My best friend died in my arms on a Thursday, he was a 14 yr old chocolate lab. I had made a bet with the Universe and I won. That bet was this. I have a chronic service connected illness that should have killed me 20 years ago but here I am healthy and still kicking. When I was given the lab puppy in the back of my mind was always the real possibility that I would succumb and leave an elderly dog to die in a shelter. My prayers were to just see these guys, a dog and a cat, to their ends and then whatever my future held would be fine. After Boomer passed and for the next few empty mornings I realized I could not go through that again from puppy to senior and that weekend presented myself to Hope Shelter to take the oldest dog they had. That was Mathilda. Her owner, I was told, had passed leaving her alone. Wow. Does the Universe speak directly to us or what?

Thanks for helping heal a hole in both our hearts.

-Annonymous

About a year and a half ago I adopted a little orange tabby who was named Dexter at the time. He is now called Tigger and he is the light of my roomate and my’s life! He has the most personality I have ever seen in an animal, and he knows exactly how to brighten up someone’s day no matter how bad it might have been. He enjoys any sort of play and being taken into the back yard to explore in the bushes. Thank you Hope Animal Shelter for creating a life long love story!

Sincerely,
Kelsey, Debbie, and Tigger

I’ve been meaning to sent you a testimonial about my wonderful cat from HOPE for the past 11 months, so I’m finally writing it today. Hopefully it will help someone make the decision to adopt this Christmas.

Please feel free to use any and all of the above in any ads you want. Good luck this season with adoptions!

– Stephanie Swift

I am sending the enclosed check in the amount of $100 as a donation to your shelter. I was told about you financial difficulties by my sister-in-law Janice Earle. I wanted to help because the shelter in my home area is also having difficulties. I have supported this shelter for many years and know and understand the importance of keeping it going despite the difficult economic times. It is my belief that the ethics of a society is reflected in how we care for the animals that have had their ability to care for themselves taken away. I hope that this small donation helps.
- Sincerely, Jeanne N.
Sebastopol, CA

There is nothing more blessed than saving innocent lives. Nothing more shameful than ignoring little beings who need our help. God bless you and your efforts.
- Betty L.

It has been about a year now that my children and I wandered into PetSmart and found Helen (Hannah) just waiting for us. Many thanks for HOPE Animal Shelter for giving her such good care! She has been a wonderful kitty — we love her dearly. Best wished for 2010.
- Gwen B.

Thank you, Rhonda, Lynda, and Karen for being at PetSmart last Friday afternoon when my husband and I came in to look for a kitty. We had just said goodbye that week to our beloved 15 year old kitty Cody and I was filled with so many emotions – but most of all there was a big a hole in my heart. Well, my husband Keith cuddled with Andrew that day and he trusted that little Andrew would begin to mend that hole in our lives. And Keith was right. Andrew (now Grayson Andrew) had brought so much joy in our life. We tell him about his Grandpa Cody and are so thankful for God’s healing that has already come through this little boy you at HOPE cared for these past 6 months. Thank you so much for giving of your time and love. Please enjoy the chocolate pecans cookies.
- Love, Keith and Kay L.

On September 24th, we said goodbye to our beloved Welsh Corgi, Dewi, at the age of thirteen years. Thanks to the wonderful care he received from Dr. Mary Kay Klein and the staff of Southwest Veterinary Oncology, he survived bladder cancer for 5 years post-diagnosis. I will forever be grateful for his life and our many fond memories. Enclosed is a personal check in the amount of $500 as a contribution to HOPE Animal Shelter in memory of Dewi. I request that the funds be used for veterinary care for the dogs entrusted to your care. I will continue to bring supplies to HOPE each week when possible. If you have special needs or ways that I can help in your important work, please let me now. Thank you for your dedicated work on behalf of the animals.
- Sincerely, Suzanne V.

Several months ago I visited your shelter and met Max and decided to sponsor him, mostly because he is so lovable but also because we both are cancer patients. I will continue to sponsor him but I want you know that if he should ever need any medical treatments, you may call me and count on me to pay for those treatments. God bless.
- Carol S.

