Humane Society of Yuma

New Shelter Project



Capital Campaign Leadership

Executive Director Chairperson Coordinator
SHAWN SMITH CRISTYN WEIL MOLLY BOWES

Board of Directors
JOHN WEIL, PRESIDENT VICKI KERLEY

CHUCK NORDQUIST, VICE PRESIDENT SHERRELL JUDISH

DAN MONTOYA, SECRETARY LARRY PIKULA

PAGE MISENHIMER, TREASURER KYLA SMITH

KAREN BARCKLAY JOHN TOWNSEND

GREG BUSSELL JAN WATTS

“To ensure the humane treatment of all animals, reduce the number of homeless pets, and promote the value
and importance animals contribute to our lives and community.”
- Mission Statement, Humane Society of Yuma
An Overdue Change for Yuma
“No dog is in that
pound unless
it or its owners
violated the law or
did something
wrong. It is a jail or
a prison for the
animal.
Some people would
1947-1954 1954 have
An early 1950 A “dog pact” is 1954 -1965 us make conditions
city pound Located at the created between better there than in
Situated in the city dump,
along the intersection of Fortuna the county & city
the city-county pound housed their own homes.”
river bank, Road & old Highway to create a pound
30 to 40 animals and was the
which 80, the newly formed and reduce - Bill Rice, Head of the
subject of much controversy.
remains in Yuma Co. Humane financial City-County Heath
Summer temperatures were
operation Society’s stated mission responsibilities Department in response
regulated by shade trees and
until local was to rescue pets that for the new to the community letter
breezes. The Health Dept.
citizens had been lost or rabies & dog writing campaign to
officially licensing eventually assumes control
dropped off by passing of the pound. improve shelter
protest. visitors or travelers. legislation. conditions, June, 1963
 2010
The
population of
Yuma, Co.
reaches 205,
940, more
than double
what it was
when the
1964 1965 - Present 1987 2007 2007 shelter was
“FINE STRUCTURE - The HSOY’S shelter is Additional Five acres The last improved.
artist’s conception of the built at its kennels of land are campaig Over $1
proposed Yuma Animal current site, 285 are added donated at n for a million has
shelter...proposed for the 600 Figueroa Avenue, at the 40th Street new
block on Madison Avenue at existing & 4 1/2 E shelter been raised for
in 1965. Yuma’s
the foot of Black Hill. The site. The by the Glen kicks off the
population is population Curtis at the
site is in dispute and may be construction of
approximately a of Yuma, family and first
resolved at the meeting of the
Yuma County Board of quarter of what it Co. is Sam annual the new
Supervisors tomorrow is today. 92,000. Perricone. Fur shelter.
morning.” Ball.
A New Shelter - A New Lease on Life
The Benefits for the Animals
•Improved ventilation and sanitation to reduce the risk of spreading illnesses among adoptable pets
•Increased adoptions as a result of centralized location, and more attractive and inviting facilities
•Increased owner retention because of fewer facility induced behavioral issues & illnesses
•Kennel buildings wired with surround sound provide calming auditory to reduce stress levels in dogs
•Well lighted cages highlight canines of all sizes and colors, while access to the outside ensures
availability of natural light and fresh air for healthier, happier and more adoptable dogs
•Communal areas allow cats and people to relax, play and interact, while multi-level units promote
physical & visual stimulation

