TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – As Pima Animal Care Center continues to see a high volume of animals, one non-profit has been helping out in a big way.
Tucson Rescue Now aims to provide a safe, calm place, not just for the dogs, but for anyone that’s looking to adopt or foster.
TRN is a donor-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been helping PACC for a little over five years now.
Every Thursday to Sunday, for about four hours a day, senior dogs—or dogs that need a bit of help getting out of their shell—are taken from PACC to the shelter and given an opportunity to really shine.
Bonny Harris, director of TRN, said that these outings give the dogs a chance to become more comfortable around people, other dogs, and spatially too—which increases their chances of getting adopted or fostered.
“That behavior carries over when they go back to the shelter,” Harris said. “And that’s really important because they show better. A lot of these dogs tend to cower in the back of their kennels.”
But the dogs aren’t the only ones who get a good experience: Harris explained the importance of providing a calming space for prospective adopters as well.
“A lot of people go to PACC and they’re wanting to rescue a dog, but it’s a very stressful and emotional place to be,” Harris said. “Especially when their census is as high as it’s been for the last three years.”
TRN’s efforts in making the process low stress seem to be successful, according to Eulalia Alvarez Wichapa, who stopped by in hopes of finding a furry friend.
“This is like home. This is so much more personal…” she said.
Alvarez Wichapa had come in to TRN the day before, looking to get a certain dog, but they had already been adopted—that’s when she met Mila, a 10-year-old German Shepard, who had been with PACC since November 2024.
After an initial bond, spending time with Mila, and getting to introduce her to a friend’s dog, Alvarez Wichapa made the decision to pre-adopt Mila. She credits the exciting turn of events to TRN for the environment they provide for both dog and human.
Tucson Rescue Now continues to ask for donations – if you want to help, you can find more information here.
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