THATCHER — Desert Cross Veterinary Hospital is the recipient of a $10,000 grant thanks to Julie Cassadore.
Cassadore, of San Carlos, was named the 2024 More than a Pet Community Hero by the Humane Society of the United States, and received her award and a check for Desert Cross at the Humane Society’s Animal Care Expo May 17 in San Antonio.
Cassadore was nominated by Desert Cross. She spends three to five days per week transporting animals, driving up to 90 minutes each way from the San Carlos Apache Tribal Reservation to Desert Cross, and not just with cats and dogs; she’s also been known to bring goats, chickens and ducks.
She has also founded her own animal rescue group, the Geronimo Animal Rescue Team, on the Reservation.
– Darren Abate/AP Images for the HSUS
“Julie is truly a More Than a Pet Community Hero. She gives her time and energy every day to support the people and pets of the San Carlos community. We are grateful for Julie’s passion, her tireless commitment and the incredible difference she is making in the lives of so many,” said Amanda Arrington, vice president of access to care for the Humane Society.
The More Than a Pet campaign mobilizes corporate support — from Smalls, Tractive, Motel 6 and TQL — to increase access to pet resources and veterinary services, and help keep people and pets together.
