HARTT - Humane Animal Rescue and Trapping Team

06/18/2026

He is safe & adoptable.

A5166227, MCACC, East Kennel. Review as of yesterday is very friendly and easy to handle. 🥹

Francis: A Big Male Dog With Even Bigger Determination

When reports first came in about a large brindle dog roaming a Chandler neighborhood and park, community members were already doing everything they could to help. For days, Francis had been running through a vast area that included a large park, an adjoining field, and surrounding neighborhoods. Despite numerous attempts by concerned residents to secure him, Francis wanted no part of being caught. Every time someone approached, he would take off. Even efforts to gently corral him proved unsuccessful.

On June 2, HARTT received a request for help. Community members were concerned not only about Francis’s safety but also because it was reported that he might have burned paws from spending so much time outdoors.

The Southeast Team responded and began by conducting reconnaissance of the area. After speaking with residents and gathering information about Francis’s movements, the team identified the best location for a feeding station and trail camera. Establishing a pattern and gathering accurate information would be critical in such a large search area.

Later that evening, a new lead came in. A homeowner approximately a mile away reported that a large brindle dog was resting on their porch. After reviewing photos, the team confirmed that the dog was indeed Francis.

With Francis temporarily settled in one location, the team quickly developed a capture plan. Upon arrival, they assessed the property and determined that taking control of both the entry and exit points would provide the safest and most effective opportunity for capture. Team members carefully positioned themselves and secured both ends of the area with X-pens.

As expected, Francis eventually attempted to leave. This time, however, the plan was in place. The team moved quickly and calmly, using a snare pole to successfully secure him, and Francis walked safely into a kennel.

After his rescue, Francis spent the night at a volunteer’s house, where he could rest safely and decompress. The following day, he was transported to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control for further care and evaluation (A5166227).

This rescue is a reminder that patience, teamwork, strategic planning, and strong community partnerships are often the keys to bringing a frightened dog to safety. We are grateful to the residents who reported sightings, shared information, and never stopped looking out for Francis.

06/17/2026

🧡🐰🥕 Bunny Kisses and Carrot Wishes – Eight Little Lives Saved 🥕🐰🧡

On June 8, HARTT received reports of three domesticated rabbits loose at an apartment complex. Volunteers quickly responded, knowing domestic rabbits cannot safely survive on their own in the wild—especially in Arizona’s summer heat. Upon arrival, a nearby resident reported that there were more rabbits in the area than the three mentioned on Facebook. What started as a rescue of three bunnies soon became a much larger mission spanning four days.

Volunteers returned day after day to search for and safely secure not only the original three rabbits, but also the additional rabbits reported in the area. The effort was far from easy. The rabbits consistently stayed just out of reach, avoiding traps and darting beneath vehicles whenever approached. One of the biggest challenges was maneuvering around parked vehicles to reach the rabbits without causing damage to the vehicles or putting the animals at risk. Sirens, music, fireworks, and even a black cat stalking the area added to the difficulties. Undeterred, the team adapted with creative tactics, including X-pens, nets, cat traps, scent items, a drop trap, and trails of fruit, vegetables, and apple juice.

By June 11, volunteers had safely rescued eight domestic rabbits. The rabbits were temporarily housed at a volunteer’s home before being transferred to the Arizona Humane Society over the following several days. One bunny is being treated for an upper respiratory infection, while several others showed signs of heat-related molting and stress. Four bunnies are currently available for adoption, and the remaining rabbits are being monitored during quarantine.

Thanks to community members who spoke up and volunteers who refused to give up, eight vulnerable lives were given a second chance at safety and care. 🧡🐰🥕

06/17/2026

Three Strays, One Very Good Day!

On the morning of May 14, the HARTT Southeast Team received a request to help two stray dogs in Phoenix—a small Pekingese mix and a medium-sized pit bull. Simple enough… except when the volunteer arrived, there were three dogs. Apparently, nobody had informed the beautiful German Shepherd that he wasn’t on the guest list.

Fortunately, this unexpected trio had one thing in common—they were all incredibly friendly. The volunteer and the reporting community member were able to slip-lead the little Pekingese mix and the pit bull puppy and safely place them together in a trap for transport. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd was so well-mannered and happy to have company that he simply accepted the slip lead and hopped into the car, claiming the shotgun seat like he had been riding there his whole life.

Despite having no collars, no ID, and no microchips, all three dogs acted like lifelong friends. The two smaller pups, estimated to be around five months old, were playful and full of puppy energy. The shepherd was calm, handsome, and so polite that he made everyone wonder how such a good boy ended up out on his own.

All three dogs were brought to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. The two youngsters quickly found homes of their own through adoption, while the shepherd’s charm won over a local rescue group, Rescue Street, who pulled him from the county to begin his next chapter.

Sometimes rescue involves weeks of cameras, traps, and sleepless mornings. And sometimes, three sweet dogs decide they’re ready to be found. Today was one of those days—three strays, three safe dogs, and one very good day.

Thank you to the community member who cared enough to fill out the form on our website asking for help for these pups, and for being there to help our volunteer complete the task. Happy lives, you three sweet pups!

06/16/2026

SHE IS NOW SAFE: Container trapped on her head. Starving. Fading fast. In Lakeside, Az.

