Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Throughout Foothills Animal Rescue’s Scottsdale campus, one number appears again and again: 831. It is not a room number or an internal code. For Brynne Smith and her family, 831 was a special way to say “I love you,” representing eight letters, three words and one meaning. Today, that message is reflected throughout the adoption center created in her memory and in the animals that find homes there.
Foothills Animal Rescue will host its annual 831 Adoption Special from Friday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Brynne Smith Memorial Campus, 10197 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale. Adoption fees for all available dogs and cats will be waived during the three-day event, and the campus will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Aug. 31.
“The meaning behind 831 is woven into everything we do at Foothills Animal Rescue,” said Lana Shapiro, chief advancement officer for Foothills Animal Rescue. “It represents love, but it also represents action. Every time an animal leaves our campus with a family of their own, Brynne’s legacy continues in the most meaningful way.”
The Brynne Smith Memorial Campus was built in memory of Smith, an Arizona native remembered for her love of animals and commitment to helping others. The number 831 appears throughout the campus as a reminder of the message she shared with her family.
Each year on Aug. 31, the organization honors Smith’s legacy through a special adoption event that encourages more animals to find permanent homes, according to a press release.
During the three-day event, prospective adopters can meet available pets, learn about their personalities and needs, and speak with adoption counselors to determine whether a pet is a good fit for their household.
“Waiving adoption fees gives more people a chance to come in, meet the animals and see if there’s a connection,” Ms. Shapiro said. “The fee may be $0 for the weekend, but bringing a pet home is still a big commitment, and it can be the start of something really special for both the animal and the family.”
Organizers said every adoption creates additional space and resources for another animal in need of care, shelter and support.
What to know about the 831 Adoption Special:
- Free adoptions: Adoption fees will be waived for available dogs and cats.
- Extended hours: The Brynne Smith Memorial Campus will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Aug. 31.
- Annual tradition: The event honors Brynne Smith and the meaning behind 831, which stands for “I love you.”
- Support for more animals: Each adoption creates space for another animal to enter the rescue’s care.
- Additional ways to help: Community members who are not ready to adopt can support the event by sharing information about available pets and encouraging others to visit.
The 831 Adoption Special will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Brynne Smith Memorial Campus in Scottsdale. Adoption fees will be waived throughout the event.
