A Gilbert Institution
Friends for Life Animal Rescue has been serving the Gilbert and East Valley community for years, providing rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming services for dogs (and cats) who need a second chance.At Gordie's Grooming, we believe in supporting the organizations that make our community better for animals. This is their story—and how you can help.
What They Do
Friends for Life operates as a no-kill rescue, meaning animals in their care are never euthanized for space. Their services include:
- Rescue and intake — Taking in animals from high-kill shelters, owner surrenders, and stray situations
- Medical care — Providing vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and treatment for injuries and illnesses
- Foster programs — Placing animals in loving homes while they wait for adoption
- Adoption events — Regular events throughout the East Valley to connect pets with families
- Community outreach — Education about responsible pet ownership
Why Local Rescue Matters
Arizona has one of the highest rates of animal abandonment in the country. The heat, transient population, and lack of affordable veterinary care all contribute. Local rescues like Friends for Life fill a critical gap by:
- Reducing shelter overcrowding — Every animal they take relieves pressure on county shelters
- Providing medical care — Many rescue animals need significant veterinary attention before they're adoption-ready
- Screening adopters — Ensuring animals go to safe, permanent homes
- Supporting the community — Through education, low-cost services, and volunteer opportunities
How You Can Help
Adopt
The most direct impact you can make. Friends for Life regularly has dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes available for adoption. Check their website for current available animals.
Foster
Can't commit to adoption? Fostering saves lives. You provide a temporary home while the rescue handles medical care and adoption efforts. Foster families are always needed, especially for:
- Puppies too young for adoption
- Dogs recovering from surgery
- Shy dogs who need socialization
- Senior dogs who need a calm environment
Donate
Financial donations fund veterinary care, food, supplies, and facility costs. Even small amounts make a difference:
- $25 covers a week of food for one dog
- $50 covers vaccinations
- $100 covers a spay/neuter surgery
- $500 can cover emergency medical care
Volunteer
Friends for Life relies on volunteers for:
- Dog walking and socialization
- Event support
- Transport
- Administrative help
- Photography (great adoption photos help dogs get noticed!)
Spread the Word
Share their social media posts, tell friends about adoption events, and help normalize "adopt, don't shop."
The Grooming Connection
At Gordie's, we occasionally see rescue dogs come in for their first-ever professional groom. It's one of the most rewarding parts of our job. A clean, well-groomed dog has a much better chance of being adopted — first impressions matter, even for dogs.
If you're fostering a dog and need a groom before an adoption event, reach out to us. We love helping rescue pups look their best.
Get Involved
- Website: Visit Friends for Life Animal Rescue online to see available animals
- Social Media: Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for adoption updates
- Events: Check their calendar for adoption events throughout Gilbert and the East Valley