Our Beloved Marge Wright

It is with very heavy hearts that we share the passing of a very dear friend. Our beloved Marge Wright, longtime Arizona Humane Society volunteer, supporter and animal advocate, passed away peacefully in her sleep yesterday evening.

Marge was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Many of us knew her as the face of AHS’ weekly television show, Pets on Parade. Others knew her as the longest active volunteer at AHS. But, one thing is certain; Marge was a genuine animal lover and legend at AHS, having devoted 56 years of service to homeless pets. She loved every animal as if they were her own and always embraced the opportunity to celebrate the joy of pets and to provide love to our shelter animals.

Marge once said, “When you’re with a non-profit, you do a little bit of everything” and Marge did so much for all of the animals at AHS. She started by volunteering in AHS’ thrift stores just one year after the shelter first opened in 1957. When she became an employee, Marge did a little bit of everything out of her love for the animals and provided care and enrichment for dogs, cats and critters, assisted with adoptions and taught our Humane Education program to thousands of young students. She inspired the community to show compassion and provide proper care for their pets. Most notably, Marge was the face of 3TV’s Pets on Parade, the longest running, locally-produced television show in Arizona, for over 40 years, featuring more than 25,000 adoptable pets. Many people grew up watching Marge on the show and she has thousands of fans in the Valley who associate her with love and compassion towards animals.

Marge was part of the foundation that built AHS and she made an immeasurable impact over the last five decades. An impact that is evident daily in the Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic located at AHS’ Sunnyslope Campus.

Everyone knew Marge for her warmth and kindheartedness and she had the ability to light up a room with her presence. She gave the best hugs and considered everyone at AHS to be family. And we felt the same about her. She was a remarkable woman with so much love, charisma and enthusiasm; even in her later years she continued to be spunky. She illustrated the compassionate spirit upon which AHS operates to this day and even though she’s no longer with us, her legacy will live on. Marge will truly be missed by our staff, volunteers, board and community members and most certainly the Arizona Humane Society animals that she devoted her life to.

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