The Benefits for the Community

•A high volume, low cost spay & neuter clinic, resulting in reduced feral cat & stray dog populations
•Sustainable energy to model responsible business practices and reduce monthly expenses
•Expansion of educational programs to include visits to local schools “I adopted the love of
•Reduction in public expenses as education increases, and animal populations and cruelty cases my life from HSOY.
decrease I couldn’t imagine
•Memorial Gardens available to families for deceased pets my life without
him!”
The Benefits for Pet Owners
•A spacious, healthy and welcoming environment for families to meet prospective pets Andrea Sherre
•Designated space to provide obedience training, which will also increase success of animal adoptions Hernandez
•Retail space to provide supplies and literature for pet owners
Left: Destiny arrives at HSOY
after being confiscated from
her owners. Below, left
Destiny at HSOY’s 2010 Walk
& Wag with a young admirer.
Below: The book, “Tails of
Hope” features Destiny’s
remarkable transformation.
Destiny isHSOY
one of many dogs who arrives at
because of owner abuse.
Starved and suffering from severe
pneumonia, her recovery was a long shot, however the
staff and volunteers of HSOY were inspired to fight to
give Destiny a life and the love that her owners had
denied her.
During her stay with her foster family, Destiny
received round the clock medical attention, and displayed
an amazing resilience and willingness to trust her
caretakers. The family dachshund stayed at Destiny’s
side when she was too weak to walk, and played with
her once she had the strength to stand. As she gained
weight and became healthier and stronger, Destiny
became accustomed to being lead on a leash and riding
in a car, and showered the family with kisses.
When Destiny was rehabilitated, she was sent to
Mayday Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy. It was there
that she was adopted by the Westgate family, who
recognized Destiny’s potential as a breed ambassador and
have introduced her to therapy work.
The Dream Becomes A Reality
The Campus - A pledge of $1 million or more
A more centralized location means more adoptions. Located at 40th Street and
Avenue 4 ½ E, the new campus includes designated office space for staff, an on-site
Spay & Neuter Clinic with a veterinarian office, a room for families to meet quietly
during their pets’ final moments, a Memorial Garden, and an activity park for dogs.

The Adoption Center- $500,000

Brighter and cleaner facilities means healthier and happier animals and an
increase in visitors and adoptions. Dog and cat “Get Acquainted Rooms” allow
families to interact with shelter pets without distractions. A Cat Community Room and a canine Activity Park allow
animals to exercise, play and interact with other animals and people in order to maintain their social well-being and
adoptability.


The Lobby- Dedications for sponsors who donate $250,000 or more

Visitors are greeted in an airy and well lighted lobby where staff and volunteers can assist families in looking for new
and lost pets. Cat and kitten cages are set slightly back from the main area to provide some solitude while still
attracting foot traffic. Designated retail space will add to the operating revenue while providing pet owners with
supplies and literature for their forever companions.
Concept rendering by Patterson Thompson Architects
A Yuman’s Best Friend
The Kennel Buildings - Three at $150,000 each
A new air circulation, new plumbing systems, and indoor/outdoor
kennels mean better air quality and fewer illnesses for our
community’s dogs. Improved lighting will highlight adoptable
dogs regardless of size or color, and surround sound in one or more
of the kennels will bring soothing sounds to the animals during an
otherwise stressful time in these dogs’ lives.

The Dog Activity Park - $100,000

In an area centralized between two
adoption kennels, the Courtyard/Activity
Park will be a place for staff,
volunteers and visitors to socialize
with Yuma’s homeless dogs. The dogs
will receive time outside exercising
their bodies and minds - essentials in
maintaining a dog’s adoptability and
decreasing potential behavioral issues.
 “These are not
throwaway
animals. These
are valuable
members of your
family and they
could save your
life one day.”
- Kristebe Quintero
TRIPOD
With little time remaining in the crowded
shelter, Tripod - the small stray with an
amputated leg - was adopted on January 30,
2005 by Kristene & John Quintero. A little
over a week later, the Quintero family would
credit their new pet with saving their lives as
it was Tripod rather than the smoke detector
or the family’s purebred Italian Greyhound
that woke the family as the home filled with
smoke from an electrical fire.
Dog Get Acquainted Rooms - Two at $25,000 Each
When
a
dog
is
brought
to
a
communal
outside
space
to
interact
with
perspective

adopters,
“humans”
sometimes
can’t
compete
with
the
smells,
sounds
and
sights

of
the
world
outside
the
kennel
walls.
The
Dog
Get
Acquainted
Room
is
an
interior

space
that
can
be
easily
maintained
by
staff
to
reduce
distractions
and
allow

canines
to
focus
on
and
interact
with
visiting
families
in
an
intimate
setting.

