Anything that gets donated to us that we can’t use, we find someone who can. Everybody always needs something. We’re an animal rescue but there is a huge human community here that also has great needs.”

Saving Orphan Souls director Charli Alexander

GET INVOLVED

What: Saving Orphan Souls Rescue

Online: savingorphansouls.org

Email: Savingorphansouls@yahoo.com

By Steve Stockmar
Twitter: @stevestockmar

Some animal adoption odds are longer than others. And sometimes, there’s a miracle.

Glendale-based Saving Orphan Souls Rescue, a nonprofit cat and small dog rescue, recently brought in a dog sent over from a Humane Society in a distant part of the state. This was a special case: a 7-year-old poodle-terrier mix that had had a long journey, was blind and was found on the street.

Saving Orphan Souls got to work.

In less than a week, not only was the doggie adopted out to a forever home, the new owners plan to pay the cost of eye surgery.

“That was one for the ages,” Saving Orphan Souls director Charli Alexander remembered on Sept. 4.

SOS was started in 2016 by CEO and founder Ro Perez. The no-kill organization takes in animals rescued from the Arizona streets, high-kill shelters, owner relinquished, unclaimed strays, Native American reservations, Mexico and surrounding states including Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and California. All animals are placed into foster care while they await forever homes.

Although rescue and adoption events are on hold due to coronavirus, work continues from the organization’s Glendale headquarters. (There is no facility to visit; the rescue is 100 percent foster-based.)

Ms. Alexander estimates SOS adopts out almost 20 cats and 15 dogs in a given month.

“We have someone who transports for us, we have someone who goes and picks up donations for us,” she explained. “We could not do this if we didn’t have the volunteers and the fosters that we have. They are the most amazing people.”

The SOS team focuses on more than animal needs around the Valley, or even beyond those animals who have homes. The homeless community -- and their pets -- are also among the organization’s outreach.

Saving Orphan Souls hosts drives for collars, harnesses and leashes for homeless residents’ pets, and in the winter for blankets and pillows and sweaters and coats for the homeless and their animals.

“Anything that gets donated to us that we can’t use, we find someone who can,” Ms. Alexander said. “Everybody always needs something. We’re an animal rescue, but there is a huge human community here that also has great needs.”

They also place high standards on individuals and families looking to adopt animals. Considerations include renters needing to be sure if a lease allows them to bring pets home, as well as the financial obligations that go with owning animals, including food and potential medications.

Different breeds have unique needs that may or may not match with a forever home’s lifestyle. Senior residents, for example, who may not be up for going out and hiking a mile or two may want to opt against bringing home an Australian Shepherd that needs a lot of exercise.

And of course, time. A willingness and ability to socialize with the animal means everything.

“They need to make sure they understand the needs of the pet,” Ms. Alexander said. “It doesn’t make sense to adopt a kitten because it’s cute if you have a pit bull who doesn’t like cats, for example.”

In addition to money donations, SOS is always needing dog and cat food donations and supplies.

Residents interested in adopting out animals can view a gallery of available cats and dogs at savingorphansouls.org.

Those interested in fostering can find links on requirements and applications on that page as well.

Steve Stockmar
News Editor | Sun Life Magazine & Arts & Entertainment YourValley.net
@stevestockmar

sstockmar@iniusa.org

Meet Steve
Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.

Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.

Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.

Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.

Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.