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This was an email story that went around that we thought was interesting. Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay. The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows. The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78. The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals. I have long wondered when the rest of the country would take a look at the way he runs the jail system, and copy some of his ideas. He has a huge farm, donated to the county years ago, where inmates can work, and they grow most of their own fresh vegetables and food, doing all the work and harvesting by hand. He has a pretty good sized hog farm, which provides meat, and fertilizer. It fertilizes the Christmas tree nursery, where prisoners work, and you can buy a living Christmas tree for $6 - $8 for the Holidays, and plant it later. We have six trees in our yard from the Prison. Yup, he was reelected last year with 83% of the vote. http://www.mcso.org

April 3, 2008 I am writing in hopes to be able to find a happy home for my cat "Kitty". I had adopted him from a friend and have found that the allergies are overwhelming. He is approx. 4 years old, very loving and affectionate, though weary around young children. He is an indoor cat that enjoys spending a bit of time outside on a nice day. He has not been declawed, and is in very good health. I am unsure of his breed, however in my research he appears to be a long haired siamese with ice blue eyes. I can provide photos if necessary. Would you be able to help me find a good home for him? Tasha Stringer

April 1, 2008 13 Adoptions in 6 days!! Wow! The animals awaiting adoption out at the pound here in Yellowknife sure were fortunate last week. After speaking to Jennifer out at the Great Slave Animal Hospital, it was clear by the smile on her face that it was a great week for getting homeless pets new families. Between the 24th and the 29th of March, 8 dogs and 5 cats were adopted by local residents. There are a few hunches as to why the adoptions were so successful in such a short time...weather and the time of year (March break) being two of them. Whatever the reason...this is news to be celebrated!!

March 31, 2008 I called City Hall this morning to report the vandalism to the dog park fence but sounds like they're already aware of it. I imagine that you've already received reports of it too? If not, someone took bolt cutters to a section of the chain link fencing and it looks like they cut a large "flap" so that they could get their mountain bike into the park and ride over the hill. Anyway, someone has tied the fence up with rope, but guess that won't hold up too long. Brad

March 27, 2008 Hello, I'm writing to inform the City of Yellowknife about an issue at the end of Deh Cho Boulevard, on the road to the sewage lagoon which I believe is managed by the City. On several occasions this winter, the gate blocking vehicle access to this road has been left open for days, and even weeks, at a time. Thoughout the winter this didn't cause any problems. However, last night I had TWO close calls with private vehicles using this road while I was walking my dogs there. In both cases, the drivers were well-over the speed limit of comparable roads in the area, and coming around corners. The first time my two dogs were almost hit. The second time I was almost hit from behind, and the truck had to come to a sliding stop. I believe the City is failing in its obligation to provide a safe off-leash dog area along this road, and is creating a situation of liability for itself by not properly securing the gates when the area is not in use by City staff. I will be walking my dogs in this area again tonight, and trust that the City will see the seriousness of the situation and act accordingly. Thank you, Jake Kennedy UPDATE March 28, 2008 - I wanted to thank the City staff for acting so quickly on this. When I went to walk my dogs in this area last night, there gate was locked with a new chain. I appreciate the quick response.