Dog Kennels - $10,000 Each
With about twice the space of HSOY’s current kennels, the new dog kennels
will allow dogs access to the outside through sliding doors. These doors
may be secured during kennel cleaning times to decrease the time it takes
to manage the facilities while increasing the amount of time kennel staff
has to socialize the animals. Dogs have access to fresh air and sunshine or
the option to stay inside and curl up and rest on a dog bed with a chew toy.
Puppy Pens - $5,000 each
Located in an alcove off of the main adoption kennel, these puppy pens will
help insulate young dogs from unnecessary auditory stimulation and allow
perspective adopters who are interested in younger dogs to view these pups
in a more intimate setting.
The Cat Adoption Center
The Cat Adoption Room - $100,000
Airy, spacious and welcoming, this space off of the Main Lobby will allow our resident cats to live comfortably in a highly
visible location to facilitate more adoptions.

The Kitten Room - $100,000

Our smallest residents reside in a room tucked away from the bustle of the Main Lobby but easily accessed by visitors on the
way to the Dog Kennels. Families can enjoy watching the sporadic play/sleep cycles of young cats while learning about the
significance of spaying and neutering to prevent over population and suffering for one of our most vulnerable community
members.
The Cat Community Rooms - two at $25,000 each
While
cats
can
primarily
be
solitary
beings
in
the
wild,
domesticated
cats
crave
attention
and
interaction.
The
Cat
Community
Rooms

will
allow
cats
to
play,
climb
and
practice
socialization
skills
with
other
felines,
while
moving
beyond
the
conFines
of
their
cages
to

exhibit
their
true
personalities.

Potential
adopters
will
be
able
to
play
and
relax
the
cats
in
the
same
way
that
they
may
at
their
homes.

Far left: natural light and a view

overlooking an exterior garden will
provide visual stimulation for HSOY’s
cats. Left: An exterior view of the Cat
Community Room’s protected garden.
 Far left: “Beau is the most
spectacular cat who has
ever owned us! How he ever
stayed in your facility for
two months without
someone adopting him is a
mystery.” - Mr. & Mrs.
Richard Young, 2010. Left:
Community Rooms, such as
this one at the highly
The Cat Get Acquainted Room - $25,000 acclaimed LEED gold
Decorated like a potential adopter’s living room, the Cat Get certified Potter League
Acquainted Room is a place where families can meet and interact Shelter, provide room to
with a potential pet in the comfort of the cat’s “home away from play and socialize beyond
home.” It is our hope that - similar to the Cat Community Room – the confines of the current
cats will be able to play and relax with humans in the same way that shelter’s cat condos.
they may at the adopters’ homes.

Cat Condos - $10,000

Located off the Main Lobby to attract prospective adopters, these Cat Condominiums are designed to increase the visibility of
and the visual stimulations available to the cats, while protecting the felines from the noises from the lobby.
 Education and Outreach


Sara, age 10, and Amy, age 11,
with their donated shelter
supplies to “help the animals.”
“My class & I really appreciated
the time & effort that you gave
us in May. I firmly believe in
early education & awareness of
the needs of the local community
& will do what I can to further
your mission. ”
Ellen M. Garr, Teacher
Yuma Catholic High School
The Education & Training Room - $100,000
Essential to fulfilling our mission, education is a paramount
focus for HSOY’s near future. The Education & Training
Room will be a gathering place for visiting school groups as
they learn about animal care, breed characteristics, and
animal welfare issues; our hope is to improve the treatment
of Yuma’s animals by planting seeds of knowledge in young
minds, which they can then spread amongst their families
and communities. The Education & Training Room will also
provide an obedience class work space for HSOY adopters and Yuma community
members; our hope here is to provide pet owners with a place to work through an
animal’s behavioral issues and keep more dogs out of the shelter and in loving homes.
The Volunteer Work & Meeting Room - $20,000
Our volunteers dedicate thousand of hours a year to cleaning cages, walking dogs,
socializing cats, and helping with adoption and fundraising events. We are happy to
designate a space in our new building in appreciation of the effort and care that our
volunteers demonstrate towards our animals and staff. This space will allow volunteers
to meet, store personal items, receive updates concerning adoption goals and successes,
and prepare for shelter events.
 Fostering (left)- Foster parenting allows animals to be socialized & rehabilitated. 4 Paws Pantry
Foster parent volunteer Rebecca Curtis, painstakingly nursed Destiny back to health (below, left) -
so she could be adopted. Rebecca has also supported HSOY’s efforts by making a Founded by board
generous annual pledge towards the construction of the new shelter. member Jan
Watts, and
volunteer Sandy
Pikula, 4 Paws
Cuddle Brigade Youth Leadership (right) - Pantry assists pet
(below, left) - The Third generation volunteer Billie owners affected by
therapeutic benefits Ciotti, was awarded Heart of economic
of pet ownership are Yuma’s Youth Leadership Award hardships. The
well documented, but for her HSOY fundraising & pet food bank is
for some of our most adoption promotion work at run by volunteers
deserving community Castle Dome Middle School at at and is supported
members, pet the shelter. by local
ownership is not businesses and
possible. The Cuddle families who are
Brigade helps bring invested in
the unconditional helping their
love & appreciation of neighbors keep
pets to our older their cats and
community members. dogs.
Quality Care
The Spay & Neuter Clinic - $500,000
The young and very successful HSOY Spay & Neuter Clinic will move from its current location on
the 4th Avenue Extension, to its incorporated spot in the new shelter. With a monthly goal of 400
alterations a month, the new clinic with feature an on-site veterinarian’s office with X-Ray,
examination and procedure rooms. With the addition of a recovery room, animals will now have a
quite place to rest while veterinarian technicians maintain free floor space to attend to other animals
and responsibilities.

