In recognition of her commitment and dedication to the organization, AAWL & SPCA has named its new foster center for longtime volunteer and “foster parent” Roberta Pederson of North Central Phoenix. The organization celebrated with a reception on April 11 to honor Pederson.

The Roberta Pederson Foster Center has been converted from the previous cattery building on AAWL & SPCA’s campus at 40th and Washington streets, and provides foster families with support and training to help them foster puppies and kittens, as well as older animals, until they are ready for adoption.

When AAWL & SPCA recently conducted a $3 million capital campaign to build its new adoption center, Roberta and her husband, Jim, agreed to chair the campaign. The couple opened their home for fundraisers and continued to show their long-standing and ongoing commitment to the organization.

Roberta has not only donated financially to the organization, she has generously donated her time and has opened her home to an untold number of foster animals over the years. After reaching her (and her husband’s) limit of adopting animals—six dogs and seven cats—Roberta continues to help save lives by taking in litters of kittens that need to grow and receive loving care before they are old enough to be adopted.

Since the Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA was founded in 1971 by Amanda Blake of TV’s “Gunsmoke” fame and a few friends, countless volunteers have helped rescue and find permanent homes for cats and dogs.

A handful of those volunteers, like Roberta, have been instrumental in helping AAWL & SPCA become the leading animal welfare organization in the Valley, which this year will find homes for 5,000 animals, and offer unparalleled foster and education programs, low-cost public veterinary services and volunteer opportunities.

To find out more about fostering pets, go to www.aawl.org, and click on Volunteer/Foster.

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