I received a message on June 8th from Jamie Dluhcs, a HARTT volunteer from the valley that immediately stopped me in my tracks.
A video had been posted on the Ring App showing a dog wandering with a container trapped over her head—unable to eat/drink, struggling to survive. The post came from a home in Gilbert, but the footage was actually captured at a part-time residence in Pinetop/Lakeside, near Crossroads Rim Rd & Hilltop Dr.
From that moment on, we knew this was a race against time.
I quickly reached out to Jennie Holloway with Tails of Love Rescue and Navajo County Animal Control. Officers responded first but couldn’t find her. Later, Jennie and Lance Matthews searched tirelessly, walking the area, knocking on doors, following any small lead they could—but she was nowhere to be found. One neighbor shared that she had headed toward Rim Road… and then she simply disappeared.
We feared the worst.
Still, we refused to give up.
I shared her everywhere—Facebook, Ring—hoping someone, somewhere, would see her. Early the next morning, I drove up and set out food and a camera, praying she might still be able to smell her way to it despite the container trapping her. I brought a trap, just in case I was lucky enough to cross her path.
We believe she came from the Fort Apache Reservation land nearby—a vast, quiet forest where a dog like her could so easily vanish without a trace. Days passed with no sightings. It felt like she was out there alone, suffering in silence.
But behind the scenes, people were still fighting for her.
Jamie made flyers & went back to refill food and put up flyers throughout the area—small pieces of hope posted on trees and poles. And those flyers… they mattered.
Because someone saw them.
I received a call about a possible sighting. Then another. And then—the call we had been praying for.
A kind resident, who had seen our flyer, told me he had found her the day before… and gently removed the container from her head. He gave her food. He gave her water. He gave her a chance to live.
For days, she had been wandering scared, starving, and trapped—yet somehow, she survived long enough to be found by someone who cared.
She even began visiting another nearby home, where another kind lady unknowingly helped her, giving her little pieces of safety in a world that had not been kind to her.
Because of compassion… because people chose to act… she made it.
On June 12th, our Rescue partner Tails of Love Rescue safely brought her into care.
She is now SAFE.
This sweet girl is severely emaciated and has a long road ahead, but she is no longer alone. She is finally surrounded by people who will fight for her, care for her, and show her the love she has always deserved.
There are no words strong enough to thank the person who removed that container from her head—you didn’t just help her… you saved her life.
Thank you to Jamie, Jennie, Lance, TOLR, Navajo County Animal Control, WMAT Animal Control, BIA, Fish & Game, and every single person who shared, prayed, and refused to look away.
This is what compassion looks like.
A scared, starving dog… and a community that refused to let her disappear.
Please follow Tails of Love Rescue for updates on her journey, and if you can, consider donating to help give her the future she deserves.

06/16/2026

featuring our Adoption Program Manager Tina S.

Her involvement in our organization and community is pure passion. We thank you for all you do!

MEET TINA S.

“My journey with animal rescue began when I found a tiny Chihuahua standing in the middle of the road. He is still with me 13 years later! After that, I started helping reunite lost dogs with their families by responding to posts on Nextdoor and offering assistance.

One of the dogs I rescued happened to be a dog that HARTT was actively searching for. A coworker who volunteered with HARTT reached out to me, and that connection led me to officially join in 2021.

I love every aspect of helping dogs get safely off the streets—from tracking and trapping to reuniting them with their families. Over time, I became a Team Lead for the NE/E Team and found a passion for mentoring and training new volunteers.

One of my most challenging cases involved a stray dog that took five months to trap. She finally entered a Missy Trap after having survived on the streets for 16 months. To everyone’s surprise, she was microchipped, which allowed her to connect with her owner.

As my involvement with HARTT grew, I began helping at the shelter and became involved in the adoption process. I love following up with adopters and seeing the happy endings for the dogs our teams work so hard to save. I also enjoy supporting adopters with guidance and resources that help keep pets in their forever homes. That led me to become HARTT’s Adoption Program Manager last November.

If asked which area of HARTT I enjoy most, I honestly can’t choose just one. I love the challenge of trapping, working with Missy Traps, netting, and helping shy or elusive dogs. I love helping owners reunite with their lost pets, and I love finding loving forever homes for rescued animals.

Most of all, I am grateful for the incredible people I’ve met through HARTT. Our field teams, shelter staff, volunteers, and amazing adopters are what make this work possible and truly make a difference in the lives of animals every day.”

Sign up to volunteer at azhartt.org 💙💛

06/14/2026

Thank you everyone that shared and rooted for her safe return 🙏 we are heartbroken at the outcome. 🌈

Found deceased 😭💔 Fly high sweet Baguette, you were so loved by your rescue family. 🐾🌈

URGENT BOLO: This pup was attacked by a coyote last night but escaped. Now hurt & lost in the vicinity of Hunter Rd (La Cholla Blvd & Moore Rd) TUCSON/MARANA/ORO VALLEY AZ. No collar or tags, but she is microchipped. Please report any sightings to 602-697-3157. She’s wounded & might need immediate care. Call or text 602-697-3157

06/14/2026

This post is a special thank you for Two Pups Wellness Fund & Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911). Both of these amazing organizations helped with medical care for this sweet puppy Hollywood. We are sad to say that Hollywood succumbed to parvo after a weeklong battle. He gave it a good fight. We will honor him in our memorial garden 🪴🌈 that is in the works at our HARTT House.

Please give both a FOLLOW!! They help our entire community of shelters/rescues and their community. They have wonderful posts with valuable information.

Without our beloved rescue partners we would not be able to help as many pets as we do.