To some people, holiday gift-wrapping is a form of art, while others view it as a chore. For still others, it is a way to save an animal's life.

More than 55 people, accompanied by 45 dogs, have wrapped to benefit Rescue a Golden of Arizona this holiday season at Barnes & Noble, 5130 E. Broadway.

“Golden retrievers are very special because they are first of all totally nonjudgmental … they are so accepting of everything, and I talk to mine and tell them all sorts of things and they never judge. And they want to be part of the family — they are not just outside dogs. There is just something about goldens,” said Susan Finkenberg, who is in her fourth year as southern director of the all-volunteer nonprofit group dedicated to maintaining a rescue program for abandoned, mistreated or unwanted golden retrievers.

The organization places between 250 and 300 dogs annually in carefully screened adoptive homes. About 80 percent have been turned in by private owners, and the remainder come through local shelters or the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, veterinary referrals and individuals who have found lost dogs.

Read the rest of the story at: Dog-adoption group wrapping gifts to help raise funds | www.azstarnet.com ®.

The no-kill shelter owed more than $100,000 in bills and almost closed last year. But thanks to $250,000 in donations, ABC was able to stay afloat. The non-profit has been hit by the bad economy, as many people are being forced to choose between their next meal and feeding their pet.

Read the rest of this great news story at: Northeast Phoenix no-kill shelter hosts open house for holidays.