February 10, 2010

Media invited to special event on March 20

(PHOENIX) – The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) has a fashionable new way to find animals a loving home in our community, thanks to the Westcor Corporation. Petique at the Biltmore Fashion Park utilizes an empty retail space provided rent-free by Westcor and a community celebration is being planned for Saturday, March 20, from Noon - 2:00 p.m. at the Biltmore Fashion Park. A book signing by animal artist Ron Burns is planned along with the opportunity to meet special guest Asher, a young pit bull mix who lost his leg and was given a second chance at life, thanks to the AHS and its Second Chance Animal Hospital™. Asher’s heartwarming story is the perfect example of the important work that AHS is doing; proceeds will go to support their Second Chance Animal Hospital, which saved Asher and found him a loving new home. Burns will also be there to unveil his painting of Asher and judge an animal art contest for youth from Starshine Academy. This event will have great visuals with animals, kids and artwork and AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ will be on hand to greet visitors.

About Arizona Humane Society
Founded in 1957, the Arizona Humane Society is the state’s largest, nonprofit animal-welfare and protection agency. In 2009, AHS cared for nearly 45,000 unwanted, sick, abused and injured animals. The mission of AHS is to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society. Learn more at www.azhumane.org.

About Ron Burns
For nearly 20 years, Ron has devoted his personal and professional life to the welfare of animals, contributing to animal rescue organizations across the United States; he is the Artist-In-Residence at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Known as “America’s Favorite Animal Artist,” Ron’s vibrant use of color in animal portraiture has captivated collectors and animal lovers throughout the United States. Ron will be available to autograph copies of his illustrated book “Rufus Rhymes: Modern Lullabies for Dog Lovers.” The book was inspired by Ron’s adopted mutt, Rufus, whose playful attitude and bright personality brought years of happiness to the Burns family. In addition, he has several paintings for purchase at Petique with a percentage going to support Second Chance. Ron and his wife Buff live in Scottsdale. Visit www.RonBurns.com for more information.

About Second Chance Animal Hospital™
They say cats have nine lives. We don’t know if that’s really true, but the Arizona Humane Society’s Second Chance Animal Hospital™ gives animals who don't have families a new beginning with life-saving medical/surgical treatment or behavior training. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the hospital features necessary medical equipment for life-saving surgery, as well as medications, veterinary supplies and other equipment to care for these special patients. Open since 1996, the specially trained hospital staff now treats an average of 5,000 sick and injured animals and is the largest shelter-based trauma center in the Southwest. Some are strays turned in by Good Samaritans. Some are turned in by their owners who are no longer able to care for them. And still some are rescued from Valley streets by AHS’ EAMTs™. Once they complete treatment and are healed from their injuries, these animals are given a second chance at life in a new, loving home.

Contacts
Kimberly Searles, Communication Manager
Kelsea Vescova, Director of Marketing and Development