Thanks to a landmark $3 million dollar gift, the Lazin Animal Foundation will help the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) do more of what they do best—transform animal welfare.
Over the past seven years, AHS has provided a safety net for the region’s most vulnerable animals. Located in fast-growing Maricopa County, AHS has established a comprehensive medical, behavioral rehabilitation, surrender intervention and spay/neuter program that has saved an additional 115,000 lives in its seven years.
AHS Vice President of Development, Lauren Martich says, “Our President and CEO, Dr. Steven R. Hansen is a visionary and gives people the chance to act on their visions. One of those visions was saving Parvo pups. We began the Parvo Pup ICU seven years ago. From there it was natural to enact other life-saving programs like our Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™, Mutternity Suites, Kitten Nursery, and Bottle Baby Kitten ICU. Overall, we’ve realized an 82% reduction in euthanasia over the last seven years.”
The generous grant contributes to a state-of-the-art medical facility in the Phoenix area for these at-risk animals. In October 2021, AHS will break ground on the Lazin Animal Foundation Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™. It will be the largest shelter-based trauma center west of the Mississippi.
Martich says, “The new hospital will offer life-saving medical care as well as complex ventilation systems and flexible isolation spaces to reduce illness, expand and contract for hoarding and other large-scale intake situations, and treat conditions commonly considered untreatable in the shelter environment. Our life-saving teams are so ready to have more space and technology to do what they do. We are excited and grateful for this gift. It really makes a statement about the value of the animals’ lives.”
Martich continues, “Every day, I meet generous people who love animals and want to help them. Terry Lazin was so dedicated to the most vulnerable animals. She had beloved dogs and wanted to help dogs have a second life. We also believe those animals need and deserve that second chance. We’re so grateful for this gift that moved the needle.”
Why It Works
The Central Campus & Animal Medical Center will be known as the Lazin Animal Foundation Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™. It replaces a 1957 building and represents an opportunity for Arizona’s animal population to receive state-of-the-art care in a modern facility.
There is also an educational element. Children will be able to learn about animal welfare and see surgeries through the glass. In addition, there will be externship opportunities for veterinary school students.
The AHS is an independent non-profit and not affiliated with any other humane societies. As a result, they raise all of their own funds. This grant is a milestone in animal welfare and will provide medical and behavioral rehabilitation for the most vulnerable animals. And, in the fastest-growing county in the country, it’s important to keep a handle on pet overpopulation, keep them off the streets and help them find loving homes.
Why It Matters
The Lazin Animal Foundation seeks to honor the legacy of its founder, Terry Lazin. Terry had illustrious careers in government service, as a corporate attorney and ran a consultancy that worked with high-profile clients like the NFL Players Golf Club as they raised money for nonprofit organizations. But at the heart of her life was her love of dogs. Terry established the Lazin Animal Foundation in 2011 to provide grant monies to organizations that care for and protect at-risk dogs.
Susana Della Maddalena, Chairman of the Board of the Lazin Animal Foundation says, “Terry loved dogs and in particular the underdogs. She had a soft spot for dogs seen as problem breeds.”
Since AHS takes in dogs from the community who otherwise probably wouldn’t have a chance, the missions of the two organizations are well-aligned.
Della Maddalena adds, “The scope of what they’ll be able to do within the community will be impressive. They’ll be able to accept the dogs, treat them, and ultimately, get them adopted. It’s a great thing to put her name on the trauma center because it’s a great tribute to her love for animals and the positive impact she wanted to have on their lives.” +