We saw the story on the news about how short you are on funds. It is a wonderful thing you do. To care for all the cats and pets. I hate to see animals euthanized just because there are too many to be adopted or need special care. I decided that we had to help you out. All of our past animals were rescued as are our two cats and dog that we love very much. We want to help you do what you do for for animals. Thank you.
- Dennis and Lynetta

…I wrote Ellen DeGeneres about your shelter, she’s a real animal lover, hopefully she’ll help with at least food from her company. …keep you fingers crossed.
- Merrie

People were posting on Facebook that you are facing hardship and that you are a no-kill shelter. I’d hate to see another shelter go under. Wish it could be more, but hope it helps somehow.
- Best, Susan D.
New York

Enclosed is a check to help cover your expenses. I saw a segment about your financial troubles on Channel 9. They’re still running it, so I hope lots of other people see it and send donations. God bless you all the important work you do.
- Yours truly, Robert S.

We would like to thank your organization for providing a no-kill haven for abandoned dogs and cats. We especially admire what you do for the special needs animals whom very few would adopt. We hope this small donation helps keep this wonderful organization alive, along with the precious animals you care for. - Sincerely, Linda, Jim, and Brian B.

I saw the story about your desperate need of funds to keep your shelter in operation on television last night. I can’t do much, but if my small contribution will help, I’ll send it to you with gratitude to you for caring so deeply for the animals. God bless you and I pray for your success.
- Thank you, Francis W.

I hope this little bit will help in a small way. We need people like you who care so much for our animals. Thank you and keep up the great work.
- Sincerely, Joyce S.

I saw you on TV. I hope people respond. My heart goes out for all beautiful little furry friends. If everybody would just give a $1. Thank you and Karen and all the giving people.

I read with interest your newsletter and support your organization. Your number of placements and volunteers speaks volumes about HOPE’s worth and value. My mother believes Tucson is a magical place of wondrous things and wonderful people. The HOPE organization is surely an example. Please add my name to the list of email recipients for your newsletter.
- Regards, Cynthia D.
Rockford, IL

Here’s some money for you, to buy some food. I saw on the news that you needed some help. I care about you so much. I want to be a Veterinarian when I grow up. I want to help your cousins/family. Stay strong.
- Sincerely, Sierra

Thank you, Susan, for entrusting me with a more responsible role with the beautiful and precious dogs and cats at HOPE, the volunteers and customers. HOPE has opened my eyes to the positive effects a no-kill shelter has on a city and amazing lengths people go through to ensure it stays open. Getting to know and bond with HOPE’s animals has seen such a great experience; after every shift, for example, I always find myself talking to my partner and friends about some cat to dog that stood out and reminded me why I love what I do. While I may be moving out of state, I will continue to help HOPE financially. Tucson must have a no-kill shelter for cats and dogs! Each and every dog and cat I have met will forever live in my heart because why have brought me so much joy, it is indescribable. If you meed my assistance during this transition, please let me know. Thanks again for this opportunity.
- Angelique (past employee)

Thank you so much for your wonderful work and for providing our only no-kill facility in Tucson.  The two cats I adopted from you came from a 50 cat hoarder and I must say, they are the smartest, silliest most interesting cats I’ve ever had (and I’ve had cats my whole life). I don’t know what to attribute this to, but I’m grateful every day for stopping by Petsmart on Grant that day 2 1/2 years ago and adopting them . I couldn’t love them more. I wish I could donate more but being on a fixed income it makes it difficult. And with so many animal groups out there the top 4 on my list get $, and HOPE is #1 on my list because if it wasn’t for you I would not have my 2 precious crazies making my life complete.
Sincerely,
Carol, Oliver-Stanley & Izabella

To Susan and all your helpers,
Jester (blind dog adopted from HOPE) said to tell you thanks for all the good work you do everyday throughout the year and he hopes St. Francis will bless each of your for your kindness.
- Pat

Thank you so much for the love you give to all the Furry Beautiful Creatures. We are so fortunate to have HOPE here.

