogs.

“I had a dog for therapy work for years that I would take to convalescent homes in Santa Monica, and I turned our advanced obedience class into a therapy class,” explains Van Wye.

Her great grandmother used to live in one of those convalescent homes, Van Wye would often bring her Dalmatian, Emma, along on visits.  Although she was a bit high strung—as most Dalmatians are—the people in the home really responded to her.

“I saw the change that this dog could make,” notes Van Wye. “There was this woman named Rose that lived there, and [the staff] would have a hard time getting her out of bed. But when Emma would show up, this little old lady would ask for her lipstick, grab the dog, and take her for a walk for about an hour.”

Van Wye continues to be amazed by the calming effect these dogs have on people.

“A lot of the people I see have Parkinson’s [disease],” explains Van Wye. “But as soon as you put a dog in front of them they stop shaking. So many of them had dogs when they were younger, and you can see that they really miss their dogs—I think this helps because they provide that bond and unconditional love.”

Van Wye is happy to see the changes her dogs make, and she is even happier to see others continue her work. Many people from her classes continue with training beyond basic obedience.

“A lot of them wanted to know how to get their dog to become a therapy dog,” says Van Wye. “So we show them the skills they need by combining our advanced skills courses and teaching [the dogs] to be around wheelchairs and crutches, and how to be reliable and controllable.”

While Van Wye admits her dog Clyde, a Komondor (Hungarian Sheepdog), is not much of an agility dog, she is proud that he is a fantastic certified therapy dog.

“He is very mellow, and with those dreadlocks he is quite the showstopper,” says Van Wye. “It is such a great line of work to get into because you can really see how much you’ve helped.”

Van Wye also makes sure that each Zoom Room franchise is involved with animal welfare by holding a fundraiser, adoption event, or giveaway at least once a month.

“We are so involved in the community,” she says. “The people that are interested in doing this are often people who have worked in the rescue community and have a load of experience with helping out.”

To learn how you can help, please visit ZoomRoomOnline.com.

Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA
602.273.6852
AAWL.org

Hi there! I’m Robin. I am a super-friendly and adorable little boy that loves people! I love being petted and held, and I would make a great addition to any family. I’ll curl up on the couch with you and give you lots of kisses. I think that playing with toys is so much fun, and I would love to play fetch with you! Come down to the adoption center to meet me today—I promise to put a smile on your face!

What movie star would you want to portray you in a movie of your life?
How about Robin Williams? He is a lot of fun just like me and some people think he is adorable.

What is your favorite board game?
Life. I think that would be a lot of fun because that is what you’ll be giving me if you bring me home.

Who is your best friend?
I think you would make a great best friend!

Hamburger or hot dog?
Definitely a nice juicy hamburger. Throw some cheese on there, but let’s just skip the bun!

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A wonderful companion.

Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA
602.273.6852
AAWL.org

Hi my name is Callie! I’m very sweet but I’m not used to being around people yet—so I’m working on it. I’m working on my house training, too. I’m a timid girl that needs some time to get used to new people and places. I would do best in a quieter and mellower home. I like to carry balls and squeaky toys around with me. I’m pretty good with cats and dogs, as long as they aren’t too crazy. Hope to hear from you soon.

What movie star would you want to portray you in a movie of your life?
I think Reese Witherspoon is so pretty. I also think that I am pretty, so that seems like a pretty good match to me.

If you won the lottery, what would you do?
I think I would buy a whole bunch of tennis balls and squeaky toys!

What do you dream of at night?
Going to a home where I could hang out with other animal friends. Of course, I can’t wait to be around my wonderful new caretaker as well.

Why should YOU go home with a family right now?
I am a great friend. It may take me a little bit to warm up to you, but get me a squeaky toy and I just might come out of my shell.

Alisa Seiber and her husband Shawn along with their dog JD. Both were deployed at the same time, leaving JD’s residence in question.

Organization pairs military pets with temporary homes

By Brendan Quealy

Alisa Johnson is one of those people who believes her dogs can see into [her] soul. So it was heartbreaking when she and her husband, Shawn, received orders from the U.S. Marine Corps to relocate to a base in Quantico, Virginia, where dogs and other pets were not allowed. “We didn’t really have an option to keep the dogs,” says Johnson, whose Aussie Shepherds JD and Elliot (yes, they are named after the two characters from the television show Scrubs) ended up having to stay with a very distant friend of a distant relative in San Diego.

Johnson could not imagine she was the only armed forces member to have ever faced this problem, and that is why she created “Dogs on Deployment” (DoD). The goal of DoD is to provide a database for military members to find families and other individuals who are willing to take care of their pet while they are deployed overseas or stationed somewhere animals are not allowed. The hope is that this database will eliminate any need for the men and women of the armed forces to relinquish their pets to already overcrowded shelters. “I would say that getting started and finding support has been the easiest part,” says Johnson. “When you put troops together with pets, people want to get the word out and people want to find homes for these pets.”

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