The Grooming Suite - $50,000

Everyday, the HSOY receives animals from Animal Control, owner give-ups, and good Samaritans,
and many of these animals have been neglected, or exposed to the elements for extended periods of
time. The Grooming Room will be a designated space for care givers to bath, trim and treat dogs and
cats whose improved physical appearance will add to their adoptability and general well being. For
some animals, this hands-on time with a staff member may be the most significant human
interaction that they have received in a long time, or ever.

Dear Staff at the Humane Society of Yuma,

We were overjoyed by the card we received from everyone at the Humane Society. It brought joy to
our hearts to know that everyone there really cares! It was hard and painful for our family to bring our sick
puppy in to be put to sleep. Thank you for your compassion!!
Thank you, Jesus A. Ruiz & Family
 The Rainbow Bridge Family Room
“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
- $50,000
...All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those Perhaps the most challenging time in a pet
who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember owner’s life is understanding when it is time
them in our dreams of days and times gone by. to let our friends go. The “Rainbow Bridge”
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss Family Room is a quiet and private space
someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. where families can spend some time together
saying goodbye to their cherished
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and companions.
looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly
he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him The Kathryn Keen Memorial
faster and faster.
Gardens
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you The Katherine Keen Memorial Gardens will
cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain be a beautiful place for families to visit and
upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more remember a memorialized pet.
into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from
your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....”

- Author unknown
Sustainable Shelter
The Alternative Left: a solar voltaic panel. Below, left: The attention
generated by the design of the Hale County Animal Shelter in
Energy System Alabama has created a much needed focus on the needs and
adoption opportunities of the rural community. Below:
Part of the plan Walmart stores, including store in the Yuma Foothills, utilize
concerning caring for solar energy. Many of the newer stores have installed solar
Yuma’s pets and daylighting - which disperses sunlight without increasing
owners includes interior temperatures while decreasing utility expenses by
making sure our role circumventing the dependence upon electric lighting
in the community is
a sustainable one.
By harnessing
Arizona’s abundant
solar energy and
utilizing ambient
daylight, we hope to
reduce our
environmental
footprint, our energy
consumption and our
operational
Leaving a Legacy
David and Donna Elfers are long time supports of the Humane Society of Yuma,
and in particular the New Shelter Project.  David and Donna have demonstrated
their commitment to the new shelter by naming HSOY as a beneficiary of their
estate.  Their commitment to the New Shelter Project has been unwavering and
will go a long way towards helping HSOY secure a better future for the thousand
of animals that will pass through its doors. 

One of the most important and generous ways that you can help Yuma’s homeless pets is
through planned giving. The Legacy Circle members are those who honor HSOY in one or
more of the following ways:
• Naming HSOY as a beneficiary in a will or living trust
• Making a gift of cash or appreciated securities to establish a charitable gift annuity
• Creating a charitable remainder trust
• Naming HSOY as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account
Contact Us to Join the New Shelter Project

Call CRISTYN WEIL at

928-246-774, or
Executive Director NAM
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HSOY’s New Shelter

Project.