Smiles Dog Training

01/07/2026

12/08/2025

11/12/2025

Don't miss out! 🐶✨

Join us TONIGHT at 6:30 pm AZ time for a FREE presentation by Valley fever expert, Dr. Lisa Shubitz! Come learn about how your dog could develop Valley fever, how to identify common symptoms of this disease, and what researchers at the VFCE are working on to improve the prognosis of this disease.

You can scan the QR code in the flyer below, or you can join using this link: https://arizona.zoom.us/j/82726646561

11/12/2025

10/14/2025

09/23/2025

If you’ve ever said “I’d love to help, but I don’t know where to start”, this is for you. We’re co-hosting a Buddy Day at with 😍 and you’re invited!

What to Expect:
At our event, we’re making it easy for you to dive into volunteering. We’ll have an AZK9 table set up, where you can get insights into volunteer roles. 

Activities:
Get ready for a day filled with fun! Meet adorable adoptable dogs, take them for a walk, or simply hang out in the cozy coffee area beside the house. This event is all about showcasing the variety of ways you can make a difference while volunteering.

Bake Sale:
There will be a bake sale at the rescue until 11:30am with delicious goodies made by volunteers and 100% of the funds raised benefit the rescue.

Date: October 11th, 2025
Time: 11am (orientation starts at 11am)
Location: AZK9 Rescue, 7615 W. Acoma Drive Peoria, AZ 85381

Mark your calendars and bring a friend (or come make new ones)! 

*While we appreciate the enthusiasm of young volunteers, please note that our policy restricts participation to individuals aged 12 and above. Additionally, we require that minors be accompanied by an adult during the event. As a safety measure, we kindly request that children not handle dogs during the volunteering activities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved!

09/21/2025

Six people in the US have died of rabies since last September, and the CDC is tracking 14 potential rabies outbreaks in 20 states. Unvaccinated dogs are the leading cause of human rabies deaths worldwide, but thanks to the success of vaccination campaigns, dogs with rabies are uncommon in the US, and infected bats are the primary vector. Emergency physician Leana Wen explains who should consider pre-exposure prophylaxis, what to do in the case of possible contact with a rabid animal, and how to prevent rabies exposure. https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/health/rabies-animal-vaccine-disease-health-wellness

09/16/2025

We’re looking for dynamic leaders to join our Board of Directors for the Arizona Animal Welfare League. Be part of a team that is helping vulnerable pets and the people who love them stay together. There is an ongoing crisis in the animal welfare world due to the increase in surrenders from housing struggles and limited access to affordable veterinary or behavior care. Be part of the change in keeping pet families together.

We are seeking board members who will help broaden our current board, so we encourage applications from people who have experience with:
- Corporations with strong roots in Phoenix, established social impact initiatives, active employee resource groups that focus on community impact and making a difference in their local communities
- Medical/Health Administration, including operations and/or administration experience
- Fundraising and building strong connections with leadership-level donors (10k+)

The Nominating Committee is accepting letters of interest until October 17, 2025. Please send inquires to [email protected] with the subject line - Board of Directors Opportunity

09/03/2025

Veterinary toxicologists from Pet Poison Helpline have identified a serious new hazard found in popular migraine/headache cooling head masks and similar products!

Pets are at risk if they ingest the contents of these products which can lead to serious neurologic signs and in some cases, death.

If you have similar products in your home, be sure they are always stored safely out of your pet’s reach. Promptly discard any damaged or leaking items. Should an exposure occur, contact Pet Poison Helpline right away. We are here 24/7 to provide guidance and support.

Our team of veterinary toxicologists will be presenting new research at the upcoming North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology (NACCT) meeting in Chicago: Unmasking the Truth about Acrylamide: Chilling Findings from Pet Poison Helpline.

08/13/2025

08/13/2025

Important notice for dog owners! 🚨 We've received an increased number of reports in recent weeks of sick or disoriented coyotes within residential neighborhoods, parks and green spaces.

Laboratory testing confirmed the diagnosis of canine distemper, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of both domestic and wild animals, primarily canids.

So how can you protect your pets?

🐕 Keep pets up-to-date on vaccinations
🐕 Avoid feeding or handling wildlife
🐕 Supervise pets outdoors, especially near areas with wildlife

For more information, read our news release: https://bit.ly/4fDcPvF.

📷 File photo of a coyote, not one of the coyotes referred to in this post

07/27/2025

Being disabled in America has always been hard. But right now? It’s terrifying.

As someone living with migraine disease, I rely on access to specific medication, research-backed care, and specialists who understand my condition.

And with disability rights being dismantled, healthcare systems weakened, and science devalued, I’m scared.

Scared of losing access to treatments that keep me on my feet and with relatively manageable pain.

Scared of having to fight harder to be believed and supported in medical settings and social services.

Scared for my community, especially those already facing even more systemic barriers.

This isn’t just about politics, it’s about survival.

And it’s about the right to exist and to live with dignity and support.

To my fellow disabled folks: I see you.

To those feeling overwhelmed right now: You are not alone.

To everyone else: Please fight for us. You never know when you might join us.

📸 by