Yavapai Humane Society is pleased to announce that Teri Taylor of Prescott won the 40 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES, 40 YEARS OF MEMORIES Essay Contest. Her essay, titled “Humane Society Animal Rescue Teen” told the heartwarming story of a teen growing up in a dysfunctional household and how the love she received from the animals and her volunteer work at YHS is helping her grow into a responsible adult and pet owner.

Taylor’s essay was the only essay that received a vote from each of the 7 judges. Steve Sischka of Olsen’s Grain said he chose this essay, “Because we at Olsen’s like to say that ‘Animals make better people’ and this essay is proof of that.” Connie Martin, YHS volunteer of the quarter said, “This is a fantastic story. It makes me cry. Happy cry!”

Second place went to “Hope and Faith” by Cheryl Luttrull which told the story of Hope, an adopted pit bull from YHS. Hope helped her son recover from a serious accident resulting in a brain injury. “The Story of Rusty” by Cheryl Moreno won third place. Her essay was about how she and her husband ended up with a big, brown dog instead of a “fancy dog” and how they wouldn’t want it any other way. An honorable mention went to “Elliot” by Patricia Armstrong. All of the winning essays can be read on the Yavapai Humane Society website at www.yavapaihumane.org/essay.

Taylor will read her essay to the attendees at the Reigning Cats & Dogs Gala and Auction on September 8th at the Prescott Resort. Tickets are available at www.yavapaihumane.org/gala or by calling (928) 445-2666.