Allstate’s Minerva Hendrix helps fund rescue efforts in Maricopa

Pet Social Worker / Tails of Hope are the recipients of a grant to provide animal rescue services in the greater Maricopa area. The Allstate Foundation is funding the program with a $1000 donation. 

Local Allstate Insurance agent Minerva Hendrix volunteers for the program and was instrumental in helping the rescue secure the grant through the Agency Hands in the Community Grants Program.

Pet Social Worker/Tails of Hope participates in housing animals, securing food donations for needy pet families, coordinating clinics, and fostering strays or animals on the Pinal County euthanasia list.  The Allstate grant will allow for the continuation of the Spay and Neuter Program (SNAP), which is managed through an application process. Need-based vouchers are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Kimberly Diedrich, president of the Pet Social Worker rescue organization, coordinates the program in with Dr. Kelly Anderson and Dr. Lora Schelle who perform the spay and neuter procedures at Maricopa Animal Hospital.

“When we started the rescue, we never dreamed the community would be so active and support our efforts so strongly”, states Diedrich. “With help from the business community and extraordinary people like Minerva Hendrix, we are able to have a positive impact on both animals and residents of Maricopa.” 

Each day, over 70,000 dogs and cats are born in the United States. Approximately 40,000 of them will end up abandoned to the street, in an animal rescue or shelter.  The continued population explosion of these animals can be reduced through spay and neuter programs.  The majority of all pets given to shelters are born into homes that cannot or will not take care of more than one or two littermates.  Reducing the incidents of pregnancy among these animals is essential to controlling the problem.

Grant funding from a variety of sources, as well as volunteers and individual donations, make it possible for Pet Social Worker/Tails of Hope to continue helping the lost, abandoned and stray animals in the community.  It will also help to lower the nearly 6-8 million animals euthanized in the United States each year because of overpopulation.  One female cat, her mate and offspring can produce a startling 11 million cats over a nine-year period.  A female dog will produce an average of two litters a year, with between four and 10 puppies in each litter.  One unspayed dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years.

Since 1952, The Allstate Foundation has been dedicated to a straightforward purpose: helping people. They have created practical, proven programs for thousands of individuals and families to help them overcome personal challenges and uncertainties – leading to better, safer lives.

If you would like to volunteer or participate in any Pet Social Worker program, contact Diedrich at 480-452-7997 or by email at [email protected].

For more information about how Allstate Insurance and Minerva Hendrix are helping the Maricopa community, contact the office at 520-568-2270.

Submitted photo