Even the smallest of animals need help. Whether that is some tender love and care, a new home, and lots of kisses. Angi Hopson, director of the Arizona Small Dog Rescue has created a safe environment for small dogs that need all these things and more.
AFM: How did the organization get started?
AH: Thirteen years ago I adopted a dog from a rescue here in Arizona and started volunteering to help that rescue. The more time I spent with the dogs, the more I loved it and became more involved. I started taking in fosters and homeless dogs, and finding them good homes. After a year I started a rescue that was for Great Danes. After a few years, I moved into a smaller place and couldn't house as many large dogs, so I started taking in small dogs, and created Arizona Small Dog Rescue. For years I housed the dogs, then got a few fosters, then more fosters, then a storefront, and now the shelter we have today. We are also opening a second location soon.
AFM: What do you love most about your job?
AH: The best part is to know you saved a dog who was just hours from dying in a shelter all alone and then watching them blossom and go on to a forever home. Nothing is better than that.
AFM: How can the Valley help keep the Arizona Small Dog Rescue operating?
AH: AZSDR costs about $20,000 a month to run. We spend a lot of money on dogs with medical issues and seniors. The best way to help AZSDR is to donate directly to our medical care at our vet Bethany Animal Hospital and refer the donations to AZSDR. We also always need fosters and volunteers! Cleaning supplies, towels, sheets, bedding, and blankets are very useful item as well.
AFM: What are some volunteer events that you have coming up?
AH: We have an event every Saturday at PetSmart on Scottsdale and Mayo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and every Sunday at PetSmart on Bell and Grand. We also are open to the public at our shelter location and accept volunteers Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
AFM: What services do you offer for families who already have pets?
AH: We offer dog and cat food to families who cannot provide for their pets. We also offer $10 DHPP vaccines and $25 microchips to the public.