- Christa

I would like to extend my personal thanks you to each of you. Thank for taking in my 2 cats Peanut and Courtney – giving them a loving home during a difficult time. I visit your website and see they are no longer there. I am certain they have been adopted into a family that will love and care for them as I did. Thank you for running such a nice shelter and caring for so many. Please send out a thank you to their adoptive family.
- Sincerely, Valorie

Last January we adopted our Pablo from your shelter. His name at that time was Clyde and was dropped off at your place with his sister Bonnie. I am sending you a small donation to let you know we have become very attracted to him. Other than parasites, he has been very healthy. It became evident that due to his cautiousness about new and different things, he probably was finding for himself quite a while. We have been working with him on his fears and have progressed. I don’t know if he will ever totally be free of then but he is in a loving home and very well taken care of.
-Lee and Nancy

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to continue to thank you for the tireless work you do on behalf of the needy animals. I have never and will never forget what you did for Jasper the black cat. Unfortunately, finances have taken a nosedive lately, and I’m sorry I can’t do more, but please accept this check in sincere thanks for your efforts and your enormous heart. You are my hero!
- Villadito

Thanks for your good work. Read the “Unexpected Burden” article in the AZ Daily Star, dated 8 June 2008. Hope my small donation helps. Keep the public informed. I think we need the education and I’m certain it will stimulate more positive action. Thanks again.
- Hugh and Judith

Here’s a donation for whatever you need for the animals. I saw the news article about the mom dog and her 9 puppies. Hope this helps. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to animals.
- Anonymous

Please accept my very small donation. Thank you for your courage to continue to work – that may not be appreciated as much as it should. If possible, please try to work on legislation to encourage animal owners to spay and neuter non-working pets/animals.
-Lee

I got a dog from you folks about a year ago. She was abused badly. I named her Sissy. When she is laying on the couch under the air conditioner she looks at me like… “Thanks, I love you Dad.” Keep up the good work and I know the animals love you for what you do for them.
-Ron and Sissy

Those 9 puppies, I hope are voracious eaters? I’m doing my best. God bless the mommy, the puppies and you good hearted people!
-BGL

In honor of my birthday, my friends donate to a charity of my choice. I chose HOPE Animal Shelter. I know you can use this money, so use it with my best wishes.
-Carol

I brought my Yorkshire Terrier “Duke” to see Dr. Daroowalla a couple of years ago from Illinois. I appreciate her holistic approach. I was very pleased to be informed of your HOPE Animal Shelter which I’m sure is as needed in Tucson as anywhere. Good luck in this important endeavor – I’m glad I can help.
-CD

The week of Labor Day we adopted Preston form HOPE Animal Shelter. Preston came to us a little thin, very timid and a lot quirky hang-ups. Since becoming a member of our family he has gained eight pounds and has become an integral part of our family. He still is very timid and hesitates about certain noises. We wonder what his early puppy hood was like. He loves going for walks, riding in the car and especially likes digging up the drip system and running in the yard with the hose in his mouth. He has brought much love, happiness and joy to our lives. Please accept our donation for your wonderful organization.
- Fred and Liz

I have some information I would like to pass on about Betty, now known as TigerLily for her beautiful coloring. When we arrived home, our miniature poodle.s face lit up because we had brought him home a new “toy”. TigerLily was not impresses, and asked to be put down. The silly dog followed her around for a day and a half, and now they sleep side by side. I know she is one the 18 cats rescued from a hoarder, I wanted yo to know that her reaction lead me to believe that she has been around a dog before and has no problems with them. That information may help you in future adoptions of these cats. She seems painfully skinny, and we are working on putting on some weight. Also, she has umped up on the table and counter several times, but simply removing her with an easy “no” has pretty much stopped the problem. We feel this is the perfect cat for us, and wanted you to know how much we appreciate you help in adopting this cat.
- Marlene and Michael

Dear Ms. Scherl:
Enclosed is $10 to help you in your fine work to save the lives of needy cats and dogs. Obviously, I am an animal lover and I am impressed that your mission is to help give them a life rather than euthanize them.
Sincerely,
Emily

Hope Animal Shelter people,
Thanks for all you do to protect all the cats and dogs that are unwanted.  Please see the enclosed check for food or whatever is needed at the shelter.
- Darlene