Let’s Hear It For the Pets!

by Kristin Hunt

Get ready to tune in for some fun – whether you’re at work, at the creek, running errands, or just hanging out at home.

Beginning Thursday, Sept. 10, the Humane Society will be hosting a three-day Radiothon fund-raiser, and it’s aimed to help out those without voices: namely, all of the abandoned puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats who are waiting for someone to take them home.

Interviewing Ruby

The Radiothon is a fund-raiser geared to help pay for the new building project completed last year. The revamped Humane Society provides more space, more comfort, and better living conditions for the animals waiting to be adopted, as well as a nicer place to work for the people there, too. The goal to reach is $150,000, which will help put the Humane Society on track to serve our area and keep pace with rising costs.

To kick off the whole event, the Humane Society will be hosting the Arizona premiere of Mine, a movie about the tragedies and bonds formed between people and animals during and after Hurricane Katrina, at Harkins‘ Theatres, on Tuesday, September 8.

Then, starting  on September 10, and continuing over three days, the Humane Society will be airing the Radiothon live, from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m., across several radio stations, including: Sunny 100.1 FM, 95.9 FM, 105.7 FM, 102.9 FM, and 1600 AM. Callers can phone in their donations, so we’ll hear the voices of people in our own community who are helping the animals.

Fun will be had by all who are listening, with lots of prizes to be given out, featured guests, and a show with DJ Rick Malone and pet therapist Warren Eckstein, the “Pet Doctor,” an internationally known animal expert, who will be answering callers’ pet-related questions, from noon-5 p.m.

On Friday, September 11, the party continues, with a live, remote radio hook-up at the Sedona Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Friday at the end of Airport Road, and is a must-see for all who have the time to check it out.

On the final day, Saturday, September 12, the Radiothon will be spending time with Kids and Cans, which is a group of about 50 kids, mostly from Sedona, but also including a few from other places in the Verde Valley. These kids will be stationed at 15 different locations around Sedona, each with a can that they themselves decorated to the best of their abilities, hoping to help out the animals. They will be accepting monetary donations, as well as bags or cans of food.

Kids And Cans Locations: Sedona Dog Park, Weber’s IGA, Euro Deli, Java Love Café, Bashas‘, Safeway, Probuild, Biddles, Cheers, Sedona Pet Supply, Tlaquepaque, New Frontiers, Full Moon Saloon (cans only), Paw Prints, Chico’s Clothing.

“I wanted to get the kids involved because they’re an important part of our community, too, and they have a real desire to help out. They’re awesome,” said Linda Brecher, Humane Society Board of Trustees vice president and co-chair of the Radiothon committee.

Also on Saturday, September 12, is the 2009 Ride for the Animals, which will be huge this year, with a motorcade of about 400 motorcyclists, complete with police escort, in a parade beginning at the Safeway Shopping Center, traveling up the breathtaking switchbacks of the Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, then continuing down Interstate 17 to the historic Highway 179, which will bring everyone back to the Village of Oak Creek for more fun, food, and entertainment at the Full Moon Saloon.

Also, Officer Lopez will be out and about with his canine deputy, Joker, and a Sedona fire truck will be visiting some of the Kids and Cans locations.

After all is said and done on Saturday, September 12, at 5 p.m., there will be a celebration in honor of the Humane Society’s first all-community Radiothon, hosted at Reds at the Sedona Rouge. There, thanks and recognition will be given out, and everyone can unwind with some food, wine, and music.

If you’re interested in being involved, there is an open invitation to anyone who wishes to be a part of the Radiothon, or attend any of the events during and afterwards.

All help is greatly appreciated, and a little goes a long way when everyone chips in!