Animal adoption event returns to Anthem

STAFF REPORT~ 1/25/2012

The Eighth Annual PACC911/Anthem Animal Extravaganza and Adopt-a-Thon will take place between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Feb. 4, in Anthem Community Park Sponsored by PetSmart Charities©, the event is open to the public.
More than 50 animal rescue organizations will have pets available for adoption, including purebred and mixed-breed dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, bunnies, guinea pigs, rats and even horses. All pets will be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations.
“It is so rewarding that the residents of Anthem have wholeheartedly embraced this now annual event since its debut in 2005, “ said event chair and PACC911 Board Member Eileen Proctor. “As in previous years, hundreds of healthy and adoptable animals will be crossing their paws that they will find their new forever homes in this beautiful community.”
As a result of last year’s Extravaganza, more than 170 pets found new homes. This year’s goal is 200. The down-turn in the economy has resulted in a large and growing number of abandoned pets left by owners who could no longer care for them.  Unfortunately, this results in more animals being euthanized.  As the “911” in PACC911 indicates, this event is an emergency call to rescue these animals from that fate. 
Adoptions and So Much More
In addition to adopting a pet, attendees at the Extravaganza will be able to enjoy several pet-centric activities and services, such as a dog show and parade hosted by Anthem Neighborhood Watch, agility and disc dog demonstrations by Villa La Paws, a lure course set up by the Arizona Jack Russell Rescue, low-cost micro-chipping, and vaccinations.
To help acquire much needed food for the animal welfare groups, attendees are asked to bring unopened bags of pet food for which they will receive a raffle ticket for many valuable prizes (raffle tickets are also available for purchase). Additionally, guests can purchase items from the PACC911 gift shop which benefits the Emergency Medical Fund (EMF), a fund that provides financial aid to Valley nonprofit animal welfare groups needing assistance with medical costs.
Admission to the event and parking are free. For additional information, visit www.PACC911.org or contact Eileen@PACC911.org.